Ep 11. The Lawndale File

In season 3 episode 11 of Daria, titled "The Lawndale File," the titular character and her best friend Jane take on an investigative project when they suspect that their history teacher, Mr. O'Neill, may be hiding something.

The episode begins with Mr. O'Neill showing his class old yearbooks from Lawndale High, and as he flips through the pages, Daria and Jane notice that a particular student seems to have disappeared from the school altogether. Intrigued by this, they begin to investigate further and discover that the missing student, Ted DeWitt-Clinton, had allegedly been expelled for bringing a gun to school. However, when they search through the school archives, they find no record of such an incident taking place.

As they continue to investigate, Daria and Jane discover that Ted's parents, who had been officials in the school district at the time, had not only covered up their son's expulsion but had also used their influence to ensure that all records of the event were destroyed. Daria and Jane are appalled by this abuse of power and set out to uncover the truth once and for all.

Their investigation leads them to interview several former teachers and students, all of whom remember Ted as a brilliant student with a passion for photography. They also encounter an eccentric alumnus who tells them that Ted had been working on a controversial photography project prior to his expulsion, which had caused some tension with the school administration.

As Daria and Jane begin to piece together the truth about Ted's expulsion, they realize that Mr. O'Neill may have played a role in the cover-up. However, their evidence is circumstantial, and they struggle to find a way to get to the bottom of things without getting themselves into trouble.

In the end, Daria and Jane manage to discover the truth about what happened to Ted DeWitt-Clinton. Their investigation not only sheds light on the dark side of Lawndale High School's history but also serves as a reminder of the importance of holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions.

Overall, "The Lawndale File" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of Daria that tackles issues of power, corruption, and the importance of speaking up for what is right. Through their sleuthing, Daria and Jane demonstrate the kind of determination and courage that we can all aspire to, while also reminding us that the truth will always find a way to come out.