Ep 1. Esteemsters

In the first episode of Daria, entitled "Esteemsters," we are introduced to the titular character and her family as they move to the fictional suburban town of Lawndale. Daria, a cynical and sarcastic teenager, struggles to fit in with her new classmates at Lawndale High School and finds herself at odds with the school's popular crowd.

Throughout the episode, Daria observes the shallow behavior of her peers, including her younger sister Quinn, who is obsessed with her appearance and popularity. Daria's parents, Helen and Jake, also face their own struggles with their careers and their marriage.

As the school year begins, Daria is assigned a project with her classmate, Jane, a fellow outcast who shares her dislike for the school's social hierarchy. The two girls begin to bond as they work on their project, but their progress is hindered by the interference of their classmates, who try to impose their own ideas and take credit for their work.

As Daria navigates the challenges of high school, she must confront her own insecurities and learn to embrace her individuality. "Esteemsters" sets the tone for the rest of the series, which explores themes of social conformity, teenage angst, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.