Ep 7. The New Kid

The New Kid is the seventh episode of the second season of the popular animated show Daria. The episode takes a look at high school social dynamics, with a particular focus on how new students are treated by their peers.

The episode begins with the arrival of a new student at Lawndale High School. The student's name is Ted, and he's immediately an outcast among his peers. He's shy and has trouble fitting in, and he quickly becomes the target of name-calling and bullying. The only student who seems to take any notice of him is Daria, who attempts to befriend him.

Daria is not exactly the most outgoing person in the world, and her attempts at socializing with Ted are initially awkward and stilted. However, as the two spend more time together, they begin to connect over their shared feelings of being outsiders. Daria tells Ted that she's always felt like an outcast, even among her own family, and Ted reveals that he's moved around a lot and has never been able to make friends anywhere.

As Daria and Ted's friendship deepens, they become increasingly disillusioned with the social hierarchy of Lawndale High. They decide to disrupt the school's annual talent show by staging a protest performance, in which they call out their fellow students for their cruel treatment of others. The performance is met with mixed reactions, but it ultimately leads to a conversation about the way students are treated at the school.

Throughout the episode, there are a number of subplots that explore different aspects of high school life. Jane is struggling in her art class, where her teacher insists on a traditionalist approach to art. Quinn is convinced that a boy she likes is interested in her, but she soon realizes that he's only using her to cheat on a test. And Principal Li is under pressure to improve the school's image by cracking down on dress code violations.

The New Kid is a touching and thought-provoking episode that explores many different themes related to high school life. It's a reminder that everyone has their own struggles and that kindness and empathy can go a long way in making someone feel welcome in a new environment. It also touches on issues related to conformity, bullying, and the pressure to fit in. As always, the show's dry humor and realistic portrayals of teenage life make it a must-watch for fans of animated TV shows.