Daria: Is It College Yet?

MTV's pleasantly dispirited animated adolescent Daria Morgendorffer croons her swan song in this hour-plus series finale, marking the close of Daria's five-year run as must-see-TV for teens. Here, the queen of cynicism and company are tying up the loose ends of high school, struggling with choosing the right college, and trying to figure out how to get along in the real world without each other. Daria and swanky beau Tom compete for entry into an illustrious school; best friend Jane is dejected after being rejected by top art schools; and super-smart Jodie is trying to figure how to tell her dad that his university pick is not hers. A little more soap-opera-ish than the usual acerbic Daria fare, all of these storylines are ultimately credibly resolved, including one involving trendy sister Quinn's efforts to help an older coworker who has a drinking problem. Winding down with Daria's heartfelt (well, about as genial as Daria's gonna get, folks) speech at graduation, Daria: Is It College Yet? offers a perfect ending to an entertaining and clever series. Ms. Morgendorffer, we're sorry to see you go. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include two bonus episodes, original sketches, and character profiles.] Aud: P. (J. Williams)