The F Word

The F Word was the fifth episode of the fourth season of the Daria TV series (episode number 405). It first aired on MTV on March 31, 2000. This episode was written by Rachelle Romberg. This is the only episode that has aired under multiple titles in the US; when it was shown on The N, this episode was retitled "Fail."

Summary
Inspired by a bizarre seminar, Timothy O'Neill instructs his students to find a task that they are sure to fail at. Some of them, however, succeed at failing, thus causing ripple effects throughout their lives, and identity crises. For example, Kevin "succeeds" at "failing as an athlete", and Jane is able to behave in a conventional manner, to the point of getting asked to join the cheerleading squad.

"The F Word" and Fanfic

 * In Blood, Sweat, and Cheers by Kristen Bealer, Jane performs to the best of her abilities (instead of throwing the audition after envisioning herself with Kevin, as she did in this episode), and ends up making the team.
 * In Party at Lindy's by Wouter Jaegers Jane is seen conversing with another cheerleader before the audition begins and keeping the Uniform as a "Scary keepsake" after throwing the audition.

Trivia
When Daria and Jane go to Mr. O'Neill's apartment, the name "C.C. Karacas" is written next to one of the doorbells, directly over O'Neill's name. Christy Karacas is an animator who worked for MTV Animation. In addition to his work on Daria, he contributed a cartoon called "Space War" to the MTV show Cartoon Sushi, and later went on to create the show Superjail! for Adult Swim.

None of O'Neill's students seem to care that he's had a nervous breakdown in front of them. Even Daria and Jane only give him a consoling speech to get him back on his feet because Jane pointed out she could use it to get back at Quinn!

On “The F Word” the Episode

 * “The F Word” summary at Outpost Daria
 * “The F Word” transcript at Outpost Daria

Alternate-Universe Versions of “The F Word”
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Alternate Canon Versions of “The F Word”
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