Jake of Hearts

"Jake of Hearts" was the ninth episode of the third season of Daria (episode number 309). It first aired on MTV on July 21st, 1999 and was written by Dan Vebber.

Summary
Jake has a mild heart attack and his mother, Ruth, comes to stay to help tend to him as he recovers. Meanwhile, Bing and the Spatula Man, two "morning zoo" DJs, arrive at Lawndale High, much to Daria's annoyance. Wacky yet poignant hijinks ensue.

"Jake of Hearts" and Fanfic
This episode was one of those that turned aside from disaster at the last moment, much as happened in "The Teachings of Don Jake" and "Boxing Daria." Jake's heart attack has reappeared in many fanfics. In alternate-universe stories, it is often fatal; in post-canon tales, a subsequent heart attack is nearly always fatal.

Trivia

 * When Bing and Spatula first corner Daria & Jane, they're followed by a crowd of background characters - Jennifer and "Red Cap" act like they're mugging for the camera. Except there is no camera. Unless... they're trying to get our attention...


 * Quinn's Jake-like quip of "Darn gallbladder" shows that she has some of her father's personality traits.