Windy City Walkabout OK, this one was pretty strange. First of all, you had all the references to other spin-offs from MTV's 'Daria'. For your convenience, I've listed all of them, and whatever I've been able to learn about them at the end of this review. Basically, MTV got some money for Abruptly Amy and decided to cash in on the rest of the cast. Also, this is, to my knowledge, is the only episode that uses the whole 'Live Studio Audience' thing. Beyond that, when they get to Chicago, you've got a Cameo by Chevy Chase & his 'National Lampoon Vacation' family, plus a fairly pointless crossover with CBS's 'Early Edition'. The you get to act III, aboard the alleged WW II sub.... Well, as ANY military buff will tell you (and believe me, a TON of them HAVE told me) the sub parts were TOTALLY inaccurate. I honestly think this is a bit nit-picky though. Another odd thing was the 'inside' joke. You may not have noticed, but the Boris and Natasha in this episode REALLY WERE the same Boris and Natasha that appeared in 'Bullwinkle'. They both got total makeovers so they'd match modern cartoons. All in all, I liked this episode. Do you know why? NO KRISTOVO! ANY episode that doesn't have him in it is good in my book. (Click here to see the ever growing list of reasons why Kristovo is TOTALLY wrong for Amy) Oh, also, while researching this I accidentally (NOT on purpose) somehow wound up in Amy's private trailer. I think the security overreacted big time, and am SURE that when Amy learns the whole story, she'll get the restraining order against me dropped. (Click here to see a copy of it) Oh, and thanks so much to Scar_54 for reporting this on my message board. What you failed to mention was that you were supposed to be on watch, not running away at the first sight of trouble. Anyhow, This ep gets a big thumb up from me!

Fun Fact: The real Daria refused to appear in this episode, so they had to use a look-a-like!

Fanfic Effects: This story may make non-Canon a ton of stories written soon after the premier. I'm thinking specifically of Suddenly Smoochy by Chad Page, which featured Upchuck as the villian. Remeber, Fanfic, it's a great way to deal... with the off season.

The Other Spin-offs

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Brit Luvs Kevvy This is a cross between Veronica's Closet and Coach. Brittany and Kevin in LA, Kevin is on the coaching staff of a college football team, and Brit is a struggling model/actress. They are joined by Brit's Mom, who will, of course, be a wise cracking older woman who dislikes Kevin. This might get picked up by one of the big three networks.

Fun Fact: Kevin and Brittany are both tons smarter in this show then they are on Daria. Still dumb as posts, though.

Daria and Jane TOTAL rip-off of Laverne and Shirley! Similarities include: Daria and Jane work at a brewery, Jake will have a pizza parlor, The two guys who live downstairs are annoying (portrayed by Beavis and Butthead, an insult to fans of Lenny & Squiggy). Differences include Jane's refusal to wear a big 'J' on all her clothes, and Helen. Helen will be struggling to start her own law firm, with the help of her harried assistant, Maryanne. No word on if Tom will show up to be 'the big ragu'. This one is being considered by NBC and FOX.

Fun Fact: So far they haven't signed Daria for this one. They may have to use the look-a-like again.

Fashion Friends Rip-off of 'Friends' big time. They even have four guys who are long-time friends living next door. (It's the three J's and, oddly, Ted from 'The New Kid'.) ABC seems sure to snap this one up.

Fun Fact: Quinn and Sandi are best friends, who almost never fight.

Mystik Spiral This is a cross between Undressed, Three Men and a Baby and The Monkeys. Yes, I'm not kidding, it's that bad. Nick's ex drops the baby on him, and the courts actually grant him custody. So despite running around looking for sex, they also end up looking for the baby. May be too lowbrow for MTV and Comedy Central, but Showtime may pick it up. Be afraid, be very, very afraid!

Fun Fact: The boys are on tour with Monique's band, The Harpies.

Good Cop, Bad Cop Every buddy cop show you've ever seen. Look for them to go undercover in drag. FOX has been looking for a cop show since '21 Jump Street' ended.

Fun Fact: According to rumors, they're going to imply that these two are gay.

Lawndale High Just like 'Saved by the Bell, the new classes'. Ms. Li and her staff (which will include some new faces) deal with the likes of Sandi's bratty kid brothers, Jesse's little brother, and Jodie's little sister. Plus some new kids. This one might get picked up by MTV.

Fun Fact: BOTH of Jane's parents may be among the new staff of Lawndale high.

Agents of S.T.I.N.G This is the big one, it's already in production. Mack, Jodie and Upchuck join the secret division of the navy (S.T.I.N.G and NO I don't know what it stands for) and fight terrorism. Kind of a cross between 'G.I. Joe' and 'JAG'. Picked up by the WB.

Fun Fact: Upchuck had it put into his contract that he NOT be referred to as Upchuck in this series.