Helen booster that I am, I decided to compile all of the Helen-centric fanfics that I could find. The few, the proud...
Special thanks to Paperpusher for suggesting that they be rated by how good or evil Helen came across. So there will be an Angel rating (0 to 5, with 5 being most angelic), and a Devil rating, with 5 being most evil. Let me add that the dreaded Devil 5 does not make for a bad Helen fic; it just means that Helen is portrayed in a very unflattering light. Also special thanks to Crazy Nutso for coming up with that whole rating system in the first place.
Removed Michelle Klein-Haas's "Father of Mine" link, as Michelle has removed most of her fanfiction from the web.
A.A. A.O.K. by Kara Wild
From my Abruptly Amy continuum: Amy fears she could lose custody of Andrea, so she calls upon Helen to win the battle in court.
Angel: 0 Devil: 5+
Comments: Please do not judge my feelings about Helen by my treatment of her in this fanfic. Here, Helen is evil with a capital E, and on purpose. I wanted to show how silly all of those "evil" Helen fanfics were, so I resorted to every cliché available.
The Beaches of Barksdale by Galen Hardesty
Helen insists that the family go on an outing to the beach, much to Daria's resentment.
Angel: 2 Devil: 3
Comments: Anything that addresses the Barksdale family dynamic is a plus in my book. This fic does a good job exploring Helen's inner anxiety. My only problem with it is that it falls back on the "Daria is really Jake's daughter" cliche once too often. Even during Season One, when this is set, Daria's bond with Jake seemed no stronger than her bond with Helen.
Breaking the Mold by Kara Wild
After making a bet with Daria, Helen decides to test out her artistic side in Amanda Lane's art class... with disastrous results.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: See my fanfic page.
Commencement by Ruthless Bunny
Helen asks Trent to help with a surprise for Daria and Jane's graduation. Trent thinks about how much he appreciates her.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: I thought Trent's fantasies about our favorite stressed-out mom were rather sweet. However, since Bunny had promised this would be a "Helen and Trent 'shipper fic," I was a bit disappointed by the way the fic shifts its focus toward the end. But perhaps the story is more about Trent feeling loved and accepted than about the sexual attraction.
Diary Dearest by Renfield
Helen has Daria committed to a mental hospital. But why?
Angel: 4 Devil: 1
Comments: Even though this gripping fanfic begins with a classic Helen-the-monster decision, Renfield soon makes it clear that poor Helen's heart is in the right place. His portrayal shows Helen at her most maternal, even allowing her to sneak in a loving thought or gesture that probably would set off cynic alarms on the actual show.
Fireworks by C.E. Forman
See Helen as a Sixties Flower Child... acting in ways you wouldn't have imagined.
Angel: 4 Devil: 1
Comments: We don't often get to see Helen's side of things (the story is told from Jake's perspective) and at times she seems almost saintly. But overall, this fic does a good job guessing what Helen might have been like, warts and all, during the Peace and Love Era. (And I do get a kick out of seeing her stoned.)
Fixing a Hole by Crusading Saint
In a follow-up to "Assistant Living," Marianne runs into Helen at the mall, and they catch up.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: At the time of this fic's release, my main complaint was that people like Helen and Marianne, locked into such dominator/dominated roles in their daily working lives, would never be able to sit down and chat like intimates, even if Helen had mellowed out some. Nonetheless, I think Saint captures Helen's personality quite well. He focuses on her gentle side, suggesting quite strongly that Helen could use a friend now that Daria is off to college. I agree.
Gone by The Angst Guy
Young Helen and her sisters confront the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: 12-year old Helen could hardly be more admirable in this fic -- at turns gritty, focused, brave, quick-thinking, and compassionate. The Angst Guy does a good job portraying the chaos in the Barksdale household that so often led to Helen being neglected by her mother, as well as the self-righteousness that tinges Helen's views of herself and her world. Only now and then does he write a line that feels OOC ("Life wasn't fair. It stank like cow manure."). However, my problem with "Gone" is that I don't understand its purpose: If it is to show us how the Helen we know came into being, the events would have needed to happen, but we know that they didn't. This could be the set-up for an Alternate Universe in which Helen of the present has been shaped by the events in 1962, but so far there has been no follow up. It's as if this Helen exists in a time flux, doomed to live in 1962 and never grow up, never escape. If you ignore this problem, though, and focus on the story, "Gone" is very enjoyable.
Helen's Sight by Neo Hippy Purple
The title is pretty self-explanatory...
Angel: 3 Devil: 2
Comments: NHP introduces some ideas about Helen that absolutely beg for elaboration, maybe in a future fanfic or two. Helen sexually promiscuous... and thinking it's perfectly fine for Jake to be so as well?? Helen bored with her job and her routine?? Along with that, NHP introduces the not-so-new twist that Helen is pregnant. Overall, the fic seemed to lack focus at times, but NHP ought to be congratulated for attempting to bring us into Helen's mind. A more difficult task than one might think, though I intend to try it a few more times myself. ; >
Kiss Until by Renfield
Jane has a secret with which Daria must learn to cope.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: Helen's part here is not very big, but it's noteworthy. In talking to Daria about the problem, she shows the hyper-perceptiveness and placid tolerance that she showed in "Partner's Complaint." It remains to be seen whether Helen would be so understanding in this situation, but I could see her reaching this point after a long struggle with her fears. She is capable. A fanfic that does a good job exploring everyone's emotions, not just Helen's.
Let There Be Light by Mitch
Helen and Jake try to cope with raising an emotionally stoic baby. You know who...
Angel: 5 Devil: 0.
Comments: Poooooooor Helen. She tries and tries to be the good mom.
Malice of Absence by Renfield
See how Helen and Daria would behave if just one thing were missing from their life.
Angel: 0 Devil: 5
Comments: A chilling look at how Helen might raise Daria under different circumstances. While it doesn't surprise me that Daria would have been more of a conformist, it does that Helen would have such a heavy hand in her development. I also question whether Helen would ever feel compelled to act out violently against her children, under any circumstances. Overall, though, it's fascinating to see Helen's insecurities manifest themselves in such a way.
A Mother in Spite of Herself by John Takis
Helen tries not to repeat the mistakes her own mother made... but will she ever be able to get through to Daria?
Angel: 5 Devil: 0.
Comments: Poor, pooooooor Helen. She tries to be the good mom some more. And eventually succeeds in a small way. Poignant without being mushy or untrue to Helen or Daria's character. My only quibble is that it portrays Helen in the same lawyer/mother mode we've always seen her in, and does not attempt to explore a different side of her character. But that hardly matters. ; > Overall, it's quite enjoyable.
On the Outside by Jon Kilner
One of its plotlines involves Helen trying to mother a resistant Quinn while she's sick, and the lessons they both learn...
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: A fic that refreshingly steers clear of the struggle-to-balance-work-and-family quagmire we so often find Helen in. This time, it's just about her trying to be there for her kid, and the sadness she feels when she sees that Quinn is growing up. While Jon does not capitalize on the potential for some comedic moments (i.e: Quinn milking Helen's sympathy for all it's worth), his condescension-free portrayal of Helen and Quinn more than makes up for it.
Promises by Mike Botto
While working ANOTHER weekend at the firm, Helen re-evaluates her career choices. Daria naturally prompts this soul searching with a single sentence.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: A story that really hasn't been done very often, in which we actually see Helen become resentful toward the firm and Eric... to a point where she finally says enough and leaves. I'm still trying to figure out why they never did this on the show.
Race to the Finish by Mike Quinn
Helen decides that Lawndale is going to hell, and she is going to do something about it. But when she runs for mayor,she learns that the road is far from smooth.
Angel: 4 Devil: 1
Comments: I hope it dawns on the real Helen to take this route. A run for mayor would make for quite an episode... or episodes. I particularly liked the care that went into laying out Helen's thought process: self-righteousness, self-doubt, fear, overconfidence. And of course, her neglect of Quinn is depressingly true to character (not that Jake was any more attuned to Quinn's problems). The fic ends a wee bit too abruptly, but other than that, it's quite well done.
Revision by Kara Wild
From Thomas's "Tales From the 'burbs" series: Helen turns to sorcery to avoid aging.
Angel: 1 Devil: 4
Comments: Helen's biggest obsession next to work and family rears its ugly head. Fortunately, her conscious comes through just in the nick of time, before it causes permanent damage to Daria's relationship. A very off-canon fic, though not so off-canon as "Abruptly Amy."
Seventeen Candles by Courtney Wells
Helen tries to plan a surprise birthday party for Daria.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: Not much I can say about this one. Just that Helen's in her selfless mom mode, and occasionally gets irritated by those (like Sandi) who try to help her.
Sisters by Mr. Anonymous
A prequel to Mr. A's "Self-Made Woman." Before the Morgendorffers' move to Lawndale, Helen meets up with her "brother" again for the first time in years.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: It's a subject destined to stir up a lot of controversy, but I think Mr. Anonymous handled it with good taste. He did a nice job portraying Helen's mixed emotions of fear, dread, and forgiveness, and showed that blood is definitely thicker than water. Jake came across as a tad too with-it here, but I suppose it would have been difficult for Helen to dredge up the courage to face her sister without someone's instigation, and who knows whether Daria would have been appropriate. Overall, nice job.
Sofa by Mr. Anonymous
Set in the future: Daria and Quinn help Helen deal with Jake's death.
Angel: 5 Devil: 0
Comments: By not making Helen a basketcase, Mr. A. handled her reaction to Jake's death quite appropriately. I see Helen as, first-and-foremost, a pragmatist. She will always look ahead and try to stay philosophical about a given situation, Jake's death being no exception. At the same time, I would have liked to have seen a little more of the neuroses that plague Helen's character, such as her tendencies to overreact or micromanage. (For instance, I could see Helen getting obsessed with the details of Jake's funeral in order to mask her grief.) But then again, the Daria characters in Mr. Anonymous's "A.D." Universe tend to be a little kinder and more thoughtful than they appear on the show, so this no doubt reflects his views of the characters rather than any weakness in portraying Helen's character. There are touching moments aplenty in this fic, and some humor as well. Definitely worth a read.
Suffering in Silence by Mr. Anonymous
Daria, Quinn, and Jake cope with Helen's unexpected death.
Angel: N/A Devil: N/A
Comments: Unlike "Sofa," this "death" fic takes place in the present Dariaverse -- and Helen is barely in it. Yet this entire fic is about her, particularly the effect she had on the lives of her family, Jane, and Trent. As usual, Mr. A. does an excellent job portraying a wide range of emotions in a tasteful, sensitive manner.
That Thing You Say by Kara Wild
In the follow-up to "The Tie That Chokes": Helen's resentment over Daria's chilly attitude reaches a breaking point -- and she demands that Daria say to her those three little words...
Angel: 2.5 Devil: 2.5
Comments: See my fanfic page.
The Tie That Chokes by Kara Wild
Helen tries unsuccessfully to bond with her sister, Amy, and confronts her resentment over Daria's lack of affection for her.
Angel: 4 Devil: 1
Comments: See my fanfic page.
To Helen Back by C.E. Forman
Daria accompanies Helen to court on "Take Your Daughter to Work Day," and proceeds to wreak havoc on the justice system.
Angel: 1.5 Devil: 3.5
Comments: Helen is in her complete workoholic mode in this one, which causes her to exhibit her not-so-nice qualities. She sucks up to Eric. She yells at Daria, then later ignores her in favor of Quinn. Yet she and Daria also team up successfully to defeat a common enemy -- on more than one occasion. Overall, this is quite a wicked fanfic, and Helen gets in some good one-liners.
It's All About Respect by Brother Grimace
Jake is drawn to a sexy new client, and Helen will stop at nothing to win him back.
Angel: 0 Devil: 5
Comments: "It's All About Respect" is one of those rare stories that paints the Daria characters grossly out of character, yet manages to be entertaining and enjoyable. Just imagine the characters as they normally exist, then amp them up about 10 notches. Daria is not just a cynic, but THE cynic, the ultimate black hole into which joy enters and never escapes. Helen is not just a sometimes thoughtless and overstressed mother focused on career advancement, but a cold, vicious dominatrix who cares about no one more than herself and her future, which includes a run for the White House. This Helen has little time to ask her daughters about their problems or show her husband affection; she is all about making money and acquiring power. Had IAAR been written right after Season One, I might have thought that Brother Grimace was on to something, as that Helen bears the strongest resemblance to his. From Season Two onward, though, Helen mellowed out quite a bit, so his portrayal feels more off base. That could be forgiven, had Grimace done the same thing to Jake -- amp up his neurotic personality, so that rather than just rant cluelessly about his father, Jake carried a security blanket everywhere and only felt truly secure when he was curled up in a refrigerator box, fetal style. Instead, Grimace goes the opposite way -- Jake has no weaknesses. He is smart, funny, charming, a good cook, a respected businessman, and a Chevy truck in the sack. Only an insensitive, nasty woman could neglect this Jake, which Brother Grimace clearly seems to think Helen is.
Meanwhile, Back in Lawndale by Crazy Nutso
(Set during "The Magical Mystik Spiral Tour") While Daria's on tour with Mystik Spiral, Helen and Jake decide to put the spice back into their marriage. But their best-laid plans go awry...
Angel: 3.5 Devil: 1.5
Comments: How can I not like a fanfic that borrows a little from my continuum? ; > I liked how CN carried over the Helen and Jake fight/Helen's relationship with Amy themes. He managed to portray Helen in a sympathetic, but no too idealized manner. This fic is entertaining. It's... crazy. ; >
None in the Family, Part One: The Old Man by Kara Wild
Jake decides to emulate Helen's father and blows up at her during her mother's 50th wedding anniversary party.
Angel: 2.5 Devil: 2.5
Comments See my fanfic page.
None in the Family, Part Two: Unmasked by Kara Wild
During Helen and Jake's separation, Jake tries his luck at being a single father, while Helen vents with her mother and sisters.
Angel: 3.5 Devil: 1.5
Comments: See my fanfic page.
Shipping Charges Apply by Yui Daoren
Helen and Jake's fighting cuts a gaping wound in the Morgendorffer family. Will Daria's best efforts be enough to heal it?
Angel: 2.5 Devil: 2.5
Comments: Helen shows her nasty side in this one, jumping on Daria and chewing her out for being sarcastic when really she's angry with Jake. Yet Yui did a good job helping her rebound with a tender scene toward the end.
An Uneasy Marriage by Kara Wild
Jake tries to thwart a potential romance between Helen and her sculpting instructor, but soon learns that something else may be endangering their marriage.
Angel: 3 Devil: 2
Comments: This fic could easily fit in the category below, and I spent a long while trying to figure out which category was more appropriate. Finally I settled upon this one because the threat of an affair is really secondary... until...
All But Forgotten by Kara Wild
After a miserable day at work, Helen's distress over work and family causes her to flee... to a certain aunt for comfort. Part One of Two (see Part Two: "Memory Road")
Angel: 2 Devil: 3
Comments: See my fanfic page.
Are You Cheating? by Steve Mitchell
After Helen and Jake have a fight, Helen starts leading a mysterious life.
Angel: 3 Devil: 2
Comments I'm not sure I completely buy into the real reason Helen was so secretive with Jake, but it's nice to see a fanfic that steers clear of the usual cliches (i.e: Helen and Eric).
Memory Road by Kara Wild
The concluding half of the two-parter begun with "All But Forgotten." Helen decides to go home and confess to Jake, only to be restrained by Amy, who has other ideas.
Angel: 3 Devil: 2
Comments: See my fanfic page.
The Parent Crap by Canadibrit
Angel: 4 Devil: 1
Comments: Canadibrit adds a few spicy twists to the "Helen conceived Daria out of wedlock" premise (which you'll see if you catch the rest of her series). While it seemed to me that Helen blurts out the details to Daria a wee bit hastily, considering she held them in for nearly 18 years, her explanation for the affair is credible. And oh the sad irony: this story got started when poor Helen was left alone because everyone else was too involved in their own activities!