'Be Cool Scooby Doo' "Fright of Hand" (2017)
Opening thoughts: 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' really did not appeal to me on paper at first, having been put off by the animation style. Like has been said before though, this reviewer is glad that she gave it a chance as a big fan of the Scooby Doo franchise, as despite taking a bit of time to find its feet and with no episode being perfect it for me is quite a lot of fun with plenty to like about most of the episodes. Did like the premise for "Fright of Hand" quite a bit, which is always a big interest point for me watching anything.
Season 2 was a much more settled season than the first, and "Fright of Hand" is a very strong example of that. As far aa Season 2 goes, it is one of the better episodes, as well as one of the most atmospheric and most entertaining. For what it may lack in originality (somewhat), the atmosphere, humour and character moments (some of the show's best) more than make up for that. So a very good and very enjoyable episode that just falls short of greatness.
Bad things: Not unexpectedly, the animation is not to my taste. Some of the Season 2 episodes did actually did see a vast improvement, but here it is back to the psychedelic, rushed looking and off model eyesore quality seen in most episodes. Only the villain's design is appealing.
With the referencing to 'What's New Scooby Doo's' "The Vampire Strikes Back" (also a good episode) and a strong influence of that, maybe it is a little on the predictable side.
Good things: However, there is so much that is good. What immediately stands out is the humour, the episode is full of it and every joke lands to never less than very funny and often hilarious effect. All the gang have plenty to do and all of them shine, all also in character. There are so many great character moments, like Velma speaking Portugese, Fred's role at the end, the clever and funny revealing of the tricks, Shaggy and Scooby's scientific logic rant and Daphne's do to list.
As well as one of the show's best and most intense chase scenes. Not to mention a very scary villain that also has a fascinating backstory (one of the most frightening villain backstories of the franchise). The writing is funny and smart, with some endearing goofiness, and while the story may lack originality that is more than made up for by the spooky atmosphere and fast and furious energy. The reveal is a surprise. The music is suitably groovy and can't fault the voice acting.
Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.
8/10.
