'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. Expectations were high for "The People vs Fred Jones" due to loving the premise so much, one of the best ones of the show and different for the franchise.
"The People vs Fred Jones" mostly lived up to the premise very well, if not quite surpassing it in quality. It has many good things, no make that outstanding, especially what was done with the setting and the character moments. Other episodes do have stronger mysteries and villains, but when it comes to character moments and utilisation of settings "The People vs Fred Jones" is up there with one of the better 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' episodes. Plus it was great to see a little more focus on Fred.
It is not a perfect episode. Have not really changed my mind on the animation, which continues to look rushed, garish and off model, especially the character designs such as the goofy looking villain.
As said, 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' has had better mysteries, which is a bit on the flimsy and predictable side, and villains, who is a bit ehh in personality and hurt even further by the incredibly obvious (in every way) denouement. In a show full of obvious denouements, this one was one of the most predictable.
On the other hand, there is so much that "The People vs Fred Jones" does so well. Loved the two settings, the courtroom setting being especially well used and loved the eeriness of the town. The whole Fred being accused story is handled wonderfully, it is full of intrigue and it is the first time where it was properly easy to root for Fred and root for his innocence even when it was not looking good. The courtroom stuff is all entertaining and intriguing, with supporting characters that don't annoy and that have personality. Did like how the setting was done uniquely in what was a unique idea for the franchise.
Furthermore, the character moments are spot on. All the gang are on top form, Shaggy and Scooby are a charming and hilarious delight and love their chemistry, Velma is not too much of a know it all and Daphne's obsession is quirky and very funny without dominating or becoming repetitive. Loved how they cared for Fred and that has always been very striking whenever any of the gang have been accused in the franchise. The episode has a lot of energy and atmosphere, while the music is groovy and fits well and the writing funny and suitably quirky. Couldn't fault the voice acting, Frank Welker bringing depth to Fred and Matthew Lillard nails it as Shaggy.
In conclusion, very well done with many great things. 8/10.
