Foul Play in Funland

The fun fair is about to open but Scooby Doo and the gang notice that the park is running at night with a strange creature about.

That sinister thing is Charlie the Robot he moves very fast and is very strong and the only thing in the theme park.

The gang go to see the caretaker and his wife about the weird goings on in the fun fair but they dismiss him.

The episode features all sorts of chases in the ferris wheel, rollercoaster, electric kart and the hall of mirrors. At one point Scooby is covered in cotton candy but not for long.

There is a little twist here that things may not be as sinister and someone just had the best of intentions but Charlie just had a glitch.

A good enjoyable watch, it brought back memories of watching this series when I was a kid. It does seem a little padded with a thin story though.

'Scooby Doo Where are You' was the first Scooby Doo incarnation, and to me it's still the best. "Foul Play in Funland" is an example of an episode I like even more as a young adult than as a kid.

"Foul Play in Funland" is not just the best 'Scooby Doo Where are You' episode since "Hassle in the Castle" but is also one of my favourites in the series. What is immediately distinctive about it is the robot, a unique character and despite the very strangely fast walking, the robotic noise that does sort of set you on edge and glowing eyes he's not really a villain. The ending is also atypical and is definitely the least obvious one of the show, after the previous episodes after "Hassle in the Castle" suffering from over-obvious reveals (especially "Decoy for a Dognapper").

As always, the animation is lively, atmospheric, lushly coloured and nicely drawn as always, with the at times magical but mostly dark funland location adding a real creepiness to the atmosphere and the imaginative animation on the robot standing out. The music adds to the impact the atmosphere creates, and it is very difficult to resist the classic theme song, along with the opening credits where it is so fun spotting and recognising the villains, that is one of the most iconic in animation.

The episode is definitely among the creepiest Scooby Doo episodes and has atmosphere galore. There is also a great balance of comedy and mystery, as with the best of Scooby Doo. The comedy has an endearing goofiness but it's also smart and constantly hilarious. Also lots of fun are the food and funland jokes and individual scenes like the one with the mirrors and the robot's attempted capture.

Scooby and Shaggy are such likable characters, and their charming chemistry irresistible and adds to the charm and heart of the show and of the Scooby Doo franchise in general. Fred, Velma and Daphne are fine too, and of course the robot comes very close to stealing the show. The voice acting all round is strong, with Don Messick and Casey Kasem definitive as Scooby and Shaggy.

Overall, delicious creepy fun. Nothing foul about "Foul Play in Funland" at all. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Scooby Doo, Where Are You?

S1E8: Foul Play in Funland (1969)

Scooby and the gang are collecting some clams when they notice that the fun park seems to come to life on its own. They go to investigate and soon see an iron man running around the park causing trouble. This episode is without question one of the best that the series has ever offered. It really takes a great location and mixes in all sorts of fun with our favorite characters and then we're given one of the most memorable villains that they ever faced. I thought the fun park was a great location as we get some nice jokes dealing with cotton candy, hot dogs and of course trick mirrors. The setting was also extremely dark and just added to the nice atmosphere that is built up. The monster itself is an alien looking creature that has a touch of the Tin Man thrown in. The glowing eyes and strange walk that he has makes this villain one of the most memorable that the series has offered. There's no doubt that fans of the show are going to have plenty of things here working for their entertainment.

Episode: A