Hassle in the Castle

Scooby Doo, Where Are You!

S1E3: Hassle in the Castle (1969)

The gang are out on their boat when they run it up on the land and end up in a creepy castle. Before long they're being chased by a ghost so naturally they start to investigate. This third episode is actually a good one, although it falls well short of being a classic. The episode is lacking a great villain and enough laughs to carry the running time but there's still enough stuff going on here to make it worth viewing and especially if you're a fan of the series. I think the highlight is when Scooby discovers a magician's hat and decides to do a couple tricks. He eventually sees a rabbit but has a hard time bringing it back on a second try. Another highlight is when Daphne gets separated from the group and ends up sliding down to a secret location of the castle. The villain is basically just a bland ghost with the typical white sheet. This isn't a horrible villain but it really doesn't stand out in any way, shape or form. Fans of the series will certainly get a couple good laughs but if you're new to the original series then it's not the best place to start.

Episode: B

'Scooby Doo Where are You' was the first Scooby Doo incarnation, and to me it's still the best. There is a preference to the previous two episodes "What a Night for a Knight" and "A Clue for Scooby Doo" than to the third episode "Hassle in the Castle" but as said there is enough spookiness and fun, both delicious, to make it a treat.

With less noticeable animation goofs in "A Clue for Scooby Doo" and one of the most atmospheric-looking of the whole show, especially with the genuinely spooky island and castle, the animation is lively, atmospheric and nicely drawn. There's better around but it's not bad at all, far from it, for late 1960s animation. The music adds to the impact the atmosphere creates, though there is nothing here that quite comes to the level of effectiveness of the incredibly eerie Ghost of Captain Cutler theme in "A Clue for Scooby Doo". And it is very difficult to resist the classic theme song that is one of the most iconic in animation.

Like the previous two episodes, and for almost all the episodes in the show, one of "A Hassle in the Castle's" biggest strengths is the atmosphere. This is definitely one of the spookiest and creepiest episodes, especially the setting and that nightmare-inducing laugh. Again, as with the previous two episodes, it's not all dark, spooky and creepy though, there is an ideal balance of mystery and comedy, and while the comedy is as ever sort of goofy and silly it's in an endearing sort of way and never annoying or juvenile. There is some hilarious writing here, much of it coming from Shaggy (love the exchange between him and the Creepy Talking Skull) and the funniest non-dialogue moments coming from Scooby like the standoff, the bit with the crab and with the magician's hat.

Apart from one of the least well-developed motivations of the show, there actually isn't really much of one (like he was doing it for the sake of it), the mystery is still interesting. There are some nice clues that carry the story nicely without being convoluted or simplistic and a case that's easy to follow and comprehend. It's formulaic, but not in a way that's overly predictable, which is true of Scooby Doo at its best or when it's still solid. Again the dark and creepy atmosphere helps enormously, as well as the humour, how well established the lead characters are and Shaggy and Scooby's charming, affecting and amusing friendship. The ghost is both hammy and eerie, and actually looks like a ghost rather than someone in a mask (or more accurately, under a sheet).

The sound effects add to the atmosphere, and the voice acting, again especially from Don Messick and Casey Kasem who are the definitive Scooby and Shaggy, is very good.

Overall, a treat if not quite as good as the previous two episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox