Have always really liked and even absolutely love a lot of films etc centered around Halloween, a time of year that has always held a lot of nostalgic value and fond memories for me. Scooby Doo and Halloween work so well together, and this has been apparent in almost all the different shows and in the animated films ('Zombie Island' is something of a Halloween tradition). "Halloween Hassle at Dracula's Castle" is the third and last time Fred and Velma were in an episode together with the rest of the gang on this show.
With one exception, the two parter episodes of 'The New Scooby Doo Mysteries' are good to great. "Halloween Hassle at Dracula's Castle" is one of the best, along with "Sherlock Doo" and especially "The Nutcracker Scoob". Also one of the best of the show. It does such a great job with the Halloween and monster theme, in fact it has an absolute ball with it and is very well done as a Scooby Doo episode. Not a franchise high point but compares very favourably when it comes to episodes from the Scrappy Doo era.
There is a huge amount to like, well almost everything, about "Halloween Hassle at Dracula's Castle". Animation-wise, it is the second best looking two parter for the show, after "A Nutcracker Scoob" and it is one of the show's best looking episodes. Wonderfully foreboding colours and great attention to details for the inside of the castle. The music has energy and a haunting vibe when necessary. The intro is still clever, with a "Thriller" influence, and the theme tune while not one of my favourites of the franchise isn't annoying at least.
In regard to the writing, "Halloween Hassle at Dracula's Castle" is very entertaining and isn't too childish. The jokes and puns are goofy, like in the climax, but in an endearing way rather than groan worthy. The episode is also genuinely creepy, the creepiest of the two parters in my view. One of the creepier parts being the end to Part 1. The ghost of Van Helsing is suitably sinister. Loved seeing all the various monsters and recognising all the iconic horror characters. The mystery is a fun and atmospheric one, with a perfect location, while the climax is colourfully staged. Shaggy and Scooby are particularly strong of the regular characters, and the voice acting is fine (especially for Dracula and Casey Kasem).
Perfect though the episode isn't. It does take a little too long to get and then peters out after the reveal, after such a colourful climax it was a shame that the reveal (which was not a surprising one) and the cheat that is the outcome were so anti-climactic.
Chandra is a pretty predictable character and not enough is done with her.
Summing up, very enjoyable. 8/10.
