Actually for a while had fond memories of "The Sorcerer's a Menace" and liked it when younger. Seen for the first time on tape at my grandparents' house, recorded from Cartoon Network way back when the channel was addictive viewing and back when life was easier (it was also during a particularly happy period). The villain, known as the Ghost of the Great Haldane, and setting being particularly noteworthy, which was the case on the next couple of viewings soon after.
Watching "The Sorcerer's a Menace" as a young adult after a few years (though actually had started liking it less on a few recent years re-watches not just of the episode but the show too), my positive opinion of it is sadly not the same now. It is a shame that 'Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo' went straight from one of its best episodes of the season and from a period of four good and more episodes in a row to one of its worst as of considered now. "The Sorcerer's a Menace" is definitely watchable, it just could have been a good deal more.
The best thing about "The Sorcerer's a Menace" continues to be the villain, with his cool distinctive design and intimidating demeanour. Did like the setting, a familiar one but it fits Scooby Doo very well and is nostalgically done. Most of the animation is fine, especially for the Ghost of the Great Haldane.
Music is lively and has a nice atmosphere too, one that fits the setting and also the mystery. The "how" aspect of the villain's plan was very clever and the only aspect of the truth that wasn't obvious.
Sadly, after a very promising first half the thinner the plot got the more predictable it got as well when it began to run out of ideas and retread familiar ground. The later encounters with the ghost lacked suspense and were on the repetitive side too. The surprises are very low, with the reveal being one of the show's most over-obvious ones. The motive is pretty much clear from the start and personally knew who was behind it early on, they don't really disguise their voice much other than an accent and some boom.
Parts are on the goofy side, particularly in the second half. Scrappy could have featured less and his material has become well over-milked, the whole mistaken identity running gag happens twice in this episode and neither are interesting or funny.
In conclusion, while not the worst 'Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo' episode from its first season it was one of its more disappointing ones. 5/10.
