Scooby-Doo. Those two hyphenated words will either fill your heart with joy or make you roll your eyes. Scooby-Doo is one of the few characters that has managed to survive several franchise reboots. At one point or another, most have seen episodes from some version of the characters but it's possible the current one could be the best.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incoporated! successfully completed its first season consisting of 26 episodes. With the 2-disc release of Season One, Part Two, the last fourteen episodes can be yours to watch. The sub-title of the release, "Crystal Cove Curse," is more than just a way to label this volume. It also serves to bring the episodes together.
What sets Mystery Incorporated apart from past versions is while each episode contains its own mystery to solve, there has been an overall mystery weaving its way through each episode. With clues from the cryptic Mr. E, the gang has been following leads, not sure where they will take them and who they can actually trust. Throughout there are revelations about the previous Mystery Incorporated gang that mysteriously disappeared. Those revelations will be surprising for a show that tends to be more on the light-hearted side.
== TEASER ==Besides mysteries, the show has worked overtime in developing the characters. They still have their familiar features but from seeing the kids' parents to the relationship troubles they have (Fred proposed to Daphne?!?), each episode feels like it matters in the overall scheme of the show. The combination of single episodic stories along with the giant looming mystery adds a great touch.
The episodes contained in this collection really stand out. "Mystery Solvers Club State Finals" features guest appearances by other mystery solvers such as Jabberjaw, Speed Buggy, the Funky Phantom and Captain Caveman! That alone is reason enough for long time Hanna-Barbera fans to check this show out.
"Escape From Mystery Manor" was another big episode with the gang focusing on the disappearance of the original Mystery Incorporated group. Their investigation leads them to a 75-year-old mansion and getting trapped underground. Discovering that they are not alone, the place being full of booby-traps and someone trying to kill them gives the episode a darker feel while still remaining true to what a Scooby-Doo episode should be.
The season's final episode, "All Fear the Freak," is full of revelations, surprises, heartbreaks and a pretty big cliffhanger. Everything changes for the gang and how they can continue is up in the air. The way the season ends shows that the writers aren't just slapping together something and throwing the Scooby-Doo name on it. The show has definitely evolved for the better.
I grew up watching Scooby-Doo. I first started watching it as a young kid and got my daughter started on it at a young age as well (she's currently 8). The fact that both of us love this series is proof that young and old fans can and will enjoy this series. It'd be a shame for those that dismiss the show as 'just another Scooby-Doo' series. From the animation to the voice acting to the stories, Scooby-Doo has come a long way. Mystery Incorporated is a welcome incarnation to the franchise and I absolutely cannot wait for the second season to begin.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated! Season One, Volume 2 went on sale on DVD January 24. You can find it in stores, online or get it directly from the WB Shop. Do your inner child a favor and check this show out. With a running time of 311 minutes, you'll be in for a treat.
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