Despite being a massive Scooby Doo fan for goodness knows how long, expectations were somehow not high for 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' prior to giving it a chance. The advertising in my mind was terrible and the animation style, one of the franchise's least appealing, was very off putting. Still gave it a chance as a fan of the franchise and of animation in general and there are films and shows that have bad advertising but turn out to be good and this was one of them.
Have seen quite a few Scooby Doo episodes set on some kind of farm, a contender for the best one being 'What's New Scooby Doo's' "Farmed and Dangerous" (not to mention the creepiest). "Eating Crow" is a very good episode of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' and of the franchise in general, not flawless but it is one of the best episodes of the show. And proof that the show should not be immediately discussed because of the animation style, because that is very easy to do and will admit to being guilty of it myself prior to giving it a chance.
My low opinion of the animation still stands though, especially the weird and off model character animation and it has always looked rushed to me.
Also found everything with Velma's allergies rather over-milked and that it went on for too long.
On the other hand, the good things about "Eating Crow" are many. It is one of the funniest episodes of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' in my view, with the protecting the corn sequence being an absolute riot with the first chase being a close second. Also laugh out loud funny are the wonderfully weird looks of the citizens and the reactions to Velma's allergies (i.e. Daphne's line about Velma's appearance). Immediately standing out is the conclusion, after so many obvious ones in Season 1 it was great to have one of the show's cleverest and genuinely shocking (was in no way expecting the twist).
The scarecrow is a fun and creepy villain that is far from wasted or goofy. The theme song is suitably upbeat, even if it is a little on the short side. The character writing is spot on as is the interaction between the gang. Daphne's refreshingly quirky personality has been something of a revelation and shows how far she's come, her quirk is very amusing and cute and is well utilised (with something actually being done with it while not dominating). Scooby and Shaggy are delightful as usual.
Story is full of energy and has the right amount of creepiness, it's easy to follow while not being too easily or prematurely guessable. The voice acting is spot on.
In summary, very, very good and nearly great. 8/10.
Have seen quite a few Scooby Doo episodes set on some kind of farm, a contender for the best one being 'What's New Scooby Doo's' "Farmed and Dangerous" (not to mention the creepiest). "Eating Crow" is a very good episode of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' and of the franchise in general, not flawless but it is one of the best episodes of the show. And proof that the show should not be immediately discussed because of the animation style, because that is very easy to do and will admit to being guilty of it myself prior to giving it a chance.
My low opinion of the animation still stands though, especially the weird and off model character animation and it has always looked rushed to me.
Also found everything with Velma's allergies rather over-milked and that it went on for too long.
On the other hand, the good things about "Eating Crow" are many. It is one of the funniest episodes of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' in my view, with the protecting the corn sequence being an absolute riot with the first chase being a close second. Also laugh out loud funny are the wonderfully weird looks of the citizens and the reactions to Velma's allergies (i.e. Daphne's line about Velma's appearance). Immediately standing out is the conclusion, after so many obvious ones in Season 1 it was great to have one of the show's cleverest and genuinely shocking (was in no way expecting the twist).
The scarecrow is a fun and creepy villain that is far from wasted or goofy. The theme song is suitably upbeat, even if it is a little on the short side. The character writing is spot on as is the interaction between the gang. Daphne's refreshingly quirky personality has been something of a revelation and shows how far she's come, her quirk is very amusing and cute and is well utilised (with something actually being done with it while not dominating). Scooby and Shaggy are delightful as usual.
Story is full of energy and has the right amount of creepiness, it's easy to follow while not being too easily or prematurely guessable. The voice acting is spot on.
In summary, very, very good and nearly great. 8/10.
