'Be Cool Scooby Doo' "Mysteries on the Disorient Express" (2017)
Opening thoughts: Absolutely loved the premise for "Mysteries on the Disorient Express" and the Scooby Doo franchise has a good track record when it comes to their not many train set episodes (evident in 'The New Scooby and Scrappy Doo Show's' "Where's Scooby Doo", one of the best episodes of that uneven show). This great premise and setting were not wasted at all in a very, very good episodes that managed to exceed already quite high expectations. "Mysteries on the Disorient Express" is not quite one of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo's' best episodes, but it is still monstrously fun and feels fresh.
Bad things: Will admit to not being a fan still of the animation, though actually it did actually improve a little in Season 2. Even for a show that had a very quirky tone, the animation always did look rushed and garish with odd character designs that was like walking into a psychedelic dream.
The story did feel rushed at times, the episode packs a lot in and it could have done with a slowing down. With the amount that goes on, this could easily have been a little longer or been a two parter. The episode did for my tastes overdo it a bit with Fred's stressing, which did feel annoying and excessive.
Good things; However, the music is groovy and atmospheric and the mystery never lets go when it comes to the energy. The story, with its very fresh and unique for the show structure, does not have a dull moment and nothing felt unnecessary, with a great job done with creating a suspenseful atmosphere and sense of adventure. Nothing felt too simple or confusing, which is amazing for an episode that has so much going on. Liked too that the reveal was a very clever surprise with a nifty unexpected twist. Absolutely loved the villains, which were all cool and menacing, and that they were new ones and all over the world ones and not ones that were recycled or variations.
Furthermore, the humour and character writing and moments are spot on. The humour is smart and genuinely funny while maintaining the show's quirkiness and the franchise's endearing goofiness. Daphne's quirk is amusing and not overdone or repetitive, but when it comes to the humour Scooby dressed as a woman is the highlight. Very hilarious and cute. The nostril transplant was hilariously silly and wasn't taken too far. The gang are delightful, especially Scooby, and the supporting characters like the train conductor are a colourful bunch. The voice acting is great.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, very good.
8/10.
Opening thoughts: Absolutely loved the premise for "Mysteries on the Disorient Express" and the Scooby Doo franchise has a good track record when it comes to their not many train set episodes (evident in 'The New Scooby and Scrappy Doo Show's' "Where's Scooby Doo", one of the best episodes of that uneven show). This great premise and setting were not wasted at all in a very, very good episodes that managed to exceed already quite high expectations. "Mysteries on the Disorient Express" is not quite one of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo's' best episodes, but it is still monstrously fun and feels fresh.
Bad things: Will admit to not being a fan still of the animation, though actually it did actually improve a little in Season 2. Even for a show that had a very quirky tone, the animation always did look rushed and garish with odd character designs that was like walking into a psychedelic dream.
The story did feel rushed at times, the episode packs a lot in and it could have done with a slowing down. With the amount that goes on, this could easily have been a little longer or been a two parter. The episode did for my tastes overdo it a bit with Fred's stressing, which did feel annoying and excessive.
Good things; However, the music is groovy and atmospheric and the mystery never lets go when it comes to the energy. The story, with its very fresh and unique for the show structure, does not have a dull moment and nothing felt unnecessary, with a great job done with creating a suspenseful atmosphere and sense of adventure. Nothing felt too simple or confusing, which is amazing for an episode that has so much going on. Liked too that the reveal was a very clever surprise with a nifty unexpected twist. Absolutely loved the villains, which were all cool and menacing, and that they were new ones and all over the world ones and not ones that were recycled or variations.
Furthermore, the humour and character writing and moments are spot on. The humour is smart and genuinely funny while maintaining the show's quirkiness and the franchise's endearing goofiness. Daphne's quirk is amusing and not overdone or repetitive, but when it comes to the humour Scooby dressed as a woman is the highlight. Very hilarious and cute. The nostril transplant was hilariously silly and wasn't taken too far. The gang are delightful, especially Scooby, and the supporting characters like the train conductor are a colourful bunch. The voice acting is great.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, very good.
8/10.
