"In Fear of the Phantom" was a very good episode on first watch. 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' did have better written and more memorable villains than the one here, but the character moments here are an absolute delight (some of the best of the show up to this point). Have loved The Hex Girls ever since their first appearance in one of my favourite Scooby Doo films 'Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost', so was thrilled to see them again after that, 'Legend of the Vampire' and the 'What's New Scooby Doo' episode "The Vampire Strikes Back".
On all subsequent rewatches, "In Fear of the Phantom" still remains a very good episode. Not one of my favourites of the show, but has more than enough to show why 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' worked so well. The Hex Girls are far from wasted, the episode has an absolute ball with the setting (a perfect one and has leant itself well many times in the franchise) and the great character moments and numerous great things still remain, though my thoughts on the villain also stand pretty much exactly.
Am going to begin with what is so good here. The animation is still colourful and atmospheric with a well balanced mix of old and new. The music also fits the darker, more mysterious tone of the show very well, and The Hex Girls' contribution is catchy. Have always liked the spy thriller/haunted house vibe the theme tune has. The Hex Girls are truly delightful and their strong personalities haven't been watered down. Vincent Van Ghoul's cameo is another fun one.
Daphne's role is very entertaining here and am really liking the stronger, more resourceful personality she has on this show. In fact, Daphne grew massively as a character throughout the franchise, which took a while to get used to when younger but something that was much appreciated as an older fan. Loved the Scooby, Shaggy and phantom scene on the tour bus that is very reminiscent of Shaggy and Scooby versus villain scenes from old Scooby Doo. Scooby and the dummy was funny. The voice acting is great and didn't have as much a problem here with Velma as with other episodes.
My not so strong thoughts on the villain still stand however. Other than the cool look, the villain doesn't make the biggest of impressions. Too obvious and also underwritten.
Plus the reveal was on the predictable and rushed side.
In conclusion, very well done. 8/10.
On all subsequent rewatches, "In Fear of the Phantom" still remains a very good episode. Not one of my favourites of the show, but has more than enough to show why 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' worked so well. The Hex Girls are far from wasted, the episode has an absolute ball with the setting (a perfect one and has leant itself well many times in the franchise) and the great character moments and numerous great things still remain, though my thoughts on the villain also stand pretty much exactly.
Am going to begin with what is so good here. The animation is still colourful and atmospheric with a well balanced mix of old and new. The music also fits the darker, more mysterious tone of the show very well, and The Hex Girls' contribution is catchy. Have always liked the spy thriller/haunted house vibe the theme tune has. The Hex Girls are truly delightful and their strong personalities haven't been watered down. Vincent Van Ghoul's cameo is another fun one.
Daphne's role is very entertaining here and am really liking the stronger, more resourceful personality she has on this show. In fact, Daphne grew massively as a character throughout the franchise, which took a while to get used to when younger but something that was much appreciated as an older fan. Loved the Scooby, Shaggy and phantom scene on the tour bus that is very reminiscent of Shaggy and Scooby versus villain scenes from old Scooby Doo. Scooby and the dummy was funny. The voice acting is great and didn't have as much a problem here with Velma as with other episodes.
My not so strong thoughts on the villain still stand however. Other than the cool look, the villain doesn't make the biggest of impressions. Too obvious and also underwritten.
Plus the reveal was on the predictable and rushed side.
In conclusion, very well done. 8/10.