...as always the Hex Girls were brilliant. And though I felt the villain in this one was a mere sidenote the Fred-Daphne plot line, coupled with the classic Scooby Doo nostalgia that is the Hex Girls was brilliant as always.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (TV Series)
In Fear of the Phantom (2010)
User Reviews
Review this title5 Reviews
Cast a spell on me
TheLittleSongbird3 February 2023
"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.
As much as I love Scooby-Doo(I was an 80's kid.), this had it's up's & down's...
undrtakr2220 January 2021
Ok, I don't wanna give out any "spoiler's", or anything like that. But, to me, the best part, is what Daphne does, in the episode. She does something she normally doesn't do. But, it has a twist to it, which entices the show. And, that's why it got a 9/10, instead of a 5/10. And, I get the plot behind it and all, don't get me wrong here. But, in my opinion, they needed to bring the Hex Girl's back to the episode's, than they did. I mean, to me, they are a wasted talent, with so few episode's with them in it. Personally, they should do a spin-off of the Hex Girl's, like they are on tour and have to call the Scooby gang to come help them solve mysteries, like, let's say, a mystery come's up, like a "Phantom Of The Opera" kind of theme to it, or their gear get's stolen, or something along those line's, while they go around doing concert's and private show's. While, doing a 2hr movie of them, doing a huge show, or something and turning it into a "Live Show" of the girl's. Maybe, 1/2 way through, have something come up, where the Scooby gang need's to show up, or something like that? But, that's just my opinion. They would make a killing on the DVD's/Blu-Ray's, that's for sure! Ok, enough with the Hex Girl's, who do play a significant part in the episode and do a great job, like always! Fred & Daphne are having their issue's, just as Scooby-Doo & Shaggy have their issue's, as well. Velma, has issue's in all of the other's issue's, as she play's multiple role's in each of them. And, they incorporate a blast from the past, into the name of the villain, even though the plot to the villain is a bit lame. They brought reminiscence of the old 70's "The Phantom", into the name of the villain. Along with, a 2nd blast from the past, "Vincent Van Ghoul", from the 80's "Scooby-Doo & the 13 Ghost's" series! Which, was a tribute to the late great "Vincent Price". But, in a nutshell, the plot start's out slow, but wrap's up quickly in the end. Even though, the Hex Girl's, make it well worth it, to watch it.
The episode with everything!
VinnieRattolle24 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I've been taken in by this new incarnation of "Scooby-Doo" for the most part, but this episode is a standout. The Hex Girls are always a welcome addition to any Scooby show, and (true to form) they've come with cool songs and a '70s throwback villain named The Phantom, who wants to destroy their career. This gives Daphne the opportunity to be "bait" by posing as a band member... and she quickly become a diva. Unfortunately, the timing of this behavior is wrong, as Fred finally realizes he has feelings for her.
Meanwhile, Scooby's mad at Shaggy for dating Velma, so the cowardly canine proclaims a ventriloquist dummy his new best friend. Initially I wasn't thrilled with the Shaggy/Velma pairing, but they've handled it well and it led to this off-the-wall storyline, which is gold.
And to top it all off, there's another brief cameo by Vincent Van Ghoul, a character modeled after and voiced by the late Vincent Price in the much maligned 1985 series "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo." Props to this show's creators for resurrecting the character in a clever way and spoofing some of Price's memorable horror movie moments!
Meanwhile, Scooby's mad at Shaggy for dating Velma, so the cowardly canine proclaims a ventriloquist dummy his new best friend. Initially I wasn't thrilled with the Shaggy/Velma pairing, but they've handled it well and it led to this off-the-wall storyline, which is gold.
And to top it all off, there's another brief cameo by Vincent Van Ghoul, a character modeled after and voiced by the late Vincent Price in the much maligned 1985 series "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo." Props to this show's creators for resurrecting the character in a clever way and spoofing some of Price's memorable horror movie moments!
In Fear of the Phantom
Prismark1025 January 2022
The Hex Girls stage career take a dive. While giving a pop concert whey are menaced by the Phantom.
It is Daphne who becomes the bait. She is disguised as the lead singer of the Phantom. Only Fred's trap malfunctions.
Maybe the Hex Girl's manager is the suspect. He used to manage a singer called Fantzee Pants. Then there is that crew member who looks a lot like Noel Edmonds. Gotcha!
The episode works better regarding the jealousy within the Scooby Doo gang.
Scooby is angry that Shaggy took Velma to the prom rather than watch a Vincent Van Ghoul maraton together.
Thelma is angry at Fred for now showing his feelings towards her.
It is Daphne who becomes the bait. She is disguised as the lead singer of the Phantom. Only Fred's trap malfunctions.
Maybe the Hex Girl's manager is the suspect. He used to manage a singer called Fantzee Pants. Then there is that crew member who looks a lot like Noel Edmonds. Gotcha!
The episode works better regarding the jealousy within the Scooby Doo gang.
Scooby is angry that Shaggy took Velma to the prom rather than watch a Vincent Van Ghoul maraton together.
Thelma is angry at Fred for now showing his feelings towards her.
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