This is an interesting episode, I wasn't that interested by the monster itself but by the returning characters we see in this episode. Last episode it was the Hex Girl's before that Vincent van Ghoul and now two more, see if you can guess whom they are before watching.
2 Reviews
Worth devouring
TheLittleSongbird11 February 2024
'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' "The Devouring" (2013)
Opening thoughts: "The Devouring" was one of the 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' episodes that left me a little conflicted on first watch, and one of the few to make me feel that way. Seeing as most of the show consisted of episodes that were always very good and more and were even better on rewatch. There were a lot of good things and it is extremely entertaining and intriguing, but there are episodes with far stronger main mysteries and villains. The latter being what to me what Scooby Doo is seen more for.
On rewatch, "The Devouring" did fare better thank goodness and does have a lot to enjoy. With it being one of the funniest 'Mystery Incorporated' episodes and the funniest in a while, really did like too that there was more of a light hearted vibe in a season that has been quite dark and grippingly unsettling. "The Devouring" though could have been a good deal better, it is one of the weaker episodes of Season 2 and my not so high views on the main mystery and villain still stand.
Good things: As said, there is a lot that "The Devouring" does well. It is very atmospherically and richly animated, love the backgrounds. The music is not discordant with the action and is both haunting and energised. The theme tune is still memorable and accompanies a well and creatively designed opening sequence. The voice acting is without issue, with a lot of nuance and energy. Matthew Lillard works wonders as Shaggy. The character writing and interaction are spot on too.
What "The Devouring" is worth seeing for is the Shaggy and Scooby, both hilarious, fight with the demon, which is one of the show's funniest scenes. Anything centered around food is great and this episode was right in this endearingly goofy duo's comfort zone. It is also worth seeing for the return of Spartan, and a welcome and far from wasted one it is too. The Crystal Cove mystery continues to intrigue as do the clever clues.
Bad things: Less good is the main mystery, which is very slight and has nothing surprising or out of the ordinary despite a promising start. Was also underwhelmed by the villain, who looks goofy and lacks menace or much personality.
Saw the denouement coming from quite some way off, with the culprit not being hard to figure out. So yet another case of the Crystal Cove case being great but nowhere near enough being done with the main mystery.
Concluding thoughts: Concluding, good but not great.
7/10.
Opening thoughts: "The Devouring" was one of the 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' episodes that left me a little conflicted on first watch, and one of the few to make me feel that way. Seeing as most of the show consisted of episodes that were always very good and more and were even better on rewatch. There were a lot of good things and it is extremely entertaining and intriguing, but there are episodes with far stronger main mysteries and villains. The latter being what to me what Scooby Doo is seen more for.
On rewatch, "The Devouring" did fare better thank goodness and does have a lot to enjoy. With it being one of the funniest 'Mystery Incorporated' episodes and the funniest in a while, really did like too that there was more of a light hearted vibe in a season that has been quite dark and grippingly unsettling. "The Devouring" though could have been a good deal better, it is one of the weaker episodes of Season 2 and my not so high views on the main mystery and villain still stand.
Good things: As said, there is a lot that "The Devouring" does well. It is very atmospherically and richly animated, love the backgrounds. The music is not discordant with the action and is both haunting and energised. The theme tune is still memorable and accompanies a well and creatively designed opening sequence. The voice acting is without issue, with a lot of nuance and energy. Matthew Lillard works wonders as Shaggy. The character writing and interaction are spot on too.
What "The Devouring" is worth seeing for is the Shaggy and Scooby, both hilarious, fight with the demon, which is one of the show's funniest scenes. Anything centered around food is great and this episode was right in this endearingly goofy duo's comfort zone. It is also worth seeing for the return of Spartan, and a welcome and far from wasted one it is too. The Crystal Cove mystery continues to intrigue as do the clever clues.
Bad things: Less good is the main mystery, which is very slight and has nothing surprising or out of the ordinary despite a promising start. Was also underwhelmed by the villain, who looks goofy and lacks menace or much personality.
Saw the denouement coming from quite some way off, with the culprit not being hard to figure out. So yet another case of the Crystal Cove case being great but nowhere near enough being done with the main mystery.
Concluding thoughts: Concluding, good but not great.
7/10.
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