'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' "Dark Night of the Hunters" (2013)
Opening thoughts: "Dark Night of the Hunters" was an episode of 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' that was seen a lot later than most episodes of the show. On first watch, it blew me away. Not just for the atmosphere but even more so the emotion and it is a revelation when it comes to the character writing and character moments, showing how much the characters and storytelling have progressed. Had no doubt that it would be even better, as that has been the case with all the particularly complex episodes of Season 2.
Found myself not disappointed at all by "Dark Night of the Hunters", which is something of a beginning of the end episode. Liked to loved all the episodes from Season 2, and for me this was one of the best. As far as 'Mystery Incorporated' goes it is towards the top in my view as well. Especially on an emotional level and what it did with the characters and individual character moments. Where characters were seen in a different light, where questions were starting to be answered and where past behaviours were more understandable.
Good things: Velma's character writing for one thing is a revelation, this is the episode where Velma is at her most relatable and most interesting and really appreciated that "Dark Night of the Hunters" addressed her insecurities as it was a major arc since the show first began and was long overdue. It did help me understand why she was that way with Shaggy in the first half of Season 1. The episodes also addresses Fred's family issues, also a major arc since the show first began (more so) and again it was something that needed to happen. This was the perfect time to do so as well before any manipulation began and where any vulnerabilities were used against them.
There are some great individual scenes in "Dark Night of the Hunters" that added a lot to the characters. Standouts being the bittersweet and heart tugging final scene, Velma with her mum (who is very cool here) and the cute plant sculpture scene. Loved too that an explanation was provided a vital clue meaning that the mystery continues to move forward, hence what was meant by questions starting to be answered.
Furthermore, the animation is smooth, beautifully detailed, vibrant and atmospheric. The music has momentum but also the right amount of spookiness. The voice acting is excellent, as is the character writing and interaction. The writing is a great mix of amusing, tense and heartfelt, balancing them expertly while executing them individually equally well.
Can't fault the creepy and emotional story that is never obvious or over complicated, nothing feeling like extraneous filler.
Closing thoughts: Overall, brilliant.
10/10.
Opening thoughts: "Dark Night of the Hunters" was an episode of 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' that was seen a lot later than most episodes of the show. On first watch, it blew me away. Not just for the atmosphere but even more so the emotion and it is a revelation when it comes to the character writing and character moments, showing how much the characters and storytelling have progressed. Had no doubt that it would be even better, as that has been the case with all the particularly complex episodes of Season 2.
Found myself not disappointed at all by "Dark Night of the Hunters", which is something of a beginning of the end episode. Liked to loved all the episodes from Season 2, and for me this was one of the best. As far as 'Mystery Incorporated' goes it is towards the top in my view as well. Especially on an emotional level and what it did with the characters and individual character moments. Where characters were seen in a different light, where questions were starting to be answered and where past behaviours were more understandable.
Good things: Velma's character writing for one thing is a revelation, this is the episode where Velma is at her most relatable and most interesting and really appreciated that "Dark Night of the Hunters" addressed her insecurities as it was a major arc since the show first began and was long overdue. It did help me understand why she was that way with Shaggy in the first half of Season 1. The episodes also addresses Fred's family issues, also a major arc since the show first began (more so) and again it was something that needed to happen. This was the perfect time to do so as well before any manipulation began and where any vulnerabilities were used against them.
There are some great individual scenes in "Dark Night of the Hunters" that added a lot to the characters. Standouts being the bittersweet and heart tugging final scene, Velma with her mum (who is very cool here) and the cute plant sculpture scene. Loved too that an explanation was provided a vital clue meaning that the mystery continues to move forward, hence what was meant by questions starting to be answered.
Furthermore, the animation is smooth, beautifully detailed, vibrant and atmospheric. The music has momentum but also the right amount of spookiness. The voice acting is excellent, as is the character writing and interaction. The writing is a great mix of amusing, tense and heartfelt, balancing them expertly while executing them individually equally well.
Can't fault the creepy and emotional story that is never obvious or over complicated, nothing feeling like extraneous filler.
Closing thoughts: Overall, brilliant.
10/10.