"Recipe for Disaster" is not the Scooby Doo franchise's first episode set in a Scooby Snax factory. 'A Pup Named Scooby Doo's' "Wanted Cheddar Alive" did it too and one can see a little influence of that episode here but in a more refined way this time. It doesn't matter though, because it was nice to have a setting that was personal for Shaggy and Scooby and the franchise has used many settings more than once and done so very well on the whole.
This was a very enjoyable episode and much better than remembered. Will admit to not remembering much about it after my first viewing and before rewatching, "Wanted Cheddar Alive" to be honest was fresher in my mind, but while it may not be as original as something like "Simple Plan and the Invisible Madman" or have the definitive monster or chase scene a lot is done right and there is plenty to enjoy in "Recipe for Disaster".
Animation is crisp, full of rich colour and a good deal of atmosphere. The interiors of the Scooby Snax factory and the extremely cool and scary monster design stand out. The music never overbears or sounds inappropriate, and while the chase scene and song are not one of my favourites of the show and a step down on both counts from "Simple Plan and the Invisible Madman" they are very well done. The voice acting is very good all round and there is genuine tension in one scene.
Furthermore, "Recipe for Disaster" is far from a disaster when it comes to the writing, which is very funny and engaging throughout. The story on the whole engages and it helps that the monster is a memorably creepy and never cheesy one and that the setting is nostalgic and unsettling (made the most out of). The episode is a triumph when it comes to the character interaction, Shaggy and Scooby are a sheer delight but Daphne, Velma and Fred were never this funny. Really dug the hairstyles, jokes and impersonations, it is not every day where you see Fred impersonating Elvis.
Was a little disappointed in the final solution, which did seem on the rushed and obvious side to me and the motive would have resonated more and felt less extreme if more than one person was involved. Also didn't care for its too neat resolve. Occasionally the mystery is on the thin side.
Very good overall. 8/10.
