Season 2 of 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' (one of the best Scooby Doo shows in my opinion) up to this point was very solid and even very good with many great things. It did stumble a little with the uneven "Web of the Dreamweaver", but the rest of the previous episodes were very high in quality if falling short of overall greatness. My first watch thoughts on Season 2's sixth episode "The Hodag of Horror" were very, very good, despite the reveal still not entirely working.
My very positive initial thoughts on "The Hodag of Horror" are very much the same, and like the previous episodes of the season it's even better than it was on first watch. With it being yet another case of finding more to appreciate, like the characterisation and storytelling, and finding what worked particularly well on first watch even more impressive. Which actually was a common pattern in the first half of the season and even more so as the show neared its end.
"The Hodag of Horror" has numerous good things. It is very atmospherically and richly animated, especially for the villain. 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 is strong and in character and am liking the development and how more fleshed out the gang are becoming. Velma did not bother me in this episode, after being turned off by her dishonesty in "Web of the Dreamweaver".
Furthermore, "The Hodag of Horror" benefits hugely from the villain, a villain that is very creepy in personality and in design. One of the creepiest of the first half of the season, plus the twist on it is clever and the motive and plan make sense unlike those in the previous episode. The mystery itself is also strong, entertaining and atmospheric.
Will admit to not finding the perpetrator that much of a surprise.
Am also still a bit ehh on the reveal that was introduced in the previous episode and still feel that it should have been revealed later on in the season when we got to know the characters more.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.
