In 1969, everybody’s favorite talking dog,Scooby-Doowas introduced to the world via the inception ofScooby-Doo, Where Are You!. With that, the cartoon went on to become an absolute favorite among many. From numerous series to live-action movies and films,Scooby-Doois undeniably a show that has become a huge part of many generations. What’s fascinating is that, even after 53 years, this cartoon continues to produce new shows and films, in turn, keeping the excitement of the fanbase alive.
When President Lyndon B. Johnson created a National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence following Kennedy’s death, child viewers became an important focus and censorship started oozing. As a reaction to this investigation,Hanna Barberacame up withScooby Doo; “a series that featured not a superhero out to destroy his arch nemesis, buta group of teens and their dog chasing down humans disguised as monsters.” This then explains why this particular cartoon stands out from the rest. The blend between comedy, horror, and morality is the perfect way to capture the attention of young viewers.
Became A Trope: Mystery-Solving Gang
Scooby Doomight keep on taking inspiration from the real world to amend and develop their characters, but the cartoon has also created a trope, in turn, becoming an inspiration for other films and shows. For one, the idea of a group of teens teaming up to solve mysteries seems to be something quite common in many films and shows. For example,Riverdalehas its own set of quirky characters solving mysteries.
Of course, it is hard to confirm these inspirations but if one were to analyze closely, the bringing together ofa nerd character like Velma, a feminine fashionista like Daphne, a typical masculine good-looking figure like Fred, and a weird and comical figure like Shaggy is not a rare phenomenon in TV shows and films. The missing element would be the talking dog and for obvious reasons like the inability to recapture the essence of the infamous Scoob. All in all, the Mystery Gang has become a trope over the years, and seeing such characters come together might be comforting to viewers.
Also, the influence ofScooby-Dooon slasher films is also obvious since some of these films focus on the identity revelation of the “monster”.Watson analyzes thisby showing how films likeUrban Legend (1998)also “take four or five teenagers, add a menacing villain, throw in several confrontations and top it all off with a chase climax where the bad guy is unmasked and/or defeated”.
Progressive and Inclusive
Another reason whyScooby-Doomight still be famous is that it keeps producing new episodes and films by developing these characters and changing them so that societal changes are incorporated. This can be seen in the new Scooby-Doo film,Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!,which has been regarded as the film which portraysVelma’s official coming out. This allows the show to become more diverse in terms of sexuality. Additionally, in the filmThe 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo, it was revealed that Fred was a cheerleader and his small cheer routine goes on to confirm this. The way in which the binarization of gender is broken through this small scene further illustrates how important and unique this cartoon is. It is definitely applaudable thatScooby-Dooattempts to be diverse and inclusive while capturing the essence of the original show.
Related:Scooby-Doo: Every Major Character, Ranked
On-Point Comedy and Comical Horror Icon
The comical nature of the cartoon arises through Shaggy and Scooby’s fanatics. While it might not be a huge laughing matter, these small humorous elements make the show a very chill and not-so-serious one. Of course, the suspension and the mystery play a central role in every episode. Nonetheless, the creators have perfected the art of combining these two genres, in turn, making the show a symbol of comical horror.
A fascinating element is the way in which Shaggy and Scooby screw up almost every plan allowing humor and suspension to overlap. This makes the comedy inScooby-Doounique in its own way. It must also not be forgotten that the idea of a talking dog is funny and amusing. The show takes this to a whole new level by making sure that this talking dog is a cowardly Great Dane. The paradox between Scooby’s scaredy nature and the way in which his breed is supposed to be scary issimple yet clever humor.
Related:The Best Scooby-Doo Villains, Ranked
Reflecting on Life Lessons
Scooby-Doois also a great show that uplifts one’s spirits. The way in which Fred’s plans are always messed up makes the viewer lose hope for a brief moment. However, since the Mystery gang always ends up solving the mysteries one way or another, this hope is restored. It goes on to show how life may not take the route expected.
The use of unexpected characters as monsters is yet another life lesson. More often than not, when the gang unmasks the monster, it turns out to be the least expected character. Sometimes, it is the character that has helped the gang or was super nice to the gang. In a way, this shows how your closest allies might be your biggest enemies. Additionally, the show focuses on the idea that there is always a reasonable and logical explanation for everything. This is also constantly reiterated by Velma, who refuses to accept anything that is beyond scientific explanation. Stepping away from the usual supernatural element has become a huge part of the cartoon.
