Along the multiverse path there is a strange neighborhood. It is, somehow, both a pathway and a cul-de-sac. It spirals in on itself, twisting upwards into a funnel.

Trust me when I say it’s a bit hard to understand. But, thankfully, you can only see all of that if you happen to be on Soy Sauce. Or, a traveler.

I happen to be both.

For a non-traveler, however, it looks simply like a street. With five houses on each side, and one at the end. Vibrant colors and ghostly howls spill out of each of the doorways. But, despite the intrigue, I am only interested in the one at the end. Yet, for a moment I look at each house. They’re all different in subtle ways. The first one seems to sit too still; every other house swaying in the breeze like branches on a gust.

Yet, even with that similarity, each house has its quirks. One is dramatically smaller than the others, and another seems to have celebrities literally leaking out of the floor boards.

I approach the final house on the street. It’s strange, the wood is coated in sand, and dark smoke rises from the chimney above. I take a step forward and open the door.

A monster greets me, his tongue sharp, and his fingers sharper. A swipe nearly kills me. But, I have one trump card; one saving move:  pulling off his mask.

Instantly he goes still, and starts mumbling something about “Meddling kids”. I walk right past him. He is no longer important; I am only here for a box.

A box of Scooby Snacks.

—

Since the 1960’s there has always been a Scooby Doo movie or television show running.

No one is really sure why this happened. But in spite of the changing landscape of animation and media, there has always been a Scooby Doo.

It’s a bit baffling to be honest.  What’s so special about the idea of a talking dog and a group of teenagers who solve mysteries? It is such a specific premise, yet makes millions and remains on the air even when the likes of Symbiotic Titan gets cancelled.

Some might say that it’s just a classic cartoon series.

But have you actually gone back and watched an episode of it? It’s really cheesy, and not even that funny to watch.

In fact for the bulk of my teenage and adult years I started to despise the movies and old episodes. I could not stand it when kids had it on around me.

Even impressions of that dog annoyed me.

But that was before I saw the newest version: Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated.

Because it, despite everything that you would expect, kick’s ass.

Cue the intro!

This is a new Scooby Doo, a dark, tongue in cheek version. It is everything the live action movies tried and failed to be. It is by far the best version of this show I have ever seen.

The show takes place during the adolescence of the gang and explores their formative years, going into their home lives, and relationships.

Yes, you read that right. This show had the balls to do what none of the other versions would. Fred and Daphne are together, officially. Nothing is implied. They are flat-out a couple, and it is handled fantastically. The characters are allowed to grow out of their niches, but without losing their charm. The dynamics of relationships, and friendship and betrayal and trust all flow throughout the narrative.

Yes, a narrative as well. A running story that continues throughout  the entire series. It has honest to god character arcs that actually change the character, not just making them constantly return to the status quo.

The real trick this thing pulls though, is that the show still has all the stuff you love from the previous series. The characters may be darker and more real, but they are still cartoon characters. They are funny. All of them, even Fred. His obsession with traps from the old series, now being turned into a literal fetish.

But don’t think this show is just out to mock the old stuff either. The creators clearly respect the source material, and there are continuous references to the previous series, including the monsters.

In short: It is exactly what I always wanted in a Scooby Doo cartoon. I just never realized it.

Full of dark humor and plot twists, I could not recommend it higher.

“In fact, go watch it now.”

“No? Would you watch it for a Scooby Snack?”

“Two Scooby Snacks?”

—

This is but one part of the grand Netflix Quest! To check out the others, click here.

Did you like the article? Dislike? Tell me about it in the comments. I would love to hear your opinions. If interested in specific articles, or want to write as a guest; you can message me at scifibrandonscott@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!