This episode is funny in a great number of ways. There are plenty of Soviet Russia jokes "hidden" in there, and lots of funny jokes dotted about.
The chicken legs (watch the episode to know what I'm talking about) reminded me a lot of the Cave of Wonders from Aladdin in terms of animation. They looked like they were CGI and didn't quite fit in with the animation style. I can't knock them for trying though.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (TV Series)
The House of the Nightmare Witch (2012)
User Reviews
Review this title2 Reviews
Nightmarishly good
TheLittleSongbird24 September 2023
"House of the Nightmare Witch" was actually one of my first episodes of 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated', yes on first watch the show was not watched in order of airing and was watched whenever there was any spare time in the seasonal holidays. And my opinion of it on first watch was a very high one, especially for the atmosphere, the house and Velma's chemistry with Hot Dog Water which was a nice change of pace. Despite not being bowled over by the reveal.
It still is a very good episode and like "The Night the Clown Cried" it was better on rewatch, with more to appreciate and the standout things from first watch making even bigger impressions. My not so high opinion on the reveal still stands, but so does my high opinion of the atmosphere, the character writing, character interaction and the house. "House of the Nightmare Witch" is not one of the best episodes of Season 2 or of 'Mystery Incorporated' in general but it is memorable.
The reveal underwhelms somewhat, with the perpetrator and the whole truth being too obvious too early due to suspects being too few. This was a case of "it could only have been one person".
Also did think that the episode took a bit of time to get going.
On the other hand, the animation is full of atmosphere and richness of detail. The animation on the house with the chicken legs (Baba Yaga's house) is suitably nightmarish and the more computer-like visuals don't jar with the more traditional backgrounds. The music fits well with the dark, spooky mood and still love the mix of spy thriller and haunted house style in the theme tune. The voice acting is stellar all round.
When it comes to the writing and character writing and interactions, "House of the Nightmare Witch" is as good as it can get. Loved Velma's teaming with Hot Dog Water, that was not expected for such an odd couple but it gelled well and was entertaining. Hot Dog Water became more interesting with each appearance and Velma has come on leaps and bounds, didn't like her at first but she was a lot easier to relate to here. Even more entertaining are Fred with the teddy and the Soviet jokes that were also in good taste.
Furthermore, the personal life subplots aren't too soapy, with the change to Fred's character actually being relatable. The atmosphere lives up to the word nightmare, the house is nightmare inducing in look and how it is used and the witch is creepy (one that would have made even more impact with a stronger reveal). The mystery is solid, with a great atmosphere, some real intrigue in the ongoing Crystal Cove story and the very end is enough to make one excited for future events.
In conclusion, very good, nightmarishly so. 8/10.
It still is a very good episode and like "The Night the Clown Cried" it was better on rewatch, with more to appreciate and the standout things from first watch making even bigger impressions. My not so high opinion on the reveal still stands, but so does my high opinion of the atmosphere, the character writing, character interaction and the house. "House of the Nightmare Witch" is not one of the best episodes of Season 2 or of 'Mystery Incorporated' in general but it is memorable.
The reveal underwhelms somewhat, with the perpetrator and the whole truth being too obvious too early due to suspects being too few. This was a case of "it could only have been one person".
Also did think that the episode took a bit of time to get going.
On the other hand, the animation is full of atmosphere and richness of detail. The animation on the house with the chicken legs (Baba Yaga's house) is suitably nightmarish and the more computer-like visuals don't jar with the more traditional backgrounds. The music fits well with the dark, spooky mood and still love the mix of spy thriller and haunted house style in the theme tune. The voice acting is stellar all round.
When it comes to the writing and character writing and interactions, "House of the Nightmare Witch" is as good as it can get. Loved Velma's teaming with Hot Dog Water, that was not expected for such an odd couple but it gelled well and was entertaining. Hot Dog Water became more interesting with each appearance and Velma has come on leaps and bounds, didn't like her at first but she was a lot easier to relate to here. Even more entertaining are Fred with the teddy and the Soviet jokes that were also in good taste.
Furthermore, the personal life subplots aren't too soapy, with the change to Fred's character actually being relatable. The atmosphere lives up to the word nightmare, the house is nightmare inducing in look and how it is used and the witch is creepy (one that would have made even more impact with a stronger reveal). The mystery is solid, with a great atmosphere, some real intrigue in the ongoing Crystal Cove story and the very end is enough to make one excited for future events.
In conclusion, very good, nightmarishly so. 8/10.
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