Despite being a massive Scooby Doo fan for goodness knows how long, expectations were somehow not high for 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' prior to giving it a chance. The advertising in my mind was terrible and the animation style, one of the franchise's least appealing, was very off putting. Still gave it a chance as a fan of the franchise and of animation in general and there are films and shows that have bad advertising but turn out to be good and this was one of them.
The Scooby Doo franchise has a very good track record when it comes to episodes and films that has aliens as villains. "Area 51 Adjacent" does not break that track record. While 'Scooby Doo Where are You's' "Spooky Space Kook" is the king of the villainous aliens episodes, "Area 51 Adjacent" is a very close second and very nearly as good in its own way. For me, it is easily one of my favourite 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' episodes and one of the funniest and most different. Absolutely proof that the show should not be immediately because of the animation style.
My low opinion of the animation still stands though, especially the weird and off model character animation and it has always looked rushed to me.
However, there is so much in "Area 51 Adjacent" that is wonderful. The music has quirky energy and atmosphere that doesn't jar. Personally didn't mind the lack of a chase song as the chase was creative and fun enough on its own. The theme song is suitably upbeat, even if it is a little on the short side. The character writing is spot on as is the interaction between the gang. Daphne's refreshingly quirky personality has been something of a revelation and shows how far she's come. Scooby and Shaggy are delightful as usual, and Velma doesn't come over as too bossy and Fred not too wet.
Did enjoy the supporting characters, especially the hilarious general. The alien is cool and menacing, despite it not being unique. This is one of the few episodes of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' where the perpetrator was not obvious and where the motive was not at all expected and different once in a while. It's plausible too and doesn't feel too extreme. The voice acting is with no issues too.
"Area 51 Adjacent" is one of the funniest episodes, primarily in the ingeniously written interrogation scenes (the writers were clearly in their element writing this episode and particularly the interrogations). Daphne's and Scooby's have some priceless lines. The story is full of energy and has the right amount of creepiness, it's easy to follow while not being too easily or prematurely guessable. Loved the inspired setting, which is not seen a lot in the franchise and it was used imaginatively and atmospherically.
An absolute joy of an episode overall. 9/10.
The Scooby Doo franchise has a very good track record when it comes to episodes and films that has aliens as villains. "Area 51 Adjacent" does not break that track record. While 'Scooby Doo Where are You's' "Spooky Space Kook" is the king of the villainous aliens episodes, "Area 51 Adjacent" is a very close second and very nearly as good in its own way. For me, it is easily one of my favourite 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' episodes and one of the funniest and most different. Absolutely proof that the show should not be immediately because of the animation style.
My low opinion of the animation still stands though, especially the weird and off model character animation and it has always looked rushed to me.
However, there is so much in "Area 51 Adjacent" that is wonderful. The music has quirky energy and atmosphere that doesn't jar. Personally didn't mind the lack of a chase song as the chase was creative and fun enough on its own. The theme song is suitably upbeat, even if it is a little on the short side. The character writing is spot on as is the interaction between the gang. Daphne's refreshingly quirky personality has been something of a revelation and shows how far she's come. Scooby and Shaggy are delightful as usual, and Velma doesn't come over as too bossy and Fred not too wet.
Did enjoy the supporting characters, especially the hilarious general. The alien is cool and menacing, despite it not being unique. This is one of the few episodes of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' where the perpetrator was not obvious and where the motive was not at all expected and different once in a while. It's plausible too and doesn't feel too extreme. The voice acting is with no issues too.
"Area 51 Adjacent" is one of the funniest episodes, primarily in the ingeniously written interrogation scenes (the writers were clearly in their element writing this episode and particularly the interrogations). Daphne's and Scooby's have some priceless lines. The story is full of energy and has the right amount of creepiness, it's easy to follow while not being too easily or prematurely guessable. Loved the inspired setting, which is not seen a lot in the franchise and it was used imaginatively and atmospherically.
An absolute joy of an episode overall. 9/10.
