"Secret of the Ghost Rig" was very impressive to me on first watch twelve years ago, not flawless but full of truly excellent aspects. 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' already was showing huge potential just three episodes in and while it had not quite hit its full stride yet at this stage it was hardly one of those "taking a season to get going" sort of shows. Have made no secret about being a huge fan of Scooby Doo and to me this is one of the franchise's better shows even when doing something different.
While liking the previous two episodes, "Beware of the Beast Below" and "The Creeping Creatures", very much, "Secret of the Ghost Rig" is even better for similar reasons but with the good things being done even better here. 'Mystery Incorporated' would improve even more so very quickly after, but for so early on in one of the franchise's darkest and most ambitious shows "Secret of the Ghost Rig" is still mighty impressive. Not mind blowing or a masterpiece, but very good with many greatly executed important aspects.
Am going to begin with mentioning those good, or should we say great, things. The animation is still elaborately detailed, colourful and full of atmosphere. The music has plenty of atmosphere and character, with it never jarring with or overbearing the action, and the main theme is again a good blend of spy thriller and spooky mystery. The writing is entertaining and smart, while having the right amount of gritty seriousness as the Crystal Cove mystery continues to darken.
The story is very compelling throughout and full of vibrant energy and creepy atmosphere. It has the right amount of creepiness, especially with the villain, and also the right amount of funny and cute humour, especially when in the cave which reminded me very fondly of old classic Scooby Doo. The personal life aspect was fine, prominent but not in your face on the most part. The character writing is fine, especially Shaggy and Scooby. The voice acting likewise.
Did however feel that the ending was on the rushed side, especially the abruptly introduced unmasking.
Felt also that the whole Daphne on a date thing added little and made Daphne on the irritating side.
On the whole, liked it very much. 8/10.
While liking the previous two episodes, "Beware of the Beast Below" and "The Creeping Creatures", very much, "Secret of the Ghost Rig" is even better for similar reasons but with the good things being done even better here. 'Mystery Incorporated' would improve even more so very quickly after, but for so early on in one of the franchise's darkest and most ambitious shows "Secret of the Ghost Rig" is still mighty impressive. Not mind blowing or a masterpiece, but very good with many greatly executed important aspects.
Am going to begin with mentioning those good, or should we say great, things. The animation is still elaborately detailed, colourful and full of atmosphere. The music has plenty of atmosphere and character, with it never jarring with or overbearing the action, and the main theme is again a good blend of spy thriller and spooky mystery. The writing is entertaining and smart, while having the right amount of gritty seriousness as the Crystal Cove mystery continues to darken.
The story is very compelling throughout and full of vibrant energy and creepy atmosphere. It has the right amount of creepiness, especially with the villain, and also the right amount of funny and cute humour, especially when in the cave which reminded me very fondly of old classic Scooby Doo. The personal life aspect was fine, prominent but not in your face on the most part. The character writing is fine, especially Shaggy and Scooby. The voice acting likewise.
Did however feel that the ending was on the rushed side, especially the abruptly introduced unmasking.
Felt also that the whole Daphne on a date thing added little and made Daphne on the irritating side.
On the whole, liked it very much. 8/10.