Remember saying in my review for "Guess Who's Knott Coming to Dinner" that that was the better episode of the two Don Knotts episodes and not caring for this one as a kid and in my teens.
On re-watch, it beggars belief that "The Spooky Fog of Juneberry" left me indifferent, and now think that this episode is the better one of his two appearances. As with pretty much all the episodes of 'The New Scooby Doo Movies' (a show that has flaws that are more noticeable to an adult, and is somewhat uneven, but still fares better than most Scooby Doo incarnations warts and all), the animation is not great, the standout is the very atmospheric fog which makes for a very creepy setting, but it is on the crude side and the character designs are less than smooth.
However it is much more atmospheric than "Guess Who's Knott Coming to Dinner", has a better balance of creepiness and humour, and while the villains are somewhat forgettable, the story is tighter paced and much stronger due to the mystery having more prominence and Don Knotts' guest appearance not dominating as much (though he was a lot of fun in "Guess Who's Knott Coming to Dinner" as well). Really do have to take back what was said about "The Spooky Fog of Juneberry" being one of the show's least interesting, in fact it's one of the better episodes in the series.
Knotts himself is lots of fun who, along with the ever endearing Shaggy and Scooby (their friendship still amusing, charming and affecting), has some very funny lines. Fred, Velma and Daphne don't have as much to do and their material is not as inspired (generally though it has often been that way in Scooby Doo), but are not pointless and have enough personality to not make them non-entities.
The music is haunting and energetic, and the theme tune is infectious and catchy (not as iconic as 'Scooby Doo Where are You's', but of the Scooby Doo incarnations it is one of the easiest to remember). The writing has very funny moments and entertains and intrigues throughout, while the story has very rare a dull moment. The voice acting is top notch, Don Messick and Casey Kasem stand out of the regular voice actors and cannot be beat as Scooby and Shaggy, while Knotts as himself is clearly enjoying himself and one has to admire Frank Welker's longevity and consistency.
All in all, fun and atmospheric episode and so much better on re-watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox
On re-watch, it beggars belief that "The Spooky Fog of Juneberry" left me indifferent, and now think that this episode is the better one of his two appearances. As with pretty much all the episodes of 'The New Scooby Doo Movies' (a show that has flaws that are more noticeable to an adult, and is somewhat uneven, but still fares better than most Scooby Doo incarnations warts and all), the animation is not great, the standout is the very atmospheric fog which makes for a very creepy setting, but it is on the crude side and the character designs are less than smooth.
However it is much more atmospheric than "Guess Who's Knott Coming to Dinner", has a better balance of creepiness and humour, and while the villains are somewhat forgettable, the story is tighter paced and much stronger due to the mystery having more prominence and Don Knotts' guest appearance not dominating as much (though he was a lot of fun in "Guess Who's Knott Coming to Dinner" as well). Really do have to take back what was said about "The Spooky Fog of Juneberry" being one of the show's least interesting, in fact it's one of the better episodes in the series.
Knotts himself is lots of fun who, along with the ever endearing Shaggy and Scooby (their friendship still amusing, charming and affecting), has some very funny lines. Fred, Velma and Daphne don't have as much to do and their material is not as inspired (generally though it has often been that way in Scooby Doo), but are not pointless and have enough personality to not make them non-entities.
The music is haunting and energetic, and the theme tune is infectious and catchy (not as iconic as 'Scooby Doo Where are You's', but of the Scooby Doo incarnations it is one of the easiest to remember). The writing has very funny moments and entertains and intrigues throughout, while the story has very rare a dull moment. The voice acting is top notch, Don Messick and Casey Kasem stand out of the regular voice actors and cannot be beat as Scooby and Shaggy, while Knotts as himself is clearly enjoying himself and one has to admire Frank Welker's longevity and consistency.
All in all, fun and atmospheric episode and so much better on re-watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox
