User Reviews

They cause a man to flatline in this episode. Need I say more? Another good episode, which I do recommend you watch.

There is a small soft spot for "When the Cicada Calls", as it was the episode that introduced me to 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated'. On first watch, it was a very strong and creepy episode with nothing massively wrong really and with almost everything done right. There were better and more memorable episodes before (though all of those were seen later) and since, something that was felt when getting into the show and something that has always been felt on all rewatches.

"When the Cicada Calls" still is a very good and well executed episode, with genuine creepiness. Enough to make one be put off bugs for a long time, it certainly did that with me except in my case it made me for example freak out whenever seeing a spider in the bath. It is not one of the best of 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated', with "Howl of the Fright Hound" and "The Shrieking Madness" being superior as far as previous episodes go, but it is a strong representation of what was so good about what is to me one of the best and most interesting Scooby Doo shows.

My only real issue with "When the Cicada Calls", and this was true of quite a lot of Season 1, is Velma's character writing. Just didn't like at how much of a jerk she was/is and in my mind for no reason.

However, there is a huge amount to enjoy. The bugs are very creepy in an understated rather than too overt way and their character animation does give the creeps. Those that are afraid of bugs already are not going to be converted and anybody who wasn't before may find that the episode has enough to make them be put off them for a long time. The opening is truly unnerving. The mystery is eventful and has a lot of spooky atmosphere without being too serious, with the more comedic moments being amusing and not overdone.

Furthermore, the final solution doesn't come over as obvious at all, like "Howl of the Fright Hound" this reviewer actually didn't suspect the responsible and the motive wasn't expected too. It is well animated, with a great mix of the old and the new, the CGI for the bugs doesn't look out of place or jarring at all, nothing cheap here and it blends with the traditional backgrounds well. The music fits nicely and has the right amount of energy and atmosphere.

Velma aside, the gang's character writing is spot on. Shaggy and Scooby particularly. The supporting characters are well written as well. The voice acting is without issue.

Concluding, very good with lots of excellent things. 8/10.

A swarm of insects are attacking employees of Destroido for not quitting their jobs.

The Cicada Creature seems to be in control the swarm of insects.

The Mayor of Crystal Cove hopes that the swarm creatures would be good for tourism but is aghast when the Mystery Machine decide to investigate.

Fred has a suspect quickly lined up, someone who hates the Destroido corporation and has taken a shine to Daphne.

One of Fred's traps is set for action for an amiable episode with an anti corporate message.

Landfill waste will never taste as good.