Mysteries. Monsters. A talking dog. Catchphrases. Scooby Doo was a show that reminded so many that although there are monsters in the world they are often human ones hiding behind a mask.
Why am I talking about Scooby Doo? Over the last year or so I’ve found myself rewatching the films with my nieces but I’ve also found the iconic show being used as a reference for other works of fiction. I’ve always loved new reimaginings of some of my favourite series. (Wicked is just one example.)
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero is a novel that follows a similar bunch of crime solving kids and their beloved dog as they form the Blyton Summer Detective Squad. In 1977 they solved a mystery and became famous in their small town. But, as things often do, they drifted apart. None of them mentioned the things that really happened when they solved that mystery. They didn’t mention the bodies, or the dungeon. So, when 1991 rolls around they have all changed. Smart girl Andy is a wanted felon. Beautiful Kerri is drinking away her problems, troubled Nate is in a mental asylum. And Peter, the leader of the group and movie star, has taken his own life. As they begin to reconnect, the truth of what really happened that summer starts to come out.
It’s Scooby Doo meets H.P. Lovecraft and it’s brilliant. Cantero’s first foray at an English language book is full of beautifully written prose, interesting narratives, and a great mystery. It’s Scooby Doo for adults that has hints of nostalgia but also well rounded characters.
We can’t forget the recent Scooby Doo/Supernatural crossover which had our favourite crime solvers working a case with our favourite brotherly hunters. With Dean’s playful attempts to chase after Daphne, to Sam and Velma’s iconic kiss. What stood out more was the fact that, for the briefest of moments, the Scooby Gang faced the possible reality of their mortality. It was almost heartbreaking to see lovable Shaggy with a broken arm and Velma who couldn’t lean back on intellect and sound reasoning.
More recently I stumbled across The Solve It Squad created by the Tin Can Brothers. Similar in vein to Meddling Kids it follows a group of teen sleuths who are incredibly successful until their last case results in the death of their beloved dog Cluebert. Twenty years later the group are reunited but, they have all changed and not necessarily in ways they like. Part comedy, part musical, wholly entertaining. Also, the acting in the show is superb.
You can watch the entire show online or go to the website and buy the digital copy.
I really enjoy seeing other people’s take on famous characters or just a vivid reimagining of them. I guess it’s why I also enjoy fan fiction. (Good fan fiction is transformative...bad fan fiction is just funny...outright terrible fan fiction...well we don’t talk about that.)
As for Scooby Doo - well who wouldn’t want a talking great dane for a friend. In fact, the entire gang are just brilliant even if they occasionally come off as two dimensional.
What series would you love to see reimagined? Have you seen any versions of Scooby Doo that I should watch? Let me know.
xJaime