The Devouring
- Episode aired Mar 27, 2013
- 23m
Dr. Rick Spartan returns to Crystal Cove to stop a gluttonous monster who is devouring people whole.Dr. Rick Spartan returns to Crystal Cove to stop a gluttonous monster who is devouring people whole.Dr. Rick Spartan returns to Crystal Cove to stop a gluttonous monster who is devouring people whole.
- Scooby-Doo
- (voice)
- …
- Velma Dinkley
- (voice)
- Daphne Blake
- (voice)
- …
- Shaggy Rogers
- (voice)
- Mr. E
- (voice)
- Judy Reeves
- (voice)
- …
- Professor Pericles
- (voice)
- Brad Chiles
- (voice)
- …
- Gluten Monster
- (voice)
- …
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn season 1, Marion Spartan is blonde and although she does not make a physical appearance in this episode, there is brief shot of her and shows her with brown hair.
- GoofsIn the picture of Marian that Dr. Spartan has, her hair is brown, even though she was blonde in the last episode she was in.
- Quotes
Professor Pericles: Ricky! Ricky, I've been locked out of the system.
Mr. E: I know. I did it on purpose. You're out of control, Professor Pericles, and I'm putting a stop to it. I'm in charge. I built Destroido from the ground up, while you were cooling your beak in prison. It's time that I -
[an enraged Pericles slaps Ricky to the ground]
Professor Pericles: You have never been anything other than an idiotic human mascot, a shoulder for me to perch on.
Opening thoughts: "The Devouring" was one of the 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' episodes that left me a little conflicted on first watch, and one of the few to make me feel that way. Seeing as most of the show consisted of episodes that were always very good and more and were even better on rewatch. There were a lot of good things and it is extremely entertaining and intriguing, but there are episodes with far stronger main mysteries and villains. The latter being what to me what Scooby Doo is seen more for.
On rewatch, "The Devouring" did fare better thank goodness and does have a lot to enjoy. With it being one of the funniest 'Mystery Incorporated' episodes and the funniest in a while, really did like too that there was more of a light hearted vibe in a season that has been quite dark and grippingly unsettling. "The Devouring" though could have been a good deal better, it is one of the weaker episodes of Season 2 and my not so high views on the main mystery and villain still stand.
Good things: As said, there is a lot that "The Devouring" does well. It is very atmospherically and richly animated, love the backgrounds. The music is not discordant with the action and is both haunting and energised. The theme tune is still memorable and accompanies a well and creatively designed opening sequence. The voice acting is without issue, with a lot of nuance and energy. Matthew Lillard works wonders as Shaggy. The character writing and interaction are spot on too.
What "The Devouring" is worth seeing for is the Shaggy and Scooby, both hilarious, fight with the demon, which is one of the show's funniest scenes. Anything centered around food is great and this episode was right in this endearingly goofy duo's comfort zone. It is also worth seeing for the return of Spartan, and a welcome and far from wasted one it is too. The Crystal Cove mystery continues to intrigue as do the clever clues.
Bad things: Less good is the main mystery, which is very slight and has nothing surprising or out of the ordinary despite a promising start. Was also underwhelmed by the villain, who looks goofy and lacks menace or much personality.
Saw the denouement coming from quite some way off, with the culprit not being hard to figure out. So yet another case of the Crystal Cove case being great but nowhere near enough being done with the main mystery.
Concluding thoughts: Concluding, good but not great.
7/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 10, 2024
Details
- Runtime23 minutes