‘Velma’ Episodes 1 And 2 Spoiler-Free Review
Image Source: IMDB
HBO Max’s Velma is here, and it is amazing! The first two episodes of the animated adult comedy were released this week on the streaming service. Fans were mixed on social media after the show was announced because we were informed that there would be no Scooby-Doo, and the characters would not be like the ones we grew up with. In my opinion, this show is a breath of fresh air for the Scooby-Doo series and perfect for fans of Rick and Morty, Tuca and Bertie, or Futurama. The show is definitely for adults as there is nudity, language, and gore throughout, but it is absolutely hilarious.
In episode one, fans are introduced to Velma, Daphne, Fred, and Norville (Shaggy). They dress like the characters we know and love, but that is where the similarities end. They are not a team or really friends for that matter, and each one has a completely different backstory than the characters from the children’s show. Early on in the episode, we discover that a girl has been murdered and had her brain removed. Velma is immediately accused of the crime, and this sets in motion the rest of the show. As Velma attempts to solve the mystery she begins having hallucinations, and by the end of episode two, we aren’t sure if they are hallucinations or something supernatural. The “hallucinations” are linked to Velma’s mother’s disappearance years earlier which we quickly learn may be more than just a simple disappearance. The episode ends on a great cliffhanger!
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Image Source: IMDB
In episode two, we pick up right where we left off in episode one. Norville and Velma have made a troubling discovery that only adds to the already confusing mystery. This episode focused more on Velma and Daphne, Fred’s possible guilt, and Daphne’s family. We get to see how close Velma and Daphne were as children and why they drifted apart to reach the level of animosity they are at when we meet them in episode one. We also learn that Daphne’s mom adopted her, and she wants to find her real parents. This is an interesting approach since the idea of one of the group’s members being adopted was first introduced in the 2010 series Scooby Doo-Mystery Incorporated!, and it was Fred. The episode is filled with more dark humor and makes Fred out to be an unlikeable jerk which is a fun juxtaposition to who his character has been in all previous versions of the show. The best part about this episode was the multiple romantic moments between Velma and Daphne. Fans have begged on social media for years for the two to be in a relationship, and this episode was definitely catering to those fans! Episode two also ended on a cliffhanger that had me super excited for next week’s episodes!
The show is very self-aware and brings up interesting topics about race, gender, and sex in the entertainment industry. The show is a lot of fun, but I am not expecting many fans of the original series to enjoy it because it is not Scooby-Doo. This is an entirely new show that has simply taken characters we loved as children and given us a new, adult version. The omission of Scooby-Doo from the show was a genius choice, in my opinion, because it allows the other characters to finally shine. His absence allows for plenty of dark and crude humor without the risk of overstepping.
The only critique I have of the show so far is that we know this show has no connections to the original show, yet there are multiple Easter Eggs from the original series. Overall, I loved the first two episodes, and I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the season!
New episodes of Velma are available to stream on Thursdays on HBO Max.
Rating: 8/10
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