The new Scooby-Doo show, Velma, an adult animated series on HBO Max, faced significant controversy primarily due to its radical reimagining of the beloved Scooby-Doo universe, leading to widespread negative reception from fans and critics alike.
The Core of the Controversy
The series sparked debate by departing drastically from the traditional Scooby-Doo formula and character portrayals. Viewers criticized the show for what they perceived as a betrayal of the original series' spirit, leading to one of the lowest audience scores on review aggregators for an animated series.
Key Controversial Elements in Velma
Several specific creative decisions in Velma fueled the backlash:
- Exclusion of Scooby-Doo: Perhaps the most glaring change for many fans was the complete absence of the titular talking dog, Scooby-Doo, from the gang. This omission was seen as stripping away a fundamental element of the franchise.
- Radical Character Reimagining: The show significantly altered core characters. Velma Dinkley, in particular, was reimagined as a misanthropic South Asian teenager, and her personality and relationships were largely detached from previous incarnations. Other characters like Fred, Daphne, and Shaggy also underwent significant changes, often portrayed in cynical or unlikable ways.
- Tone Shift and Content: The series adopted an adult-oriented tone, incorporating mature themes, explicit language, and "grotesque gags" that contrasted sharply with the family-friendly, mystery-solving adventures of the original Scooby-Doo.
- Creator's Justification: Despite the drastic alterations, the show's creator, Charlie Grandy, argued that these changes, including excising Scooby from the gang and reinterpreting Velma, felt "authentic to the spirit of the original series." He also stated, "We wanted to be respectful," a sentiment that clashed with many viewers' perceptions of the final product.
Audience Reception and Backlash
The show's release was met with an overwhelmingly negative response on social media and review platforms. Many viewers expressed disappointment over the perceived disinterest in the source material, the altered character dynamics, and the shift in comedic style.
Breakdown of Controversial Aspects
Here's a summary of the main points of contention that contributed to the Velma controversy:
| Aspect | Velma Approach | Source of Controversy |
|---|---|---|
| Scooby-Doo Character | Excised from the gang entirely | Deviation from the core concept of the franchise, disappointing fans who expected the iconic dog's presence. |
| Velma Dinkley | Reimagined as a misanthropic South Asian teenager | Significant character redesign, perceived mischaracterization, and a departure from her established persona. |
| Humor/Gags | Incorporation of grotesque and adult-oriented gags | Shift to more mature and shock humor, moving away from the family-friendly and lighthearted tone of previous Scooby-Doo series. |
| Show Spirit | Creator argued authenticity despite changes | Viewers felt the show betrayed the essence and nostalgic appeal of the original series, despite creator intentions. |
The controversy surrounding Velma highlights the challenges of adapting beloved franchises, especially when significant creative liberties are taken with core elements and established fan expectations.
