Really loved the concept for "Sorcerer Snacks Scare", which did remind me of old Scooby Doo (ie. 'Scooby Doo Where are You's' "The Backstage Rage"). Despite the tone of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' being very different. It was one of the more appealing storylines of the mostly very enjoyable if not flawless first season on paper, which on the whole was a good example of why the show should be given a chance. It started off uneven, but really did start to hit its stride around halfway through the first season.
"Sorcerer Snacks Scare" is every bit as appealing in execution. To me, it is one of the better, funnier, most nostalgic and creepier episodes of Season 1. "Area 51 Adjacent" and "Where There's a Will There's Wraith" (the latter being a remake of "A Night of Fright is No Delight" from 'Scooby Doo Where are You') are also strong favourites. "Sorcerer Snacks Scare" is not perfect, but it was still very good and nearly great in quality with almost everything working.
The only things that didn't work for me was the animation and the underdeveloped how it was all done aspect. Hate to rag on the animation again, but it was the component that did turn me off seeing 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' (before deciding to give it a chance and being pleasantly surprised) and it has never looked attractive and instead looks scrappy, flat and borderline psychedelic looking.
Do have to agree that the perpetrator's actions are very under-explained in the denouement, everything with the teleporting was so cool but isn't really explored anywhere near enough.
Everything else is without issue. Absolutely loved the references to old Scooby Doo, which were very cleverly used and nostalgic. Notably the allusions to "The Backstage Rage", although for me this is actually the better episode, as well as the classic Scooby Doo bait, trap and Scooby Snacks. Doing so while maintaining the old Scooby Doo spookiness, while also being true to the quirkiness of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' which is not an easy thing to achieve with them being so different to each other. The writing throughout is funny and smart, with Daphne's quirk being fun and not overplayed.
When it comes to the mystery, it is full of energy and atmosphere and it is never too simple or confusing. It also benefits from having one of the show's creepiest villains and from being one of the few episodes where the culprit was a complete surprise when most in the show are extremely predictable early on. The character writing for the gang is great, Shaggy and Scooby's relationship is so amusing and charming and Daphne's character writing has been refreshing on this show and has shown how much she has evolved. Enjoyed the chase sequence.
Music fits well, not discordant with the action and adds instead to both the spookiness and quirkiness. The voice acting is all fine, particularly Matthew Lillard.
Loved the episode all in all. 8/10.
