Yeah that was just... bad. Like really? Scooby is so selfish and can't allow Shaggy to have a girlfriend. And then Shaggy literally dumps her because he doesn't have time for anyone besides Scooby? Jesus. And Fred was pretty bad too. Eventually Season 2 worked it off, thankfully.
Velma was uncharacteristaclly trying to change everything about Shaggy too. It was kind of a bad gig for all involved. I did read a great blog about the whole thing. Have to find it here in a bit.
I admit it's been a while since I've watched season 1 or the show in general but yeah I remember being displeased with Velma. But Shaggy got the most ire from me. Guess that line "you dumped me for your dog" stuck with me.
Here we go: a pretty convincing photo essay arguing that Velma is a lesbian in Mystery Inc. Sadly, I don't think the author ever updated it after the show had finished airing, as there is more & even stronger evidence in the 2nd half of season 2 that Velma is indeed gay. This essay applies only to the Mystery Inc version of the character. Part 1 Velma Is a Lesbian: A Photoset-Essay in Three... - the grape nuts and grape nuts flakes podcast Part 2 Velma Is a Lesbian (II): A Photoset-Essay in... - the grape nuts and grape nuts flakes podcast
The show's now on Netflix for those who don't know so if anyone feels like revisiting the series you can do so now. I've did it for myself a while back and it's still among Scooby's most compelling series to date. Though it does remind of the parts I wasn't a fan of the series doing as well. Velma for example really came across as a tyrannical control freak who treats Shaggy pretty badly throughout the first season for not being who she wants him to be and that's really off putting people I've always respected Velma for being a smart lady who has a sarcastic streak and wit to be entertaining. So seeing her as an insufferable jerk wasn't fun to see at all so it wasn't a surprised that Shaggy ended things between them. She did get a lot better in season 2 thankfully but still.
Just finished the series the other day and really liked where it went and I don't get how people say it ends "on a cliffhanger with no resolution" when I'm pretty sure it wraps up perfectly. I LOVE that they used the actual song from War of the Gargantuas TWICE.
While I can't attest to how that element was handled in the series, as I've only seen bits and pieces, it does feel in keeping with the show's MO of exaggerating and expanding on the flaws and foibles of the gang in order to provide a more dramatic bent. Those controlling, OCD tendencies were evidenced in the prior series What's New Scooby Doo?. While that series largely liked to stick with formula, it liked to play with it a bit on occasion to subvert expectations and to amplify the comedic effect. And while played more for laughs than drama, Velma tended to get indignant and huffy when a caper didn't adhere strictly to formula and throw off her "win" record. I remember one episode leaving her sputtering and indignant because they never actually met the character in the mask, meaning they were never flagged as a suspect to begin with.
I think that misconception happens due to two reasons: One, the show was mistreated by Cartoon Network (big surprise) and had its episodes delayed, airing in random countries, no advertising, etc. They shoved it on daytime before children could watch, but it still pulled good ratings in that slot. At least it's better than CN not airing it at all until Adult Swim offers, and then CN sabotaging THAT anyway. The other season is the tease at the end with a new Mr. E and Miskatonic University. While the showrunners told the story they wanted to tell, they did have ideas for a season three story arc and they teased them to set it up in case the show was renewed for another season.
Yes, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated's Velma Is a Lesbian, Producer Confirms Which is why she acted the way she did in her relationship with Shaggy, it was deliberate. Unfortunately they weren’t allowed to show much by Cartoon Network at the time.
Yeah there was no way Hot Dog Water at the least was straight. That actually adds some depth to why Shaggy and Velma didn’t work out in the prime timeline, too. I’m glad we’re progressing past “we can only confirm they were gay ten years after the fact”, though, with stuff like Steven Universe and She-Ra.
It was confirmed by another producer (Mitch Watson) two years ago as well, but it seems to have gained traction now. It's really no surprise if you look at Velma and Marcie's interactions and why the former's relationship with Shaggy felt forced. Also, the mermaid episode is less subtle about it rewatching it now.
It still doesn't change the fact that Velma came across as extremely unlikeable in season 1. It's one thing to present a character going through a tough situation that makes them frustrated personality wise but it's another to do it to the point where you don't have much sympathy towards them. I wouldn't be surprised if some people say that Velma is kind of an offensive depiction of lesbians in general.
And Gunn had the same intention, same thing happened. Original Live-Action Scooby-Doo Script Included 'Explicitly Gay' Velma
Because the post-hoc revisionism by a producer (so not even someone involved in the actual creative aspect) for a show whose IP they don't even have the rights for, is so valuable. But if you want to play that game: Death of the Author.
Eh, while I agree that retroactive revisionism by someone Who does not own the IP is nonsensical... Death of the Author is even more absurd of a concept.
I remember hearing about this years ago. He also wanted to make Shaggy into an actual stoner instead of just implied to be one. A supervising producer has some pretty big creative authority. Also, as I mentioned, one of the creative producers confirmed this years ago. I'd say they have plenty of valuable authority over their show than a bunch of internet randos like us. Also, the guy has been working with that IP for years. Why does it even matter anyway? This only concerns the version of Velma from this specific show, not every single one.
