VELMA appears to be another example of a decent show ruined by a forced connection to an existing IP

HBO Max recently released the first full trailer for Velma. This series is supposed to be an R-rated spin-off of Scooby-Doo which explores an origin of Velma Dinkley. He was met with a lack of enthusiasm to say the least. Now, the series has launched on HBO Max and perhaps ends up being a foot-to-mouth moment as more people watch. That said, I think this is an important case to help delineate again that studios need to enable and even encourage new original IP.

I’ve heard that Velma it was originally proposed as its own IP, but some executives forced them to make it related Scooby-Doo. Now, I have no idea if there’s even an ounce of truth to this rumor, but I don’t think it’s that far-fetched. After seeing the trailer, but not the actual show, there’s a decent skeleton of a show there. It’s an animated high school mystery show that really leans into the R-rated moments that are allowed. We know there will be murder, language, drugs, probably sex, and more. It looks more like an R-rated animated Riverdale Honestly. I think the main problem is that it’s trying to connect to Scooby-Doo.

Yes there are people who say this show was ruined when they changed the race of many of the characters but I think they are wrong. I don’t actually think that any of the characters’ race is an integral part of their character. This is where we see the problem though. Based on the trailer, it appears that many of Mystery Inc.’s key features are missing. For starters, we’re missing one key character: Scooby-Doo. From all the graphics, trailers, clips, etc. Released, there has been no indication that a talking, or even non-talking, dog named Scooby-Doo is involved. Not only does this remove the most prominent member of Mystery Inc., it also removes one of Shaggy’s key characteristics: his relationship with Scooby-Doo. Probably the two biggest components of Shaggy’s character are that relationship with Scooby-Doo and his insatiable appetite. Watching the trailer, Shaggy doesn’t feel like Shaggy because we don’t have those elements that are fundamental to the character. Instead we get a character who looks more like a stereotypical high school stoner.

My guess is that Velma it will not be highly appreciated or received all because it is branded as a Scooby-Doo to exhibit. When connected to such a beloved IP, fans will have preconceived notions and expectations. Heck, this whole article basically shares some of my expectations and notions. Self Velma it was not connected Scooby-Doo, I think I and many others would be much more interested. Certainly if Velma was always planned to be a spin-off of Scooby-Doo and the said rumor is false i think this is a faux pas and should have been made into an original series.

Mindy Kaling she’s a very talented actress and writer, so I have no doubt she could come up with a great series that doesn’t build on existing intellectual property. She is joined by Constance Wu, Sam RichardsonAnd Glen Howton, who are also very talented. I actually like the animation and character design too. Self Velma it was a fresh and original IP, I don’t think it would have gotten as much of the backlash it has received and I think many would have given it a warm welcome. Dear every studio out there: Allow and encourage creators to bring you new and original IPs. I think Velma is another great example of why we need it.

Plus, it’s not like we don’t already have a darker, edgier version of Scooby-Doo.. Built-in mystery it was a great show (with an awkward ending) that was definitely darker. Sure, it wasn’t R-rated, but I think you could take it and my personal favorite entry, Be calm, Scooby-Doo!and put in some of the more R-rated content that wanted to make a more successful show connected to the IP.

If you watched Velmaplease let me know your thoughts in the comments and if it’s something that really fits Scooby-Doo. Do I have to find a way to watch it? Am I just full of hot air?