There’s something magical about an ensemble cast that just works. And no, I’m not talking about a perfectly curated ensemble with each character sparkling individually. I’m talking about Scooby-Doo, the ultimate team-up of lovable misfits, none of whom I ever wanted to be, but who, together, created something so much greater than the sum of its parts.

Let’s be honest: Individually, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby would have been a disaster. Fred, with his perfectly coiffed hair and obsession with traps, could have been the guy we all eye-rolled. Velma, the smart girl we wanted to root for but, at times, just came off as too smart for her own good. Daphne—well, she had her own brand of charm, but did she really need rescuing every other episode? And Shaggy? That guy should’ve been on a lifetime ban from mystery-solving due to sheer skittishness.

But put them all together, and it was magic! The way they bumbled, stumbled, and somehow always caught the villain, usually by accident? Perfection. You see, I never wanted to be Velma or Daphne (I mean, the glasses were cool, but no thanks). I wanted to be Mimi—the one leading the spooky squad in a weird yet compelling mashup of mystery-solving brilliance. I would have hopped out of the van with a clue in one hand and a sarcastic one-liner on my lips, solving crimes with a little more edge and flair.

What I loved most about Scooby-Doo wasn’t the chase scene or even the classic unmasking moment (though that was satisfying). It was the group. The dynamics. The catchphrases! Jinkies! Zoinks! Ruh-roh! The way they all brought out the best and worst in each other, stumbling upon clues like Scooby snacks dropped on the floor of the van.

Speaking of the van, let’s talk about the reboot I absolutely devoured—Mystery Incorporated. Set in the eerie town of Crystal Cove, it was like Scooby-Doo grew up and got smarter, with sharper mysteries, darker twists, and an ensemble that just felt… grown. I could feel the nostalgia bubbling up, but this time it wasn’t just about my childhood memories. This was Scooby-Doo that matured with me, layering in real suspense and drama. It had its goofy moments, sure, but man, it was smart. And the mysteries? Way better than your standard “it was the creepy old guy at the carnival” formula.

But even then, it wasn’t about becoming one of them. It was about being part of something larger than life—a band of quirky investigators who brought their own oddities to the table, solving mysteries and keeping things light with those goofy catchphrases that still make me smile. Together, they were unstoppable. And that’s what I loved most.

So, here’s to the Scooby-Doo ensemble—the ultimate group of oddballs solving crimes, getting scared out of their wits, and showing me that sometimes the best thing you can be is part of a team that’s as dysfunctional as it is perfect. Scooby-Doo, where are you? Oh, right… in my heart, solving mysteries with a wink and a “Jinkies!”