"The Night Ghoul of Wonderworld" actually was not one of the first episodes watched of 'Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo'. In fact, when watching all the Scooby Doo incarnations for the first time none of the episodes for any of the shows were seen in order of which they were aired. When it did come to seeing it for the first time in early teenagehood, it did leave a big impression on me and in a good way. Especially the setting, the villain and the atmosphere.
As a young adult, "The Night Ghoul of Wonderworld" is a very good episode. All three things that stood out particularly on first watch stand out still and have done in all my rewatches of the episode. It is one of the best 'Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo' episodes, as well as one of the creepiest and most inventive. The setting is unique, the villain is another one of the show's best, the episode is a triumph when it comes to atmosphere and did like that the plotting was more complicated than the usual Scooby Doo episode at the time.
Is it flawed? Yes, all the sixteen episodes in the first season of 'Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo' are with some more so than others. The animation does lack finesse in spots, especially the rushed looking character designs in the second half.
Scrappy is still pretty much the same as he was in "The Scarab Lives" and even for him his trap here is pretty preposterous.
Most of the animation however is fine. Especially the Wonderworld itself, which lives up to its wondrous name and has always made me envious of going. Was amazed too at how realistic Victorian London looked. The energetic character and haunting atmosphere in the music do bring things to life, the creepy scoring for the opening scene, the rollicking one when in Outlaw World and when the Night Ghoul issues his warning. The voice acting is still very good, with Don Messick terrifying as the Night Ghoul and the English accents are much better than the ones in another Sherlock Holmes-themed episode "Sherlock Doo" from 'The New Scooby Doo Mysteries'.
Furthermore, as has been indicated already, the Night Ghoul is one of the show's best and creepiest villains, the creepiest in terms of look and Messick's voice acting really enhances things. The atmosphere is very sinister often, even when the Night Ghoul does not appear his presence is felt. Yet there are also some funny parts too, such as Shaggy's reaction to seeing the Night Ghoul for the first time. The story is full of atmosphere (both eerie and suspenseful) and fun, more complicated than the usual Scooby Doo episode (some younger viewers may find it too much so) but very clever. Did figure out who was behind the crime quite early on in an episode with too few suspects, but their plan was a lot more complex than most plans for villains in the franchise. Not to mention, the climax is genuinely tense as well. Loved Sherlock Holmes' involvement and Velma in the Watson role was refreshing.
Concluding, very good. 8/10.
