IR TV Review: VELMA - EPISODE 3 [HBO Max]

The progression of "Velma" as far as Episode 3 is all about Velma decoding her own feelings towards Daphne without thinking of the sociological responsibilities of the high school progression of who and how she might be. The context of the passive/aggressive nature between the two speaks to a different dynamic that has been explored in the past with the characters but never spoken or expounded upon. This of course is part of the point. Transference between the two is understandable especially if they used to be best friends. The addition of Daphne's non-traditional parents also make this a given question mark. Velma actually is the more balanced (save for her hallucinations) though she is very awkward and doesn't quite understand the pain she is causing across the board half the time despite her intellect.

And Norville (aka Shaggy) is being pulled away from what might have been a successful counselor career by the allure of psychotherapy where he is in fact that controller. It is an ironic perspective because with the prison element of Fred, a magic cardigan (likely just a placebo) and Velma's hallucinations, it might be interesting to know if this is the figment of imagination in the brain of one of the characters (it would be funny if it was actually Scooby). The reality is that impulse control is something that all these characters are dealing with, even if they can't truly see it. Of course, Fred is the one with the biggest issues (I guarantee hypnotherapy will enter the equation at one point). Right now there is a lack of identity balance which is likely what brings them all together in the end (unless this show is purely an alternate universe where metaphorical likelihoods come true). The overall aspect is that it is a neat diatribe on the nature of these legacy characters, wherever it is in fact going. C+

By TIm Wassberg