HBO’s latest show that taps into the Scooby-Doo world got viewers talking - but why?

The latest HBO show about the Scooby-Doo universe, Velma, includes the type of sign that typically drives success. Directed by the TV writer Mindy Kaling, who also gives a voice to Velma, the animated series’ main character, it’s a series that cannot be missed, especially if you're a pop culture nerd and know all about Scooby-Doo. What's more, this show brings kids’ entertainment - and a famous one - to a whole new perspective, with grown-up twisting of the story. Nevertheless, in running for success, the series has become one of the most intensely debated shows on the internet right now, like a punching bag one cannot stop punching.

In fairness, the show is trying its best to perform edgy humor and mock the well-known culture wars we find ourselves in, but even so, Twitter is mean and doesn't skip any occasion to knock Velma down. There are parodies that aim for the plot lines, and Forbes has become famous for dramatically archiving and documenting all about the backlash. But does everyone hate Velma?

The answer might not be an easy one, but rather complex and despite all the hate and comments, the show is popular and people are watching it. What's more, according to HBO, Velma was its most significant animated show premiere so far. But the trouble is that the majority of viewers are watching the show through an outdated and kind of traditional lens, the one that tells the general story of Scooby-Doo throughout the years, as a franchise, and not at an individual, intimate level of every character.

The new Velma series features color-blind casting, with a South Asian actress as the lead, and an openly queer portrayal. The backlash isn't solely due to racism or homophobia, but also to the shallow and one-dimensional handling of diversity and sexuality issues. To effectively address Velma's sexuality, a topic of debate in Scooby-Doo circles for years, the show needs more depth.

The main complaints about the show are its superficial approach to diversity and sexuality in the Mystery Inc. gang, particularly in Velma's character. Despite hints in past Scooby-Doo properties, writers have struggled to accurately depict Velma's sexuality, which has been a topic of discussion for years. James Gunn claimed his old script for a Scooby-Doo movie portrayed Velma as explicitly queer, but it was watered down in the final version. In 2020, a supervising producer on Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated confirmed that Velma is gay. The new show's handling of Velma's sexuality needs to be more nuanced and deeper, meaning they are arguing that she's not bi, but she is a lesbian.

However, the main character's sexuality in Mystery Incorporated, a show that ran for three years in the early 2010s, was just alluded to. Last year, in the animated movie, the subtext evolved into something more concrete, and we saw a Velma that had a real crush on a female villain -- which viewers and the whole internet really loved. Moreover, it helped people to come out, especially young people struggling with their sexuality.

Velma Dinkley fans may have felt a sense of accomplishment for having her sexuality integrated into the Scooby story through their joy and support. The character became a popular meme and the meme became a part of her identity. Plus, the movie finally gave fans what they wanted. However, when HBO Max's new Velma appeared snarky, petty, and full of rage, some fans may have been unprepared and felt a sense of ownership.

Except for this latest version of Velma in this movie, the more traditional Scooby-Doo features will be the same and they will coexist with this new narrative, even if this version of the female character is different and explores more freely her identity, it doesn't mean that she will replace the traditional character. In fact, Velma began three years ago when the executive director was invited to check the Warner Bros. archives and found a relationship with this character, empathizing with Velma, as she saw herself in Velma growing up. So, as she worked on creating the show, she wanted to honor Velma but also add a human touch to the character. The belief that the internet would get angry about the new Velma was always a chance. However, there are always people that will be vocal about their critiques, and chances are, the show will not be loved by everyone. But if you give it a go, tell us how you liked it!