Mummy’s the Word is the first part of the third episode of the Richie Rich / Scooby Doo show and originally aired on November 22, 1980.
This episode sees the gang driving through Egypt where they get caught in a sandstorm before finally ending up at a pyramid guarded by an ancient mummy
Mummy’s the Word is a clever play on the phrase Mum’s the word. Should mum’s the word apply to this episode, or will it end up being great with a real life mummy? Let’s find out!
The episode begins with the gang driving the Mystery Machine through an Egyptian desert. The gang are out of water and are parched. Looking for an oasis, the gang come across a soft drink stand that turns out to be a mirage.
Eventually, the gang get hit by a sandstorm that buries them in sand. When they uncover themselves, they realize they are in front of a pyramid.
Curious, Scrappy runs in so Scooby and Shaggy take chase. Inside the pyramid we see lots of cool looking Egyptian paintings, statues and pottery. The gang are incredibly loud, and have awoken a mummy.
The mummy takes chase and we get lots of hijinks as the gang evade the Mummy. In one scene we even get an underground oasis with a small river that is full of crocodiles.
Eventually, Scrappy unwraps the mummy, but he still takes chase, only this time he is invisible. All we can see are his footprints in the sand.
Scared, Scooby and Shaggy drive off as the Mummy closes the door to his Pyramid so he can get some much needed sleep.
My Review
I give this episode a 2 out of 10. The mummy design is cool, and the pyramid interior is fun as well. I didn’t love this episode, and found it middle of the road, but it was still a quick and entertaining watch.
I’ve been handing out a lot of 2s and I don’t blame the writers or creators of the series for this. The writing is directed at young kids so they can sell advertising to cereal, toy and fast food companies. This series did the job as I was certainly watching the show back in 1980.
Back then I realized this wasn’t all that great, but I still loved Scooby-Doo so I always stayed tuned.
Anyway, that wraps up another episode, join me next week when I will be covering Hang in there, Scooby!
Voices
Don Messick: Scrappy, Scooby
Casey Kasem: Shaggy
