Phineas and Ferb (TV Series) The Bully Code/Finding Mary McGuffin (2009) User Reviews

"The Bully Code" & "Finding Mary McGuffin"

[alcantaraj-16594 · 8/10 · 15 June 2021]

"The Bully Code"

Everything about this episode is just okay, except for the beautiful animation. Bufor and Baljeet's relationship can be funny when they're in the background but putting them front and center is not comedy gold. There are some laughs here and there but the writers clearly were not at their best when they wrote the episode. Even Candace and Doofenshmirtz were just fine in the episode. For Baljeet-Buford shippers, I think they'll love this episode. (7.5/10)

"Finding Mary McGuffin"

This is a much better episode. The titular duo and Candace are very likable and charming. Their detective-style isn't hilarious but I didn't mind it because, again, they were so likable and the duo is so sweet to help their older sister. The best part about this episode is the relationship between Doofenshmirtz and Vanessa. It's rare for an American series to show a good father-daughter relationship and this series did it very well. I felt the love (and shame) that Vanessa had for her dad. The song is also really good, well done and really sweet. (8.25/10)

Servants and dolls

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 18 June 2021]

Despite being a huge Disney fan, 'Phineas and Ferb' was one of those shows before starting to watch where there was uncertainty as to whether it would be my cup of tea. Luckily, it turned out to be a major hit with me and my brother and sisters and very quickly we became addicted to it. Even if it is very formula-based, there are so many cool situations, quotes and songs and have always loved the characters and the theme song (which avoided it becoming repetition heavy).

Both "The Bully Code" and "Finding Mary McGuffin" had great story ideas and the execution in both episodes is on the most part brilliant. There is a slight preference for "Finding Mary McGuffin", which had the more interesting main plot though it was great to see more of Baljeet and Buford in , the latter in a different light this time. Did prefer the Doofenschmirtz subplot though in "Finding Mary McGuffin." Recommend both episodes very highly, though neither are among my favourites.

Absolutely loved the character interaction between Baljeet and Buford in "The Bully Code", very interesting and funny to see Buford in this way here. The Candace subplot is not as soapy or as cheesy as it sounds, found the execution quite charming and relatable. The episode actually was at its weakest with the Doofenschmirtz subplot, which apart from a few fun lines and nice character interaction is not very inspired.

Personally did much prefer the one in "Finding Mary McGuffin", which was fun and he and Vanessa's chemistry whenever it appears is always nice to watch and it had a lot of heart, did really relate to Vanessa. The rest of the episode was just as great, Phineas and Ferb's input was really cool and entertaining, as well as sweet. Their detective skills are put to great use and suits them, and liked their dynamic with Candace. "The Bully Code" had more energy though.

The animation is full of rich bright colour with some good attention to detail in the backgrounds. The setting is very colourful and authentic, put to great use in the Phineas and Ferb subplot. The music is dynamic with the action and the theme song is insanely catchy with very clever and quotable lyrics that anybody still in school fishing for how to spend their vacation will relate to. All the characters work beautifully together, the most interesting being the one between Baljeet and Buford in "The Bully Code" and even more so between Doofenschmirtz and Vanessa.

Writing is extremely good, in its customary smart and witty style that clearly knows what type of audience and age demographic (all ages) it wants to appeal to. Never being too over-complicated for younger audiences and never being too childish for adults, the writing is far from a mess tonally and doesn't try to do too much. All the character writing is fine as is the voice acting.

Overall, very impressed. 9/10.