'Phineas and Ferb' was so good in helping me through my tough periods during its run, which were many. Still do get a lot of pleasure out of watching re-runs of what was, when airing, one of the few shows on the Disney Channel regularly worth bothering with. Admittedly the later episodes are not quite on the same level as the more creative earlier seasons, but 'Phineas and Ferb' at its weakest still managed generally to be better than a lot of animated shows recently at their best.
"Agent Doof" and "Phineas and Ferb and the Temple of Juatchadoon" both had strong concepts. Both are also very well done and even great episodes, with the latter getting the slight edge as the better and more consistent one, as well as more imaginative concept-wise. There are even better episodes of 'Phineas and Ferb' about (which says a lot about how brilliant the show is at its best), but the exceptionally high quality that the show had at this point is still very much there in both episodes.
Did feel that "Agent Doof" could have had a little more variety, as it is structurally rather formulaic and the only things that are different are the invention and what it does. It is still great fun though and Doofenschmirtz is a riot in a subplot that is very wacky Doofenschmirtz. The character interaction and writing are terrific.
Better though was the very 'Indiana Jones'-like "Phineas and Ferb and the Temple of Juatchadoon", which had me feeling very nostalgic for the classic action adventure films. The referencing is smart, funny and affectionate, and ones that won't be too unfamiliar with anybody that knows what is being referenced. The antics are exciting and suitably adventurous and the Doofenschmirtz subplot is more inspired.
Coming onto the individual elements, the animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. The character animation in "Agent Doof" is particularly good and has some inventive and wonderfully exaggerated details, big and small. The music is in the style that is not usually my style of choice when listening to music, but it is very catchy and pleasant to listen to. The theme song is irresistible with a melody that sticks in the head for days without being an earworm and with very quotable lyrics. Some nice visuals accompanying it too.
Writing is full of wit and intelligence in both episodes, equally so and not one being better in this regard than the other, and the pacing is lively. It is never simplistic or forced, neither is it too complicated or tries too hard to be clever. The stories in both episodes are charming and fun, both Doofenschmirtz plots represent him very well as the wonderfully kooky character that fans know and love.
Overall, great. 9/10.
"Agent Doof" and "Phineas and Ferb and the Temple of Juatchadoon" both had strong concepts. Both are also very well done and even great episodes, with the latter getting the slight edge as the better and more consistent one, as well as more imaginative concept-wise. There are even better episodes of 'Phineas and Ferb' about (which says a lot about how brilliant the show is at its best), but the exceptionally high quality that the show had at this point is still very much there in both episodes.
Did feel that "Agent Doof" could have had a little more variety, as it is structurally rather formulaic and the only things that are different are the invention and what it does. It is still great fun though and Doofenschmirtz is a riot in a subplot that is very wacky Doofenschmirtz. The character interaction and writing are terrific.
Better though was the very 'Indiana Jones'-like "Phineas and Ferb and the Temple of Juatchadoon", which had me feeling very nostalgic for the classic action adventure films. The referencing is smart, funny and affectionate, and ones that won't be too unfamiliar with anybody that knows what is being referenced. The antics are exciting and suitably adventurous and the Doofenschmirtz subplot is more inspired.
Coming onto the individual elements, the animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. The character animation in "Agent Doof" is particularly good and has some inventive and wonderfully exaggerated details, big and small. The music is in the style that is not usually my style of choice when listening to music, but it is very catchy and pleasant to listen to. The theme song is irresistible with a melody that sticks in the head for days without being an earworm and with very quotable lyrics. Some nice visuals accompanying it too.
Writing is full of wit and intelligence in both episodes, equally so and not one being better in this regard than the other, and the pacing is lively. It is never simplistic or forced, neither is it too complicated or tries too hard to be clever. The stories in both episodes are charming and fun, both Doofenschmirtz plots represent him very well as the wonderfully kooky character that fans know and love.
Overall, great. 9/10.
