'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.
There are a few 'Phineas and Ferb' episodes that are uneven experiences and where one episode is a lot better than the other. "Bully Bust"/"Backyard Hodge Podge" was one of those. In this case though, even the one that was better than the other was one of those liked rather than loved ones and could have been better. Was not expecting an awful lot from the episode that didn't do a lot for me as the plot sounded thin and uninspired. Which was more or less what was expected.
"Bully Bust" wasn't perfect, with the main story being quite thin and predictable, with the outcome never being in doubt. Also thought that some of the humour didn't quite land, some of it being a little too juvenile. It is more than compensated though by the wonderfully wacky Doofenschmirtz subplot which sees Doofenschmirtz on typically fun form, and by the refreshing dynamic not seen before between Candace and Buford. It was nice to see Buford have a bigger role and more than the bully he is usually written as.
Was not too crazy about "Backyard Hodge Podge", which was even flimsier plot wise and was a good deal less imaginative too. Did like the idea of recycling past inventions to make a big one, but that could have been handled more inventively and it is too much of a recycled hodge podge of old ideas cobbled together. Some of the humour is witty though and did like the character writing and interactions.
A lot works individually. The animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. 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 of the writing has wit and freshness, especially the Doofenschmirtz subplot in "Bully Bust". There is a good deal of energy in that episode too. The characters are all fine, especially Doofenschmirtz and Buford. The voice acting likewise.
In summary, has a number of good things but not top 'Phineas and Ferb' standard. 7/10.
There are a few 'Phineas and Ferb' episodes that are uneven experiences and where one episode is a lot better than the other. "Bully Bust"/"Backyard Hodge Podge" was one of those. In this case though, even the one that was better than the other was one of those liked rather than loved ones and could have been better. Was not expecting an awful lot from the episode that didn't do a lot for me as the plot sounded thin and uninspired. Which was more or less what was expected.
"Bully Bust" wasn't perfect, with the main story being quite thin and predictable, with the outcome never being in doubt. Also thought that some of the humour didn't quite land, some of it being a little too juvenile. It is more than compensated though by the wonderfully wacky Doofenschmirtz subplot which sees Doofenschmirtz on typically fun form, and by the refreshing dynamic not seen before between Candace and Buford. It was nice to see Buford have a bigger role and more than the bully he is usually written as.
Was not too crazy about "Backyard Hodge Podge", which was even flimsier plot wise and was a good deal less imaginative too. Did like the idea of recycling past inventions to make a big one, but that could have been handled more inventively and it is too much of a recycled hodge podge of old ideas cobbled together. Some of the humour is witty though and did like the character writing and interactions.
A lot works individually. The animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. 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 of the writing has wit and freshness, especially the Doofenschmirtz subplot in "Bully Bust". There is a good deal of energy in that episode too. The characters are all fine, especially Doofenschmirtz and Buford. The voice acting likewise.
In summary, has a number of good things but not top 'Phineas and Ferb' standard. 7/10.
