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).
"Bad Hair Day" and "Meatloaf Surprise" both had strong concepts. Both are also very well done and even great episodes, with "Bad Hair Day" 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.
More could have been done with the guest stars generally in "Meatloaf Surprise", Nigel and Adrian could have been used more (as that part of the plot had potential but was under-utilised) and there could have been less of Jamie Oliver, whose role felt a little too like a promotion of a new healthy eating plan.
However, there is a lot to like about both episodes, especially "Bad Hair Day". Which was a lot of fun and very clever, especially in the latter half when it becomes increasingly chaotic. Doofenschmirtz's subplots are wonderfully wacky in both episodes, with the one for "Meatloaf Surprise" connecting with the main plot very nicely. Phineas and Ferb's interaction is amusing and nostalgic and Candace doesn't come over as one-note or anything.
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 and the hair in "Bad Hair Day" 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.
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 subplots represent him very well as the wonderfully kooky character that fans know and love. The regular characters are all spot on in writing and interaction and cannot fault the voice acting.
In summary, very good. 8/10.
"Bad Hair Day" and "Meatloaf Surprise" both had strong concepts. Both are also very well done and even great episodes, with "Bad Hair Day" 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.
More could have been done with the guest stars generally in "Meatloaf Surprise", Nigel and Adrian could have been used more (as that part of the plot had potential but was under-utilised) and there could have been less of Jamie Oliver, whose role felt a little too like a promotion of a new healthy eating plan.
However, there is a lot to like about both episodes, especially "Bad Hair Day". Which was a lot of fun and very clever, especially in the latter half when it becomes increasingly chaotic. Doofenschmirtz's subplots are wonderfully wacky in both episodes, with the one for "Meatloaf Surprise" connecting with the main plot very nicely. Phineas and Ferb's interaction is amusing and nostalgic and Candace doesn't come over as one-note or anything.
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 and the hair in "Bad Hair Day" 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.
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 subplots represent him very well as the wonderfully kooky character that fans know and love. The regular characters are all spot on in writing and interaction and cannot fault the voice acting.
In summary, very good. 8/10.
