'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.
Watching "Perry Lays an Egg" and "Gaming the System" was something of an uneven experience. Where one was much better than the other. "Perry Lays an Egg" sounds strange on paper but was actually a very funny and clever episode with a refreshing dynamic in the main plot. However despite having a better premise conceptually, "Gaming the System" for my tastes is a lot less imaginative than it sounds which was rather disappointing.
A lot works individually. The animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. It is the best thing about "Gaming the System" in my view and the most inventive that episode gets. He 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.
The writing is variable this time. It is very smart and witty in "Perry Lays an Egg", never too childish or too complicated. It doesn't have anywhere the same amount of freshness and zip in "Gaming the System", with not enough that is amusing let alone hilarious or inspired. The storytelling is great in "Perry Lays an Egg", the Perry and Doofenschmirtz subplot is a hoot with hilarious lines from Doofenschmirtz and great interaction between the two. The Phineas and Ferb subplot was interesting for the dynamic between the brothers and Candace, where we see a different side to Candace. Softer and more maternal, less concerned about busting them.
"Gaming the System" lacked energy however and was pretty predictable, this is not a new premise and not much fresh is done with it. There are far more inspired Doofenschmirtz subplots too, which did strike me as rather too silly and weird this time around.
Love all the characters and their chemistry together. The voice acting is very good in both episodes.
In conclusion, one episode is terrific but the other disappoints. 7/10.
Watching "Perry Lays an Egg" and "Gaming the System" was something of an uneven experience. Where one was much better than the other. "Perry Lays an Egg" sounds strange on paper but was actually a very funny and clever episode with a refreshing dynamic in the main plot. However despite having a better premise conceptually, "Gaming the System" for my tastes is a lot less imaginative than it sounds which was rather disappointing.
A lot works individually. The animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. It is the best thing about "Gaming the System" in my view and the most inventive that episode gets. He 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.
The writing is variable this time. It is very smart and witty in "Perry Lays an Egg", never too childish or too complicated. It doesn't have anywhere the same amount of freshness and zip in "Gaming the System", with not enough that is amusing let alone hilarious or inspired. The storytelling is great in "Perry Lays an Egg", the Perry and Doofenschmirtz subplot is a hoot with hilarious lines from Doofenschmirtz and great interaction between the two. The Phineas and Ferb subplot was interesting for the dynamic between the brothers and Candace, where we see a different side to Candace. Softer and more maternal, less concerned about busting them.
"Gaming the System" lacked energy however and was pretty predictable, this is not a new premise and not much fresh is done with it. There are far more inspired Doofenschmirtz subplots too, which did strike me as rather too silly and weird this time around.
Love all the characters and their chemistry together. The voice acting is very good in both episodes.
In conclusion, one episode is terrific but the other disappoints. 7/10.
