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).
"The Secret of Success" and "The Doof Side of the Moon" both had strong concepts. Both are also very well done and even great episodes, with "The Doof Side of the Moon" 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 "The Secret of Success" and "The Doof Side of the Moon".
While it was interesting seeing the busting tactics, there is not much new about Candace's subplot in "The Secret of Success". Not sure what point Baljeet served in this subplot, he would have made more sense being with Phineas and Ferb. Whose subplot is amusing and nostalgic and Doofenschmirtz's was a lot of wacky fun in dialogue and visually.
As said, there is preference for the more inventive and more consistent "The Doof Side of the Moon". Loved Phineas and Ferb's antics and the character interaction in the subplot and Candace has some nice chemistry with Albert, but it is Doofenschmirtz's plot that the episode is worth seeing for. Some very imaginative visuals and some of it is hilarious.
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 lunar visuals in the Doofenschmirtz subplot in "The Doof Side of the Moon" 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 subplots represent him very well as the wonderfully kooky character that fans know and love. Only Candace's predictable subplot in "The Secret of Success" isn't as strong. The character writing and voice work are excellent.
All in all, great. 9/10.
"The Secret of Success" and "The Doof Side of the Moon" both had strong concepts. Both are also very well done and even great episodes, with "The Doof Side of the Moon" 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 "The Secret of Success" and "The Doof Side of the Moon".
While it was interesting seeing the busting tactics, there is not much new about Candace's subplot in "The Secret of Success". Not sure what point Baljeet served in this subplot, he would have made more sense being with Phineas and Ferb. Whose subplot is amusing and nostalgic and Doofenschmirtz's was a lot of wacky fun in dialogue and visually.
As said, there is preference for the more inventive and more consistent "The Doof Side of the Moon". Loved Phineas and Ferb's antics and the character interaction in the subplot and Candace has some nice chemistry with Albert, but it is Doofenschmirtz's plot that the episode is worth seeing for. Some very imaginative visuals and some of it is hilarious.
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 lunar visuals in the Doofenschmirtz subplot in "The Doof Side of the Moon" 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 subplots represent him very well as the wonderfully kooky character that fans know and love. Only Candace's predictable subplot in "The Secret of Success" isn't as strong. The character writing and voice work are excellent.
All in all, great. 9/10.
