'Phineas and Ferb' was one of the few Disney Channel shows in (relatively) recent years that was watched by me and my siblings, also Disney fans, since its inception and continued to watch completely hooked, the re-runs being holiday highlights. That's no joke. The earlier episodes are better than the later ones, funnier and more creative, but even when the show was not at its best it was better than quite a lot of the shows airing on Disney Channel, which has not been the same it used to be for years, at the time.
While neither are among my favourite episodes of 'Phineas and Ferb', "Greece Lightning" and "Leave the Busting to Us!" still have plenty of things, well actually almost everything, that make the show so great. They are both extremely good episodes, and "Greece Lightning" even does something different. If there is a preference regarding which episode is better, my vote would be "Greece Lightning" marginally and it may appeal a little more conceptually to others.
Both are a bit manic in the pacing at times, particularly "Leave the Busting to Us!" where a few of the gags could have had more time to breathe.
Once again though, both are excellent otherwise. It was very interesting seeing Perry with a different nemesis in "Greece Lightning", which captures the excitement of chariot racing remarkably vividly, and Doofenschmirtz's scheme in "Leave the Busting to Us!" is deliciously insane (then again when has Doofenschmirtz's schemes never had some degree of that, very few is the answer). The portrayal of reality shows is witty, smart, on the nose and makes one think twice about going on one regardless of the motivations while staying true to the basic formula and the show's roots.
The animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. The chariot racing looks cool and the transitions are slick. 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.
Doofenschmirtz's dialogue in "Leave the Busting to Us!" is very funny as always and while Norm is fun in "Greece Lightning" he is no Doofenschmirtz by any stretch and the chemistry between him and Perry doesn't gel quite as well. It has wit and avoids being juvenile or simplistic, while not being too complicated for younger audiences. The storytelling in both episodes is lively and full of charm and fun. All the characters are great as usual and the voice acting likewise.
Concluding, extremely good. 9/10
While neither are among my favourite episodes of 'Phineas and Ferb', "Greece Lightning" and "Leave the Busting to Us!" still have plenty of things, well actually almost everything, that make the show so great. They are both extremely good episodes, and "Greece Lightning" even does something different. If there is a preference regarding which episode is better, my vote would be "Greece Lightning" marginally and it may appeal a little more conceptually to others.
Both are a bit manic in the pacing at times, particularly "Leave the Busting to Us!" where a few of the gags could have had more time to breathe.
Once again though, both are excellent otherwise. It was very interesting seeing Perry with a different nemesis in "Greece Lightning", which captures the excitement of chariot racing remarkably vividly, and Doofenschmirtz's scheme in "Leave the Busting to Us!" is deliciously insane (then again when has Doofenschmirtz's schemes never had some degree of that, very few is the answer). The portrayal of reality shows is witty, smart, on the nose and makes one think twice about going on one regardless of the motivations while staying true to the basic formula and the show's roots.
The animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. The chariot racing looks cool and the transitions are slick. 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.
Doofenschmirtz's dialogue in "Leave the Busting to Us!" is very funny as always and while Norm is fun in "Greece Lightning" he is no Doofenschmirtz by any stretch and the chemistry between him and Perry doesn't gel quite as well. It has wit and avoids being juvenile or simplistic, while not being too complicated for younger audiences. The storytelling in both episodes is lively and full of charm and fun. All the characters are great as usual and the voice acting likewise.
Concluding, extremely good. 9/10
