'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.
This scenario is not a new one, but "This is Your Backstory" (the title a play on on 'This is Your Life', parodied quite a lot in animation) did a fabulous job making it hugely entertaining and fresh. So much so that it made me completely forget my general not so fondness for reality television. While not quite one of the best 'Phineas and Ferb' episodes, "This is Your Backstory" is fantastic fun and a dream for any fan of the show, anybody who likes Norm and who is nostalgic for old reality shows.
So much to love here in "This is Your Backstory". It is excellently animated. Vibrantly coloured and the backgrounds has lovely attention to detail. The music is dynamic with the action and the theme song is insanely catchy with very clever and quotable lyrics that anybody still in school fishing for how to spend their vacation will relate to.
It's exceptionally well written as well. The target audience is clear and there is something for kids and adults alike. The writing is smart and mature, while not being too complicated for younger audiences. While with enough complexity emotionally to not be simplistic for older viewers, the setting is very imaginatively and affectionately done. As are the reality show references, which are nostalgic and never feel random or forced.
All the character writing and interaction are spot on, Norm makes one of his best and most interesting appearances and Doofenschmirtz is priceless. The voice acting is without issue too.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10.
