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).
While finding "The Great Indoors" to be the better, funnier and more consistent episode of the two, "Canderemy" surprised me in a good way. Was expecting it to be cheesy and soapy reading the synopsis of Candace and Jeremy plot that dominates the episode, but it turned out to be neither and was relatable. Both are very good indeed, "The Great Indoors" in my view even being excellent, and cheered me up a lot at a very difficult time. Even if there are better episodes of 'Phineas and Ferb'.
The weakest part of either episode is the Phineas and Ferb plot of "Canderemy", charming and amusing but not one of their most inspired or imaginative. Theirs in "The Great Indoors" is better and suits them better.
So much is great though. The animation is full of vibrant rich colour and the background detail is fluid and never rushed-looking. Where it is most striking is the comic character animation of Perry and especially Doofenschmirtz in both episodes, some of the latter's expressions are priceless. The music never felt at odds with the action and has a nice hip character, the theme song is so catchy and quotable still. Some theme songs/tunes in television can grate, others never get old. 'Phineas and Ferb' for me is in the latter category and the lyrics are funnier and easier to relate to than when first getting into the show when it first started to air.
Writing is smart, funny and has heart. Especially apparent in "The Great Indoors." No signs of corn or over-sentimentality here. Enjoyed Doofenschmirtz's subplot in "The Great Indoors" and the one in "Canderemy" ties with the main plot very nicely. A main plot that is charming and relatable and not as cheesy or as soapy as feared. Candace is well written and her writing in "Canderemy" shows more to her than somebody who constantly wants to bust her brothers. The voice acting is very good.
Overall, great. 9/10.
