'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.
"Rollercoaster" and "Candace Loses Her Head" are strong examples of prime-'Phineas and Ferb' and strong examples, also of how great a show it is for children and adults alike and how it is to me easily one of the best shows airing on Disney. Of the two, "Rollercoaster" (the one that started it all) is especially brilliant and one of my favourites of the first season. With a great formula that worked really well for the show throughout its run, but these two episodes are examples of when the formula was fresh.
The animation is bright and colourful, with such vibrant colours that literally pop out at you and beautifully detailed backgrounds. The rollercoaster looks especially well done and literally is the coolest rollercoaster in the world. 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.
Both "Rollercoaster" and "Candace Loses Her Head" are well written. It is fresher in the former, with Doofenschmirtz's dialogue being an absolute hoot. 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, again it is fresher conceptually in "Rollercoaster" but the Mt. Rushmore location is put to good use in "Candace Loses Her Head".
Already the characters show enormous potential, with Phineas and Ferb being likeable protagonists. Candace is not as subtle but is relatable in a way. My favourites were Perry the Platypus, one of my main reasons actually for my love of the show, and Doofenschmirtz. The latter's dialogue is fantastically nuts and his inventions look inventive and absurd at the same time, even if the outcome is predictable. Perry is so cute but also tough and amusing, his ways of outsmarting Doofenschmirtz never got old. The voice acting is strong, Ashley Tisdale just about avoids being too shrill and Dan Povemire was clearly enjoying himself when voicing Doofenschmirtz throughout the show.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10
