Mom! Zach Wrote Thoughts on Phineas & Ferb!

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When you ask a random number of Gen-Z what their childhood cartoon show is, you'll hear a variety of likely responses, from Nickelodeon classics such as Spongebob, and Disney semi-dark horrors such as Gravity Falls. But you'll also hear a combination of the two in the Disney Channel show titled Phineas & Ferb.

Phineas & Ferb is considered to be the peak of early 2010s television. Which was the time that I was immersing myself in the world and growing up. Something scary to think about now looking back.

Regardless, with the show now undergoing its revitalization rennisance, I believe that it is high time that I write an official review. Which is where we are now.

Here we go with the iconic step-brother duo known as Phineas and Ferb.

Phineas & Ferb has technically existed since the 1990s in the minds of Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh. They had grown close after working on The Simpsons together and made early attempts to sell the show after no success. In 2006, the show was accepted by Disney Channel, and the rest is history.

The show is generally seen as a two-plot series. The primary plot concerns step-brother Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher's imaginative inventions to spend their summer with fun, with their sister Candace attempting to "bust" them to their mom. This side of the story also sees the siblings interact with their friend group (comprising the stereotypical friends in a friend group) and other peers of Danville.

The other side of the show sees the Flynn-Fletcher's pet platypus, Perry, who in actuality is a secret agent, battle the diabolical Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and his attempts to take over the Tri-State Area, often to end in failure.

Both plots collide in essence when Dr. Doofenshmirtz's own invention (termed an "-inator") hits whatever the boys' invention was causing it to disappear or else poof out of the backyard right before their mom gets home — giving the boys a clean slate for the next day.

Even though the two plots are pretty distant from one another, a running joke is just how small of a world Danville is, which allows everyone and everything to interact with each other pretty quickly and effectively, much to the chagrin of at least one character.

When you add the fact that the show is formulaic down to the second (probably, but who's counting), it allowed the show to reach a massive audience and incredible success. The show had its first original run from 2007-2015 when it originally ended.

However, you should not have fretted at that; because Disney gave enough money for the creators to say "yes" for two new seasons. The first one (i.e. fifth overall) releasing this past June and Season 6 coming out next year in 2026.

Now that you have a run-down, here is why I, someone in the show's key demographic/audience , enjoy this show so much 10 years after the fact:

Many television shows of this era have some sort of formula that they adhere to conservatively. Phineas & Ferb is no exception, yet there is always something new to be seen in each episode. In the new season more so, where the breaks make the show more amusing yet still true to the overall theme.

There is a running joke where the characters are self-aware of this routine and make snide comments to keep it going. But the fact that the show can use such a formula to a (sometimes) exhausting degree yet still be creative is definitely something to behold.

If there is one thing that every fan of the show will likely rave about. It is the dialogue itself. There are many tongue-in-cheek references and other tidbits that allow the viewers to be entertained at laugh with, if not at, the show.

A notable comedic inclusion is Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Who, when he is supposed to be this dangerous evil scientist, is more of a divorced dad who had an extremely difficult upbringing (see: his raising by ocelots). This rather unfortunate backstory has him explain monologues or flashbacks about why he is doing what he's doing. Combine that with the fact that half of the things he wants to do with his inators are relatable to the viewer, it makes us laugh and resonate with him. (That is why Doof is considered #CartoonsBestDad)

Much of the jokes in the show are way over the show's level, and that's what makes it great. You don't expect them, but you embrace and enjoy them nonetheless.

Not only is the show formulaic and funny, but it also portrays scenarios out-of-pocket that cannot make you angry; but only smile and laugh — as only this show can make you as such.

For instance, in Season 4 Episode 20, the gang goes on a mystical quest to find Klimpaloon, essentially the show's equivalent to the Yeti, and find themselves involved in a clothing line conspirarcy as a side effect.

You never know quite where the show is going to go, and that's the joy of it.

One thing that has been noted over and over is how the character development arcs for the show are a tad wonky. Some characters see a major change, such as the rock band Love Handel and Doofenshmirtz's daughter Vanessa. Others… do not have that luxury.

Which, to be completely fair, makes sense given the original premise of a children's show. But as time goes on, more and more of the demographics for the show are older people who want to see at least some change. Not a lot, but a progression. But Doofenshmirtz's regression in the past season leaves that unsaid in the show. Which is something not to dissuade you, but keep in mind.

Phineas & Ferb is one of the best Disney shows created, full stop. It's humor and decisions allow it to be enjoyed by audiences across multiple generations. Something that can be seen as difficult and tedious given the current environment surrounding media these days.

But, if you have never watched it, and want to get into it as a binge-watch. You would be making a great choice. This show managed to effectively come back from the dead with a renewed and larger fanbase. If that doesn't speak volumes about the show, well, I don't know what does.

Here we go with the summer/fall of reviews. We have a number of reviews coming up, and I hope to keep them on a stable schedule as I start up my schoolwork for the semester.

Thanks for reading, see you soon!