"Phineas and Ferb Get Busted" definitely stands out when it comes to the episodes of 'Phineas and Ferb', with it being something of a change of pace. Different setting, an episode that doesn't follow the usual basic formula, different atmosphere, a different kind of ending. As well as seeing the characters and relationships at a different angle. On first watch it struck me as a strange episode, but also a great one that is quite unique for the show.
My positive feelings are still the same over a decade on and "Phineas and Ferb Get Busted" is actually an example of an episode that has gotten better overtime, due to finding more to appreciate not noticed as much on first watch. "Phineas and Ferb Get Busted" is a strange episode but this is a case of that not being a bad thing, this approach was handled very well and imaginatively and doesn't feel out of place tonally for the show. Not quite one of my very favourite episodes of 'Phineas and Ferb' but very close to that.
There are better songs in 'Phineas and Ferb', before and since, than "Little Brothers" in my view, but it was still an incredibly heartfelt song that left a big impression on me emotionally, and will do for anybody with siblings.
Visually, "Phineas and Ferb Get Busted" looks great. It has a darker and more austere look when at the reform school, which was wholly appropriate for the mood and the setting, while maintaining at other points the usual vibrancy. The attention to detail in the backgrounds is striking. 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.
Writing is without problem, it is very intelligent and mature while also having more than enough for younger audiences. Having a good mix of humour and sentiment, with some inspired cultural references to 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Dallas' (adults are definitely more likely to get those). The story is a long way from formulaic, as far as 'Phineas and Ferb' episodes go this is one of the biggest examples of the change of pace ones. Usually hate the type of endings "Phineas and Ferb Get Busted" has as it is too often executed as too much of a cheat, but it is done very cleverly here and just when you thought things had been resolved it brings in another surprise. The reform school setting is unsettlingly austere.
All the characters are handled beautifully, with Candace getting some of her meatiest development of the whole show here and luckily it is very interesting character development that sees her in a new light. The relationship between her, Phineas and Ferb is a lot deeper here too. The Sergeant is a memorable character and it was hard to not feel for Perry at the end. The voice acting is on point, especially Ashley Tisdale and creepiness-personified Clancy Brown.
In summary, wonderful. 10/10
6 out of 8 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
