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).
The synopsis for "Bee Day" appealed to me a lot more than the one for "Bee Story". Of the two episodes, "Bee Day" is for me the much better of the two, and felt more like 'Phineas and Ferb' in a classic situation. "Bee Story" felt more like a side story for that episode and one that was on the bland and uneven side with less interesting characters. Didn't hate it, but it could have been more.
As to be expected, the animation in particularly "Bee Day" is great. Loved the vibrant colour, the meticulously detailed backgrounds and nice, suitably wacky reactions and expressions. 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.
"Bee Day" is a very well written episode with plenty for kids and adults alike. The main plot is fun and nostalgic and while it does follow a formula there is enough variety to stop it from being repetitive. Really liked Linda's role, which had a lot of relatable heart and the reminiscing was nostalgic and heartfelt. Doofenschmirtz's subplot is wonderfully insane, with a scheme that is one of his wackier later ones. Loved his comic lines and the nuanced character interaction between him and Perry. The latter being his usual adorable, resourceful and amusing self, a classic case of expressions and body language telling so much without speech. The voice acting in both episodes is great.
Did find "Bee Story" less good. It did have moments of fun and charm and Isabella is a charming character. Plus the animation, music and voice acting are spot on. The main plot though is thin, which did affect the momentum at times, and felt too much like an extended side story.
Wasn't that interested in the subplot either of Pinky and Poofenplotz, it did try to do something a little different by having different characters in the Perry and Doofenschmirtz roles, but it was just too predictable and read of the typical Perry and Doofenschmirtz subplot albeit with less interesting characters. Pinky particularly is on the bland side and Poofenplotz is basically the female version of Doofenschmirtz with not near as much wackiness. Her schemes are wacky but not enough is done with her as a character.
In summary, one episode was great and the other didn't quite click. 8/10.
