Phineas and Ferb (2007 - ) - TV series on the Disney Channel

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I was introduced to this series by a friend who knows that I also like programmes such as Adventure Time. I've only watched a few episodes but I adore the show. Phineas and Ferb are step brothers and best friends who are incredibly adept at and building anything from an observatory to giant spinning tops. This is another of the TV programmes for children that has also been adopted by many young adults because of its humour but also the effort that has been put into it.

Firstly the characters are wonderful. They are mostly friends or family and despite the sister having a vendetta against her brothers, who always avoid any trouble, all the characters work together and love each other. Ferb doesn't talk a lot, in fact in several episodes he has no lines at all, but everyone just accepts this in him and Phineas treats him with such respect. It is difficult to explain fully because they are cartoon characters but they all work so well together and I like anything where there is no major conflict.

Having only watched a few of the episodes I was worried that it would be a repetitive but it isn't. They involve various characters, locations and storylines. There is a basic formula that it adheres to but after watching a few episodes it doesn't stagnate but rather the viewer becomes more aware of inside jokes. There is also a lot of referential humour, for instance the latest episode I watched was about a Lake Nose Monster and there were a few Citizen Kane references which shows that the programme isn't entirely created for children.

The very minor problem that I have with the programme is Perry the Platypus. He is Phineas and Ferb's pet who is also an agent that stops Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz 'evil' plans. I find Perry slightly obsolete as a character because he doesn't do a lot and instead Dr. Doofenshmirtz is there for comedy and Perry's presence is just for him to have someone to talk to and be funny with.

Overall the programme is really good and I suppose it inspires children to do a little more with their friends and family, even if it's not inventing giant ant farms and enlargement rays. It's enjoyable for a range of ages and I have heard parents in their 40s saying that they actually enjoy watching it with their children which is really important. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Adventure Time, Spongebob Squarepants, etc.