New songs, new inventions, same old Candace. Phineas and Ferb's return to the screen is a revival triumph, leaning into all of the show's original aspects, including new inventions, Candace's single-minded determination to bust her brothers, and Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz's evil schemes, with an occasional wink at the audience.
Rather than concerns about having to wait a few episodes for this revival to find its rhythm, Phineas and Ferb jumps right in, already tackling its pre-established tone with ease. While Season 5 picks up nine months after the Season 4 finale, taking place during the next summer vacation, the 10 years in between Season 4's conclusion and Season 5's premiere may have never happened at all.
Starting with a fresh summer vacation means all new inventions, new songs, and a creative challenge to lean on innovation that had not already been tackled in previous seasons. Phineas and Ferb embraces the challenge, aiming to simultaneously invite original fans back to the still-hilarious series, but also craft a season for the next generation of kids who may not be as familiar with the original series. Phineas and Ferb themselves are just as upbeat and joyful as always, and Isabella, Buford, and Baljeet remain delightful characters. Candace has not changed at all, and while her decision at the conclusion of Candace Against The Universe may have seen her decide not to bust her brothers, ultimately, the return to Candace's natural state of determinedly striving to bust her brothers is so much a part of the heart and soul of the series that the revival could not do without it.
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz also remains a standout villain in his return to evil without missing a beat. Just as ready as ever to take over the Tri-State Area with insane schemes, Phineas and Ferb does not hold back in continuing to write a character in a way that adds to his comical value while still grounding him in a quirky and likable fashion. Major Monogram, Carl, and Perry the Platypus also all make exciting returns. All sides of the plot, whether it be Phineas, Ferb, and their friends' inventions, Candace's determination to bust, or the rivalry between Perry and Doofenshmirtz, offer a strong quality of story and humor, allowing the series to succeed on all fronts. Season five is not holding back. Instead, it embraces the longtime separation between the conclusion of season four and the premiere of season five.
Phineas and Ferb continues to utilize the beauty of animation, which allows the series the chance to do whatever it wants. The voice talent behind the show, including original leads Vincent Martella as Phineas, Ashley Tisdale as Candace, and Alyson Stoner as Isabella, deliver energized performances that capture the excitement these characters have for their summer vacation activities. Just as before, the ensemble element of this show provides an extra layer of humor from the voice cast that helps elevate the series. Although watching the first four seasons may be fun, it is not necessary to understand the characters and events in season five, which allows new audiences to grasp what the show is about instantly. However, longtime fans are more likely to catch moments that act as a reference to a previous Phineas and Ferb season or movie. Creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh deliver a delightful fifth season with a familiar set of characters in a world that can make anyone's day brighter.
Phineas and Ferb premieres on Disney Channel and Disney XD on Thursday, June 5. The first 10 episodes of Season 5 will be available on Disney+ on Friday, June 6.