Top 10 Hilarious Phineas and Ferb Running Gags
#10: The Secret Agent Fedora
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When he’s around his family, Perry acts like a regular platypus who doesn’t do much. Whenever Perry breaks out his secret agent fedora, however, the espionage action begins. The brown fedoras are used to distinguish ordinary animals from members of O.W.C.A., or Organization Without a Cool Acronym. Thus, Perry isn’t the only one with a fedora or a secret lair. It was especially surprising when we first saw Isabella’s chihuahua Pinky wearing a fedora, revealing his double life. For the dimwitted Dr. Doofenshmirtz, the fedora is the only way he can tell the difference between Agent P and any other platypus. You’d think that Doof would be able to recognize Perry with or without the hat, but he gets stumped several times.
#9: Lindana
Before Linda Flynn-Fletcher was a mother, she lived a storied life as a pop star under the stage name Lindana. Back in the 80s, she became as big as Madonna with her single “I’m Lindana and I Wanna Have Fun.” The catchy yet meaningless song repeatedly pops up throughout the series, sometimes in its original form and other times as elevator music. Lindana’s inner diva got the better of her, however, resulting in her one-hit-wonder status. Meh, she was lip-syncing the whole time anyway. Linda is usually such a grounded character, so it’s always interesting to learn more about her colorful youth. Perhaps the funniest revelation is that Linda’s desire to be a pop star helped inspire Doofenshmirtz’s pursuit to take over the tri-state area.
#8: Aren’t You a Little Young?
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Throughout their epic summer, the exact ages of Phineas and Ferb aren’t made explicitly clear. In any case, they definitely look a little young to be rollercoaster engineers, landscape contractors, or big-budget movie directors. The adults they come across frequently bring this up, to which Phineas usually replies, “yes, yes I am.” This question is asked so many times that after a while, Phineas comes to expect it. Of course, Phineas doesn’t always give the same answer, a key example being when the boys are asked if they’re a little young to be pop stars. “No.” Disney musicians do tend to skew younger after all. Where Phineas and Ferb are seen as too young, Doofenshmirtz appears a little old for his childish antics.
#7: Doofenshmirtz’s Evil Jingle
Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated isn’t the easiest name to remember. After listening to this catchy jingle a few times, however, you’ll never forget it. The evil jingle is often heard whenever Perry arrives at Doofenshmirtz’s building. The lyrics are occasionally changed depending on where Doofenshmirtz is and what he’s up to. Whether it's Doofenshmirtz Abandoned Self Storage or Doofenshmirtz Ex-Wife’s House in the Hills Somewhere, though, the singers always bring such upbeat energy to the jingle. Well, except for maybe Doofenshmirtz’s basement, which is appropriately downbeat. Apparently, the jingle is just the beginning of a longer song that Doofenshmirtz hasn’t gotten around to finishing. If Doofenshmirtz ever does complete the full song, hopefully his daughter Vanessa gets an official verse.
#6: Ferb, I Know What We’re Gonna Do Today!
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Considering that Phineas is as smart as a young Isaac Newton, it’s only fitting that he comes up with his best ideas while sitting under a tree. Whenever inspiration hits Phineas like a falling apple, he enthusiastically tells his step-brother, “Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today!” It’s a line that speaks to Phineas’ eternal optimism, creativity, and can-do attitude. This phrase is occasionally followed by a familiar question, as someone, usually Phineas, realizes that Perry is gone. “Where’s Perry?” Perry is of course off thwarting Doofenshmirtz’s evil schemes, leaving the boys to their own devices. Most of the time, the pet platypus will return home by the end of the day, just as Phineas and Ferb are finishing their latest project. All in a day’s work.
#5: Whatcha Doin?
Whenever Isabella drops by Phineas and Ferb’s backyard, she habitually asks the same question: “Whatcha Doin?” She says this with such high-pitched curiosity that it’s impossible not to smile every time we hear it. It’s a catchphrase almost as adorable as Isabella’s not-so-subtle feelings for Phineas. Being the object of her affection, Phineas is the only other person that Isabella is comfortable sharing her catchphrase with. When Buford tried to say it once, Isabella wasn’t about to let it slide. Even when she’s not in the room, Isabella can sense when others are stealing her trademark line. As cute as her catchphrase is, it can also be a fearsome weapon. Mitch learned this the hard way when Isabella slapped him with the ultimate “whatcha doin?”
#4: Doofenshmirtz’s Inators
Doofenshmirtz is always cooking up diabolical inventions, most of which are branded as “inators.” A few of these devices have relatively menacing names like the Destruct-inator. Others don’t roll off the tongue so naturally, such as the Giant Robotic Penguin Icy Freeze Your Socks Off Breath-inator. In any case, the inators always make leeway for a lot of fun, inventive, and hilarious scenarios. They also usually play a role in cleaning up Phineas and Ferb’s messes before Mom gets home. Meanwhile, Doof’s inators are destroyed by that cursed Perry the Platypus… and sometimes a self-destruct button he unwisely included. Despite being an evil scientist who specializes in inators, building a Terminator has apparently never crossed Doofenshmirtz’s mind. Maybe if Disney ever buys that franchise...
#3: Crushes
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Love was in the air throughout this particular summer, although it took a while for several couples to finally get together. After crushing on Jeremy for more than 100 episodes, Candace officially becomes his girlfriend. Phineas isn’t as quick to catch onto Isabella’s crush, despite her many, MANY hints. Fortunately, “Phinbella” does become canon in their late teens, just in time for them to start a college romance. The running gag involving Ferb’s crush on the older Vanessa also matures with time, building to a happy ending. Interestingly, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Olivia Olson, the voices of Ferb and Vanessa, respectively, previously played a young couple in “Love Actually.” So, this is one running gag that extends beyond the series itself.
#2: Doofenshmirtz’s Tragic Backstories
It’s not uncommon for a villain to have a tragic backstory. Doofenshmirtz has multiple tragic backstories, though, each one more depressing and hilarious than the last. Where do we begin? Well, we guess when Doofenshmirtz was born… and his parents somehow didn’t show up for the delivery. Where Doofenshmirtz was rejected by his parents upon arrival, they showered his brother Roger with nothing but love. The fact that Roger grows up to be mayor gives Doof all the more reason to take over the tri-state area. Doof’s childhood was full of heartbreak, not to mention bullies, bratwurst, and balloons. Macbeth and Hamlet think they know tragedy, but at least they didn’t grow up having to pose as a lawn gnome. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. The Inexplicable Giant Floating Baby Head Seriously, Whose Brainchild Was This? Ferb’s Few Lines We Guess Thomas Brodie-Sangster Was Busy Playing Jojen Reed It’s Tough to Be a Bird Even The Three-Eyed Raven Didn’t See That Coming -Okay, No More “Game of Thrones” Jokes Doofenshmirtz the Pharmacist Mad Scientists & Pharmacists Do Dress Alike Always Wear a Helmet You’re Welcome, Standards & Practices
#1: You Are So Busted
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In almost every episode, Candace attempts to bust those “evil boys” for building something unbelievable. More often than not, whatever Phineas and Ferb cook up will disappear before Mom arrives. You’d think that this formula would get old after a while, but the writers know how to put a fresh spin on Candace’s attempts to bust her brothers. For example, on extremely rare occasions, Candace succeeds in her busting endeavors. These victories are short-lived, though, as something always sets things back to the status quo. Sadly, nothing comes along to save Candace when she gets busted. Nevertheless, Candace remains resolute in her fruitless mission to take the boys down, screaming, “Mom,” every step of the way.
