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Hamster and Gretel Series Premiere Review

In 2008, I fell in love with the latest cartoon to debut on Disney Channel, Phineas and Ferb. Everything about it was simply amazing. I loved the characters, I loved the songs, and I loved how the titular duo was living every kid’s dream of having the summer vacation of our dreams. That show made me a lifelong fan of its creators, Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh. I couldn’t get fully into their follow-up series, Milo Murphy’s Law, but I respected it. Then, we got Dan’s first solo show, Hamster and Gretel. It’s…okay. 

No, really, that’s it. It’s just okay; average for right now. Therein, though, lies the main problem. Phineas and Ferb were one of Disney’s most successful shows in the late 2000s era, so people would expect that same level of success from anything its creators make. However, try as I might, I struggled to find interest in Hamster and Gretel. 

There are several reasons why this could be happening. Firstly, there’s the pacing. The first episode starts with the titular Gretel and her pet hamster, Hamster, getting superpowers from some random aliens that show up out of nowhere. A few minutes later, they’re already famous superheroes beloved by their town. How does that even work? The pacing was way too fast to be even remotely believable, in my opinion. 

Now, the series did have some light waiting for viewers at the end of the tunnel. I liked the dynamic between Gretel and her older brother, Kevin, as they must adapt to the new norm in their sibling relationship. Kevin has to accept that Gretel can take care of herself more now, while Gretel has to…well, honestly, she needs to learn to listen to her brother. Because every time she doesn’t listen, she messes up. In her defense, she’s still five or six. Not that many kids listen to their elders at that age. And the fact that she’s confirmed to have ADHD might also factor in a little. 

In addition, the first episode’s ending seemed to set the show for this bigger, overarching plot. The aliens come back and randomly give two other people powers and tell them to use them for evil. Specifically evil. So, there’s clearly more going on than meets the eye. 

I assume the show plans on getting more interesting as things continue. For now, though, I’m going to wait on it. I loved Phineas and Ferb, but Hamster and Gretel might not be for me. 

I give “Empower Failure” and “Oakey Dokey” a 2/5, each.

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A Week of Phineas and Ferb Musical Countdowns.

“Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today!” If you were a kid or teen who grew up in the late 2000s, then you’ll hopefully remember that catchphrase from Phineas and Ferb. Officially premiering on Disney Channel in 2008, Phineas and Ferb struck a chord in the people who watched it. The show’s premise was simple: two brothers trying to make the best of their summer vacation. They go about this, though, through projects and adventures that most kids would dream of doing. Oh, and their pet platypus is also a secret agent who regularly fights this mad scientist.

I fell in love with Phineas and Ferb almost right away, and would watch the show like crazy for several years. While my interest would wane with time, I returned to see the series finale in 2015. To this day, I consider it to be one of the best endings to a cartoon that I have ever seen. In just a few days, though, Phineas and Ferb will be making a triumphant return with the premiere of their new film on Disney+, Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe. As a result, I’ve got Phineas and Ferb fever, and I want to spread the love as much as possible.

My Own Musical Countdown

Originally, I was going to do this thing where I post something about the show every day until the film came out. However, I looked at how busy I am and realized that’s not possible. Then it hit me: Phineas and Ferb is famous for its music. So let’s do that!

Starting Monday, I’ll be releasing a short post featuring two of my favorite songs from the show and why I like it so much. It will culminate in my all-time favorite song from the show on Friday. In addition, I’ll be posting my picks for my ten favorite episodes. My own cliptastic countdown and favorite episodes in one week! I hope you like it!

Clear your schedules, people, because it’s time to enjoy some nostalgia! Until then, enjoy this new music video from the show for the movie.

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