RJ Writing Ink

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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5 Animated Shows to Kick Off Summer

While some in America consider it to start on Memorial Day, June 21st marks the official start of Summer. That means shorter nights and warmer weather, and with vaccines fighting COVID-19, it’s safer to take vacations. At least, if it weren’t for the massive hike in gas prices because of Russia. Thanks a lot, Putin!

Even if travel’s hard right now, there are plenty of other ways to get into the spirit of Summer. When I was a kid, I’d watch cartoons like there was no tomorrow. Several of those cartoons took place during Summer Vacation. In other words, if you’ve got the Internet and streaming, these shows are perfect for getting into the spirit of the season.

Camp Lazlo Made Summer Camp Funnier Than it Had to Be

In the Summer of 2005, Joe Murray, the creator of Nickelodeon’s Rocko’s Modern Life, debuted a new cartoon on Cartoon Network named Camp Lazlo. The show focused on Lazlo, Raj, and Clam, three best friends spending Summer in the poorly run summer camp, Camp Kidney. The trio spent their days having fun and getting into trouble with their fellow campers, mean-spirited Scoutmaster Lumpus, and put-upon assistant Mr. Slinkman. If trouble involved marshmallow parties, building giant bean towers, and other zany, wacky misadventures.

Camp Lazlo was one of my favorite cartoons growing up, and it seemed to garner a lot of fans. That much of Rocko’s team returned to help Murray make the show helped establish a winning formula for new and old fans. It may not be as famous as its predecessor, but it’s perfect for getting into the spirit of Summer. Too bad it’s not on HBO Max

Phineas and Ferb Made Every Day the Best Day Ever

When you heard Phineas say, “Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today,” you knew that the day would be good. Debuting on Disney Channel in 2008, Phineas and Ferb was a show that relied on a simplistic yet flexible formula. The titular brothers would look to make every day of Summer the best day ever with some crazy idea. Their sister Candace would see what they were doing and try to rat on them to their Mom. Meanwhile, their pet platypus, Perry, who’s a secret agent, would slip away to fight the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Then, the two plots would converge and get rid of whatever the boys worked on before Mom got home.

This show was one of the absolute greatest things that Disney ever put on TV. The premise behind it allowed the cast to participate in anything they wanted, be that giant rollercoaster or things that defied the laws of physics and reality. In addition, the show was famous for its catchy songs. Given how it ran for seven years, two movies, several specials, and crossovers with other Disney properties, it’s clear just how popular it was with kids and adults. I still listen to some of the music now and then.

Gravity Falls Gave us the Coolest, and Weirdest, Summer Ever.

What is there to say about Gravity Falls that hasn’t already been said? It’s an animated masterpiece that’s inspired a generation of cartoons? It tells the story of one of the weirdest small towns one could ever hope to visit? That it’s a coming-of-age story about the importance of never losing sight of one’s sense of wonder and the bonds we forge? Yes, to all of these.

Gravity Falls set the tone for cartoons for the next decade. Even though it’s been ten years since it premiered, the love for this show remains as strong as ever. I may not have been obsessed with it while it aired, but 

Ben 10 Was the Ultimate Summer Road Trip

Forget the 2016 reboot; this is the OG Ben 10!

The original show was a bit of an acquired taste at first, but once it hit its stride, it was pretty easy to love. With the Tennyson traveling across the country over the Summer, fighting crime all the while, this show took the idea of a Summer road trip and put an impressive sci-fi spin on it. While fans may better remember its sequel series Ben 10: Alien Force, Ultimate Alien, or even Omniverse, this series started everything. Best road trip ever.

Ed Edd n’ Eddy Captured the Spirit of Being a Kid During the Summer.

Thirteen years later, I still consider this Canadian-made cartoon among the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Airing on Cartoon Network from 1999 to 2009, the show followed the titular trio, collectively known as the Eds, as they spent their summer vacation coming up with schemes to become popular or make money off the other kids to buy jawbreakers. Unfortunately, the universe hates the Eds, as their plans almost always fail and leave them humiliated in an over-the-top fashion. 

With its insane humor and over-the-top slapstick, this show was The Three Stooges in cartoon form. It made me laugh so much as a kid, and I still remember watching it. Underneath its humor, though, lies a show about three best friends trying to make the most of their summer vacation. While the show’s final season took place during the school year, I still consider it a summer-based show. You are missing out if you haven’t watched it on HBO Max yet.

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Phineas and Ferb Are Back, and It’s Like they Never Left.

It feels surreal knowing that it’s been five years since Phineas and Ferb took a bow, and now here we are. The show’s back, and with a new movie on Disney+, no less! Now, I literally just got done watching Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe, and it’s everything that Dan and Swampy promised. In all honesty, it feels like the show never left. More like it went on vacation for a while.

Candace Against The Universe- The Title’s Not Exaggerating

In the universe of animation, there are laws that get upheld with almost no exception. Wil E. Coyote never catches the Road Runner (except for one time). Plankton can’t get the Krabby Patty Secret Formula. And Candace can’t bust her brothers. And if they do succeed, it never lasts. It’s fun to watch, but you have to admit, you can’t help but feel sorry the Plankton’s and Candace’s after a while.

In the opening moments of Candace Against the Universe, we see how much stress this has caused Candace when she fails to bust her brothers for the umpteenth time. All her Mom had to do was literally turn around, for goodness’ sake. As a result, Candace breaks down and lets a Summer’s worth of frustration at the unfairness of the universe out before running off crying. Honestly, it’s sad. Then this leads her (and Vanessa) to get abducted by aliens and going on a journey of self-discovery as she comes to terms with a big question: why does she want to bust her brother’s so much?

The show never directly addressed it, but I had my theories as to why she wanted to bust her brothers. Part of it’s out of concern that they’ll get hurt one day. Then there’s the jealousy at the fact that they can get away with this stuff when she can’t. But over the course of the film, Candace has an epiphany about her need to bust. It’s because deep down, she feels inadequate compared to her extraordinary brothers. Most people would: Phineas and Ferb are basically child prodigies who will grow up to become rich and successful. Compared to that, Candace would feel insecure about herself. So when the aliens that abduct her say that she’s their “chosen one”, she feels special for the first time ever, and doesn’t want to leave.

It ends up leading to a full-blown alien invasion.

So Many Songs, So Many Laughs

Existential crisis’ aside, Candace Against the Universe contains everything that made the show such a huge hit. All the jokes and comedic timing remain intact, while also updating for the changes in the thirteen years since it came on. For example, when Doofenshmirtz joins the kids to find Vanessa, he tracks him down on the alien planet using social media posts.

Speaking of Doofenshmirtz, he was my favorite part of the film. He spends a lot of time around the kids. Unlike last time, though, they don’t focus on him being a semi-evil scientist. Instead, we see him bounce off his interactions with the kids. Isabella, in particular, gets annoyed by him and his insistence on being in charge, when she’s the smarter one. I never thought I’d need the two singing about “Adulting”. But I did, and it’s hilarious!

Oh, Perry also has his comedic moments, too, but he’s not the focus of the film. Mostly because he can’t let anyone see him without blowing his cover.

The Verdict: Still Fun After All These Years

So, what’s the verdict to this? Well, I don’t think that it’s as awesome as Across the Second Dimension. To be fair though, that movie was basically a blockbuster on TV with millions of viewers. Fortunately, Phineas and Ferb is already such an awesome show that anything it does is going to be awesome by default. Also, in the climax of the film, we see Candace fight an army of alien soldiers with a t-shirt cannon.

So, it may not reach the epic heights of Across the Second Dimension, but Candace Against the Universe makes up for it with its blend of emotion, music, and comedy. A perfect return for Phineas and Ferb and definitely worth the hype built around it.

I give Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe a 4.5/5

Click here to see my reviews for various films.

RJ Writing’s Musical Cliptastic Countdown of Favorite Phineas and Ferb Songs, Pt. 4

Here we are, folks. It’s taken us all week, but I’m ready to reveal my all time favorite songs from Phineas and Ferb. Though, to be honest, they’re the same picks from the Phineas and Ferb Musical Cliptastic Countdown all those years ago. I’m not sorry, they’re good songs.

#2-Backyard Beach

#1- Gitchee Gitchee Goo

Really, was there any other choice? The lyrics are meant to be meaningless, but the song’s got such a catchy beat to it that you can’t help but enjoy it. And it shows. Fans voted it number one, MsMojo voted it number one. Heck, Disney loved it so much that they let Dan and Swampy write a song for every episode. Running on that logic, this song is what set Phineas and Ferb on the road to musical stardom and gave us eight years of fun.

Hope you enjoyed yourselves. Click here for my picks for favorite episodes.

And check back in a day or so for my review of Candace Against the Universe!

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Welcome to the grand finale of my Phineas and Ferb week, everyone! After looking over when the episodes of the show were released, I realized that I wound up watching the majority of them. The last season was just strung over the course of three years. Having said that, there were a lot of episodes that I loved and/or found memorable, but I managed to narrow it down to the ten that I liked or remember the most. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this little trip down memory lane.

By the way, I will be excluding the TV movie and crossover episodes from this list.

Rollercoaster

Kicking off my list, we have the episode that started it all, Rollercoaster. In an effort to make the most of their summer, Phineas and Ferb decide to build the mother of all rollercoasters, and things just spiral from there. Meanwhile, Perry has to stop Doofenshmirtz from reversing the earth’s rotation using tin foil.

While future episodes would offer better storylines and jokes, what I like about this episode is the fact that it seems so simple in hindsight. The big finale song in the final episode even lampshades this by calling the experience “simple”. If something like a rollercoaster was simple to the boys, then that should have given viewers a hint of how crazy things would get.

Lawn Gnome Beach Party of Terror

One of the worst things about summer time is trying to beat the immense heat, but Phineas and Ferb are nothing if not creative. So when a heatwave strikes Danville, they make the most of it by building a beach in their backyard. A literal beach, I might add, that attracts everyone in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Doofenshmirtz is enacting a plan to steal all the lawn gnomes in Danville.

I don’t know what I liked most about this episode: the fact that the boys made an actual beach in their backyard, complete with ocean and everything. Or maybe it’s Ferb’s catchy song that I would listen to over and over on my IPod. Or the fact that this episode that we get a glimpse into Doofenshmirtz’s hilariously abusive childhood. Seriously, that guy needs a hug.

Phineas and Ferb’s Quantum Boogaloo

While Phineas and Ferb had already traveled through time earlier in the summer, their second experience with it makes the first pale in comparison. When the boys travel to the future to get a tool they need, future Candace’s desire to bust her brothers gets reignited. Thus, she uses another time machine to go back and bust them on the day they made the rollercoaster. However, things snowball when this leads to a dystopian future where children are locked away and Doofenshmirtz rules the Tri-State Area. So Candace then has to go back and stop Candace from being…Candace?

Look, if this episode sounds confusing, then that’s the whole point. The creators did it to parody the absurdity of time travel stories, making it as confusing as possible. What makes it even more confusing is the fact that, in the credits, Isabella comes back in a time machine and gives the boys the tool they need. Thus, I don’t even know if any of the events happened!

Phineas and Ferb Get Busted

When Phineas and Ferb turn their mom’s car into a flying car of the future, Candace manages to finally expose them to her mom. As a result, the two get sent to a brainwashing military school that makes St. Olga’s look like child’s play. Once the euphoria of victory wears off though, Candace feels guilty and busts them out.

I would like to point out the fact that this episode may be one of the darkest moments ever seen on a kid’s cartoon. As a matter of fact, I think I repressed the memory of it until I was older. Thank god, though, that none of the events actually happened. The whole thing was just a dream inside of Perry’s dream. Not sorry for the spoilers

Meapless in Seattle

Yeah, this clip pretty much sums up why I loved this episode so much. The fact that the creators were willing to go this far for what was originally meant to be a joke shows real dedication. Respect!

Traffic Cam Caper

This may not be one of the more memorable episodes, but i found it hilarious. When Candace discovers a traffic cam’s recorded all of her brother’s projects, she think she finally has the evidence to bust them. Unfortunately for her, Perry also needs the disc on the camera since it could blow his cover. You can guess the rest.

Like I said, it’s not the most memorable episode, but there’s two reasons why I like. First, the second that Candace says she won’t let anyone take the disc, then Perry comes in using Norm the robot and steals it. The comedic timing is perfect! Second, this episode shows that when push comes to shove, Candace will choose the safety of her brothers over busting them. It’s sweet to know that Candace really does care about her brothers.

Lights, Candace, Action!

Another early gem from the show, in this episode Candace learns that a movie adaptation of her favorite play is being filmed in Danville. While she’s excited when she lands the lead role, she’s upset to learn that her brother’s are the directors of the film. Meanwhile, Doofernshmirtz takes up cheese-making and uses a new invention to super-age his cheese.

While this episode is not as big as future ones, I still think it’s significant. First, it marks the first time that Doofenshmirtz uses the “inator” moniker. Well, at least the first time we notice it. Second, that ending film “the Swamp Monster of Danville” is peak meme material and reminds me of the early days of YouTube.

Last Day of Summer

After eight years and hundreds of episodes, Phineas and Ferb’s summer vacation reaches its final day. And, as always, Candace fails to bust them for whatever it is that they’re doing. But while visiting Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s lab, she activates a device that rewinds the day back to the beginning. What should be a simple “Groundhog Day” story becomes even crazier, though, when the days start getting shorter. Oh, and things start to get sucked into another dimension and making people forget about their existence

As the final episode for an amazing show, “Last Day of Summer” had a lot to live up to, and I think that it managed to deliver. As I said in my post for Fandom two years ago, the finale serves as a reminder that, as fun as some things in life can be, we have to learn to let them go. Plus, the final song recapping everything the show did was the tribute fans deserved.

Flop Starz

You ever wonder why Phineas and Ferb had a song in almost every episode? It all comes back to the third episode of the series, “Flop Starz.” When the boys decide to see what life is like as stars, but not wanting to deal with the negative aspects, the boys write a one-hit wonder that becomes hugely successful, both in the show and in real-life.

I’m not joking about that. The executives at Disney liked the song “Gittchee Gitcchee Goo” so much that had Dan and Swampy right one for each episode. Thus, Phineas and Ferb and its successor, Milo Murphy’s Law, became musical cartoons. And I won’t lie, a lot of the show’s songs are very catchy.

Dude, We’re Getting the Band Back Together

There’s no particular order to these episodes and which one is my favorite. Until this one, however. This is my favorite, and a lot of fans will agree. When their dad forgets their mom’s anniversary, Phineas, Ferb, and Candace team up to give them their parents the ultimate anniversary gift. That gift being reuniting their favorite band to play a concert dedicated in their honor.

Crazy scheme by Phineas and Ferb? Check. A meaningful sub-plot involving Doofenshmirtz, his daughter Vanessa, and Perry the Platypus? Check. More than five amazing songs in the span of a single episode, one of which got nominated for an Emmy? Yeah, this is without a doubt my favorite episode of Phineas and Ferb.

Leave Me Your Thoughts.

Do you agree with my picks? What were your favorite episodes of Phineas and Ferb? Let me know in the comments below. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to stan the Phineas and Ferb movie on Twitter. The review will be up by tomorrow afternoon.

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RJ Writing’s Musical Cliptastic Countdown of Favorite Phineas and Ferb Songs, Pt. 4

We’re getting close to the end of my week-long countdown for Phineas and Ferb, everyone. If you’ve been watching it since the start, then thanks. If you’re catching this after the fact, then I hoped you enjoyed it.

#4- Summer Belongs to You!

After managing to travel across the world over the span of the summer solstice, the gang celebrates in the only way they know how: by singing. And dang, is it a good song! It perfectly encapsulates all the themes of the show: making the most of every day of your lives and enjoying yourself.

#3- Curtain Call/Time Spent Together

If “Summer Belongs to You” sums up the themes of the show, then Curtain Call/Time Spent Together is a love letter to everything that makes Phineas and Ferb such a great cartoon. The final song of the entire series sees the cast recapping some of their greatest hits. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending myself.

Come Back Tomorrow for The Last Picks

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RJ Writing’s Musical Cliptastic Countdown of Favorite Phineas and Ferb Songs, Pt. 3

With Phineas and Ferb, every day is the best day ever, and every moment can turn into a musical! With the premiere of Candace against the Universe in two days, here’s the next two entries in my countdown of favorite Phineas and Ferb songs

#6-Snuck Your Way Right Into My Heart/Music Makes Us Better

This was the perfect way to end one of the best episodes of the show. In a live concert attended by everyone in Danville, Love Handel sang their hit song “Snuck Your Way Right Into My Heart” for Mr. and Mrs. Flynn/Fletcher’s anniversary.

While it may not count towards the countdown, I also wanted to put the song played in the end credits to the same episode because it’s so catchy. I used to watch the episode over and over just so I could hear it.

#5- Kick it Up A Notch

To this day, it’s impossible for me to listen to this song without getting pumped up. Also, they got Slash to play! Way to cap off an amazing movie, boys!

Come Back Tomorrow for More!

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RJ Writing’s Musical Cliptastic Countdown of Favorite Phineas and Ferb Songs, Pt. 2

Welcome back, everyone, to day two of my musical countdown of favorite Phineas and Ferb songs. Here’s my next two entries!

#7- Robot Riot

This is probably my second favorite song from Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension. When the evil(er) counterpart of Dr. Doofenshmirtz from another dimension invades Danville, Phineas, Ferb, Perry, and their friends all team up to fight off the invaders. The best part, though? It’s that the gang reuses all of the boys past creations in order to fight off the robot invasion while Love Handel sings this song. There’s just something satisfying about big, climactic battles for me.

#6- A Brand New Best Friend

All right, I will admit it: Doofenshmirtz is not the greatest singer in the world. However, I can’t help but laugh at seeing Doofenshmirtz performing a duet with his counterpart from another dimension. The fact that they’re dressing up as famous duos in history only makes it even funnier.

Come Back Tomorrow for More!

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RJ Writing’s Musical Cliptastic Countdown of Favorite Phineas and Ferb Songs, Pt. 1

Hello everybody and welcome to the first part of my week of Phineas and Ferb. It’s all leading up to the debut of my review for the new movie, Candace Against the Universe this Friday. Initially, I planned on doing something similar to what I did for Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus. However, I’ve got too much to do now. This would be a compromise.

So, here’s how this will work: every day, I’ll be revealing two of my favorite songs from the show and give a brief explanation about why I like them so much. Whether you agree or not is up to you. In addition, I’ll be counting songs from the specials and the TV movie, Across the Second Dimension. With that out of the way, let’s get started.

#11- Phineas and Ferb Theme

Okay, I know I was only going to do 10 songs, but I felt like it would be an insult not to include the theme song. So, in it goes!

Besides being a theme song that people are able to easily recognize, I love the theme song because it encapsulates everything that the show’s about. It’s just two boys trying to enjoy their summer vacation. Then it lists off all the crazy things Phineas and Ferb come up with to make their summer awesome.

#10- Perry the Playtpus

I don’t anyone would have thought that something as bizarre as a platypus could end up being so cool, but Phineas and Ferb managed to do just that. While he acts as the boys beloved pet, Perry’s really a secret agent whose mission is to thwart the schemes of Dr. Doofenshmirtz. And as his theme song aptly demonstrates, he looks super cool in his feodora while doing so. Thus, this song gets on the list at number ten.

#9- E.V.I.L. B.O.Y.S.

Coming in at number nine on my list, we have this little gem sung by Candace. While attempting to bust her brothers for building a circus in the backyard, Candace has an allergic reaction to wild parsnips. As a result, her face turns red and her voice sounds deep and raspy. When she gets to her mom, she then breaks out into a song that’s basically her venting over the fact that her brothers always get away with whatever they do and how much stress it causes her. What makes this song even more memorable is that the entire song is sung by series co-creator Dan Povenmire. He wound up performing it live at his birthday years later. What a performance.

#8- Ain’t Got Rhythm

For our final pick of the day, we’ve got the unlikely song that wound up being the best in an episode with several great songs. In their mission to reunite their parents favorite band, Phineas and Ferb find the band’s drummer working as a librarian. However, he refuses to come back since he claims he lost his sense of rhythm. What follows is a very catchy and impromptu song that has everyone in the library take part in.

I have to say, of all the songs from this episode, this is the one that I always remember first. It’s just so catchy, and the fans think so too. This song wound up being so good, it got nominated for an Emmy award. How cool is that?

Come Back Tomorrow

Well, that’s all the time we have today, everyone! Come back tomorrow to see the next songs on my list!

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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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