Let's talk about Weird Al Yankovic.
When you hear of Weird Al, you think of parody music, and he was the man to do parody music spectacularly (and considering the many people doing it on YouTube today, he was also one of the very few (if not the only one) who still did it right).
For over 40 years, Yankovic has been the guy to create some of the best pieces of music (comedy and general) around--by making fun of other people's music. "Like a Surgeon", "Eat It", "Fat", "Amish Paradise", "White 'N Nerdy", "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" (yes), "Word Crimes", "Foil" and "Tacky" are just some of his many masterpieces; and you just can't go through life without listening to any of them. It's almost pretty much a necessary requirement to live.
So why am I talking about him? Because he's starring in a new Disney XD original series, that's why! And he's voicing the title character too! This guy...
Wow.
It's Milo Murphy's Law.
Wow, that is frickin' dope.
I confess: when I heard of this series' beginnings, the only two reasons I wanted to tune in was because:
A) the guys from Phineas and Ferb have a new show, and
B) Weird Al Yankovic is voicing the title character.
But when I began watching it...it was something I hadn't truly expect.
The plot is simple and predictable:
Milo Murphy is a kind, optimistic little guy taking life one step at a time with a smile on his face, the bright side on his mind and the bright stripes on his fly sweater vest. He also happens to be a terrible jinx to everyone and everything he comes across. Sure, he knows this, but that doesn't stop him from living life in his own special way. Everyone and everything else BEWARE.
This episode is fun, funny, enjoyable and unpredictable. Zack is the new kid--in town and in school. After a strange sight of other kids avoiding Milo on the bus stop, Zack asks his would-be-later new friend what's going on. And as Milo Murphy Brown explains, a piece of construction rolls into them, leading chase for a event Zack will never forget. And that's just before the theme song.
With each passing obstacle, it seemed our would be young heroes' days would be done for. But (somehow) they survive and get to school by the nose
The series is...a really good watch. You'd think this would be either another Phineas and Ferb or something with plots you wouldn't need a telescope to see a mile away. And you'd be right. But the writing and producing crew led by Dan Provinmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh are a clever bunch; taking the expected and twisting it, flipping it, squeezing it, and shaking out something new and never thought of for a great fresh plot every. single. time. And this mentality applies here too. The concept, title character and series title are on Edward A. Murphy's memorable adage known as Murphy's Law: "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."
And besides Yankovic, this series also has a really talented cast, with Sabrina Carpenter (voice of Melissa) and Mekai Curtis (voice of Zack) also lending the voices to likable, positive, humorous characters.
You might think you'd come in with a full mind and leave out bored. But this kinda subverts your expectations. You didn't expect the wolves or the water tank or the one wolf of Milo's dog saving the boys, or...the last thing towards the end I can't tell you because it will shock you. Because all of this kinda makes the "boy is a massive jinx" plot less annoying and more funny and entertaining.
Random First Thoughts:
-Milo's dog is named Diogee. As in...the spelling of "dog". D-O-G.
...look, I don't know whether to find it clever as heck or corny as crud, or praise the writers or call them lazy, but I'll get back to you soon enough.
-I've had thoughts on whether this show takes place in the same universe as Phineas and Ferb or not, but either way, it makes sense to keep around an already-built and established world.
-Plus, after a while, I like how this series contrasts in everything from P&F.
--After another crazy episode comes to an end, everything is back to normal thanks to the clashing of Dr. Doofenshmirtz's -Inator of the day and Phineas and Ferb's crazy machinery of the day (give or take some minor damage). In this show, Milo causes the damage to kick off and continue the plot and the damage stays there at the end of the episode. (who knows or cares if it all gets fixed come the next episode?)
--Also, Diogee is similar to Phineas' pet platypus Perry--in that they both save their masters from terrible danger. But there are differences: While Phineas didn't know that Perry is a sentient secret animal superhero with "mild-manned domestic pet" being his cover (at least until The Movie, and even THAT was brief) and saves him (along with all of Danville) from a distance, Diogee is a normal dog who follows Milo around and saves him and his friends from the danger face-to-face--no cover, no alter-ego. Also, while Phineas only briefly wonders why Perry isn't home before going back with what he wanted to do that day each time, Milo knows that Diogee is following him (unaware that he's saving him) while he just wants his pet Fido to go back home. I love this contrast in running gag the most.
-You may be aware that "Weird Al" Yankovic is a very accomplished singer... And that Phineas and Ferb was known for very catchy and memorable original music...
So adding 2 and 2 together of course that element extends here. And it makes so much sense; honestly, I'd be furious with the producers if they didn't do this here.
So yeah, I find Milo Murphy's Law funny, entertaining and worth your time. Sure it retreads some expected from Phineas and Ferb, but it has its own flavor, characters to love and plots and executions to talk about tomorrow.
I wouldn't call this something to write home immediately just yet, Milo Murphy's Law but I'd love to watch more episodes to get more acquainted with it.
For now, Disney XD has done it again.
This has been my review of Milo Murphy's Law.
And This has been Toony Tuesday. Goodnight
everyone, and may the good toons be yours...!
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