Coming up next, we've got "Spongicus". This episode gives me…I don't know what to call it. It's not quite nostalgia but something close. Not really sure. I’m thinking it’s because the ending of the episode is super memorable, and a common reaction meme I find myself using. I also just really like the vibes of this episode, the unique plot and atmosphere makes it stand out a bit. Also, I guess I’ll just note it up here, but I liked the animation in this episode, or at least the art. I don't know, I just really liked the character models in this one…they were very Round.
The beginning of this episode is bizarre in the best way, with SpongeBob singing randomly before exaggeratedly spotting something that we can’t see, which leads into a pretty funny joke with SpongeBob calling Mr. Krabs on a pay phone, even though they’re in the same building. I also like that this first segment really builds intrigue as Plankton demolishes his own restaurant and puts up a coliseum. Now that I’m thinking about it, is this episode meant to reference Medieval Times at all? Because personally I think a gladiator fight would be boring as H but that’s just me. I also don’t wanna see someone get killed while I eat either?? Anyway, I love the way Plankton struggles to get the attention of everyone else before just saying that it’s free, because that’s really the way to get anyone to do anything. And of course because this gladiator show is free, Mr. Krabs loses all his customers. I love how seriously Krabs takes this offense, and the bit about his mother’s grave is hilarious, especially when she turns out to be at the Krusty Krab.
The whole segment of the episode taking place at the coliseum is just simply enjoyable, not much to it. I like the surprise Patrick appearance we get, kind of like “House Fancy”, though he’s more plot-relevant here. And when Patrick is revealed, I like the resolution to the buildup between SpongeBob and Squidward we get when their reactions are completely switched. I really love how SpongeBob immediately jumped up in there to save Patrick. His heroics are enjoyable and wholesome. The absolute viciousness of the crowd here is also pretty fun, and not even surprising given “The Great Snail Race”. I also like that Mr. Krabs’ mother was utilized again in this segment, and the whole part between Plankton and the woman was great. Another thing I liked about this part of the episode was just how…cartoonish it was. And by that I mean it invoked some very iconic cartoon tropes, such as Plankton’s Roadrunner-esque run, or the part where the Lionfish breaks through the wall.
And then of course we have the ending of the episode, which was a great deconstruction of the usual ”everybody laughs” ending trope (which y’all should know by now that I’m a sucker for that). I love that the collective laughing is caused by Mr. Krabs being such a greedy scoundrel, and I love that Squidward gets involved for no reason. Really just masterful comedy work here.
To sum it all up, “Spongicus” was simply an enjoyable episode. There were some real stand-out jokes here, even if the episode as a whole wasn’t particularly funny. I really have nothing bad to say about this episode at all. I guess it felt a little subdued, like the SpongeBob and Patrick chase didn’t really go anywhere, but I think it’s just fine as it is.
Episode Tier: Amazing
Episode Score: 9.1/10