Ah, our first forgettable episode of season 7. I do actually remember this episode, but in general I don’t think it’s very talked about. I personally don’t think it’s actually forgettable or even unremarkable, but I think that might be the general consensus. And I’m not sure if people think this, but I can see someone making the argument for it, and I don’t think that this episode is a clone of “As Seen on TV”. It has some similar elements, but I would never call it a rip-off. I mean, we already know that I hardly call anything a rip-off unless it’s literally copying things 1:1 so…lol.
One fun thing about this episode is that it uses the fact that SpongeBob is a sponge. I like when episodes do that. And this episode places it front and center, which isn’t done very often. I feel like the last time it was done so blatantly was in “Suds”, but there could be others I’m forgetting about. This beginning scene of SpongeBob cleaning the mirror is fun, and I love how he trash talks it before cleaning it. Reminds me of “The Krusty Plate” (god I miss the shorts, can we bring that back). This episode also involves SpongeBob being a little more full of himself than usual. That’s not typically a characterization I enjoy unless done well (hence why “As Seen on TV” only got a good-tier rating), and so far at least it isn’t too bad. SpongeBob’s insecurity is also tapped into a bit in this episode, which is something I feel like we haven’t actually gotten since season 5. Not that that is exactly a character quality I love, but I mean it can be done well. It seems like this episode is drawing on quite a few older elements we haven’t seen in a while. Should be interesting.
This episode also provides some nice dramatic irony in that we find out that the “little guy” in question is not SpongeBob (which is predictable of course), but rather a scallop. And then, we get a Gary appearance, so that’s an instant win for sure! I’ve been missing my little guy (lol). Patrick’s surprise appearance in this episode is pretty good too, I love how he’s like “sorry to interrupt your fit of self-loathing”. And the part where he’s like “you can still buy food for me” is hilarious, and then I love how he and SpongeBob get all into the drama together once he realizes that SpongeBob can’t buy food for anybody. I also love that Patrick is legitimately trying to support SpongeBob here…god I needed this so bad after
that episode.
Another thing I like about this episode is that we’re leaning all the way into that adult side of the child-adult line. Especially when SpongeBob starts woefully talking about how he won’t have money to buy anything, like whew just got real for a second there. And we also see SpongeBob deal with (perceived) unemployment and looking for a job in the newspaper. Seeing SpongeBob try out some different jobs is also interesting, because we’ve seen him work almost exclusively at the Krusty Krab for 7 seasons straight, so it’s nice to see something new. I loved the reference to “Missing Identity” in the bank teller part as well (I better start collecting these references to bring up to all the people who think that the newer seasons reference old seasons too much. I know that this middle era doesn’t do as much referencing as the newer ones, but I think it would be good to show that this show has always done references lol). I also love how consistent this show is with SpongeBob being literally unable to do anything else but be a frycook. It’s funny every time!
I already said this but like I really am just sagging in relief at how much I like Patrick’s supporting appearance in this episode. How long has it been since I didn’t even have to qualify that statement? I also think that this proves that despite popular belief, Patrick did not become the worst character on Earth in season 5 or 6 and then never have any good showings. I’ve seen plenty since season 5. I’ve seen plenty of bad too, of course, but there’s been plenty of good!
The episode hits a snag when for some reason it starts bringing in the annoying noises…why are we doing that? Can they please, please, please stop doing that? At least there’s some fun visuals along with it. And the way the lady at the desk roasts SpongeBob is hilarious, so it helps make the scene better in retrospect. Once SpongeBob gets the audition, that utter confidence he has in himself returns, and he starts pulling a bit of an “As Seen on TV”. And you know what, I like it! Probably because he’s not pulling a “Porous Pockets” and being a jerkwad to Patrick.
And then we reach the shoot, which turns out to be for a commercial, so SpongeBob can be his kitchen sponge self. I have said this many times, but I’m not a fan of SpongeBob being gratuitously naked. However, this episode does it in such a funny way I actually don’t mind it. The director here is actually hysterical. And I love how this whole shoot is basically a call-back to “Suds”, Hans and all. Hans really gets around! Working at the doctor’s office, now working on a commercial shoot, he’s got it all. The commercial scene is also just hilarious, poor SpongeBob lol. You know what this reminds me of? That one
fake ad from
MAD, the Cartoon Network show. I suppose that technically the bit would’ve been influenced by this episode, but I think it was more influenced by SpongeBob in general. If you haven’t seen the bit, please do it’s hilarious (the entire show is hysterical).
Eventually poor SpongeBob has enough, because just refuses to do the toilet, and we reach the end of the episode. I love how Mr. Krabs is extremely confused here, but then just manages to turn the situation to his advantage. At least SpongeBob gets to use tools to clean the toilet. And then I love how Hans is just randomly in the bathroom too as the episode ends. Good ending.
I really liked “Model Sponge”. It’s really funny, really enjoyable, and fills me with satisfaction and glee in seeing both Gary and a really supportive Patrick. This episode is like a balm for the hurts I’ve been exposed to lol. And it also helps season 7 get back on track, because that’s now 3 really good episodes that we’ve had in a row! Can we keep the streak going?
Episode Tier: Amazing
Episode Score: 9.3/10