"Gramma's Secret Recipe" is pretty interesting (kind of...) because it introduces us to a character we’ve never seen before: Plankton’s grandma. It also shows a different side to Plankton, as he’s actually pretty doting towards his grandmother. Makes me wonder how he treats his parents, if they’re still around. Or maybe his grandmother was the one who raised him. Who knows? Certainly not me. The beginning scene of this episode is fine, I did like the moment where Plankton snapped at the nurse. And then we see that perhaps Plankton is not the doting grandson we’re presented with at all, as he seems to just be using his grandma for a plan, at least in this episode.
The next scene of the episode takes place with SpongeBob bathing and oh god I’m having “Stuck in the Wringer” flashbacks, give me a moment. Though I’m also thinking about that one trailer from the first movie, so let me focus on that memory instead lol. This scene also has a track I really like in the background,
Salty Squid Jig (1), so that’s a bonus. I also love how SpongeBob is interrupted from his playing by Plankton, and he just awkwardly walks down the stairs, that was pretty funny to me.
One thing about this episode that makes no sense to me is Plankton’s plan. I mean, I understand his course of action, but what I don’t understand is why we saw Plankton imagine tricking Mr. Krabs with his get-up, but then he proceeds to go talk to SpongeBob? He didn’t imagine his plan failing or anything, so I’m confused. I’m also not the biggest fan of how absolutely stupid SpongeBob is here. And also, this plan is far more risky than just pretending to be any old grandmother, because Plankton had to guess that SpongeBob wouldn’t see right through him. It’s just weird, and I don’t understand it at all. This plot feels far more convoluted than Plankton just walking into the Krusty Krab a la his daydream. It also feels reminiscent of “Someone’s in the Kitchen With Sandy”, which already annoys me. And it makes me think of the complaint I had in season 6 about the same character interactions over and over again…why are we having Plankton dress up as someone to trick SpongeBob for two different episodes that are pretty close to each other? Why couldn’t he have done this with a different character?
And honestly, the episode is kind of very boring. Because I’m not laughing, and the plot is predictable. If I want to watch something with old grandmas that doesn’t bore me, I’d watch “Mall Girl Pearl” or
Hoodwinked. This episode ain’t that, and I’m sitting here bored as SpongeBob and Plankton look through photo albums, drink tea, play cards, and knit.
Do something! At least we get some cameos from the woman from “Banned in Bikini Bottom”, and the one from “Have You Seen This Snail?”. Eventually, things
finally get not boring when SpongeBob things he just shredded his grandma, that was pretty funny can’t even lie. But I hate that I had to drudge through all this slop just to get here. And then somehow Plankton’s grandma gets into the safe with him, about ready to kick his butt. And I’m cheering her on lol.
"Gramma's Secret Recipe" gets an Okay-tier rating from me, but just barely. It would be mediocre if it at all personally upset or annoyed me, but it didn't do that so I have to say Okay. Because god, this episode is boring.
Episode Tier: Okay
Episode Score: 6/10
Dancing (Good)