Oh boy, another forgettable episode? So soon? This one actually isn’t too forgettable, being the second time we see Squidward and Plankton interact in any substantial manner, but I’m calling it forgettable because I always mix it up with “Breath of Fresh Squidward” or “The Two Faces of Squidward”.
The beginning of this episode immediately starts to scare me once SpongeBob pulls out that pitch pipe and starts whistling. As much as I wish it wasn’t so, the damage done by “Choir Boys” and its ilk has lasted even until season 8. Luckily, we don’t get very much of that, and Squidward starts going on his elitist schtick like he normally does. He even says a line that’s the base of a very good
Sparta Remix (yeah, I’m still on those). Anyway, I’m glad this episode involves Squidward’s awful clarinet-ing, because it feels like it’s been a bit since we’ve seen that (it hasn’t, according to the
list of Squidward’s clarinet appearances maintained by the SpongeBob Wiki, but it
feels that way to me). Squidward’s ranting and raving in front of the Krusty Krab is pretty funny, especially with Plankton’s narration of it. It kind of highlights some similarities between these two characters, which the episode does pick up on.
The dynamic between Squidward and Plankton in this episode is great, and I love that this is the first time we really dive deep into it (other than the first movie, which I think did a pretty good job showing how Squidward simply cannot fall for Plankton’s schemes (in the usual way at least). And this episode shows that exact same thing as Squidward assumes Plankton is trying to get him to eat at the Chum Bucket. This also leads to a few humorous sequences where Squidward foils Plankton’s attempts at talking to him. That is until Plankton wisens up with SpongeBob’s help, and uses a strategy that works: aiming for Squidward’s ego.
I also like that we even get some SpongeBob and Plankton dynamics going here. I really, really love when they have a friendly relationship (or, more accurately, when SpongeBob is being friendly and Plankton is being scheming). It’s something that’s been there ever since “F.U.N.” and I adore how it has been carried into the modern day (well, this is middle-aged SpongeBob, but y’all know what I mean!).
In terms of the episode’s actual plot, it’s alright. Plankton trying to get to the Krabby Patty formula through Squidward is both smart and stupid. Smart that he would think of perhaps going to the other Krusty Krab employee who shows actual disdain for the restaurant, but dumb because why in the world would Squidward know the formula? Anyway, there are moments of the episode that are really good, and there are some that are somewhat dull (and then there’s the song, which I think is very fun, but wholly unnecessary and detracts from actually telling the story), but the good for sure outweighs the bad, even if it isn’t especially great.
And then of course, Plankton’s plan is just about completely foiled as we see the inevitable conclusion that Squidward doesn’t know the formula. Because like I said, why would he? For all the reconnaissance Plankton does of that restaurant, I can’t believe he doesn’t know this obvious fact. Though, I suppose Squidward has manned the grill a few times throughout the show, so maybe it’s not too absurd to think he might know the recipe. And once this reveal happens, the episode does get a bit weak, because I just kinda start cringing at Plankton’s attempts to get information out of Squidward that he clearly doesn’t have. The episode picks back up again once Plankton steals Squidward’s clarinet, and we get a little bit of signature chaotic flair to end the episode on. And of course, Plankton gets his comeuppance, taking the fall for Squidward’s awful playing.
“Sweet and Sour Squid” was a mostly enjoyable episode, though there were some snags. I think it was a great idea to have an episode with Squidward and Plankton, although this one didn’t do the dynamic the exact justice I wanted. I suppose I’ll have to wait until “Chum Fricassee” for that.
Episode Tier: Good
Episode Score: 7.5/10
