The first thing I have to say about “Smoothe Jazz at Bikini Bottom” is this: why is ‘smoothe’ spelled like that? Because that’s not how you spell smooth. The second thing I have to say is this: I quite enjoy jazz. I don’t typically listen to smooth jazz, but I like it well enough too. I like more energy in my jazz. And then the third thing I have to say is this: is this episode infamous or not? I honestly have no idea. Back in the day I thought people hated it, but that was most definitely because of that one reviewer that I will not be naming today. And I mean, in discussions of the worst episodes in the show, I don’t think I normally see this one pop up, though I also haven’t seen such discussions in some time. I have taken a peep at the discussion post for this episode before writing the review, and it seems to be negative, but it also only has 3 pages, which is nothing compared to some other entries.
Y’all already know what I’m gonna say as this episode begins—gorgeous background oh my god!! Just fantastic. This is me, of course I’m gonna say this. And coupled with that smooth jazz…oh yes. That’s a vibe. The fact that Squidward’s socializing is so swayed by the music he’s listening to is so relatable (I say as someone who is not swayed by the music I listen to at all). SpongeBob saying the code word for not liking the music is such a red flag though…like who doesn’t enjoy some smooth jazz???? Bombastic side-eye. I’m kidding, by the way, just to be clear. SpongeBob’s dramatics about the concert being sold out were fun though, and I liked them paired with Squidward’s faux ones when he reveals that he actually bought a ticket.
And right here, when Squidward is lampshading the exact thing that’s about to happen to him, is where the episode begins to lose me. See, it’s not even that Squidward losing the ticket “due to some manner of folly” that irritates me. It’s that it’s yet again Patrick, and not even that, but Patrick doing something stupid. Why do we have 3 episodes in a row of this kind of behavior? Please make it stop. And yeah, I’m not exactly a fan of Squidward’s concert experience being immediately ruined like this either, but I don’t know if it’s fair for me to critique that since I do enjoy Squidward’s life being foiled in other ways. I don’t know what it is about this one that bugs me though.
SpongeBob manages to win the free tickets from the radio, and he offers to have Squidward go with him. Now, I like this. Have this episode just be about SpongeBob and Squidward, and we’re great. It’s Patrick that’s the issue. That’s always been the issue, as far as this season goes. I don’t know what’s going on but none of Patrick’s dynamics and interactions have been right this season. But whatever, I’m going to ignore that and go back to enjoying the SpongeBob and Squidward dynamic here. SpongeBob is very much me when going to concerts, so he doesn’t quite fit the vibe of a smooth jazz concert. Same, SpongeBob, same. Now, to be fair, I fit the vibe of my concerts because I’m a metal and punk fan, but still lol. These people could use some excitement, but maybe they’re more…subdued in their presentation of excitement. People judging Squidward for SpongeBob’s actions, though, make them jerkwads, just saying. And it’s kinda annoying.
Just as I was beginning to truly enjoy myself, the episode decides that I wasn’t annoyed enough earlier, so Patrick appears yet again. You see how it wasn’t necessary to include him, and yet here he is? This, of course, leads to Squidward’s concert experience being completely ruined as he ends up losing his seat and getting kicked out of the show. It’s not very pleasant because there’s nothing to actually laugh at. Patrick eating SpongeBob and Squidward’s backstage passes isn’t even funny, it’s just lazy and annoying. If you’re going to have SpongeBob and Squidward lose their backstage passes, make it happen in an interesting and funny way. And it doesn’t help that Patrick somehow gets away with everything he does, but SpongeBob and Squidward don’t. Like why does Patrick get crowdsurfed, but SpongeBob get booed (before the concert even begins, might I add)??? It’s nonsensical.
At least SpongeBob and Squidward manage to get into the backstage after Patrick (somehow) leaves it. Though they are quickly stopped by Kelpy G’s manager. And then we get another not entertaining sequence that ends with Squidward first groveling and then trying to bargain his way into meeting Kelpy G through his clarinet playing. Of course, no one likes Squidward’s clarinet playing, but SpongeBob’s ukelele? Well, that’s actually good. See, I don’t mind SpongeBob winning in this episode because I like seeing him win. But it’s weird to see him win and Squidward lose when for the most part, they’ve been working like one unit in this entire episode, with Patrick playing more of an antagonistic role. Now, of course, at the end Squidward does earn his loss because his ego gets in the way, but other than that everything is pretty unsatisfying regarding Squidward.
“Smoothe Jazz at Bikini Bottom” was…not that good. It has its moments for sure, but overall there’s just so much unpleasant stuff in here, particularly where Patrick is concerned. If the Patrick stuff was gone, this episode would’ve been great, actually. Also, did you know that Kelpy G was voiced by Rodger Bumpass? I didn’t. Great voice work, there.
Episode Tier: Mediocre
Episode Score: 5.6/10
