Is it just me, or does anyone else associate “Snail Mail” with “Bulletin Board”? I won’t say that I mix them up exactly, but like…when I think of one, I always think of the other. I think I know why, but I'll get to that later.
This episode begins very similarly to “Toy Store Of Doom”, which scares me immediately, because that was one of the most boring episode beginnings I have ever seen. Luckily, this episode learns from those mistakes, having SpongeBob be bored for literally 5 seconds before writing a letter to a pen pal. I also really like the role of the French Narrator in this segment, he’s a lot more…present than usual. While I would get annoyed very quickly if this was the norm in SpongeBob SquarePants, it thankfully isn’t, and I enjoy it here.
“Snail Mail” is about a comedy of misunderstandings (yes, I know that’s not the phrase. No, I don’t care). And I know for some people, misunderstandings are the worst. Even I can agree with this assessment from time to time. But I think that this episode does this plot point very, very well. Especially because of the misunderstandings on both sides (Pen Pal thinking SpongeBob can fly, SpongeBob thinking Pen Pal is dying).
SpongeBob is just hilarious in this episode. I love his dynamic with Gary in the earlier parts of this one, and then I love his dramatics when he has to deal with the consequences of lying to Pen Pal. And then I loved his visit with Sandy. The way she gave him a pair of underpants was hilarious, like how often does a situation requiring clean underpants happen??? Weird thoughts aside, all of SpongeBob’s attempts of learning how to fly are also very fun to watch. I think it’s funny that he simply cannot commandeer any kind of vehicle. Other than a unicycle. Though it’s equally funny to me that SpongeBob can drive everything except a boat just fine. So basically, there’s all sorts of options for comedy in my eyes. His little pilot outfit is also adorable.
Speaking of good characters in this episode, Sandy is great as well. She’s just way too funny here, definitely one of my favorite Sandy appearances this season, legitimately. Her reassurances towards SpongeBob followed by her obvious understanding that SpongeBob cannot fly is great.
After a hilarious joke with Steve the scythe guy, and lots of nervousness, SpongeBob finally starts flying…and we finally learn the identity of Pen Pal. And see, this is probably the reason why I associate this episode with “Bulletin Board”, because Pen Pal is none other than Patrick Star! And of course, this is when we get the kind of chaos I love to see, with everything going to S lol. Very, very entertaining stuff. I think these kinds of chaos endings are something that have only gotten better with time, like a fine wine. And at the end of it all, we get the third iteration of the underwear joke, coupled with a
gorgeous background. Now that’s what I call a good ending!
Episode Tier: Great
Episode Score: 8.8/10
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