Gonna go ahead and talk about this episode a little more. Upon rewatching it, I still did enjoy "Out of the Picture," but I definitely can understand why others wouldn't, but I'll get to that a little later. I like the environments this episode sends us to, like the arctic, Mars, and of course, Rock Bottom. Listen, I know it was only like, 50 seconds of the episode at most, but there's no denying that I'm willing to put on a few brownie points for bringing it back. That is seriously overdue. I feel the humor and premise for the episode is pretty solid, and really, that's the extent of what I'm looking for in an episode. Yes, Krabs is a little unlikable, but it's made clear that he is the villain of this episode. And heck, I wouldn't even say this is the first time he tried to do something of this sort. I mean, did "Clams" just collectively disappear from everyone's memory? Jokes aside, I do understand complaints for this episode, but I do feel there are two factors that really put this above some of the show's other dark episodes.
- Krabs is a clear villain, and gets his comeuppance. While in some other episodes, say "One Coarse Meal," the villain is left ambiguous, since Plankton is seen stealing the formula at the beginning, yet the torment later on tries to put him in a sympathetic light, this episode makes sure you know who the antagonist is from the start, and doesn't try to show ambiguity with it. This means that later on, when Krabs gets his just desserts, there is a sense of satisfaction that comes with it. I will admit, it did feel a little out-of-character, but ultimately, since most SpongeBob episodes are contained within themselves, it didn't affect the episode too much for me.
- The episode doesn't ever feel like it takes itself too seriously. The idea of an episode about someone putting another through torment until they feel downright suicidal is just kinda messed-up and nothing else, with it kinda being difficult to see what's being played for laughs. In this episode, I feel as though the premise of someone faking another's death for profit is pretty goofy, and made especially entertaining when Krabs fails to accomplish it, particularly with Squidward seeming oblivious to what's going on. The story is far more humorous in this scenario, which I really believe helps it succeed.
As for the rest, it's really just a matter of opinion. I believe that can be said for a lot of Season 10 episodes, really. I am always a sucker for these sorts of dark stories, and I just found the episode itself to be funny, so really I trend towards the positive on this episode. I feel that although I disagree with McSponge's opinion, he did do a good job explaining why he dislikes it, and as such I can respect him and his review of this episode. In some of the other instances, however, I do feel there was some over-reaction. I wouldn't say on any stretch that this episode is the next "One Coarse Meal," and especially not that this episode alone is enough for the show to deserve being cancelled. Not every episode can always be a winner, and while there are perfectly good reasons to dislike "Out of the Picture," I do feel as though it is far from the worst episode we've ever seen. I personally loved the episode, and would say it is probably competing for the fifth best episode of the season, giving it a 9/10, but don't feel as though you have to enjoy it. I feel there are many points that put this leagues above the show's worst episodes, but I can definitely see why someone with other tastes may not enjoy it. Sorry if I rambled on a little there, but I'm hoping I was able to express my opinion well enough.