*sniffs* Do a smell a...classic? Yeah yeah yeah I use that word all the time but I mean it! This episode is another one of those ones that's very nostalgic for me, and I don't need that nostalgia to see that this is a great, fun episode. Honestly, season 2 went off with having two back-to-back banger episodes like this. Let's talk about it.
"Squid's Day Off" is one of those episodes where it takes a couple minutes to set up what will be the majority of the episode. In this case, the set up is the hilarious scene in which Mr. Krabs shows his...frugality. The episode doesn't quite reel me in until Mr. Krabs shows up, which is perfectly fine given it only takes a minute or so for that to happen. And speaking of Mr. Krabs, he's excellent in this episode even if he isn't a major focus. This beginning scene with him is just too funny, with some great word play ("I can think of ten good reasons never to let go of a dime"). I also like the animation of him pushing Squidward out of the way to get to the money, I just think that's so funny. And then skipping ahead a bit, Mr. Krabs' stoicism and utter doneness in the face of Squidward's breakdown is just hilarious.
Moving on to the real star of this episode, Squidward's just fantastic. But before I get to that I wanted to give a shoutout to both SpongeBob for similarly being great in this episode, and the whole Squidward-SpongeBob dynamic which drives the plot forward. SpongeBob is his usual enthusiastic self, and I like how Squidward's breakdown involves something we've already gotten elements of being in character for SpongeBob, which is his trolling side (see: "Fools in April" and "SpongeBob Meets The Strangler"). And props to Tom Kenny and the sound editors for managing to make the same line not sound annoying after our 10th or so time hearing it.
Okay, back to Squidward. Man does he shine in this episode. This is the first "proper" Squidward freak out to me, although we've definitely gotten close before ("Employee of the Month" almost gets it, but it doesn't have the Squidward flair. No shrill screaming, complete loss of sanity, all of that). And man, does it deliver. Squidward running around essentially naked in his attempt to prove that SpongeBob left his post in a clear example of projection is absolutely hilarious, and it is preceded by some great build up as Squidward slowly starts to lose it. The comedown from the breakdown is great as well, as Squidward starts to regain his senses, and later when Squidward completely just falls to the ground in defeat. It's funny, Squidward doesn't say anything, we simply get an excellently-drawn animation, and we can all generally understand just what Squidward is feeling in that moment. What an ending.
I have no qualms with this episode, other than maybe the first minute being slow, and I find it to be utterly hilarious. For these reasons, I believe it has well-earned its spot on my "Amazing" tier.
Episode Tier: Amazing
Episode Score: 9.3/10
