Next up, we've got "Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy V", which is a fun little ensemble episode! This is probably my favorite of the original 5, if we're being honest. So let's discuss!
Firstly, I think the whole concept of this episode is hilarious. Especially with DC establishing Robin as a child's role ever since they started having an actual continuity (which is why a certain someone, *cough cough* Tim Drake *cough* needs to grow the H up already, but that's a whole other tangent for me to go on), the spoof on Batman and Robin is incredibly clear in this episode. And honestly, I'm rooting for Barnacle Boy this whole episode, because I too would definitely be over it, probably long before this, if people kept treating me as a child when I was a grown man. This episode lowkey makes a good point about certain superhero names and how they make grown people seem like children (Supergirl, I'm looking at you!).
Anyway, all my tangent-going aside, this beginning part of the episode is so funny once Barnacle Boy declares he's becoming a villain. As always, the "evil" gags in this episode are hilarious, that truly is a joke that never gets old (and I don't mean the lemon thing just yet). Even more hilarious is when Barnacle Boy proclaims he's going over to the dark side, only for there to literally be a dark side of the restaurant because of Mr. Krabs' cheapness. I love that Man Ray and the Dirty Bubble were just chilling in a car in the dark side, just waiting for someone to utter the word "evil." With a ride like that, they're making me want to join them. And then we get the classic strategy of building up anticipation only to fondly sweep the rug from under us, when it turns out that the three villains are doing the pettiest crimes imaginable. Of course, this is also when we get the great "E.V.I.L." joke. That logo is really well drawn, in all honesty.
Then we get to the real fun part of the episode, which is everyone teaming up and becoming superheroes! I love how Mr. Krabs only pops in one last time just to tell Squidward to do it or he's fired. Honestly, one thing I feel was missing from this episode was Mr. Krabs. It would've been fun to see him doing the superhero thing too. Would the episode have been too crowded with him in it for more than a minute? Possibly, but I think "Pressure" did well having the same amount of characters (well, kind of, given that we also had the geriatric duo + the other supervillains in this episode).
The DC parody only gets better once everyone gets their costumes from the IJLSA. I love the bit about the powers all being in the costumes, because whenever Hollywood decides to make a live-action remake of some of these heroes I'm always like "why the H are they dressed like that?" For as much as I dislike the MCU for certain reasons, they usually did pretty good in the costume department by making costumes that made sense. Though there's issues with that too, because the whole point of comics is that they aren't realisitic. Idk, don't mind me, just going on a tangent again.
Anyway, I love all the little intros everyone gets with their new powers, they're all really funny and a great way to showcase what each of them can do. This episode really leans into the superhero genre, especially when it comes to the introduction of the chief, love that moment. The chief himself is also really funny. I honestly cannot believe that SpongeBob SquarePants got away with that Make-Out Reef joke, considering they didn't even have the distance of animation for that one. Whatever strings had to be pulled, I'm glad it's in there, because it's hilarious. I'm also surprised that Squidward managed to get any action there lol. But truly, it is diabolical that E.V.I.L. is harassing [redacted] teenagers.
Moving to the confrontation at Make-Out Reef, once again we see the writers and voice actors having lots of fun with this parody, with the catchphrases and insults and one-liners. And everyone gets a pretty cool entrance, which I thought was fun. But of course, this is SpongeBob SquarePants, so always expect the unexpected. Or perhaps this is expected...everyone manages to completely fail at fighting the villains because of their lack of mastery with their powers, and it's great to watch.
And then of course, this episode pulls on our heartstrings for just a second when Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy make up, but not before making us laugh a bit with the Dirty Bubble's and Man Ray's dumbfounded reactions to Barnacle Boy's demands. And then we get probably my favorite part of the episode, which is the ending where everyone starts laughing. It's like one of those "where are they now" endings. And the chief really just makes it. Again, how did they get away with that?
"Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy V" is just a really solid episode. Even though there is a 6th one of these, I like to count this as the end of the saga because this is the last one that uses that specific style of title card. And really, this is a great ending to the saga. Like if they stopped using Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy altogether with this episode, I wouldn't have been mad. This episode is one of those ones that I have a newer appreciation for. I always considered it to be the best of the original 5, but it would typically be in my "Great" tier. But looking back at it now, there's just so many great and understated jokes in here, and the parody here is immaculate, so it deserves to be in "Amazing".
Episode Tier: Amazing
Episode Score: 9/10