Next up, we've got "Patrick SmartPants", one of the better-known episodes of season 4. Also, is it just me, or do you guys find it weird that this episode and its sister episode, "SquidBob TentaclePants", have such similar titles? Idk what was going on there but it was very interesting. But despite having similar titles, the plots of these two episodes are hardly similar at all, which means it's easier for me to review them lol.
This episode starts off with SpongeBob and Patrick jellyfishing, which is always a win in my book because I think jellyfishing is a cool activity that makes the atmosphere of Bikini Bottom more complete, as I've said before. It's also cute how much fun SpongeBob and Patrick are having. The episode doesn't take too long to get into the meat of things though, as Patrick goes running off a cliff in a brilliant and funny show of stupidity. And then of course we get introduced to "smart" Patrick, who has an "infinitely expanding" vocabulary and a new cadence of voice. Bill Fagerbakke really did great voicing Patrick in this episode. He sounds so sophisticated! It's kind of wholesome that Patrick at least initially tries to get SpongeBob to join in on his new version of "fun". Even later in the episode, he's both condescending and somewhat wholesome when he says he'll humor SpongeBob with his "trivial pursuits". lol, that's the name of a board/trivia game.
I like that because Patrick changes so drastically in this episode, his dynamics with other characters shift as well. We'll get to SpongeBob in a minute, but I mean his whole segment with Squidward is pretty fun too. I like that they're able to initially make a connection over music, although Patrick really just throws out the largest music terms imaginable, even though no one who knows music actually talks like that lmao. Also I love how he roasts Squidward being like "that's because you rarely think", Patrick is such a savage sometimes. Sandy and Patrick's new dynamic is interesting to watch as well, considering Sandy is one of the smartest people in the show. Patrick's new condescending nature really jumps out in this part as he roasts Sandy for not being able to solve an equation. I like how Sandy immediately catches onto that and kicks him out, because she will not be taking that no way no how.
And then of course, we have SpongeBob and Patrick's dynamic, which has a big change in this episode, and is the emotional crux of the entire thing. I'm honestly surprised this episode is as emotional as it is, the writers really didn't hold back by covering up this sad thing with jokes. But seeing Patrick show no interest in SpongeBob doesn't even feel annoying, it just feels sad. Him calling SpongeBob "Robert" is pretty funny though. But seriously, like Patrick doesn't even show any ill will towards SpongeBob which makes the scene where he tells SpongeBob that they've grown apart much, much easier to watch. This clean end to their friendship is something only media can create, as real life relationships are hardly ever clean breaks like this. The scene where they're both looking at their friendship scrapbooks (which first off that's so adorable that they have corresponding scrapbooks) is very emotional and done very well. I really, really like that they don't make Patrick malicious in this episode, I cannot stress that enough. He's a jerk, but he isn't trying to be. And I love how he applies his newfound knowledge into trying to figure out why he and SpongeBob grew apart. The montage of him trying to do just that is pretty fun to watch. I just love that their friendship is so strong that even as a completely different person Patrick still desires that friendship.
I love how Patrick just kidnaps SpongeBob too lol, that was pretty funny. I love the two hanging out in jellyfish fields again. The part where SpongeBob's like "oh yeah" and Patrick's like "oh absolutely" is hilarious to me. And I love that Patrick is determined to get their old friendship back, to the point where he falls right back off the cliff. And then of course, we get the reveal that SpongeBob plugged Patrick with some brain coral, which is why he ended up changing. Patrick sacrificing his intellect so that he can still be friends with SpongeBob is endlessly sweet, and his declaration that "knowledge can never replace friendship" is words to live by (somewhat). The ending of this episode is just so cute, with the two running off into the beautiful sunset (common SpongeBob background artists W), which closes out this great episode.
"Patrick SmartPants" is just a really good episode for fans of SpongeBob and Patrick's best friendship. It's funny and engaging and heartwarming (after being heartbreaking). I don't really have any problems with this episode. It's not the funniest, but it makes up for that by hitting you in the feels. Definitely an episode worthy of my "Amazing" tier.
Episode Tier: Amazing
Episode Score: 9/10
