Well, it's only been about two days or so since I last posted a list, but I thought "Hey, why not?"
It's time to present what I consider to be my greatest list. A list I go in-depth, and in detail about my absolute least favorite episodes from the worst Season in this series currently consisting of 11 Seasons (With a twelfth Season currently in production). That's right, it's time for you guys to hear my thoughts on the Top 10 Worst Episodes of SpongeBob's Seventh Season. Oh yeah, and the best ones, too. But that's not what you came here for, I bet.
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It's time...yes, the time has come...to discuss none other than...the worst episodes...in my personal least favorite season of...SpongeBob...SquarePants...
Why exactly do I hate this show's Seventh Season so much? Well, there are A LOT more horrendous episodes than pretty much any other season. Granted, this season has 50 episodes, but the thing is, there are about 19 episodes in this Season I don't like. That's 38% of this Season! Season 6 has a total of 41 episodes. There are about 13 episodes in that Season that I don't like. That's about 31% of this Season. This is, ladies and gentlemen, probably the only list where I hate Every Single Episode. Generally, while I dislike the ones higher on the list around Numbers 10-8, I don't necessarily hate them. But this list...oh...this list. For anyone who wants to bash on SpongeBob, this is the ideal dream list. There are episodes on this list you'll expect, then there will be some surprises that may shock you. Remember, this list is based off not only my opinion, but also how I deem the quality of the episode to be. Are ya ready kids?
10. Someone's in the Kitchen with Sandy
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: Plankton steals Sandy's fur, and disguises himself as Sandy, in order to have SpongeBob reveal how to make a Krabby Patty. Meanwhile, Sandy faces ridicule for her lack of fur by the townsfolk.
Main Characters: Plankton, Sandy, SpongeBob
Fun Fact: Originally, Sandy was intended to lose her bra, according to the original storyboards to this episode that were leaked online.
Oh brother, look what I have to start with? And it only goes downhill from here folks, let me tell you. It's like the writers had some sort of interesting idea, but couldn't fit it into an 11 minute episode, so they had to go with shoving in tons, and I mean tons of filler. Even then, if the writers had some sort of idea with what they wanted to do with this episode...I can't find anything good about the plot. No, seriously, I actually can't find anything that's good about this plot. The main concept is a "Plankton disguises himself" trope, which has already been done in the Season 2 classic, Imitation Krabs, which was Number 5 on my Top 10 Best Season 2 SpongeBob Episodes list. So, not only do we have a concept that's already been done, but the way it is done is so awkward, and confusing. This is the only episode we've ever witnessed Sandy take off her fur, like it's clothing. No other episode do we ever see her take her fur off. Oh, so she can take her fur off, yet she keeps her clothes on? This is a kids show, I get that's unnecessary, but there have been countless of times SpongeBob took a shower without clothes, heck we see Squidward do it a couple times as well! It's confusing how the writers set up this situation. So Sandy can shower with her clothes, but not her fur? This is literally the only episode she takes off her fur too. In Survival of the Idiots, her fur is part of her body, not some piece of clothing. Or maybe her fur never grew back after that, and she resorts to this fake fur that can't get wet. That's the ONLY explanation, yet that's highly unlikely the writers thought of that. Goodness, I didn't even thought about until writing this review, that's how absurd the idea is! Not as absurd as how they handled this, though! The main plot is Plankton in Sandy's fur, which appears to resemble a corpse. Okay...
This part of the episode is so boring. It is beyond the stretched out chalkboard scenes in Boating Buddies, oh no, that's like watching Nascar compared to this. Everything has to be slow, and drawn out, and dragged on. Why? Because the writers obviously couldn't think of anything they could add to the plot! So not only is it a concept that's already been done, no new twist is added to the plot. The only new twist is that Plankton isn't in a robot. And, wow. Just...wow. The robot from Imitation Krabs at least bared similarities to Krabs himself. This just looks like someone skinned Sandy, and hung it on their wall in their den! Oh, but this is where it gets confusing. So, apparently, Sandy's clothing is on both her fur, and her skin. Uh...why? If you wear it under your fur, then why is there even clothing on your fur! I guess that's to save embarrassment, but who knows!? Sandy doesn't say why! Also, why would the clothing even be necessary outside her treedome? She wears an astronaut suit outside her dome! So people don't even notice the clothing! I don't know, I don't know, but for some reason, everyone in Bikini Bottom makes fun of Sandy, or harasses her for being nude. Uh...she still has her clothes on. Plus, it's not like she's the only one who walks around in a Bikini! A lot of the fish in Bikini Bottom walk around in a bikini! Heck, a fish who is wearing a Bikini makes fun of Sandy! So, her fur is gone, so now she's naked? This episode raises far too many questions to even make sense, and the parts that do make sense aren't even entertaining! The filler between SpongeBob & Plankton is so dull, I'd get more excitement out of watching Patrick ride the carnival ride from Sleepy Time! This is definitely one of the worst episodes in this Season, and one of the worst of the series! Oh yeah, I went there, this is just awful! It's a great big blend of being confusing, annoying, boring, and being an all around waste of time. I highly recommend skipping this one.
9. Summer Job
Original Airdate: 3-23-2010
Plot: After crashing her car into the Krusty Krab, Mrs. Puff has to work at the Krusty Krab, in order to pay for the damage she caused. She's also taught the ropes of working at the Krusty Krab by her worst nightmare...SpongeBob!
Original Airdate: Mrs. Puff, SpongeBob SquarePants, Mr. Krabs
Fun Fact: This is the first time in nearly 7 years that an episode hints Puff and Krabs like each other.
While Number 10 is generally well known as being an awful episode, this episode generally remains as a hidden one. And it should stay that way. Summer Job just isn't entertaining. It's unlikable, irritating, unfunny, and extremely forgettable. It took a little bit for Someone's in the Kitchen with Sandy to start being unlikable and irritating, how long does it take this episode to do so? Oh, less than a minute in. The moment SpongeBob opens his mouth, all chaos breaks loose, and man, he is SUPER annoying in this scene! His voice seems to stretch out, and gets louder, and louder, and drags on every single second of it. His irritating voice, oh! I hate this scene. After that pathetic excuse for a "joke", Puff ditches SpongeBob (As anyone would after hearing that maniac go off), and what happens next? She crashes into the Krusty Krab. And wow, is Krabs...not angry in the slightest. Whoever directed this episode has two different extremes. SpongeBob was showing far too much emotion, where it appeared obviously forced, and completely unnatural, while Krabs shows no emotion at all. This is the guy who sold SpongeBob for 62 cents, this is the guy who wouldn't even buy his daughter a pizza for her Slumber Party, this is a guy who spends days trying to get a penny, yet he shows not a single bit of emotion, when it comes to the damage Puff has given the Krusty Krab. Just...
I'm at a loss for words. There's no way to describe how much the writers failed at developing this scene. So, Puff goes under SpongeBob's wing. What could've been an actually entertaining plot, if executed right, ended up bombing as a piece of unfunny and lame scenes. The only scene I liked was when SpongeBob dressed as a Duke when training Puff. Sure, the joke was as predictable as the results of SpongeBob's Driving Test, but it was the set-up was amusing. The rest of the episode is just a bunch of unmemorable dialogue, that somehow manage to fill in a handful of minutes, until we get to, oh boy, the climax! Which involves Puff delivering food to a customer. BUT ON A BARREL! Yeah, this is apparently a metaphor for Puff instructing SpongeBob when driving, but it took me a long time to comprehend that, since my brain couldn't develop that concept until PieGuyRulz pointed it out in his EEoSS7R (That's a complicated acronym!). This scene...it isn't funny. It's not even entertaining. It's just a part that stands out, since more things happen in it, than everything else in this episode. The ending involves Puff quitting her job, and littering. Of course, the cops pull her aside, because every cop has it in for a litterbug in Bikini Bottom.
SpongeBob Meets the Strangler
Driven to Tears
Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful
Trust me, the crime may be up in this city, but you won't see any litter! Of course, Puff is arrested, and guess who is there to reteach her about driving a boat? SpongeBob! Turns out, that's what he wanted to let her know earlier. Now, I will admit, this was a clever ending, and I will give props to the writers for connecting the beginning to the end, so the events that occur aren't just pointless. Still, that doesn't excuse the lack of funny jokes, annoying scenes, forgettable scenes, and characters with either too much in their personality, or too little. Showcasing this episode would've been a better punishment to the prisoners, rather than reteaching them how to drive a boat.
8. One Coarse Meal
Original Airdate: 3-25-2010
Plot: Mr. Krabs scares Plankton by dressing up as Pearl, putting Plankton into a depression.
Main Characters: Plankton, Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob, Karen
Fun Fact: This is generally considered to be the worst episode in the series by many.
Alright, let's get a crack at this. Yes, this is Number 8, and no, it's nowhere close to being the worst episode in this season. The hate for this episode is phenomenal. Not in a good way, I mean the fact that it's so universally hated among cartoon fans! This episode is usually considered to be the worst episode of the series, but I don't think it's anywhere close to being it. Wait, it's ahead of Somebody's In the Kitchen With Sandy, which I said was one of the worst episodes in the series. So how come this is ahead? Because while it's quality is lower than that of SItKWS, I don't hate it as much as SItKWS. There's nothing new I can add onto why I dislike this episode. It's been said and done in just about every Top 10 Worst SpongeBob Episodes list, and even then, the elements of the episode that aren't overused to death (KRABS DROVE PLANKTON TO TRYING TO KILL HIMSELF! SPONGEBOB STABS PLANKTON IN THE BACK AT THE END! KRABS IS SUCH A JERK, HE'S ONE OF THE WORST CARTOON CHARACTERS OF-yeah, you know what I mean.), have already been covered much more in depth in PieGuyRulz's review of this episode. I dislike this episode for pretty much the same reasons as other people do, but I still find episode much worse than this, because this episode has become so overhated, I've grown numb to this episode. Still, it's a really bad episode, but I don't hate it as much as other episodes on this list. I certainly dislike it, but it's not Top 5 material. You want to know why this episode is bad? Just look at everyone else's typical reasons why, and you'll get the gist of it. Not wasting my time talking about something that can't even have new things exposed, when it's faults have been sucked dry by other haters of this episode.
7. Rodeo Daze
Original Airdate: 2-2-2010
Plot: SpongeBob tries everything in his power to stop Sandy from going to a Rodeo in Texas.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Sandy
Plot: This is the only episode in which all of Bikini Bottom's residents go out of water.
*Sigh* On first glance, this episode is just about as confusing as Someone's In the Kitchen with Sandy. But then, it starts to make sense, and *Sigh* yeah, this episode is horrendous. I hate this episode, I just can't believe how much the writers butchered this episode. Just, how is this possible. I said before in the past that Waiting is the most pointless episode in the series, but this...the writers don't even go anywhere with this! Waiting at least had some sort of build-up, it had an ending too. Granted, the build-up was awful, and the ending was just as bad, but at least it had an original plot. The plot was actually quite original. This episode, it's impossible to describe my pure hatred for this episode. I'll try to break it down.
1. Characters
Yeah, there's a common argument about this episode. "Why do the Bikini Bottomites not care about Sandy? Why're they so against helping SpongeBob?" Well, because they have common sense! If I had some friend of mine going on a trip to somewhere, and another friend of mine wanted me to help me stop said friend, I wouldn't go. I'm not dropping everything just so I can stop someone from going somewhere. They aren't going to help SpongeBob, because there's no need to. Sandy has proven herself capable of handling situations plenty of times before. Unlike SpongeBob, Sandy, & The Worm, where she's unfamiliar with what she's tackling, she's obviously well experienced with Rodeos! She's the strongest person in Bikini Bottom, she doesn't need help. And SpongeBob is expecting too much of his friends to help him out, resorting to...kidnapping them. Yeah, that's definitely something SpongeBob would do. It's his way, or the high-you know, there's not even any other way. These characters are now stuck going on a journey they don't want to be a part of. They have the right to say no! Sandy isn't even in danger, yet SpongeBob's innocence comprehends the idea she is going into a dangerous territory, despite the fact that she's obviously been to Rodeos before.
2. Cheap Animation
Alright, so we're all familiar with the classic running gag that involves the SpongeBob characters resembling their real life species whenever they exit the water (Outside of the movies). Pressure is the classic example of this. Rather than animate the characters going onto land, the writers of the episode decided to make the hilarious decision to present the characters as cheap (And I mean CHEAP) puppets, on an obviously fake set. This was hilarious, because it was not only the first time we saw the characters out of water (Aside from Sandy's Rocket), and the direction of the scenes were meant to indicate that it was intentionally cheap. There's been a few gags since then, most notably in Roller Cowards, but the animation in this...oh goodness. Because of how the story in this episode is much more complex than the story in Pressure (Which seemed to be an episode relying more on jokes, than having a serious conflict), the scenes above the surface are supposed to be much more serious, intended as the big ending when the gang finally meets Sandy at the Rodeo. Because of how the story progresses, puppets can't be used to finish the story, it just wouldn't work. It's not like it's a more laid-back, silly plot like in Pressure, it's intended to be a more dramatically played out sequences. Sticking to the continuity of having the characters resemble their real species out of water (Yet, we never got a definite on whether SpongeBob does or does not have bones. We've seen examples of both), the staff resorted to really, and I mean, really cheap animation. They definitely have the budget to produce great animation, heck, the scene where the Bikini Bottomites are looking down at Texas through the bubble is very impressive. But, the animation quality is bad, and I mean REALLY bad. The characters do not fit in with their environment, to the point where the puppets in Pressure would be more realistic then the animation they use. When the animation is done in a supposedly serious scene, this goofy animation not only distracts us from it, it taints the scene. The comedy played off this animation is poorly done, too. There's not even jokes about the animation's quality, which makes matters even worse. The weird cows during the song, "Rodeo" were funny, because it's supposed to be a silly song. The bad animation fits in with the Rodeo song because it's not intended to be serious, whereas the scene the bad animation is in during the ending is supposed to be serious.
3. A plot that goes nowhere
It's a given that the conflict is pointless, as proven within the Characters problem. But, the plot just fades away as quickly as it shows up. There is no really conflict, SpongeBob is the one creating all of it. It's not like it's unintentional either, like how he annoys Squidward in Bubblestand, in this episode, he's the one who is spreading around the conflict. He started it all by being paranoid about Sandy going to a Rodeo, and because he doesn't get anyone to help him (I can't blame them), he kidnaps them, and takes them to Texas himself. He's creating unnecessary problems, that don't need to exist. Once they crash into the rodeo, and entirely new piece of conflict starts, about a minute before the episode ends, when a bullfrog grabs SpongeBob. I guess you can say this is his comeuppance, but even then it seems like a forced way to include a climax. It's only a few seconds long, when Sandy saves the Sponge, in horribly animated fashion. SpongeBob is like "Well, I guess you were right Sandy.", and it just ends there! Why!? This ending, and frog climax is more forced than the cows in Rodeo!
This episode is chock full of problems. While it may have a good song, the rest of this episode remains a very flawed episode, and even if you don't care about these flaws, it's boring! There's no funny jokes, or anything! Aside from the song, this episode is as forgettable as a piece of gum you stepped on in a Subway station. This definitely one of the worst episodes of this show's Seventh Season. One I truly despise.
6. Stuck in the Wringer
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: When SpongeBob gets stuck in his wringer, Patrick accidentally puts glue in it, and SpongeBob is now forced to live his life stuck within his wringer.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick
Fun Fact: Interestingly enough, SpongeBob and Patrick don't visit Glove World in this episode. Instead, the amusement park they visit is a regular carnival that's apparently always in town.
Ah, Stuck in the Wringer. How you've angered so many people, with your so called "lesson", your "Confusing, unlikable characters", and cruel acts to our beloved main character, SpongeBob. How you've angered so many people, yet, this is one of the most forgettable episodes in the Season. I'm going to admit, I'm always forgetting about Stuck in the Wringer. Why? Because there are episodes far worse than this one, in this Season, and this is one I usually don't think about when I think of really bad episodes. Does that mean it's good? Not in the slightest. But, considering how much worse other episodes in this Season are, and how memorable other episodes are above this, for different reasons than this one, this is an episode I tend to forget about, unless I'm looking at the list of Season 7 episodes. This episode has a sloppy plot. We're supposed to sympathize SpongeBob, yet the episode turns the tables, and tells us we're supposed to sympathize Patrick? Why? Uh, Patrick is the one who got SpongeBob in this situation, and possibly ruined his life. He's the one who made the foolish move to glue SpongeBob in the wringer. It's not like it was by accident either, he straight up puts glue in the wringer. Yeah, he tries to make it better, and while it isn't his intentions are to make things better for SpongeBob, SpongeBob is still justified to blow his stack at Patrick during the climax. This entire thing was Patrick's fault, even if he meant no harm. If I were SpongeBob, I'd do the same thing. I'd flip out at Patrick, because it's justified for me to do so! Yeah, he's trying to make things better, but SpongeBob is allowed to be mad at him for it. Then, other people start yelling at SpongeBob, because...
"You know, kid, your body isn't the problem. It's your heart. You deserve what you've gotten."
How does that make sense!? It doesn't. You know why? Because this man has no idea what's going on. He didn't witness the events leading up to this, he only knows what the 2 were yelling about. This guy is butting into a conversation he doesn't belong in, informing SpongeBob something entirely false. Rather than shrugging it off, it puts SpongeBob into a depression.
Okay, so a lot of people hate the dialogue from this random fish at the Carnival. Analyzing it, I realize it's not as bad as people make it. I realize why the fish would say this, because he's only using the piece of information he knows. He doesn't know the pain and struggling SpongeBob's been through. What really makes this dialogue awful, is the impact it has on the episode. SpongeBob takes this guy seriously, as if he's been there, with the Sponge all day long, causing Sponge to go into a deep depression. WHY!? This doesn't make any sense why SpongeBob would take this guy seriously! If I was SpongeBob, I'd ignore it, maybe go to the hospital to get surgery so this thing can come off. But instead of doing anything with himself, SpongeBob just gives up on life, and spends the rest of his days as a hermit in his house. Actually, strike that. A hermit would be more interesting. Patrick realizes he needs to help SpongeBob (The best part of the episode, mind you), and starts crying, melting the glue away slightly. SpongeBob sees hope, and starts crying with Patrick, causing him to slide out of the wringer, easily. Makes sense, since he uses the wringer to get himself dry. Everyone hates the "Crying really does solve your problems" line. Personally, I think people are overreacting when it comes to disliking it so much. It's obviously a joke, and isn't meant to be taken seriously. Mind you, one of the very few jokes in this episode that are funny. Yeah, along with it's massive amount of flaws, it's not funny either. Forgettable, unfunny, does plenty of things wrong, don't watch it.
5. A Pal for Gary
Original Airdate: 1-1-2010
Plot: SpongeBob buys a pet to keep Gary company while he leaves Gary alone. But, the pet is secretly a beast, and tries his best to kill Gary, much to SpongeBob's oblivion of the matter at hand.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Gary, Puffy Fluffy
Fun Fact: This was the first episode to air in this decade.
Oh boy. Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the episode that usually makes #1 on Top 10 Worst SpongeBob Episodes lists, if One Coarse Meal doesn't reach Number 1. And yeah, I can agree this is a terrible one. Even when I first saw it as a kid, I was confused. I wondered why SpongeBob completely ignored Puffy, when he could obviously see Puffy was attacking Gary, and focused on scolding Gary. This was at the time when I thought Squid abuse was funny, so my standards were pretty low, and this episode even managed to get under my skin. I don't know who thought this was funny, considering the fact that I've never met someone (In person, or online) who thought this episode was actually funny. I mean that. The only people I've seen who likes this episode are usually people who like every other episode of the series (Oh trust me, they exist!). This is universally panned among both Cartoon Fans, and SpongeBob Fans as one of the worst episodes this series has to offer, and, they're not wrong. This is truly one of the worst episodes I have ever witnessed. The beginning is nice, I liked seeing SpongeBob's caring side, concerned about Gary being alone, and we see Gary is perfectly fine, if not better without the sponge. Well, he goes and buys a creature, whom he names Puffy Fluffy that'll be Gary's companion. The lady who sells the creatures warns the Sponge that the creatures go crazy around felines. But, rather than listen to her information, he completely blocks her out, and focuses on the pet he's getting, being cute. Here's the first problem with this episode. Rather than actually make SpongeBob a well rounded, realistic character, and listen to the sketchy lady's advice, he completely ignores her. No, I'm serious. He doesn't hear a word she says. Why? I don't know! This is to set up SpongeBob being oblivious to the fact that Puffy is harassing Gary, yet it's done in all the wrong ways. For starters, it's not funny. Nothing is funny about this scene. Second, this comes off as completely unrealistic, and severely forced. Third, SpongeBob is out of character when doing this (This won't be the last time we see him do so). SpongeBob is the type of guy who actually absorbs (*Ba-dum-tst*) information, rather than tune it out. Look at Procrastination, or even later on, The Hot Shot! SpongeBob pays full attention in class, even when he's the only one doing so! So this choice in behavior doesn't even fit him! A better solution would be to have SpongeBob listen to the lady, be a little weirded out, saying "Okay...", backing up slowly, and running away after paying her, and collecting the pet, followed by a view of her stand for a few seconds, until we hear the police yell "THERE SHE IS!", followed by her yelling "Oh no! Not again!", thus causing her to run off camera, with the police officers chasing her. That'd be funny! Better than this! And it'd even get the message across that these creatures are dangerous, even more so than she already explained. SpongeBob introduces Puffy to Gary, which is then followed by a series of events in which SpongeBob is oblivious to Gary being attacked by Puffy, thinking Gary is doing harm to Puffy instead. This wouldn't be so bad...if the REST OF THE EPISODE WASN'T LIKE THIS! Seriously! It's expected for a story to go this route during the buildup to the climax, but seriously? SpongeBob keeps blaming Gary, even after witnessing Puffy (Who has transformed into a deranged, hideous monster...
...No, not that hideous monster) about to kill Gary! It is common sense for this point in the story line to be the part where SpongeBob comes to his senses, and tries to save Gary, and realizes he is wrong. But instead, this doesn't happen. This is generally the most hated scene in the episode, mostly for SpongeBob acting like a jerk. And while that is a big problem, the bigger problem is how the people who worked on this episode thought this made sense. What is this? Humor? Is it supposed to be satire on how predictable these types of episodes are laid out, so they have SpongeBob stick to his guns? I honestly don't know, because everyone, even a kid like me who laughed at Squid Wood sees that this scene is fundamentally broken. It is, this entire scene is one giant flaw. My only guess is that "Ha-ha! SpongeBob still thinks Gary's the trouble maker! Isn't that funny?". No. It's not funny, because that's not how the story is supposed to work. This isn't the time for comedy, this is the big climax. Like Rodeo Daze, which throws in humor at the inappropriate time, at the ending, it utterly fails. This episode would just be a forgettable, meh episode, but no. There are obvious flaws with this episode's writing that is visible with the naked eye. You can't break down the flaws like I've done in past Top 10s, the flaws are right in front of you in this episode.
4. Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful
Original Airdate: 1-1-2010
Plot: Squidward has to clean up all the trash in Bikini Bottom within a day to a win a bet he made with Squilliam.
Main Characters: Squidward, Police Officer, SpongeBob, Squilliam
Fun Fact: This is the last episode where Squilliam has a major role.
Oh joy, what a lovely episode to kick off the decade. This episode, often overshadowed by it's partner episode, A Pal for Gary, has remained for years as one of my all-time least favorite episodes of this show's Seventh Season. And guess what? I still hate it. In fact, I find it worse than A Pal for Gary, an episode with flaws so large, it could fill up the Grand Canyon. This episode is by far much more frustrating, and is one of the most frustrating episodes in the entire series. But no...*Groan*...somehow there are episodes even more frustrating than this one, one of them fueled by absolute hate. When looking at the premise, you think "Oh, this doesn't seem so bad. It's a Squidward v. Squilliam episode, those always end up being good." *Heh-heh* WRONG!
The whole Squidward v. Squilliam part isn't the problem. This episode is super mean-spirited even by SpongeBob standards. As someone who has dismissed Choir Boys from being one of the worst episodes of the series, since I didn't find it to be to be that mean spirited definitely tells you something about KBBB. The plot itself is an average plot. It's nothing that good, and isn't even too original. It doesn't bring anything new to the table, like House Fancy, and Squilliam Returns did. Instead, we get generic conflict, aided by the worst example of humor I have ever seen in this series. Seriously, this episode's one-off characters have to be the worst one-off characters I've ever seen in this series! The running gag involving the cop just isn't funny. It's just filler. The key part to having a good running gag, is by making the gag funny. Take FOP for instance. The running gag involving Cosmo's empty head was funny! It was clever, and even helped the plot a bit. The running gag involving Cosmo saying "Right..." sarcastically isn't funny. Therefore, it's just annoying. Every time Squidward litters (Even when he's not even responsible for it), the cop shows up, writes up a ticket, slaps it onto Squidward's nose, and leaves. This happens multiple times in the episode, and let me tell you, not a single time is this funny. It's just annoying, but the real frustrating part is when SpongeBob litters, and Squidward is blamed for it. Sounds worse written then the way they actually executed it, though.
So, aside from annoying cop who takes up a lot of time as a pathetic excuse for a running gag, we meet a lady who beats Squidward to a pulp. Why? Because he stole her kid's wagon. I get Squidward getting his comeuppance. He deserves it for taking the kid's wagon, but this...this is just too brutal of a punishment. It's like copying off someone's answers on a test, followed by being beat up by your teacher. If anything, we're supposed to enjoy seeing Squidward get his comeuppance, not sympathize for him. During all this, SpongeBob does nothing. No, I'm serious, he does absolutely nothing.
In this episode, he has the exact same problem that Krabs has in Summer Job, he shows no real emotion. Yeah, he wants to help Squidward with collecting the trash, but he never shows an ounce of emotion outside of being happy. Sure, he is supposed to be happy, that's his character trait, but even when Squidward is getting beat into a pulp, he just says "Hi lady.", and watches. He isn't concerned, nor worried about Squidward in this scene. He just watches as if he has no real soul, like a robot.
There so many flaws with the characters in this episode, and that plays in part with the humor. This is one of those episodes that has a simple plot, and relies heavily on humor to get it going. Unfortunately, the humor in this episode is awful. There's a few little gag here and there every once in a while I found funny, like SpongeBob studying the full life cycle of a Krabby Patty, and the confused citizens mistaking Squidward for the garbage man. These are funny. They have a set up, and a pay off. They're out of the ordinary and entertaining. But, a lot of the humor relies on the characters. The cop, as mentioned before is as annoying as Nickelodeon's advertising campaign. The lady who beats up Squidward isn't likable in the slightest. SpongeBob is so dull. When there's finally some potential for him to be funny, when he absorbs all the garbage, nothing funny happens. Seriously, he just walks alongside Squidward, and does nothing, until he talks, trash spews out of his mouth, and Squidward is given a ticket for it. That's one of the most frustrating parts of the episode! This episode has one frustrating part after another, it's one of the most unlikable episodes I've ever witnessed. The ending does have a clever twist that makes Squidward win, but it's killed off by the return of the complete-opposite-of-funny-cop. If you're in the mood to get angry, I recommend this episode.
3. Yours, Mine, and Mine
Original Airdate: 9-11-2010
Plot: Patrick and SpongeBob fight over a kiddie meal toy at the Krusty Krab
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick
Fun Fact:This is the second time the Krusty Krab includes a toy in their kiddie meal (The first time was in Mermaid Man vs. SpongeBob)
There's been plenty of episodes out there where the episode seems to reset itself, and go back to normal. Sponge Out of Water is a prime example of this, with all the characters getting back into their groove at the end of the movie, after the grand adventure. But it's a lot more rare when the conflict in the episode resets itself. Whenever this happened, it was usually done in a humorous way, like when Patrick dissed Texas at the end of Texas, provoking Sandy to ask Patrick "What did you just say?". These were generally subplots, though, not the main plot that the entire episode focused around. Unfortunately, the main conflict in this episode is reset at the end, and boy, does it bomb. Rather than being a funny little joke that'll make you chuckle, it's a stinker that'll make you groan and go "Here we go again.". It's like watching divorced parents meet up with each other a few hours after a big fight. It's tough to watch. In this episode, Patrick is ignorant to no end. Promising he'll share the toy with SpongeBob, he does the complete opposite, hogging it to himself. Patrick's selfish attitude makes him an extremely unlikable character in this episode. And the episode goes nowhere with it. You think Patrick would learn his lesson about sharing, but he doesn't. He takes money out of SpongeBob's wallet, and use the infamous words, "Have you learned nothing about sharing?". While Stuck in the Wringer at least managed to make the final joke in the episode silly, this isn't silly, it's just annoying. When you think Patrick's finally done being a jerk, he starts the drama back up! It has the opposite effect writers wanted it to have. Instead of a one-liner that hints the conflict isn't over, we get a one-liner that outright states Patrick didn't learn his lesson at all. The episode itself isn't even entertaining. It's just SpongeBob & Patrick fighting over a toy. It's not funny, it's just annoying. It's like when Phil and Lil fight over something on Rugrats. While that's usually about 10 seconds long or so, this drags on for minutes, it's the main plot of the episode! You want SpongeBob to win, he's the obvious protagonist, but he doesn't win, and Patrick doesn't learn his lesson, so the episode is just pointless. Not even the scene with Sandy was funny, it was just filler. The episode is pretty much just filler. How could this episode be good? Maybe keep the opening scenes intact, then have Patrick hide from SpongeBob when SpongeBob comes to get the toy. Patrick breaks it, and realizes he has to get it fixed before he can give it to SpongeBob. So, he spends the rest of the episode going to ridiculous lengths trying to fix it, going to all different places, and people, with some silly hijinks ensuing. He gets it fixed, gives it to SpongeBob, and SpongeBob asks Patrick if they can play with it together. Patrick says "Okay.", and the episode wraps up on a heartfelt note. Or, have the episode work out the way it does, but instead of the Sandy scene, have the 2 rip it in half. They realize they've broken the toy, and see it as a metaphor for them breaking their friendship. The two realize they have to stop fighting over the toy, at the cost of their friendship. They head to the Krusty Krab, and Krabs reveals he's made a bunch of other Krabby toys after the success of the first one, and rewards the two with a free toy, for $2.99. They both then share the toy, by using it to play with their MM&BB action figures. Those would've been much better episodes with an actual ending, rather than this one, where it's never-ending conflict is just put to a temporary halt.
2. The Play's the Thing
Original Airdate: 3-26-2010
Plot: Squidward holds a play in the Krusty Krab, but chaos ensues.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs
Fun Fact: This is the third, and last episode in which a live show takes place at the Krusty Krab (The previous two being Culture Shock and Squirrel Jokes).
There's no way around it, this is one of my least favorite SpongeBob episodes of all time. I loathe this episode, I despise it, I hate it, it's so frustrating, and annoying! I mentioned in my Top 10 Best Season 1 SpongeBob Episodes list that I like the whole stage-show at a Krusty Krab. Culture Shock was great, Squirrel Jokes was good, and then we come to the lowest of the low, the scummiest of the scummiest, this episode is full of dummies, dweebs, and doo-doo dunderheads. Actually, I don't want to offend doo-doo dunderheads by comparing them to the people in this episode, because the people in this episode are scumbags! They are obnoxious, selfish jerks. They make Patrick in Yours, Mine, and Mine look like an angel. I hate this episode! The concept sounds interesting, but the execution is just awful! No one cares, not a single person cares about Squidward's play. So, what do they do? They demand food. Okay, okay, that's reasonable. It is a restaurant, but Squidward keeps rambling on like that annoying kid who won't shut up about his vacation slides of Niagara Falls! I'm not going to go off an say this is an episode mean spirited towards Squidward. I'm going to say this is an episode that is mean spirited towards me, the audience! The episode tries so hard to be funny, yet it feels like the writers tried so little when writing this episode. It's unbearably unfunny, dragging on and on. You'd think Squidward would be able to make an interesting play out of his experiences, but no. I'm more entertained by SpongeBob's garbage truck routine than Squidward's rambling. Squidward and the customers are two different bad sides of the episode. While Squidward is very boring, attempting so hard to be entertaining, only creating a forgettable play that I would never want to witness in person, the audience is super cruel, and mean spirited towards both Squidward and SpongeBob. SpongeBob I guess is the "comic relief", but the only relief I get is when his scenes are over. This episode is a mess, a boring, unentertaining mess. But don't worry fans of cruel, unnecessary violence, Patrick shows up out of the blue, and encourages the audience to throw rocks at Squidward and SpongeBob, which is how the episode ends! IT ENDS WITH THAT!? THAT!? This is by far the worst ending to a SpongeBob episode. While Band Geeks may have the best ending, this one is the bottom of the barrel, the worst ending in this show's history. After SpongeBob actually gives some hope to the episode, by delivering an inspiring speech to the audience, what's it traded in for? Slapstick that would make Tom & Jerry cringe. It's a slap in the face to all the characters, and is definitely the most unnecessary episode in the series.
Before we move on to my Number 1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
1. Sponge-Cano!- Kicking the mean-spirited trope to the max.
2. That Sinking Feeling- Not the most clever form of comedy this series had to offer.
3. The Monster Who Came to Bikini Bottom- Oh yeah, this exists.
4. You Don't Know Sponge- Super forgettable. Though I gotta love how the title is so close to be inappropriate for a kids cartoon.
5. The Main Drain- Worst plot twist ever.
Now, what could it be. What could possibly be the worst episode of this show's Seventh Season. I've gone into great detail why I hate every single episode on this list, and now it's time to see what my least favorite episode of this terrible Season is...
1. Big Sister Sam
Original Airdate: 1-15-2011
Plot: Patrick's sister, Sam, comes to visit Patrick.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Sam, Squidward
Fun Fact: This episode entirely contradicts Patrick's muttering in Something Smells that he didn't have a sister.
Oh yes, you heard me. Big Sister Sam. This is it, ladies and gentlemen, we've found it! We've found such an unholy abomination, that would make me want to watch Fairly OddParents Season 10, and Teen Titans Go! Season All of Them. This is it, the worst episode of Season 7, I hate Big Sister Sam to no end. Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful gave us some of the worst one-time characters this series has to offer. But THIS! Oh, give me the cop and lady any day over THIS. This is horrendous! Big Sister Sam is my least favorite character in this series. I hate this character to no extent. She's cruel, violent, annoying, frustrating, and despicable! She makes for a horrendous character in this episode, being the greatest jerk this series has to offer. While the episode does make some attempt to give her a reason as to why she's like this (She and Patrick were separated years ago), she is written in such a way that's so unlikable, I can't excuse this. I can't, there's no excuse she has to be such a big monster. She's such a jerk to everyone in this episode! She destroys Squidward, SpongeBob, AND Patrick's houses in a blind rage. Squidward stands up against her, and she simply knocks Squidward flying. Even SpongeBob sees how bad Sam is, and what does Patrick do? He defends her, as any sibling would. But...oooohhhhh...when Patrick tries to inform Sam about her temper, Sam goes ballistic and almost kills Patrick. Of course he doesn't die, as this is a kid's cartoon, but considering how strong she is, I wouldn't be surprised if she severely damaged Patrick. Finally, Sam shows emotion outside of rage, and slight happiness. Concern. She realizes she's caused harm to Patrick, breaks down, and apologizes to Patrick. Does she apologize to SpongeBob & Squidward? No. She goes off for a manicure. Sam isn't funny, she isn't entertaining, she is the worst character in this series, and truly makes this the worst episode in Season 7!
https://www.sbmania.net/pictures.php?img=D%2F6m4VQeU3T2WVAV4cjma9vI4P5MjGBBj5i1QvvNoGg%3D
So there you have it, I went through some of the worst episodes this series has to offer. Thankfully, while Season 7 is definitely the worst Season in this series (At least in my opinion), there are actually some pretty good episodes in this Season, dare I say, great. So join me next time in my list for the Top 10 Best Season 7 SpongeBob Episodes.
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In the previous Top 10, I listed out my picks for the Top 10 Worst episodes from SpongeBob's Seventh Season. Being my most detailed review, what with me having strong opinions on the episodes I covered, of course now it's time for the opposite. When I think of this show's Seventh Season, usually I focus on all the awful, horrendous episodes, while I tend to overlook the very best of this Season. There's plenty of Good Episodes in this Season to watch. It's time I share you my picks for the Top 10 Best Season 7 SpongeBob Episodes. As usual, this list is a mix of my opinion of the episode, how I deem the quality of the episode. Let's get started!
10. Shellback Shenanigans
Original Airdate: 9-18-2010
Plot: Plankton sends Gary off to a luxurious Snail Getaway, while taking his place, in order to find out from SpongeBob what the secret formula to the Krabby Patty is.
Main Characters: Plankton, Gary, SpongeBob
Fun Fact: Gary's hatred of baths returns in this episode.
Yes, this is a rare occasion where a "Plankton disguises himself" episode outside of Season 2 has made it into the Top 10. Why is this episode so good? It's enjoyable. While it's plot certainly isn't the most original plot out there, I give it credit for actually trying to be it's own thing. It's more of a "Swapped places" scenario, rather than just a sole disguise episode. Also, unlike Someone's In the Kitchen with Sandy which is full of unneeded cruelty, unfunny scenes, and really boring filler, this episode actually delivers a solid story line. Plankton's abuse is warranted in this episode, due to the fact that it's preventing him from carrying out his plan. The form of abuse in this episode is done on a more cartoon level, over a cruel, realistic level that SItKwS had. The story itself is laid out well. I really enjoyed seeing Gary come in to stop Plankton at the end of the episode, the way the writers handled that was very entertaining. I feel as if the chemistry between Gary and Plankton is what really makes this episode enjoyable. It'd just be a waste of time, but actual conflict happens in this episode, unlike SItKwS. There are actual stakes in this episode, allowing there to be a proper buildup for the entertaining climax. Also, the scenes with Plankton in the hospital are really funny. I just love those scenes, they definitely give the episode a proper balance between it's story and it's jokes. Very solid, and entertaining episode, I must say.
9. Earworm
Original Airdate: 11-27-2010
Plot: SpongeBob becomes obsessed with a song, after hearing it so much, an Earworm goes into his head, and plays it over and over in his head.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Earworm, Squidward
Fun Fact:The name of the band that performs the song "Musical Doodle" is "The Sonars".
Ah, Earworm. How could I not put this on the list? Such a creative way to explain how songs get stuck in your head, long before Inside Out tried to explain that in their own way. Earworm has always remained a likable episode in my eyes, with a creative plot, some funny jokes, and such a catchy song. The writers did a great job making a memorable song that is believable enough to be the type of song that'd get stuck in your head. The Musical Doodle itself is among one of the many highlights in this episode. The plot itself is an uncommon one too. I believe this is the first time I've ever seen a cartoon dedicate an episode to being about a catchy song getting stuck in someone's head. Definitely a very original plotline. So, not only do we have a cool concept for an episode, but there's also a great execution to this episode as well. The writers handled SpongeBob's growing insanity very well. They made it slow, and realistic, his madness growing larger over time. It's very entertaining to see him insane. The bizarre way SpongeBob wrecks the kitchen, him crawling on the ceiling in his living room, it's a sight to see. The interrogation part is really enjoyable, I really like seeing all the characters get together, team up, and try to help SpongeBob (A trait all too similar to a later episode...). And the creative way the writers ended this episode, oh, this episode is great! It has a creative concept, excellent execution, and like the Musical Doodle, it'll stick with you for years.
8. Love That Squid
Original Airdate: 2-12-2011
Plot: Squidward falls in love with a Squid named Squilvia. After asking her out on a date, SpongeBob helps him prepare for it.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Squilvia
Fun Fact: This is the only appearance of Squilvia.
How come Squilvia has never returned? With tons of different characters making comebacks either in forms of cameos, or as more commonly appearing characters in recent years, how come Squilvia has never received this treatment? She's an awesome character, and really helps form this episode into being a delightful episode. The plot itself seems like a standard plot typical for any cartoon, the best friend (Hah) helps our protagonist out by preparing him for his big date. This episode is pretty much split into 3 different parts. The first part did a perfect job setting up the episode. Squidward's shy nature from Squilvia, and how SpongeBob handles the situation, it's kind of reminiscent of Krusty Love if you ask me, only in this case the comedy is more mellowed out, and seems to go by quite naturally, with a few cartoony aspects thrown into it. The set-up did a great job setting up the conflict, and it did a good job introducing us to Squilvia. Also, I really like the gag with Squidward remembering the last time he's had a date, that was pretty funny, but kind of cute at the same time. The 2nd part of the episode is where things really get going. The 2nd part is where most of this episode's comedy comes from. SpongeBob and Squidward have great chemistry in this episode. They work well off each other, with one being the more out-of-the-ordinary character, and the other being the one trying to keep things under control. It's like this with both characters, actually. Squidward was out of control in the first part, while SpongeBob tried to keep him under control, while the 2nd part flips this. The practice date is easily the highlight to the episode. I found it to be really funny. There's a lot of great jokes that come off of this sequence, particularly the driving scene, one of the funniest parts of the episode. Even throwing Patrick into the mix made for a funny twist. Squidward eventually has enough, which jumps into the third part, the ending. Squidward yells at SpongeBob, and realizes Squilvia was watching the whole time. As it turns out, Squilvia loves the type of person Squidward is, and the two cheerfully head out on their date. it was a charming ending to an otherwise funny and zany episode. While the plot couldn't stand on it's own, the characters really brought it to life. I feel as if the characters are definitely where this episode's at it's strongest.
7. SpongeBob's Last Stand
Original Airdate: 4-22-2010
Plot: SpongeBob and Patrick try to save Jellyfish fields from the super highway that'll be built onto it. Meanwhile, Krabs deals with his own struggle, after realizing the highway was built to go over the Krusty Krab, over to the Chum Bucket, thus putting him out of business.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Plankton
Fun Fact: It is claimed that this episode was intended to serve as a series finale, until the series was ultimately renewed for more Seasons.
Man, this has always been a favorite of mine. I've always really liked SpongeBob's Last Stand. While most SpongeBob specials tend to take a step down from a regular episode in terms of it's quality, this episode definitely does a good job taking a step up. This episode properly mixes comedy and drama together to create a very entertaining special. Plenty of funny moments (Such as SpongeBob & Patrick dressing up as hippies, the gag with Plankton being honest about not being able to come out of the Chum Bucket, Plankton stealing Krabs' mail, etc.) in the first half gives the special a typical SpongeBob episode feel, but the second half is where the episode really hits it's stride. The second half, while it does have jokes, contains much more dramatic plot points compared to most other SpongeBob episodes. Are they done well? Or are they done poorly like SpongeHenge. They're done very well, because they fit perfectly within the episode. You know what manages to help enforce the drama into the scenes? The atmosphere. Oh yes, the atmosphere. Whoever designed the backgrounds in this episode did an amazing job, because I think this is probably one of the most visually appealing episodes in the entire series. From the detail with lighting, to the amount of characters used in both the installation of the highway/parade and the destruction of the highway. A lot of effort was obviously made to make both of these scenes important, but also at the same time funny. I think the story itself isn't too grand, but the writers managed to make it entertaining with very well laid out scenes. Also, might I say how much I adore the Krusty Krab scene after the highway was built? The lighting mixed in with the dialogue, and even the music and sounds of this scene makes for one of my personal favorite scenes of the Season, in fact, one of the best scenes from any SpongeBob special. SpongeBob Specials usually result with unfunny jokes, unlikable characters, and a plot that may have a good concept, but was executed poorly. This episode didn't rely on something bold, and grand. It just told a relatively simple story, with tons of effort put into it, to make it an effective story. When Krabs has to give the formula to Plankton (Something done horribly in Company Picnic), I feel the emotion of the scenario. I don't feel like it's too forced. I feel like it's the only thing Krabs can do, and he has to sacrifice the thing he's spent his life protecting. You feel the emotion with the characters. The first half did a good job developing the conflict, but I won't deny there were some sloppy parts to it. The obnoxious Bikini Bottomites in the hippie scene makes for an unpleasant scene to an already pretty funny moment. But the second half manages to take together a plot that hardly has any ounce of originality within it, and does something with it. This is one of the few specials I can say that works as a double-length episode. Atlantis SquarePantis, Pest of the West, The Sponge Who Could Fly, they'd all be fine as 11 minute long episodes. The writers had a new concept they wanted to explore, but couldn't really go anywhere with it. This episode they took concepts relatively similar to past concepts used on this show, and tried their hardest to make it into an entertaining story.
6. Welcome to the Bikini Bottom Triangle
Original Airdate: 1-28-2011
Plot: SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick are sucked into a giant vacuum cleaner, that transports them to the Bikini Bottom Triangle, an island occupied by Mermaids who are bored. It is up to them, Mr. Krabs, and Pearl to return to Bikini Bottom, while the formula is at risk from Plankton.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Mermaids, Mr. Krabs, Patrick, Plankton
Fun Fact: This is the first episode to feature Mermaids without an appearance from King Neptune.
Definitely the best, and most creative episode from the Legends of Bikini Bottom episodes. The most entertaining of the bunch, with no irritating elements, an interesting story, and an overall mystery theme. That's rare for SpongeBob to have a mystery that is pulled off well. Often it's done disastrously like Patty Caper, or simply was a waste of time (Whether it's a good episode or not) like Missing Identity, and The Great Patty Caper. WttBBT manages to be one of the most creative episodes of the series, with an interesting concept (A giant vacuum cleaner that sucks in object Mermaids want to entertain themselves on a private island. How far fetched can you get?). I mean, this episode definitely uses the whole "Ocean Theme" to it's advantage. The only instance we've ever really seen a main Mermaid character was Mindy in the first movie. So it's pretty cool having an episode star Mermaids. Also, gotta love Patrick falling for Mermaids yet again. The episode does have some funny moments, but the main highlight has to be the mysterious nature this episode contains. Goodness, I don't even think the other episodes in "Legends" pulled the mystery factor off as well as this one did! "Monster" had no mystery, as everything was explained, the only mystery in Sponge-Cano! was about why the dolphin was magical, Main Drain was a fictional story, and Tenchbillies was just weird. This is the only one that succeeds in making you question what exactly happens next, and what's happening in the episode. Even once the main mystery is over, with SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick arriving to the Bikini Bottom Triangle, there's still another mystery about who is watching the formula. And the episode has an excellent plot twist with great used of foreshadowing mixed in with it as well. Definitely an enjoyment. It's entertaining, suspenseful, and just an overall fascinating episode. I guess that's what the main goal of the "Legends" episodes was intended to be.
5. Tentacle Vision
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: Squidward gets his own public access show, but his acquaintances and enemies keep hogging the camera, interrupting him.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick, Zeus the Guitar Lord
Fun Fact: This is the first Season premiere in which all main characters appear within the episode.
Hear me out. I love this episode. I'm a sucker for television show/stage show themed episodes of cartoons. The theming always fascinated me, when characters on a television show were on a show (Whether it was on TV in their world, or just a stage show). This episode has always been a favorite of mine. I really think the concept of this episode is a great one. The main issue is the concept is derailed in this episode, and I think it could be fun, and interesting seeing Squidward have his own public access show. A good critique of this episode is it's "Squid Abuse". I, for one, see how this abuse is justified. Think of it this way. If you had an opportunity to be on television locally, isn't it likely that your friends, or perhaps people you know, would try to weasel their way into the experience, and end up hogging the camera more than you? When it comes to episodes where Squidward is tormented, this one at least has an actual logical reason as to why it's occurring, whereas there's no reason why it should occur in Pineapple Fever, or Breath of Fresh Squidward. The episode is pretty funny if you think of it not as unnecessary abuse to Squidward, but rather people hogging the camera. And let me tell you, there are plenty of funny moments in this episode. The beginning scene is funny itself. The basic show that replaces Squidward's favorite show, the absurdity of Squidward waking up in the middle of the night to watch his favorite show, it's a great setup to an interesting plot. How Krabs hogs the camera is hilarious too. I find it really funny seeing him dance around with a Krusty Krab sign on Squidward's set. Plankton's excuse for showing up on the set is hilarious too. There's a lot of severely underrated moments within this episode that I find it to be a really well done episode. Is the ending unfair? Yes. But is it funny? Yes. A funny unfair ending is by far better than an unfunny unfair ending. I think it's hilarious that Zeus was chosen to present a house party show at Squidward's house. I also really like the rock scene at the end. Very entertaining. Could this episode be a lot better? Oh without a doubt. How? The middle. Limit Patrick's scenes. Keep some stuff, like him putting the camera lens on his mouth, but remove stuff like the "Upsy-Daisy" joke. Limit Krabs to not hogging the camera, but have him dance around silently in the background every few minutes. It'd make for an amazing visual gag. Actually have Squidward present his show, and don't have Sandy be someone who walks onto the set on her own (C'mon, that's not like Sandy). Make her be a guest on the show, since it's the most logical guest Squidward would have. Make Pearl have her dancing spot on the show, and cue in Plankton. Keep the rest of the episode in tact. There you have it. It could be the best episode of the Season, but alas, there are flaws that prevent it from being so. Regardless, I still think highly of this episode.
4. The Inside Job
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: Firing himself towards Krabs, expecting to land within his ear to head into the brain, and suck out the information Krabs has regarding the Secret Formula, Plankton ends up stuck in SpongeBob's ear, and now has to find the information within SpongeBob.
Main Characters: Plankton, SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs
Fun Fact: For his own entertainment, Plankton watches footage of hamsters spinning in a wheel.
Man, I love this episode. This is one of the most creative episodes in the series, and that's something, because it's pretty hard to come up with an original "Plankton steals the formula" plot so far into the series. But the writers managed to get one last spark of originality out of their system with this episode. The originality and creativity of this episode is just astonishing. Here we have a Season with 3 episodes of Plankton disguising himself to steal the formula, and then we have this episode. That's incredible. The Inside Job takes full advantage of the more surreal nature of this episode, and has plenty of creativity mixed within it. Pretty much every scene within SpongeBob's brain (Even the one with the gross Gary) is either interesting, or entertaining. Seeing Plankton mess with SpongeBob's nerves is also a pretty interesting thing as well. You see, the writers took a more imaginative way at showing off the inside of someone's brain, unlike the more standard "company" way Fairly OddParents and Inside Out showed off. SpongeBob is SpongeBob. It's a perfect way of showing off how he feels. Plenty of humor in this episode, most of which works, and a pretty good twist, with the formula being in SpongeBob's heart. I do say, I feel like the ending was very rushed, and kind of lazy, but the effort poured into the rest of episode makes up for that. The main downside is the episode isn't that memorable. There are so many bad episodes in Season 7, that this episode just tends to be overlooked, not just by me, but by most SpongeBob fans. I never see this episode talked about. Still, guess it's better to have an underrated gem than an overrated gem.
3. Whelk Attack
Original Airdate: 10-2-2010
Plot: Bikini Bottom is under attack by gigantic Whelks!
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Whelks
Fun Fact: This is the first action-oriented episode in the series (The following episodes to follow in a similar style include the Krabby Patty that Ate Bikini Bottom, Planet of the Jellyfish, and Krabby Patty Creature Feature).
Did you know this episode aired on the Peanuts Comic Strip's 60th Anniversary? Irrelevant? Yes. Unnecessary? Yes.
This is the start of what I call the "Action" episode trilogy. 3 episodes came out in the early 2010's that manage to be one of the best of their respective Season. Each of these episodes have a grand disaster that takes place, and it's usually SpongeBob and Sandy that has to save everyone. These of course are The Krabby Patty Who Ate Bikini Bottom, Planet of the Jellyfish, and this one. Whelk Attack is a surprising episode, after a long Season of episodes that hardly took any risk. Whelk Attack did such a thing with a much more intense conflict, and boy was there a payoff! The episode's plot is simple. These Giant Whelk creatures are invading the town, and eating everybody. Well, not eating. Swallowing without chewing is more like it. Why? Unlike many episodes of SpongeBob that's as clear as an 80 year old high school mathematics teacher, this episode actually gives a reason as to why the Whelks are acting up the way they are. And I gotta say, it's a pretty good reason. Plus, it fits perfectly within a SpongeBob episode. There's even a callback to Suds which was pretty surprisingly, but charming. The ending was a nice, toned down contrast to...
...of this episode. Speaking of which, I love the intense action scenes within this episode. it's great to see the series' break it's boundaries, you know, experiment a little. It's an episode not meant for laughs, but is meant for excitement, and it, well...succeeds with it! This is an episode you'll be sure to enjoy if you're interested in a more serious episode of the series (And not forced serious like SpongeHenge).
2. Gary in Love
Original Airdate: 2-2-2010
Plot: Gary ends up falling in love with a snail, but has to deal with competition with a jealous stray snail.
Main Characters: Gary, Mary, Bully Snail, SpongeBob, Monica
Fun Fact: The meal SpongeBob attempts to feed Gary in this episode is referred to as Seaweed noodle stew.
Sheesh, with a plot like that, and the names of the Main Characters, it's like SpongeBob became a sitcom!
Somebody hide me.
Attached with such an awful episode (Rodeo Daze), Gary in Love provides us with a much more solid story. A more, traditional story, I may say. Like a Disney cartoon. You have the pet who falls in love with another pet, but a bully stray gets in the way, and the two fight for her love. Only this time, there's a hilarious twist at the ending. Gary in Love is a pretty sweet, simple episode. There's not much really to it, it's just entertaining seeing Gary try to get Mary's love, over this bully. Oh, and might I say, I really like this bully character. He's an entertaining character. Good design, good voice, I even like his change of heart at the end of the episode. It's more or less just a charming episode. A nice story with some funny jokes, and a hilarious ending. I don't like the SpongeBob scenes though. The way he acts, and exaggerates things gives me vibes from A Pal For Gary. I really wish the writers would've cut down his scenes, because they were really unfunny. The ending is quite the opposite. The satire of happy endings in a cheesy romantic form of media was very well done, and was even foreshadowed at the beginning of the episode. Even better, the bully and Gary became friends at the end, realizing their girl was already taken. Pretty solid ending to a very solid episode.
Before we move on to my Number 1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
1. Buried in Time- Interesting Plot.
2. Enchanted Tiki Dreams- Love the Tiki theming, especially within the lovely song.
3. Perfect Chemistry- This "Perfect Chemistry" between Sandy and Plankton makes for an interesting episode we've never seen in the series before.
4. The Masterpiece- How'd this end up so high on the list? Nothing bad about it, really.
5. The Abrasive Side- Such a memorable episode. One of the best of the Season!
And, the Number 1 Best Episode of SpongeBob's Seventh Season is...
1. The Bad Guy Club For Villains
Original Airdate: 2-15-2011
Plot: SpongeBob & Patrick watch a VHS tape containing the lost episode of Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy. In it, MM&BB are trying to figure out what all their enemies are up to, forming a club together.
Main Characters: Mermaid Man, Barnacle Boy, the additional members of the I.J.L.S.A, Various villains (Dirty Bubble, The Atomic Flounder, etc.)
Fun Fact: This is the last episode in the series in which a VHS tape appears.
Of course this is Number 1, this is generally considered as one of the better episodes of the Season, but I personally find it to be the best. The right, The Bad Guy Club for Villains is a great episode! Kind of speaks volumes that a shorter than usual episode is the best episode in a Season with 50 episodes, now doesn't it? The Bad Guy Club For Villains is a charming take on the younger variation of MM&BB. Paired up with an episode so broken, you might as well call it a North Korean Missile. TBGCFV has held up as such a charming episode. Staying true to a classic Saturday Morning Cartoon feeling. The cheesy message, the more limited-like animation, the lineup of Superheroes/Villains (Perfect for toy distribution), everything about it seems right. A unique idea to actually show an episode of MM&BB within a SpongeBob episode has landed with great results. Without a doubt, this is the best episode of SpongeBob's Seventh Season.
https://www.sbmania.net/pictures.php?img=Oh8yjwTAv0RUe%2FSSG4Nxwd0EAF8uB6weyh5D%2F3LJ5Yw%3D
So there you have it. I counted down my picks for the Top 10 best Season 7 SpongeBob Episodes. We've went over the absolute worst of this series, so it can only go up from here. Unfortunately, before looking at the better episodes of future Seasons, next we have to go through the Top 10 Worst Season 8 SpongeBob Episodes. Stay tuned!
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Well, there you have it. Like it or hate it, I personally consider my Bottom Ten list for Season 7 my best work (And yes, the more exaggerated freak-outs are generally played up for humor. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more lists in the future!
It's time to present what I consider to be my greatest list. A list I go in-depth, and in detail about my absolute least favorite episodes from the worst Season in this series currently consisting of 11 Seasons (With a twelfth Season currently in production). That's right, it's time for you guys to hear my thoughts on the Top 10 Worst Episodes of SpongeBob's Seventh Season. Oh yeah, and the best ones, too. But that's not what you came here for, I bet.
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It's time...yes, the time has come...to discuss none other than...the worst episodes...in my personal least favorite season of...SpongeBob...SquarePants...
Why exactly do I hate this show's Seventh Season so much? Well, there are A LOT more horrendous episodes than pretty much any other season. Granted, this season has 50 episodes, but the thing is, there are about 19 episodes in this Season I don't like. That's 38% of this Season! Season 6 has a total of 41 episodes. There are about 13 episodes in that Season that I don't like. That's about 31% of this Season. This is, ladies and gentlemen, probably the only list where I hate Every Single Episode. Generally, while I dislike the ones higher on the list around Numbers 10-8, I don't necessarily hate them. But this list...oh...this list. For anyone who wants to bash on SpongeBob, this is the ideal dream list. There are episodes on this list you'll expect, then there will be some surprises that may shock you. Remember, this list is based off not only my opinion, but also how I deem the quality of the episode to be. Are ya ready kids?
10. Someone's in the Kitchen with Sandy
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: Plankton steals Sandy's fur, and disguises himself as Sandy, in order to have SpongeBob reveal how to make a Krabby Patty. Meanwhile, Sandy faces ridicule for her lack of fur by the townsfolk.
Main Characters: Plankton, Sandy, SpongeBob
Fun Fact: Originally, Sandy was intended to lose her bra, according to the original storyboards to this episode that were leaked online.
Oh brother, look what I have to start with? And it only goes downhill from here folks, let me tell you. It's like the writers had some sort of interesting idea, but couldn't fit it into an 11 minute episode, so they had to go with shoving in tons, and I mean tons of filler. Even then, if the writers had some sort of idea with what they wanted to do with this episode...I can't find anything good about the plot. No, seriously, I actually can't find anything that's good about this plot. The main concept is a "Plankton disguises himself" trope, which has already been done in the Season 2 classic, Imitation Krabs, which was Number 5 on my Top 10 Best Season 2 SpongeBob Episodes list. So, not only do we have a concept that's already been done, but the way it is done is so awkward, and confusing. This is the only episode we've ever witnessed Sandy take off her fur, like it's clothing. No other episode do we ever see her take her fur off. Oh, so she can take her fur off, yet she keeps her clothes on? This is a kids show, I get that's unnecessary, but there have been countless of times SpongeBob took a shower without clothes, heck we see Squidward do it a couple times as well! It's confusing how the writers set up this situation. So Sandy can shower with her clothes, but not her fur? This is literally the only episode she takes off her fur too. In Survival of the Idiots, her fur is part of her body, not some piece of clothing. Or maybe her fur never grew back after that, and she resorts to this fake fur that can't get wet. That's the ONLY explanation, yet that's highly unlikely the writers thought of that. Goodness, I didn't even thought about until writing this review, that's how absurd the idea is! Not as absurd as how they handled this, though! The main plot is Plankton in Sandy's fur, which appears to resemble a corpse. Okay...
This part of the episode is so boring. It is beyond the stretched out chalkboard scenes in Boating Buddies, oh no, that's like watching Nascar compared to this. Everything has to be slow, and drawn out, and dragged on. Why? Because the writers obviously couldn't think of anything they could add to the plot! So not only is it a concept that's already been done, no new twist is added to the plot. The only new twist is that Plankton isn't in a robot. And, wow. Just...wow. The robot from Imitation Krabs at least bared similarities to Krabs himself. This just looks like someone skinned Sandy, and hung it on their wall in their den! Oh, but this is where it gets confusing. So, apparently, Sandy's clothing is on both her fur, and her skin. Uh...why? If you wear it under your fur, then why is there even clothing on your fur! I guess that's to save embarrassment, but who knows!? Sandy doesn't say why! Also, why would the clothing even be necessary outside her treedome? She wears an astronaut suit outside her dome! So people don't even notice the clothing! I don't know, I don't know, but for some reason, everyone in Bikini Bottom makes fun of Sandy, or harasses her for being nude. Uh...she still has her clothes on. Plus, it's not like she's the only one who walks around in a Bikini! A lot of the fish in Bikini Bottom walk around in a bikini! Heck, a fish who is wearing a Bikini makes fun of Sandy! So, her fur is gone, so now she's naked? This episode raises far too many questions to even make sense, and the parts that do make sense aren't even entertaining! The filler between SpongeBob & Plankton is so dull, I'd get more excitement out of watching Patrick ride the carnival ride from Sleepy Time! This is definitely one of the worst episodes in this Season, and one of the worst of the series! Oh yeah, I went there, this is just awful! It's a great big blend of being confusing, annoying, boring, and being an all around waste of time. I highly recommend skipping this one.
9. Summer Job
Original Airdate: 3-23-2010
Plot: After crashing her car into the Krusty Krab, Mrs. Puff has to work at the Krusty Krab, in order to pay for the damage she caused. She's also taught the ropes of working at the Krusty Krab by her worst nightmare...SpongeBob!
Original Airdate: Mrs. Puff, SpongeBob SquarePants, Mr. Krabs
Fun Fact: This is the first time in nearly 7 years that an episode hints Puff and Krabs like each other.
While Number 10 is generally well known as being an awful episode, this episode generally remains as a hidden one. And it should stay that way. Summer Job just isn't entertaining. It's unlikable, irritating, unfunny, and extremely forgettable. It took a little bit for Someone's in the Kitchen with Sandy to start being unlikable and irritating, how long does it take this episode to do so? Oh, less than a minute in. The moment SpongeBob opens his mouth, all chaos breaks loose, and man, he is SUPER annoying in this scene! His voice seems to stretch out, and gets louder, and louder, and drags on every single second of it. His irritating voice, oh! I hate this scene. After that pathetic excuse for a "joke", Puff ditches SpongeBob (As anyone would after hearing that maniac go off), and what happens next? She crashes into the Krusty Krab. And wow, is Krabs...not angry in the slightest. Whoever directed this episode has two different extremes. SpongeBob was showing far too much emotion, where it appeared obviously forced, and completely unnatural, while Krabs shows no emotion at all. This is the guy who sold SpongeBob for 62 cents, this is the guy who wouldn't even buy his daughter a pizza for her Slumber Party, this is a guy who spends days trying to get a penny, yet he shows not a single bit of emotion, when it comes to the damage Puff has given the Krusty Krab. Just...
I'm at a loss for words. There's no way to describe how much the writers failed at developing this scene. So, Puff goes under SpongeBob's wing. What could've been an actually entertaining plot, if executed right, ended up bombing as a piece of unfunny and lame scenes. The only scene I liked was when SpongeBob dressed as a Duke when training Puff. Sure, the joke was as predictable as the results of SpongeBob's Driving Test, but it was the set-up was amusing. The rest of the episode is just a bunch of unmemorable dialogue, that somehow manage to fill in a handful of minutes, until we get to, oh boy, the climax! Which involves Puff delivering food to a customer. BUT ON A BARREL! Yeah, this is apparently a metaphor for Puff instructing SpongeBob when driving, but it took me a long time to comprehend that, since my brain couldn't develop that concept until PieGuyRulz pointed it out in his EEoSS7R (That's a complicated acronym!). This scene...it isn't funny. It's not even entertaining. It's just a part that stands out, since more things happen in it, than everything else in this episode. The ending involves Puff quitting her job, and littering. Of course, the cops pull her aside, because every cop has it in for a litterbug in Bikini Bottom.
SpongeBob Meets the Strangler
Driven to Tears
Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful
Trust me, the crime may be up in this city, but you won't see any litter! Of course, Puff is arrested, and guess who is there to reteach her about driving a boat? SpongeBob! Turns out, that's what he wanted to let her know earlier. Now, I will admit, this was a clever ending, and I will give props to the writers for connecting the beginning to the end, so the events that occur aren't just pointless. Still, that doesn't excuse the lack of funny jokes, annoying scenes, forgettable scenes, and characters with either too much in their personality, or too little. Showcasing this episode would've been a better punishment to the prisoners, rather than reteaching them how to drive a boat.
8. One Coarse Meal
Original Airdate: 3-25-2010
Plot: Mr. Krabs scares Plankton by dressing up as Pearl, putting Plankton into a depression.
Main Characters: Plankton, Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob, Karen
Fun Fact: This is generally considered to be the worst episode in the series by many.
Alright, let's get a crack at this. Yes, this is Number 8, and no, it's nowhere close to being the worst episode in this season. The hate for this episode is phenomenal. Not in a good way, I mean the fact that it's so universally hated among cartoon fans! This episode is usually considered to be the worst episode of the series, but I don't think it's anywhere close to being it. Wait, it's ahead of Somebody's In the Kitchen With Sandy, which I said was one of the worst episodes in the series. So how come this is ahead? Because while it's quality is lower than that of SItKWS, I don't hate it as much as SItKWS. There's nothing new I can add onto why I dislike this episode. It's been said and done in just about every Top 10 Worst SpongeBob Episodes list, and even then, the elements of the episode that aren't overused to death (KRABS DROVE PLANKTON TO TRYING TO KILL HIMSELF! SPONGEBOB STABS PLANKTON IN THE BACK AT THE END! KRABS IS SUCH A JERK, HE'S ONE OF THE WORST CARTOON CHARACTERS OF-yeah, you know what I mean.), have already been covered much more in depth in PieGuyRulz's review of this episode. I dislike this episode for pretty much the same reasons as other people do, but I still find episode much worse than this, because this episode has become so overhated, I've grown numb to this episode. Still, it's a really bad episode, but I don't hate it as much as other episodes on this list. I certainly dislike it, but it's not Top 5 material. You want to know why this episode is bad? Just look at everyone else's typical reasons why, and you'll get the gist of it. Not wasting my time talking about something that can't even have new things exposed, when it's faults have been sucked dry by other haters of this episode.
7. Rodeo Daze
Original Airdate: 2-2-2010
Plot: SpongeBob tries everything in his power to stop Sandy from going to a Rodeo in Texas.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Sandy
Plot: This is the only episode in which all of Bikini Bottom's residents go out of water.
*Sigh* On first glance, this episode is just about as confusing as Someone's In the Kitchen with Sandy. But then, it starts to make sense, and *Sigh* yeah, this episode is horrendous. I hate this episode, I just can't believe how much the writers butchered this episode. Just, how is this possible. I said before in the past that Waiting is the most pointless episode in the series, but this...the writers don't even go anywhere with this! Waiting at least had some sort of build-up, it had an ending too. Granted, the build-up was awful, and the ending was just as bad, but at least it had an original plot. The plot was actually quite original. This episode, it's impossible to describe my pure hatred for this episode. I'll try to break it down.
1. Characters
Yeah, there's a common argument about this episode. "Why do the Bikini Bottomites not care about Sandy? Why're they so against helping SpongeBob?" Well, because they have common sense! If I had some friend of mine going on a trip to somewhere, and another friend of mine wanted me to help me stop said friend, I wouldn't go. I'm not dropping everything just so I can stop someone from going somewhere. They aren't going to help SpongeBob, because there's no need to. Sandy has proven herself capable of handling situations plenty of times before. Unlike SpongeBob, Sandy, & The Worm, where she's unfamiliar with what she's tackling, she's obviously well experienced with Rodeos! She's the strongest person in Bikini Bottom, she doesn't need help. And SpongeBob is expecting too much of his friends to help him out, resorting to...kidnapping them. Yeah, that's definitely something SpongeBob would do. It's his way, or the high-you know, there's not even any other way. These characters are now stuck going on a journey they don't want to be a part of. They have the right to say no! Sandy isn't even in danger, yet SpongeBob's innocence comprehends the idea she is going into a dangerous territory, despite the fact that she's obviously been to Rodeos before.
2. Cheap Animation
Alright, so we're all familiar with the classic running gag that involves the SpongeBob characters resembling their real life species whenever they exit the water (Outside of the movies). Pressure is the classic example of this. Rather than animate the characters going onto land, the writers of the episode decided to make the hilarious decision to present the characters as cheap (And I mean CHEAP) puppets, on an obviously fake set. This was hilarious, because it was not only the first time we saw the characters out of water (Aside from Sandy's Rocket), and the direction of the scenes were meant to indicate that it was intentionally cheap. There's been a few gags since then, most notably in Roller Cowards, but the animation in this...oh goodness. Because of how the story in this episode is much more complex than the story in Pressure (Which seemed to be an episode relying more on jokes, than having a serious conflict), the scenes above the surface are supposed to be much more serious, intended as the big ending when the gang finally meets Sandy at the Rodeo. Because of how the story progresses, puppets can't be used to finish the story, it just wouldn't work. It's not like it's a more laid-back, silly plot like in Pressure, it's intended to be a more dramatically played out sequences. Sticking to the continuity of having the characters resemble their real species out of water (Yet, we never got a definite on whether SpongeBob does or does not have bones. We've seen examples of both), the staff resorted to really, and I mean, really cheap animation. They definitely have the budget to produce great animation, heck, the scene where the Bikini Bottomites are looking down at Texas through the bubble is very impressive. But, the animation quality is bad, and I mean REALLY bad. The characters do not fit in with their environment, to the point where the puppets in Pressure would be more realistic then the animation they use. When the animation is done in a supposedly serious scene, this goofy animation not only distracts us from it, it taints the scene. The comedy played off this animation is poorly done, too. There's not even jokes about the animation's quality, which makes matters even worse. The weird cows during the song, "Rodeo" were funny, because it's supposed to be a silly song. The bad animation fits in with the Rodeo song because it's not intended to be serious, whereas the scene the bad animation is in during the ending is supposed to be serious.
3. A plot that goes nowhere
It's a given that the conflict is pointless, as proven within the Characters problem. But, the plot just fades away as quickly as it shows up. There is no really conflict, SpongeBob is the one creating all of it. It's not like it's unintentional either, like how he annoys Squidward in Bubblestand, in this episode, he's the one who is spreading around the conflict. He started it all by being paranoid about Sandy going to a Rodeo, and because he doesn't get anyone to help him (I can't blame them), he kidnaps them, and takes them to Texas himself. He's creating unnecessary problems, that don't need to exist. Once they crash into the rodeo, and entirely new piece of conflict starts, about a minute before the episode ends, when a bullfrog grabs SpongeBob. I guess you can say this is his comeuppance, but even then it seems like a forced way to include a climax. It's only a few seconds long, when Sandy saves the Sponge, in horribly animated fashion. SpongeBob is like "Well, I guess you were right Sandy.", and it just ends there! Why!? This ending, and frog climax is more forced than the cows in Rodeo!
This episode is chock full of problems. While it may have a good song, the rest of this episode remains a very flawed episode, and even if you don't care about these flaws, it's boring! There's no funny jokes, or anything! Aside from the song, this episode is as forgettable as a piece of gum you stepped on in a Subway station. This definitely one of the worst episodes of this show's Seventh Season. One I truly despise.
6. Stuck in the Wringer
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: When SpongeBob gets stuck in his wringer, Patrick accidentally puts glue in it, and SpongeBob is now forced to live his life stuck within his wringer.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick
Fun Fact: Interestingly enough, SpongeBob and Patrick don't visit Glove World in this episode. Instead, the amusement park they visit is a regular carnival that's apparently always in town.
Ah, Stuck in the Wringer. How you've angered so many people, with your so called "lesson", your "Confusing, unlikable characters", and cruel acts to our beloved main character, SpongeBob. How you've angered so many people, yet, this is one of the most forgettable episodes in the Season. I'm going to admit, I'm always forgetting about Stuck in the Wringer. Why? Because there are episodes far worse than this one, in this Season, and this is one I usually don't think about when I think of really bad episodes. Does that mean it's good? Not in the slightest. But, considering how much worse other episodes in this Season are, and how memorable other episodes are above this, for different reasons than this one, this is an episode I tend to forget about, unless I'm looking at the list of Season 7 episodes. This episode has a sloppy plot. We're supposed to sympathize SpongeBob, yet the episode turns the tables, and tells us we're supposed to sympathize Patrick? Why? Uh, Patrick is the one who got SpongeBob in this situation, and possibly ruined his life. He's the one who made the foolish move to glue SpongeBob in the wringer. It's not like it was by accident either, he straight up puts glue in the wringer. Yeah, he tries to make it better, and while it isn't his intentions are to make things better for SpongeBob, SpongeBob is still justified to blow his stack at Patrick during the climax. This entire thing was Patrick's fault, even if he meant no harm. If I were SpongeBob, I'd do the same thing. I'd flip out at Patrick, because it's justified for me to do so! Yeah, he's trying to make things better, but SpongeBob is allowed to be mad at him for it. Then, other people start yelling at SpongeBob, because...
"You know, kid, your body isn't the problem. It's your heart. You deserve what you've gotten."
How does that make sense!? It doesn't. You know why? Because this man has no idea what's going on. He didn't witness the events leading up to this, he only knows what the 2 were yelling about. This guy is butting into a conversation he doesn't belong in, informing SpongeBob something entirely false. Rather than shrugging it off, it puts SpongeBob into a depression.
Okay, so a lot of people hate the dialogue from this random fish at the Carnival. Analyzing it, I realize it's not as bad as people make it. I realize why the fish would say this, because he's only using the piece of information he knows. He doesn't know the pain and struggling SpongeBob's been through. What really makes this dialogue awful, is the impact it has on the episode. SpongeBob takes this guy seriously, as if he's been there, with the Sponge all day long, causing Sponge to go into a deep depression. WHY!? This doesn't make any sense why SpongeBob would take this guy seriously! If I was SpongeBob, I'd ignore it, maybe go to the hospital to get surgery so this thing can come off. But instead of doing anything with himself, SpongeBob just gives up on life, and spends the rest of his days as a hermit in his house. Actually, strike that. A hermit would be more interesting. Patrick realizes he needs to help SpongeBob (The best part of the episode, mind you), and starts crying, melting the glue away slightly. SpongeBob sees hope, and starts crying with Patrick, causing him to slide out of the wringer, easily. Makes sense, since he uses the wringer to get himself dry. Everyone hates the "Crying really does solve your problems" line. Personally, I think people are overreacting when it comes to disliking it so much. It's obviously a joke, and isn't meant to be taken seriously. Mind you, one of the very few jokes in this episode that are funny. Yeah, along with it's massive amount of flaws, it's not funny either. Forgettable, unfunny, does plenty of things wrong, don't watch it.
5. A Pal for Gary
Original Airdate: 1-1-2010
Plot: SpongeBob buys a pet to keep Gary company while he leaves Gary alone. But, the pet is secretly a beast, and tries his best to kill Gary, much to SpongeBob's oblivion of the matter at hand.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Gary, Puffy Fluffy
Fun Fact: This was the first episode to air in this decade.
Oh boy. Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the episode that usually makes #1 on Top 10 Worst SpongeBob Episodes lists, if One Coarse Meal doesn't reach Number 1. And yeah, I can agree this is a terrible one. Even when I first saw it as a kid, I was confused. I wondered why SpongeBob completely ignored Puffy, when he could obviously see Puffy was attacking Gary, and focused on scolding Gary. This was at the time when I thought Squid abuse was funny, so my standards were pretty low, and this episode even managed to get under my skin. I don't know who thought this was funny, considering the fact that I've never met someone (In person, or online) who thought this episode was actually funny. I mean that. The only people I've seen who likes this episode are usually people who like every other episode of the series (Oh trust me, they exist!). This is universally panned among both Cartoon Fans, and SpongeBob Fans as one of the worst episodes this series has to offer, and, they're not wrong. This is truly one of the worst episodes I have ever witnessed. The beginning is nice, I liked seeing SpongeBob's caring side, concerned about Gary being alone, and we see Gary is perfectly fine, if not better without the sponge. Well, he goes and buys a creature, whom he names Puffy Fluffy that'll be Gary's companion. The lady who sells the creatures warns the Sponge that the creatures go crazy around felines. But, rather than listen to her information, he completely blocks her out, and focuses on the pet he's getting, being cute. Here's the first problem with this episode. Rather than actually make SpongeBob a well rounded, realistic character, and listen to the sketchy lady's advice, he completely ignores her. No, I'm serious. He doesn't hear a word she says. Why? I don't know! This is to set up SpongeBob being oblivious to the fact that Puffy is harassing Gary, yet it's done in all the wrong ways. For starters, it's not funny. Nothing is funny about this scene. Second, this comes off as completely unrealistic, and severely forced. Third, SpongeBob is out of character when doing this (This won't be the last time we see him do so). SpongeBob is the type of guy who actually absorbs (*Ba-dum-tst*) information, rather than tune it out. Look at Procrastination, or even later on, The Hot Shot! SpongeBob pays full attention in class, even when he's the only one doing so! So this choice in behavior doesn't even fit him! A better solution would be to have SpongeBob listen to the lady, be a little weirded out, saying "Okay...", backing up slowly, and running away after paying her, and collecting the pet, followed by a view of her stand for a few seconds, until we hear the police yell "THERE SHE IS!", followed by her yelling "Oh no! Not again!", thus causing her to run off camera, with the police officers chasing her. That'd be funny! Better than this! And it'd even get the message across that these creatures are dangerous, even more so than she already explained. SpongeBob introduces Puffy to Gary, which is then followed by a series of events in which SpongeBob is oblivious to Gary being attacked by Puffy, thinking Gary is doing harm to Puffy instead. This wouldn't be so bad...if the REST OF THE EPISODE WASN'T LIKE THIS! Seriously! It's expected for a story to go this route during the buildup to the climax, but seriously? SpongeBob keeps blaming Gary, even after witnessing Puffy (Who has transformed into a deranged, hideous monster...
...No, not that hideous monster) about to kill Gary! It is common sense for this point in the story line to be the part where SpongeBob comes to his senses, and tries to save Gary, and realizes he is wrong. But instead, this doesn't happen. This is generally the most hated scene in the episode, mostly for SpongeBob acting like a jerk. And while that is a big problem, the bigger problem is how the people who worked on this episode thought this made sense. What is this? Humor? Is it supposed to be satire on how predictable these types of episodes are laid out, so they have SpongeBob stick to his guns? I honestly don't know, because everyone, even a kid like me who laughed at Squid Wood sees that this scene is fundamentally broken. It is, this entire scene is one giant flaw. My only guess is that "Ha-ha! SpongeBob still thinks Gary's the trouble maker! Isn't that funny?". No. It's not funny, because that's not how the story is supposed to work. This isn't the time for comedy, this is the big climax. Like Rodeo Daze, which throws in humor at the inappropriate time, at the ending, it utterly fails. This episode would just be a forgettable, meh episode, but no. There are obvious flaws with this episode's writing that is visible with the naked eye. You can't break down the flaws like I've done in past Top 10s, the flaws are right in front of you in this episode.
4. Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful
Original Airdate: 1-1-2010
Plot: Squidward has to clean up all the trash in Bikini Bottom within a day to a win a bet he made with Squilliam.
Main Characters: Squidward, Police Officer, SpongeBob, Squilliam
Fun Fact: This is the last episode where Squilliam has a major role.
Oh joy, what a lovely episode to kick off the decade. This episode, often overshadowed by it's partner episode, A Pal for Gary, has remained for years as one of my all-time least favorite episodes of this show's Seventh Season. And guess what? I still hate it. In fact, I find it worse than A Pal for Gary, an episode with flaws so large, it could fill up the Grand Canyon. This episode is by far much more frustrating, and is one of the most frustrating episodes in the entire series. But no...*Groan*...somehow there are episodes even more frustrating than this one, one of them fueled by absolute hate. When looking at the premise, you think "Oh, this doesn't seem so bad. It's a Squidward v. Squilliam episode, those always end up being good." *Heh-heh* WRONG!
The whole Squidward v. Squilliam part isn't the problem. This episode is super mean-spirited even by SpongeBob standards. As someone who has dismissed Choir Boys from being one of the worst episodes of the series, since I didn't find it to be to be that mean spirited definitely tells you something about KBBB. The plot itself is an average plot. It's nothing that good, and isn't even too original. It doesn't bring anything new to the table, like House Fancy, and Squilliam Returns did. Instead, we get generic conflict, aided by the worst example of humor I have ever seen in this series. Seriously, this episode's one-off characters have to be the worst one-off characters I've ever seen in this series! The running gag involving the cop just isn't funny. It's just filler. The key part to having a good running gag, is by making the gag funny. Take FOP for instance. The running gag involving Cosmo's empty head was funny! It was clever, and even helped the plot a bit. The running gag involving Cosmo saying "Right..." sarcastically isn't funny. Therefore, it's just annoying. Every time Squidward litters (Even when he's not even responsible for it), the cop shows up, writes up a ticket, slaps it onto Squidward's nose, and leaves. This happens multiple times in the episode, and let me tell you, not a single time is this funny. It's just annoying, but the real frustrating part is when SpongeBob litters, and Squidward is blamed for it. Sounds worse written then the way they actually executed it, though.
So, aside from annoying cop who takes up a lot of time as a pathetic excuse for a running gag, we meet a lady who beats Squidward to a pulp. Why? Because he stole her kid's wagon. I get Squidward getting his comeuppance. He deserves it for taking the kid's wagon, but this...this is just too brutal of a punishment. It's like copying off someone's answers on a test, followed by being beat up by your teacher. If anything, we're supposed to enjoy seeing Squidward get his comeuppance, not sympathize for him. During all this, SpongeBob does nothing. No, I'm serious, he does absolutely nothing.
In this episode, he has the exact same problem that Krabs has in Summer Job, he shows no real emotion. Yeah, he wants to help Squidward with collecting the trash, but he never shows an ounce of emotion outside of being happy. Sure, he is supposed to be happy, that's his character trait, but even when Squidward is getting beat into a pulp, he just says "Hi lady.", and watches. He isn't concerned, nor worried about Squidward in this scene. He just watches as if he has no real soul, like a robot.
There so many flaws with the characters in this episode, and that plays in part with the humor. This is one of those episodes that has a simple plot, and relies heavily on humor to get it going. Unfortunately, the humor in this episode is awful. There's a few little gag here and there every once in a while I found funny, like SpongeBob studying the full life cycle of a Krabby Patty, and the confused citizens mistaking Squidward for the garbage man. These are funny. They have a set up, and a pay off. They're out of the ordinary and entertaining. But, a lot of the humor relies on the characters. The cop, as mentioned before is as annoying as Nickelodeon's advertising campaign. The lady who beats up Squidward isn't likable in the slightest. SpongeBob is so dull. When there's finally some potential for him to be funny, when he absorbs all the garbage, nothing funny happens. Seriously, he just walks alongside Squidward, and does nothing, until he talks, trash spews out of his mouth, and Squidward is given a ticket for it. That's one of the most frustrating parts of the episode! This episode has one frustrating part after another, it's one of the most unlikable episodes I've ever witnessed. The ending does have a clever twist that makes Squidward win, but it's killed off by the return of the complete-opposite-of-funny-cop. If you're in the mood to get angry, I recommend this episode.
3. Yours, Mine, and Mine
Original Airdate: 9-11-2010
Plot: Patrick and SpongeBob fight over a kiddie meal toy at the Krusty Krab
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick
Fun Fact:This is the second time the Krusty Krab includes a toy in their kiddie meal (The first time was in Mermaid Man vs. SpongeBob)
There's been plenty of episodes out there where the episode seems to reset itself, and go back to normal. Sponge Out of Water is a prime example of this, with all the characters getting back into their groove at the end of the movie, after the grand adventure. But it's a lot more rare when the conflict in the episode resets itself. Whenever this happened, it was usually done in a humorous way, like when Patrick dissed Texas at the end of Texas, provoking Sandy to ask Patrick "What did you just say?". These were generally subplots, though, not the main plot that the entire episode focused around. Unfortunately, the main conflict in this episode is reset at the end, and boy, does it bomb. Rather than being a funny little joke that'll make you chuckle, it's a stinker that'll make you groan and go "Here we go again.". It's like watching divorced parents meet up with each other a few hours after a big fight. It's tough to watch. In this episode, Patrick is ignorant to no end. Promising he'll share the toy with SpongeBob, he does the complete opposite, hogging it to himself. Patrick's selfish attitude makes him an extremely unlikable character in this episode. And the episode goes nowhere with it. You think Patrick would learn his lesson about sharing, but he doesn't. He takes money out of SpongeBob's wallet, and use the infamous words, "Have you learned nothing about sharing?". While Stuck in the Wringer at least managed to make the final joke in the episode silly, this isn't silly, it's just annoying. When you think Patrick's finally done being a jerk, he starts the drama back up! It has the opposite effect writers wanted it to have. Instead of a one-liner that hints the conflict isn't over, we get a one-liner that outright states Patrick didn't learn his lesson at all. The episode itself isn't even entertaining. It's just SpongeBob & Patrick fighting over a toy. It's not funny, it's just annoying. It's like when Phil and Lil fight over something on Rugrats. While that's usually about 10 seconds long or so, this drags on for minutes, it's the main plot of the episode! You want SpongeBob to win, he's the obvious protagonist, but he doesn't win, and Patrick doesn't learn his lesson, so the episode is just pointless. Not even the scene with Sandy was funny, it was just filler. The episode is pretty much just filler. How could this episode be good? Maybe keep the opening scenes intact, then have Patrick hide from SpongeBob when SpongeBob comes to get the toy. Patrick breaks it, and realizes he has to get it fixed before he can give it to SpongeBob. So, he spends the rest of the episode going to ridiculous lengths trying to fix it, going to all different places, and people, with some silly hijinks ensuing. He gets it fixed, gives it to SpongeBob, and SpongeBob asks Patrick if they can play with it together. Patrick says "Okay.", and the episode wraps up on a heartfelt note. Or, have the episode work out the way it does, but instead of the Sandy scene, have the 2 rip it in half. They realize they've broken the toy, and see it as a metaphor for them breaking their friendship. The two realize they have to stop fighting over the toy, at the cost of their friendship. They head to the Krusty Krab, and Krabs reveals he's made a bunch of other Krabby toys after the success of the first one, and rewards the two with a free toy, for $2.99. They both then share the toy, by using it to play with their MM&BB action figures. Those would've been much better episodes with an actual ending, rather than this one, where it's never-ending conflict is just put to a temporary halt.
2. The Play's the Thing
Original Airdate: 3-26-2010
Plot: Squidward holds a play in the Krusty Krab, but chaos ensues.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs
Fun Fact: This is the third, and last episode in which a live show takes place at the Krusty Krab (The previous two being Culture Shock and Squirrel Jokes).
There's no way around it, this is one of my least favorite SpongeBob episodes of all time. I loathe this episode, I despise it, I hate it, it's so frustrating, and annoying! I mentioned in my Top 10 Best Season 1 SpongeBob Episodes list that I like the whole stage-show at a Krusty Krab. Culture Shock was great, Squirrel Jokes was good, and then we come to the lowest of the low, the scummiest of the scummiest, this episode is full of dummies, dweebs, and doo-doo dunderheads. Actually, I don't want to offend doo-doo dunderheads by comparing them to the people in this episode, because the people in this episode are scumbags! They are obnoxious, selfish jerks. They make Patrick in Yours, Mine, and Mine look like an angel. I hate this episode! The concept sounds interesting, but the execution is just awful! No one cares, not a single person cares about Squidward's play. So, what do they do? They demand food. Okay, okay, that's reasonable. It is a restaurant, but Squidward keeps rambling on like that annoying kid who won't shut up about his vacation slides of Niagara Falls! I'm not going to go off an say this is an episode mean spirited towards Squidward. I'm going to say this is an episode that is mean spirited towards me, the audience! The episode tries so hard to be funny, yet it feels like the writers tried so little when writing this episode. It's unbearably unfunny, dragging on and on. You'd think Squidward would be able to make an interesting play out of his experiences, but no. I'm more entertained by SpongeBob's garbage truck routine than Squidward's rambling. Squidward and the customers are two different bad sides of the episode. While Squidward is very boring, attempting so hard to be entertaining, only creating a forgettable play that I would never want to witness in person, the audience is super cruel, and mean spirited towards both Squidward and SpongeBob. SpongeBob I guess is the "comic relief", but the only relief I get is when his scenes are over. This episode is a mess, a boring, unentertaining mess. But don't worry fans of cruel, unnecessary violence, Patrick shows up out of the blue, and encourages the audience to throw rocks at Squidward and SpongeBob, which is how the episode ends! IT ENDS WITH THAT!? THAT!? This is by far the worst ending to a SpongeBob episode. While Band Geeks may have the best ending, this one is the bottom of the barrel, the worst ending in this show's history. After SpongeBob actually gives some hope to the episode, by delivering an inspiring speech to the audience, what's it traded in for? Slapstick that would make Tom & Jerry cringe. It's a slap in the face to all the characters, and is definitely the most unnecessary episode in the series.
Before we move on to my Number 1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
1. Sponge-Cano!- Kicking the mean-spirited trope to the max.
2. That Sinking Feeling- Not the most clever form of comedy this series had to offer.
3. The Monster Who Came to Bikini Bottom- Oh yeah, this exists.
4. You Don't Know Sponge- Super forgettable. Though I gotta love how the title is so close to be inappropriate for a kids cartoon.
5. The Main Drain- Worst plot twist ever.
Now, what could it be. What could possibly be the worst episode of this show's Seventh Season. I've gone into great detail why I hate every single episode on this list, and now it's time to see what my least favorite episode of this terrible Season is...
1. Big Sister Sam
Original Airdate: 1-15-2011
Plot: Patrick's sister, Sam, comes to visit Patrick.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Sam, Squidward
Fun Fact: This episode entirely contradicts Patrick's muttering in Something Smells that he didn't have a sister.
Oh yes, you heard me. Big Sister Sam. This is it, ladies and gentlemen, we've found it! We've found such an unholy abomination, that would make me want to watch Fairly OddParents Season 10, and Teen Titans Go! Season All of Them. This is it, the worst episode of Season 7, I hate Big Sister Sam to no end. Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful gave us some of the worst one-time characters this series has to offer. But THIS! Oh, give me the cop and lady any day over THIS. This is horrendous! Big Sister Sam is my least favorite character in this series. I hate this character to no extent. She's cruel, violent, annoying, frustrating, and despicable! She makes for a horrendous character in this episode, being the greatest jerk this series has to offer. While the episode does make some attempt to give her a reason as to why she's like this (She and Patrick were separated years ago), she is written in such a way that's so unlikable, I can't excuse this. I can't, there's no excuse she has to be such a big monster. She's such a jerk to everyone in this episode! She destroys Squidward, SpongeBob, AND Patrick's houses in a blind rage. Squidward stands up against her, and she simply knocks Squidward flying. Even SpongeBob sees how bad Sam is, and what does Patrick do? He defends her, as any sibling would. But...oooohhhhh...when Patrick tries to inform Sam about her temper, Sam goes ballistic and almost kills Patrick. Of course he doesn't die, as this is a kid's cartoon, but considering how strong she is, I wouldn't be surprised if she severely damaged Patrick. Finally, Sam shows emotion outside of rage, and slight happiness. Concern. She realizes she's caused harm to Patrick, breaks down, and apologizes to Patrick. Does she apologize to SpongeBob & Squidward? No. She goes off for a manicure. Sam isn't funny, she isn't entertaining, she is the worst character in this series, and truly makes this the worst episode in Season 7!
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So there you have it, I went through some of the worst episodes this series has to offer. Thankfully, while Season 7 is definitely the worst Season in this series (At least in my opinion), there are actually some pretty good episodes in this Season, dare I say, great. So join me next time in my list for the Top 10 Best Season 7 SpongeBob Episodes.
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In the previous Top 10, I listed out my picks for the Top 10 Worst episodes from SpongeBob's Seventh Season. Being my most detailed review, what with me having strong opinions on the episodes I covered, of course now it's time for the opposite. When I think of this show's Seventh Season, usually I focus on all the awful, horrendous episodes, while I tend to overlook the very best of this Season. There's plenty of Good Episodes in this Season to watch. It's time I share you my picks for the Top 10 Best Season 7 SpongeBob Episodes. As usual, this list is a mix of my opinion of the episode, how I deem the quality of the episode. Let's get started!
10. Shellback Shenanigans
Original Airdate: 9-18-2010
Plot: Plankton sends Gary off to a luxurious Snail Getaway, while taking his place, in order to find out from SpongeBob what the secret formula to the Krabby Patty is.
Main Characters: Plankton, Gary, SpongeBob
Fun Fact: Gary's hatred of baths returns in this episode.
Yes, this is a rare occasion where a "Plankton disguises himself" episode outside of Season 2 has made it into the Top 10. Why is this episode so good? It's enjoyable. While it's plot certainly isn't the most original plot out there, I give it credit for actually trying to be it's own thing. It's more of a "Swapped places" scenario, rather than just a sole disguise episode. Also, unlike Someone's In the Kitchen with Sandy which is full of unneeded cruelty, unfunny scenes, and really boring filler, this episode actually delivers a solid story line. Plankton's abuse is warranted in this episode, due to the fact that it's preventing him from carrying out his plan. The form of abuse in this episode is done on a more cartoon level, over a cruel, realistic level that SItKwS had. The story itself is laid out well. I really enjoyed seeing Gary come in to stop Plankton at the end of the episode, the way the writers handled that was very entertaining. I feel as if the chemistry between Gary and Plankton is what really makes this episode enjoyable. It'd just be a waste of time, but actual conflict happens in this episode, unlike SItKwS. There are actual stakes in this episode, allowing there to be a proper buildup for the entertaining climax. Also, the scenes with Plankton in the hospital are really funny. I just love those scenes, they definitely give the episode a proper balance between it's story and it's jokes. Very solid, and entertaining episode, I must say.
9. Earworm
Original Airdate: 11-27-2010
Plot: SpongeBob becomes obsessed with a song, after hearing it so much, an Earworm goes into his head, and plays it over and over in his head.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Earworm, Squidward
Fun Fact:The name of the band that performs the song "Musical Doodle" is "The Sonars".
Ah, Earworm. How could I not put this on the list? Such a creative way to explain how songs get stuck in your head, long before Inside Out tried to explain that in their own way. Earworm has always remained a likable episode in my eyes, with a creative plot, some funny jokes, and such a catchy song. The writers did a great job making a memorable song that is believable enough to be the type of song that'd get stuck in your head. The Musical Doodle itself is among one of the many highlights in this episode. The plot itself is an uncommon one too. I believe this is the first time I've ever seen a cartoon dedicate an episode to being about a catchy song getting stuck in someone's head. Definitely a very original plotline. So, not only do we have a cool concept for an episode, but there's also a great execution to this episode as well. The writers handled SpongeBob's growing insanity very well. They made it slow, and realistic, his madness growing larger over time. It's very entertaining to see him insane. The bizarre way SpongeBob wrecks the kitchen, him crawling on the ceiling in his living room, it's a sight to see. The interrogation part is really enjoyable, I really like seeing all the characters get together, team up, and try to help SpongeBob (A trait all too similar to a later episode...). And the creative way the writers ended this episode, oh, this episode is great! It has a creative concept, excellent execution, and like the Musical Doodle, it'll stick with you for years.
8. Love That Squid
Original Airdate: 2-12-2011
Plot: Squidward falls in love with a Squid named Squilvia. After asking her out on a date, SpongeBob helps him prepare for it.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Squilvia
Fun Fact: This is the only appearance of Squilvia.
How come Squilvia has never returned? With tons of different characters making comebacks either in forms of cameos, or as more commonly appearing characters in recent years, how come Squilvia has never received this treatment? She's an awesome character, and really helps form this episode into being a delightful episode. The plot itself seems like a standard plot typical for any cartoon, the best friend (Hah) helps our protagonist out by preparing him for his big date. This episode is pretty much split into 3 different parts. The first part did a perfect job setting up the episode. Squidward's shy nature from Squilvia, and how SpongeBob handles the situation, it's kind of reminiscent of Krusty Love if you ask me, only in this case the comedy is more mellowed out, and seems to go by quite naturally, with a few cartoony aspects thrown into it. The set-up did a great job setting up the conflict, and it did a good job introducing us to Squilvia. Also, I really like the gag with Squidward remembering the last time he's had a date, that was pretty funny, but kind of cute at the same time. The 2nd part of the episode is where things really get going. The 2nd part is where most of this episode's comedy comes from. SpongeBob and Squidward have great chemistry in this episode. They work well off each other, with one being the more out-of-the-ordinary character, and the other being the one trying to keep things under control. It's like this with both characters, actually. Squidward was out of control in the first part, while SpongeBob tried to keep him under control, while the 2nd part flips this. The practice date is easily the highlight to the episode. I found it to be really funny. There's a lot of great jokes that come off of this sequence, particularly the driving scene, one of the funniest parts of the episode. Even throwing Patrick into the mix made for a funny twist. Squidward eventually has enough, which jumps into the third part, the ending. Squidward yells at SpongeBob, and realizes Squilvia was watching the whole time. As it turns out, Squilvia loves the type of person Squidward is, and the two cheerfully head out on their date. it was a charming ending to an otherwise funny and zany episode. While the plot couldn't stand on it's own, the characters really brought it to life. I feel as if the characters are definitely where this episode's at it's strongest.
7. SpongeBob's Last Stand
Original Airdate: 4-22-2010
Plot: SpongeBob and Patrick try to save Jellyfish fields from the super highway that'll be built onto it. Meanwhile, Krabs deals with his own struggle, after realizing the highway was built to go over the Krusty Krab, over to the Chum Bucket, thus putting him out of business.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Plankton
Fun Fact: It is claimed that this episode was intended to serve as a series finale, until the series was ultimately renewed for more Seasons.
Man, this has always been a favorite of mine. I've always really liked SpongeBob's Last Stand. While most SpongeBob specials tend to take a step down from a regular episode in terms of it's quality, this episode definitely does a good job taking a step up. This episode properly mixes comedy and drama together to create a very entertaining special. Plenty of funny moments (Such as SpongeBob & Patrick dressing up as hippies, the gag with Plankton being honest about not being able to come out of the Chum Bucket, Plankton stealing Krabs' mail, etc.) in the first half gives the special a typical SpongeBob episode feel, but the second half is where the episode really hits it's stride. The second half, while it does have jokes, contains much more dramatic plot points compared to most other SpongeBob episodes. Are they done well? Or are they done poorly like SpongeHenge. They're done very well, because they fit perfectly within the episode. You know what manages to help enforce the drama into the scenes? The atmosphere. Oh yes, the atmosphere. Whoever designed the backgrounds in this episode did an amazing job, because I think this is probably one of the most visually appealing episodes in the entire series. From the detail with lighting, to the amount of characters used in both the installation of the highway/parade and the destruction of the highway. A lot of effort was obviously made to make both of these scenes important, but also at the same time funny. I think the story itself isn't too grand, but the writers managed to make it entertaining with very well laid out scenes. Also, might I say how much I adore the Krusty Krab scene after the highway was built? The lighting mixed in with the dialogue, and even the music and sounds of this scene makes for one of my personal favorite scenes of the Season, in fact, one of the best scenes from any SpongeBob special. SpongeBob Specials usually result with unfunny jokes, unlikable characters, and a plot that may have a good concept, but was executed poorly. This episode didn't rely on something bold, and grand. It just told a relatively simple story, with tons of effort put into it, to make it an effective story. When Krabs has to give the formula to Plankton (Something done horribly in Company Picnic), I feel the emotion of the scenario. I don't feel like it's too forced. I feel like it's the only thing Krabs can do, and he has to sacrifice the thing he's spent his life protecting. You feel the emotion with the characters. The first half did a good job developing the conflict, but I won't deny there were some sloppy parts to it. The obnoxious Bikini Bottomites in the hippie scene makes for an unpleasant scene to an already pretty funny moment. But the second half manages to take together a plot that hardly has any ounce of originality within it, and does something with it. This is one of the few specials I can say that works as a double-length episode. Atlantis SquarePantis, Pest of the West, The Sponge Who Could Fly, they'd all be fine as 11 minute long episodes. The writers had a new concept they wanted to explore, but couldn't really go anywhere with it. This episode they took concepts relatively similar to past concepts used on this show, and tried their hardest to make it into an entertaining story.
6. Welcome to the Bikini Bottom Triangle
Original Airdate: 1-28-2011
Plot: SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick are sucked into a giant vacuum cleaner, that transports them to the Bikini Bottom Triangle, an island occupied by Mermaids who are bored. It is up to them, Mr. Krabs, and Pearl to return to Bikini Bottom, while the formula is at risk from Plankton.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Mermaids, Mr. Krabs, Patrick, Plankton
Fun Fact: This is the first episode to feature Mermaids without an appearance from King Neptune.
Definitely the best, and most creative episode from the Legends of Bikini Bottom episodes. The most entertaining of the bunch, with no irritating elements, an interesting story, and an overall mystery theme. That's rare for SpongeBob to have a mystery that is pulled off well. Often it's done disastrously like Patty Caper, or simply was a waste of time (Whether it's a good episode or not) like Missing Identity, and The Great Patty Caper. WttBBT manages to be one of the most creative episodes of the series, with an interesting concept (A giant vacuum cleaner that sucks in object Mermaids want to entertain themselves on a private island. How far fetched can you get?). I mean, this episode definitely uses the whole "Ocean Theme" to it's advantage. The only instance we've ever really seen a main Mermaid character was Mindy in the first movie. So it's pretty cool having an episode star Mermaids. Also, gotta love Patrick falling for Mermaids yet again. The episode does have some funny moments, but the main highlight has to be the mysterious nature this episode contains. Goodness, I don't even think the other episodes in "Legends" pulled the mystery factor off as well as this one did! "Monster" had no mystery, as everything was explained, the only mystery in Sponge-Cano! was about why the dolphin was magical, Main Drain was a fictional story, and Tenchbillies was just weird. This is the only one that succeeds in making you question what exactly happens next, and what's happening in the episode. Even once the main mystery is over, with SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick arriving to the Bikini Bottom Triangle, there's still another mystery about who is watching the formula. And the episode has an excellent plot twist with great used of foreshadowing mixed in with it as well. Definitely an enjoyment. It's entertaining, suspenseful, and just an overall fascinating episode. I guess that's what the main goal of the "Legends" episodes was intended to be.
5. Tentacle Vision
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: Squidward gets his own public access show, but his acquaintances and enemies keep hogging the camera, interrupting him.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick, Zeus the Guitar Lord
Fun Fact: This is the first Season premiere in which all main characters appear within the episode.
Hear me out. I love this episode. I'm a sucker for television show/stage show themed episodes of cartoons. The theming always fascinated me, when characters on a television show were on a show (Whether it was on TV in their world, or just a stage show). This episode has always been a favorite of mine. I really think the concept of this episode is a great one. The main issue is the concept is derailed in this episode, and I think it could be fun, and interesting seeing Squidward have his own public access show. A good critique of this episode is it's "Squid Abuse". I, for one, see how this abuse is justified. Think of it this way. If you had an opportunity to be on television locally, isn't it likely that your friends, or perhaps people you know, would try to weasel their way into the experience, and end up hogging the camera more than you? When it comes to episodes where Squidward is tormented, this one at least has an actual logical reason as to why it's occurring, whereas there's no reason why it should occur in Pineapple Fever, or Breath of Fresh Squidward. The episode is pretty funny if you think of it not as unnecessary abuse to Squidward, but rather people hogging the camera. And let me tell you, there are plenty of funny moments in this episode. The beginning scene is funny itself. The basic show that replaces Squidward's favorite show, the absurdity of Squidward waking up in the middle of the night to watch his favorite show, it's a great setup to an interesting plot. How Krabs hogs the camera is hilarious too. I find it really funny seeing him dance around with a Krusty Krab sign on Squidward's set. Plankton's excuse for showing up on the set is hilarious too. There's a lot of severely underrated moments within this episode that I find it to be a really well done episode. Is the ending unfair? Yes. But is it funny? Yes. A funny unfair ending is by far better than an unfunny unfair ending. I think it's hilarious that Zeus was chosen to present a house party show at Squidward's house. I also really like the rock scene at the end. Very entertaining. Could this episode be a lot better? Oh without a doubt. How? The middle. Limit Patrick's scenes. Keep some stuff, like him putting the camera lens on his mouth, but remove stuff like the "Upsy-Daisy" joke. Limit Krabs to not hogging the camera, but have him dance around silently in the background every few minutes. It'd make for an amazing visual gag. Actually have Squidward present his show, and don't have Sandy be someone who walks onto the set on her own (C'mon, that's not like Sandy). Make her be a guest on the show, since it's the most logical guest Squidward would have. Make Pearl have her dancing spot on the show, and cue in Plankton. Keep the rest of the episode in tact. There you have it. It could be the best episode of the Season, but alas, there are flaws that prevent it from being so. Regardless, I still think highly of this episode.
4. The Inside Job
Original Airdate: 7-19-2009
Plot: Firing himself towards Krabs, expecting to land within his ear to head into the brain, and suck out the information Krabs has regarding the Secret Formula, Plankton ends up stuck in SpongeBob's ear, and now has to find the information within SpongeBob.
Main Characters: Plankton, SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs
Fun Fact: For his own entertainment, Plankton watches footage of hamsters spinning in a wheel.
Man, I love this episode. This is one of the most creative episodes in the series, and that's something, because it's pretty hard to come up with an original "Plankton steals the formula" plot so far into the series. But the writers managed to get one last spark of originality out of their system with this episode. The originality and creativity of this episode is just astonishing. Here we have a Season with 3 episodes of Plankton disguising himself to steal the formula, and then we have this episode. That's incredible. The Inside Job takes full advantage of the more surreal nature of this episode, and has plenty of creativity mixed within it. Pretty much every scene within SpongeBob's brain (Even the one with the gross Gary) is either interesting, or entertaining. Seeing Plankton mess with SpongeBob's nerves is also a pretty interesting thing as well. You see, the writers took a more imaginative way at showing off the inside of someone's brain, unlike the more standard "company" way Fairly OddParents and Inside Out showed off. SpongeBob is SpongeBob. It's a perfect way of showing off how he feels. Plenty of humor in this episode, most of which works, and a pretty good twist, with the formula being in SpongeBob's heart. I do say, I feel like the ending was very rushed, and kind of lazy, but the effort poured into the rest of episode makes up for that. The main downside is the episode isn't that memorable. There are so many bad episodes in Season 7, that this episode just tends to be overlooked, not just by me, but by most SpongeBob fans. I never see this episode talked about. Still, guess it's better to have an underrated gem than an overrated gem.
3. Whelk Attack
Original Airdate: 10-2-2010
Plot: Bikini Bottom is under attack by gigantic Whelks!
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Whelks
Fun Fact: This is the first action-oriented episode in the series (The following episodes to follow in a similar style include the Krabby Patty that Ate Bikini Bottom, Planet of the Jellyfish, and Krabby Patty Creature Feature).
Did you know this episode aired on the Peanuts Comic Strip's 60th Anniversary? Irrelevant? Yes. Unnecessary? Yes.
This is the start of what I call the "Action" episode trilogy. 3 episodes came out in the early 2010's that manage to be one of the best of their respective Season. Each of these episodes have a grand disaster that takes place, and it's usually SpongeBob and Sandy that has to save everyone. These of course are The Krabby Patty Who Ate Bikini Bottom, Planet of the Jellyfish, and this one. Whelk Attack is a surprising episode, after a long Season of episodes that hardly took any risk. Whelk Attack did such a thing with a much more intense conflict, and boy was there a payoff! The episode's plot is simple. These Giant Whelk creatures are invading the town, and eating everybody. Well, not eating. Swallowing without chewing is more like it. Why? Unlike many episodes of SpongeBob that's as clear as an 80 year old high school mathematics teacher, this episode actually gives a reason as to why the Whelks are acting up the way they are. And I gotta say, it's a pretty good reason. Plus, it fits perfectly within a SpongeBob episode. There's even a callback to Suds which was pretty surprisingly, but charming. The ending was a nice, toned down contrast to...
...of this episode. Speaking of which, I love the intense action scenes within this episode. it's great to see the series' break it's boundaries, you know, experiment a little. It's an episode not meant for laughs, but is meant for excitement, and it, well...succeeds with it! This is an episode you'll be sure to enjoy if you're interested in a more serious episode of the series (And not forced serious like SpongeHenge).
2. Gary in Love
Original Airdate: 2-2-2010
Plot: Gary ends up falling in love with a snail, but has to deal with competition with a jealous stray snail.
Main Characters: Gary, Mary, Bully Snail, SpongeBob, Monica
Fun Fact: The meal SpongeBob attempts to feed Gary in this episode is referred to as Seaweed noodle stew.
Sheesh, with a plot like that, and the names of the Main Characters, it's like SpongeBob became a sitcom!
Somebody hide me.
Attached with such an awful episode (Rodeo Daze), Gary in Love provides us with a much more solid story. A more, traditional story, I may say. Like a Disney cartoon. You have the pet who falls in love with another pet, but a bully stray gets in the way, and the two fight for her love. Only this time, there's a hilarious twist at the ending. Gary in Love is a pretty sweet, simple episode. There's not much really to it, it's just entertaining seeing Gary try to get Mary's love, over this bully. Oh, and might I say, I really like this bully character. He's an entertaining character. Good design, good voice, I even like his change of heart at the end of the episode. It's more or less just a charming episode. A nice story with some funny jokes, and a hilarious ending. I don't like the SpongeBob scenes though. The way he acts, and exaggerates things gives me vibes from A Pal For Gary. I really wish the writers would've cut down his scenes, because they were really unfunny. The ending is quite the opposite. The satire of happy endings in a cheesy romantic form of media was very well done, and was even foreshadowed at the beginning of the episode. Even better, the bully and Gary became friends at the end, realizing their girl was already taken. Pretty solid ending to a very solid episode.
Before we move on to my Number 1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
1. Buried in Time- Interesting Plot.
2. Enchanted Tiki Dreams- Love the Tiki theming, especially within the lovely song.
3. Perfect Chemistry- This "Perfect Chemistry" between Sandy and Plankton makes for an interesting episode we've never seen in the series before.
4. The Masterpiece- How'd this end up so high on the list? Nothing bad about it, really.
5. The Abrasive Side- Such a memorable episode. One of the best of the Season!
And, the Number 1 Best Episode of SpongeBob's Seventh Season is...
1. The Bad Guy Club For Villains
Original Airdate: 2-15-2011
Plot: SpongeBob & Patrick watch a VHS tape containing the lost episode of Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy. In it, MM&BB are trying to figure out what all their enemies are up to, forming a club together.
Main Characters: Mermaid Man, Barnacle Boy, the additional members of the I.J.L.S.A, Various villains (Dirty Bubble, The Atomic Flounder, etc.)
Fun Fact: This is the last episode in the series in which a VHS tape appears.
Of course this is Number 1, this is generally considered as one of the better episodes of the Season, but I personally find it to be the best. The right, The Bad Guy Club for Villains is a great episode! Kind of speaks volumes that a shorter than usual episode is the best episode in a Season with 50 episodes, now doesn't it? The Bad Guy Club For Villains is a charming take on the younger variation of MM&BB. Paired up with an episode so broken, you might as well call it a North Korean Missile. TBGCFV has held up as such a charming episode. Staying true to a classic Saturday Morning Cartoon feeling. The cheesy message, the more limited-like animation, the lineup of Superheroes/Villains (Perfect for toy distribution), everything about it seems right. A unique idea to actually show an episode of MM&BB within a SpongeBob episode has landed with great results. Without a doubt, this is the best episode of SpongeBob's Seventh Season.
https://www.sbmania.net/pictures.php?img=Oh8yjwTAv0RUe%2FSSG4Nxwd0EAF8uB6weyh5D%2F3LJ5Yw%3D
So there you have it. I counted down my picks for the Top 10 best Season 7 SpongeBob Episodes. We've went over the absolute worst of this series, so it can only go up from here. Unfortunately, before looking at the better episodes of future Seasons, next we have to go through the Top 10 Worst Season 8 SpongeBob Episodes. Stay tuned!
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Well, there you have it. Like it or hate it, I personally consider my Bottom Ten list for Season 7 my best work (And yes, the more exaggerated freak-outs are generally played up for humor. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more lists in the future!
