Well folks, it has been a while, and thanks to the inconvenience of snow, I'm finally going to get around to sharing this with you guys. Back in 2017, I spent the entire year composing rankings of each Season of SpongeBob. I originally intended to develop lists of the Top 10 Worst Episodes of the series, however I soon realized how predictable and boring that would be. So, I ended up going against the rankings I've made over the past several months, and compose a personal list of my favorites and least favorites. Some episodes are much worse than the episodes on my personal Bottom 10 list. However, these episodes in the long run get out more hate from me personally than episodes that are worse.
This may sound confusing I know, but say I have Someone's in the Kitchen with Sandy on the list, but I don't have Summer Job on the list, which was ahead of it in the Top 10 Worst Season 7 Episodes list. That's because, while Summer Job is a worse episode than SITKWS, I personally despise SITKWS, while I don't hate Summer Job quite as much. Therefore, SITKWS's ranking on this list would be more reasonable on this personal Bottom 10 than Summer Job would. But, without further ado, these are my thoughts on my Top 10 Least Favorite Episodes. I most warn you, I originally wrote a much better draft for Numbers 5-1, but it ended up being deleted accidentally. As a result, my work is a lot worse for my Numbers 5-1, than it is in 10-6, so bare with me. Also, if you're curious what I think are the Top 10 Worst Episodes of the series, just look at my Top 10 Worst Season 7 list, and maybe replace 10-8 with The Clash of Triton, Restraining Sponge, and Smooth Jazz in Bikini Bottom. Anyway, let's get started. This was originally written from December 26th, 2017 to December 31st, 2017.
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Well, for the past 11 months, I've been making Top 10 Best and Worst lists for each Season of SpongeBob SquarePants. Well, I'm finally all caught up, making my lists for the most recently completed Season, Season 10. Now, after listing my picks for the absolute worst episodes in each Season, it's time to take the very worst this series has to offer, and compile it together in my own personal list for the Top 10 Worst SpongeBob episodes (From the first 10 Seasons, Season 11 isn't finished yet).
Now, in order to mix things up, I'm going to avoid a certain method I've used to compile my rankings for the Seasons lists. Instead of choosing an episode based off the overall quality of it, and my personal opinion, this list is going to be solely my personal opinion. Because really, it'd just be a predictable list (It'd probably be almost exactly the same as my Top 10 Worst for Season 7, seeing that all those episodes are horrendous). I'd just be ranking my least favorite episodes from each Season, that's not fun, that's boring, that's predictable. I hate being predictable, I still can't stand the fact that Band Geeks made it to Number 1 on my Top 10 Best list for Season 2 (Which isn't really that predictable, seeing how many people consider it to be overrated nowadays).
So, you will likely see stuff that'd reach #2 or #3 on my Top 10 lists, and maybe not all the #1's (Because I can personally despise an episode even more so than something that's the worst in the Season. For instance: Waiting. Waiting is a terrible episode, it's the worst one in Season 5. Yet, I don't hate it nearly as much as Breath of Fresh Squidward (Because of how awful of a turn the episode takes halfway, see my review in my Top 10 for more detailed descriptions). I will acknowledge that Waiting is worse, because BoFS has at least a likable first half, with some really funny jokes, while Waiting is terrible all the way around. Yet, I don't come to hate Waiting as much as BoFS, because BoFS's issues anger me more so than that of Waiting).
So, without further ago, here's my personal list of the Top 10 Worst SpongeBob Episodes (From the Seasons 1-10).
10. The Incredible Shrinking Sponge
Original Airdate: 12-2-2017
Plot: SpongeBob is accidentally shrunken after his grill's temperature was risen way too high.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Squidward, Mr. Krabs
Original Review: "*Sigh*
Hey, what do you know, that's how I started my Plankton Gets the Boot! review. Oh boy, we're in for it now, actual plot holes! That's right, while most of Season 10's bad episodes tend to suffer from being really unentertaining, with either a forgetful execution of a fairly generic premise, or having a plethora of forgettable/lame jokes.
Well, The Incredible Shrinking Sponge delivers one of the sloppiest directed episodes this Season. Seriously, I had no idea where this episode wanted to go. I thought at first the episode would focus on the Urchin, seeing the foreshadowing with it at the beginning, and even then, that would've been a predictable, boring route. However, the episode suddenly switches to SpongeBob meeting up with Plankton (The only good part about this episode in my opinion), then quickly changes to him cleaning people in the Krusty Krab, then all of a sudden he starts to dislike being small...wha-wha-what!? Where is this episode going!? Okay, that's the basic synopsis of the episode, it's time for me to go a little more in-depth.
First of all, the plot is your pretty standard "Sci-Fi" plot. Goodness, aside from time traveling, shrinking is probably the most common Sci-Fi related premise in cartoons. I've seen this type of plot done before, whether in a good cartoon like the Fairly OddParents, or Phineas & Ferb, or in a bad cartoon like Johnny Test or Fanboy & Chum Chum. It's fairly common in modern cartoons that tend to stretch the boundaries of what they can do in an episode. Goodness, Squidtastic Voyage was already the series' "Shrinking" plot, but this episode does refrain from being a Squidtastic Voyage ripoff, heck, there's not a single similarity I can find between these two episodes other than the whole "Shrinking" aspect, so it's not like Plankton Gets the Boot! where I can find an ample amount of similarities between this episode and other superior ones.
So starting off, we have a decent premise that's original enough to not be considered a ripoff of Squidtastic Voyage, okay, that's cool. I'm fine with that. But here's where things start to fall apart. The execution of this premise. And of course, in typical Season 10 fashion, we start off the episode with Squidward screaming at the top of his lungs. Now I'm not one who is particularly annoyed by crazy Squidward. Goodness, I really liked crazy Squidward in one of his most zany performances in Whirly-Brains, I thought he was hilarious in that episode!
However! I feel as though Squidward goes too far within this episode. He is so crazy over these urchins. And yes, we know he has a fear of urchins, as seen in Eek, an Urchin!, but he's never acted like Patrick did in Home Sweet Pineapple. Never! This is completely out of Squidward's character. Now, we start to head down a fairly predictable route, with SpongeBob comforting the urchin, only to have it escape from him. Now, I do like how the grill shrinks SpongeBob. I thought the cause of the grill's temperature rising was pretty clever, and I thought it was a neat way to tie in with the urchin. However, once SpongeBob shrinks, we are given an assortment of lame visual gags, leading up to SpongeBob's confrontation with the urchin. Of course, the urchin tries to attack SpongeBob.
By this point the episode is fairly "Meh". It's not that good, but I've seen worse. However, this is when the episode starts to get really sloppy. Squidward instantly sees SpongeBob and mistakes him for an urchin. Uh...hello!? Earth to Squidward, SpongeBob is the general size of Plankton, he should still be big enough for you to recognize. Goodness, Krabs picks up SpongeBob, mistaking him for Plankton in a disguise, and tosses him to the Chum Bucket.
Knowing that SpongeBob was around the same relative height as Plankton, I thought the episode would focus on these two interacting with one another, which I thought would make for an interesting turn of events for this episode about shrinking. I mean, imagine how cool that would be, having SpongeBob try to stop Plankton from stealing the formula from Plankton's size, that would be cool!
But nope. The episode suddenly decides to change directions, with Plankton kicking SpongeBob out of the Chum Bucket, after bragging to SpongeBob about being a millimeter taller than him. And of course, the only somewhat interesting scene in the episode is finally over, and we're back to the boring ol' Krusty Krab.
Krabs realizes SpongeBob really HAS shrunken, leading to Squidward fainting (Which, by the way, contradicts Squidward's belief that SpongeBob was an urchin earlier. Did he seriously not recognize SpongeBob? SpongeBob looks like the opposite of an urchin, he's yellow, he's square, he's full of pores, not spikes! Also, the fainting gag was probably the only funny joke in this episode). Krabs decides to make SpongeBob clean people (Being that he's a sponge, and he doesn't really serve much of a purpose now that he can't flip patties). Seriously? The episode goes in this direction? Wh-Wh-Why? This is so boring in comparison to the possibilities of Plankton teaming up with SpongeBob! Goodness, what even happened to the urchin subplot?! The episode doesn't have a centered conflict, it just focuses on SpongeBob surviving after being shrunken. Goodness, that sounds more exciting than how this episode is presented! SpongeBob doesn't even really make that much of an effort to survive, heck, he seems perfectly fine with being shrunken. Not for a minute does he panic, or feel paranoid, he just goes with the flow! His survival all depends on luck, he miraculously survives the urchin's wrath, is suddenly sent to the Chum Bucket, then back to the Krusty Krab. None of this seems very believable, the episode seemingly gives SpongeBob the benefit of the doubt, and switches from one subplot to another whenever it feels like. It doesn't even take that much advantage of SpongeBob's height. Maybe a few visual gags take place, but nothing really emphasizes on SpongeBob's height. And we finally do get into a subplot, the episode just seems to throw it away, and jumps into a whole other plot. There are no real stakes in this episode, SpongeBob is just thrown around the episode where he's needed.
Oh, and the resolution of this episode is pathetic. Out of nowhere, SpongeBob suddenly feels sad about being so small, and desires to be big again. Uh...where did this come from? From what I could gather, SpongeBob was happy to be small, he found it exciting, now out of nowhere, he suddenly breaks out of this ignorance, and becomes sad? Why? Oh I get it, because this is the part of the episode that needs this to happen in order to setup the ending. Wow, nothing transitions well in this episode at all.
The ending was (As you can expect), SpongeBob grows again thanks to the absorption of water, because he is a Sponge after all. I will admit, this is a pretty good ending considering how rocky this episode was, but really? You're going with absorption, when he literally absorbed grease earlier in the episode and didn't grow at all? C'mon! This episode is insanely flawed, the characters half the time are out of character because they need to act a certain way in order to transition from one subplot to another. The fact that there is no central conflict in this episode annoys the heck out of me, with the plot jumping all over the place. It's an episode that features tons of coincidences that don't get our protagonist into trouble, but rather the opposite. This episode is such a mess, there's problems all over the place, from the hypocrisy of how some of the characters contradict themselves, to the glaring problem of this episode's subplots. Not to mention, pretty much all of the episode's jokes fall flat, leaving barely any room for this episode to have redeeming qualities. I really dislike this episode, and consider this to be one of the worst episodes in recent time. However! There is another episode...another infamous episode...that I guarantee, if you've been following this Season, you'll know what I'm talking about, but before we talk about this episode, here's an honorable mention."
Final Thoughts: Yes, I personally despise TISS more than Sportz? The messy layout of this episode is a terrible distraction, switching from one short subplot to another. There is no proper central conflict, it's just a bunch of coincidences that happen (Because the episode needs them to happen) in order to progress a story that has no real focus. At least Sportz? did have a structured story, with some sort of climax. This episode just ends because it runs out of time, so the most predictable ending you could possibly imagine is enforced in a lame excuse for a joke. Overall, this is definitely my personal least favorite episode from recent time. It's not as terrible as Sportz?, but the problems with that episode aren't as glaring as the mess with this episode's direction (Plus, the constant contradiction between character motivations, from SpongeBob's happiness to instant sadness when the plot calls him to be sad is super annoying, and really forced).
9. 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
Original Review: "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."
Final Thoughts: This is without a doubt my least favorite appearance of "Jerk Patrick". He's such a terrible antagonist in this episode, acting like some First Grader who bullies Kindergarteners, by stealing their toys. This is not the type of "Jerk" that I find to be entertaining. He's just super obnoxious, and is a downright scumbag in this episode. There are ways of making jerks funny in cartoons, but this, there is no way this is funny. It's just an unpleasant mess to watch. SpongeBob is such a weak, and frail protagonist who can't even stand up to the big oaf who takes advantage of him! It's bad enough these two make just about every minute of their screentime drag on forever, but the story doesn't even go anywhere. The plot doesn't progress at all, the entire episode is just the two fighting over a measly toy. No one learns a lesson, they don't grow as characters at all in this episode. It's just a waste of 11 minutes, that I bet the writers had no fun working on at all.
8. Breath of Fresh Squidward
Original Airdate: 7-26-2007
Plot: After getting electrocuted by an electric fence, Squidward becomes extremely positive. But, SpongeBob becomes jealous, after Squidward takes SpongeBob's place in just about everything that's important to him.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Squidward, Patrick
Original Review: "Some people actually like this episode. My question is...HOW!? HOW CAN YOU LIKE SUCH A MONSTROSITY LIKE THIS!? Breath of Fresh Squidward is the prime example of SpongeBob being completely out of character! Heck, that's a trend with the Top 3 (Gee, that's a spoiler!) on this list! But this one, has it even WORSE than Number 3! You thought SpongeBob was ridiculous in To Love a Patty!? Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet!
The episode actually starts off quite well. It begins with a gag about SpongeBob and Patrick enjoying the sunrise in Squidward's bedroom (Which they've been doing for ages, apparently). This is actually a really funny joke, and I have to give the writers credit for this one, it's a hilarious, memorable joke, and a great way to kick off the episode!
So, Squidward decides to build an electric fence...he gets shocked...becomes positive...blah, blah, blah. The first half of this episode I can tolerate. i believe it to be a pretty great episode. It was pleasant witnessing Squidward be on SpongeBob and Patrick's side of attitude for once, and I really thought the montage was cute. But alas, things turn, and go COMPLETELY downhill once the second half of the episode kicks in.
Squidward's positivity causes him to be at first widely criticized (For no explained reason!), but suddenly, as fast as Nick decided to renew this show for a 10th and 11th Season, everyone praises the new Squidward. Seriously!?
There are so many things wrong with this.
First of all, there's no given reason why Squidward is receiving hate for being nice. Maybe people are freaked out, considering how grumpy he is, but come on, being criticized for giving a kid a free hat, that's ridiculous. Let's back things up, first.
Squidward is seen to be constantly helpful to SpongeBob in a funny, and entertaining montage. But, the moment Squidward tries to help out with SpongeBob at work (Which is SpongeBob's favorite thing to do...work at the Krusty Krab), SpongeBob becomes defensive, and refuses to allow Squidward work with him. Wait, what!? This is the same Sponge who rubbed a piece of paper against Squidward, just...because it pleased him? This is the same Sponge who is constantly wanting to chat with Squidward during work. But now, you prevent Squidward from working with you? I mean, I guess that's alright, considering how much SpongeBob loves his job, but then again...
In The Algea's Always Greener, SpongeBob was promoted to working Co-Cashier, and seemed to love it, while Squidward envied it (Something which is in character). This is very hard to analyze, but my best guess on this issue is that SpongeBob feeds off of Squidward's grumpy attitude? I have no idea, but regardless, SpongeBob is FULL of ego in these scenes. When Squidward makes Krabby Patties himself, SpongeBob attempts to throw them away (Because Squidward made them). This is pathetic, and completely out of SpongeBob's character.
Never, would he EVER criticize Squidward for making Krabby Patties. In fact, he PRAISED Squidward for filling in for him during Pickles, so explain to me how this reaction SpongeBob gets to Squidward's patties is justified?
Then, out of nowhere, Krabs implies Squidward might be as good as SpongeBob at cooking. Uh, why? Maybe it's because Squidward didn't burn the patties for once, but considering how there's no continuity within this episode, that's likely not the case.
Later, Krabs then praises Squidward for ketchup dimples he put on a Krabby Patty. Before hand, Krabs asks angrily who made the dimples, and SpongeBob FRAMES Squidward for it! Okay, this is just WAY too far out of character, and we're not even at the worst part of the episode! SpongeBob lying is just the ultimate example of him being out of character.
SpongeBob even said in a later episode, Kracked Krabs, that lying is WRONG. He says that to Mr. Krabs! A character who HE lies to in this episode. And sure, while episodes contradict themselves all the time, this time, it was completely unjustified. SpongeBob has no reason why he should lie (Other than the fact that he's jealous of Squidward, and SpongeBob's hardly shown jealousy before).
Squidward becomes employee of the month, so Patrick holds a party at his place.
Squidward seems to be the life of the party, getting everyone excited, and happy, while SpongeBob mopes over not getting the Employee of the Month award.
But then, SpongeBob freaks out, when he sees Squidward Pogo Dancing with Patrick. Seeing that his best friend is hanging out with Squidward, SpongeBob rages with fury, after all the things he loved was taken away from him (You know, if he had Patty, he wouldn't need those things). He then yells...screams, and forces Squidward out of the party unjustly.
Everything is wrong with this scene. I get it SpongeBob, you're jealous. But the SpongeBob way to do things would've involved SpongeBob joining in on the fun with his 2 best friends, so this...this is just a mess.
SpongeBob then realizes he was a little too hard (Little. Everything is wrong with that word choice) on Squidward, and decides to apologize.
"Squidward, I just want to say I'm sorry for being so selfish, and yelling at you and all. I mean, who cares about cooking, pictures on the wall, and dancing. We're bigger than that, right? So, if you're willing to let bygones be bygones, then I'm willing to meet you half way. What do you say, buddy? Put 'er there, pal."
This goes against pretty much everything SpongeBob felt in the Second half. I'm glad the writers gave Squidward some justice for being treated poorly, but it just can't live up to the pain, and emotional suffering Squid went through. It's just as painful for him, as it was to SpongeBob in Fools in April (Like that episode, this one has a character being treated poorly, despite doing nothing wrong).
There's just so many things awful about this episode that I can't stand it, I just can't stand it. Such a horrendous episode, with so many unlikable, and contradicting aspects. Definitely one of my least favorites of not only the Season, but the series."
Final Thoughts: The way SpongeBob was mishandled in this episode is the biggest blow to it. It's not Squid's abuse, it's not the lack of good jokes, it's just how out-of-place SpongeBob's jealousy is in this episode. Pinpointing all the moments in which SpongeBob does something that doesn't fit his personality, and analyzing them fully, would take a very, very long time. The writers butchered what could've been one of the better episodes of the Season. It wouldn't have been Top 10 material, but it still would've been a pretty decent episode, had it didn't turn into the jealous road trip we're subjected to witness in the second half of the episode. Constant hypocritical actions from different characters (From the customers to SpongeBob), a terrible excuse for an ending, a lazy apology that doesn't sound like it comes from the heart at all, and only seems to exist just because the conflict needs to wrap-up somehow, this is one of the most overlooked episodes of the series, and it's absolutely awful.
7. Cephalopod Lodge
Original Airdate: 2-17-2009
Plot: After SpongeBob & Patrick sneak into a secret lodge that Squidward was a part of, the two + Squidward get kicked out, due to the outsiders (Being SpongeBob & Patrick) discovering the secret lodge, thanks to Squidward. SpongeBob & Patrick now try to make it up for him.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick, Lodge Members
Original Review: "Oh brother. Of all the episodes centered around tormenting Squidward, this one, by far, is the absolute worst one of them all. I hate this episode, I loath it, that's how bad of an episode this is. The concept of Squidward attending a secret lodge does sound fascinating, and I really wish the writers would've explored that more. Instead, we get Squidward being unjustly tormented by SpongeBob & Patrick, trying their best to either get him back into the lodge, or by trying to find a replacement for the lodge. Now, this episode is just so mean spirited towards Squidward. I usually don't judge an episode based on "abuse", as that judgement of an episode is overly done in my opinion, but this episode just takes it way too far. Squidward is consistently punished, and tormented for no reason. Whether from the jerks at the lodge, or SpongeBob & Patrick being nosey, knuckleheads. The constant amount of abuse put on Squidward is alarmingly irritating to go through in this episode, and there's really nothing funny about it. And just when the episode could be redeemed for SpongeBob & Patrick's awful deeds, with SpongeBob's ridiculous sock plan, the 2 ruin it completely by revealing themselves once again. Do they even learn?! It's such an awful episode, I hate watching this one. None of the jokes are funny (Aside from the hilarious climax, but we'll get to that), the plot had potential, but was ultimately ruined, the main duo are ignorant, and it's just a horrid mess! The climax could've saved the episode, as it was creative, and hilarious. But the ending of the climax just resets the episode, and basically had no effect in the end, making it pointless! It's such an awful episode, I can't believe how bad this one is!"
Final Thoughts: I can't stand when one's main argument for a terrible SpongeBob episode is "Oh, it abuses Squidward!". There are countless amounts of bad and good episodes that has Squidward abused in some way, shape, or form. This is the rare exception of an episode, in which I mainly hate it for it's unnecessary cruelty towards Squidward. This episode had it in for Squidward, it's a prime example of how a joke can be stretched beyond all limits (In this case, Squidward's torment) to the point where it's charm is just lost, and it just comes across as unwanted cruelty. The story could've had a pleasant ending, and while it wouldn't be one of the better episodes of the Season (Seeing how bland, and mediocre the middle of the episode is), it still would've told a decent story. SpongeBob and Patrick would've earned redemption, because they were the ones who got Squidward in this mess for the first place. In all honesty, their actions at the beginning of the episode are kind of justified. It'd be a proper way to set up the conflict, by establishing how SpongeBob and Patrick takes away the one thing that gives Squidward happiness. They try to make it up for him, and keep botching it, until we reach the climax when they've finally got Squidward back in his club. But of course, for no justifiable reason, this all backfires. SpongeBob and Patrick don't earn any redemption, and never prove themselves to Squidward that they're loyal friends who can help him out. Instead, they're just going to keep ruining his life forever. If the writers really needed more time to fill in the rest of the story after Squidward defeated the "monster", and they wanted to make the ending funny, they should've cut to SpongeBob and Patrick walking down the street after leaving Squidward at the lodge, only to run into the Feather Buddies, causing a gang fight to take place. That'd be a hilarious ending that wouldn't mess with the story, and would actually make the whole "Feather Friends" element actually have some kind of purpose in the story, aside from being a substitute club for Squidward. Instead, we're subjected to the least fair ending in the series.
6. Squid Baby
Original Airdate: 9-3-2012
Plot: After hitting his head too many times, Squidward has the mind of an infant, and it's up to SpongeBob & Patrick to keep watch of him, and keep him from hitting his head too many times.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick
Original Review: "I can't stand this episode, sincerely, I can't stand it. Squid Baby is one of the worst episodes in the entire series, it is an absolutely horrendous episode, just who even has the brain cells to find this episode funny!? The plot is ludicrous, I don't even know anyone who would think a plot like this would be actually funny, and worst of all, this episode's sense of humor is absolutely terrible! There are tons of awful jokes in this episode, from gross-out gags, to the super annoying "head smashing" running gag, this episode's humor contains some of the worst forms of humor in the entire series! The plot is ridiculous (With the premise of SpongeBob & Patrick taking care of an infant already being done in Rock-A-Bivalve), thus causing it to rely heavily on jokes. And of course, the jokes in this episode are even worse than the concept alone! SpongeBob & Patrick's immaturity is cranked up to the max at the beginning of the episode. We've seen SpongeBob & Patrick flanderized before to better fit the episode's plot, but this episode takes it way too far. Never would SpongeBob and Patrick find joy out of playing with baby toys, no matter what Season or Era, this is completely out of character. Tons of pain-driven scenes, and no cartoony pain, I mean realistic pain, it is awful to watch. The constant gross-out humor, nonstop head gags, resulting in a super frustrating mess to watch unfold. Such an atrocity, such an awful, such a horrendous mess that I consider to be the worst episode of SpongeBob's Ninth Season."
Final Thoughts: What an abysmal excuse for an episode. This is definitely the worst episode in Season 9, and is by far one of the worst episodes in the entire series. Never has such a level of obnoxious stupidity has been portrayed through just about an episode's entire lineup of jokes. This episode's sense of humor is more or less insulting to the characters, flanderizing them to becoming mindless idiots (For SpongeBob and Patrick in the beginning mentally, and for Squidward, literally!). Probably one of my greatest arguments, shown in my MermaidPants review for my Top 10 Best list for Season, discusses the difference between having a child-like state of mind, and acting like a literal child. Well, that's definitely present in this episode, particularly in the opening scene. SpongeBob and Patrick may still be the type who plays with toys, but they'd never play with baby toys unironically. The setup to the plot is so stupid (Literally), as we're introduced to a running gag even worse than the police officer gag in Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful. That's right, Squidward's head being smashed against various objects. Boy, doesn't that sound funny? The rest of the episode is filled to the brim with either poop jokes (Including one of the most disgusting images in the series), or physical comedy. I don't mind physical comedy, I love the Three Stooges, but the jokes in this episode get really old, really fast, there's no variety, or anything interesting portrayed through this episode's main running gag. It's such a stupid, and unlikable episode, I absolutely hate it. There's nothing, NOTHING, redeeming about this episode at all.
https://www.sbmania.net/pictures.php?img=gYLAdL8bY9Mk9JBZeFRZdRQ1L3oojywP9BcjfktaIW4%3D
So here's a terrible story. Once upon a time I worked on this list for nearly 2 hours in total. Once finished writing my reviews for the Numbers 5-1 on this list, I accidentally exited the tab before the entry could be fully posted, when I meant to exit my ranking Word document, as a result deleting half of my progress forever. I am excruciatingly angry over this pitiful mistake, but as they say, the show must go on. So prepare for some reviews that are definitely going to be sub-par to my original reviews. I'm the only one to blame by not copying the entire list. So, here we go.
5. 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
Original Review: "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."
Final Thoughts: Yeah, this episode is certainly unbearable to watch. There's absolutely nothing funny about this episode whatsoever. The audience interruptions come across as annoying, heck, they're just as annoyed as I am watching this mess. I'm literally watching a fictional audience become angry at what they're watching. How ironic. Like I said, the audience interruptions are a dreadful addition to the torture we're already subjected to watch...Squidward's play. This is seriously the best the writers could do? When Squidward's play was supposed to represent his personal feelings and emotions geared towards his work life, they actually made it purposely bad? Not sure if it was made purposely bad, but it sure as heck is a snooze fest to go through. Oh yeah, SpongeBob serves absolute no purpose in this episode, aside from delivering the overall message to this episode (Only to have the episode turn completely around, and deliver an atrocious ending with one of the laziest jokes I've ever witnessed, which practically rips off Culture Shock to an extent). The entire episode's pacing is severely drawn out with painfully unfunny events and scenes that make the night shift seem brief. It's comedy is an overall nightmare that severely damages the episode with obnoxious characters, awful pacing, and completely unnecessary jokes that are the pinnacle of lazy writing (What am I saying? This writing is almost as lazy, giving how lackluster this review is in comparison to my original final thoughts that is lost for eternity *Tsk-tsk*).
4. Restraining Sponge
Original Airdate: 4-2-2012
Plot: After being abused by SpongeBob, Squidward files a restraining order against him. But, without being able to interact with Squidward, the Krusty Krab hires Patrick to interact to Squidward for SpongeBob, but this leads to complicated results.
Main Characters: Squidward, Patrick, SpongeBob
Original Review: "How?
Just..........how..........? How does one manage to completely botch Patrick's character not once, but twice. Remember all the issues with Patrick in Smooth Jazz in Bikini Bottom? Well, get rid of the "No point in being here" part, and you've got Patrick in this episode! Honestly, did the writers seriously find dead brained-ape Patrick to be that funny? So much so that he had to be reintroduced into this episode, only with a stalker vibe to his performance? Honestly, this is the most messed up version of Patrick I have laid my eyes on. We get that Patrick had to be worse than SpongeBob in order to keep the plot moving along in order to set up the climax, but did they really have to do it in such a forced, unfunny way? The writers could've made it that Patrick was legitimately trying at his job, but kept goofing up each time. It worked perfectly in Big Pink Loser, and No Hat For Pat. It wouldn't feel like a rehash of already used tropes, because Patrick was in different scenarios at the time. His motivation isn't to prove that he's not a nobody, but rather he can't let his best friend down in a time of need. But no. We get the worst form of comedy this series has to offer in such an atrocious episode. Oh yeah, the abuse towards Squidward is upped 10x more than it is in usual "Squid Abuse" episodes. I want to avoid talking about Squid Abuse, as I've done in the past, but this episode is just SUPER CRUEL. The sequences are so painful, Squidward is literally deep fried, and is bitten into. If it was animated in a more cartoonish style, maybe it wouldn't be so bad, but the characters are so stiff, and realistic in this episode that makes the scenes painful to watch. I really hate this episode, the ending is the only time I've ever wanted to legitimately punch a cartoon character in the face. Patrick is an obnoxious form of comic relief, the plot relies heavily on these awfully directed sequences, the abuse in this episode pumped up to the max, it truly is the absolute WORST episode of SpongeBob's Eighth Season."
Final Thoughts: Restraining Sponge is an unholy nightmare. As I've said before in one of my richest reviews out there (My Mermaid Pants review from my Top 10 Best list for Season 10), there is a huge difference between writing a character to have a child-like state of mind, than to write a character to be literally childish. Well, this is one of the worst instances of Patrick being flanderized, with his stupidity being stretched so far as to being just a frustratingly annoying feature, rather than an actual source comedy. I tell you, Patrick is worst in this episode. As if the cruel physical comedy from the set-up wasn't hard to watch, but Patrick is absolutely abysmal in this episode. Patrick is supposed to be dimwitted, having some smarts while lacking common sense. In this episode, he's nothing more than a brain-dead lunatic who gets joy out of..a button. Of all things...a button. This is one of the most pathetic jokes I've ever had the unfortunate luck of witnessing. Patrick is so idiotic in this episode as a way to keep the plot progressing, in order to show Squidward SpongeBob isn't the worst thing out there. But once again, the writers don't have any limits, and just go all out with Patrick's idiocy, not making for an entertaining experience, but an aggravating one. This is one of the worst episodes in the series, I despise this monstrosity, delivering one of the worst portrayals of a character I have ever seen.
3. Big Sister Sam
Original Airdate: 1-15-2011
Plot: Patrick's sister, Sam, comes to visit Patrick.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Sam, Squidward
Original Review: "
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!"
Final Thoughts: Sister Sam is the worst character in the series. There is nothing redeeming about here in any sort of way, that half-baked apology at the end of the episode did not redeem any of her actions done in this horrid episode. At least Patrick's apology at the end of The Fishbowl felt somewhat believable, seeing how he acted much more emotional than Sam did. And no, I don't care if the two had some kind of rough childhood apart or something like that, she is a treacherous being with likability of a wild bear that sneaks into your tent in the middle of the night. This episode isn't even an episode, it's just a showcase of this creature rampaging over every little thing that could trigger an ounce of unhappiness. SpongeBob and Squidward are helpless in this episode, goodness, Sam doesn't learn her lesson until she realizes how serious the damage she's done to her own little brother. It's such an awful story, focusing on nothing but our protagonists deal with this new character. Unfortunately with this new character, the writers once again emphasize too much on a certain character trait, making her a flat one-dimensional piece of garbage.
2. Smooth Jazz at Bikini Bottom
Original Airdate: 9-30-2011
Plot: SpongeBob tries to do something nice for Squidward by taking him to a Kelpy G. Concert, but Patrick ends up ruining everything.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick
Original Review: "Who in their right mind has the brains to find this episode funny!? This is one of the most aggravating episodes in the entire series! No joke, this episode has no jokes! No funny ones at least. All of the "humor" in this episode originate from "Hurp-de-durr, Patrick's an idiot!". But it's not even done in a remotely clever way! Patrick's idiocity has had some complexity to it in the past, or at least some sort of reason as to why his actions are occurring. Think about Patrick's stupidity at his finest.
Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy IV- One of my least favorite episodes of Season 3, Patrick is essentially the best part of the episode. The writers make him a more clueless character, who is uneducated when it comes to different things (Like the existence of "Wumbo"), and is a little slower than the rest of the characters surrounding him, allowing for his naive behavior to be comedic with how laid back he is when there's a serious situation occurring.
Think about one of the worse times Patrick was an idiot.
Pet Sitter Pat- Patrick at least had a reason for poorly taking care of Gary. He's clueless. He has no idea what he's doing, and can't comprehend (Nor does he try) the instructions SpongeBob gave him when it came to taking care of Gary.
No matter what the payoff was, you could at least see why the writers wrote Patrick in a certain way, whether for comic relief, or for being an antagonist. This episode he's supposed to be the comic relief. Unfortunately, the way he's handled in this, is so lazy, this episode hits all time lows in terms of humor.
There are so many reasons why Patrick is such an annoying piece of garbage in this episode, that I'm going to have to break his faults down as simple as possible, and giving an explanation to each point, in order to build up how ridiculously terrible of a character he is in this episode.
Patrick has no reason to be at the concert.
The writers pull him in out of nowhere. There's no justified reason as to why he's here. The only reason is because the script says so. The writers couldn't think of any funny situations SpongeBob and Squidward get into, so they bring in Patrick. Why? Because he's stupid, and stupidity is funny through their eyes.
He has no motivation.
Going along with the fact that he has no reason to be in the episode, aside from being a cheap form of comic relief to save the writers time from coming up with new, creative material, there's no given cause for Patrick's stupidity. There's no justifiable reason why he acts the way he does. He seems to hate the concert, and is hungry, so that further makes his existence in this episode even more pointless.
He's out of character.
Even as a child before I began to critique episodes, I noticed how ridiculously stupid the writers made Patrick act. As I mentioned before, no matter how stupid he was in the past, he at least showed some form of sanity, keeping him away from being a complete idiot. He wasn't as one-dimensional and forced as he is in this episode. In this episode, he has no intelligence, no common sense, no real emotions. Patrick is a completely bland, over-the-top stereotype of an idiot comic relief.
Receives no consequences.
Patrick does tons of terrible things in this episode. He eats SpongeBob & Squidward's backstage passes. He walks onstage in the middle of a performance. Yet, does he get what he deserves? No! I wouldn't mind if the loose ends were tied up, if it weren't for the fact that Patrick isn't funny in this episode. He does it with no care either, like writers when writing this episode. He just does what the script tells him to do, without any clear intention. He alters the characters' goal, and essentially wastes time. He's the ultimate form of filler.
Overall, the writers seemed to put some effort into setting up the main plot of the episode, but it seems like they were tired, and didn't want to bother writing some new material for the rest of the episode, and shoe-horned Patrick in to take up time, and to supply laughs. But it's the lowest form of comedy, sheer randomness just for the sake of being random. Ha-ha, Patrick said something random because he's an idiot, ha-ha. This is a pathetic excuse for an episode with writing that makes modern Fairly OddParents look like it was written by early Simpsons writers."
Final Thoughts: Yikes, this is an episode that's so horrendous, I somehow manage to despise it even more so than the inferior episode, Restraining Sponge. This is Patrick's worst appearance in the series. Period. Patrick should not be written as a literal idiot. In this case he is just as brain-dead as he was in Restraining Sponge...only worse...he actually messes up the storyline! No joke (Just like the episode's humor), Patrick actually messes up things for SpongeBob and Squidward in some of the most frustrating scenes in the entire series. He's such an aggravating comic relief, none of his jokes are funny, he's intrusive, as well as super annoying, and gets off without any consequences! He such an atrocious character in this nightmare, damaging what already was a weak episode (Squidward getting kicked out of the concert, while SpongeBob is praised by Kelpy G. personally is a terrible resolution to this episode, there's nothing funny about this scene, it's just "mean-spirited to be mean-spirited". Not exactly that entertaining). This is my least favorite episode of the series, but I can't deny there is at least 1 episode that's worse than this one. Oh yeah, not even my least favorite episode is the worst episode in the series, there's one that's so terrible, I'd get more entertainment value out of watching my least favorite episode.
Before we move to my Number 1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Squid Wood
Waiting
To Love a Patty
Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful
And the worst episode of SpongeBob is...
1. The Clash of Triton
Original Airdate: 7-5-2010
Plot: SpongeBob tries to reunite King Neptune's son, Triton, with his father. Triton, however, has other plans.
Main Characters: Triton, SpongeBob, King Neptune
Original Review: "Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the absolute worst special of this entire series! Man, I'm so excited to be done with this list. I typed this all at once, hardly any breaks! Oh my gosh, this episode is just so awful. I hate everything about this episode, it is just the worst. The plot seems interesting, but the execution is worse than the ending to A Pal for Gary. This episode is so boring, I actually don't know how to rate it on a scale of 1-10 on the boring factor. Other parts which are intended to be funny, just aren't funny at all. I know humor is subjective, but I don't think anyone has ever laughed at the ridiculous fingernail clipping scenes. They're so awkward, and horrendous, I don't even know how a human being can find this entertaining. The interactions between SpongeBob & Triton are so awkward, it feels like your date to the prom is eating dinner with your parents (Or even worse, YOU'RE eating dinner with her/his parents!). These scenes have got to be the worst, and I don't even know who I'm supposed to be rooting for! Neptune is an absolute jerk in this episode, so much that it makes him seem like an angel in the Neptune's Spatula. He neglected his son, and now he feels awful about it. Okay, fair enough. But does he really have to act like such a baby? C'mon! And Triton is even worse! He's an even bigger jerk than Neptune is! Granted, he is justified to act like one, after the way his father treated him, but c'mon! That's no excuse. And the idiotic ending, how Neptune becomes proud of Triton's destruction, leading Bikini Bottom to chase SpongeBob & Patrick in an angry mob (For some odd reason) is confusing, and makes me miserable (Okay, that's a lie, but it could make me miserable). I remember when Nick promoted this special, I saw it in its original airing, and to this day, I still find this episode to be a failure. Oh yeah, I like how there's a Goofy Goober reference, but no reference to Mindy. What!? It's a horrendous episode, special, ratings trap, whatever you'd call it! It's got no funny jokes, unlikable "protagonists", awfully paced scenes, and just a horribly executed episode. This is definitely the worst episode of SpongeBob's sixth season."
Final Thoughts: There is no entertainment value in this nightmare whatsoever. It's such a boring, obvious cashgrab/ratings trap that pukes out the blandest "adventure" this series has ever seen. Seriously, the climax doesn't even excite me, it's such a horrendous special and is by far the worst episode in the entire series. No other episode/special has gone this far in terms of delivering a slowly drawn out story, even Waiting felt faster than this mess. I can't stand this episode, it's tremendous how boring and unentertaining this piece of "art" is, I can't believe Nick had the audacity to advertise as such a great special. At least Atlantis SquarePantis had some interesting scenes, and Truth or Square had a fairly original story. This mess make those specials look like they're something of Christmas Who? quality, this is such boring waste of time, there's no denying it, this is the worst episode of SpongeBob.
https://www.sbmania.net/pictures.php?img=Mu46Y83K2hSU5cvgrilIFwmByHbSAYUIlD6mpzkz0XI%3D
Overall, SpongeBob has had some pretty nasty episodes over the years. However, there is a very good reason I consider this to be one of my favorite television shows out there. There are tons, tons of great episodes out there, and soon enough, I'll be discussing my favorites. That's right, stay tuned for my picks for the Top 10 Best SpongeBob Episodes (Seasons 1-10).
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So there you have it, my personal Bottom 10 of SpongeBob. Any thoughts, comments, pie recipes, just share 'em below. Trust me, my Top 10 Favorite list is better.
This may sound confusing I know, but say I have Someone's in the Kitchen with Sandy on the list, but I don't have Summer Job on the list, which was ahead of it in the Top 10 Worst Season 7 Episodes list. That's because, while Summer Job is a worse episode than SITKWS, I personally despise SITKWS, while I don't hate Summer Job quite as much. Therefore, SITKWS's ranking on this list would be more reasonable on this personal Bottom 10 than Summer Job would. But, without further ado, these are my thoughts on my Top 10 Least Favorite Episodes. I most warn you, I originally wrote a much better draft for Numbers 5-1, but it ended up being deleted accidentally. As a result, my work is a lot worse for my Numbers 5-1, than it is in 10-6, so bare with me. Also, if you're curious what I think are the Top 10 Worst Episodes of the series, just look at my Top 10 Worst Season 7 list, and maybe replace 10-8 with The Clash of Triton, Restraining Sponge, and Smooth Jazz in Bikini Bottom. Anyway, let's get started. This was originally written from December 26th, 2017 to December 31st, 2017.
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Well, for the past 11 months, I've been making Top 10 Best and Worst lists for each Season of SpongeBob SquarePants. Well, I'm finally all caught up, making my lists for the most recently completed Season, Season 10. Now, after listing my picks for the absolute worst episodes in each Season, it's time to take the very worst this series has to offer, and compile it together in my own personal list for the Top 10 Worst SpongeBob episodes (From the first 10 Seasons, Season 11 isn't finished yet).
Now, in order to mix things up, I'm going to avoid a certain method I've used to compile my rankings for the Seasons lists. Instead of choosing an episode based off the overall quality of it, and my personal opinion, this list is going to be solely my personal opinion. Because really, it'd just be a predictable list (It'd probably be almost exactly the same as my Top 10 Worst for Season 7, seeing that all those episodes are horrendous). I'd just be ranking my least favorite episodes from each Season, that's not fun, that's boring, that's predictable. I hate being predictable, I still can't stand the fact that Band Geeks made it to Number 1 on my Top 10 Best list for Season 2 (Which isn't really that predictable, seeing how many people consider it to be overrated nowadays).
So, you will likely see stuff that'd reach #2 or #3 on my Top 10 lists, and maybe not all the #1's (Because I can personally despise an episode even more so than something that's the worst in the Season. For instance: Waiting. Waiting is a terrible episode, it's the worst one in Season 5. Yet, I don't hate it nearly as much as Breath of Fresh Squidward (Because of how awful of a turn the episode takes halfway, see my review in my Top 10 for more detailed descriptions). I will acknowledge that Waiting is worse, because BoFS has at least a likable first half, with some really funny jokes, while Waiting is terrible all the way around. Yet, I don't come to hate Waiting as much as BoFS, because BoFS's issues anger me more so than that of Waiting).
So, without further ago, here's my personal list of the Top 10 Worst SpongeBob Episodes (From the Seasons 1-10).
10. The Incredible Shrinking Sponge
Original Airdate: 12-2-2017
Plot: SpongeBob is accidentally shrunken after his grill's temperature was risen way too high.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Squidward, Mr. Krabs
Original Review: "*Sigh*
Hey, what do you know, that's how I started my Plankton Gets the Boot! review. Oh boy, we're in for it now, actual plot holes! That's right, while most of Season 10's bad episodes tend to suffer from being really unentertaining, with either a forgetful execution of a fairly generic premise, or having a plethora of forgettable/lame jokes.
Well, The Incredible Shrinking Sponge delivers one of the sloppiest directed episodes this Season. Seriously, I had no idea where this episode wanted to go. I thought at first the episode would focus on the Urchin, seeing the foreshadowing with it at the beginning, and even then, that would've been a predictable, boring route. However, the episode suddenly switches to SpongeBob meeting up with Plankton (The only good part about this episode in my opinion), then quickly changes to him cleaning people in the Krusty Krab, then all of a sudden he starts to dislike being small...wha-wha-what!? Where is this episode going!? Okay, that's the basic synopsis of the episode, it's time for me to go a little more in-depth.
First of all, the plot is your pretty standard "Sci-Fi" plot. Goodness, aside from time traveling, shrinking is probably the most common Sci-Fi related premise in cartoons. I've seen this type of plot done before, whether in a good cartoon like the Fairly OddParents, or Phineas & Ferb, or in a bad cartoon like Johnny Test or Fanboy & Chum Chum. It's fairly common in modern cartoons that tend to stretch the boundaries of what they can do in an episode. Goodness, Squidtastic Voyage was already the series' "Shrinking" plot, but this episode does refrain from being a Squidtastic Voyage ripoff, heck, there's not a single similarity I can find between these two episodes other than the whole "Shrinking" aspect, so it's not like Plankton Gets the Boot! where I can find an ample amount of similarities between this episode and other superior ones.
So starting off, we have a decent premise that's original enough to not be considered a ripoff of Squidtastic Voyage, okay, that's cool. I'm fine with that. But here's where things start to fall apart. The execution of this premise. And of course, in typical Season 10 fashion, we start off the episode with Squidward screaming at the top of his lungs. Now I'm not one who is particularly annoyed by crazy Squidward. Goodness, I really liked crazy Squidward in one of his most zany performances in Whirly-Brains, I thought he was hilarious in that episode!
However! I feel as though Squidward goes too far within this episode. He is so crazy over these urchins. And yes, we know he has a fear of urchins, as seen in Eek, an Urchin!, but he's never acted like Patrick did in Home Sweet Pineapple. Never! This is completely out of Squidward's character. Now, we start to head down a fairly predictable route, with SpongeBob comforting the urchin, only to have it escape from him. Now, I do like how the grill shrinks SpongeBob. I thought the cause of the grill's temperature rising was pretty clever, and I thought it was a neat way to tie in with the urchin. However, once SpongeBob shrinks, we are given an assortment of lame visual gags, leading up to SpongeBob's confrontation with the urchin. Of course, the urchin tries to attack SpongeBob.
By this point the episode is fairly "Meh". It's not that good, but I've seen worse. However, this is when the episode starts to get really sloppy. Squidward instantly sees SpongeBob and mistakes him for an urchin. Uh...hello!? Earth to Squidward, SpongeBob is the general size of Plankton, he should still be big enough for you to recognize. Goodness, Krabs picks up SpongeBob, mistaking him for Plankton in a disguise, and tosses him to the Chum Bucket.
Knowing that SpongeBob was around the same relative height as Plankton, I thought the episode would focus on these two interacting with one another, which I thought would make for an interesting turn of events for this episode about shrinking. I mean, imagine how cool that would be, having SpongeBob try to stop Plankton from stealing the formula from Plankton's size, that would be cool!
But nope. The episode suddenly decides to change directions, with Plankton kicking SpongeBob out of the Chum Bucket, after bragging to SpongeBob about being a millimeter taller than him. And of course, the only somewhat interesting scene in the episode is finally over, and we're back to the boring ol' Krusty Krab.
Krabs realizes SpongeBob really HAS shrunken, leading to Squidward fainting (Which, by the way, contradicts Squidward's belief that SpongeBob was an urchin earlier. Did he seriously not recognize SpongeBob? SpongeBob looks like the opposite of an urchin, he's yellow, he's square, he's full of pores, not spikes! Also, the fainting gag was probably the only funny joke in this episode). Krabs decides to make SpongeBob clean people (Being that he's a sponge, and he doesn't really serve much of a purpose now that he can't flip patties). Seriously? The episode goes in this direction? Wh-Wh-Why? This is so boring in comparison to the possibilities of Plankton teaming up with SpongeBob! Goodness, what even happened to the urchin subplot?! The episode doesn't have a centered conflict, it just focuses on SpongeBob surviving after being shrunken. Goodness, that sounds more exciting than how this episode is presented! SpongeBob doesn't even really make that much of an effort to survive, heck, he seems perfectly fine with being shrunken. Not for a minute does he panic, or feel paranoid, he just goes with the flow! His survival all depends on luck, he miraculously survives the urchin's wrath, is suddenly sent to the Chum Bucket, then back to the Krusty Krab. None of this seems very believable, the episode seemingly gives SpongeBob the benefit of the doubt, and switches from one subplot to another whenever it feels like. It doesn't even take that much advantage of SpongeBob's height. Maybe a few visual gags take place, but nothing really emphasizes on SpongeBob's height. And we finally do get into a subplot, the episode just seems to throw it away, and jumps into a whole other plot. There are no real stakes in this episode, SpongeBob is just thrown around the episode where he's needed.
Oh, and the resolution of this episode is pathetic. Out of nowhere, SpongeBob suddenly feels sad about being so small, and desires to be big again. Uh...where did this come from? From what I could gather, SpongeBob was happy to be small, he found it exciting, now out of nowhere, he suddenly breaks out of this ignorance, and becomes sad? Why? Oh I get it, because this is the part of the episode that needs this to happen in order to setup the ending. Wow, nothing transitions well in this episode at all.
The ending was (As you can expect), SpongeBob grows again thanks to the absorption of water, because he is a Sponge after all. I will admit, this is a pretty good ending considering how rocky this episode was, but really? You're going with absorption, when he literally absorbed grease earlier in the episode and didn't grow at all? C'mon! This episode is insanely flawed, the characters half the time are out of character because they need to act a certain way in order to transition from one subplot to another. The fact that there is no central conflict in this episode annoys the heck out of me, with the plot jumping all over the place. It's an episode that features tons of coincidences that don't get our protagonist into trouble, but rather the opposite. This episode is such a mess, there's problems all over the place, from the hypocrisy of how some of the characters contradict themselves, to the glaring problem of this episode's subplots. Not to mention, pretty much all of the episode's jokes fall flat, leaving barely any room for this episode to have redeeming qualities. I really dislike this episode, and consider this to be one of the worst episodes in recent time. However! There is another episode...another infamous episode...that I guarantee, if you've been following this Season, you'll know what I'm talking about, but before we talk about this episode, here's an honorable mention."
Final Thoughts: Yes, I personally despise TISS more than Sportz? The messy layout of this episode is a terrible distraction, switching from one short subplot to another. There is no proper central conflict, it's just a bunch of coincidences that happen (Because the episode needs them to happen) in order to progress a story that has no real focus. At least Sportz? did have a structured story, with some sort of climax. This episode just ends because it runs out of time, so the most predictable ending you could possibly imagine is enforced in a lame excuse for a joke. Overall, this is definitely my personal least favorite episode from recent time. It's not as terrible as Sportz?, but the problems with that episode aren't as glaring as the mess with this episode's direction (Plus, the constant contradiction between character motivations, from SpongeBob's happiness to instant sadness when the plot calls him to be sad is super annoying, and really forced).
9. 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
Original Review: "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."
Final Thoughts: This is without a doubt my least favorite appearance of "Jerk Patrick". He's such a terrible antagonist in this episode, acting like some First Grader who bullies Kindergarteners, by stealing their toys. This is not the type of "Jerk" that I find to be entertaining. He's just super obnoxious, and is a downright scumbag in this episode. There are ways of making jerks funny in cartoons, but this, there is no way this is funny. It's just an unpleasant mess to watch. SpongeBob is such a weak, and frail protagonist who can't even stand up to the big oaf who takes advantage of him! It's bad enough these two make just about every minute of their screentime drag on forever, but the story doesn't even go anywhere. The plot doesn't progress at all, the entire episode is just the two fighting over a measly toy. No one learns a lesson, they don't grow as characters at all in this episode. It's just a waste of 11 minutes, that I bet the writers had no fun working on at all.
8. Breath of Fresh Squidward
Original Airdate: 7-26-2007
Plot: After getting electrocuted by an electric fence, Squidward becomes extremely positive. But, SpongeBob becomes jealous, after Squidward takes SpongeBob's place in just about everything that's important to him.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Squidward, Patrick
Original Review: "Some people actually like this episode. My question is...HOW!? HOW CAN YOU LIKE SUCH A MONSTROSITY LIKE THIS!? Breath of Fresh Squidward is the prime example of SpongeBob being completely out of character! Heck, that's a trend with the Top 3 (Gee, that's a spoiler!) on this list! But this one, has it even WORSE than Number 3! You thought SpongeBob was ridiculous in To Love a Patty!? Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet!
The episode actually starts off quite well. It begins with a gag about SpongeBob and Patrick enjoying the sunrise in Squidward's bedroom (Which they've been doing for ages, apparently). This is actually a really funny joke, and I have to give the writers credit for this one, it's a hilarious, memorable joke, and a great way to kick off the episode!
So, Squidward decides to build an electric fence...he gets shocked...becomes positive...blah, blah, blah. The first half of this episode I can tolerate. i believe it to be a pretty great episode. It was pleasant witnessing Squidward be on SpongeBob and Patrick's side of attitude for once, and I really thought the montage was cute. But alas, things turn, and go COMPLETELY downhill once the second half of the episode kicks in.
Squidward's positivity causes him to be at first widely criticized (For no explained reason!), but suddenly, as fast as Nick decided to renew this show for a 10th and 11th Season, everyone praises the new Squidward. Seriously!?
There are so many things wrong with this.
First of all, there's no given reason why Squidward is receiving hate for being nice. Maybe people are freaked out, considering how grumpy he is, but come on, being criticized for giving a kid a free hat, that's ridiculous. Let's back things up, first.
Squidward is seen to be constantly helpful to SpongeBob in a funny, and entertaining montage. But, the moment Squidward tries to help out with SpongeBob at work (Which is SpongeBob's favorite thing to do...work at the Krusty Krab), SpongeBob becomes defensive, and refuses to allow Squidward work with him. Wait, what!? This is the same Sponge who rubbed a piece of paper against Squidward, just...because it pleased him? This is the same Sponge who is constantly wanting to chat with Squidward during work. But now, you prevent Squidward from working with you? I mean, I guess that's alright, considering how much SpongeBob loves his job, but then again...
In The Algea's Always Greener, SpongeBob was promoted to working Co-Cashier, and seemed to love it, while Squidward envied it (Something which is in character). This is very hard to analyze, but my best guess on this issue is that SpongeBob feeds off of Squidward's grumpy attitude? I have no idea, but regardless, SpongeBob is FULL of ego in these scenes. When Squidward makes Krabby Patties himself, SpongeBob attempts to throw them away (Because Squidward made them). This is pathetic, and completely out of SpongeBob's character.
Never, would he EVER criticize Squidward for making Krabby Patties. In fact, he PRAISED Squidward for filling in for him during Pickles, so explain to me how this reaction SpongeBob gets to Squidward's patties is justified?
Then, out of nowhere, Krabs implies Squidward might be as good as SpongeBob at cooking. Uh, why? Maybe it's because Squidward didn't burn the patties for once, but considering how there's no continuity within this episode, that's likely not the case.
Later, Krabs then praises Squidward for ketchup dimples he put on a Krabby Patty. Before hand, Krabs asks angrily who made the dimples, and SpongeBob FRAMES Squidward for it! Okay, this is just WAY too far out of character, and we're not even at the worst part of the episode! SpongeBob lying is just the ultimate example of him being out of character.
SpongeBob even said in a later episode, Kracked Krabs, that lying is WRONG. He says that to Mr. Krabs! A character who HE lies to in this episode. And sure, while episodes contradict themselves all the time, this time, it was completely unjustified. SpongeBob has no reason why he should lie (Other than the fact that he's jealous of Squidward, and SpongeBob's hardly shown jealousy before).
Squidward becomes employee of the month, so Patrick holds a party at his place.
Squidward seems to be the life of the party, getting everyone excited, and happy, while SpongeBob mopes over not getting the Employee of the Month award.
But then, SpongeBob freaks out, when he sees Squidward Pogo Dancing with Patrick. Seeing that his best friend is hanging out with Squidward, SpongeBob rages with fury, after all the things he loved was taken away from him (You know, if he had Patty, he wouldn't need those things). He then yells...screams, and forces Squidward out of the party unjustly.
Everything is wrong with this scene. I get it SpongeBob, you're jealous. But the SpongeBob way to do things would've involved SpongeBob joining in on the fun with his 2 best friends, so this...this is just a mess.
SpongeBob then realizes he was a little too hard (Little. Everything is wrong with that word choice) on Squidward, and decides to apologize.
"Squidward, I just want to say I'm sorry for being so selfish, and yelling at you and all. I mean, who cares about cooking, pictures on the wall, and dancing. We're bigger than that, right? So, if you're willing to let bygones be bygones, then I'm willing to meet you half way. What do you say, buddy? Put 'er there, pal."
This goes against pretty much everything SpongeBob felt in the Second half. I'm glad the writers gave Squidward some justice for being treated poorly, but it just can't live up to the pain, and emotional suffering Squid went through. It's just as painful for him, as it was to SpongeBob in Fools in April (Like that episode, this one has a character being treated poorly, despite doing nothing wrong).
There's just so many things awful about this episode that I can't stand it, I just can't stand it. Such a horrendous episode, with so many unlikable, and contradicting aspects. Definitely one of my least favorites of not only the Season, but the series."
Final Thoughts: The way SpongeBob was mishandled in this episode is the biggest blow to it. It's not Squid's abuse, it's not the lack of good jokes, it's just how out-of-place SpongeBob's jealousy is in this episode. Pinpointing all the moments in which SpongeBob does something that doesn't fit his personality, and analyzing them fully, would take a very, very long time. The writers butchered what could've been one of the better episodes of the Season. It wouldn't have been Top 10 material, but it still would've been a pretty decent episode, had it didn't turn into the jealous road trip we're subjected to witness in the second half of the episode. Constant hypocritical actions from different characters (From the customers to SpongeBob), a terrible excuse for an ending, a lazy apology that doesn't sound like it comes from the heart at all, and only seems to exist just because the conflict needs to wrap-up somehow, this is one of the most overlooked episodes of the series, and it's absolutely awful.
7. Cephalopod Lodge
Original Airdate: 2-17-2009
Plot: After SpongeBob & Patrick sneak into a secret lodge that Squidward was a part of, the two + Squidward get kicked out, due to the outsiders (Being SpongeBob & Patrick) discovering the secret lodge, thanks to Squidward. SpongeBob & Patrick now try to make it up for him.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick, Lodge Members
Original Review: "Oh brother. Of all the episodes centered around tormenting Squidward, this one, by far, is the absolute worst one of them all. I hate this episode, I loath it, that's how bad of an episode this is. The concept of Squidward attending a secret lodge does sound fascinating, and I really wish the writers would've explored that more. Instead, we get Squidward being unjustly tormented by SpongeBob & Patrick, trying their best to either get him back into the lodge, or by trying to find a replacement for the lodge. Now, this episode is just so mean spirited towards Squidward. I usually don't judge an episode based on "abuse", as that judgement of an episode is overly done in my opinion, but this episode just takes it way too far. Squidward is consistently punished, and tormented for no reason. Whether from the jerks at the lodge, or SpongeBob & Patrick being nosey, knuckleheads. The constant amount of abuse put on Squidward is alarmingly irritating to go through in this episode, and there's really nothing funny about it. And just when the episode could be redeemed for SpongeBob & Patrick's awful deeds, with SpongeBob's ridiculous sock plan, the 2 ruin it completely by revealing themselves once again. Do they even learn?! It's such an awful episode, I hate watching this one. None of the jokes are funny (Aside from the hilarious climax, but we'll get to that), the plot had potential, but was ultimately ruined, the main duo are ignorant, and it's just a horrid mess! The climax could've saved the episode, as it was creative, and hilarious. But the ending of the climax just resets the episode, and basically had no effect in the end, making it pointless! It's such an awful episode, I can't believe how bad this one is!"
Final Thoughts: I can't stand when one's main argument for a terrible SpongeBob episode is "Oh, it abuses Squidward!". There are countless amounts of bad and good episodes that has Squidward abused in some way, shape, or form. This is the rare exception of an episode, in which I mainly hate it for it's unnecessary cruelty towards Squidward. This episode had it in for Squidward, it's a prime example of how a joke can be stretched beyond all limits (In this case, Squidward's torment) to the point where it's charm is just lost, and it just comes across as unwanted cruelty. The story could've had a pleasant ending, and while it wouldn't be one of the better episodes of the Season (Seeing how bland, and mediocre the middle of the episode is), it still would've told a decent story. SpongeBob and Patrick would've earned redemption, because they were the ones who got Squidward in this mess for the first place. In all honesty, their actions at the beginning of the episode are kind of justified. It'd be a proper way to set up the conflict, by establishing how SpongeBob and Patrick takes away the one thing that gives Squidward happiness. They try to make it up for him, and keep botching it, until we reach the climax when they've finally got Squidward back in his club. But of course, for no justifiable reason, this all backfires. SpongeBob and Patrick don't earn any redemption, and never prove themselves to Squidward that they're loyal friends who can help him out. Instead, they're just going to keep ruining his life forever. If the writers really needed more time to fill in the rest of the story after Squidward defeated the "monster", and they wanted to make the ending funny, they should've cut to SpongeBob and Patrick walking down the street after leaving Squidward at the lodge, only to run into the Feather Buddies, causing a gang fight to take place. That'd be a hilarious ending that wouldn't mess with the story, and would actually make the whole "Feather Friends" element actually have some kind of purpose in the story, aside from being a substitute club for Squidward. Instead, we're subjected to the least fair ending in the series.
6. Squid Baby
Original Airdate: 9-3-2012
Plot: After hitting his head too many times, Squidward has the mind of an infant, and it's up to SpongeBob & Patrick to keep watch of him, and keep him from hitting his head too many times.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick
Original Review: "I can't stand this episode, sincerely, I can't stand it. Squid Baby is one of the worst episodes in the entire series, it is an absolutely horrendous episode, just who even has the brain cells to find this episode funny!? The plot is ludicrous, I don't even know anyone who would think a plot like this would be actually funny, and worst of all, this episode's sense of humor is absolutely terrible! There are tons of awful jokes in this episode, from gross-out gags, to the super annoying "head smashing" running gag, this episode's humor contains some of the worst forms of humor in the entire series! The plot is ridiculous (With the premise of SpongeBob & Patrick taking care of an infant already being done in Rock-A-Bivalve), thus causing it to rely heavily on jokes. And of course, the jokes in this episode are even worse than the concept alone! SpongeBob & Patrick's immaturity is cranked up to the max at the beginning of the episode. We've seen SpongeBob & Patrick flanderized before to better fit the episode's plot, but this episode takes it way too far. Never would SpongeBob and Patrick find joy out of playing with baby toys, no matter what Season or Era, this is completely out of character. Tons of pain-driven scenes, and no cartoony pain, I mean realistic pain, it is awful to watch. The constant gross-out humor, nonstop head gags, resulting in a super frustrating mess to watch unfold. Such an atrocity, such an awful, such a horrendous mess that I consider to be the worst episode of SpongeBob's Ninth Season."
Final Thoughts: What an abysmal excuse for an episode. This is definitely the worst episode in Season 9, and is by far one of the worst episodes in the entire series. Never has such a level of obnoxious stupidity has been portrayed through just about an episode's entire lineup of jokes. This episode's sense of humor is more or less insulting to the characters, flanderizing them to becoming mindless idiots (For SpongeBob and Patrick in the beginning mentally, and for Squidward, literally!). Probably one of my greatest arguments, shown in my MermaidPants review for my Top 10 Best list for Season, discusses the difference between having a child-like state of mind, and acting like a literal child. Well, that's definitely present in this episode, particularly in the opening scene. SpongeBob and Patrick may still be the type who plays with toys, but they'd never play with baby toys unironically. The setup to the plot is so stupid (Literally), as we're introduced to a running gag even worse than the police officer gag in Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful. That's right, Squidward's head being smashed against various objects. Boy, doesn't that sound funny? The rest of the episode is filled to the brim with either poop jokes (Including one of the most disgusting images in the series), or physical comedy. I don't mind physical comedy, I love the Three Stooges, but the jokes in this episode get really old, really fast, there's no variety, or anything interesting portrayed through this episode's main running gag. It's such a stupid, and unlikable episode, I absolutely hate it. There's nothing, NOTHING, redeeming about this episode at all.
https://www.sbmania.net/pictures.php?img=gYLAdL8bY9Mk9JBZeFRZdRQ1L3oojywP9BcjfktaIW4%3D
So here's a terrible story. Once upon a time I worked on this list for nearly 2 hours in total. Once finished writing my reviews for the Numbers 5-1 on this list, I accidentally exited the tab before the entry could be fully posted, when I meant to exit my ranking Word document, as a result deleting half of my progress forever. I am excruciatingly angry over this pitiful mistake, but as they say, the show must go on. So prepare for some reviews that are definitely going to be sub-par to my original reviews. I'm the only one to blame by not copying the entire list. So, here we go.
5. 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
Original Review: "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."
Final Thoughts: Yeah, this episode is certainly unbearable to watch. There's absolutely nothing funny about this episode whatsoever. The audience interruptions come across as annoying, heck, they're just as annoyed as I am watching this mess. I'm literally watching a fictional audience become angry at what they're watching. How ironic. Like I said, the audience interruptions are a dreadful addition to the torture we're already subjected to watch...Squidward's play. This is seriously the best the writers could do? When Squidward's play was supposed to represent his personal feelings and emotions geared towards his work life, they actually made it purposely bad? Not sure if it was made purposely bad, but it sure as heck is a snooze fest to go through. Oh yeah, SpongeBob serves absolute no purpose in this episode, aside from delivering the overall message to this episode (Only to have the episode turn completely around, and deliver an atrocious ending with one of the laziest jokes I've ever witnessed, which practically rips off Culture Shock to an extent). The entire episode's pacing is severely drawn out with painfully unfunny events and scenes that make the night shift seem brief. It's comedy is an overall nightmare that severely damages the episode with obnoxious characters, awful pacing, and completely unnecessary jokes that are the pinnacle of lazy writing (What am I saying? This writing is almost as lazy, giving how lackluster this review is in comparison to my original final thoughts that is lost for eternity *Tsk-tsk*).
4. Restraining Sponge
Original Airdate: 4-2-2012
Plot: After being abused by SpongeBob, Squidward files a restraining order against him. But, without being able to interact with Squidward, the Krusty Krab hires Patrick to interact to Squidward for SpongeBob, but this leads to complicated results.
Main Characters: Squidward, Patrick, SpongeBob
Original Review: "How?
Just..........how..........? How does one manage to completely botch Patrick's character not once, but twice. Remember all the issues with Patrick in Smooth Jazz in Bikini Bottom? Well, get rid of the "No point in being here" part, and you've got Patrick in this episode! Honestly, did the writers seriously find dead brained-ape Patrick to be that funny? So much so that he had to be reintroduced into this episode, only with a stalker vibe to his performance? Honestly, this is the most messed up version of Patrick I have laid my eyes on. We get that Patrick had to be worse than SpongeBob in order to keep the plot moving along in order to set up the climax, but did they really have to do it in such a forced, unfunny way? The writers could've made it that Patrick was legitimately trying at his job, but kept goofing up each time. It worked perfectly in Big Pink Loser, and No Hat For Pat. It wouldn't feel like a rehash of already used tropes, because Patrick was in different scenarios at the time. His motivation isn't to prove that he's not a nobody, but rather he can't let his best friend down in a time of need. But no. We get the worst form of comedy this series has to offer in such an atrocious episode. Oh yeah, the abuse towards Squidward is upped 10x more than it is in usual "Squid Abuse" episodes. I want to avoid talking about Squid Abuse, as I've done in the past, but this episode is just SUPER CRUEL. The sequences are so painful, Squidward is literally deep fried, and is bitten into. If it was animated in a more cartoonish style, maybe it wouldn't be so bad, but the characters are so stiff, and realistic in this episode that makes the scenes painful to watch. I really hate this episode, the ending is the only time I've ever wanted to legitimately punch a cartoon character in the face. Patrick is an obnoxious form of comic relief, the plot relies heavily on these awfully directed sequences, the abuse in this episode pumped up to the max, it truly is the absolute WORST episode of SpongeBob's Eighth Season."
Final Thoughts: Restraining Sponge is an unholy nightmare. As I've said before in one of my richest reviews out there (My Mermaid Pants review from my Top 10 Best list for Season 10), there is a huge difference between writing a character to have a child-like state of mind, than to write a character to be literally childish. Well, this is one of the worst instances of Patrick being flanderized, with his stupidity being stretched so far as to being just a frustratingly annoying feature, rather than an actual source comedy. I tell you, Patrick is worst in this episode. As if the cruel physical comedy from the set-up wasn't hard to watch, but Patrick is absolutely abysmal in this episode. Patrick is supposed to be dimwitted, having some smarts while lacking common sense. In this episode, he's nothing more than a brain-dead lunatic who gets joy out of..a button. Of all things...a button. This is one of the most pathetic jokes I've ever had the unfortunate luck of witnessing. Patrick is so idiotic in this episode as a way to keep the plot progressing, in order to show Squidward SpongeBob isn't the worst thing out there. But once again, the writers don't have any limits, and just go all out with Patrick's idiocy, not making for an entertaining experience, but an aggravating one. This is one of the worst episodes in the series, I despise this monstrosity, delivering one of the worst portrayals of a character I have ever seen.
3. Big Sister Sam
Original Airdate: 1-15-2011
Plot: Patrick's sister, Sam, comes to visit Patrick.
Main Characters: SpongeBob, Patrick, Sam, Squidward
Original Review: "
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!"
Final Thoughts: Sister Sam is the worst character in the series. There is nothing redeeming about here in any sort of way, that half-baked apology at the end of the episode did not redeem any of her actions done in this horrid episode. At least Patrick's apology at the end of The Fishbowl felt somewhat believable, seeing how he acted much more emotional than Sam did. And no, I don't care if the two had some kind of rough childhood apart or something like that, she is a treacherous being with likability of a wild bear that sneaks into your tent in the middle of the night. This episode isn't even an episode, it's just a showcase of this creature rampaging over every little thing that could trigger an ounce of unhappiness. SpongeBob and Squidward are helpless in this episode, goodness, Sam doesn't learn her lesson until she realizes how serious the damage she's done to her own little brother. It's such an awful story, focusing on nothing but our protagonists deal with this new character. Unfortunately with this new character, the writers once again emphasize too much on a certain character trait, making her a flat one-dimensional piece of garbage.
2. Smooth Jazz at Bikini Bottom
Original Airdate: 9-30-2011
Plot: SpongeBob tries to do something nice for Squidward by taking him to a Kelpy G. Concert, but Patrick ends up ruining everything.
Main Characters: Squidward, SpongeBob, Patrick
Original Review: "Who in their right mind has the brains to find this episode funny!? This is one of the most aggravating episodes in the entire series! No joke, this episode has no jokes! No funny ones at least. All of the "humor" in this episode originate from "Hurp-de-durr, Patrick's an idiot!". But it's not even done in a remotely clever way! Patrick's idiocity has had some complexity to it in the past, or at least some sort of reason as to why his actions are occurring. Think about Patrick's stupidity at his finest.
Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy IV- One of my least favorite episodes of Season 3, Patrick is essentially the best part of the episode. The writers make him a more clueless character, who is uneducated when it comes to different things (Like the existence of "Wumbo"), and is a little slower than the rest of the characters surrounding him, allowing for his naive behavior to be comedic with how laid back he is when there's a serious situation occurring.
Think about one of the worse times Patrick was an idiot.
Pet Sitter Pat- Patrick at least had a reason for poorly taking care of Gary. He's clueless. He has no idea what he's doing, and can't comprehend (Nor does he try) the instructions SpongeBob gave him when it came to taking care of Gary.
No matter what the payoff was, you could at least see why the writers wrote Patrick in a certain way, whether for comic relief, or for being an antagonist. This episode he's supposed to be the comic relief. Unfortunately, the way he's handled in this, is so lazy, this episode hits all time lows in terms of humor.
There are so many reasons why Patrick is such an annoying piece of garbage in this episode, that I'm going to have to break his faults down as simple as possible, and giving an explanation to each point, in order to build up how ridiculously terrible of a character he is in this episode.
Patrick has no reason to be at the concert.
The writers pull him in out of nowhere. There's no justified reason as to why he's here. The only reason is because the script says so. The writers couldn't think of any funny situations SpongeBob and Squidward get into, so they bring in Patrick. Why? Because he's stupid, and stupidity is funny through their eyes.
He has no motivation.
Going along with the fact that he has no reason to be in the episode, aside from being a cheap form of comic relief to save the writers time from coming up with new, creative material, there's no given cause for Patrick's stupidity. There's no justifiable reason why he acts the way he does. He seems to hate the concert, and is hungry, so that further makes his existence in this episode even more pointless.
He's out of character.
Even as a child before I began to critique episodes, I noticed how ridiculously stupid the writers made Patrick act. As I mentioned before, no matter how stupid he was in the past, he at least showed some form of sanity, keeping him away from being a complete idiot. He wasn't as one-dimensional and forced as he is in this episode. In this episode, he has no intelligence, no common sense, no real emotions. Patrick is a completely bland, over-the-top stereotype of an idiot comic relief.
Receives no consequences.
Patrick does tons of terrible things in this episode. He eats SpongeBob & Squidward's backstage passes. He walks onstage in the middle of a performance. Yet, does he get what he deserves? No! I wouldn't mind if the loose ends were tied up, if it weren't for the fact that Patrick isn't funny in this episode. He does it with no care either, like writers when writing this episode. He just does what the script tells him to do, without any clear intention. He alters the characters' goal, and essentially wastes time. He's the ultimate form of filler.
Overall, the writers seemed to put some effort into setting up the main plot of the episode, but it seems like they were tired, and didn't want to bother writing some new material for the rest of the episode, and shoe-horned Patrick in to take up time, and to supply laughs. But it's the lowest form of comedy, sheer randomness just for the sake of being random. Ha-ha, Patrick said something random because he's an idiot, ha-ha. This is a pathetic excuse for an episode with writing that makes modern Fairly OddParents look like it was written by early Simpsons writers."
Final Thoughts: Yikes, this is an episode that's so horrendous, I somehow manage to despise it even more so than the inferior episode, Restraining Sponge. This is Patrick's worst appearance in the series. Period. Patrick should not be written as a literal idiot. In this case he is just as brain-dead as he was in Restraining Sponge...only worse...he actually messes up the storyline! No joke (Just like the episode's humor), Patrick actually messes up things for SpongeBob and Squidward in some of the most frustrating scenes in the entire series. He's such an aggravating comic relief, none of his jokes are funny, he's intrusive, as well as super annoying, and gets off without any consequences! He such an atrocious character in this nightmare, damaging what already was a weak episode (Squidward getting kicked out of the concert, while SpongeBob is praised by Kelpy G. personally is a terrible resolution to this episode, there's nothing funny about this scene, it's just "mean-spirited to be mean-spirited". Not exactly that entertaining). This is my least favorite episode of the series, but I can't deny there is at least 1 episode that's worse than this one. Oh yeah, not even my least favorite episode is the worst episode in the series, there's one that's so terrible, I'd get more entertainment value out of watching my least favorite episode.
Before we move to my Number 1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Squid Wood
Waiting
To Love a Patty
Keep Bikini Bottom Beautiful
And the worst episode of SpongeBob is...
1. The Clash of Triton
Original Airdate: 7-5-2010
Plot: SpongeBob tries to reunite King Neptune's son, Triton, with his father. Triton, however, has other plans.
Main Characters: Triton, SpongeBob, King Neptune
Original Review: "Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the absolute worst special of this entire series! Man, I'm so excited to be done with this list. I typed this all at once, hardly any breaks! Oh my gosh, this episode is just so awful. I hate everything about this episode, it is just the worst. The plot seems interesting, but the execution is worse than the ending to A Pal for Gary. This episode is so boring, I actually don't know how to rate it on a scale of 1-10 on the boring factor. Other parts which are intended to be funny, just aren't funny at all. I know humor is subjective, but I don't think anyone has ever laughed at the ridiculous fingernail clipping scenes. They're so awkward, and horrendous, I don't even know how a human being can find this entertaining. The interactions between SpongeBob & Triton are so awkward, it feels like your date to the prom is eating dinner with your parents (Or even worse, YOU'RE eating dinner with her/his parents!). These scenes have got to be the worst, and I don't even know who I'm supposed to be rooting for! Neptune is an absolute jerk in this episode, so much that it makes him seem like an angel in the Neptune's Spatula. He neglected his son, and now he feels awful about it. Okay, fair enough. But does he really have to act like such a baby? C'mon! And Triton is even worse! He's an even bigger jerk than Neptune is! Granted, he is justified to act like one, after the way his father treated him, but c'mon! That's no excuse. And the idiotic ending, how Neptune becomes proud of Triton's destruction, leading Bikini Bottom to chase SpongeBob & Patrick in an angry mob (For some odd reason) is confusing, and makes me miserable (Okay, that's a lie, but it could make me miserable). I remember when Nick promoted this special, I saw it in its original airing, and to this day, I still find this episode to be a failure. Oh yeah, I like how there's a Goofy Goober reference, but no reference to Mindy. What!? It's a horrendous episode, special, ratings trap, whatever you'd call it! It's got no funny jokes, unlikable "protagonists", awfully paced scenes, and just a horribly executed episode. This is definitely the worst episode of SpongeBob's sixth season."
Final Thoughts: There is no entertainment value in this nightmare whatsoever. It's such a boring, obvious cashgrab/ratings trap that pukes out the blandest "adventure" this series has ever seen. Seriously, the climax doesn't even excite me, it's such a horrendous special and is by far the worst episode in the entire series. No other episode/special has gone this far in terms of delivering a slowly drawn out story, even Waiting felt faster than this mess. I can't stand this episode, it's tremendous how boring and unentertaining this piece of "art" is, I can't believe Nick had the audacity to advertise as such a great special. At least Atlantis SquarePantis had some interesting scenes, and Truth or Square had a fairly original story. This mess make those specials look like they're something of Christmas Who? quality, this is such boring waste of time, there's no denying it, this is the worst episode of SpongeBob.
https://www.sbmania.net/pictures.php?img=Mu46Y83K2hSU5cvgrilIFwmByHbSAYUIlD6mpzkz0XI%3D
Overall, SpongeBob has had some pretty nasty episodes over the years. However, there is a very good reason I consider this to be one of my favorite television shows out there. There are tons, tons of great episodes out there, and soon enough, I'll be discussing my favorites. That's right, stay tuned for my picks for the Top 10 Best SpongeBob Episodes (Seasons 1-10).
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So there you have it, my personal Bottom 10 of SpongeBob. Any thoughts, comments, pie recipes, just share 'em below. Trust me, my Top 10 Favorite list is better.
