I’ve noticed a lot of the shows most hated episodes are Squidward going through pain, annoyance and misery. Kind of makes you think he deserves to be written for other things and shouldn’t get happiness due to him being the “straightman” or “butt monkey” of the show huh
It ended up on the worst list one year. I don't think it's as well remembered as it used to be. Certainly not up there with the all-time classics anymore.