Sebby Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 In honor of SpongeBob's 15th anniversary and the upcoming release of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 2, I'm going to go back to my roots as a SpongeBob fan. I've decided to get out my extensive SpongeBob DVD collection that has been collecting dust, and every day I'm going to watch an episode (in chronological order, of course) and write a short review. Sound good? Great, let's get started!Help Wanted Ah yes, the episode that started it all. Yep, the pilot episode Stephen Hillenburg and his gang originally pitched to Nickelodeon which ultimately kicked off the show right after the 1999 Kids' Choice Awards. Sure, the coloring's a bit off and the characters are rather crudely-drawn, but who cares? SpongeBob's pre-season 4 personality is perfectly demonstrated by his odd workout routine, his bond with his best friend Patrick, and his eagerness to be successful in a job many others take for granted: working as a fry cook. This episode alerts us of the zany antics ahead with the Krusty Krabs' unanticipated anchovy stampede, and reminds us fans that Mr. Krabs and Squidward would be nothing without the little yellow guy, despite what future episodes may suggest.Reef Blower There's really not much to say about this episode except that this is how you make an amusing annoy-Squidward episode -- when SpongeBob's genuinely trying to help out and is not intentionally bugging anyone. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clappy Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Reef Blower There's really not much to say about this episode except that this is how you make an amusing annoy-Squidward episode -- when SpongeBob's genuinely trying to help out and is not intentionally bugging anyone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metal Snake Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 SpongeSebastian... Sorry, your review is good, but just...SpongeSebastian... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OWM Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Ooh, old members! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebby Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 Tea at the Treedome One thing I adore about the very early episodes is their simplicity. While this story format only could have worked for so long, it's really a joy to go back and see how the writers cautiously pioneered this show. Sandy's character introduction was definitely amusing to say the least, and we got to see more of the wackiness that stems from SpongeBob's naivete. Watching this episode at my current age, I can't help but relate the pinky-out thing to how so many people try so hard to impress others with pointless tips their friends give them, only to end up making fools of themselves. If SpongeBob had been himself the whole time, he wouldn't have suffered so much. But man oh man, was it fun to watch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wumbo Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Misguided Mentor Patrick doesn't get enough credit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cha Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Back when Patrick seemed more like a wingman than a dumb sidekick. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Less_SpongeBob Posted May 4, 2014 Share Posted May 4, 2014 I like Tea at the Treedome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebby Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 Bubblestand So, we're introduced to another one of SpongeBob's trademark hobbies: bubble blowing. This episode is a perfect example of how SpongeBob episodes with very simple premises can take some unexpected turns. SpongeBob's eagerness to mentor bubble-blowing novices through his incredible patience and wacky "technique" makes his character even more lovable. The Squidward abuse at the end was a tad bit depressing, but was carried out in a very mild manner compared to more recent episodes - almost like he just hit a bumpy road, is all. One interesting tidbit to point out is that this is the first episode where Patrick shows signs of stupidity... back when the writers knew the difference between "dimwitted" and "annoying." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cha Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I love the introduction episodes to anything/anyone because they're so simple but totally fun and meaningful. They're what the series is all about. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebby Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 Ripped Pants I don't think I've ever truly appreciated this episode until I watched it again this morning. If there's any episode truly deserving of the "classic" label, it's this one. First off, we're introduced to Larry's braggart yet somewhat likable character as he entertains Sandy with his incredible strength. Feeling jelly, SpongeBob tries to out-lift him to no avail, then turns to the only thing he knows best aside from patty-flipping: slapstick. Sure, the old ripped-pants gag was old to begin with, but luckily it's able to leave Sandy in stitches every time. That is, until he goes over the line by pretending to drown and quickly becomes another beach reject. I swear, this whole scenario sent me on a total feels trip. I just wanted to hug ol' spongey and say, "I know that feel, bro." Having a sense of humor myself, I know how it is to accidentally do or say the wrong thing and feeling rejected afterwards. Many of the children watching this show might not pick up on the message of the Ripped Pants song at the end, but man, is it the truth. Be true to yourself, don't miss your chance, and you won't end up like the fool who ripped his pants. Heartwarming, indeed. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wumbo Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 True, I'm the type of person that goes overboard with my humour sometimes, so I really feel for SpongeBob here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoJack Horseman Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 To be honest, I didn't really care about Ripped Pants episode but the message and the song was good. Good reviews, Sebby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cha Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Whenever I watch/listen that episode/song I instantly miss season 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wumbo Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 That song is seriously underrated. One of the best songs of the series fo'sho. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NegiSpongie Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 I love Ripped Pants. It has such a great song and lesson, and I think it's an episode we can all relate to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebby Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 Jellyfishing If you're not a fan of Squidward abuse, this is probably one of your least favorite episodes. Boy, Squidward sure takes a pounding in this one... yet it's still timed at a pace that makes it funny. Staying true to the characters' original natures, it is made clear that SpongeBob and Patrick are under the assumption that Squidward's their best friend and have no intention of bugging him. If anything, Squidward really stands out as a complete grouch who would rather stick to his solitary biking routine than spend time with friends who mean well. The entire jellyfishing scene is played out pretty calmly, even during the big jellyfish confrontation -- a format you'll only find in season 1. Oftentimes the best kind of humor is the kind that doesn't over-complicate itself. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoJack Horseman Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 That song is seriously underrated. One of the best songs of the series fo'sho. How is the song underrated? I don't see any person who hates the song. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wumbo Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 How is the song underrated? I don't see any person who hates the song. I don't see anyone who singles it out as a great song, though. You hear about Very First Christmas, Sweet Victory etc., but The Fool Who Ripped his Pants rarely gets a mention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebby Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 Plankton! Here we got introduced to the mainstay villain of the show: Plankton. Yes, he's cute. Yes, he's physically harmless. But man oh man, his superior intellect (as he would like to believe, that is) can sure make a dent on this little underwater society. Yet I can't help but feel sorry for the guy, especially during the scene when Plankton was trying to bond with SpongeBob to get him a birthday present. Sure, it was a ruse, but it seemed like he had a chance to become best buds with SpongeBob. Wouldn't we all love to see that? Wait for my "F.U.N" review for more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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