“Enchanted Tiki Dreams” is yet another season 7 episode I haven’t seen in a long, long time. So a rewatch was very much needed. I remember having generally positive feelings towards this episode, since at the time I was very much persuaded by popular opinion, and popular opinion said this was an oasis in the desert of Squidward torture. Considering I don’t think Squidward torture is even a problem in the way that others do, or did, I wonder if this oasis thing is even true. Let’s find out.
The beginning of this episode is very me-core. Leaving my house every day has got to be the worst part of the day sometimes, because my home is my sanctuary, one I never want to leave. Yes, I know that sounds really bad, but that’s just what school and work does to you. And of course, this wouldn’t be an episode about Squidward having a miserable life if the craziness didn’t start the moment he walked out of the door. This little bit of the episode is fine, it’s enjoyable enough at least. Not particularly funny or anything, but then again, the entire episode is not exactly a barrel of laughs. SpongeBob and Patrick’s laughter (and screaming) can get nearly grating at moments, so that is a bit of a drag. And eventually, Squidward runs out of work as soon as his shift ends, returning to his sanctuary. Squidward’s daydream of how to spend his me-time makes me realize that I really need to find some more hobbies that don’t involve technology or social media because I can’t do it anymore! Don’t worry too much about me though, I very much enjoy going to parks, playing my keyboard, yoga, reading, card games (physical cards, not online), sudoku, and crossword puzzles…though I usually do the last two online lol. Anyway, this is how we know something bad is gonna happen to his poor house LMAO.
And guess what happens? Not that, surprisingly. I mean, his house does end up battered a lil bit, but its still intact. The bit with the electric eel (both of the bits, I guess) is pretty funny, though the part with Squidward completely flipping out is a little hard to watch, especially once we see the aftermath with him actually crying, which is kinda sad. This episode does a great job at making you feel bad for Squidward here, which isn’t necessarily a hard thing to do. Just don’t make him a complete jerk who brings what’s coming onto himself, and usually it all works out. Now I mean, the only thing SpongeBob and Patrick have done wrong in this episode so far is get him stung by an electric eel. Everything else is annoying, but technically not their fault if no one tells them to please quiet down. Obviously I would never be as loud and inconsiderate as they are in public, but it’s still not exactly their fault, you feel? As you can see I’m overthinking again, let me move on.
I really love how wholesome SpongeBob and Patrick are in this episode, creating this entire relaxation oasis for Squidward. It’s really nice of them to do so, even if they don’t quite realize that the reason Squidward’s life is so unrelaxing is largely because of them. But like I said before, they don’t do this maliciously, which is important to their characters, as I’ve been saying for literal months now. Anyway, this part of the episode has the relaxation vibes down with the music and great visuals, because now I wanna take a spa day or something LMAO. If only my apartment had an actual bathtub (not that I would ever use it).
Of course, all good things must come to an end for poor Squidward…though not quite. Patrick ends up accidentally destroying the tropical paradise, but Squidward’s able to continue his happy moment by hitting SpongeBob and Patrick with his swinging boat. You know what? Good for him. I like that this show has Squidward win every so often, sparingly. It feels like a reward, even though watching him lose can be just as rewarding.
“Enchanted Tiki Dreams” is another one of those episodes with a weak beginning, but a strong finish. Which is also why it’s one of those episodes that’s kinda hard to rate. I think the strong ending really influences how I see this episode though (maybe I’m just an optimist), and the rarity of seeing Squidward win like this, because of the machinations of SpongeBob and Patrick, is always a treat to see. So I’d say this episode fits nicely in my “Great” tier.
Episode Tier: Great
Episode Score: 8.4/10
Dancing (Good)
