Is it just me or is this episode underrated? At the very least, I feel like it isn't talked about? Maybe it's all in my head. If it is underrated, this episode doesn't deserve that, because it's great! This episode is the basis of one of the best
YTPs (do y'all know what those are? Please say it's not just me who watched those. Maybe still watches...).
I just really like every part of this episode, to be honest. Firstly, I think it's cute that SpongeBob and Patrick are hanging out at the Krusty Krab. It makes one wonder what the set up is here. Is this a normal occurrence? Did Mr. Krabs allow SpongeBob to have his best friend spend time at the Krusty Krab as long as it's slow? (And probably as long as Patrick buys something, let's be real). I know I'm reading entirely too into it but I love all these little implied background details, as I've mentioned before when talking about the friendship between Mr. Krabs and Squidward during this season. Also, I love hearing Mr. Krabs's pirate-speak. I mean, he uses Shanghaied here, which is funny considering what we know now, that a future episode will be named that.
Anyway, as a board game lover, this episode was very enjoyable for that aspect alone. It's funny that Patrick calls Mr. Krabs sweaty, because I didn't realize that was a term used for people playing games until very recently (when I was unjustly called sweaty while playing Uno). And it's fun to see Mr. Krabs join in on the fun. I think it's funny that Mr. Krabs quickly gets addicted to the game, because I've definitely known people like him who want to keep playing when it's time to stop for the night (or forever...). This set up leads to one of my favorite moments, when SpongeBob gets completely fed up with Mr. Krabs and shouts at him that he wants to go to bed. If you all remember my old PFP, or just know anything about my favorite episodes, you know I just love when SpongeBob gets done with somebody's crap ("Rock Bottom", I'm coming!), because honestly that's just peak humor. When this lovely, kind little sponge starts shouting, you
know that you effed up.
This episode reminds me of "The Paper" and "Idiot Box" because the whole treasure hunt thing just feels like adults tapping into their inner child by using their imagination. Yes, Mr. Krabs is the only one who knows that this pirate thing is all fake (as we come to find out), but that's still how it feels. Also, can we talk about the whole secrecy and deceit part of the plot? That's very psychologically thrilling for
SpongeBob SquarePants, and I absolutely adore it (there's a reason I like "Squid's Visit" and "Squidward in Clarinetland", you know). I think the episode leans into this aspect of the plot just enough before shifting gears right back to comedy, and we love when writers are able to balance multiple genres!
If you couldn't already tell, this episode sits comfortable in my "Amazing" tier. I really have no qualms with it whatsoever. Like I'm trying to think of something I find weak in this episode, and honestly I can't think of anything? And hey, I have no problem with that. The more episodes I absolutely adore, the better.
Episode Tier: Amazing
Episode Score: 9/10
