We’re finally at "Sharks vs. Pods"! Yes, yes, and more yes. I have always adored this episode. Like…it was my favorite modern SpongeBob episode for many, many years. I’m not sure if that still holds up now, considering that 1) this isn’t even “modern SpongeBob” anymore, and 2) there’s lots of episodes I still need to look at to decide. But the fact is this is an episode that has never gotten a bad word from me. And after rewatching it, I can affirm that it shall stay this way.
So the first thing I love about this episode is the atmosphere. The music and the designs of these characters really help to set the scene, and y’all know how much I love atmosphere. Oh, and how could I forget the dialogue? The voice acting here is great, and I love the wordplay, it really helps to flesh these characters out, even if we only see them for just a few minutes. Also, I just love how a group of Squids is called the “Pods”…like that’s actually genius. And their snapping being their pods getting unstuck? Brilliant. All the new characters we meet in this episode are also super great. The Sharks are just a funny group. I especially loved every time they brought up Johnny and just completely lost it. Too good. And at the end of the episode, I love the inclusion of all these different dance troupes.
I love how the truth about the Sharks can be deduced from the beginning of the episode, as what entrances them about SpongeBob is his dancing, not anything else. If only SpongeBob didn’t let paranoia cloud his mind lol…though I mean it’s certainly some warranted assumptions that he made, especially after that ransom note LMAO. But speaking of paranoia, I love seeing SpongeBob when he’s all dramatic like this, as we’ve well established. And it’s fun seeing SpongeBob try to act like a 50’s “gangster”, way too funny.
We then learn that the Sharks and Pods rivalry has nothing to do with fighting, but rather dancing! And Squidward’s part of the Pods too, which I thought was a nice touch. The explanation for everything that SpongeBob misinterpreted is great, because I love how sensical yet improbable the explanations are. Except for Gary being a DJ. That I believe. The very end of the episode is great, as we get plot twist after plot twist. I mean…the cops being in on this dance thing? I love it. Also, the cops randomly having accents is funny to me haha. And then Internal Affairs showing up? Love that too. And speaking of the end of the episode, I just love this scene. Seeing all the different dance styles is super fun, and of course I adore seeing SpongeBob win in the end with his full-of-heart dance moves. It’s like “I Heart Dancing”, now that I think about it.
Episode Tier: Amazing
Episode Score: 9.4/10