Extremely interesting that this episode is right after "Squirrel Jokes", given that there are many similar themes in this episode. I wonder why they aren't sister episodes at this point haha. I like this episode about the same as I like "Squirrel Jokes", to be honest, which means I like it a lot.
The episode starts slow but not in a bad way. Watching Sandy and SpongeBob watch the clouds makes me feel just as relaxed as them, and their ensuing race helps set up the episode very well. I like seeing Sandy and SpongeBob hang out, because unlike other friendships in the show this one almost feels developed because of "Tea at the Treedome". Another thing I appreciate about this sequence, and the rest of the episode as a whole, is that it mostly never goes too far (except for one time, which I'll get too) with the jokes hounding on land and sea creatures. The racing segments are entertaining, as is the next scene at the Krusty Krab.
Another thing I like about this episode is that it involves everyone pretty quickly, giving that feeling that this is all just one big friend group, even if Sandy is very clearly an outsider in this episode (though by the end of it, I think she's been pretty ingratiated). I also like that even though it's SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and Mr. Krabs all "against" Sandy, the character dynamics we're used to are intact (thinking of when Squidward rejects SpongeBob's high five). It's also fun to see SpongeBob almost acting like a mean girl. It suits his character in a weird way, though obviously this is not something that can be done very often or else it would start to hurt his nice personality.
So the moment I was talking about earlier, where the jokes possibly went too far, is when Sandy takes off her helmet. My main issue is that no one was concerned about Sandy suffocating, aside from when she took off the helmet. I know this is a kid's show and no one actually dies, but it felt a bit too mean-spirited to have the quartet laughing and just waiting for Sandy to need air. Luckily that physics don't work in this show, and she could get air from a pickle jar.
Moving on, I similar enjoy the last act of the episode. Seeing the tables turn on the sea creatures is extremely satisfying after watching Sandy almost drown, and I think it's hilarious that they're super scared of going on the surface. The use of puppets in the land segment is absolutely amazing, and I just really love the whole scene, especially once Sandy saves them.
The ending of the episode is a nice touch, I like that Squidward is upside down the whole time. The ending of the episode is wholesome, but it also has some comedy from Mr. Krabs' declaration to cheer for everyone feeling sorry for themselves, to the beat up birds joining in too.
I will say though, that this episode is a little confused as to whether it's about racism or just superiority complexes in general. I mean, SpongeBob and Sandy are arguing land vs. sea, which is giving a racism lesson, but then the end of the episode highlights breaking down superiority complexes. It doesn't matter all that much to me which thing they were going for, but it's really odd that this episode is so muddled, especially after "Squirrel Jokes".
"Pressure" is a really good episode that I enjoy just as much, if not more, than "Squirrel Jokes" because of its additional jokes and inclusion of more characters. It has definitely earned its spot in my "Great" tier. Not "Amazing" because the moral is a little bungled, and that one section of the episode is just a bit too mean-spirited. The beginning, while entertaining, is a bit slow as well, and doesn't really pick up until we get to the Krusty Krab.
Episode Tier: Great
Episode Score: 8.7/10
