Breath of Fresh Squidward (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Breath of Fresh Squidward
Are you sure you didn’t forget to add “Payback” in the title?
Series: SpongeBob SquarePants Part of Season: 5 Episode Number: 7b Air Date: July 26, 2007 Writer: Nate Cash Tuck Tucker Richard Pursel Director: Vincent Waller Previous episode: To Love a Patty Next episode: Money Talks

"Breath of Fresh Squidward" is the second segment of the seventh episode of the fifth season of SpongeBob SquarePants. In this episode, Squidward becomes nice after being shocked by an electric fence.

Summary

Squidward becomes nice after being shocked by an electric fence.

Why It's No Breath of Fresh Air

1. The episode, to date, is arguably the worst one in the whole show that involves Squidward getting extreme karma, as it is extremely mean-spirited towards the character, even by the show's standards.
2. SpongeBob is extremely unlikeable in this episode and shows early sign of Flanderization, as he believes that Squidward is disallowed from being happy. Ever. This completely goes against SpongeBob's character because Squidward has had some happy moments before. SpongeBob is supposed to be happy that Squidward got what he deserved after all these years of being miserable, rather than being jealous.
   • SpongeBob is mad that Squidward got Employee of the month, despite he had it for 26 months long.
   • To add the last straw, he gets angry when Squidward plays pogo sticks with Patrick, shouting at him until he kicked Squidward out of Patrick's house, making him cry, hence making SpongeBob come off like a spoiled brat.
   • What makes SpongeBob hypocritical is the fact that he and Patrick started this whole mess from the very start.
     • Also, he becomes a Karma Houdini after causing jealousy to Squidward for playing pogo with Patrick.
3. The beginning starts with SpongeBob and Patrick watching Squidward sleep, waiting for the sunrise.
   • They have done this every day which makes SpongeBob seem less of a good neighbor but more of a stalker.
4. The tale about Squidward's "happy gland" with SpongeBob's cheerful attitude is rather confusing as it somehow makes SpongeBob aware of Squidward's mind.
5. As stated earlier, Squidward gets kicked out of his own party at the end, because of SpongeBob's jealousy.
6. Weird ending: Squidward, SpongeBob and Patrick all touch the electric fence - this causes Squidward to go back to normal, but SpongeBob and Patrick act like Squidward.

Redeeming Qualities

1. Squidward was happy for a while in the episode and is the only likeable character in this episode.
2. The ending, despite being weird as stated above, is quite hilarious.
   • There could have been an opportunity for Squidward to kick SpongeBob and Patrick out (while they are arguing and acting like Squidward) by shouting "Get out!", but instead it is a plot hole or a missed opportunity.
3. The mention of the 4th of July as said by SpongeBob shows some American culture into the show itself (obviously the show is American, so of course they'll throw it in).
4. At least SpongeBob does show remorse for making Squidward cry at the latter's party, and he goes over to his house to apologize.

Reception

• Mr. Enter called this the worst "Squidward Torture Episode" although the true list puts it at number 2.
• Rated 5.5/10 on IMDB.
• Cosmodore does like this episode and considers it one of his favorite SpongeBob episodes.

Trivia

• This is the last episode of Season 5 produced in 2006.

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