The Abrasive Side (SpongeBob SquarePants)

"The Abrasive Side" is an episode from Season 7 of SpongeBob SquarePants. In this, SpongeBob acquires a product help him say no to people, but it ends up working too effectively.

Why It's Not Too Abrasive

1. The concept is very interesting and creative.
2. The abrasive side is quite a menacing and sarcastic character.
3. SpongeBob and Patrick are more likable than usual for these seasons.
4. There are several amusing moments, such as SpongeBob's abrasive side telling Larry the lobster that all he needs is a bowl of butter, Mr. Krabs' reaction to the word "overtime," and the twist ending with SpongeBob's grandmother revealing her own abrasive side.
5. It presents a good moral about being yourself.
6. It's one of the few genuinely good episodes from Season 7, the worst season of the series.

Abrasive Qualities

1. As typical for this season, the animation is rather dull and limited, with washed-out colors.
2. There are some problems with the characters in this episode:
   • While likable for the most part, SpongeBob's inability to say no to people is somewhat out of character for him, as he has been shown to refuse others easily, thus making him appear spineless and weak.
   • Sandy and Mr. Krabs are unlikable earlier in the episode for taking advantage of SpongeBob.
   • Sandy's statement to SpongeBob, advising him not to change who he is, appears hypocritical given that she exploits SpongeBob's assistance earlier in the episode.
3. Plot hole: How is SpongeBob unaware of the rude remarks made by his abrasive side to his friends until later in the episode when his abrasive side begins insulting him directly?
4. Continuity error: In this episode, Mr. Krabs is unaware of the meaning of the word "overtime", whereas in previous episodes, he is fully aware of its meaning.
5. Somewhat bad ending: While the twist ending featuring Sponge's grandmother with her own abrasive side is humorous, it is a rather comeuppance for SpongeBob, as he did not intentionally do anything wrong by acquiring an abrasive side and merely wanted to be more assertive.