SpongeBob SquarePants - A Show I’ve Been Watching For Years
Written: Dec 27 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Entertaining For Children & Adults Alike, Fun Characters
Cons: Subject Matter May Not Be Considered Suitable For All
The Bottom Line: SpongeBob SquarePants is a cartoon that I myself can sit and watch...
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| susieq112's Full Review: SpongeBob SquarePants |
Back in a previous life (okay back when I was married to my ex-husband) we often had his children over for the weekends. This included a blossoming teenage girl but also a grade-school girl and her favorite thing in the world was SpongeBob SquarePants… Nothing would make that child any happier on a boring day than to watch SpongeBob. So I started my carrier with SpongeBob then about five years ago. Back then I was thankfully that I wasn’t stuck watching something completely boring… Yes, I myself like SpongeBob and often find underlying themes that are more “adult” geared that children will not pick up on.
The Cast
SpongeBob of course our main character in this TV program and for those that don’t know he lives in a pineapple under the sea. The whole show, infact, takes place in a small underwater town called Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob is a square sponge that is often found wearing a square pair of pants and a white shirt with a tie. Unfortunately SpongeBob doesn’t quite fit his clothes in a manner of speaking. While he may be dressed like an adult, he comes off more as a child and this obvious through watching the shows. SpongeBob works at Krusty Krab where he would probably gladly work without pay (he’s so in love with his job) and he has the tendency to bug his co-worker/next door neighbor Squidward more often than not. SpongeBob is obviously new to being out on his own, even after five years or practice and is in many ways inexperienced with the “real world”.
Patrick is SpongeBob’s best friend who happens to live next Squidward (one house down from SpongeBob). Patrick is a pink starfish who generally only wears a pair of green shorts and he looks unkempt most of the time. Patrick is the only one that truly makes SpongeBob look like has some sense because Patrick is in so many words stupider than he is. Patrick is also unemployed in nearly all episodes, every once in awhile he may land a part-time gig at the Krusty Krab but the majority of episodes Patrick is more of a wanderer and tends to help SpongeBob or gets SpongeBob in some pretty tight situations.
Squidward is a four legged squid that also works at Krusty Krab as a cashier. He’s a very ambitious individual that loves to play instruments and loves art, unfortunately for him his dreams are always smothered due to his extreme lack of talent. Squidward is the type of person that always walks around with his nose in the air and thinks he’s better when he’s actually no better off than anyone else. Most episodes feature Squidward in a major aspect of the story line.
Mr. Crabs is the owner of Krusty Krab. His character is a tight-wad that loves money and hates to let go of it, no matter how important the circumstances may be. Mr. Krabs inclusion in the show usually has something to do with a scheme to make more money or trying to keep Plankton away from the secret Kraby Patty recipe.
Plankton is Mr. Krabs prime enemy. Plankton is the owner of the Chum Bucket restaurant which doesn’t have much business. Plankton, in many episodes, is trying to steal Mr. Krabs secret recipe, but he never seems to have much luck regardless of how sneaky he is.
Sandy is a squirrel who has decided to live in the ocean. She has a “bio-dome” home that incases he water and home (a tree). Sandy is a friend to Patrick and SpongeBob and seems to be the only one with real common sense in the show. Sandy often has the answer when Patrick, SpongeBob or other characters are having a problem. Sandy isn’t seen in every episode but she’s definitely a regular.
Other occasional characters would include Mr. Krabs Daughter (a whale), SpongeBob’s parents and various others.
A Basic Episode
Some of the topics addressed on SpongeBob SquarePants are fairly regular topics. An example of this would be a plot by Plankton to steal Mr. Krabs secret formula. This theme comes up in many episodes and Plankton always has a new idea. These episodes often include the regular cast of characters that either protect the formula or fall for Plankton’s tricks.
Another repeated theme would be SpongeBob trying to get a license. In these episodes the teacher (a blow fish) has multiple problems with SpongeBob’s ability to actually drive. While he can pass the written test in a flash, he can never complete the driven part. This often irritates the teacher and causes he to bloat up.
SpongeBob SquarePants doesn’t really touch on any major educational points… You’ll find no counting, ABC or Shape hunting here… Instead SpongeBob is more geared toward life lessons and/or just plain fun. One episode address the issue that SpongeBob has forgotten how to tie his shoes others may address making decisions like work vs. play or danger vs. safety, but as a rule there isn’t any hard core education to SpongeBob SquarePants.
My Thoughts
Now that my son is around I generally turn the TV on in the morning (Nickelodeon) and leave it on for the rest of the day. At nineteen months I’ve only seen my son watch full episodes of Mickey Mouse Club House and The Backyardigans. Other shows, even SpongeBob SquarePants, often gets a fleeting glance or at best five minutes. My son knows who SpongeBob is and often notices themed toys in the store, but other than that SpongeBob doesn’t get all of his attention (which is fine by me).
By the time SpongeBob comes on my son has grew weary of TV and has moved into a full mode of toy play and I generally watch it on my own. Sometimes the actions of the characters turn me the wrong was when my son is paying attention, but I figure in reality the subject matter is one - over his head, two - not truly damaging and three - I never seen ill effects from the show with my step daughter…
Overall as an adult I don’t have much of a problem with SpongeBob SquarePants, while the subject matter may tend to be a little gruff at time (including fighting) I don’t see much else wrong with it. In fact I’m thrilled that they have a cartoon out that’s appropriate for my child and at the same time entertaining for me also.
Recommended:
Yes
Type of Program: Cartoon or Animated
Program Quality: Thought-provoking, original material
Best Suited For: 3 to 5 Years
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susieq112
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Settling into a new year of college at Watkins College of Art, Design, & Film
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