When it comes to anything, the quality is determined by a persons passion. The man who originally created not only loved the sea as a marine biologist but he loved animation. So, he took what he loved and with some help from other passionate guys and made this. If any of you guys have a passion for something. Don’t wait, go for it.
i think the main moral on that movie is more like "it's okay to be yourself, you don't need to change yourself to fit other people vision to be successful" spongebob is becaming more mature afterall at the end of the episode
I think part of the reason adults of the 80s,90s and 2000s kids had that mentality is cause they did not have a childhood like the 90s were I mean they had less tv entertainment, they were strickened to grow out of cartoons and such at younger ages and more going out style and rock n roll concerts were a big had to go to amd gather thing then social media stuff now a days so I think that's part of why more older adults especially ones when spongebob was new may never see or understand what I as a 90s, 20000s kid did see in this show and why its still in my heart as day 1 and likely forever be hope not to argue with anyone just sharing what i believe to be part of the truth
@AzureWolf168 i think what he's trying to say is " your the one to path your future, you shouldn't follow the status quo if you don't like it as long as your doing what's right and not hurting anyone go your own way. be a kid.
@@micjimster4845This hits the nail on the head. As someone who is on the spectrum and suffers daily with depression, so many doubt my abilities due to me having to find other ways to do tasks that they find easy. It is hard, more so growing up being told I’m just like the other kids but just think a little different but that changes when all jobs out there don’t want someone who’s mentally handicapped in their life. That movie and it’s moral that even if people don’t think you can handle something and assume things before you can even prove yourself that you can do it is one that I often find myself crying to as silly as it is. The movie is an art piece, not a kids film and has a lesson for everyone. Just because someone thinks you’re childish, don’t fit their standards or what adult means, or flat out just doesn’t like who you are doesn’t mean you have to fold to become what they and what the world wants. It’s okay to be you and find success in your own path. That’s a magical message for me.
my only criticism of this video is that it undersells characters like Patrick and Mr. Krabs. Patrick wasn't just another randumb character and Mr. Krabs wasn't just a greedy character
@@zahraa-q3r there are many examples, but most obviously he acts like a father figure to Spongebob and Patrick in episodes like Hookey, Sailor Mouth, etc.
I remember my dad once said that Spongebob was the most perplexing cartoon show ever made, he had no idea how this idea ever happened and became so popular. But one of the hardest times I’ve ever seen my dad laugh was when he was watching the show with me and the episode “Grandmas Kisses” was on. When Spongebob has his crying fit at the end and starts crying like a sprinkler (lol). My dad must have laughed for like 5 minutes straight lmao. I’ll never forget that, it was really nice for him to find enjoyment from something I liked (I was in 6th grade at the time so he never watched my programming, which I can’t blame him for. But that just shows how genuinely funny and accessible this show was in its first 3 seasons. Great video man.
I’d like to add the fact that spongebob is behind a glass wall. It’s kind of like a metaphor for that even though you can act like a squidward on the outside and inside, there’s still some of that spongebob inside of you.
Or also how when we are children, all we want to do is grow up, because when we look through the window, we want to act grown up and do adult things, but all Squidward (the adults) see is their own sad reflection, with an underlying image of Spongebob, what they once were and wish could be.
@Stix N' Stones Patrick is just sort of the embodiment of simple innocence to an almost animalistic degree. He knows nothing besides what's immediately in front of him. He's almost like a dog. He's not very different from the rock he lives under. In fact, I wouldn't be suprised if it was a reference to the saying "have you been living under a rock?" His life is simple and he knows nothing about the world. Together with Spongebob and Squidward, they're kind of a trinity, like the id, the ego, and the superego.
Squidward IS a talented artist. He mastered several different forms of art, from painting to neon signs. If he settled on just one artform and mastered it, he could certainly be a great artist.
I think one think the show always subtly portrays is that squidward is jealous of SpongeBobs happiness. So despite his complaining, in the end of pizza delivery he is mad because he doesn’t want Spongebob to be like him. It hurts to see someone so happy become jaded because it reminds him of how he feels, so he decides to protect that childlike innocence.
That's a really good take on it as Squidward, despite his moments of jealousy, has always taken a more mature perspective on things. So it well within his character to recognize this.
The only truly bad thing about Spongebob is the fact that it has been milked dry. Also, the disrespect towards Stephen Hillenburg, that is just disgusting.
damn straight. At least disney did mickey justice. The people who work on spongebob are absolutely the most unintelligent spoiled morons that probably got their jobs from "daddy".
@@ir0n392 This is just a portion of it, but Stephen Hillenburg didnt want any spin off shows for spongebob, and wanted to end it multiple times before. But as you can see now a short time after he passed nick already starting making spin offs. Ex: Kamp Koral, The Patrick Star Show.
i was thinking it's so popular because of how surreal it is, fundamentally and cosmetically. the merchandise and meme aspect is so unique because of how unrealistic and obscure the show's appearance is. any other cartoon is based on humans or humanoid mammals or thereabouts. but a marine creature as obscure as a sponge is what the protagonist is, and the secondary character is also based on a featureless alien-like creature. there is also the aspect that is fundamental to cartoons, how they are so detached from reality that they are so universally popular because there is no recognisable feature or reference to find contention in; and spongebob is somewhat excellent at this, hence why it is popular across cultural boundaries.
There's one moment in season eight that I feel perfectly demonstrates the relationship between Spongebob and Squidward. At the end of the episode, "Hello Bikini Bottom!" There's a song between the two where Spongebob starts off singing about how despite their colossal failure in music, they have to keep trying for Mr. Krabs and the Krusty Krab's sake. Then it cuts to Squidward walking home, defeated, singing about how this whole venture was bound to fail from the start, highlighting both of their attitudes towards life. Spongebob being hopeful and optimistic, and Squidward being pessimistic and cynical. Eventually Squidward turns around and returns to Spongebob where they share a clarinet ukulele duet on top of their broken-down tour bus, to which Squidward remarks, "Hey, that was actually kind of good." I find this moment to be the perfect example of the relationship between them you discussed in the video and is one of my favorite moments from the later seasons.
My favorite quotes from Spongebob are "Why must every 11 minutes of my life be filled with misery?" -Squidward Q. Tentacles "Time for the pill! Oh no, not the pill!"
LOVE this. But I think it misses something important: Squidward's narcissism is his greatest enemy. He only paints self portraits. He plays clarinet, but doesn't try to improve. He vehemently resists any challenge to his views. The world isn't purely bullying him; it's reacting to his inability to adapt. He's miserable, but he isn't working to change that, just distract. Which is the problem many unhappy Millennials have. We didn't get what we were promised, and the paths to success and happiness we were taught don't seem viable anymore. We have to forge our own way in a world that changes much quicker than it did for our parents. But to just blame the world for changing, blame our predecessors for teaching what they knew and not what they couldn't know, to give up because we're lost-- Squidward's situation holds him back, but he isn't fighting the system, striking out on his own, or analyzing himself. He's agreeing to be a cog but complaining the whole time. Squidward is just as attached to his childhood as Spongebob, but Squidward has fixated on goals while doing nothing to work towards them. Spobgebob, meanwhile, fixated on actively seeking new joys and experiences-- and while not achieving grand things, is leading a fulfilling life.
@Kill Me? @Justin Pettit Exactly my point. We're already seeing it: Kids coming into adulthood now are wondering why we didn't fight a problematic job market more after the Recession hit, or why we created echo-chambers like Facebook and Tumblr which can hurt individuals just as much as they foster communities. Our lives and situation aren't "all our fault", but what we do next is our responsibility, and to resist or deny that is to Squidward.
Kill Me? See, again, that’s missing the entire point. Yes, you were left with problems. _But,_ instead of working to overcome obstacles, the generation just reflects on how much life sucks and pushes themselves further. This comment proves it: you’re just saying “we have so many problems”. That’s Squidward’s deal: his life _does_ suck, it absolutely sucks, but he never does anything other than think about how much his life sucks, how unfair the world is, and keep continuing on the exact same path, wallowing in his self-pity and depression.
So true, especially the driving test thing! When we're young, SpongeBob is ourselves from the distant future and we aspire to that level of independence. As adults, we get to relive the time when the driver's test meant everything.
I can see why, he was kind of a buzz killer who seemed to bully spongebob in a way, but he was just misunderstood to the point where he was anger inducing.
new Spongebob is a pile of bullsh*t compaired to old Spongebob. nothing will ever beat those old episodes like band geeks and pizza delivery. Spongebob just doesnt feel like Spongebob nowadays. i prefer the grainy quality and dull colors over the new sleek, bright colors i guess.
I'm 56 and I still enjoy watching Spongebob with my grandnephews as much as I enjoyed watching with their mom when she was a kid. It was one of those rare shows that appealed to adults as much as it appealed to children, by often employing double entendres that on the surface were funny to kids, but even funnier to the adults who understood the larger subtext.
My dad was obsessed as much as we were. He owned the solid yellow shirt with S.B. 's face and many of the seasons on DVD. If it happens to be on tv today, I watch it still.
I grew up with SpongeBob and completely agree. I have a completely different perspective now that I'm in college then from when I watched it as a five-year-old. It's taught me so much about life and even more so now.
Spongebob was not only probably my favorite show growing up, but it was also one of the very few shows my parents and uncle got into even though they were well in their 40s approaching 50. It's one thing to appeal to children or to appeal to adults, but when you can somehow pull off both perfectly is an exceptional feat.
Holy shit,you just used a Spongebob meme to explain our liking to Spongebob on a video about why Spongebob is so popular and one of the keypoints is Spongebob memes. This is way too fuckin meta.
@@flex9696 no it became meta when you broke the fourth wall to point out the joke wait, doesn't that mean i'm also meta by pointing out you're pointing out a joke?
man you're just fawning about this dude, there's videos that have explained this clearly but without Steven Hillenburg, the franchise isn't ultimately fucked, but rather ultimately doomed for taste of adult audience of the early seasons.
DannTheMan agreed. For some reason your comment was the second recommended in the section. Above a comment with thousands of likes. Wtf. But yes. Agreed.
I mean...he talked for ten minutes about how the show was the longest running success of any of it's contemporaries, then he's forced to admit only the first three seasons are really worth a damn. And it was obvious that it was squidward...
I learned the word "mediocre" from Squidward when Spongebob criticized his clarinet playing, so it's satisfying af to hear you use the word mediocre 5+ times lmao
This is the best analysis of Spongebob Squarepants I’ve ever seen. I always wondered why I always remember Spongebob and why it’s relevant to this day, and I think this hit the nail on the head.
SpongeBob’s character was a lot more well rounded than just depicting a window to our childhood nature of being “joyful, naive, enthusiastic, optimistic”. SpongeBob is also depicted as responsible, ambitious, dedicated, honest, hardworking, and more. It’s the perfect blend of all the traits SB possesses that makes him such an amazing character. Unlike other cartoons for kids, SpongeBob is NEVER depicted as a punk, or selfish, or any kind of stereotypical “rebellious antagonist with a good heart overall”. I just think of Eliza Thornberry, Otto Rocket, Ed Edd & Eddy, or literally EVERY other character. The ONLY one who comes close to SpongeBob is maybe Hey Arnold!- and in reality he’s not even close. SpongeBob is more like the idealized version of how everyone wishes they still were once they become adults. He’s an example to emulate in contrast to how clearly undesirable a jaded nihilist like Squidward has let life turn him into. And Squidward himself realizes this in the episode where he moves to Tentacle Acres, and quickly loses his mind as soon as he no longer has the balance of SpongeBob in his life. They feed off each other so well, allowing them to channel their natural energy and direct it at the other. SB gives Squidward the target he craves to direct his grumpy angst at, and Squid gives SB the grump he craves to direct his optimistic do-goodery.
As good of a job as this video did analyzing SpongeBob's character, you're actual description of him is way better. EmpLem even points things related to that description out, like how he says that he's an adult with childlike qualities, or that he's still a genuinely good person and hold's his own weight, and, above all else, that his life can be seen as just as rough as Squid's.
Very good comment, man. I had never thought about how spongebob is a good example of responsability and honesty. He really is, and that makes him very far from being "imature" in a bad sense.
"SpongeBob is more like the idealized version of how everyone wishes they still were once they become adults" - The kind of insight I wish was more typical of video comment sections.
ya, you got a great point there. that why tom and jerry's cartoons hold up so well. I think is is also why so many kid are x man fans and so many adults are Cap fines. the way we see the world change with it our understanding of heroism.
There's moments in the series that help show how they both depend on the rivalry, in a way. If they really, truly wanted to kill each other, it would have ended sooner.
SpongeBob was the only kids show my dad would stop what he was doing to come watch with us. He would laugh out loud. We loved sharing that with him more than I could possibly express.
This was a great video, but I'm a bit dissapointed you didn't talk about the movie, seeing as the main theme of the movie was the same theme you summed up in the video. The theme of it being ok to be childish, and to enjoy being a kid, is the theme the movie chooses to focus on because it is the real core of the show. It's what makes the movie such a good finale to the series, which it was originally supposed to be.
Speaking of the movie, this video made me realize why the movie felt mediocre to me, even though I think its core theme is great! But for the majority of the movie Squidward and Spongebob are separated, with it being mostly the journey Patrick and Spongebob are on, which ultimately is just wacky adventure of two idiot friends. I don't hate the movie, it's ok, but like EmpLemon says, I have to agree that Band Geeks is the better Finale, because its about Squidward AND Spongebob!
I’m in the middle of my Latin class and I just got a notification that Stephen Hillenburg died today and I can’t hold back the tears. I met my best friend because of this show and I owe so many childhood memories. Rest In Peace...
I know how you feel, may he swim through the ocean, free as a dolphin. Here, puts a blanket on you, cooks up everyone some Krabby Patties, and gives you a much needed hug. Feel better?
My chem teacher stopped class for a few minutes to honor his passing that day. It's amazing how much impact this show has had. She knew Stephan hillenberg but not Stan lee, this show has had more importance than Marvel for some.
Lol i thought "let's check the comments" i scroll down and read this and right as i read it i hear "it's not about winning, it's about fun" from the video.
agar combo The Simpsons turned into a political tool to speak on mainstream issues like south park does. This is not the original spirit of The Simpsons. Also, a lot of the original writers left a few seasons back, and the show has been poorly written trash that's only still here for the money.
I like how Danny Antonucci recognized the end and finished the show properly, then it got resurrected for a shitty and unnecessary 5th season that butchered the characters.
I watched spongebob in preschool I laughed at Patrick getting hurt and stuff like that, but my grandpa laughed at a lot more and I never understood it. To this day my 72 year old grandpa still enjoys it from time to time. When you’re young you’re spongebob and when you’re an adult you’re squidward. But when you grow old you’re Patrick. Possessing knowledge you no longer need and things you no longer want.
I'd say your grandpa might enjoy it because of the prevalence of slapstick humor ala three stooges and others that your grandfather may have grown up watching. I think as the years pass what is considered funny shifts which is why slapstick isn't as common as it was then. This is why the phenomenon of boomer humor is a thing. Many things that my 40-50 year old family members find funny tend to only mildly amuse me. They have their own inherent humor but it's just less funny to me.
@@Whynotmini I worked with a lot of old dudes when I was 17-20 years old. Pretty funny guys. I remember one joke that went something like this. Two married men are hanging out. One says to the other "you know, I never made love to my wife before we got married. What about you?" To which the other responds "I'm not sure. What was her maiden name?"
WhyNotMini "Something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband's lap." - Sumeria 1900 BCE First known recorded joke was a fart joke
The disconnect to sponge bob from adults is SUPER real. Back when seasons 1-3 aired regularly, my mom would always ask my Dad why he would watch sponge bob with me and my siblings. It’s because it was funny to many diverse audiences: even including my 40 year old father!
I was reading an article today about how Hillenburg had complete creative control of the first three seasons and the movie. No wonder they were so magical.
I clicked on this with the lowest of expectations, but instead it was one of the most brilliant videos I've ever seen on this platform. You explained a lifelong love of mine in a way I always knew was true but never understood fully enough to put into words. As a comparison point, I'd like to bring up a recent cartoon that has also appealed strongly to millennials, BoJack Horseman, and how it employs a similar dynamic of optimism vs pessimism in a different way to accomplish the same basic human appeal as Spongebob. In this show, which is rated TV-MA as opposed to Spongebob's TV-Y7, the pessimistic individual is the protagonist, and instead of working shitty, dead-end jobs, both characters are famous TV and film stars who have "accomplished their dreams." Despite these large differences, though, the core dynamic between the two main characters is fundamentally the same: Mr. Peanutbutter approaches every opportunity he has with a smile and a wagging tail, while Bojack is perpetually miserable despite how well everything has gone for him. This shows how, even if Squidward had accomplished his dreams of being a famous artist, he'd likely still be miserable because of his attitude, further proving that we can all be Spongebobs if we want to be. The show is less optimistic overall, showing the consequences of even Mr. Peanutbutter's childish and impulsive mindset while Spongebob tried to find the good even in a grump like Squidward, but the dynamic is almost identical, even to the point of having similar supporting characters, like the dumb best friend (Patrick, Todd) the greedy boss (Mr. Krabs, Princess Carolyn) and the voice of reason (Sandy, Diane). The color scheme of the characters is also similar, with Mr. Peanutbutter's yellow fur and Bojack's blue sweater symbolizing their different perspectives on life just as Spongebob and Squidward's colors do. Also worth noting is that both characters in both shows wear similarly colored clothes (brown for Spongebob, gray for Bojack) showing that they are in identical scenarios but feel differently purely because of their outlook.
This video helped me to develop a very interesting philosophy when it comes to animation. Always try to include elements for adults even if the show may be advertised for children, so that way, the adults can feel included. I would like to develop animated cartoons of my own in the future, working with this very philosophy in the forefront of my mind. Thank you EmpLemon… and thank you Stephen Hillenburg for giving me that.
I absolutely love how your channel has evolved from YTP to video essays while using the editing skills you learned from YTP and adding your own genuinely interesting perspectives on topics that are somewhat niche but very relevant to your audience. This is definitely one of my favorite youtube channels
Yeah but essays aren't better than TH-cam poops because vidoe essays are so over done on TH-cam nowadays as much as I love emps new content I wish I didnt have to only see essays all the time
@@doom5895It's interesting to see a comment like this from 5 years ago. Over the past two years, it feels like video essays are one of the most popular formats on TH-cam nowadays. Definitely still very much oversaturated.
Well the easiest way out is to delete system 32 BUT there's no reversing that :( The software does improve over time with content updates and patches - hang in there and everything will get better!
That sentence about how a lot of americans can't tell you who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania avenue but they probably can tell you who lives in a pineapple under the sea really puts it into perspective
In case you've forgotten here's how things work, I order the food, you cook the food, then the costumer gets the food, we do that for 40 years and then I get an ad.
19:51 THERE I AM GARY, THERE I AM! But in all seriousness, this is a really interesting take on what made the series so special. My video was talking more about things in a production sense, cause Hillenburg's involvement after the first movie was never entirely clear. That was looking at the WHY of the show's changes, but this is a great analysis of the HOW of the show's changes. Your theory about the SpongeBob and Squidward dynamic being the driving force of the show's appeal is good, though I would argue the newest few Seasons have built that connection the two had back up a bit. SpongeBob is treated more like an adult and equal to Squidward, he barely cries and feels more like a naïve friend rather than a straight idiot. I think the tone and pacing of Seasons 1-3 also plays a big part in the appeal, like how the show never talked down to it's audience with it's humor and went for obscure references/ adult humor kids would likely never get (Nosferatu is a great example of this). The tone after Season 4 has largely remained the same, with things being a lot sillier and cartoonier, and that's truer in the newest episodes more than ever. I think SpongeBob has become a great show again, but the style of comedy and atmosphere from the earliest Seasons is what made it something truly unique.
I’m 19 years old and me and my friends still gather around to watch SpongeBob. I mean, substances are now involved but… nonetheless it’s still one of my favorites!!
Maybe once you are of age to take substances you’ll realize you don’t need them to enjoy things in life. Childlike pleasures can be enjoyed fully at any age without drugs and alcohol
I never noticed until now, that the scene where spongebob is following Squidward from behind the window, that Spongebob is actually cleaning the fucking window as he goes
This study essay needs to be presented at a TED conference or Harvard because this is literally the most touched I’ve ever been from a TH-cam video. I have season 2 on dvd and still to this day I pop it in and reminisce. This video is culturally important and could be used to address a bigger over-arching problem in our world. Thank you for this work and for a great way of connecting this message to our childhood.
22 years old, grew up on spongebob. Within a minute of your video you were saying things I had been telling people for years; go back and watch seasons 1 2 &3. The quintessence of cartoons and nostalgia
I personally think that season 4 can stand with the first three seasons mainly because it has really good episodes like gary come home and dunces and dragons
I am king yea I honestly liked all the seasons and episodes, but yes the first couple of seasons had very memorable moments like dirty dan and pinhead etc
artimuq 2627 There were only a couple good ones in season 4. Season 1 through 3 were the only good and funny and awesome and amazing ones. All other seasons wee trash.
This was a damn good analysis. It's almost disturbing how I laughed at Squidwards failures as a kid, yet now face the same conundrum of being all but forced to live a life that makes me miserable. The even scarier thing is that Squidward never found a way out.
this message honestly helps me a lot. i'm almost 16 years old, and i've been feeling pressured to grow up more than ever. i see people mocking the year i was born with their "oh i feel so bad for kids born in ____, they don't get to grow up with ____ like we did!" and "i thought they stopped making kids in 2003!1!!" which makes me feel the need to prove my point that we're not annoying kids and we're mature. that and i have to learn how to drive, maybe get some kind of job, etc. the stress of the future and my past finally caught up to me when i was only 11 years old. i felt like the clock was ticking, and i had to grow up and be mature and not some annoying little girl anymore. so i did. i've always been soft-spoken, but now i barely talk to anyone at all and i've somehow become even more shy and introverted than before. a lot of the time i don't feel genuinely happy with life, and i wish i could go back to the old days when i was little and watched anime and played kingdom hearts and ds/3ds games with my oldest zillennial brother. but i can never entirely go back to those times and i feel pessimistic for the future. i thought being a teenager was fun and cool as a kid, and now i just want to go back. i guess you could say i'm becoming a teenage Squidward. usually i feel so ashamed of acting childish. i don't like expressing my hobbies and interests without care, and i don't like playing with action figures and plushies anymore, i just collect them. but both this video and rewatching this cartoon helped me realise and remember - it's okay to be a kid. thank you EmpLemon, and thank you (and RIP) to childhood hero Stephen Hillenburg ❤
The only thing I think you’re missing is that Squidward’s outlook isn’t inherently wrong or worse than Spongebob’s, its just another crucial side of understanding our place in society. Spongebob’s optimism and positivity is necessary for making it through a life that can sometimes be less than ideal, but he’s also naive and sometimes doesn’t pick up on things that are truly unjust or wrong. For example; both Squidward and Spongebob are disgustingly mistreated and underpaid by Mr. Krabs, but only Squidward sees the issue for what it really is. Spongebob’s naivety helps him make it through his day, but it glosses over a serious issue. The problem with Squidward in this situation though is that he’s to depressed an defeated to do anything about it. The world just seems daunting. It’s the combination of their two personalities that creates the best answer; be critical and aware, but never lose spirit, hope, a sense of purpose, and especially never lose your kindness towards others. That’s what makes an episode like ”Pizza Delivery” so appealing, we get to see a perfect synthesis of their two personalities in a way that leaves us feeling rewarded and hopeful but at the same time isn’t blind to the reality of our lives. Really great video though man, Spongebob is the best.
SpongeBob is still such a beloved cartoon character to me. And I'm not ashamed to say he's probably up there with my other favorite cartoon, movie, and TV show characters. I can't help but watch clips from the first couple seasons and laugh or smile. I'm in my 20s now, still trying to figure everything out. After a rough year of dealing with overwhelming amounts of anxiety for the future I decided to give all that worrying up and indulge in simple comforts. My interests tend to change over time and I've found that during stressful or monotonous periods of my adult life I gravitate towards animated movies and shows more than anything else. It brings me joy. Simple as that. I'm trying to chase what brings me joy more. Joy that I remember feeling when I was a kid. And there isn't any reason why I can't experience the same feelings of wonder and happiness I did as a kid now as an adult.
The creators just put the characters on crack, they turned Spongebob into a little kid, Patrick into a total bonehead, Squidward into a depressing faliure, Plankton into a purely evil antagonist who starts to focus less on the formula and more on being a villain, they turned Sandy into an Einstein rather than a science enthusiast and they just started exploiting all of the characters
This comment made me realize that another issue with the bad seasons is that they turned the characters into their stereotypes and roles, rather than individual characters with multiple interests and goals. Sandy isn't a scientist. Sandy is an individual with multiple identifying features and goals that she could be categorized by. The same is true for spongebob, squidward, patrick etc. I think people in general are this way and are so complex and made up by so many group identities that they are actually unique and individual.
I’m a 29 year old millennial stuck working at a restaurant and currently frustrated with what society has become. I relate to Squidward so much it’s unreal.
Im not even employed OR an adult yet and Im a Squidward 😭 I've been a Squidward for as long as I can recall which probably isnt a good thing, I can hardly remember being a Spongebob
“Whoever’s the owner of the white sedan, you left your lights on.”
"You have reached the house of unrecognized talent, please leave a message after the *beep*"
“The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma.”
*sound of pins falling over*
"You okay, Pat?"
"FINLAAAAND!"
“Squidward that wasn’t the peace treaty, that was a copy of the peace treaty.”
"Firmly grasp it in your hand... firmly grasp it...… FIRMLY GRASP IT!!!
When it comes to anything, the quality is determined by a persons passion. The man who originally created not only loved the sea as a marine biologist but he loved animation. So, he took what he loved and with some help from other passionate guys and made this. If any of you guys have a passion for something. Don’t wait, go for it.
Breeze Weezy who knew a comment on a spongebob video could be so inspiring.
Amen.
Why doesn't this comment have a thousand more likes?
@@jackattack7940 Mr.Krabs moment
Unless you wanna be a a passionately active mass murderer
"We do that for 40 years, and then we die." I forgot how completely perfect Squidward was
he's absolutely not perfect. you're fooling yourself
@DaddyPlsNo K. Rool for president
Funny Valentine for president
Squidward is my favorite, and I am Squidward but in shy and nervous wreck.
@@Abbimation. Im a Squidward and everyone around me is Spongebob/Patrick 💀
This videos message is made even more clear by the fact that the main moral of the original SpongeBob Movie is “it’s ok to be a kid”
i think the main moral on that movie is more like "it's okay to be yourself, you don't need to change yourself to fit other people vision to be successful" spongebob is becaming more mature afterall at the end of the episode
I think part of the reason adults of the 80s,90s and 2000s kids had that mentality is cause they did not have a childhood like the 90s were I mean they had less tv entertainment, they were strickened to grow out of cartoons and such at younger ages and more going out style and rock n roll concerts were a big had to go to amd gather thing then social media stuff now a days so I think that's part of why more older adults especially ones when spongebob was new may never see or understand what I as a 90s, 20000s kid did see in this show and why its still in my heart as day 1 and likely forever be hope not to argue with anyone just sharing what i believe to be part of the truth
@AzureWolf168 i think what he's trying to say is " your the one to path your future, you shouldn't follow the status quo if you don't like it as long as your doing what's right and not hurting anyone go your own way. be a kid.
@@micjimster4845This hits the nail on the head. As someone who is on the spectrum and suffers daily with depression, so many doubt my abilities due to me having to find other ways to do tasks that they find easy. It is hard, more so growing up being told I’m just like the other kids but just think a little different but that changes when all jobs out there don’t want someone who’s mentally handicapped in their life.
That movie and it’s moral that even if people don’t think you can handle something and assume things before you can even prove yourself that you can do it is one that I often find myself crying to as silly as it is. The movie is an art piece, not a kids film and has a lesson for everyone. Just because someone thinks you’re childish, don’t fit their standards or what adult means, or flat out just doesn’t like who you are doesn’t mean you have to fold to become what they and what the world wants. It’s okay to be you and find success in your own path. That’s a magical message for me.
Sure, but you still have to be an adult if you are one
"We do that for 40 years, and then we die." That line has always stuck with me. I find myself repeating it too often.
Smokey La Bear I even had a calculus teacher recite that line to us as well, with a disturbing sigh
I laugh every time I hear it.
“Patrick is nothing special” those are fightin words.
U mad bro?
@@yolandagodoy3127 F*ck yes.
my only criticism of this video is that it undersells characters like Patrick and Mr. Krabs. Patrick wasn't just another randumb character and Mr. Krabs wasn't just a greedy character
@@1mpetus what else is there to mr. Crabs character other than greed?
@@zahraa-q3r there are many examples, but most obviously he acts like a father figure to Spongebob and Patrick in episodes like Hookey, Sailor Mouth, etc.
I never notice spongebob cleans the window as he slides across it lol
I just noticed that when you pointed it out
I just noticed that lol
Well he is a sponge so
Bruh
@@Huzimov 12:00
The thesis being "haters mad I can experience childlike wonder" is downright amazing
I remember my dad once said that Spongebob was the most perplexing cartoon show ever made, he had no idea how this idea ever happened and became so popular. But one of the hardest times I’ve ever seen my dad laugh was when he was watching the show with me and the episode “Grandmas Kisses” was on. When Spongebob has his crying fit at the end and starts crying like a sprinkler (lol). My dad must have laughed for like 5 minutes straight lmao. I’ll never forget that, it was really nice for him to find enjoyment from something I liked (I was in 6th grade at the time so he never watched my programming, which I can’t blame him for. But that just shows how genuinely funny and accessible this show was in its first 3 seasons. Great video man.
Lol the sprinkler crying is hilarious. What got my parents laughing their asses off was Rock Bottom, when he kept missing the bus 😂
My dad laughed when squidward was atacked by a Sea Bear
Qm
man spongebob is that cartoon that brought fathers and sons together
My dad still laughs at the show to this day. He quotes “Yer a mystery, Spongebob.” to this day.
I’d like to add the fact that spongebob is behind a glass wall. It’s kind of like a metaphor for that even though you can act like a squidward on the outside and inside, there’s still some of that spongebob inside of you.
PenguinEmp I like this comment a lot
PenguinEmp And the fact that it was also a short scene with no dialogue in it really fits under the meaning of “Show, don’t tell”.
SpongeBob: Wow Pat! That was beautiful!
Or also how when we are children, all we want to do is grow up, because when we look through the window, we want to act grown up and do adult things, but all Squidward (the adults) see is their own sad reflection, with an underlying image of Spongebob, what they once were and wish could be.
Relax bro, it’s not that deep.
It’s important to have the maturity and wisdom of Squidward, but also the passion and jolly of Spongebob.
I suppose in a way, they're two parts of the same person.
PREACH IT BROTHER
True dat
Squidward may be mature but definitely not wise
@Stix N' Stones Patrick is just sort of the embodiment of simple innocence to an almost animalistic degree. He knows nothing besides what's immediately in front of him. He's almost like a dog. He's not very different from the rock he lives under. In fact, I wouldn't be suprised if it was a reference to the saying "have you been living under a rock?" His life is simple and he knows nothing about the world. Together with Spongebob and Squidward, they're kind of a trinity, like the id, the ego, and the superego.
Squidward IS a talented artist. He mastered several different forms of art, from painting to neon signs. If he settled on just one artform and mastered it, he could certainly be a great artist.
If he wasn't stressed and criticized as much he would also be better
Most of his painting aren’t even that bad, either.
@thatsvileNo flair??? Bold and Brash would like a word eith you!
@@NintendoSunnyDee bold and brash? you can’t be serious! that painting belongs in the trash!
That's actually relatable. I feel like I do so much stuff but I never master one thing
I think one think the show always subtly portrays is that squidward is jealous of SpongeBobs happiness. So despite his complaining, in the end of pizza delivery he is mad because he doesn’t want Spongebob to be like him. It hurts to see someone so happy become jaded because it reminds him of how he feels, so he decides to protect that childlike innocence.
That's a really good take on it as Squidward, despite his moments of jealousy, has always taken a more mature perspective on things. So it well within his character to recognize this.
Squidward is the hero we need, but not the one we deserve.
@@TheInevitableMan So we'll take ages ordering at the Krusty Krab, because he can take it. A silent protector. A dark knight.
"Spongebob has something that the Squidwards of the world don't have..."
Pants
But he ripped them
Squidward always exposed his balls on, what does he think he is?
Small nose
And why doesn‘t he need pants? Because he got no balls
one thing i noticed is that spongebob has no shirt but has pant and
Squidward has a shirt but no pants.
There aren't just Squidwards in the world, there's a shit ton of Mr. Krabs
And a whole lot of jealous Squidwards
Hector Diaz omg you guys are the best butt there are also smart karrens like jacksfilms
the USA is run by the most giant Krab there is!
@@dw9822 LOL!
Don’t forget the Patricks.......way to many Patricks
I can't help but get teary eyed towards the end. I am squidward. I hope one day, I can be a spongebob again.
read this without watching the video and i cant stop laughing
@@justforrowplease teach me how.
You got this
*You want to be a squilliam
Im squidward Im squidward Im squidward Im squidward Im squidward Im squidward
"What do you normally do while I'm gone?"
"Wait for you to get back."
Rest in peace, Stephen Hillenberg.
this hurt my heart.
I am not kidding, my eyes got all teary and stuff ;-;
he didn't die you donkey try searching on google dont get affected with the fake news in the social media
That meme though.
Quez Tion Mark he did 😒
Favorite Squidward quote;
"Too bad that didn't kill me."
My favorite is: "OH NO! HE'S HOT!"
@@elijahfaithquebedo9939 I love that I know the context.
"I wonder if a fall from this height could be enough to kill me."
"I call this one, Bold and Brash"
Katcano more like belongs in the trash.
"Its not about winning, its about fun." holds a lot more meaning now
yes
Thats so cheesy ;-;
Why are we all here now?
@@fusionfountain just to suffer?
No kidding.
The only truly bad thing about Spongebob is the fact that it has been milked dry.
Also, the disrespect towards Stephen Hillenburg, that is just disgusting.
damn straight. At least disney did mickey justice. The people who work on spongebob are absolutely the most unintelligent spoiled morons that probably got their jobs from "daddy".
What disrespect? I haven't heard of this, please tell me.
Well he’s dead so don’t worry about that lol
@@ir0n392 same
@@ir0n392 This is just a portion of it, but Stephen Hillenburg didnt want any spin off shows for spongebob, and wanted to end it multiple times before. But as you can see now a short time after he passed nick already starting making spin offs. Ex: Kamp Koral, The Patrick Star Show.
Wtf this video is a masterpiece
Starfire Ger, emplemon is one of the best youtubers around. All of his vids are like this, masterpieces.
It sure is.
First time?
69th like, my greatest accomplishment.
@@yolandagodoy3127 nice
Saying what everybody was thinking
Spot on
i was thinking it's so popular because of how surreal it is, fundamentally and cosmetically. the merchandise and meme aspect is so unique because of how unrealistic and obscure the show's appearance is. any other cartoon is based on humans or humanoid mammals or thereabouts. but a marine creature as obscure as a sponge is what the protagonist is, and the secondary character is also based on a featureless alien-like creature.
there is also the aspect that is fundamental to cartoons, how they are so detached from reality that they are so universally popular because there is no recognisable feature or reference to find contention in; and spongebob is somewhat excellent at this, hence why it is popular across cultural boundaries.
How's It going Zalinki?
Zalinki hey
Zali I loved your idubbz animation
I liked Chowder too :/
Came for spongebob, left with a quarterlife crisis
Fr
Man on god 🤣
FUCK too true 😢 😂 😢
🤣😂
Is it really a crisis? Or is it an optimistic hope spot of how we can change and accept ourselves?
There's one moment in season eight that I feel perfectly demonstrates the relationship between Spongebob and Squidward. At the end of the episode, "Hello Bikini Bottom!" There's a song between the two where Spongebob starts off singing about how despite their colossal failure in music, they have to keep trying for Mr. Krabs and the Krusty Krab's sake. Then it cuts to Squidward walking home, defeated, singing about how this whole venture was bound to fail from the start, highlighting both of their attitudes towards life. Spongebob being hopeful and optimistic, and Squidward being pessimistic and cynical. Eventually Squidward turns around and returns to Spongebob where they share a clarinet ukulele duet on top of their broken-down tour bus, to which Squidward remarks, "Hey, that was actually kind of good." I find this moment to be the perfect example of the relationship between them you discussed in the video and is one of my favorite moments from the later seasons.
You have a great point!
Polio is making a come back
Oh hi Rusty, love your videos
The fact that this is true tho.....
Oh look
It’s the Z-list duo
Rusty Cage YAY ANTIVACCERS
rob the krusty krab
My favourite Squidward quote - Too bad that didn't kill me.
....
My favorite quotes from Spongebob are
"Why must every 11 minutes of my life be filled with misery?" -Squidward Q. Tentacles
"Time for the pill! Oh no, not the pill!"
@@shadysam7161 what about the one where he says "wake me up when im dead"
My favorite squidward quote is "To-to-to-to-tonight?"
@@channelwithoutaname2180 My favorite spongebob quote CRUST CRAB YEEEAAAH GET THE PIZZZA YEAH CRUSTY GRAAAAB GET THE PIZZZAAA!
When SpongeBob transitioned from simply ignorant to a literal child it was one of the greatest tragedies in television history.
seriously, they made a show that almost anyone could watch and be entertained to a show for toddlers.
:(
@@gracethompson3256 spongebob is a kid now?
@@tmoney444 no, he's technically still an adult, but he acts like a little whiney baby now.
He was really funny in seasons 1-3 then got progressively annoying real fast
It’s kinda amazing how one show was able to shape an entire generation’s sense of humor
I really LOVE the analysis you have on each video!! it is amazing!!
Sr Pelo, nice
ey
agree.
Pelo is here
*Throws brick through window*
speak anglais
I watched this for a review and I came out with a completely different outlook on my entire life. I didn’t expect such a genuinely powerful message...
LOL same
You profile pic made me wanna kill myself
fernando reyes it’s very useful for that. You don’t understand how many times I have gotten that comment
@@fernandoreyes680 Squidward
omg spongebob so deep and #relatable I’m literally crying - Emplemon
Squidward: “Then we work for 40 years and then we die!”
Ad comes on right after he said that, “I was diagnosed with cervical cancer.”
Damn
Cat Moth I GOT THAT SAME AD
Greatest artist Who ever lived
;)
Hjjk Fllk
HAHAHA YAY
>watching ads
>2018
/qa/ is the secret 4chan board
K
The fact this show gets a million times funnier as an adult is just wow
Thank you Stephen, seriously my god thank you dude
LOVE this. But I think it misses something important: Squidward's narcissism is his greatest enemy. He only paints self portraits. He plays clarinet, but doesn't try to improve. He vehemently resists any challenge to his views. The world isn't purely bullying him; it's reacting to his inability to adapt. He's miserable, but he isn't working to change that, just distract.
Which is the problem many unhappy Millennials have.
We didn't get what we were promised, and the paths to success and happiness we were taught don't seem viable anymore. We have to forge our own way in a world that changes much quicker than it did for our parents. But to just blame the world for changing, blame our predecessors for teaching what they knew and not what they couldn't know, to give up because we're lost-- Squidward's situation holds him back, but he isn't fighting the system, striking out on his own, or analyzing himself. He's agreeing to be a cog but complaining the whole time.
Squidward is just as attached to his childhood as Spongebob, but Squidward has fixated on goals while doing nothing to work towards them. Spobgebob, meanwhile, fixated on actively seeking new joys and experiences-- and while not achieving grand things, is leading a fulfilling life.
@Kill Me? And younger generations will say that about us.
we live in a society
@@Swaggerpede true.
@Kill Me? @Justin Pettit Exactly my point. We're already seeing it: Kids coming into adulthood now are wondering why we didn't fight a problematic job market more after the Recession hit, or why we created echo-chambers like Facebook and Tumblr which can hurt individuals just as much as they foster communities. Our lives and situation aren't "all our fault", but what we do next is our responsibility, and to resist or deny that is to Squidward.
Kill Me?
See, again, that’s missing the entire point. Yes, you were left with problems. _But,_ instead of working to overcome obstacles, the generation just reflects on how much life sucks and pushes themselves further. This comment proves it: you’re just saying “we have so many problems”. That’s Squidward’s deal: his life _does_ suck, it absolutely sucks, but he never does anything other than think about how much his life sucks, how unfair the world is, and keep continuing on the exact same path, wallowing in his self-pity and depression.
My favorite Squidward moment was when he throws the pizza back in the Barnacle-Head's face and yells *"THIS IS SPARTA!"*
my favorite episode was when Squidward guns down a bunch of school children and calls it art
holy shit
@@WHOARETHEPATRIOTS475 that's my Favorite episode too
Noo this is patrick
Broke Dog same
you didn't deconstruct spongebob, you deconstructed me lol
i wanna cry right now... this video brang up so many memories of pure fun
Fucking same. All the shows. Gone
I made this comment 1k , you’re welcome 🦑
Like damn, here I am, a Squidward.
Same
I think SpongeBob is popular because it has characters everyone can relate to at any age. Failing driving tests, grumpy coworkers, etc.
So true, especially the driving test thing! When we're young, SpongeBob is ourselves from the distant future and we aspire to that level of independence. As adults, we get to relive the time when the driver's test meant everything.
I can’t believe I used to hate Squidward when I was younger.
I can see why, he was kind of a buzz killer who seemed to bully spongebob in a way, but he was just misunderstood to the point where he was anger inducing.
Yeah, that’s probably why. XD
I can still understand why some people might hate him, but now, I appreciate him much more as a character.
At one point we all went like "Jeez, cheer up Squidward, why you're so angry?"
I never hated him, I think I liked him a couple times as well.
Same
"There will never be another cartoon like Spongebob"
Lets be honest...even modern Spongebob can't compare to early Spongebob
@pkmnrgby 9698 Nickelodeon wouldn't be around today
what is this guy talking about? spongebob died! th-cam.com/video/4KhFiPG7eEg/w-d-xo.html
YES
new Spongebob is a pile of bullsh*t compaired to old Spongebob. nothing will ever beat those old episodes like band geeks and pizza delivery. Spongebob just doesnt feel like Spongebob nowadays. i prefer the grainy quality and dull colors over the new sleek, bright colors i guess.
@Arjan Singh now I gotta agree with that
I'm 56 and I still enjoy watching Spongebob with my grandnephews as much as I enjoyed watching with their mom when she was a kid. It was one of those rare shows that appealed to adults as much as it appealed to children, by often employing double entendres that on the surface were funny to kids, but even funnier to the adults who understood the larger subtext.
My dad was obsessed as much as we were. He owned the solid yellow shirt with S.B. 's face and many of the seasons on DVD. If it happens to be on tv today, I watch it still.
gruncle
"Doctor, this man has no insurance!"
I grew up with SpongeBob and completely agree. I have a completely different perspective now that I'm in college then from when I watched it as a five-year-old. It's taught me so much about life and even more so now.
@@vendettaworm6185 It is..
Spongebob was not only probably my favorite show growing up, but it was also one of the very few shows my parents and uncle got into even though they were well in their 40s approaching 50. It's one thing to appeal to children or to appeal to adults, but when you can somehow pull off both perfectly is an exceptional feat.
My dad said his fav episode was the employee training video because of the acronym P.O.O.P.
I watched it with my kids, I probably love it more than them.
Nowadays, this perfectly applies to Bluey, another show I love for life. As well as my most favorite show, Animaniacs.
@@BALLERBOYS21 I see your dad is a man of culture.
Squidward said “we do this for 40 years, then we die” and I immediately got an ad
@nintendoluigi he isn't a company. He is a singular youtube content creator trying to get money doing what he loves.
@@Mark-xw5yt a big portion of it goes to Viacom that's what he meant.
@@radanju3 yes but without ads the creators can't make money which is kinda unfair considering they don't make much anyways.
Same here, it was some pretty good timing
@Lunati q Ever heard of patreon?
Millennials: No one can find out what we like because we don't know what we like.
Spongebob: *Observe.*
NootNootBoi you should have put spongebob: hold my kelp shake
I think you meant:
Larry: *observe*
Holy shit,you just used a Spongebob meme to explain our liking to Spongebob on a video about why Spongebob is so popular and one of the keypoints is Spongebob memes. This is way too fuckin meta.
@@flex9696 no it became meta when you broke the fourth wall to point out the joke
wait, doesn't that mean i'm also meta by pointing out you're pointing out a joke?
@@12DAMDO OH GOOD LORD IT GOES DEEPER!
Send this shit to the director of Spongebob immediately.
His Twitter hasn't been updated in over 3 years, also he has ALS. We should start a gofundme.
@@CubensisFontrain I like the golden years only
Stephen knows how good his baby his. He made it.
I think he meant the new director.
man you're just fawning about this dude, there's videos that have explained this clearly but without Steven Hillenburg, the franchise isn't ultimately fucked, but rather ultimately doomed for taste of adult audience of the early seasons.
Love how when SpongeBob slides along the glass to greet Squidward, he actually cleans the surface, because he's a SPONGE. Brilliant.
Not only is it convenient for the animators IT IS PHYSICALLY convenient for him, to clean that way.
Wow, I am 22 years old and that just dawned on me. Thank you sir.
that one gag took more wit than it took to write the last few entire seasons.
@@angel_of_rust ‘a wet match in a dark cave’ is what it is
In this new series, I analyze some content.
Nice.
gr8
EmpLemon nice
EmpLemon love your content
EmpLemon so far seems like a nice series
11:59 After several years, I now notice that SpongeBob is cleaning the window as he slides across.
wow even after reading the comment and watching the clip it took me a bit to understand what was going on :')
@@IngridBruinsma8 im confused
i’m high and that just blew my mind
LOOOOOOOLLLL
@@nemesws he's a sponge
This video is a genuine masterpiece
DannTheMan agreed. For some reason your comment was the second recommended in the section. Above a comment with thousands of likes. Wtf. But yes. Agreed.
I mean...he talked for ten minutes about how the show was the longest running success of any of it's contemporaries, then he's forced to admit only the first three seasons are really worth a damn. And it was obvious that it was squidward...
Showing your age are we?
@@246spyder maybe, but it doesn't make me wrong, does it?
weenie
I learned the word "mediocre" from Squidward when Spongebob criticized his clarinet playing, so it's satisfying af to hear you use the word mediocre 5+ times lmao
that was actually plankton
"Remember, no employee wants to be a Squidward"
I Really Wish I Weren't Here Right Now!
That's the only employee I can be.
I am such a squidward!
Every employee over 2 years working at retail or fast food is a squidward
My ex-supervisor was such a Spongebob that you couldn't help but smile.
"My generation is going to be known for wanting to die and memes"
I'm dying
but are you memeing?
That was beautiful. Thank you.
ssqp781
My memes are vital, my lunch is cold idk
But forget sexually identify with anything lol
XD
This is the best analysis of Spongebob Squarepants I’ve ever seen. I always wondered why I always remember Spongebob and why it’s relevant to this day, and I think this hit the nail on the head.
Angelo V. Yup, this was probably the greatest video I have ever seen in my life
Agreed.
MegaKirb AKA Sonnie you said that twice probably delete on of the comments ( also agreed)
More like the nail on the pinhead.
Who're you calling pinhead?
Everything emp does in this style is amazing. He truly goes deep and does his reserch..
SpongeBob’s character was a lot more well rounded than just depicting a window to our childhood nature of being “joyful, naive, enthusiastic, optimistic”. SpongeBob is also depicted as responsible, ambitious, dedicated, honest, hardworking, and more. It’s the perfect blend of all the traits SB possesses that makes him such an amazing character. Unlike other cartoons for kids, SpongeBob is NEVER depicted as a punk, or selfish, or any kind of stereotypical “rebellious antagonist with a good heart overall”. I just think of Eliza Thornberry, Otto Rocket, Ed Edd & Eddy, or literally EVERY other character. The ONLY one who comes close to SpongeBob is maybe Hey Arnold!- and in reality he’s not even close. SpongeBob is more like the idealized version of how everyone wishes they still were once they become adults. He’s an example to emulate in contrast to how clearly undesirable a jaded nihilist like Squidward has let life turn him into. And Squidward himself realizes this in the episode where he moves to Tentacle Acres, and quickly loses his mind as soon as he no longer has the balance of SpongeBob in his life. They feed off each other so well, allowing them to channel their natural energy and direct it at the other. SB gives Squidward the target he craves to direct his grumpy angst at, and Squid gives SB the grump he craves to direct his optimistic do-goodery.
As good of a job as this video did analyzing SpongeBob's character, you're actual description of him is way better. EmpLem even points things related to that description out, like how he says that he's an adult with childlike qualities, or that he's still a genuinely good person and hold's his own weight, and, above all else, that his life can be seen as just as rough as Squid's.
Very good comment, man. I had never thought about how spongebob is a good example of responsability and honesty. He really is, and that makes him very far from being "imature" in a bad sense.
"SpongeBob is more like the idealized version of how everyone wishes they still were once they become adults" - The kind of insight I wish was more typical of video comment sections.
The krusty krab is unfair
Mr krabs is in there
Standing at the concession
Plotting his recession
JOSEPH WODARCZYK
*opression
Bars
Standing at the concussion plotting his convulsions
You were looking for me?
Plotting his oppression*
the writing, the editing, the jokes, the presentation, the message, the story...... all perfect. i seriously love this video.
This makes me think of how one's perception of who's in the right between Tom and Jerry changes as you grow older.
ya, you got a great point there. that why tom and jerry's cartoons hold up so well. I think is is also why so many kid are x man fans and so many adults are Cap fines. the way we see the world change with it our understanding of heroism.
Lol. As a kid I always felt sorry for Tom. Wasn't very fond of that little mouse.
There's moments in the series that help show how they both depend on the rivalry, in a way. If they really, truly wanted to kill each other, it would have ended sooner.
Always loved them both still do
@@majorhoolahan same here.
SpongeBob was the only kids show my dad would stop what he was doing to come watch with us. He would laugh out loud. We loved sharing that with him more than I could possibly express.
This was a great video, but I'm a bit dissapointed you didn't talk about the movie, seeing as the main theme of the movie was the same theme you summed up in the video. The theme of it being ok to be childish, and to enjoy being a kid, is the theme the movie chooses to focus on because it is the real core of the show. It's what makes the movie such a good finale to the series, which it was originally supposed to be.
Hopefully he will in a possible part 2? Still a great video nonetheless.
@@Helldragon64 Likely not a part 2, since he would just be restating everything he already said.
Speaking of the movie, this video made me realize why the movie felt mediocre to me, even though I think its core theme is great! But for the majority of the movie Squidward and Spongebob are separated, with it being mostly the journey Patrick and Spongebob are on, which ultimately is just wacky adventure of two idiot friends. I don't hate the movie, it's ok, but like EmpLemon says, I have to agree that Band Geeks is the better Finale, because its about Squidward AND Spongebob!
Exactly what I was thinking.
Maybe that's why spongebob became bad
They didn't have the same look after the mivie
Honestly why I'm crying over a video essay of spongebob
Same.
swivel keyring: "*sniff* *sniff* Wh- wait, who put this bowl of onions here!"
Fuckk
*_Liek if u cri evrytiem_*
Idk, that's just weird
I’m in the middle of my Latin class and I just got a notification that Stephen Hillenburg died today and I can’t hold back the tears. I met my best friend because of this show and I owe so many childhood memories. Rest In Peace...
Same here. Stephen Hillenburg’s creation is truly a masterpiece. Rip Stephen Hillenburg, his legacy will live on. :((
I know how you feel, may he swim through the ocean, free as a dolphin. Here, puts a blanket on you, cooks up everyone some Krabby Patties, and gives you a much needed hug.
Feel better?
My chem teacher stopped class for a few minutes to honor his passing that day. It's amazing how much impact this show has had. She knew Stephan hillenberg but not Stan lee, this show has had more importance than Marvel for some.
Nobody can recreate the magic of this shows's first three golden seasons nowadays. _Not even the show itself._
"Its not about wining, its about fun" such a good quote, i wish more people tought this way.
*But I can't have fun when if I'm not winning.*
Wining
Lol i thought "let's check the comments" i scroll down and read this and right as i read it i hear "it's not about winning, it's about fun" from the video.
I have fun, if I need to win
Then if I win, I cry, its over
Wrong.
I mean, at least Squidward didn't go to art school, we've all seen how that went the last time.
Don't let Poland see this comment.
@@DKoS_9158 co jest kurwa
10:56
but put the German ww2 flag there
Oh... OH!!
I was looking for a comment like this
I feel like Ed, Edd and Eddy is a phenomenal example of a show that recognised the end and finished properly before it could Simpsons itself
why do you say that?
Gravity Falls as well
agar combo The Simpsons turned into a political tool to speak on mainstream issues like south park does. This is not the original spirit of The Simpsons. Also, a lot of the original writers left a few seasons back, and the show has been poorly written trash that's only still here for the money.
I like how Danny Antonucci recognized the end and finished the show properly, then it got resurrected for a shitty and unnecessary 5th season that butchered the characters.
Same with Futurama imo
Nobody reflects your childhood better than your own children... Which what SpongeBob is good at, the reason why we love it so much
I watched spongebob in preschool I laughed at Patrick getting hurt and stuff like that, but my grandpa laughed at a lot more and I never understood it. To this day my 72 year old grandpa still enjoys it from time to time. When you’re young you’re spongebob and when you’re an adult you’re squidward. But when you grow old you’re Patrick. Possessing knowledge you no longer need and things you no longer want.
I'd say your grandpa might enjoy it because of the prevalence of slapstick humor ala three stooges and others that your grandfather may have grown up watching. I think as the years pass what is considered funny shifts which is why slapstick isn't as common as it was then. This is why the phenomenon of boomer humor is a thing. Many things that my 40-50 year old family members find funny tend to only mildly amuse me. They have their own inherent humor but it's just less funny to me.
Mitchel swanson my grandpa has the least boomer humor of any boomer I know. It’s all racist jokes and dick jokes. Sounds stupid but he’s funny as hell
@@Whynotmini I worked with a lot of old dudes when I was 17-20 years old. Pretty funny guys. I remember one joke that went something like this.
Two married men are hanging out. One says to the other "you know, I never made love to my wife before we got married. What about you?" To which the other responds "I'm not sure. What was her maiden name?"
WhyNotMini "Something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband's lap."
- Sumeria 1900 BCE
First known recorded joke was a fart joke
@@mitchelswanson1380 exelent
The disconnect to sponge bob from adults is SUPER real. Back when seasons 1-3 aired regularly, my mom would always ask my Dad why he would watch sponge bob with me and my siblings. It’s because it was funny to many diverse audiences: even including my 40 year old father!
My dad was 49 when he did the same thing for both Spongebob and later Gravity Falls 😁
I think parents should be watching cartoons with their kids anyways regardless but I get your point
@Long Arm Gaming Your mom sucks do not talk to her for life.
My dad was the same. He loved early spongebob
@@Cobra-yo7fx ...i think the mom was just curious
Rip the massive legend Hillenburg. Watching this again in honor
Same
I was reading an article today about how Hillenburg had complete creative control of the first three seasons and the movie. No wonder they were so magical.
I have to admit I cried at the end. Don't let the world make you forget, it's about having fun.
"There's no point in being grown up if you can't act childish sometimes"
- The Doctor
I was actually think of this quote when watching this. XD
Who?
I used this quote as my senior quote.
Robot Part One specifically.
Which doctor?
I clicked on this with the lowest of expectations, but instead it was one of the most brilliant videos I've ever seen on this platform. You explained a lifelong love of mine in a way I always knew was true but never understood fully enough to put into words. As a comparison point, I'd like to bring up a recent cartoon that has also appealed strongly to millennials, BoJack Horseman, and how it employs a similar dynamic of optimism vs pessimism in a different way to accomplish the same basic human appeal as Spongebob.
In this show, which is rated TV-MA as opposed to Spongebob's TV-Y7, the pessimistic individual is the protagonist, and instead of working shitty, dead-end jobs, both characters are famous TV and film stars who have "accomplished their dreams." Despite these large differences, though, the core dynamic between the two main characters is fundamentally the same: Mr. Peanutbutter approaches every opportunity he has with a smile and a wagging tail, while Bojack is perpetually miserable despite how well everything has gone for him. This shows how, even if Squidward had accomplished his dreams of being a famous artist, he'd likely still be miserable because of his attitude, further proving that we can all be Spongebobs if we want to be.
The show is less optimistic overall, showing the consequences of even Mr. Peanutbutter's childish and impulsive mindset while Spongebob tried to find the good even in a grump like Squidward, but the dynamic is almost identical, even to the point of having similar supporting characters, like the dumb best friend (Patrick, Todd) the greedy boss (Mr. Krabs, Princess Carolyn) and the voice of reason (Sandy, Diane). The color scheme of the characters is also similar, with Mr. Peanutbutter's yellow fur and Bojack's blue sweater symbolizing their different perspectives on life just as Spongebob and Squidward's colors do. Also worth noting is that both characters in both shows wear similarly colored clothes (brown for Spongebob, gray for Bojack) showing that they are in identical scenarios but feel differently purely because of their outlook.
You watched Rick and morty didn't you?
mr pay Are you saying that just because iT’s tOo loNg to rEad ?
mr pay so what.
@@nectimusmaximus It's a joke.
mr pay indeed.
Doodlebob had the actual square pants. Spongebob’s pants are 3d and therefore not a square.
#TeamDoodlebob
but they are rectangular, not square
@@ukyoize but rectangles are square
And yet spongebob didnt rename his last name into rectanglepants....
Not rhyme?
SquarePants is SpongeBob's last name though, not to mention that he doesn't even wear pants, he wears shorts
This video helped me to develop a very interesting philosophy when it comes to animation. Always try to include elements for adults even if the show may be advertised for children, so that way, the adults can feel included. I would like to develop animated cartoons of my own in the future, working with this very philosophy in the forefront of my mind. Thank you EmpLemon… and thank you Stephen Hillenburg for giving me that.
I absolutely love how your channel has evolved from YTP to video essays while using the editing skills you learned from YTP and adding your own genuinely interesting perspectives on topics that are somewhat niche but very relevant to your audience. This is definitely one of my favorite youtube channels
and now he is interspersing his video essays with YTP clips to bind it all together
Yeah but essays aren't better than TH-cam poops because vidoe essays are so over done on TH-cam nowadays as much as I love emps new content I wish I didnt have to only see essays all the time
@@doom5895It's interesting to see a comment like this from 5 years ago. Over the past two years, it feels like video essays are one of the most popular formats on TH-cam nowadays. Definitely still very much oversaturated.
I love how this analysis just turned into an accurate social commentary.
yes
Dude you're so right! It's the deepest thing I watched this week and it's about SpongeBob 😁
Krusty Krab is unfair
Mr. Krabs is in there
Standing at the concession
I have crippling depression
you called me?
Crippling Depression great you are here i want to buy some more depression please i really liked the trial
The trial lasts forever, it's actually a free product!
Quinn Orleans
How do I uninstall? My family accidentally installed it on me.
Well the easiest way out is to delete system 32 BUT there's no reversing that :( The software does improve over time with content updates and patches - hang in there and everything will get better!
That sentence about how a lot of americans can't tell you who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania avenue but they probably can tell you who lives in a pineapple under the sea really puts it into perspective
In case you've forgotten here's how things work, I order the food, you cook the food, then the costumer gets the food, we do that for 40 years and then I get an ad.
wth theres literally no ads in the whole video
@@jilmerving Then how come I got an ad?
@@jilmerving Do you have Adblock on? TH-cam Premium?
@@ciberkid22 I don't have adblock, I get ads in most videos but not this one
@@rabble-rouser6796 how did this work
19:51 THERE I AM GARY, THERE I AM!
But in all seriousness, this is a really interesting take on what made the series so special. My video was talking more about things in a production sense, cause Hillenburg's involvement after the first movie was never entirely clear. That was looking at the WHY of the show's changes, but this is a great analysis of the HOW of the show's changes. Your theory about the SpongeBob and Squidward dynamic being the driving force of the show's appeal is good, though I would argue the newest few Seasons have built that connection the two had back up a bit. SpongeBob is treated more like an adult and equal to Squidward, he barely cries and feels more like a naïve friend rather than a straight idiot. I think the tone and pacing of Seasons 1-3 also plays a big part in the appeal, like how the show never talked down to it's audience with it's humor and went for obscure references/ adult humor kids would likely never get (Nosferatu is a great example of this). The tone after Season 4 has largely remained the same, with things being a lot sillier and cartoonier, and that's truer in the newest episodes more than ever. I think SpongeBob has become a great show again, but the style of comedy and atmosphere from the earliest Seasons is what made it something truly unique.
Nice to see you here ñïģğå
^^^^^^^^^
This times 1000x
Ayyy NICKtendo! :)
still dont know what nosferatu is
When a gay youtuber is subscribed to a good youtuber to steal his shit and call it his...meehoy Minoy!!!
The way this whole thing turned into an entire therapy session...
😭
I've been studying counselling for 3 years and sometimes I take more out of videos like this than a 3 hour lecture. It's mad.
Yep, that’s EmpLemon.
I just found this channel, has he done a
"Hey Arnold" episode 🏈
@@green_eye_shy_guy i like ya' cut g
I’m 19 years old and me and my friends still gather around to watch SpongeBob. I mean, substances are now involved but… nonetheless it’s still one of my favorites!!
WHAT NOOO
Now that’s a party.
Bruh I fucking died when you said "substances are now involved". I relate 🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀
Maybe once you are of age to take substances you’ll realize you don’t need them to enjoy things in life. Childlike pleasures can be enjoyed fully at any age without drugs and alcohol
I never noticed until now, that the scene where spongebob is following Squidward from behind the window, that Spongebob is actually cleaning the fucking window as he goes
I noticed that back in 2016.
More specifically: spongebob.wikia.com/wiki/File:Dying_for_Pie_Glass_Stitch.jpg
The first character I thought about was Squidward 😂
same!
Saaaaaaaaame
Yee
Same
I thought of Spongebob rip
This study essay needs to be presented at a TED conference or Harvard because this is literally the most touched I’ve ever been from a TH-cam video. I have season 2 on dvd and still to this day I pop it in and reminisce. This video is culturally important and could be used to address a bigger over-arching problem in our world. Thank you for this work and for a great way of connecting this message to our childhood.
i completely agree
Same
Absolutely.
Omg yes please
Couldn't have typed it better myself
22 years old, grew up on spongebob. Within a minute of your video you were saying things I had been telling people for years; go back and watch seasons 1 2 &3. The quintessence of cartoons and nostalgia
I just watched a thirty minutes video about spongbob and it restored my faith in humanity and cured my depression... I love the internet.
me too
Spongebob is powerful.
then i assure you you didnt really have depression
Actually tho
"Cured my depression" though
No, It didn't
"We don't stop playing because we grow up. We grow up because we stop playing"
Shigeru Miyamoto
nothing wrong with growing up. Just don't grow squid-ward.
Being mature does not mean to stop acting like a child, it is to remember when and where to act like one without leaving aside your new adult life
great comment!
Yes
eh kinda
also its "remember" not "remembrr"
Exactly, being mature means taking care of responsibilities, and kids dont have much of those compared to adults.
So you can be childlike at home but not when around others?
This seriously made me tear up at the end and opened a new door. This video is not only informative but also a lesson. Amazing video!
Growing OLD is required.
But growing UP isn’t.
This comment needs more recognition
I recognize this comment
#dwarfismFTW
This quote deserves to be famous
Amen
I personally think that season 4 can stand with the first three seasons mainly because it has really good episodes like gary come home and dunces and dragons
I am king yea I honestly liked all the seasons and episodes, but yes the first couple of seasons had very memorable moments like dirty dan and pinhead etc
artimuq 2627 There were only a couple good ones in season 4. Season 1 through 3 were the only good and funny and awesome and amazing ones. All other seasons wee trash.
Dunces and Dragons sucked, are you kidding?
Just Another Hank Hill Account ASMR No it was alright.
Season 4 was kind of a transition season
This was a damn good analysis. It's almost disturbing how I laughed at Squidwards failures as a kid, yet now face the same conundrum of being all but forced to live a life that makes me miserable. The even scarier thing is that Squidward never found a way out.
squidward's suicide...
@@lennartsenden1220 Damn it you beat me to it! 😂
he found a way out by embracing the monotony. Becoming one with it. Embodying it.
@@robertwyatt3912 Yes, but this made his entire life miserable.
this message honestly helps me a lot.
i'm almost 16 years old, and i've been feeling pressured to grow up more than ever. i see people mocking the year i was born with their "oh i feel so bad for kids born in ____, they don't get to grow up with ____ like we did!" and "i thought they stopped making kids in 2003!1!!" which makes me feel the need to prove my point that we're not annoying kids and we're mature. that and i have to learn how to drive, maybe get some kind of job, etc. the stress of the future and my past finally caught up to me when i was only 11 years old. i felt like the clock was ticking, and i had to grow up and be mature and not some annoying little girl anymore. so i did. i've always been soft-spoken, but now i barely talk to anyone at all and i've somehow become even more shy and introverted than before. a lot of the time i don't feel genuinely happy with life, and i wish i could go back to the old days when i was little and watched anime and played kingdom hearts and ds/3ds games with my oldest zillennial brother. but i can never entirely go back to those times and i feel pessimistic for the future. i thought being a teenager was fun and cool as a kid, and now i just want to go back. i guess you could say i'm becoming a teenage Squidward.
usually i feel so ashamed of acting childish. i don't like expressing my hobbies and interests without care, and i don't like playing with action figures and plushies anymore, i just collect them.
but both this video and rewatching this cartoon helped me realise and remember - it's okay to be a kid.
thank you EmpLemon, and thank you (and RIP) to childhood hero Stephen Hillenburg ❤
Classic spongbob is perfect for any age... my wife’s ex ranger father who served during the Vietnam war quotes spongbob.
I thought you said weast
Lol
thats kick ass
Me yelling at the screen:
*ITS FREAKING SQUIDWARD*
*HES THE MOST IMPORTANT*
Samee
Millennials and Igens love that despressive mess😂😂
Same
ever since i left my "spongebob" phase of my life and into the "squidward" phase of my life i realized this, and yes, i yelled at the screen too.
Omg me too I was like JUST SAY SQUIDWARD ALREADY! 😂
The only thing I think you’re missing is that Squidward’s outlook isn’t inherently wrong or worse than Spongebob’s, its just another crucial side of understanding our place in society. Spongebob’s optimism and positivity is necessary for making it through a life that can sometimes be less than ideal, but he’s also naive and sometimes doesn’t pick up on things that are truly unjust or wrong.
For example; both Squidward and Spongebob are disgustingly mistreated and underpaid by Mr. Krabs, but only Squidward sees the issue for what it really is. Spongebob’s naivety helps him make it through his day, but it glosses over a serious issue. The problem with Squidward in this situation though is that he’s to depressed an defeated to do anything about it. The world just seems daunting.
It’s the combination of their two personalities that creates the best answer; be critical and aware, but never lose spirit, hope, a sense of purpose, and especially never lose your kindness towards others. That’s what makes an episode like ”Pizza Delivery” so appealing, we get to see a perfect synthesis of their two personalities in a way that leaves us feeling rewarded and hopeful but at the same time isn’t blind to the reality of our lives.
Really great video though man, Spongebob is the best.
That's a good summary of the benifits and negatives of being a spongebob or squidward.
SpongeBob is still such a beloved cartoon character to me. And I'm not ashamed to say he's probably up there with my other favorite cartoon, movie, and TV show characters. I can't help but watch clips from the first couple seasons and laugh or smile.
I'm in my 20s now, still trying to figure everything out. After a rough year of dealing with overwhelming amounts of anxiety for the future I decided to give all that worrying up and indulge in simple comforts. My interests tend to change over time and I've found that during stressful or monotonous periods of my adult life I gravitate towards animated movies and shows more than anything else. It brings me joy. Simple as that. I'm trying to chase what brings me joy more. Joy that I remember feeling when I was a kid. And there isn't any reason why I can't experience the same feelings of wonder and happiness I did as a kid now as an adult.
Fan: But it's good for your soul
*insert angelic voice*
Viacom: Oh please. I have no soul.
*DEMONIC LAUGHTER*
Some Guy Paragon best comment I’ve read in a while
I'm assuming everyone read this in their head with the voices too
Don’t forget that Mr Krabs sold Spongebob’s soul for 62 cents
"Look Squidward, money!!!"
You think he could have gotten more?
I can hear the dialogue
Just like Daddy.
"You should be ashamed of yourself!"
The creators just put the characters on crack, they turned Spongebob into a little kid, Patrick into a total bonehead, Squidward into a depressing faliure, Plankton into a purely evil antagonist who starts to focus less on the formula and more on being a villain, they turned Sandy into an Einstein rather than a science enthusiast and they just started exploiting all of the characters
@Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap I'm currently watching season 11 and there were definitely some good episodes
spongbob being "on crack" is an accurate description of the new episodes.
Flanderization
@@badmoose01 exactly!
This comment made me realize that another issue with the bad seasons is that they turned the characters into their stereotypes and roles, rather than individual characters with multiple interests and goals. Sandy isn't a scientist. Sandy is an individual with multiple identifying features and goals that she could be categorized by. The same is true for spongebob, squidward, patrick etc. I think people in general are this way and are so complex and made up by so many group identities that they are actually unique and individual.
I’m a 29 year old millennial stuck working at a restaurant and currently frustrated with what society has become. I relate to Squidward so much it’s unreal.
Big same homie.
Im not even employed OR an adult yet and Im a Squidward 😭 I've been a Squidward for as long as I can recall which probably isnt a good thing, I can hardly remember being a Spongebob
Yep…you is Squidward