The Thing (SpongeBob SquarePants)

The Thing is an episode of the fourth season of SpongeBob SquarePants.

Synopsis
SpongeBob and Patrick think Squidward is an animal, and call him "Smelly".

Why It's... THE THING

 * 1) This is another Squidward torture episode, like Good Neighbors.
 * 2) The beginning involves Squidward trying to watch TV but eventually gets annoyed by SpongeBob and Patrick.
 * 3) Infamous Scene: Squidward gets crashed from cement into the mud and stung by jellyfish.
 * 4) SpongeBob and Patrick become dumber throughout the rest of the episode, for thinking Squidward (still in cement) is some kind of creature and made him become their pet by calling him "Smelly". To add salt to the wound, they have a hard time trouble for hearing what he was saying.
 * 5) *Gary is also very unlikable as he attacks poor Squidward.
 * 6) Unnecessary filler scene, such as Patrick trying to play with Squidward in his house.
 * 7) The Townspeople are unlikeable, when Squidward is taken to a zoo, they laugh and say he is hideous. They even don't realize Squidward is missing or in the cement body.
 * 8) The letters on the title card look like they're made from blood, which is cruel and inappropriate for a kids' show.
 * 9) The jellyfish are unlikable as they sting Squidward.

Redeeming Qualities

 * 1) Good Ending: At least Squidward finally got to see Kelpy G in the jungle. Also, he does get out and becomes free of the cement.
 * 2) A few funny moments, such as SpongeBob literary getting pulled away like a show actor when trying to defend Squidward from the Cops.
 * 3) Squidward manages to get some revenge on Patrick for his stupidity by using his eye socket to pitch a baseball into Patrick's face and scare him.
 * 4) Squidward is still a likable character.

Reception
This episode received mixed to largely negative reviews by critics and fans alike, due to the amount of torture Squidward goes through.

Trivia

 * This SpongeBob SquarePants episode shares a title with a 1982 film, "The Thing", by John Carpenter.