It’s one of the best Spongebob episodes ever! When in doubt, pinkie out! As the third part of Episode One, this story is the longest and conveys a lot of world-building and character-building information.
ONE
We’re underwater, of course. Spongebob often establishes this, which I like. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful world. Immediately I’m ready for a great episode.
This is our first time seeing Spongebob jellyfish. (Jelly fish? Jellyfish fish?) His glasses, his net, his sneaky smile — all so charming.
TWO
He hears a strange noise. It’s Sandy having a fight with a clam shell. We don’t know yet that it’s Sandy, so the Two is an introduction to her character. It goes on for a while, but Sandy has a lot of rules that need explaining!
Spongebob pulls out a book: Field Guide, and looks up “Land Squirrel”. This is all hilarious.
Karate, something Sandy and Spongebob share, is introduced. They like each other.
THREE
As part of their karate showing-off, they head chop each other. When Spongebob hits Sandy, her air helmet becomes the focus. Sandy says that air is good, and Spongebob, who clearly doesn’t understand, agrees.
FOUR
He’s invited over for tea and cookies. Immediately Spongebob stops by Patrick’s rock to ask, “What’s air?” Patrick goes with “putting on airs” and tells Spongebob to “pinkie out”.
And here’s the treedome. It’s so pretty! It has an airlock with an alarm light. We’re just waiting for Spongebob to finally understand. Delicious anticipation. Sandy has a great place.
SWITCH
Air vs. water finally becomes clear to Spongebob.
FIVE
Either he doesn’t want to admit his ignorance, or he doesn’t want to be rude to his new friend, but Spongebob pretends the lack of water isn’t important as he becomes drier and drier. He is Sandy’s first “sea critter” visitor. Meanwhile, Patrick’s outside the dome looking in, reminding Spongebob to “pinkie out”.
As Sandy retrieves the baking cookies, Spongebob stares at the ice cold vase of water on the picnic table. He doesn’t need it! Water is for quitters!
SIX
HE NEEDS IT!
SEVEN
Spongebob makes the decision to guzzle the water, quitter or no.
EIGHT
Patrick comes in to chastise him and immediately wilts and coughs from the lack of water.
“Air is not good, Patrick.” It’s a beautiful line, instantly memorable. I kinda, sorta wish Spongebob would’ve said it at the Six, with that satisfying mirror moment, but the air acceptance/rejection motif is good enough.
When Sandy returns with the tea she’s shocked. Cut to an insert of a yellow dry sponge and a plastic starfish on the ground. Another first — the live-object photo insert — is so wonderful.
NINE
Sandy fills fish bowl helmets on Spongebob’s and Patrick’s heads with water. Tea bags go in the water, and pinkies go out.