Everyone knows the yellow, square, and porous cartoon icon SpongeBob Squarepants. Created by the Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, California, he’s had various adventures. Most are fun and lighthearted, but the episode I Was A Teenage Gary was frightening. It’s one of the show’s earliest Halloween specials, alongside its sister feature, Scaredy Pants. The episode is even a homage to a classic horror movie sub-genre.
Diving into The SpongeBob Zone
SpongeBob SquarePants made his first debut in an unpublished comic by Stephen Hillenburg. Originally named Bob the Sponge, he served as the narrator in the educational book. Hillenburg used it while working at the Ocean Institute as a marine science educator. After the cancellation of Rocko’s Modern Life, he pitched an idea for a cartoon. Hillenburg got it approved and reworked Bob the Sponge into the protagonist of his show.
Premiering in 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants followed the adventures of the titular character. Most of his escapades involved horsing around with friends like the dimwitted starfish Patrick. When not playing, SpongeBob is working at the local greasy spoon, the Krusty Krab. Audiences get a kick from watching the sea sponge and his rib-tickling antics. However, some episodes play with the emotions of the viewers. And some have instilled fear into younger minds, giving them nightmares.
Recapping I Was A Teenage Gary
I Was A Teenage Gary revolved around SpongeBob and Patrick attending an out-of-town convention. The only problem is Spongebob doesn’t have anyone to watch his pet snail Gary. He decides to ask his neighbor Squidward, and the persnickety octopus refuses. He changes his mind upon learning SpongeBob will be gone for the weekend. After his neighbors leave, Squidward uses the time to lazy about and tan. It isn’t until Spongebob returns that he remembers Gary and finds him a shriveled husk.
After seeing his ailing snail, Spongebob calls a vet who recommends a snail plasma injection. He and Squidward attempt to do so, but the sea sponge instead is injected. They dismiss it, though the plasma causes Spongebob to mutate into a snail. The transformed sponge breaks into Squidward’s house and terrorizes his neighbor, meowing the entire time. After being chased around his home, Squidward gets injected with snail plasma.
The Horror Factor of the Episode
I Was A Teenage Gary delves into the sub-genre of mutation horror. The episode features the classic angle of an injection causing a sudden metamorphosis. It even showcases Spongebob’s transformation scene as uncomfortable and horrific. His body pulsates, his eyeballs elongate from their sockets, and he groans in discomfort. The sea sponge loses his limbs and contorts until he resembles a snail. While not scary to adults, I Was A Teenage Gary undoubtedly induced nightmares in children.
While more about the horrors of mutation, I Was A Teenage Gary spoofs horror movies. The episode is a reference to the well-known werewolf category of scary films. These features typically involve an unsuspecting person cursed into becoming a half-man, half-wolf monster. This process essentially happens to Spongebob when injected with the snail plasma. The title references the 1957 film I Was a Teenage Werewolf. SpongeBob’s transformation scene is reminiscent of the metamorphosis in An American Werewolf in London.
Final Thoughts
I Was A Teenage Gary is a fun episode from SpongeBob’s golden era. Mainly a horror parody, it demonstrates the dangers of irresponsibility and pet neglect. The special even works as an appropriate introduction to the werewolf genre for children. Its fright-instilling scene may come late, but it doesn’t make the episode less enjoyable. I Was A Teenage Gary and Scaredy Pants return to Nickelodeon television every Halloween. Luckily, fans don’t have to wait because SpongeBob SquarePants is available on streaming services. The best options include Paramount+, Hulu, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime Video. After all, SpongeBob is a delight to be cherished any day of the year.
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