SpongeBob, You're Fired
"SpongeBob, You're Fired" | |
---|---|
Written by | Marc Ceccarelli Luke Brookshier Mr. Lawrence |
Production code | 325-941/325-942[1] |
Original air date | November 11, 2013 |
Running time | 22 minutes |
"SpongeBob, You're Fired" is a
"SpongeBob, You're Fired" was first screened at the 2013
Plot
At the
A mysterious person in a Krabby Patty costume arrives, defeats the restaurant managers, and takes SpongeBob back to the Krusty Krab. The person in the Krabby Patty costume is revealed to be Squidward, who tells SpongeBob that the restaurant has faltered ever since Mr. Krabs fired SpongeBob; Both he and Mr. Krabs ask SpongeBob to be the fry cook again. With his confidence restored, SpongeBob gladly accepts his old job, and bringing back all the customers, even the restaurant managers from the hot dog joint, pizzeria, taqueria, and Asian noodle house. At the end of the episode, Mr. Krabs installs a pay toilet that costs a nickel to use, thus making up the nickel that he previously lost by rehiring SpongeBob.
Promotion
On July 21, 2013,
In an October 30, 2013 article of the New York Post, it was first reported that "SpongeBob, You're Fired" would air on Nickelodeon in the United States on November 11, 2013.[21][22]
As part of the marketing campaign for the episode, Nickelodeon debuted an online game of the same name.[23][24] Beginning November 6, players could visit "nick.com/spongebob" to play the game.[23][24] In the gameplay, players must accurately cook the orders of the diners while juggling each server's impatience level in order to keep them "happy as possible".[23][24] Furthermore, Nickelodeon published a collection called SpongeBob SquarePants: Get to Work! on iTunes.[23][24] On November 6, Nickelodeon debuted the full-length trailer of the episode to garner more exposure.[25] Earlier that day, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively debuted the 45-second teaser.[25] The source also released in advance an exclusive 90-second trailer of the episode, featuring SpongeBob getting the ax from Mr. Krabs, on November 4.[25][26]
Ratings
"SpongeBob, You're Fired" first aired on
Reception and controversy
The episode subtly introduces a couple of hot-button issues, including the worth of social services, labor laws that caused SpongeBob's boss, Mr. Krabs, to fire his best employee, and more [...]
Paul Bond, The Hollywood Reporter[26]
Since its initial broadcast, "SpongeBob, You're Fired" was infamous for dialogue referencing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps benefit). In a scene from the episode, Patrick tries to show SpongeBob "the benefits of being unemployed", to which SpongeBob replies, "Unemployment may be fun for you, but I need to get a job." The scene was meant to demonstrate the title character's "eternal optimism and willingness to get back to work...in a way that's still funny and relatable".[30] However, some political activists claimed the "notorious line" was a "slam" to the Food Stamps benefit.[30][31][32] A report by The Hollywood Reporter alleged that the episode may have had a political agenda about the social safety net. It added that "It's not the first time SpongeBob has waded into social commentary, though usually when it does, it bugs the right and supports the left." The Hollywood Reporter cited the previous episodes "SpongeBob's Last Stand" and "Selling Out" for where "environmentalism is glorified" and "large businesses are demonized".[26]
According to various sources, the story line is said to be "symbolic of a harsh economic climate".
After the New York Post and Fox News commented on the episode, Media Matters for America, a politically progressive media watchdog group, responded.[5][26] The group accused the media sources, both owned by media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, of using the episode "to slam poor people who use social services".[4][5] In response to Fox News, Media Matters immediately posted an item online titled "Right-Wing Media Use SpongeBob SquarePants' Firing To Attack Social Safety Net", arguing that the two "are using the firing of fictional cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants to attack the social safety net and those who rely on it".[5][26][38] Media Matters was "also particularly bothered by [a] line from The Post story: 'Lest he sit around idly, mooching off the social services of Bikini Bottom, a depressed SpongeBob sets out to return to gainful employment wherever he can find it', reporter Andrea Morabito wrote. 'No spoilers—but it's safe to say that our hero doesn't end up on food stamps, as his patty-making skills turn out to be in high demand.'"[5][26]
Civil rights activist and talk show host Al Sharpton of MSNBC remarked in the October 31 episode of PoliticsNation that "The right-wingers found a new hero in its war against the poor [...] SpongeBob SquarePants. That's right. SpongeBob SquarePants [...] So a sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea doesn't need government help. That means no one does?"[6][7][3]
Nickelodeon declined to comment on the issue caused by the message of the episode.[3] However, Russell Hicks of Nickelodeon said the show is "tapping into the news of the moment, but did not specifically address any political leanings or ideologies within the episode." In a statement, Hicks said "Like all really great cartoons, part of SpongeBob's long-running success has been its ability to tap into the zeitgeist while still being really funny for our audience. As always, despite this momentary setback, SpongeBob's eternal optimism prevails, which is always a great message for everyone."[32]
Merchandising
Nickelodeon and
References
- General
- Grossman, Noah; Senn, Gabrielle "Gabby" (June 10, 2013). Nickelodeon Animation Tour: SpongeBob Gets Fired?! (Video). Nickelodeon.
- Specific
- ^ SpongeBob SquarePants Episode Guide -Nicktoons Prods[dead link]
- ^ Grossman & Sean 2013, 0:11–0:18.
- ^ a b c d e Suebsaeng, Asawin (November 5, 2013). "Former Gay Propagandist SpongeBob SquarePants Is Now a Conservative Darling". Mother Jones. Archived from the original on November 8, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ a b c "Entertainment- Fox News Uses 'SpongeBob' Episode to Attack Poor People (Video)". U.S. Pro Cycling News. October 31, 2013. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g Groch-Begley, Hanna (October 31, 2013). "Right-Wing Media Use SpongeBob SquarePants' Firing To Attack Social Safety Net". Media Matters for America. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
- ^ a b Media Matters Staff (October 31, 2013). "MSNBC's Sharpton Ridicules Right-Wing Media For Using SpongeBob To Attack Social Safety Net". Media Matters for America. Archived from the original on November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ a b "PoliticsNation: SpongeBob and the poor?". MSNBC. October 31, 2013. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (November 12, 2013). "Monday Cable Ratings: Monday Night Football Wins Night, Love & Hip Hop, WWE Raw, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills & More". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
- ^ "Comic-Con 2013 schedule: See what's happening Sunday". Vogue Entertainment Group. July 7, 2013. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ Napier, Jim (July 16, 2013). "Nickelodeon Announces Comic-Con Schedule". ScreenInvasion.com. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ Bryne, Craig (July 7, 2013). "Comic-Con Sunday TV Programs To Include Supernatural, Doctor Who & More". Ksite TV. Archived from the original on July 9, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ "Comic-Con 2013: The TV Schedule (Updated)". The Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ Amidi, Amid (July 9, 2013). "Your Guide to Animation Events at San Diego Comic-Con (Days 3 and 4)". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on July 21, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ "SpongeCon 2013: The Year of the Fan". ComicCon2013. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ "Comic-Con 2013: Day 4 Schedule". Deadline.com. July 7, 2013. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
- ^ Brooks, Tamara (July 15, 2013). "Nickelodeon Panels & Signings at SDCC '13". MisfitsOfSciFi.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
- ^ "Nickelodeon at Comic-Con 2013". San Diego Comic-Con. July 15, 2013. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
- ^ Grossman & Sean 2013.
- ^ Grossman & Sean 2013, 0:19–0:21.
- ^ Grossman & Sean 2013, 1:09–1:11.
- ^ Morabito, Andrea (October 30, 2013). "SpongeBob fired in harsh underwater economy". New York Post. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
- ^ Chumley, Cheryl K. (October 31, 2013). "You're fired: SpongeBob SquarePants gets taste of economy". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Liu, Ed (November 6, 2013). "PR: "SpongeBob, You're Fired!" Debuts November 11, 2013, on Nickelodeon". Toon Zone. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Beck, Jerry (November 5, 2013). "Spongebob, You're Fired!". IndieWire. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
- ^ a b c Ng, Philinia (November 6, 2013). "'SpongeBob SquarePants': Nickelodeon Debuts 'You're Fired!' Trailer (Exclusive Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 8, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Bond, Paul (November 4, 2013). "SpongeBob's Firing Sparks Political Debate (Exclusive Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
- ^ a b Weisman, Jon (November 12, 2013). "'SpongeBob' Loses Job, Earns Big Ratings for Nickelodeon". Variety. Archived from the original on November 17, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e O'Connell, Michael (November 12, 2013). "TV Ratings: A Lot of Adults Watched Monday's 'SpongeBob SquarePants'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
- ^ a b Bibel, Sara (November 12, 2013). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night Football' Wins Night, 'Love & Hip Hop', 'WWE Raw','Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' & More". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
- ^ a b "SpongeBob SquarePants Fired, Sparks Political Debate [Video]". The Inquisitr. November 5, 2013. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ a b "SpongeBob gets fired, prompts political debate about food stamps". MSN. Archived from the original on November 7, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ a b McCalmont, Lucy (November 5, 2013). "Jobless SpongeBob nets fans on right". Politico. Archived from the original on November 8, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ "SpongeBob SquarePants ignites real-life media firestorm over social services after losing his job at the Krusty Crab". National Post. November 5, 2013. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ Weisman, Aly (November 4, 2013). "SpongeBob Gets Fired From His Job Amid 'Harsh Underwater Economy' And Sparks A Real-Life Political Debate". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on December 9, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ "SpongeBob Gets Fired From His Job Amid 'Harsh Underwater Economy' And Sparks A Real-Life Political Debate". San Francisco Chronicle. November 4, 2013. Archived from the original on November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ Weisman, Aly (November 4, 2013). "SpongeBob Gets Fired From His Job Amid 'Harsh Underwater Economy' And Sparks A Real-Life Political Debate". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
- ^ "Hannah Groch-Begley: Right-Wing Media Use SpongeBob SquarePants' Firing To Attack Social Safety Net". ThisNY.com. October 31, 2013. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
- ^ Feldman, Josh (November 5, 2013). "Who's Not Collecting Welfare Under the Sea? Spongebob Squarepants!". Mediaite. Archived from the original on November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ "You're Fired! (SpongeBob SquarePants)". Random House. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ "You're Fired! (spongebob Squarepants)". Indigo. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
- ^ Lambert, David (January 28, 2014). "SpongeBob SquarePants-Time to Hang Up His Spatula: 'SpongeBob, You're Fired!' on DVD". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
- ^ "SpongeBob SquarePants DVD news: Announcement for Season 9 | TVShowsOnDVD.com". Archived from the original on July 26, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
- ^ "Archived copy". Facebook. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
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