Alternate Character Interpretation: Did Mrs. Puff genuinely believe SpongeBob drew the Big Fat Meanie picture, or was she fully aware that Patrick was the culprit but chose to blame SpongeBob given her hatred for him? The fact that she didn't even react to Patrick calling her "Big Fat Meanie" to her face at the end heavily implies the latter.
Franchise Original Sin: "New Student Starfish" is another early episode where Patrick's stupidity gets on other people's nerves, even SpongeBob's — and all Patrick gets for all the trouble he causes is pretty much a slap on the wrist with detention. However, this episode treats him as in the wrong, and he apologizes and makes up for his actions during said detention. Later episodes tended to keep him blissfully unaware of the damages he caused and not do anything to fix it, making it harder to swallow. Character Rerailment in post-second movie seasons helped him get over it.
Humor Dissonance: Used forAnti-Humor, when SpongeBob says, "I thought of something funnier than 24... 25!" There isn't anything inherently funny about either number; the joke is really in how SpongeBob and Patrick are having trouble containing their laughter over these mundane numbers.
"I thought of something funnier than 24... 25!"Explanation SpongeBob's mundane joke that puts him and Patrick in a laughing fit. It's often cited among friends or fans to get a quick laugh.
Patrick's "Big Fat Meanie" drawing.Explanation The unflattering doodle of Ms. Puff, along with her offended reaction, has been used as a template by fanartists when making meme art of given characters.
Clams:
Alternate Character Interpretation: Was Mr. Krabs going to sacrifice Squidward and SpongeBob, or did he merely intend to use them to attract the clam? After spotting his millionth dollar in the gaping jaws of the clam, he silences the orchestra by closing the door, which in turn makes the clams freeze mid-air and he jumps in to retrieve his millionth dollar, suggesting that was his plan all along. While he still put his employees in mortal danger, the latter interpretation casts Mr. Krabs in a slightly better light.
Franchise Original Sin: "Clams" is another early episode where Mr. Krabs acts like a greedy sociopath and risks his employees' lives for a single dollar, suffering no consequences at the end of the episode due to being more than happy to trade his legs and an arm for his money. However, Mr. Krabs is treated as the episode's antagonist and despite his abuse, SpongeBob and Squidward end the episode no worse for wear. In many later episodes, Mr. Krabs' greed at the expense of others would not be treated as a bad thing and he would get away with his harmful antics despite causing far more damage, causing plenty of backlash. This was thankfully toned down after the show transitioned to HD and Stephen Hillenburg returned to production.
"What do I win?" "NOTHING! Now get out!"Explanation Mr. Krabs raising up the customer's expectations only to order him to leave. The scene is often used for game concepts where unuspecting fans are given nothing despite doing something that would warrant a reward.
"Actually it's Coral Blue Number-"Explanation The gag of SpongeBob wearing lipstick and with a purse is another template used to draw characters embracing their femininity at inappropriate times.
