One Coarse Meal:
- Alternate Character Interpretation: "One Coarse Meal" is quite complicated when it comes to interpretations. As a result of the episode, many fans have started to view Plankton as just a mere thief who receives undue torment by Mr. Krabs, and Mr. Krabs as crossing the Moral Event Horizon and taking his greed to a whole new level (even though greed had little to do with what he does in this episode).
- It's possible that Mr. Krabs didn't even realize he had driven Plankton to a suicidal depression, as SpongeBob could only tell him that Plankton was "laying on the street, forlorn", which doesn't directly imply suicide.
- Sure SpongeBob is not happy with the way he tormented Plankton and helps him get back at him, but did he willingly briefly side with Mr. Krabs on purpose to scare Plankton back to the Chum Bucket so the formula is safe, at least for now?
- Broken Base: The quality of the episode is often contested, due to the torment Plankton received. It's considered by fans one of, if not the worst episode in the series, as many feel that his torture and his suicide attempt was undeserved, saying that Plankton hasn't done anything that grievous to deserve it. Some others feel that his suicide attempt was deserved, saying that Plankton would try to murder other people in his attempts to obtain the secret formula if he were left unstopped. Lampshaded In-Universe by SpongeBob when confronting Mr. Krabs over the way he treated Plankton.
- Designated Villain: When SpongeBob offers Plankton a chance of revenge towards Krabs, it is meant to be a villainous act clearly seen from the way Plankton laughs and smiles like he is a bad guy. But to fans who felt hurt that Krabs is so willing to stoop so low to drive Plankton to suicide, it is a well-deserved payback towards his rival only for it to be yanked from him when SpongeBob betrays Plankton.
- Fanon Discontinuity: As arguably the most infamous episode of the series (though some consider "A Pal for Gary" and/or "Ink Lemonade" to be worse than this), it has fallen victim to this, and the cast members agreed with the fanbase.
- Funny Moments: Even those who hate the episode consider it to have a good amount of funny moments. In particular:
- Mr. Krabs' butt being ticklish.
- A fearful Plankton accidentally going into the freezer in an attempt to escape.
- Mr. Krabs' fear of mimes, particularly at the very end of the episode.
- Genius Bonus:
- The number in the bottom right of Mr. Krabs's Wacky Bucks is actually the start of the Fibonacci sequence
. - It isn't too esoteric a fact, but Plankton's fear of whales is actually not an Absurd Phobia and is completely justified; baleen whales eat plankton.
- The number in the bottom right of Mr. Krabs's Wacky Bucks is actually the start of the Fibonacci sequence
- He Really Can Act: Tom Kenny manages to make the normally goofy-sounding SpongeBob sound quite concerned about Plankton's fate as he confronts Mr. Krabs. It's relatively minor in comparison to other examples of this trope, but you can still hear the concern in his voice.SpongeBob: Mr. Krabs, I know you and Plankton are sworn enemies and all, but... putting on a dress to frighten him? Isn't that taking it a little too far?
- Jerkass Woobie: As villainous as Plankton is, becoming suicidally depressed as the result of largely unprovoked psychological torment makes him this by default.
- Never Live It Down: This episode cemented Mr. Krabs' reputation as an evil and corrupt boss who would torture his enemies in order to get ahead, completely ignoring his more benevolent portrayals in many other episodes.
- Nightmare Fuel:
- The nightmare Plankton has of him being devoured by Pearl.
- Even the title card of the episode is eerie to some viewers. It would have looked perfectly innocuous, if not for the mysterious, black shadow around the border of the screen. The cheerful background music certainly doesn't help.
- Signature Scene: The scene where Plankton walks to the road and lies down on it wishing for a bus to run over him is what most people remember about this episode.
- So Okay, It's Average: This opinion does pop up about the episode from time to time; to some, the episode isn't bad, but nothing in it particularly stands out as interesting.
Gary in Love:
- Heartwarming Moments: It's quite touching to see Gary fall in love with and pursue another snail, even if it doesn't last for too long.
- On that same note, he ends up befriending the snail he was competing against for her affections when they're both turned down.
