Ep 2. Walking Small
- March 22, 2000
In the second episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, Sheldon Plankton: Mean and Green season 1, titled "Walking Small," Plankton devises a new plan to steal the Krabby Patty formula from the Krusty Krab. This time, he decides to become a bully and take over Goo Lagoon, the popular beach in Bikini Bottom.
Plankton starts by convincing SpongeBob to become his new friend and teaches him how to be a tyrant. SpongeBob, who is usually a kind and caring character, quickly becomes intoxicated by the power of being a bully and starts to terrorize the beachgoers.
Together, Plankton and SpongeBob begin to destroy sand castles, steal beach balls, and cause chaos and mayhem all over Goo Lagoon. The duo even goes as far as to bully Larry the Lobster, the toughest guy in town, by stealing his weightlifting trophy.
However, as the episode progresses, SpongeBob realizes that bullying is not the right way to gain respect or friends. He comes to understand that his true friends are the ones who accept him for who he is and not what he can provide them with.
Plankton, on the other hand, continues to be consumed by his desire for power and control. As the beachgoers rise up against him, Plankton unleashes his latest invention, a machine that turns everyone into his obedient robots.
The episode concludes with a showdown on the beach, with SpongeBob standing up to Plankton and his army of robots. Using his kindness, SpongeBob is able to break the spell on the beachgoers and restore order to Goo Lagoon. The episode ends with Plankton being thwarted once again and walking away in defeat.
Overall, "Walking Small" is a classic episode of SpongeBob SquarePants which highlights the importance of kindness and the dangers of bullying. It also showcases the dynamic relationship between SpongeBob and Plankton, the series' iconic antagonists, and their ongoing battle for control of the Krabby Patty formula.