7 Darkest 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Theories That Prove It's Not a Kids' Show
Mr. Krabs's worst secret, SpongeBob's troubled past – explore wild yet plausible theories about the most popular animated series.
When it comes to cult animated series, it's impossible not to think of the cheerful SpongeBob SquarePants. But is life in Bikini Bottom really so carefree?
Even the most devoted fans have noticed unusual, ambiguous, and dark moments in the show, and have already developed a large number of theories about them.
1. Mr. Krabs Raises Pearl for Slaughter
The owner of the Krusty Krab, Mr. Krabs, has a daughter named Pearl. Even the youngest viewers might suspect that their kinship is questionable – it's unlikely that a crab would give birth to a whale.
The creators of the series didn't reveal how Pearl came to be in Mr. Krabs' family, but in one episode, he mentions that she looks like her mother.
Redditor walla_walla_rhubarb suggests that Pearl's mother was killed by whalers and that Mr. Krabs built his restaurant around her carcass. According to this theory, Krabby Patties are made from whale meat.
This means that Mr. Krabs adopted the surviving baby with evil intent:
“Once his "daughter" is fully grown, she's going to "go off to college", when in actuality she is going to be butchered, cooked, and served up.”
2. The Main Characters Represent the Seven Deadly Sins
According to this theory, each character's personality traits correspond to a deadly sin.
Patrick represents laziness because he does nothing; Squidward often experiences anger; Mr. Krabs is associated with greed because he is hungry for money; Plankton is jealous of the Krusty Krab's success; Sandy suffers from pride because she constantly brags; Gluttony can be associated with Gary because SpongeBob constantly feeds him.
SpongeBob represents lust. At first, this seems strange, but if you consider lust to be excessive love for others, it makes sense – SpongeBob is the friendliest creature who is always eager to help others.
3. Krabby Patties Are Made With Crab Meat
The Krusty Krab burger contains a secret ingredient that Mr. Krabs refuses to reveal. The name itself, Krabby Patty, is suggestive.
Additionally, Mr. Krabs is the only crab character on the show, except for his mother. Where are all the other crabs? One popular fan theory is that cannibalism is involved.
4. Spongebob Used to Be In the Military
According to this theory, SpongeBob SquarePants is a former soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder.
He always wears the same clothes, wakes up at the same time every morning, and uses phrases such as "Yes, sir!," "Ay, Ay Captain," and "I'm ready," all of which point to his military experience.
He appears to be trying to lead a normal life in retirement, but his long-standing habits are proving to be too strong of a force to overcome.
5. The Series Is a Metaphor for the Theory of Global Warming
This theory is based on the fact that SpongeBob is literally a sponge that ended up on the bottom of the ocean – a symbol of household waste.
As a restaurant owner, Mr. Krabs represents large corporations responsible for environmental pollution. Squidward wants to stop climate change – he is interested in art and science, but those around him ignore his interests.
Additionally, he works for the Krusty Krab, the very corporation he opposes.
6. Mr. Krabs Has Sold His Soul for Superpowers Countless Times
In one episode of the fifth season, Mr. Krabs decides to learn how to talk to money. The Flying Dutchman appears and offers him a deal: his wish will come true if he sells his soul.
Mr. Krabs easily agrees and initially enjoys his newfound ability, but then he considers it a curse and wants to get rid of it. When the Flying Dutchman returns for Mr. Krabs' soul, a group of ghosts declare that they have owned it for a long time.
While the plot doesn't reveal the details of these previous deals, fans have speculated that Mr. Krabs may have sold his soul for superpowers such as teleportation, enormous physical strength, and the ability to transform objects.
7. Squidward Is Actually Spongebob's Guardian
If you observe SpongeBob's behavior, you will notice that even everyday tasks are difficult for him, which leads to the theory that he has a mental illness. Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, has admitted that his character has an autism spectrum disorder.
His parents sent him to live on his own in the town of Bikini Bottom. For safety reasons, however, he must have a guardian nearby – and it is Squidward.
Therefore, all of Squidward's nagging can be seen not just as a manifestation of bad character, but also as an expression of care because he is responsible for SpongeBob.
