The Big Picture “I Was a Teenage Gary” is an episode of Spongebob SquarePants that deviates from the show’s usual lighthearted content. It showcases the darker, edgier side of Nickelodeon’s animation from the 90s, pushing the boundaries of what children could see. The transformation scene in “Teenage Gary” is reminiscent of werewolf movies, adding to its unsettling nature. SpongeBob SquarePants is known for its unconventional moments, but “I Was a Teenage Gary” stands out as the most disturbing episode. This Halloween special aired during the show’s first season, when audiences were still discovering what SpongeBob and his friends might do next. Instead of sticking to the show’s usual light-hearted tone, “Teenage Gary” ventures into unsettling territory. While not as confusing as “SB-129” or as gross as “The Splinter,” this episode strikes a balance between weird and unsettling. “I Was a Teenage Gary” epitomizes the monster story genre within this kid-friendly show, capturing the sense of humor that appealed to both children and adults in the 90s. When SpongeBob SquarePants premiered in 1999, Nickelodeon had already established itself as a channel known for boundary-pushing animation. Nickelodeon didn’t shy away from showing things that were considered too much for children, unlike the watered-down animated programming from the 80s. While there were good shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers in the 80s, they were a far cry from the slimy CatDog, the bizarre Rocko’s Modern Life, and the chaotic Ren and Stimpy, which found a home on Nickelodeon. These shows may not have been as adult-oriented as South Park, but they definitely pushed the boundaries of a kids’ network. SpongeBob SquarePants eventually led Nickelodeon towards a more kid-friendly direction, but its first season still carried the influence of the channel’s edgier past, as evidenced by “I Was a Teenage Gary.” RELATED: 7 Underrated Nicktoons That Deserve More Love ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Overlooked Halloween Special Image by Nickelodeon  “I Was a Teenage Gary” was part of a Halloween special that aired alongside another episode, “Scaredy Pants.” While “Scaredy Pants” was not as unsettling as its follow-up, it involved SpongeBob seeking revenge after being teased by the residents of Bikini Bottom on Halloween night. The episode had a fun Halloween atmosphere but didn’t delve into disturbing territory. As for “I Was a Teenage Gary,” it quickly becomes the most unsettling episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. In this episode, Squidward takes care of Gary while SpongeBob is away at a jellyfishing convention. Squidward neglects Gary, resulting in him becoming sick and on the brink of death. Desperate, Squidward calls a snail doctor who gives him a shot of snail plasma to administer to Gary. In a series of mishaps, Squidward accidentally injects the plasma into SpongeBob’s nose. SpongeBob claims he’ll be fine, but soon after, he starts exhibiting strange behavior. He develops a craving for Gary’s food and even begins meowing. In an eerie bathroom scene, SpongeBob starts transforming into a snail. This scene, while unexpected, echoes the transformation scenes seen in werewolf movies. It captures the pain and shock of such transformations, particularly drawing inspiration from the famous scene in An American Werewolf in London. “I Was a Teenage Gary” Pays Homage to Werewolf Movies Image via Nickelodeon  Both “I Was a Teenage Gary” and An American Werewolf in London share a similar approach to their transformation scenes. Rather than quick, seamless transitions, both episodes depict every detail of the characters’ transformation. These scenes take place in well-lit rooms, leaving nothing hidden from the viewers. Additionally, both transformations are uncomfortable and painful experiences for the characters. An American Werewolf in London’s matter-of-fact and extended transformation scene is considered the best in the werewolf subgenre. “I Was a Teenage Gary,” while not the best episode of SpongeBob, is undoubtedly the most disturbing. The episode ends with Squidward encountering the transformed SpongeBob, who has turned into a snail. Squidward’s disbelief leads him to touch SpongeBob’s snail eye, causing it to shrivel up. This moment is particularly gross by SpongeBob standards, as it borders on the same level as the show Ren and Stimpy. Squidward barricades himself in his home as SpongeBob relentlessly meows and causes chaos. The episode concludes with Squidward emerging from the wreckage, with the snail plasma syringe stuck in his nose, implying that he too has been transformed.

 

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