by Wendy Morgan

Created on: August 14, 2009

Spongebob Squarepants is one of my favorite cartoons on television. The characters are light and humorous and surprisingly intriguing. Believe it or not the story lines are compelling and keep adults attention just as well as the kids.

Spongebob Squarepants is a hardworking do-gooder, who only wants to bring joy to everyone and everything around him. As Spongebob diligently does his fry cook job at the Krusty Krab, he fills each patty with 'love' hoping to spread it around. While frolicking in Jellyfish Fields with faithful companion Patrick or practicing karate with Sandy the Squirrel, Spongebob finds absolute enjoyment in every activity he does. Throughout the course of each and every episode, Spongebob also shows compassion to all of his friends and neighbors in Bikini Bottom. He is always ready with a quick hello, genuine smile and overall happiness that he is ready and willing to share.

As Spongebob's best friend, Patrick the Starfish is not the brightest of companions. He struggles to open cans of food, can't remember what his parents look like or where he is supposed to be and when. Patrick is a great offset for joyful Spongebob because he is a great punchline and each target. The beauty of the relationship between Spongebob and Patrick is that regardless of what may transpire during the offbeat activities they do, they are a great relationship of true friends. They can get mad at one another in a flash, and make up just as quickly. Patrick and Spongebob are fabulously creative and imaginative.

The absolute foil to Spongebob and Patricks wacky schemes is crabby neighbor Squidward. Always frustrated and constantly angry at the bubbly personalities of his neighbors, Squidward is a snobby character that just can't win. He hates his job, hates his neighbors and hates that he never gets more than a few seconds to practice his beloved clarinet. Squidwards character offers a great anti-hero to Spongebobs hero.

While looking at all of the great characters that live in Bikini Bottom, we can't forget Mr. Krabs who runs the Krusty Krab and is all about the money. Sandy the squirrel is a brilliant scientist out to prove that land animals can survive in the sea. And of course, Plankton, the evil foe who exists only to destroy Bikini Bottom and steal the secret formula to Krabby Patties.

The eclectic group on Spongebob Squarepants are an incredibly entertaining group. The occasional musical episode keeps the story lines fresh and fun. The Spongebobepisodes and characters relate to children very well, because they use a colorful and fun medium to show about hard work, diligence and taking care of all of those around you. Spongebob Squarepants shows conflict resolution in a way that is easy for children to related to and understand. Adults can relate as well because each of the characters is identifiable as someone we might run into in our every day lives.

Spongebob Squarepants is a fun, light hearted cartoon full of fun, music and wacky adventures. Children of all ages can enjoy this adorable sponge and his pals.

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