Bubblestand

"Bubblestand" is the first segment of the second episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. It is notable for being the last episode written by series creator Stephen Hillenburg.
==Synopsis==
SpongeBob walks outside to breathe in the peacefulness of the neighborhood. He then begins loudly building a stand, much to Squidward's dismay. At the stand, SpongeBob offers to teach how to blow bubbles for 25 cents. The noise disturbs Squidward, who demands SpongeBob to be quiet.
Patrick comes to the stand and asks to try it out, but he only buzzes his lips, failing to blow a bubble. SpongeBob offers to teach him for an extra quarter. SpongeBob shows how he blows bubbles with a peculiarly entertaining technique. When he shows Patrick he blows a duck bubble with ducklings that quack, an ice cube bubble surrounded by tiny ones, a caterpillar bubble, and a boat bubble with a working foghorn. Then, after all the bubbles pop (with matching sounds that continue to disrupt Squidward), SpongeBob then uses two hands to blow a bubble elephant (which Patrick thinks is a giraffe). The elephant flies into Squidward's window and pops, causing a trumpeting explosion.
The annoyed Squidward comes out and asks how they are making so much noise just blowing bubbles. SpongeBob shows him the technique and blows a butterfly bubble, but Squidward angrily rejects SpongeBob's ideas and shoos SpongeBob and Patrick back into their houses in embarrassment. Squidward begins to blow a bubble out of curiosity, but SpongeBob and Patrick return to ask payment. Squidward then has to give them 25 cents for the bubble, but only reluctantly. Squidward then attempts to impress them with his technique, but instead fails, with each bubble falling to the ground. While Squidward still attempts to blow a satisfactory bubble (and, as a result, spends more money with each bubble he blows), SpongeBob and Patrick try to convince Squidward to use the technique. Finally, Squidward, furiously (though without realizing it) copies their technique in an attempt to mock them. However, he blows an enormous bubble by screaming in anger. SpongeBob and Patrick then congratulate Squidward, saying that he is "amazing", and that his bubble was the best. Squidward sarcastically thanks them and walks back into his house. He begins to play his clarinet, with SpongeBob and Patrick chanting his name. However, the gigantic bubble floats and traps Squidward's house inside it, unearthing it, and sending it up in the air. SpongeBob and Patrick try to warn Squidward, but Squidward thinks they're still chanting him and keeps playing, thinking he is "amazing". When he looks outside, he sees himself way way above the ground with SpongeBob and Patrick specks on the ground. The bubble then pops, sending his house back to its original area, albeit with much force. SpongeBob and Patrick look at each other nervously and they retreat to their houses before Squidward can scold them.
==Trivia==
*Clips from this episode appeared in the DVD version of the 2005 film Zathura, when the main characters were fighting over what to watch on TV.
*A clip from this episode was also used in the commercial for the first SpongeBob promotion at Burger King.
*"Bring it around town" was featured in the game Delivery Dilemma at Nick.com.
*Prince Paul wrote a song about this episode, which can be heard on the soundtrack for The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.
*The ending of Squidward's clarinet solo is similar to the end of the Thankfulness song.
*This is the first time Squidward plays his clarinet well. Near the end of this episode, Squidward plays a jazz song on his clarinet, and does it perfectly, making it one of the few times in the series where Squidward is able to actually play the clarinet.
*Squidward would be carried away in a bubble again in "Squidward the Unfriendly Ghost". He would also be carried away in another bubble in "Rodeo Daze".
*Dish Network incorrectly lists this and "Ripped Pants" as the first episode of the series.
*Judging by each instance of Squidward placing a quarter onto the stand, along with the sound of a coin clanking when the stand is not seen, Squidward spends at least 13 quarters to blow bubbles. That adds up to $3.25. He also puts a chocolate quarter.
* This episode was ranked #3 in The 100 Greatest Nicktoon Episodes countdown.
==Home video releases==
;VHS
* SpongeBob SquarePants: The Seascape Capers
;DVD
* SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete 1st Season
* SpongeBob SquarePants: The First 100 Episodes
* SpongeBob SquarePants: The Seascape Capers
==External links==
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