Pizza Delivery/Home Sweet Pineapple

I think what this episode shows the most is what's missing from the later seasons. Squidward doesn't necessarily hate SpongeBob, he just doesn't like how childish he his. All the little details from Squidward trying to guide SpongeBob to outright saving his life from the trucker, really shows that Squidward doesn't hate him, he actually likes him, and only wishes for him to grow up, something the later season writing staff just don't understand. The ending is spectacular as well. I know it may sound a bit cringe. But that scene alone is one of the reasons why the earlier seasons are so gold. Every character is dynamic, SpongeBob may be childish, but at times, he is mature, and also shows a high level of intelligence. Squidward is not a bad person, he's just miserable and hates the idea of letting go and having childish fun, and the moments he actually does indulge in the childishness are the happiest moments he has. What I'm trying to get at is Squidward and SpongeBob's dichotomy is what made the earlier seasons so great.