Many fans argue that Dirty Bubble, the 'antagonist' in Spongebob and a nemesis to the Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, is a misunderstood character in the popular cartoon.
Debuting in the episode "Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy II," Dirty Bubble was once a shiny blue and transparent bubble that became brown (with dirt) and evil as time passed.
His powers include floating, flying, and trapping anybody inside his body. While the Dirty Bubble has done his fair share of evil, like trapping innocent people inside his body, he did try to reform but was pulled back to his evil ways by society.
He is a character who proves that change is possible, as we do see him changing back into a clean bubble after spending six months in jail. But, he returns to his evil ways once he steps back into society.
More on Dirty Bubble's character in Spongebob in our story.
*Disclaimer- This article is based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.*
Spongebob Dirty Bubble transforms into a clean bubble, which highlights that he is capable of change
Being a bubble, he is obviously afraid of pointy objects, as they can pop him. His worst fear is realized in his debut episode when Square Pants accidentally pops him after he captures the Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy inside his body.
But, this is not the end for the character, as he returns in the episode "Mind the Gap/Dirty Bubble Returns" after spending six months in jail. He becomes 'clean' literally and metaphorically after spending time in jail for six months.
This looked like a new start for Dirty Bubble, who also promised the warden that he would begin his life afresh and not return to his old evil and dirty ways. Soon, he is hired at Krusty Krab for a dishwashing job, and even though he doesn't want to get a job that would make him physically dirty again, he has to survive.
Reddit fans think that Dirty Bubble is a fun and underrated character from Spongebob
While Dirty Bubble is one of Mermaid Man's and Barnacle Boy's arch nemesis, we cannot base him as just an antagonist. There is more of a love-hate relationship between these characters, and fans of the cartoon firmly believe that all his tactics are for gag and do not represent who he is.
Reddit fans seem to love the character,
''I loved how he was defeated by being popped with the tip of a pencil. It's so underclimatic, but so funny!'' u/BrainComfortable1059
This Redditer certainly feels that Bubbles popping makes for good humor on the show. And how can anyone fear a villain who is literally a bubble and can be popped with just a needle?
''I feel sorry for dirty bubble'' u/Dense-Ad9722
Another user feels sorry for Dirty Bubble as not only can he be popped at any instant, but he gets a lot of hate because he is established as a villain, when he clearly isn't.
''Dirty Bubble Returns is one of the most fun episodes of the recent seasons! I don't know why he speaks in rhyme now, but I love that he does.'' u/ketchupcat
The episode where he returns and tries to stay clean (good) is one of the best in the eyes of fans. But, how can you manage to stay clean at a dishwashing job when you are a bubble? Spongebob too lends a helping hand for him to stay clean through various means throughout the episode. But, he again gets dirty after he is hit by a piece of Patrick's belly button lint.
Now, while many fans also think he is a purely evil character who cannot abandon his dirty ways, some argue that he is a highly misunderstood character pulled down by society, even when he tries to stay 'clean.'
Considering all the above fan comments, we think that the character is misunderstood and made the antagonist in the show in order to elevate other characters. His transformation showed the potential to change, which might have stayed if other characters had welcomed him equally in society and given him a fair chance.
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