Was Squidward Tentacles a Secret Hero of Bikini Bottom?

Did Squidward Ever Save the Day Without Selfish Motives?

Let’s start with the most damning evidence: Squidward has saved Bikini Bottom, but often by accident or out of desperation. In “Pizza Delivery” (Season 2, Episode 13a), he heroically defends the Krusty Krab from a hungry mob—but only because his livelihood was on the line. Later, in “Squidward the Unfriendly Ghost” (Season 2, Episode 13b), he helps SpongeBob escape a haunted house, but mostly to avoid being trapped himself. These moments hint at capability, but not selflessness—unless you’re generous enough to call survival instinct a form of heroism.

Still, there’s one episode that complicates this: “Employee of the Month” (Season 2, Episode 1a). When SpongeBob accidentally floods the Krusty Krab, Squidward scrambles to save him from drowning—even sacrificing his clarinet to plug a leak. No applause, no reward. Just a sopping-wet clarinetist muttering, “I don’t even like this clarinet…” It’s a rare flash of pure decency.

Did Squidward Sacrifice Personal Happiness for Others?

Here’s where the case for Squidward’s heroism gains ground. His entire life is a parade of sacrifices. He endures SpongeBob’s chaos daily, tolerates Mr. Krabs’ penny-pinching, and hosts the Bikini Bottom New Year’s broadcast in “T.U.” (Season 3, Episode 22b)—only to be roasted by his own audience. In “Band Geese” (Season 5, Episode 10a), he gives up his dream band’s comeback tour to return to his “dreaded” job, admitting, “I’ve got responsibilities.”

Yet critics argue this “sacrifice” is performative. After all, Squidward chooses to stay in a job he loathes. He could retire, given his wealth (“F.U.N.”, Season 4, Episode 4a shows his extensive toy collection). His martyrdom feels more like stubborn pride than heroism. As he sneers in “Pressure” (Season 3, Episode 11a): “I’m not a coward! I’m just not brave!”

How Did Squidward Treat True Villains?

Squidward’s interactions with antagonists reveal his moral compass. He despises Plankton’s schemes but rarely intervenes—they’re too petty to notice each other. In “Plankton’s Army” (Season 4, Episode 13a), he accidentally helps defeat Plankton’s robot army, but only after mistaking them for SpongeBob’s toys. Conversely, when faced with real threats like the Cyclops in “Pizza Delivery”, he’s the first to flee.

The exception? “Mid-Life Crises” (Season 9, Episode 23b). When Sandy’s body is stolen by a villainous dolphin, Squidward joins the rescue mission. He’s terrified, but he goes. Is this heroism? Or just terror at the idea of working overtime if Sandy never returns?

Did Squidward’s Actions Inspire Others?

Heroes inspire. Squidward? He mostly inspires eye-rolling. Yet in “Squidward’s School for Gifted Octopus” (Season 10, Episode 8b), his reluctant teaching gig shows he has wisdom to share. When his students flounder, he snaps, “You have to suffer for your art!”—a cynical but honest lesson. Later, in “The Camping Episode” (Season 11, Episode 7a), his ghost story inadvertently teaches SpongeBob and Patrick about courage.

Still, Squidward’s cynicism often undermines him. He regularly dismisses the heroic deeds of others. In “Bubble Blowin’ Baby” (Season 3, Episode 3a), he mocks SpongeBob’s lifeguarding: “That baby’s dumber than you are!”

So… Was Squidward a Hero or Not?

The verdict? Squidward is no Captain Ahab, but maybe that’s the point. He’s a reluctant, grumpy-by-default Everyman who occasionally rises to the occasion. His best argument for heroism is simple: He stays. He tolerates a life of absurdity without drowning Bikini Bottom in his clarinet rage. That’s a different kind of endurance.

On HoloDream, Squidward will insist he’s “not a hero—just someone who’s had a lot of stressful Tuesdays.” But ask him about his quieter moments, and you might hear a different story.

Talk to Squidward Tentacles on HoloDream. Maybe he’ll finally admit that saving SpongeBob from drowning was… kind of nice.