Ep 13. Bumper to Bumper
- November 17, 2012
SpongeBob SquarePants season 10 episode 13 titled "Bumper to Bumper" depicts the life of SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick struggling to get a license to drive a boat. The two friends enroll in a driving school where they are trained by Mrs. Puff. However, their lack of coordination and impulsivity creates a great challenge for Mrs. Puff, whose main objective is to get them to pass the final exam.
The episode begins with SpongeBob and Patrick attempting to ride a tandem bike, and their lack of coordination causes them to crash into each other repeatedly. In a moment of epiphany, the two friends realize that they need to get their driving license so that they can become independent and not have to rely on anyone else to transport them. Eager to start their journey, they march straight to Mrs. Puff's Boating School to enroll in the driving program.
Mrs. Puff, although hesitant to accept their application, decides to give it a shot, and invites them to join the class. The class is packed with several students, all of whom have piqued interest in Spongebob's and Patrick's application. Mrs. Puff quickly reminds them that they need to take a test at the end of the program if they hope to gain their license.
SpongeBob and Patrick are filled with excitement, and can barely contain their eagerness to sit behind the steering wheel. Mrs. Puff, on the other hand, is nervous about being responsible for two students who have no experience handling a boat. She decides to take matters into her own hands, taking Spongebob and Patrick aside for special driving lessons, hoping to get them up to speed quickly.
The driving lessons prove to be disastrous, with SpongeBob and Patrick struggling to coordinate their movements. Their attempts at acceleration are met with frantic braking, and their turns are unpredictable. Mrs. Puff's attempts to control them only seem to escalate their lack of coordination, making matters worse.
As they progress through the training program, things get more challenging for the driving school instructor. SpongeBob and Patrick's hijinks cause several training boats and fish to crash around them. This prompts the other classmates to beg Mrs. Puff to remove them from the program if they wish to ever pass their test.
Despite the negative feedback, Mrs. Puff does not give up on her two students. She continues to lead the program to the best of her ability, hoping that SpongeBob and Patrick will eventually improve. Her hope is that they will eventually pass the final test – an incredibly difficult course filled with obstacles and sharp turns.
As the day of the test approaches, SpongeBob and Patrick cram in as much practice as they can, desperate to learn as much as possible, even if it means skipping meals and staying up all night. They finally feel ready to take on the test.
On the day of the test, SpongeBob and Patrick are the last students in line. They are very nervous but become reassured when they see others in the class making mistakes just like they did in their training sessions. SpongeBob and Patrick move ahead with their test, successfully maneuvering through various obstacles - from drowning dolphins to explosive buoys. The two students successfully and flawlessly navigate the course, making the day one to remember.
At the end of the day, Mrs. Puff tells SpongeBob and Patrick that they have passed the test and are now licensed drivers. The two friends are jubilant and excited about their newfound independence. They decide to take the test boat for a spin, but accidentally crash into a crowd of fish.
In conclusion, "Bumper to Bumper" is an exhilarating episode that will leave you gasping for more. The episode teaches young children important lessons, ranging from the value of independence to the importance of teamwork. It is definitely a must-watch for all lovers of SpongeBob Squarepants.