Ep 1. The Algae's Always Greener / SpongeGuard on Duty

SpongeBob SquarePants season 3 episode 1 is a double episode, consisting of two separate stories. The first story is called "The Algae's Always Greener," and it begins with Plankton realizing that he's tired of always failing to steal the Krabby Patty recipe. He decides to use one of his inventions, a machine that can switch lives, to swap places with Mr. Krabs and steal the formula from the inside.

However, things quickly go awry when Plankton realizes that running the Krusty Krab is much harder than he thought. He struggles to keep up with the demands of customers, and his employees SpongeBob and Squidward are much less enthusiastic about working for him than they are for Mr. Krabs. Meanwhile, Mr. Krabs is having a great time living as Plankton, enjoying his luxurious lifestyle and the attention from Plankton's computer wife, Karen.

As the story unfolds, Plankton and Mr. Krabs each begin to realize that their lives weren't as enjoyable as they thought they would be. Plankton misses his old life of constantly trying to steal the Krabby Patty formula, and Mr. Krabs realizes that he misses the hard work and sense of accomplishment that came with running the Krusty Krab. The story ends with both characters switching back to their original lives, but with a new appreciation for what they had before.

The second story in this episode is called "SpongeGuard on Duty," and it centers around SpongeBob's new job as a lifeguard at Goo Lagoon. SpongeBob takes his job very seriously, but his overzealousness starts to annoy his friends, who are just trying to have a good time at the beach.

As the story unfolds, SpongeBob's strict lifeguarding rules cause chaos and frustration for everyone around him. He makes the beachgoers wear helmets, life jackets, and even snorkels, and he constantly scolds them for breaking the rules. However, when a real emergency arises and a group of beachgoers are stranded on a dangerous sandbar, SpongeBob's expertise and quick thinking save the day.

Overall, SpongeBob SquarePants season 3 episode 1 is a fun and lighthearted addition to the beloved animated series. The episodes showcase the show's wacky humor and colorful characters, while also providing important lessons about appreciating what you have and the importance of safety. Fans of the show will enjoy watching Plankton and Mr. Krabs switch lives, as well as seeing SpongeBob in his new role as a lifeguard.