Ep 1. Friend or Foe

In the season 5 premiere of SpongeBob SquarePants, we are introduced to an intense rivalry that has existed for years between Mr. Krabs and Plankton. The relationship between these two characters has always been tense, with Plankton constantly trying to steal the Krabby Patty secret formula and Mr. Krabs constantly trying to thwart his efforts.

However, in "Friend or Foe," we finally get the full backstory of how this rivalry began. The episode starts with SpongeBob and Patrick happily enjoying some Krabby Patties at the Krusty Krab, when Plankton bursts in to once again attempt to steal the secret formula. This time, however, he has a new strategy - he wants to team up with Mr. Krabs to create a new sauce that will revolutionize the fast food industry.

Skeptical of Plankton's true intentions, Mr. Krabs agrees to hear him out only if he explains the origins of their feud. Flashbacks take us back to when Mr. Krabs and Plankton were once best friends, working together at the Krusty Krab and cooking up new recipes. We learn that they both had a dream of revolutionizing the fast food industry and creating their own restaurant, but their plans were derailed after a devastating argument over the creation of the Krabby Patty.

The argument led to a falling out between the two friends and the start of their long-standing rivalry. However, with the opportunity for a new business venture on the line, Mr. Krabs agrees to work with Plankton again to create the new sauce.

Throughout the episode, we see the relationship between the two characters shift and evolve as they work together to create the new sauce. SpongeBob and Patrick are there to offer their support, but tensions rise and the duo's rocky history seems to constantly threaten their progress.

Despite their bickering and disagreements, Mr. Krabs and Plankton eventually create a sauce that is a huge success - until they both realize that they have been ripped off by a rival restaurant. The betrayal brings up old wounds from their past conflict and threatens to ruin their new partnership.

At the end of the episode, Mr. Krabs and Plankton's relationship remains complicated, with both characters acknowledging that they will never fully trust each other. However, the tension is briefly lifted as they share a moment of bonding over the success of their sauce. Ultimately, "Friend or Foe" is a character-driven episode that adds depth to the show's two most iconic characters and showcases the importance of forgiveness and learning to work together.