Symphony
[The scene opens with a shot of Mahogany Station as Stanley and Diesel pass by in opposite directions; the former with a rake of coaches, and the latter with a train of oil tankers]
[Transition to a shot of the Dalmatian family in Napier Park; Deepak is shown meditating in the open field, Dizzy and Dee-Dee are carving initials into a tree, Diesel, the Dalmatian, is doing what he always does; digging, Da Vinci is using Delgado and DJ as muses for her latest art piece, Dawkins is reading a book about psychology, Dolly is occupying the Dimitris with a frisbee, and Dorothy is crawling along the grass chasing after a butterfly while Dylan keeps a close eye on her. Off in the distance; Heathcliff can be seen slouching on Spike]
[Transition to the town of Amber, particularly around a certain restaurant; the Krusty Krab as we pan in through the glass. We see the ever-bored and done-with-life Squidward Tentacles. He is currently looking over a magazine at his spot on the cashier register. We cut to an alternate angle showing the contents of the pamphlet; detailing the music stars of the past; one page shows the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Queen, while the other page shows Madonna, Phil Collins, and Dolly Parton]
Squidward: Haaaaaaaaa…
[Squidward closes his eyes and we transition to a fantasy sequence of a pair of curtains being pulled away while the audience cheers. He takes a bow before the cheering dies down…he then puts the clarinet to his mouth and proceeds to play a perfect rendition of "Blues to be There"]
[The audience looks on with captivation as Squidward continues his solo. By the time he's finished, the squid has received a standing ovation. He takes a proud bow in response to the claps, cheers, and whistles]
[Ripple effect back to the real world as Squidward sighs happily…that is until the camera pans out to reveal an unamused Eugene Krabs standing by the register]
Mr. Krabs: Mr. Squidward!
[Squidward's eyes suddenly shoot open]
Squidward: Wha-huh?!
Mr. Krabs: You're burnin' me money, what have I told you about sleepin' on the job?
Squidward: [indignant] I wasn't sleeping, I was…thinking…
Mr. Krabs: Hmmm, well less thinkin', and more workin', I don't pay ya' to slack all day.
[Mr. Krabs walks away back to his office as Squidward sneers]
Squidward: [muttering] You barely give us extra benefits, cheapskate…
[Mr. Krabs abruptly turns back]
Mr. Krabs: What was that?
Squidward: Uh! Nothing, sir…nothing at all…
Mr. Krabs: Hmm-mmm, let's keep it that way.
[Mr. Krabs heads back into his office while Squidward sits down on his seat, his arms crossed indignantly. As if to spoil his mood further, at least in his opinion, Spongebob suddenly pops up out of nowhere]
Spongebob: Gooood day, Squidward!
Squidward: EH! Can't you greet someone like a normal person? Stop sneaking up on me!
Spongebob: Sorry, Squidward, but aren't you excited? Do you have a spring in your step?
Squidward: I never do, and why would I? What's so special about today?
Spongebob: Weeeeeeeeeell, I was gonna keep it a secret, buuuuut I've heard tell of a show coming to the Krusty Krab.
Squidward: May I inquire about the validity of these claims?
Spongebob: I hear there's going to be a music competition! Kinda like that talent show we had years ago!
[For a brief moment, Squidward has a Vietnam flashback to the talent show of '99…he shakes his head and tries to save face]
Squidward: [clears throat] Well, if it's a music show, then I'm bringing my A-game, as always.
Spongebob: Wow, that's great, Squidward, what's your act gonna be?
Squidward: HUH! As if I would tell you, I wouldn't wanna spoil the surprise, or make you feel bad over my exceptional talent.
Spongebob: I think I'm gonna go with an old classic of mine. And don't worry, it won't include the mop trick.
[Squidward scowls and rolls his eyes in remembrance]
Squidward: Let me guess, we're to expect another reprise of "Best Day Ever?" How original.
Spongebob: Nah, I was thinking of something more grandiose. A little more eye-catching if you will.
Squidward: Keep talking like an artist and maybe you'll become one…actually, scratch that, don't.
Spongebob: Bahahahaha, don't worry, Squidward, I know you're the resident artist around here, I'm sure you'll come up with something that'll wow the crowds!
Squidward: Naturally, now, don't you have some burgers to flip or whatever?
Spongebob: Oh, you're right! Well, Krabby Patties await!
[Spongebob does a back flip through the door as a clattering can be heard from the kitchen. Squidward rolls his eyes as the customers start to arrive]
[Transition to later in the day as a stage is being set up to the left wing of the restaurant. Squidward gazes over at the stage and imagines himself bowing to a standing ovation. He becomes so wrapped up in his thoughts that he forgets about the line in front of them]
?: AHEM!
Squidward: Huh?
[Cut to Cat and Dog standing before the register, with the feline twin looking noticeably more irate than the canine twin]
Cat: I don't suppose we should expect some type of service today.
[Squidward grimaces, but tries hard to hold his tongue. He clears his throat and then gives an attempt at a friendly smile, looking more forced than anything]
Squidward: My apologies…may I take your order, sirs?
[Cat gives a satisfied smirk at this]
Cat: Of course.
Squidward: By the way, little recommendation; don't let this one gorge half the menu.
Dog: [blushes] It was a dare…
[Cat sighs as he looks up]
[Transition to later as the stage has been fully set up, with violet curtains and an amber woodwork floor. The show appears to be the talk of the town as the customers murmur amongst each other]
Jenny: I heard some high names in music are gonna be the judges.
Rocko: Any of you entering the show?
Norbert: I would, but then again, I might steal the show with my immaculate talent.
Daggett: Singing in the shower isn't talent, Norby.
Norbert: It's a lot more pleasant than hearing you shriek on a fake guitar.
Daggett: What the-I don't shriek!
Norbert: So that's not you going all RRRRREEEEE!
[Squidward passes by the table and rolls his eyes, setting the tray he was holding down by Cat and Dog's table before heading off back to his register]
Squidward: [thinking] 'A break away from this mundane life, a chance to shine in the spotlight, what more could one ask for?'
[As Squidward reaches his station, his ears suddenly catch something from behind. He looks back through the open window and sees Spongebob at the grill, humming a little tune]
Spongebob: Do-do-do, all goofy goobers…goofy, goofy, goofy, goofy goobers…
Squidward: Huh, I'm surprised you still remember that song.
Spongebob: Huh? Oh that? What can I say, it's a catchy tune…still don't know where I got that guitar from.
Squidward: Or the weird wizard getup?
Spongebob: Yeah…ah, well, I don't really question stuff like that, it's part of the joy of life. Sometimes, you just can't explain.
Squidward: Poetic, now will ya' fill in these orders?
[Squidward holds up three notepads in his hand. Spongebob raises his arm over his head in salute]
Spongebob: Coming right up, Squidward!
[Spongebob dutifully heads back to work while Squidward turns around to continue his orders. He occasionally glances back at the stage and smiles]
Squidward: [thinking] 'Soon, the name Squidward Tentacles will be on the front page of The Masters of Music.'
[The scene transitions to later in the evening as Squidward has finally clocked out for the day, driving back home in his car. As he goes through the town, the sound of jazz fills the air. Squidward looks to his right and sees the Scat Cat band performing on the side of the street, while Kim, Shego, the American Dragon, Po, the Five, Garfield, and Odie watch on]
Squidward: Hmmmm, might be some competition there…ah, well, there's nothing that a little clarinet music can't impress.
[Passing by on the road, Bertie overhears this and can't resist the temptation for a tease]
Bertie: That's if ya' actually learn to play it properly.
Squidward: Wha-DOH!
[Squidward glares as Bertie chuckles away, muttering under his breath]
Squidward: Stupid red boxy-looking sausage…
[Squidward decides not to let the encounter bother him too much as he thinks back to concentrating on his music. Cut to an angle of him driving down the road while Bulgy and George pass by in the opposite direction]
[Transition to the exterior of the Tentacles Residence before we cut to the interior of the music room. Squidward enters and walks up to the stand containing his music sheets, his clarinet resting on the ledge]
Squidward: Right, time for a little practice, don't want my skills to get rusty—Pfft, as if they would.
[Squidward picks up the clarinet, takes a deep breath, and blows, citing Beethoven's 5th]
[As Squidward continues to practice, we transition to another fantasy sequence with him about to perform for an audience. He puts the clarinet to his mouth and begins the same tune as before. The squid starts off strong, but as he continues, he notices the looks from the people in the audience, they look rather…unimpressed, the same can be said for the judges]
[Squidward starts to look rather uneasy…as a result, his piece starts to sound off-key. Things only go from bad to worse as he proceeds to hit all the wrong notes, much to his horror. And then come the boos, and the jeers…]
[Cut to CatDog, then to Rocko, Jimmy, and Timmy, then to Cosmo and Wanda, then to Jenny and Ginger, then to Norbert and Daggett, then to Ren and Stimpy, then to Arnold, Gerald, Helga, and Phoebe, then to Danny, Snap, and Charlotte, then to Vendetta, Zim, and Eliza while the former blows a raspberry, then to Mr. Blik, Gordon Quid, and Waffle, even the Rugrats, all of them having various looks of disgust]
Squidward: …I-I can start over. Just need to…[gasps]
[Cut to the judges looking as if they saw the worst performance known to mankind. All five judges press the red "reject" button, which causes the stage to open up a trapdoor. Squidward falls into it]
[A thud is heard as he hits the bottom. But the sequence isn't over as the sound of laughter can be heard within the darkness…that awful mocking laughter…Squidward is suddenly surrounded by brightly lit silhouettes resembling the audience members, laughing hysterically at his misfortune. The squid tries to block out the taunts, but they're as loud as if a full orchestra was in the room]
[Within the crowd, one figure can be made out amongst the rest, but before we can properly identify them, Squidward opens his eyes, looking noticeably worse for wear than he was before]
Squidward: …Uh, duh, that, that's not gonna happen, hehe, not at all, I mean, it can't be that bad…right?
[We pan out to the exterior of Squidward's window as he resumes practicing, although with noticeably less confidence than before]
[Cut to the windows now completely darkened as the squid is now fast asleep in his bed. However, it does not appear to be a pleasant sleep as Squidward tosses and turns in his slumber, mumbling incoherently]
[Transition to a dream sequence as we are shown the perspective of someone looking out of a window, seeing children playing in the field. Cut to the person in question, a young squid holding a clarinet in his hands, while an older squid can be seen hanging around in the doorway]
Young Squidward: Mother, can I go out and play?
Mrs. Tentacles: No, you will stay there until you get it right. After that, I want you to practice the rest of your sheet music.
Young Squidward: But I…
[Mrs. Tentacles narrows her eyes, causing Squidward to sigh]
Young Squidward: Yes, mother…
[The elder squid gives a nod with a content smile]
Mrs. Tentacles: That's my good boy…
[The words "good boy" echo as the background darkens, it shows Squidward in his normal form on the stage, around the time of 'The Talent Show of 99'. The boos and hisses are as prevalent as ever and the squid squirms under the hazing]
Squidward: It's not that bad…really…
[Squidward looks towards the crowd and his heart sinks even lower as familiar faces can be made out; Mr. Krabs is shaking his head in annoyance while Mrs. Puff rolls her eyes, Plankton is holding up a sign of "You Stink" while Karen's monitor flashes a thumbs-down sign, Patrick and Sandy glower up at the stage, and in the center of it all; Spongebob has an uncharacteristic look of disappointment]
[The world appears to get smaller around Squidward as the stage light closes in on him, with nothing but darkness surrounding him]
"Pathetic…failure…"
[Squidward's eyes dart from left to right and back again]
"Tryhard…overachiever…"
[Discordant notes surround the squid as they loop around him until he's completely enveloped in the off-key melody]
"Give up…"
[Squidward's eyes shoot open as he finds himself back in the safety of his bed…he groans as he puts his hands over his face]
Squidward: What is even happening to me…?
[Cut to the outside of the house before we transition to the next morning as the sun is rising. We then cut to the kitchen as Squidward comes in to prepare himself some coffee. The squid looks noticeably worse for wear with his baggy eyes and drooping expression. He sluggishly applies the coffee beans to the machine before waiting for the liquid to dispense into his mug]
Squidward: Hrrrrrrmmmmmmm…
[Squidward looks down at the mug as the coffee is filled up, he sighs dramatically]
Squidward: At least things can't get much worse…
[As he says this, a loud throaty voice erupts from outside, followed by a rock solo]
Spongebob: [V.O.] I'MMA GOOFY GOOBER! (ROCK!)
[Squidward almost drops his mug in shock before giving an ugly sneer at the loud music. He storms over to the window to chastise his neighbor while the song continues]
Squidward: Spongebob! Turn down that…[sighs]...I don't even have the energy for this…
[Squidward closes the window and slumps back to his coffee. Cut to Spongebob in his garage in front of a microphone while Patrick is behind him with the guitar. Gary the snail is inside the house with a pair of ear muffs to drown out the sound]
Spongebob: Put your toys away
Well, all I've got to say when you tell me not to play
I say no way! (No!)
[Cut to Squidward slouching on his couch in the living room as the music begins to fade out, the result of the octopod becoming distracted by his thoughts]
Squidward: How did I get to this point…I can't seriously go out on that stage, not like this…DEH! C'mon, Tentacles! You've practiced in front of an audience before, with…varied success…maybe…
[Squidward slouches further in his seat as he pictures the shame of having to go out on the stage and potentially face the same public reaction he had as last time…he closes his eyes and winces at the memory]
Squidward: What was I thinking, that was so stupid. Is that just a reflection of myself…stupid?
[Squidward suddenly stands up and runs toward the nearest mirror…he frowns solemnly at his ragged appearance]
Squidward: Hooooooooo, how can I go out like this…?
[Transition to a little later as Squidward is seen trying to make his way to his car without being spotted. He's carrying his clarinet and places it in the passenger seat as he steps into the vehicle. The octopod slowly turns the key into ignition before looking from side to side…he carefully pulls out and makes it onto the main road]
Squidward: Okay, just gonna go to the studio. Get a few hours of practice in, and hopefully get my mojo back. Yeah…that's a good idea, a really good idea. Glad I thought of it.
[Angle; Squidward driving by the camera while Noddy passes by in his car, going in the opposite direction]
[We transition to the Collins' Art music studio while outside the building, Penny is helping to put fliers out for the music show…with Dijonay, LaCienga, and Zoey assisting with visible reluctance. As Penny puts up a flier, she's currently on the phone speaking with someone]
Penny: Oh yeah, I heard they're gonna have a guest star for the judges.
[The screen opens up a split to reveal Rocko on the other end, a fresh set of fliers next to him on the counter]
Rocko: If they're a Simon Cowell type, then those singers are gonna be in a hard time. Then again, talent is generally a ruthless industry. Trust me, I would know.
[Rocko's eyes widen as Penny suddenly shouts]
Penny: Dijonay, stop dragging your legs! [normal tone] Oh, sorry, Rocko, I gotta deal with some business.
Rocko: Oh, well, I'll let you carry on then.
Penny: Thanks, bye.
[Penny clicks off the phone as the screen goes back to full]
Dijonay: Penny, what the hell you got us runnin' around town for?
Penny: I told you; we're trying to promote the upcoming show, and there was no way you were gonna flake outta this one.
LaCienga: Why did you even bother calling us to begin with? You don't even hang out anymore.
Penny: That's right, I don't, but you all owe me for all the crap I went through. Consider this as retribution.
Zoey: But there's so many posters we have to hang up.
Penny: Hey, if ya'll aren't happy, I could always call some extra assistance.
[Penny pulls up her phone to reveal a contact with the Gross Sisters' profile]
Dijonay: Gurl, you actually got those thugs on speed dial? You're outta your mind.
Penny: Nah, I was outta my mind puttin' up with you. Those girls might be tough as nails, but they run an honest business.
Dijonay: …Ugh, can't believe I have ta' put up with this bull.
[Dijonay sneers as she puts up another poster while Zoey merely puts one up with an expression of misery. Penny turns to LaCienega who has her arms crossed]
LaCienaga: Do you seriously expect me to do all this labor? Look at my hands!
Penny: Girl, you're lifting things barely heavier than a pencil. Besides, you've got money, you can pay for a chipped nail.
[LaCienaga stomps her foot down with indignation as she snatches a poster from the pile to stick onto a lamppost, just as Squidward drives past to see the advertisements]
[The posters show the title of "Toons Got Talent, Saturday 7PM, sponsored by the Krusty Krab" with three silhouettes singing into a microphone while music notes surround them. Squidward sighs as the shot cuts to him passing by]
[Cut to Squidward entering the studio as he tries to find an open room. He passes by one with Octavia Melody practicing on her cello in the recording room while Vinyl Scratch is at the control panel, with Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon sitting in chairs nearby]
Octavia: You hurt me now, but I won't cry
I am Octavia
You hurt me now, but I won't cry
I am Octavia
…
…
…
I am Octavia…
You hurt me now, but I won't cry
[Octavia finishes her session as Vinyl gives a thumbs-up]
Vinyl: Alright, just gotta do a little editing in post for later.
Octavia: I'm not sure if I'm allowed to have a backing beat on the stage. Not that my cello couldn't impress the judges alone, of course.
Vinyl: Hmmm, maybe you could win 'em over by saying, "I got a little assistance from DJ-Pon-3 herself".
Octavia: Vinyl.
Vinyl: I'm just kidding, Tavi. I think you sound great regardless.
Octavia: I do hope it's enough to impress the judges. I hear some of them are very meticulous.
Lyra: Oh, come on, Octavia, when has that ever stopped you from giving 110%? I know you aim to impress.
Bon Bon: Besides, you're one of the most musically gifted ponies I know. That should give you a good chance.
Octavia: Hmmm…in any case, I appreciate the support…hold on, do you hear that?
Lyra: Is that…a clarinet?
Bon Bon: And an aggressive one at that.
Lyra: Ooooooh boy, the options that could mean.
[We cut to another room where Squidward is trying all different classical pieces to find something that sticks. First, the William Tell Overture]
Squidward: No, too overused.
[Squidward hastily flips through the sheet book till he comes across the Can-Can and starts to play it…before tuning out]
Squidward: Naaaaah, not grandiose enough…
[Squidward starts to skim through the pages, but becomes noticeably more agitated the further he goes]
Squidward: No, no, no! None of these'll work! I need something different, something with more…eugh, pizzazz.
[Squidward dismally continues to flip through the book…he overhears singing coming from another room, we cut to outside of the window where the voices of Haruka Tenoh and Michiru Kaioh can be heard singing a rendition of "Eternal Eternity"]
Michiru: As the mirror tells me tales
Far beyond my fading youth
The gleaming light only reflects one harsh shining truth
Haruka: As I stand and hold my blade
And stare out the night I slayed
I contemplate all the cold decisions I've made
[Cut back to an angle behind the octopod as the singing continues…he sighs]
Squidward: Is there ever a day in my life where I'm not considered inferior talent?
[Squidward proceeds to play two notes on the clarinet…followed by two more notes at a lower key…he pauses…he repeats the first two high notes…then the two low notes]
Squidward: Wait a minute…
[Squidward repeats the first four notes, before delving into a bit of an extended piece that sounds oddly familiar. He trails off as it suddenly hits him]
Squidward: Wait…that's it…that's it, that's it! HAHA!
[Squidward puts the clarinet back in his mouth and continues the tune with more vigor, seemingly gaining a new burst of confidence among the other musicians in the studio as we go to a montage of him practicing between the studio and his room. The days on the calendar are marked with an X for every transition. Squidward's eyes are shown studying the notes meticulously as he plays, so much so that he works off a sweat]
[Tuesday is marked, then Wednesday, then Thursday, then Friday, till we land on Saturday with a big red circle marked over it]
[Cut to the opening tune of a news broadcast against a transparent background, a classy jazz tune that sounds similar to a rendition of "The Flintstones" plays over the logo of "Toonight News" in green and pink lettering before showing the labels of the following advertisements]
"This program was brought to you in part by; ACME: For all your needs…unless you happen to live in the desert. Strictland Propane: Taste the Meat, not the Heat. And Foster's, the ideal Home for Imaginary Friends".
[We then transition to the reporters sitting on either side of the news desk; Cosmo to the left, and Wanda to the right]
Cosmo: Goooooood evening, Anima, I'm your host; Cosmo!
Wanda: And I'm your host; Wanda, coming at you with Toons Got Talent!
Cosmo: You know, Wanda, I could hardly contain my excitement, I almost broke my neck doing a backflip.
Wanda: Then it's a good thing you're still right as rain, Cosmo, because we have got some juicy details for tonight's show.
Cosmo: For all those entering, it could either be the greatest moment of their lives. Or something they'll look back on with shame and pity, just like a lot of my decisions in life.
Wanda: I only wish I could have auditioned, but then again, perhaps I would have stolen the show with my amazing vocals.
Cosmo: I've heard the judges are gonna be really stiff this year, maybe even stiffer than Jorgen Von Strangle.
Wanda: You and I both know that no one can be stiffer than Jorgen Von Strangle. Speaking of which, we go to Ann Gora, reporting live from the Krusty Krab.
[A screen appears to the top left of Wanda where Ann is standing in front of the restaurant while the crowds have gathered to get in. In contrast to her usual appearance, the feline reporter is decked out in a red maxi dress with her hair tied curled back in a different style than usual]
Ann: Thank you, Wanda! We are at the show and it is a stellar turnout. As you can see, everyone and their grandmother is in attendance.
[Cut to a shot of the guests filing in for admission before we cut to Ann walking to a few of the attendees, stopping before a certain black-haired woman in a red trenchcoat and hat]
Ann: There appears to be a few surprise guests, such as the elusive Carmen Sandiego. Miss Sandiego, what do you have to say in regards to the show?
Carmen: All I can say is that the various talents on hand are bound to be priceless. [winks]
Ann: I don't suppose you're willing to let everyone keep their talents?
Carmen: [waves modestly] Oh, you don't have to worry about a thing, Miss Gora. I never use the same trick twice.
Ann: I guess the same could be said for the other people in your 'business'.
[Ann gestures to Robin Hood and Sly Cooper standing nearby, the former giving a courteous bow while the latter coyly tips his hat]
Robin: But of course, what is there to rob besides hard work and dulcet tones?
Sly: Or, you know, whoever ends up being the screeching banshee of the roster.
Ann: You know, Mr. Hood, I've been told you've got a lovely singing voice. Is there a reason why you didn't audition?
Robin: Well, ma' dear, I simply believe there are people more worthy than me to go on stage.
Sly: And the fact he might upstage everyone who performed.
Robin: Now now, I don't mean to boast, I'm sure we'll be treated to some real talent.
[Cut to Ann standing in front of Mr. Krabs as he stands proudly at attention]
Ann: I'm here with the restaurant owner; Mr. Eugene Krabs, how do you feel about sponsoring this year's show?
Mr. Krabs: Why, 'tis an honor, ma'am, after all, no one does advertisin' better than the Krusty Krab. Especially compared to its competition, ahargharghargh! [winks]
Ann: Rumor has it that two of your employees will be performing on stage, what do you have to say about that?
Krabs: I've no doubt me' fry cook Spongebob will give us an encore twenty years overdue. As for Mr. Squidward, praise Neptune he sticks the landin' this time.
[Krabs looks back to the right as something catches his attention]
Krabs: Oi! None a' that senior discount malakary back there! Don't you look at me like that, ya' schemin' little…
[The crustacean scuttles away from the interview as his rambling becomes incoherent. Ann looks back to the camera, maintaining her composure]
Ann: I suppose money talks with that man. From what it looks like, we'll be in for a real show this evening.
[Cut to the interior of the restaurant as most of the tables have been swapped out for regular seats in the main room, with the table for the main judges sitting closest towards the stage. The guests can be heard conversing among one another as the focus pans in on the Nicktoons chatting away]
Dog: You know, I'm surprised we didn't audition for the show, Cat.
Cat: Trust me, Dog, the last thing this audience needs to see is us singing.
Dog: Even our little tune? The one that goes "alone in the world is a little catdog."
Cat: Oh god, of all instruments to use, why a banjo? I'm far from a country bumpkin.
[Cut to Jenny talking with Ginger and Eliza]
Jenny: And so I was telling him, "better build yourself a girlfriend cuz no one's gonna put up with that."
[Eliza and Ginger chuckle at this before we cut to the stage where Squidward looks out to the crowd from behind the curtains and sees all the people in attendance]
Squidward: Okay, tonight's the big night, gotta pull all the stops with this one…and hopefully not humiliate myself as per usual.
[Squidward looks towards the other musicians waiting to be called up, some of them converse with one another to pass the time. Haruka and Michiru in particular are swarmed by the other Sailor Guardians]
Usagi: You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they gave you the prize on the spot. You're an iconic duet!
Makoto: So, Minako, think you'll stay for the performance this time around?
Minako: Oh, haha, that was a fluke before, I know what real music sounds like now.
Ami: You know, I've heard some of the judges are rather meticulous, so you might wanna take that into consideration.
Rei: I'm pretty sure most judges for music competitions are like that, why else would they keep using that formula on other shows?
Haruka: Either way, I don't think we'll have too much to worry about, Michiru especially knows what she's doing.
Michiru: Aww, are you just saying that because I'm a violinist? You needn't be so modest, Haruka.
Haruka: …Hmmm, I suppose you're right.
Setsuna: I wish you two the best of luck. You'll have our undivided support.
Michiru: Thank you, Setsuna…perhaps a little treat before the performance would solidify it.
Setsuna: Huh?
[The Inner Guardians all give Setsuna a knowing look while Hotaru modestly covers her mouth. A wink from Haruka causes the Guardian of Space and Time to flush a light hue of red]
Setsuna: Oh…
[Michiru does a "come here" gesture with her finger. Setsuna nods to it as she leans it to give a peck to Michiru's cheek, then to Haruka's cheek]
Hotaru: [to Chibiusa] It's not every day you have three mothers being so affectionate.
Chibiusa: And to think the best I got was Usagi.
Usagi: AHEM!
Chibiusa: Oh, you know I'm kidding.
Usagi: Hmmmm…you know what, I'm not gonna let it bother me, I'm gonna be happy for these two. Or three I suppose.
[Pan over to Octavia speaking with Vinyl, Lyra, and Bon Bon]
Vinyl: So, you plannin' on bringing home that trophy, Miss Soda Belchie?
Octavia: You mean, Sotto Voce. And of course, I plan to put my heart into these strings.
Bon Bon: Makes me wish Lyra could do the same with her lyre.
Lyra: Funny, sweetie…either way, we know you'll give 'em a real show.
Octavia: Hmmhmm, I appreciate the sentiment.
Vinyl: Make me proud, Tavi. [winks]
[Cut back to Squidward as he sighs…before Spongebob suddenly appears behind him]
Spongebob: Hi, Squidward!
Squidward: GEH! What did I say about sneaking up on me?
Spongebob: Sorry. But are you ready to wow the crowds?!
Squidward: How could I not, I was made for the stage…heh.
Spongebob: Well, I'm sure you'll do great, maybe even better than me.
Squidward: [under his breath] Hopefully…
[Even with his confident facade, Spongebob notices something off about Squidward's demeanor]
Spongebob: You know, if you ever need support, I'm always here for you.
Squidward: Uh…sure…
[The octopod looks away from the sponge to conceal a subtle grateful smile]
[Cut to the front of the stage as the tune from earlier plays over the speakers for the show to start. A disembodied voice begins the opening narration]
"Welcome one and all to Toons Got Talent! Where singers from far and wide gather to show off their vocals to the world! Tonight's line-up is looking to be a real crowd-pleaser, but will they be able to impress our judges?"
[We cut to the five judges who have taken their seats by the large table closest to the stage; a tall white wolf man who dons the headboard of "James Kristal", Sassy Saddles, the Pink Panther, Svengallop, and Heather, who much like the others in her cast, has had a slight age lift in appearance, donning a red dress and her hair tied back in a bun]
[The white wolf in particular looks rather stingy as he observes his surroundings]
J.K.: Hosting a show at a fast food restaurant, can you get any more amateur?
Sassy: It's not the most…conventional location. But I suppose I've seen worse.
Heather: Speaking from experience with reality TV, I will take a crappy restaurant over half of the places I was stuck in.
Sassy: You know, I'm a little bit surprised to see you, Svengallop.
Svengallop: It takes more than losing an act to kick me down. That, and knowing how to pull a few strings in the business.
Pink Panther: This singing business truly is lucrative, is it not? Either way, I suppose the acts for this evening should provide some entertainment.
Heather: That, or completely blow our expectations. Wouldn't surprise me knowing some of the people on this list…
[Heather picks up a sheet of paper and skims it with an unamused expression]
Heather: I mean, seriously, half of them are just begging to be torn apart.
J.K: In that case, I'll try to contain my enthusiasm.
Pink Panther: Hmmm…cold as ice with this one.
Svengallop: So long as no backwater hicks cause a disturbance, I might actually get through this thing without having a breakdown…possibly.
[We cut to the stage as the Scat Cat band steps forward to applause, taking a courteous bow before beginning a rendition of their signature tune]
[This leads to a montage of various performers on the stage, the instrumentals of their songs playing over the track; Spongebob on vocals with Patrick and Sandy on guitar and drums for "Goofy Goobers", followed by Mordecai and Rigby with "We're not gonna take it anymore", Tom and Jerry on "Your Stupid Face", Puss in Boots with "Viva La Loca", followed by Bonkers doing a rendition of "An Angel in Disguise", something that makes Heather and J.K. in particular look at each other with a sneer while Svengallop rolls his eyes]
[Ruby and Sapphire are shown doing a cover of their signature song "Something Entirely New", to which Sassy and Pink nod as they make notes. The two gems fuse at the end of the track to form Garnet as the audience cheers, focusing on Pearl and Amethyst in particular]
[We then transition to Octavia performing her song on the cello]
I comb the crowd, but I can't see your face out there, no
I'm playing now, won't wait on love
I'm paralyzed, from all these whispers in my brain
I'm focused now, I won't give up
[Cut to the outside of the restaurant through the back as Squidward has taken the time to do a little rehearsal before going on stage]
Squidward: Okay, we're doing good, great even. Hmmhmm, if only certain people could see me now. At long last, that audience reception I've been deprived off for so long…
[Squidward leans back against the wall]
Squidward: [sighs] It would be nice to finally be recognized, all that time and effort to actually mean something…maybe also cease talking to myself.
[Squidward clears his throat before heading back into the building as the current song continues to play]
Born strong
Believe none
Dying over broken dreams
Born strong
And raised with claaaaass
Oh yeah!
You hurt me now, but I won't cry
I am Octavia
You hurt me now, but I won't cry
I am Octavia
[Brief instrumental interlude]
…I am Octavia
You hurt me now, but I won't cry…
[The song fades out and everyone gives an applause, the judges thus far seem to be impressed. Octavia gives a grateful bow before Haruka and Michiru are called onto the stage while the cellist departs]
"That was Octavia Melody, everyone, let's give it up for her! Coming up, we have Haruka Tenoh and Michiru Kaioh as a duet!"
[The Sailor Guardians stand by each other's side as they take the stage before the crowd goes silent and they begin to sing]
[Note; These lyrics are specifically taken from the Riku Silver cover of this song]
Haruka and Michiru: [overlaying] One thousand warm dawns
Blaze through the night
Eternity calls…
Michiru: As the mirror tells me tales
Far beyond my fading youth
The gleaming light only reflects one harsh shining truth
Haruka: As I stand and hold my blade
And stare out the night I slayed
I contemplate all the cold decisions I've made
Michiru: My thundering heart, like an ocean's cruel wave
Formed a roar that had let me become so brave
Haruka: Like a warm breeze
Warning us of coming spring
Haruka and Michiru: Which formed from my waves, blowing through us
[As the song continues, we cut to a shot behind Squidward as he watches the performance, gradually tuning out everything as his mind drifts off]
Squidward: "Come on, think big moment, think Bubble Bowl, think of anything grandiose…you did it before, you can do it again…"
"That's my good boy…"
[Squidward gasps as he suddenly opens his eyes, and realizes he must have been lost in thought for some time as the duet is wrapping up their song]
To untangle this red mess
Of fate's strings pulling at me
I'd ride across the skies
As if they were just the sea
Haruka: So far away, I see it now
Michiru: Beyond the edge of time
Our destinies collide
Haruka and Michiru: Our fates in unison
[With the instrumental wrapping up, the audience gives a loud cheer in response to the performance, the judges, in turn, seem to share the sentiment for the most part]
"Let's give it up for Haruka and Michiru! Alright, alright! A class act those two!"
Heather: Okay, who's next on this li…oh god…
J.K.: What?
Sassy: Oh, I can't be that…bad…oh…oh dear.
Svengallop: Well, there goes the rest of the evening.
Pink Panther: I don't suppose it's bad to remain at least…cautiously optimistic? Hopefully…yeah…
[Cut to Squidward as he comes onto the stage with polite applause, though some people can't help but make remarks. Vendetta and Zim sneer at each other]
Angelica: Oh, brother, this guy's coming on…
Arnold: Well…this should be an interesting experience. Of course, I could be completely off.
[Squidward maintains his composure as he stands in the center of the stage while trying not to pay too much attention to the meticulous eyes of the judges, especially noticing the table at the back seating Mr. Krabs, Pearl K., and Mrs. Puff. Off to the other side are Plankton and Karen looking expectant for the octopod to somehow foul up]
[The Octopod pulls out his clarinet, positions himself, and begins a solo rendition of his piece from Suction Cup Symphony. Much to the surprise of everyone, he seems to be playing it beat for beat]
Heather: Holy crap…
Svengallop: Am I seeing this right…or is he actually producing genuine music?
[Cut to Mr. Krabs, Pearl, and Mrs. Puff looking rather stunned by the spectacle before cutting to Plankton's jaw dropped. Karen uses a finger to raise it back up]
Mr. Krabs: Well, blow me down…
[Cut back to Squidward as his solo appears to be carrying the entire orchestra in the background, subtly at first, but it appears to become more noticeable as the tune progresses]
[The squid is especially focused on the climax as if he were giving Cat Concerto a run for its money]
[In Squidward's head, he pictures himself conducting the orchestra played by the Nicktoons cast, consisting of strings, brass, woodwinds, drums, cymbals, etc]
[As Squidward swings his baton to the final verse, we transition back to reality as he plays the last long note…silence fills the restaurant…]
[Squidward waits with bated breath…before the audience erupts into a standing ovation, much to his genuine surprise. Cut to the audience]
Rocko: Well, I'll be dipped…
Arnold: Color me surprised…
[Cat gives a whistle before cutting back to Squidward as a proud smile crosses his face, taking a grateful bow as he heads back behind the curtains]
[The scene transitions to the musicians back on stage once more as the judges have tallied the results]
Sassy: First of all, we would like to thank you all for a wonderful night.
Pink Panther: Indeed, and I'm sure you've all worked hard to get to this point. But as you know, only one of you can be the winner.
Heather: I think you'll find the placements suit our professional opinions.
J.K.: So, let's see which of you failed and which of you actually proved yourselves…
[The results barring the final three are shown on a large monitor;
10th Place: Bonkers
9th Place: Mordecai and Rigby
8th Place: Spongebob Squarepants
7th Place: Ruby and Sapphire
6th Place: Puss in Boots
5th Place: Tom and Jerry
4th Place: Thomas O'Malley, Scat Cat, Hit Cat, Peppo, Shun Gon, Billy Boss
Mordecai and Rigby roll their eyes at this while Garnet just shrugs]
Thomas: Yikes, talk about not even standin' on the podium.
Scat Cat: Yeah well, at least three of them judges are sticklers.
Thomas: I suppose so…hey, at least we actually got to perform in front of a crowd.
Scat Cat: Which is more than can be said for that other club.
Svengallop: Now then, it all comes down to which of you impressed us the most, and admittedly…it was a rather tough decision. But, enough procrastination, here are the results…
[Octavia, Haruka, Michiru, and Squidward all wait with bated breath, Octavia curls up a string of hair on her finger, Haruka and Michiru lock hands with each other, and Squidward makes a fingers crossed gesture]
[The monitor updates the final three placements:
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
3rd Place: Squidward Tentacles
2nd Place: Haruka Tenoh and Michiru Kaioh
1st Place: Octavia Melody]
[Octavia bursts into tears, putting both hands on her face as the audience cheers, particularly Vinyl, Lyra, and Bon Bon]
Vinyl: Alright! That's my girl!
Octavia: Oooooooh…thank you, thank you! This is…I'm truly honored…
[The judges look towards Jim]
Sassy: You had a role in that one, didn't you?
J.K.: What can I say, her lyrics spoke to me. Besides, I didn't want to rely solely on audience favoritism.
[Cut to Haruka and Michiru glancing at each other before giving a smile]
Michiru: You're still a winner in my books.
Haruka: …Oh, come here.
[Haruka wraps her arm around Michiru's waist to pull her into a kiss. Cut to the Sailor Guardians clapping and cheering...Minako especially gives a rather dramatic performance]
Minako: Hoooooooo, their love is the purest of them all!
[Squidward sighs as he looks over to the crowd…besides the obvious with Spongebob pouring his heart out in cheers, his side of the crowd appears to be showing genuine support looking at him. He gradually loosens up and gives a smile, taking a bow in response and a little wave of his tentacle]
[Transition to the aftermath of the show where everyone is chatting amongst themselves while Squidward is sitting by himself, wiping his forehead with a rag. He gives a sigh before Spongebob pulls up next to him]
Spongebob: Heeeey, Squidward! Oh, you were brilliant out there!
Squidward: Heh, you really think so?
Spongebob: Oh, I know so. Third place out of ten isn't so bad, especially considering you came ahead of me.
Squidward: That I did…[sighs]...I just can't believe it's over…
Spongebob: Well, at least you can say this was a better outing than usual.
Squidward: Seeing as no one booed me off the stage or threw tomatoes at me, I guess it was…hmmhmm, suppose it was worth it after all.
[Squidward looks over to Octavia donning the gold first place medal around her neck while being swarmed by her peers. Pan over to Haruka and Michiru in a similar position, each donning a silver second place medal. Cut back to Squidward looking down at his third place bronze medal]
Squidward: This is normally the part where I would engage in self-loathing...[smiles]...but not this time.
[Transition to later in the night as the door to a condo opens up with Svengallop entering]
Svengallop: [sighs] Talk about one hell of a night…
[Cut to the stallion passing through the hallway till, out of the corner of his eye, he spots the newspaper from earlier in the morning. It reads "See the antics of Troubleshoes Clyde this coming Friday, followed by "Feather Bangs releases new album titled 'Darling']
Svengallop: Hmmm…interesting...
[The door to the house closes]
[Cut to black]
Character Guide:
Squidward Tentacles, Spongebob Squarepants, Mr. Krabs, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, Plankton, Karen, Gary, Pearl, Mrs. Puff - Spongebob Squarepants
Angelica Pickles, Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Lil and Phil DeVille, Susie Carmichael, Kimi Watanabe-Finster - Rugrats
Arnold Shortman, Gerald Johannsen, Helga Pataki, Phoebe Heyerdahl - Hey Arnold!
Anne Gora - SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
Cat, Dog - CatDog
Carmen Sandiego - Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?
Cosmo, Wanda, Timmy Turner - The Fairly Oddparents
Haruka Tenoh (Sailor Uranus), Michiru Kaioh (Sailor Neptune), Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury), Rei Hino (Sailor Mars), Makoto Kino (Sailor
Jupiter), Minako Aino (Sailor Venus), Chibiusa (Sailor Chibi Moon), Setsuna Meioh (Sailor Pluto), Hotaru Tomoe (Sailor Saturn) - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Heather - Total Drama
Jenny Wakeman (XJ-9) - My Life as a Teenage Robot
James Kristal (Pseudonym for the actual name) - That one franchise...Sing
Norbert, Daggett - The Angry Beavers
Octavia Melody, Vinyl Scratch, Lyra Heartstrings, Bon Bon, Sassy Saddles, Svengallop, Troubleshoes Clyde, Feather Bangs - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Penny Proud, Penny Proud, Dijonay Jones, Zoey Howzer, LaCienega Boulevardez - The Proud Family
Pink Panther - The Pink Panther
Robin Hood - Robin Hood (1973)
Rocko - Rocko's Modern Life
Sly Cooper - Sly Cooper
Thomas O'Malley, Scat Cat, Hit Cat, Peppo, Shun Gon, Billy Boss - The Aristocats (1970)
Bertie, Diesel, Stanley, Bulgy, George - Thomas and Friends
Bonkers - Bonkers
Charlotte, Vendetta - Making Fiends
Danny Fenton - Danny Phantom
Dylan, Dolly, Dawkin, Dante, Deepak, Dizzy, Dee-Dee, Dorothy, Diesel, Dimitris, Destiny, Dallas, Deja Vu, Da Vinci, Delgado, D.J. - 101 Dalmatian Street
Eliza Thornberry - The Wild Thornberrys
Garfield, Odie - Garfield
Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Amethyst, Pearl - Steven Universe
Ginger Foutley - As Told By Ginger
Jake Long - Jake Long: American Dragon
Jimmy Neutron - The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
Kim Possible, Shego - Kim Possible
Mordecai, Rigby - Regular Show
Mr. Bilk, Gordon Quid, Waffle - Catscratch
Noddy - Noddy
Po Ping, Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Viper, Crane - Kung Fu Panda
Puss in Boots - Shrek / Puss in Boots
Ren, Stimpy - Ren and Stimpy
Snap - Chalk Zone
Tom Cat, Jerry Mouse - Tom and Jerry
Zim - Invader Zim