Mr. Krabs is one of the most hated characters on the television show SpongeBob SquarePants. While fans deplore him, it is clear that the characters in the show do not feel in the same way. If you ask Spongebob, the title character of the show, he will tell you that Mr. Krabs is a great guy. What is the disconnect?
While it is clear that Mr. Krabs has made some questionable decisions, is he really as bad of a guy as everyone thinks?
Good Guy: Public Service
While Mr. Krabs may not always make selfless choices, it's important to acknowledge the good he has done. At one point, Mr. Krabs was in the Navy serving as a janitor. This commitment to public service seems out of character for Mr. Krabs. While we don't know much about the way the Navy runs in Bikini Bottoms, it can be assumed that it is a noble and important job. This background in public service earns Mr. Krabs some respect.
The Worst: Greedy
Mr. Krabs is incredibly greedy. He is willing to screw over almost anybody to make a quick buck. He regularly takes shortcuts and seems to value money above all else, portraying questionable morals. This leads him to take terrible decisions such as underpaying his employees, cutting corners in the workplace which led to dangerous situations, and even committing crimes.
Good Guy: Self Made
While Mr. Krabs is obsessed with money, it is also important to acknowledge his beginnings. Mr. Krabs needed dedication and hard work to get to where he is today, even if he cut some corners along the way. Mr. Krabs did not grow up with money. He planned from the time he was young for his success and was able to rise above all expectations for him to accomplish his goals.
The Worst: Abuses Jellyfish
Jellyfish are one of the most beautiful animals in Bikini Bottoms. They are regularly portrayed to be cheery and delightful creatures. This makes Mr. Krabs' abuse of them deplorable.
hen he discovers the financial value jellyfish can bring, Mr. Krabs harnesses this food immorally. He creates a factory with unsafe and uncomfortable work conditions, harming many jellyfish as he squeezes every last bit of jelly out of them.
Good Guy: Forgiving
Squidward and SpongeBob haven't always been loyal to Mr. Krabs. On several occasions they have wronged him greatly. Squidward has gotten into physical altercations with him and wrecked his store. SpongeBob has made decisions to drive away customers. They have both worked at his biggest competitor's restaurant at one point, working in direct competition with the Krusty Krab.
Still, every time that they come back to him asking for their jobs back, Mr. Krabs agrees. He is forgiving and willing to leave the past in the past and move forward with their relationships.
The Worst: Stole The Krabby Patty Formula
It was revealed that Mr. Krabs and Plankton were friends as children. Together, they created the original formula for the krabby patty. When this original version was unsuccessful, they both wanted to use the base recipe to try and improve their product.
Unfortunately for Plankton, Mr. Krabs took their original version of the recipe. All plankton could acquire was a corner of the paper which said, "chum." Mr. Krabs and Plankton both could have been very successful if they had worked together to build their empire. Instead, Mr. Krabs decided to betray his best friend to gain success for himself.
Good Guy: Good Boyfriend
Mrs. Puff brings out the best in Mr. Krabs. All of his selfish and most terrible traits are put to the side when he is with her. He treats her well, showering her with compliments and gifts. He also gives her his full attention and constantly reminds her how important she is to him.
Mr. Krabs also prepares for the date, making sure he looks and smells his best. This proves that Mr. Krabs can put his selfish attitude aside and value those around him.
The Worst: Abuses Employees
Incredibly low pay aside, the abusive working conditions at the Krusty Krab make it a shock anyone is willing to work there. Mr. Krabs is verbally abusive to his employees. When something goes wrong, he is quick to look for someone to blame and Squidward and SpongeBob are forced to tolerate his wrath. He also forces them to work incredibly long hours, often without a break.
Mr. Krabs provides unsafe working conditions and refuses to take responsibility when his employees get injured. On occasion, he has even tried to charge his employees for doing their jobs!
Good Guy: Great Father
Being a single father is not easy. It's very rare that we see representation of single fathers in the media. Despite some of his poor qualities, it is clear that he really does care for his daughter Pearl.
While his stinginess remains, he does go out of his way to try to give Pearl everything she wants in life and seems genuinely mortified when she is displeased with his attempts. Pearl's cheery attitude, strong social skills, and gorgeous bedroom prove that Mr. Krabs provides for her and treats her well.
The Worst: Tries To Kill Squidward
It's not an exaggeration to say that Mr. Krabs will do anything for money. In one episode, an art collector shows interest in Squidward's work. He wants to collect some of the paintings in the collection. The art collector makes the mistake of saying that the work would be more valuable if the artist behind them were dead.
This prompts Mr. Krabs to send the entire episode trying to murder Squidward so that he can increase the value of the collection and sell it off. Yikes!