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Time Machine (SB-129)
The Time Machine is a time-traveling device first seen in the Season 1 episode "SB-129". It also appears in the SuperSponge video game.
Description[edit]
The time machine consists of a room, set in the wall of the futuristic Krusty Krab in 4017 A.D. Its interior is colored a light pastel pink, with purple stripes running perpendicular to the green-colored floor; the ceiling is colored a cyan hue, with a single gold light fixture hanging from the ceiling. Upon entering the time machine, Squidward remarks in disdain how he would not have "chosen this for an interior". On the far wall, a mechanical device is affixed, featuring a single large lever (with lights next to it) used to control whether the user travels to the past, present, and future. To activate it, a set of keys has to be turned, similar to how a car is turned on. The exterior's chrome door has a flashing red light on either side, and an alarm sounds every time the machine is used.
Role in series[edit]
SB-129[edit]
The time machine is used throughout the events of the episode "SB-129", first used by Squidward Tentacles to travel to a primordial Bikini Bottom after he becomes accidentally stranded in the future. Upon attempting to escape in the time machine after angering its inhabitants, the primitive versions of SpongeBob and Patrick, Squidward accidentally breaks the machine's lever and becomes stranded in Nowhere. After hearing the Nowhere Voices, Squidward finds the time machine inexplicably resting underneath the dimension and begs it to go home. It transports him to the present where SpongeBob and Patrick are waiting, and Squidward recounts his adventure to the two; after discovering he is the inventor of jellyfishing due to him introducing the sport to Primitive SpongeBob and Primitive Patrick, he states his intention to use the time machine to correct his mistake.
Role in video game[edit]
SuperSponge[edit]
SpongeBob uses the time machine during the events of SuperSponge, though he incorrectly references the time machine's origination and creation being that of Plankton's.
Trivia[edit]
- When PatTron teleports into the futuristic Krusty Krab, the effect's animation is similar to the one used when the time machine travels through time.
- The time machine is located in the futuristic Krusty Krab directly across from a room housing a can opener, as Squidward accidentally journeys into the latter room in order to find the former room.
- The time machine is vaguely reminiscent of TARDIS from Doctor Who, besides the fact that it is not sentient and lacks the appearance of a phone booth.
- This is the first time machine to appear in the series; the second appearing in "Back to the Past", the third appearing in the theatrical film "Sponge out of Water", and the fourth in "Time Machine".
