Bikini Bottom

Revision as of 09:25, 21 October 2007

Bikini Bottom is a fictional city that appears in the Nickelodeon animated television series, spongeBob Squarepants. Located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, it is where the series' main characters live, and where most of the episodes take place.

Bikini Bottom is similar to an average American city. The city consists of various businesses, including restaurants, stores, and manufacturers. The city has a stable economy, a balanced education and health systems, a structured government, and a firm law enforcement system. There are even stadiums, amusement parks, and other recreational facilities.

Geography

Bikini Bottom's geography is shown as consisting of mountains, dense forests, lakes, lagoons, caves, grasslands, reefs and rivers. In "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie", volcanoes, trenches and deserts are shown in the surrounding region.

Major geographic features have colorful names including Goo Lagoon, Goo Lagoon Sea Caves, Sand Mountain, Flounder Hill, Guppy Mound, Kelp Forest, Kelp Swamp, Kelp Caves, Kelp Vines, Jellyfish Fields, Jellyfish Lake, Spork Mountain, The Brain Coral Fields, Make Out Reef, Mount Climb-Up-and-Fall-Off, Mount Kabloovious (volcano at the nearby town of Palm Bay), Rock Bottom (a separate city located at the bottom of a trench), Ancient Mariner Valley, Mermalair (a man-made underground cavern) and Atlantis.

Location

Bikini Bottom is located at the bottom of the Pacific ocean, next to its signature island, Bikini Atoll, according to Stephen Hillenburg. There are many instances of proof on the show: After being scared off by ghosts, Sandy Cheeks evacuated to Texas. She was seen flying east from the Pacific Ocean. In the Employee of the Month computer game, a fish mentions that Bikini Bottom is located in the Pacific Ocean. In The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, when SpongeBob was singing the "Goofy Goober Rock", the camera rose out of the water into outer space. When it did, it came out of the Pacific Ocean. In the TV commercial "Plankton's Holiday Hits", Bikini Bottom is revealed to be part of the United States, and its residents Americans. Bikini Bottom is placed beneath its namesake island, Bikini Atoll, in the Pacific Ocean. Bikini Bottom's location at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean is mentioned or referred to in several different episodes, and in the movie The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Cityscape

The city is divided into various districts, including Downtown Bikini Bottom, Goo Lagoon, Sand Mountain, Jellyfish Fields, Kelp Forest, the Flying Dutchman's Graveyard, Residents' Row (SpongeBob's / Patrick Star's/Squidward Tentacles's homes), Make Out Reef, Ancient Mariner Valley (the location of Neptune's Paradise.) and Palm Bay.

The city is divided by its main road, Conch Street, which runs from downtown and past the homes of SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick, through the Krusty Krab restaurant, the Chum Bucket and the Reef Theatre cinema. The road intersects with Barnacle Road and Coral Avenue. Anchor Way is not far off from Conch Street. Conch Street runs north-south as revealed in the SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom video game. Downtown Bikini Bottom is located in the northernmost point of the city, while SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick's House are on the southern part of the road. Goo Lagoon is located west of the road, while Jellyfish Fields is to the east. Other establishments are located more southerly, including Sandy's house, Shady Shoal's, the Krusty Krab, the Chum Bucket, and the Movie Theater. The Kelp Forest is located more southerly.

The County Line is the boundary of Bikini Bottom and in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie video game, it is very close to downtown Bikini Bottom. This is very fitting, given that it serves as the northernmost district of Bikini Bottom, according to the SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom video game.

In every episode in which the skyline of Bikini Bottom is shown, features such as buildings, houses, and anchors can be seen. This is most likely Mr. Krabs's house. In earlier episodes of the series, a red flower arch can be seen, which now no longer appears in the skyline. The Sea Needle, which is the tallest point in Bikini Bottom, is oddly never seen in the skyline. The Sea Needle only appears in two episodes of SpongeBob, Pre-Hibernation Week and Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy II. The Sea Needle also appears in the video game, Battle for Bikini Bottom where it is shown just outside of downtown Bikini Bottom. In some episodes, a lighthouse appears in the skyline, most likely Mrs. Puff's Boating School. Other episodes feature the Krusty Krab's Marquee. A large clam-shaped structure, most likely a propeller from a ship, is seen in some episodes.

In the center of Bikini Bottom the citizens work and live in large, gray buildings made of metal. There are some other forms of buildings, mostly aquatic-themed as seen above. Further out from the town citizens need to use whatever is available and easy to live in, such as Patrick's rock, SpongeBob hollowed-out pineapple, and the stone monument Squidward lives in.

Climate

Since Bikini Bottom is in the Pacific Ocean below Bikini Atoll, it should have a sunny subtropical climate. It receives rain and snow from the nearby icebergs and having its own ski resort which sometimes receives snow. The clouds are shaped like flowers, which SpongeBob does not notice until "Pressure" where he says "You know what that cloud looks like? A flower", and Sandy replies "They all look like flowers, SpongeBob, all the time."

Inhabitants

Population

The population of Bikini Bottom is uncertain. The creator of the show, Stephen Hillenburg, confirmed that Bikini Bottom is a large city. Before almost leaving the city, Sandy Cheeks sang a song about the city, describing it as "Crowded and Smoggy," which are the characteristics of Los Angeles, although the physical look & feel of Bikini Bottom suggests that it is in fact a much smaller city. A one-time Pretty Patties joint created by SpongeBob attracted 46,853 customers. Almost everyone from the city is there, which may suggest a population of around 50,000. In the episode Squilliam Returns, Squidward mentions Bikini Bottom is a "hick town", meaning it is probably quite small like most hick towns. Also, in Krusty Towers, Squidward mentions Bikini Bottom is in the middle of scenic nowhere, which could mean it's very small, which is the criteria of isolated cities.

Demographics

Bikini Bottom's populace, like that of the rest of the series, consists of various anthropomorphic fish, whales, crabs, sponges, octopi, starfish, anchovies, lobsters, sharks, and most other forms of sea life, including sea monsters. Some forms of sea life, like jellyfish, seahorses, snails, and worms aren't sentient however, and are treated like pets or wild animals. An example of this is SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary. The first known land creature to live in Bikini Bottom was the Dark Knight, an ancestor of Sandy Cheeks, before the 12th century (Bikini Bottom was then known as Bikini Bottomshire). Sandy Cheeks, a squirrel from U.S.A. is (along with Jerry the Snail and Wormy the caterpillar) the only land creature seen living in modern Bikini Bottom.

Animals

In Bikini Bottom, animals are similar to those "animals" in the real world. Some are treated as pets, while others live in the wild.

A majority of "animals" live in the wild. First and foremost, jellyfish are similar to bees. There are many types of jellyfish that live in Bikini Bottom. Pink are the most common, blue are uncommon, green are rare, purple are very rare and only one albino jellyfish exists. White and orange jellyfish are seen in the videogame Lights, Camera, PANTS!. Jellyfish reside mainly in Jellyfish Fields, which has a population of four million jellyfish. They make and live in hives, another similarity to real-world bees. In earlier episodes, jellyfish were plain pink, but later on, more jellyfish began to appear with spots, but plain pink ones still exist. Jellyfish are similar to cows in that they can be "milked" for their fresh jellyfish jelly. Second, scallops are similar to birds. They are usually found in groups at Goo Lagoon, particularly acting as seagulls. Scallops are usually orange or purple. There is also a colossal clam named Clamu in the Bikini Bottom Stadium. It's currently a mother of one. Third, seaslugs were seen in the video game, SpongeBob SquarePants: SuperSponge. They are known to dislike everyone. Fourth, seahorses, which are similar to horses, can be ridden and are very interested in food. Fifth, the Alaskan Bull-Worm is a large, omnivorous worm that attacked various parts of Bikini Bottom in its sleep in "Sandy, SpongeBob, and the Worm". It eventually went on to destroy the entire city. Sixth, sea urchins, which are small "bug-like" creatures whose bites cause severe itchiness (a possible similarity to fire ants or mosquitoes). Seventh, Nematodes which are worm like creatures that travel in groups and consume common objects by eating or drinking them. They once destroyed SpongeBob's house by sucking the pineapple juice out of it.Other "animals" are treated as pets. Two well-known "pets" are snails and worms. Snails are similar to cats and are common as pets, but they are also known to lurk in alleys and forests. A well-known character Gary the Snail is one of them. Worms are similar to dogs, and are also common as pets. At one point SpongeBob also owned a worm and a jellyfish.

History

The history of Bikini Bottom can be traced back to the Permian period (which looked more like the Tertiary period in the prehistoric Bikini Bottom). During a time travel, Squidward Tentacles accidentally made his way to this era, and inadvertently invented the sport of jellyfishing. Years later, in a more advanced prehistoric time (possibly the Cretaceous era, since a pterodactyl was seen flying at the opening scene; however, the prehistoric Bikini Bottom looked more like the late Quarternary era), SpongeGar, Patar, and Squog (possible ancestors of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward, respectively) discovered fire.

In the Medieval Era, Bikini Bottomshire was under the rule of King Krabs (ancestor of Eugene H. Krabs) and was under attack by the evil wizard, Planktonomor (ancestor of Sheldon J. Plankton). SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star were transported to this time after a jousting accident. They were expected to arrive in this era because they were the "prophecy." According to Princess Pearl, "the prophecy" was that they (SpongeBob and Patrick) were the ones to save the kingdom. Princess Pearl (daughter of King Krabs) was kidnapped by Planktonomor's fire-breathing jellyfish, and taken hostage at Planktonomore's tower. Fulfilling the prophecy, SpongeBob and Patrick saved Princess Pearl and defeated Planktonomor. Later, during a parade while celebrating SpongeBob and Patrick's heroic deeds, King Krabs invented the Krabby Patty, which would be passed down through the Krabs family, and the formula being kept secret.

The modern era is very quite similar to the real world, in that sporting events began, as well as the establishment of businesses, and the growth of the city. In the early 20th century, about 1902, a sporting event called the "Great Snail Race" was started, and Lightning Larry Luciano won the first race. However, not much more information about the Great Snail Race is known, until 102 years later. Around the 1920s and 1930s, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy were born. Mermaid Man first used his utility belt around 1937. From there on, he used his belt to protect Bikini Bottom from evil. He would later join with Barnacle Boy to fight crime together.

On November 30, 1942, Eugene H. Krabs was born. In his childhood, he immediately became a financial genius as he is known today. In 1947, his father gave him a dollar, in which he loved so much; however he spent it on a soda, which was upsetting to him. Soon he went to Posiden Elementary and met a friend, Sheldon J. Plankton. The two opened up a restaurant and after accidentally killing someone with their tainted patty, they had an argument and became bitter rivals, inventing the Krabby Patty secret formula in the process. Not long after, a war occurred, in which the events are unknown. After the war, Mr. Krabs fell into a deep depression, which seemed endless; however, a bankrupt retirement home, the Rusty Krab, gave him hope. Mr. Krabs decided to buy the building, rename it, marking the establishment of the Krusty Krab. A famine in 1959 wiped out the chum crops, causing Mr. Krabs to give his employees a break. It was about 1977 when Plankton first tried to steal the secret formula. Mr. Krabs and Plankton competed against each other in the Fry Cook Games, which started around 1981. Mr. Krabs won gold one year for lifting two barrels of pickles. Plankton won a gold medal one year himself for performing an Onion Ring routine sporting a broken antenna.

On July 14, 1986, SpongeBob SquarePants was born. In his early childhood, he received Gary as a pet, and Patrick as a friend. He attended school, and one of his teachers was Mrs. Shell. Sandy Cheeks arrived in Bikini Bottom around 1998. Her mission was to conduct scientific experiments, in her treedome. She brought Christmas to Bikini Bottom, and it was Squidward who saw it through. About 2001, in the 21st annual Fry Cook Games, Mr. Krabs and Sheldon J. Plankton were represented by their loyal fry cooks for the first time since they first competed against each other. SpongeBob SquarePants for the Krusty Krab and Patrick Star for the Chum Bucket. Around 2002, Mr. Krabs and Plankton celebrated 25 years of their rivalry. Plankton acquired help from his family, which was eventually foiled by Mr. Krabs. The 102nd running of the snail occurred about 2003. Lighting Larry Luncino, still living, lit the torch of good sportsmanship, and the games began. The race resulted in Rocky (Owned by Patrick Star) winning. In 2017, while trying to hide from SpongeBob and Patrick, Squidward Tentacles froze in the Krusty Krab freezer, staying there for 2000 years, but eventually coming back.

In the present time, Bikini Bottom has had various occurrences of destruction. In Dying for Pie, a bomb pie fell on Squidward's face, causing a nuclear explosion (with Squidward dead center). The bomb directly refers to the US American series of nuclear bomb tests off the Bikini Atoll from 1946 to 1958, and brief footage of the oft-used Crossroads Baker explosion of 25 July 1946 at Bikini is shown. In "Sandy, SpongeBob, and the Worm", an Alaskan Bull Worm struck Bikini Bottom, which made Sandy hunt it down. Bikini Bottom was moved away, but the worm crushed it. In "Wormy", while Sandy was out of town SpongeBob and Patrick were given the duty of taking care of her pets, one of which was a caterpillar named Wormy. Wormy grew into a butterfly overnight, which caused SpongeBob and Patrick to freak out, thinking Wormy's dead. They then proceeded to cause a mass hysteria that lead to the city's destruction. Global warming also took effect in the short, "The Endless Summer."

Years later, Mr. Krabs opened a second restaurant, namely the "Krusty Krab 2." Plankton initiated his evil Plan Z, and stole King Neptune's Crown, thereby framing Mr. Krabs. He was frozen because of this; however, SpongeBob and Patrick set out toward Shell City to retrieve Neptune's crown, and then saved the day.

In 4017, Squidward was unfrozen from the freezer, and found out that Bikini Bottom was advanced and painted entirely of chrome. He used a time machine, but accidentally went back too far, to the early prehistoric era.

In the next eternity, Squidward Tentacles and SpongeBob SquarePants are still alive, working at the Krusty Krab as skeletons.

Government

Bikini Bottom's government, although uncertain, are set up just as they would be in the real world. Three different types of governments rule over Bikini Bottom: Monarchy, Republic, and Totalitarian (although temporarily).

Monarchy has been a political system since at least the Medieval era, before the 12th century. Although there have been three families ruling Bikini Bottom, it can be logically correct. King Krabs is the earliest known king. He ruled over Bikini Bottomshire during the Medieval era, and his daughter, Princess Pearl, was the heir to the throne.[1] It is possible that the Krabs "dynasty" could have spawned over different generations, but this is not confirmed. At is most likely that the Neptune "dynasty" followed, as there has been a mention of "Neptune XIV", who rules during the present time. A book entitled "SpongeBob Meets the Princess" tells a story where "Princess Neptune" visited Bikini Bottom. It is most likely she is the daughter of King Neptune XIV, whop appeared in "Neptune's Spatula." Since the movie takes place sometime after the series, King Neptune (most likely XIV) governs over the sea and, for example, punishes anyone who steals his crown. He lives in his own castle in Atlantis, which is very close to the Bikini Bottom city limits.[2] His daughter, Princess Mindy, is the heir to the throne after her father. She is Princess of the Sea, and will be Queen of the Sea someday.[2] In Rule of Dumb, it is revealed that Bikini Bottom had another family ruling Bikini Bottom. King Amoeba and Queen Mildew are featured as monarchs on a family tree. They are the great-great-grandparents of Patrick and Gary. Since their four children are shown to be one prince and three princes, and not Kings, it is most likely that Amoeba and Mildew's oldest child, Princess Tulsa is not shown as Queen, and generations afterward do not show and further royal titles. It is very likely that this "dynasty" occurred in the middle of the Neptune dynasty and ended possibly in the 19th or early 20th centuries. In "Rule of Dumb" Patrick discovers his royal family, which is not the Star family, but comes from his paternal grandmother's side. It is stated that he is the new ruler of Bikini Bottom. Since the Neptune dynasty was still occurring, it is likely that Neptune XIV died and his heir was not yet ready to rule. After becoming king, Patrick ruled like a tyrant until the citizens became tired of him. Afterwards, Patrick decided to quit just when it was revealed at the end of the episode, that Gary's father Sluggo is the older child of Princess Tulsa, and Gary is crowned King. It is likely that this occurred about a decade before the birth of Princess Mindy. King Neptune XV could have taken over after Gary's reign, thereby allowing the Neptune "dynasty" to return. The order of monarchs would look like this:

• King Krabs (11th/12 century)
• Princess Pearl (11th/12 century)
• Neptune I - XIII (After Krabs' dynasty and before the modern time)
• In between above: King Ameoba and Queen Mildew
• Return of Neptune I - XIII
• Neptune XIV
• Patrick Star
• Gary the Snail
• Neptune XV
• Princess Mindy

Bikini Bottom's known Republic form of government contains two known positions: the Mayor and the President. The mayor, (whose name is uncertain), has been known to open unfinished bridges and present the Great Snail Race. The president is elected by the residents of Bikini Bottom. Squidward ran for president, but was revealed to be the president of "The Secret Royal Order of the Good Neighbor Lodge Then, on February 19, 2007, Patrick Star beat Larry the Lobster in the 2007 Election on Nick. The score: 100%-0.

After initiating his evil Plan Z, Plankton brought Bikini Bottom's populace into slavery. He renamed Bikini Bottom as Planktopolis, and become its dictator. He created a Totalitarian form of government. By then, Plankton ruled the city as King Neptune was too busy worrying about his "thinning" hair and both the mayor and president were presumably under Plankton's control. However, SpongeBob and Patrick soon put a stop to this and Plankton was ultimately arrested for his actions. Control was then restored to the president and the mayor of Bikini Bottom, and King Neptune.