Michel Gerard and Squidward Tentacles: Two of My Favorite Grumpy Characters

I love watching Gilmore Girls and Spongebob Squarepants and I was struck by how much Michel Gerard (from Gilmore Girls) and Squidward Tentacles (from Spongebob Squarepants) really have in common. They are both highly intelligent and cultured while also being snooty persnickety people who really don't like people but surprisingly have careers in the service industry. They also give off this air of sophistication and have the attitude that they are better than the people around them and for some reason they live in towns that only seem to make them miserable.

Michel works in the hotel industry as the assistant manager/concierge of the Dragonfly Inn, he formerly held the same job title at the Independence Inn. Meanwhile, Squidward Tentacles works as a cashier at the Krusty Krab restaurant.

Although they may have similar negative perspectives about dealing with customers, Michel loves his job and is always coming up with interesting ideas to improve the inn such as including spa packages (too bad Lorelai Gilmore didn't approve his suggestion because it's a good idea). While Squidward completely hates his job and does the absolutely bare-minimum at it. I never understood why he doesn't look for a job that actually interest him preferably something in the arts since he has a big interest in music and art.

I find it interesting that they both seemed to have so much disdain for people yet they work in jobs where they have direct contact with customers. They also work with extremely talkative and exuberant people (Lorelai and Spongebob Squarepants) who they tend to be annoyed with. Despite Michel and Squidward's annoyance for their talkative coworkers being broadcast loud and clear, that doesn't seem to bother Lorelai and Spongebob who regard them as friends. However, in Michel's case the friendship with Lorelai is mutual, he just doesn't seem to be able to express his feelings in the best way. While Squidward seems to tolerate Spongebob at best, he has on occasion shown a bit of admiration and concern towards Spongebob and a willingness to help him out when needed.

Despite their crabby personalities, they do surprisingly care about others. However, I noticed that both see themselves as being misunderstood as well as unappreciated. But their dispositions really don't help them in trying to connect with people. Especially when they see those around them as being rather uncouth or uncivilized and not to mention they can be a tad rude and pretentious while also giving sarcastic responses.

But you know what, these little quirks are what make them who they are and the reason why so many fans (including myself) love them. They are interesting characters that just so happen to be very grumpy.