The burning question fans of SpongeBob SquarePants want to know is what's in the Krabby Patty secret formula. The Reddit community has tossed around its fair share of disturbing secret formula theories, and most of them involve murder, which has some dark implications for Mr. Krabs.
Eugene H. Krabs first appeared in the Season 1, Episode 1, "Help Wanted," where Spongebob gets a job at the Krusty Krab. From his debut, Mr. Krabs is portrayed as a money-obsessed businessman who chooses wealth above all else. Greed is the driving force behind his character, but maybe it's not the only one. Let's discuss the possibility of Mr. Krabs being a serial killer who stalks Bikini Bottom with an unquenchable bloodlust.
The Krabby Patties' Deadly Secret
One of the most popular and disturbing fan theories is that the Krabby Patty formula's secret ingredient is crab meat. After all, it is called a "Krabby" Patty. Although hard evidence is lacking, it would explain why Mr. Krabs is one of the only crabs in Bikini Bottom and the surrounding towns.
Similar to the crab meat theory, fans suggest whale meat is a possible ingredient. It's another horrifying thought that could provide some insight into what happened to Pearl's mother, who's confirmed to be a whale in the SpongeBob SquarePants Trivia Book.
Throughout the series, Mrs. Krabs is alluded to, but no details are ever given regarding her whereabouts. This has led some fans to the morbid conclusion that Mr. Krabs murdered his wife and ground her up into Krabby Patty meat. If this is true, then the success of the whale meat patties prompts Mr. Krabs to replenish his secret ingredient, killing even more whales. Perhaps Pearl is only spared because she represents the last of his fading humanity.
Mr. Krabs Is a Sadist
Mr. Krabs' love of money motivates him to do some bad things. He's conned people into buying worthless junk like with the "#1" hat in "One Krabs Trash," and he's tortured jellyfish in "Jellyfish Hunter" to mass-produce the condiment for his Krabby Patties. He also creates a dangerous amusement park with no regard for the safety of children in "Krabby Land."
While these are all horrific examples of his lack of morality, Mr. Krabs' evil side is most apparent in "One Course Meal." In the episode, Mr. Krabs dresses up as his whale daughter to psychologically torment Plankton. Since whales feed on plankton, this stunt has the Chum Bucket owner fearing for his life, and Mr. Krabs loves every second of it.
Mr. Krabs "Took Care" of The Health Inspector
The idea that Mr. Krabs harvests crab and whale meat might seem far fetched; however, as exemplified in "Nasty Patty," he knows how to hide a body. In the episode, Mr. Krab's believes the health inspector is a con artist looking to score some free food, so he orders SpongeBob to create a tainted Krabby Patty. As the health inspector eats the patty, he chokes on a fly and collapses. Instead of calling for help, Mr. Krabs wants to dispose of the body.
It's not the choice most people would make, especially considering the health inspector's "death" was accidental. Nonetheless, Mr. Krabs follows through with the plan with surprising calmness and confidence. While SpongeBob shows remorse and distress over the incident, Mr. Krabs just wants to get rid of the body as soon as possible. He even handles the police with a cool head, asking them what charges they're bringing him in on, as if he has familiarity with the law.
Mr. Krabs Tried to Kill Squidward
Finally, believing Squidward's art would be worth more with him dead, Mr. Krabs tries to kill Squidward in "Out of the Picture." First, he sends his employee on dangerous missions, hoping he won't return. When that fails, Mr. Krabs tries bashing Squidward's head in with a mallet in a scene reminiscent of Stephen King's The Shining.
Throughout the series, Mr. Krabs displays a lack of empathy and general disregard for people's welfare. Mr. Krabs' willingness to take his long-time employee's life, as well as the other examples provided above, may support the theory that Mr. Krabs is indeed a serial killer.