August 25th 2024.
My partner and I have fallen under the spell of a magnificent series. Every evening, our home echoes yours. We come back from work, dinner is cooking, and our household chores are neglected as we immerse ourselves in endless Bluey episodes. It has become a nightly ritual for us, and we can't get enough.
What's interesting is that there are no children in our home begging to stay up late. It's just the two of us, both in our late twenties, childless, yet completely captivated by this beautiful show. For those who may not know, Bluey is an Australian animated series featuring a family of anthropomorphic dogs: six-year-old Bluey, her younger sister Bingo, and their parents Bandit and Chilli. The episodes are short, about 8-10 minutes, and each one has a clear moral lesson with vibrant colors and lively characters.
The show revolves around the boundless energy and imagination of Bluey and Bingo, while their parents try to keep the household running. Conflict is rare, and on the surface, it may seem odd that two adults without children would be so invested in a kids' show like this. Personally, I tend to gravitate towards TV shows that are gritty, messy, and serious - Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Succession, to name a few. Even my favorite comedies and dramas have a cynical or gloomy tone - It's Always Sunny, Peep Show, The Office, Arrested Development. But Bluey was different.
My partner and I were introduced to Bluey by a friend who brought her four-year-old son over to our house. He was bored, and we have a subscription to Disney Plus, so we decided to put on Bluey for him. We were expecting to cringe and endure the show, but to our surprise, we were completely hooked. Bluey had us both under its spell in a matter of minutes. It was my partner's idea to continue watching the show after our friends left, and I am grateful to her for encouraging me to give it a chance.
Recently, I re-watched an episode of Bluey that has become my favorite - "Onesies." In this episode, Chilli's sister Brandy comes to visit after four years and brings onesies as gifts for Bluey and Bingo. As Bingo gets lost in her cheetah onesie, chaos ensues. But there is a deeper question at the heart of this episode - why has Brandy been away for so long? As the episode unfolds, we learn that Brandy is unable to have children, and seeing her sister raise Bluey and Bingo was too painful for her. While the girls play in the garden, Chilli and Brandy have a heartfelt conversation and find peace with each other. It's a moment that Bluey and Bingo may not understand, but we as viewers do.
Another episode that struck a chord with us was "Fancy Restaurant." Bluey and Bingo decide to open a restaurant at home and invite their parents to dine. After Bingo creates a "special" dish consisting of jelly, raw spaghetti, hot dogs, and baked beans, Bandit steps in and eats it so Chilli won't have to. The term "smoochy kiss" from this episode has become part of our everyday vocabulary, but what really touched us was when Bandit and Chilli acknowledge that their busy schedules and raising children have taken a toll on their relationship. The episode ends with Chilli rubbing Bandit's back as he gets sick in the garden, all while the children remain oblivious to the emotional journey their parents have been on. I even showed this episode to my own parents, and they enjoyed it too.
Bluey is not just a show for children; it's for adults too, whether you are a parent or not. It reminds us that parenthood is not just about rationality or reason; it's a profound and essential part of being human. My partner and I have chosen not to have children, but watching Bluey has given us a glimpse into what parenthood can be like. And above all, we feel proud watching Bluey because we know it's shaping young minds and helping them become better people.
As I continue to watch Bluey, I see similarities to my all-time favorite TV show - The Simpsons. Both shows have that same warmth and sentimentality that pull at our heartstrings. The episodes that focus on the family unit, rather than just the children, are the ones that leave a lasting impression. And let's be real, Bandit Heeler is basically Homer Simpson in dog form.
Bluey is a heartwarming and life-affirming show that teaches valuable lessons to both children and adults. Each episode may be self-contained, but the overarching theme of the show is about Bandit and Chilli trying to raise their children to be good people. It's a reminder that there is always hope, and that children are the future. So, have you watched Bluey? If not, I highly recommend it. It's a hidden gem that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
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