As a TV show fanatic, Bluey has to be one of my favorites. Although the Australian show is directed towards younger audiences, each episode has a deeper, more intricate message that appeals to older viewers as well. The show tackles real-world issues and problems that people face and presents it in a kid-friendly form that appeals to all viewers.
The show is about Australian anthropomorphic animals with most episodes revolving around the blue heeler, Bluey, and the adventures of her exuberant family (Yes, Bluey is a girl). There are many episodes that illustrate the other characters and families, which adds onto the worldbuilding of the Bluey universe.
The animation of Ludo Studio is astounding. The smooth, intricate details are what make Bluey different from other cartoons. The small movements of the animals within the environment, such as the twitching of Bingo’s ears and the little critters and leaves in the forests, are what elevate this show. In some of the episodes’ scenes, it pans out to the landscape so the show-stopping world is highlighted. It truly captures the beauty and essence of what the show is.
Although the music and soundtracks of Bluey are fairly average for a children’s show, they still play a part in highlighting the mood of the scenes. Such as in the episode “Creek,” for example, both animation and soundtrack reach their peak.
One of my favorite parts of Bluey is the characters. It isn’t hard to find your favorite, as there’s hardly anyone to dislike. Of course, the characters will have flaws; they’re human! (Not literally). However, their flaws aren’t something that is negative. It gives them depth. As a viewer, I like the fact that I learn more about each character as an individual. This draws appreciation to the side and background characters. For more insight, watch the episode “Cricket.” (Another of my favorite episodes). The personalities of Bluey’s family are very light-hearted and charismatic. Their dynamic is of a typical, nuclear family, so it’s enjoyable to see.
The episode format is episodic rather than linear, meaning that there is a new theme and topic in each episode. To me, this makes watching very delightful and fresh. I didn’t have to worry about remembering any underlying details from the episodes before, nor did I have to watch them in order. The story is simple, yet effective. My favorite part about Bluey, however, is the message each episode takes. There is always a lesson to be learned. Sometimes, the show’s themes remind me of certain aspects of everyday life that I had otherwise forgotten. They explore complex themes such as infertility, struggles of parenting, insecurity, anxiety, grief, and other topics. They also explore simpler themes, like how to be a good friend and how to be kind. A great example of this would be in the episode “Onesies.”
In the episode, “Onesies,” Brandy, Bingo and Bluey’s aunt, visits the family after not interacting with them for four years. The reason why is revealed later in the episode. When she arrives at their house, she gives the kids onesies. Bluey clearly desires the cheetah onesie that Bingo, her younger sister, was given, but she cannot fit in it. So, when the episode’s second act plays, Bingo “becomes one” with the cheetah onesie, running around feral and truly playing into the cheetah persona. The family then hides from her as a game. During this, Brandy becomes visually upset and Bluey notices. Bluey, in this beautiful and heart-wrenching scene, in which she, just being a nosy kid, inquires as to why Brandy is upset.
Bluey says, “Why can’t she just have the thing she wants?” To which Chilli responds, “Because it’s not meant to be.” She is referring to having children, as the scene then pans out to Brandy sitting with Bingo-turned “Cheetah” in their backyard.
The episode demonstrates a parallel between Bluey and Brandy’s situations. Brandy has fertility problems and cannot have children. Bluey wants the onesie that she cannot fit in. Both have to learn to live with the inability to have something they both desperately want. This episode left me, and my family, in tears.
In short, Bluey is a great show. The smooth animation, diverse characters, and masterpiece of a story are why Bluey should be at the top of your watchlist. Bluey is able to be streamed on Disney+. Tell me about your experience with the show in the comments below.
