‘Bluey’ episode proves mature themes can best be processed through eyes of a child

Anybody with a younger sibling knows the upbeat intro of the Australian children’s show, Bluey, all too well. Bluey primarily caters to a younger audience, however, many older viewers also enjoy the show thanks to its charm, cute art style, important messages, and deeper meanings. The younger audiences typically connect with the simplicity of the artstyle, the bright colors, exciting storylines, and heart-warming moments of the show. Older generations can relate to the hidden, heavy struggles of characters, tender moments between parents and children–as well as the ones between siblings– and the overall depth of every interaction between characters. To conclude season three, episode 49 was titled “The Sign” and was around 30 minutes long, making it the longest Bluey episode to air yet. “The Sign” follows a multitude of characters as they face new challenges and heart-warming moments alike.

The introduction of a long-form episode allows the creators of the show to further develop the world of Bluey and character build to new heights and depths. Simultaneously, the audience is able to dive deeper into the storylines of multiple characters. The episode’s length allows the show to portray multiple storylines, one of which follows the Heeler family as they navigate the emotions of moving cities; the accompanying storyline details the struggles of Frisky and Rad as they tie the knot and also face a difficult decision pertaining to moving. Overall, the episode also shows snippets of potential future storylines such as Chili’s sister’s pregnancy, Socks’s newfound ability to speak, and Muffin reenacting her parents’ argument. 

Rad and Frisky’s introduction into the episode is rather unfortunate and yet also the premise of said episode. Early on, the viewers can see that Frisky had to find out that Rad had been making decisions without consulting her. In a panic of mistrust and anger, Frisky runs from her wedding–hosted by the Heeler family in their backyard–and a long chase between Chili, the younger girls, and Frisky ensues. The chase between Frisky and Chili, alongside her gaggle of little children, seems fun, intriguing, and comical to younger audiences watching. However, the reality of the struggles that both Frisky and Chili are facing with uprooting their lives are very heavy yet relatable to a majority of the older audiences watching.

The Heeler family storyline is incredibly heartwarming to watch, especially for anybody that has experienced a big move in their lifetime. The choice to use the Heeler house as a representation of the girls’ childhoods is an especially melancholy moment, allowing the audience to see Chili’s hesitation and sadness as she packs up to leave. The entirety of the episode, Chili soldiers through her emotions, remaining strong for her husband and her kids, something which is all-too-relatable for many mothers. However, Bluey and Bingo were the highlight of the Heeler storyline, with both girls comprehending and processing the move in a slightly different way. Bluey is saddened by the idea of leaving, so she decides, in Bluey fashion, to partially sabotage the move by getting rid of the “for sale” sign. Bluey’s ability to understand the move makes it all the more heartbreaking for viewers as they watch this little girl struggle to accept the idea of uprooting her entire life. On the contrary, Bingo seems completely unbothered by the move, even stating multiple times that she doesn’t understand Bluey’s dejection over the ordeal. Yet once she realizes that selling the house means her family has to actually move out, she begins to grieve for the only home she has ever known. Both girls come to understand the point of the move; however, it doesn’t make it easier on either one of them. 

The two primary storylines come to a beautiful conclusion. Rad and Frisky do continue on with the wedding and happily share that after conversing they’ve decided to stay in town to be closer to family. They come together as a couple and, as for the audience, there’s a strong connection to the arguing and rectifying that many couples face in stressful times. The message that love overcomes all is a strong theme within the Rad and Frisky, a beautiful message to younger audiences and a touching connection for older audiences. The Heeler storyline has a twist ending, especially when considering the fact that the entire episode focuses through bits and pieces on the Heelers’ move. With the family packed up, saddened, and ready to drive away, Bandit seemingly has a change of heart. Although he knows the move would be better for the family financially, he’s more driven to protect the memories and bonds of the place that his children grew up in, while simultaneously protecting the place where he and Chili had nurtured their own relationship.

Overall, “The Sign” tackles a lot of real-world issues in a way that remains child-friendly. The episode brings forth lots of giggles, “awws”, and excitement for younger viewers, but it also creates a rise of emotions in older viewers. The creators of the episode wrote for both audiences incredibly well, showing a harmonious integration of storylines that intrigue children and invoke emotions in adults. Whether the viewer is a child or an adult, Bluey’s longest episode is sure to entertain anyone keen enough to watch. 

GRADE: A+

BLURB: The newest episode of Bluey is a game changer with a structural modification that the series has never done before; a 30 minute episode with multiple storylines.

by Zuzanna Sobkowiak

Oshkosh West Index volume 120 issue VIII