review: bluey (seasons 1-3)

It seems like anyone in the Western world with kids - and a fair few of those without - is well aware of the hit children's program from down under that is Bluey, and one more voice saying "this critically acclaimed show is great!" probably isn't necessary.

But, well - this critically acclaimed kid's show is great! I've been loosely familiar with it for a while but only sat down with it in earnest last month, and honestly, I was expecting to bounce around a few of the most highly reviewed episodes and call it a day (possibly literally, given each episode is only some 5-6 minutes long). It is, after all, generally aimed at ages 4-8. Not exactly prestige television.

137 episodes later, I have to concede I was I was a naive fool, arrogantly assuming myself above the seductive pull of an international hit. It got me good, guys! I laughed, I cried, I watched 12 episodes in a row - and it's easy to point a finger at any number of smaller reasons why. The animation is easy on the eyes; the scripting is charming and natural; the actors nail every beat, especially the kids; and the music is incredible, with original instrumental soundtracks crafted for almost every episode. (The Weekend and Rain are some standout samplers.)

The real success in breaching the age and national divide, however, is its commitment to its themes. Bluey creator Joe Brumm had a clear mission from the start, striving to steer clear of any banal droning on the value of numbers and letters, and instead demonstrate to both children and parents the sheer breadth and value of life lessons to be found in play, in trial and error, in exploration, and above all in enjoying each other's company and forging family relationships where you tackle the world together as friends, not foes. There is still friction, of course, and at times Bluey presents a somewhat idealistic view of how much time and energy a parent can expend on a child's games, but it's fascinating to track all the ways it models scenarios to be carried forward into the real world with compassion and humour. Bluey doesn't expect parents or kids to be perfect. It just suggests it's always worth trying to have fun as you go.

Brumm also makes an effort to capture Australia as it's so rarely presented - not the exotic sweepings of the outback, but a suburban Brisbane so familiar I was endlessly giggling in delight to see things I knew and remembered, from skylines to wildlife to cuisine to brightly coloured money. The creative team has firmly resisted attempts to Americanise the show during its export to the US, and good on 'em. It's about time someone else had to put up with our weird quirks.

Of course, the grand heights of Bluey's strengths also mean its failings deserve a harder critical eye. Three seasons and 137 episodes in, the show has failed to even acknowledge LGBTA+ people exist. It grows difficult to see this as anything but a deliberate choice given the content of the show, and it's an unfortunate stain on such an otherwise brilliant track record. I can't say it does too well at delving into daily life for anyone outside the white middle class either. Joe Brumm writes largely from what he knows and it has added a lot of intimate detail; but it's an excuse that only goes so far. Perhaps future episodes will finally do Literally Anything to address these gaps.

In any case, for those interested in sampling some Bluey without committing to the full run, I've compiled some favourites below-

Peak Aussie: Fruitbat, Markets, The Beach, Hammerbarn, Stumpfest, Duck Cake, Road Trip, Ice Cream, Curry Quest, Explorers, Fairytale, Tradies, The Decider

Peak family / life lesson: Bike, Wagonride, Shops, The Dump, Copycat, Teasing, Squash, Piggyback, Escape, Flat Pack, Cafe, Double Babysitter, Handstand, Baby Race, Chest, Pass the Parcel, Driving, Musical Statues, Turtleboy, Smoochy Kiss

Just peak: The Weekend, The Creek, Camping, The Show, Sleepytime, Bin Night, Rain