TikTok’s algorithm has tried to entertain me with a blue, Australian-accented cartoon dog for a few months now, and I’ve scrolled on, slightly irritated at a kid’s show being recommended to me. While procrastinating this week, I caved and gave the show “Bluey” a shot; it was the most effective brain break I’ve had all week.
Each under-10-minute episode follows six-year-old Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and their parents and friends as they learn to have integrity and expand their imaginations. Bluey is loving and hyperactive, but can be a control-freak at times — much like myself. Sometimes this causes friction with Bingo, who is soft-hearted and just as loving, as she struggles to advocate for herself during disagreements. Ultimately, it’s their unwavering bond that helps them rise above their squabbles and reach a compromise.
At the end of the day, we could all use a little help figuring out when to step up, when to step down and when to take steps towards a middle ground.
In one episode, Bluey fails at learning to ride a bike and quickly gives up; she refuses help and vows to never try again. She sits with her father, and he shares with her that success is rarely achieved on the first attempt. The two watch as Bluey’s friends all individually fail at tasks, like drinking out of a water fountain, reaching the monkey bars and putting on a backpack. All three friends fail miserably, blame themselves in their hopelessness and almost accept defeat. They all channel their disappointment into trying one last time and are finally successful. Bluey and her dad cheer them on the entire time. The resilience and determination of Bluey’s friends inspire her to try riding her bike one more time.
Most stories about not giving up just tell people to work harder, to push yourself to your limits and to be enough, but not “Bluey.” Instead, the moral is that failure is a redirection. With finals approaching, “Bluey” was a healthy reminder that it’s okay to mess up sometimes as long as you keep going.
The show is silly and wholesome; it showcases the beauty of everyday life. The target audience is children and it shows, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable for adults. “Bluey” promotes healthy relationships with both ourselves and others. The animation’s lighthearted life lessons remind adults to have fun, be creative and have integrity in all aspects of life.
“Bluey” can be watched on Disney+, fuboTV or rented from a streaming service.
Studying isn’t something to procrastinate this late in the semester, but for anyone who finds themselves doom-scrolling this week, Bluey would be a worthy and healthy alternative.
