Top 10 Bluey Episodes That Weren't Afraid to Get Experimental
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 “Bluey” Episodes That Weren’t Afraid to Get Experimental. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most notable episodes from the Australian family show that take the most risks storytelling wise, and/or from a technical standpoint. Which of these experimental episodes do you think is executed the best? Let us know in the comments below.
#10: “Chickenrat”
This episode about Chilli, Bluey and Bingo working through their day backwards to recover a misplaced toy named Floppy is pretty unorthodox for a children’s show. While the subject matter is relatively run-of-the-mill, what sets “Chickenrat” apart is its narrative structure. Instead of unfolding chronologically, the plot is essentially revealed in reverse. It’s the kind of thing you’d often see in psychological thrillers, yet the show makes it work for much lighter, kid-friendly fare. Overall, the approach is effective because it keeps Floppy’s location a mystery from the audience, elevating what could otherwise risk being a pretty bland story.
#9: “Family Meeting”
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Granted, the specific elements incorporated here aren’t themselves unique. However, the combination of them all isn’t something we’d expect to see done so well in a show aimed primarily at young children. Potty humor is a pretty common occurrence on “Bluey”, much to Disney’s dismay, but “Family Meeting” takes it up a notch. When Bluey accuses Bandit of passing wind in her face, the family performs a mock trial in order to get to the bottom of things — no pun intended. Simulating a real life situation is on par for “Bluey,” but this particular one isn’t one that we’d expect to see discussed, especially in this unique way!
#8: “Bin Night”
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While "show, don't tell" is the typical rule of thumb in filmmaking, “Bin Night” takes an experimental approach and deviates from that format. It tells the story of Bingo navigating an initially rocky relationship with a new student, Banjo. All of the action between Bingo and Banjo happens off camera, and is recounted to Bandit as well as the audience. Meanwhile, based on the one-on-one conversations between Bingo and her parents, we can assume that Bandit and Chilli are having their own discussions off-screen. Despite making out-of-the-box storytelling choices, “Bin Night” manages to be engaging thanks to the exceptional performances and interesting format.
#7: “Handstand”
This episode is way more layered and intricate than it needs to be, and we’re so glad it goes against the grain. The narrative is relatively simple - Bingo wants someone to watch her perform her handstand, and Nana Chris is looking for a way to be helpful. Yet the method by which the story unfolds is notably complex. Repetition, for instance, plays an important role, as characters are shown doing the same things over and over again. A lot of the action also happens simultaneously, which from a technical standpoint is challenging to animate. Yet all of it comes together seamlessly, creating a viewing experience that’s nothing short of immersive.
#6: “Faceytalk”
Feeling particularly modern, “Faceytalk” features a relatively new filmmaking format that incorporates technology. For much of the run time, the Heelers’ tablet screen takes center stage, showing Bluey and Bingo on a video call with their cousins, Muffin and Socks. The show seemingly draws upon elements of a storytelling technique known as "screenlife,” which emerged in the 2010s and is notably popular in the horror genre. Such modern aspects are paired with a historic example of fine art through the score during the chase sequences, which references the classic French opera, “Carmen.” Talk about bold stuff!
#5: “Blue Mountains”
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This may not be everyone’s favorite “Bluey” installment of all time, but it certainly qualifies as experimental. The animation depicts hand puppetry and makes use of close-ups, and let’s just say the shots aren’t afraid to get personal. In a way that’s similar to the mountain climbing game in “Mount Mumandad,” Bandit’s body becomes the site of Bluey and Bingo’s play, here accompanied by mom Chilli. Of course, the dad gets his own character as well. The perspective is fresh, and takes viewers into the world of the Heelers’ game. Granted, it’s definitely a creative risk. But you can’t have art without risk!
#4: “Escape”
Technically, not much happens in this episode, which primarily shows the Heelers in the car heading to Nana’s house to drop off the girls. However, on the way, Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli tell a collective story that’s brought to life through the animation. Fantastical objects, unrealistic physics, and a lined background give the feel of a child’s drawing and depict the imaginary tale being spun by the Heeler family. “Escape” demonstrates how successful you can be when you literally color outside the lines, while showing what it's like to see the world through the eyes of children.
#3: “Rain”
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Although telling a captivating story with no dialogue isn’t an easy feat, this “Bluey” episode does just that. It begins with a few lines being spoken aloud in order to contextualize the situation. But after that, the words exchanged aren’t audible to the audience. With just visuals, sound effects, and music, the story of Bluey’s determination to build a dam unfolds. Even without a key narrative device, “Rain” manages to portray an emotional tale about persistence and communication. Chilli eventually comes to appreciate Bluey’s child-like ambitions, and even ultimately helps her on her quest.
#2: “Flat Pack”
“Bluey” is known to go deep, but “Flat Pack” is on another level. It’s unconventionally allegorical, especially for a kids show. It tackles many different aspects of life in its two storylines, from the mundane activity of constructing ready-to-assemble furniture to Darwin’s theory of evolution. Bluey and Bingo's imaginative play even explores the cycle of life and death. The result is an unexpectedly thought-provoking episode that has everything needed to appeal to viewers of all ages. To top it all off, Bandit's meta fourth-wall break adds an extra layer of cleverness to the whole affair.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
"Bumpy and the Wise Old Wolfhound"
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"Rug Island"
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"Tina"
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“Dragon”
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#1: “Sleepytime”
With a near perfect score on IMDb, this unearthly episode is undoubtedly top-tier. It visualizes Bingo's celestial dream and depicts her fantastically touring the solar system, while also showing the real happenings of the night in the Heeler home. Although dream sequences aren’t that rare in visual media, this one is both unique and well done. It shows the young Red Heeler exploring space as she inaccurately perceives it. On her journey, both humorous and heartfelt moments occur, which resonate with audiences. Production-wise, “Sleepytime” has beautifully animated lighting and a fantastical musical score composed by Joff Bush. As an imaginative concept that’s wonderfully executed, it’s more than just an experimental episode; it’s a good one.
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