“Bluey” enthusiasts are aware of the show’s hidden messages for both parents and children. After all, what makes it exceptionally appealing to adults is its relatable adult characters.
For instance, in the beach episode “Stickbird,” Bandit (David McCormack) appears troubled. The mystery of what’s bothering him creates intrigue and leaves viewers questioning if something significant occurred.
So, what happened to Bandit?
In the “Bluey” episode “Stickbird,” Bandit, Bluey’s father, grapples with inner turmoil during a family beach trip. Bandit appears distant as Chilli teaches stick-throwing to the kids, leaving fans curious about his sadness. Creator Joe Brumm intentionally kept the cause ambiguous, emphasizing the importance of addressing rumination rather than pinpointing the issue. Thus highlighting the struggle of letting go of control and validation.
Explained: What Made Bandit Upset in the Bluey Show?
The beloved animated series “Bluey” is not just a show for kids; it often delves into complex themes that resonate with both parents and young viewers.
In one particularly poignant episode, titled “Stickbird,” the show explores the inner workings of Bandit, Bluey’s father, and his unspoken struggles.
In this episode, the Heeler family is enjoying a beach vacation. While Chilli is teaching Bluey and Bingo the art of throwing sticks, Bandit appears distant and contemplative, sitting by their umbrella.
Chilli notices his preoccupation and encourages him to let go and enjoy the moment. Bandit tries to join in but remains visibly upset.
A pivotal moment occurs when Bandit and Bingo construct a bird out of sand and beach debris, and a group of children runs by, taking the stick forming the bird’s head.
Bingo is heartbroken, but Bandit offers a gentle lesson in resilience.
He tells her,
“When you put something beautiful into the world, it’s no longer yours, really.”
This simple yet profound message touches upon the essence of creativity and the act of sharing one’s creations with the world.
Bandit’s reaction to the stolen stick raises questions about his own emotional state. Has something been troubling him?
Then, Bluey, in her playful wisdom, teaches Bingo to cast away her worries metaphorically, and Bandit follows suit. This subtle parallel between the children’s and Bandit’s experiences hints at a deeper emotional struggle.
Fans of the show have speculated about the cause of Bandit’s distress. Some theories suggest it might be related to his work as an archaeologist.
Perhaps a research paper received a lukewarm reception, or his findings were debunked. Whatever the reason, Chilli’s admonition to stop letting it get to him underscores that whatever occurred is beyond his control, much like the boys who took the stickbird’s head.
Renowned author, psychologist, and parenting expert Steve Biddulph highlighted the importance of this episode in shedding light on a father’s mental health.
In his Facebook community group ‘Raising Girls,’ he acknowledged the show’s subtle exploration of the challenges fathers face in dealing with their emotions.
Podcast insights from “Behind Bluey,” hosted by the series creator Joe Brumm, offer further understanding of Bandit’s state of mind.
Brumm explained that the specifics of Bandit’s worry were intentionally left vague. It could be related to health, work, relationships, or family matters, reflecting the complexity of real-life issues.
The focus was not on solving the problem but on something else. Brumm said:
“So it wasn’t really important that we ever got into what his issue was. It was more about not even solving what his issue is, but at least stopping the rumination.”
Also, as per Brumm, the inspiration behind the “Stickbird” episode came from real-life experiences. He shared that the line about releasing something into the world resonated with his own struggles in receiving feedback on certain episodes while working on the show.
It reflects the challenge of creating something meaningful and letting go of the need for control or validation. Brumm revealed:
“It’s interesting putting something into the world. Some episodes work for some people, and some episodes don’t, and you kind of have to detach from all that.”
Overall, “Bluey” acknowledges that parents, like anyone else, can have moments of sadness or distress without an apparent cause.
It normalizes the idea that it’s okay not to know everything about a loved one’s emotions and that sometimes, there’s nothing one can do but be there for support.
What did you think of the “Stickbird” episode of Bluey? Could you relate to Bandit in some way? Should the show have given him an actual problem he was upset over?
Let us know your opinions in the comments below.
