Why Bluey Calls Bandit Telemachus (A Bluey Deep Dive)
Episode description
This episode is the second installment of Season One and features a relatable premise for any tired parent: turning a rest into a game.
Episode Overview
Title: Hospital (Originally misspelled as "Hospitals" on the title card).
Airdate: First aired October 2, 2018, on ABC.
Key Characters: Bandit (Dad), Bluey, and Bingo. Chilli is notably absent from this episode.
The Setup: Exhausted from playing, Bandit asks for a game where he can just "lie really still," leading to a game of "Hospital".
The "Medical" Plot
The Patient: Bandit plays a character named Telemachus. This is a nod to the son of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey.
The Diagnosis: After several "needles" from Dr. Bluey, an X-ray reveals a possum-shaped cat inside Bandit's tummy.
The Surgery: Dr. Bluey attempts to operate but accidentally removes an octopus instead. She eventually gives up when the "cat" bites her.
The Cure: Nurse Bingo saves the day by realizing there is also a mouse in his tummy. They lure the mouse out with cheese, and the cat follows. Bandit is declared cured, though he receives one final needle for the road.
Production & Trivia
Firsts for the Series:
First use of the catchphrase "Hooray!".
First time Bingo reads the title card.
First and only episode to feature a cappella music.
Creative Team: Written and created by Joe Brumm with music by Joff Bush.
Cultural References: Beyond the Odyssey reference, the music is reportedly inspired by the 1989 Pixar short Knick Knack.