Countless moments throughout Bluey prove that Bandit is the best dad on TV. While Bandit Heeler may not achieve the lofty (and unrealistic) title of “perfect parent,” he’s certainly a stand-out father, so much so that he’s inspired viewers’ real-life parents and guardians. A work-from-home dad, Bandit is most often tasked with watching Bluey and Bingo while his wife, Chilli, works out of the home. It’s a refreshing role reversal, but Bandit isn’t just an exemplary parent because of the time he’s able to spend with his kids. The quality of that time, and the lengths he’ll go to for the pups, are what define him.
However, that doesn’t mean Bandit isn’t flawed. Like any parent, he makes mistakes and doesn’t always handle the aftermath of a bad decision well. Sometimes, he lets his dedication to playing with the kids supersede all else, leading to some fairly outlandish in-public moments for the Heeler clan. Often, Bluey‘s Bandit is TV’s most relatable parent, whether he’s trying to get his kids to listen or pretending to be a sheep. While Bandit may not always take the most conventional approach to parenting, he manages to relate to Bluey and Bingo in ways that are not just welcome, but incredibly important to see on TV.
10 Bandit Is Always Committed To Imaginary Play
A huge part of what makes Bandit a great dad is also what makes him one of the best Bluey characters in general: he’s always down to play. Even if he’s exhausted, Bandit finds a way to appease his children, often letting them pretend he’s part of the imaginary scenery. There’s no doubt that Bandit is the “fun” parent, but that comes with its own challenges. At times, he has trouble setting boundaries or getting the kids to listen, which encourages him to turn more serious tasks into a game. It’s an inventive approach to parenting, and it’s heartwarming to see a father indulge his kids’ imaginations so often.
9 When Bandit Helps Other Kids (Not Just Bluey & Bingo)
While the internet may be rife with wild Bluey fan theories that cast Bandit’s decisions in a questionable light, his on-screen actions tell a different story. Most often, Bandit is a stand-up, big-hearted dog. His love for Bluey and Bingo is evident, but the animated father of the year also takes time to help other kids, including Bluey’s friends. In one episode, the girls’ friend and neighbor Judo stops by to play in a pile of dirt (and, later, mud). Judo’s mom, Wendy, is strict and doesn’t want her daughter playing in the mud. Bandit gently coaxes Wendy to see things differently, which, in turn, helps Judo.
8 Bandit’s Important Realization in “Takeaway”
In “Takeaway,” Bandit is tasked with running a few errands and brings Bluey and Bingo along. Tired of waiting for their to-go food, the girls start to pester Bandit and wreak havoc outside the restaurant. At first, Bandit is (understandably) frustrated and tries to keep his kids in line. Eventually, he comes to an important conclusion: the kids are just being themselves and there’s no reason to be overly stressed. Bluey regularly does a great job of illustrating parenting’s challenges. Bandit’s arc in “Takeaway” isn’t just crucial representation but one of those times Bluey is more for adults than kids.
7 Bandit Will Do Anything To Make His Kids Smile (Even In Public)
As seen in episodes like “Dance Mode” and “Kids,” Bandit will subject himself to just about anything if he’s promised his kids something. Often, he just does silly things to make Bluey and Bingo smile. In “Dance Mode,” Bingo earns the ability to make her parents dance three times at random throughout a day full of errands, leading Bandit and Chilli to eventually bust out some incredible moves. In “Kids,” a trip to the grocery store proves difficult, leading Bandit to put Bluey in charge while he plays the insolent kid. It’s a silly concept, but it gets the kids to laugh, all while teaching them an essential lesson.
6 Bandit Always Puts His Kids First
Even when he’s exhausted, stressed with work, or tackling laundry (yet again), Bandit always puts his kids first. While the Heeler dad could set better boundaries, it’s clear that his love for the girls is ever-present. From giving up his rest to comfort Bingo to incorporating Bluey’s games into his bro event, Stumpfest, Bandit embodies the kinds of sacrifices — big and small — that parents and guardians make for the children in their lives. Given that Bandit is the primary parent in the girls’ day-to-day lives, it’s a refreshing and meaningful dynamic.
5 Bluey’s Dad Understands The Importance Of Mental Health
There are many times when Bluey tackles serious issues, though the episode called “Stickbird” stands out for its portrayal of navigating mental health-related concerns. During “Stickbird,” the Heelers enjoy a day of sun, sand, and waves — but Bandit is clearly preoccupied with something. Unable to be fully present, he often stares off into the distance and remains pretty quiet. “Let it go, babe,” Chilli says. “You’re missing all of this.” While the show never reveals what’s troubling Bandit, it reiterates the importance of honoring one’s mental health, while also encouraging folks to let go of the burdens that bog them down.
4 “Unicorse” Proves How Much Bandit Loves His Family
Although the “Unicorse” episode of Bluey might get under adult viewers’ skin at first, the laugh-out-loud story is actually one of the best examples of Bandit’s love for his family. In fact, the real meaning of Bluey‘s Unicorse will pull at fans’ heartstrings. In the episode, an exhausted Chilli finds herself unable to rest when Bluey requests another bedtime tale. To help an upset Chilli shift her frustrations onto something other than her daughter, Bandit invents the “world’s most annoying” puppet. Bandit knows Chilli’s irritation is temporary (and not really aimed at their daughter) and shields Bluey from any misdirected harm.
3 Bandit Navigates Working From Home & Parenting
Being unafraid to address real-world problems is partly why Bluey is so popular with adults as well as kids. One all-too-common concern is working from home while watching one’s kids — a challenging balancing act that sees parents running the gamut of emotions. At times, Bandit is frustrated with the girls’ many interruptions, but it’s just not something he can fully control. A relatable predicament, Bandit’s work-from-home struggles serve as a reminder to adult viewers that they can’t always do it all — they can just put forth their best, both personally and professionally.
2 Bluey’s Dad Doesn’t Let The Small Things Get To Him
An ongoing gag in Bluey is that Bandit is always having the laundry basket knocked out of his hands. While it’s more of a funny in-joke for fans than anything else, the recurring laundry issue reiterates that Bandit doesn’t let the small things get to him. When kids don’t fully understand the many chores and stressors that come with “adulting” it’s easy to feel frustrated and overwhelmed, especially when the little things pile up. Bandit’s more “go with the flow” attitude emphasizes the importance of not taking everything too seriously.
1 Bandit Proves Even Great Parents Make Mistakes
Even some of the worst parenting moments in Bluey prove that Bandit is one of TV’s best dads, largely because Bandit’s flaws make him more believable. Throughout the course of the series, Bandit has a few pretty hard-to-swallow moments. In “Obstacle Course,” his pride gets the best of him: at the end of the race, he blatantly cheats to beat Bluey, who trained very hard. In “Mini Bluey,” Bandit shows his favoritism toward the more well-mannered Bingo in front of Bluey. Weirdly, he never apologizes. While these Bluey moments shouldn’t serve as a guide for parents, they help make Bandit a more well-rounded, relatable father figure.
