Bless This Mess Review: The Chicken And The Goat (Season 1 Episode 2)

Bless This Mess Season 1 Episode 2 “The Chicken And The Goat,” seems to get a better narrative on the story than the pilot did. There seems to be less jumping around, and more of a comprehensive storyline going.

It seems as though things are headed in a better direction — without the writers trying to slip in everything they possibly can. This gives us a little more room to breathe — and the ability to enjoy the ride — letting us savor the laughs more naturally as they come.

This episode shows us something not seen very often on television or in the real world these days — a man and a woman working together to solve their problems. I for one, am quite psyched about this.

Better yet, this is a husband and wife coming together against the odds and against outside forces trying to take them down. Mike and Rio show their neighbors that they are truly better together than they are separate.

Of course, it doesn’t start out that way.

Mike is fully focused on making this move work. He does his research on the soil and weather patterns that will help him be successful. This is admirable in of itself, but unfortunately his focus is so deep that he is blind to his wife’s problem of finding her place.

This happens to the best of us. Men tend to focus on one problem at a time. Sometimes that works, but other times it does not.

Let’s face it, problems don’t stand around waiting to be next in line —  life would be so much easier if they did.

As Mike forms a plan to tackle the dead soil, Rio vies for her husband’s attention. She tries to make peace with Mike’s mental absence, thinking it will fade soon enough. But her longing for her husband’s companionship can only go on for so long.

Her invitation to a neighborhood potluck seems to be the answer to her prayers.

Mike: Houston, we have a plan!

We often wait for special things to take place at certain times — in order for everything to fall in place like a game of solitaire. Usually when this happens, we get sorely disappointed because our expectations are rarely met.

How many times have you been waiting for that special item to go on sale at an extra low price, just to have it be out of stock in all the surrounding areas? I know it happens to me more often than I would like to admit.

In a suiting manner, Mike and Rio’s plans fall apart almost simultaneously. Without any rain in the forecast, Mike can’t get the ideal situation he needs for the soil, and Rio can’t get her husband to the potluck because his plan falls apart on the focal point.

This shows that only focusing on our own problems usually gets us nowhere fast. We need to share our problems with the world. That way we can get a new set of eyes, looking at things from a different angle. 

That is why it is so perfect that Rudy pops up with a different perspective for Mike to look at. Rudy points out that we tend to focus on the things we cannot change — instead of the small simple things that often can make a big impact.

We look for the one missing sock all day long, instead of putting the rest of the laundry away. In reality, if we put all the laundry away, we would more than likely find that one missing sock, but we would rather search for that missing sock first.

Once this finally clicks in Mike’s head, he heads to the potluck and saves his wife who is drowning in a sea of assumptions and preconceived notions. While we get a couple chuckles at Rio’s floundering attempts at small talk, one can’t help but feel bad for her. 

Ironically enough, when Mike goes in to save her, she in turn comes to his aid without a second thought. It is a powerful moment made a little clumsy for a laugh. Luckily, the point still comes across.

Rio’s speech makes me smile because she points out that while her husband isn’t perfect, he has a good heart and determination. Her ability to use examples proves that her words aren’t lip service, but heartfelt and true.

As this entire situation peaks, Rio gets what she wants without even trying. It all just happens so naturally. 

Walls come down — causing Mike to speak up about his fears and why he is so set on perfection. Their eyes are opened to one another’s problems, seeing each other completely naked for the first time in weeks. Metaphorically, of course.

All this creates true emotional intimacy in the couple, enough to the fact that they want to immediately have some physical intimacy as well.

When this also erupts into its own set of problems, the couple is already ready to face the situation as a team. 

Plenty of laughs result in all of this, but more importantly lessons are taught not only to the characters, but to the audience as well.

As the credits roll, Mike and Rio find a resolution that seems quite possible for them. They agree that it won’t be easy, and that is okay. Life never really is. 

We all have our own set of problems, and when we get married oftentimes those problems multiply. That is why it is important to be open and honest with our partners. They may be able to help us solve a problem — just by coming at it from a different angle. Even if they can’t, at least their shoulder is a good one to cry on.

What did you think of this episode of Bless This Mess? Did I read too much into the themes of the episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Bless This Mess airs Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

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