Bless This Mess Review: 459 (Season 2 Episode 1)
While going through the fall lineup for new and returning television shows, I skimmed to see the premiere dates of my favorites and came across a pleasant surprise. I don’t have to wait until the latter half of the season to watch Bless This Mess. An early return for a new favorite proves that the show has hit a sweet spot with their audience, and ABC doesn’t want to wait on the payoff.
Bless This Mess Season 2 Episode 1, “459,” stays in the same vein as Season One, adding to the lovability of the characters and making sure to leave us with a message at the end. Let’s hope they keep it this way.
I’ve seen too many shows take a turn at some point early on, changing a major dynamic of the show causing it to be canceled prematurely. Whitney and $h*! My Dad Says were two hilarious sitcoms that fell victim to these circumstances, and I pray Bless This Mess doesn’t commit the same folly.
Although it is still too early to say, at least Mike and Rio’s heart appear to be in the same place. This couple is quite heart-warming to see in action.
Oftentimes, sitcoms give us a husband and wife that are at each other’s neck nearly once an episode or more. Mike and Rio are quite the opposite though.
When they moved to Bucksnort, the couple knew right off the bat that the only ones who were going to be there for them were each other. The way they support each other shows us undeniable love.
Rio makes the silly mistake of letting the pig loose in the middle of the night — an easy mistake to make when you aren’t used to keeping this kind of farm animal around. This would be the perfect opportunity for Mike to belittle his bride and make her feel like total garbage. The thought doesn’t even cross Mike’s mind. Instead, he steps up to the plate and faces the problem head-on with Rio so they can nip it in the bud.
The couple double-teams the situation, with Mike keeping the townspeople occupied while Rio does her best to track the little bugger down. And the best part is, they succeed.
The entire time no one except for Mike and Rio is aware of the situation. If more people are involved in the capturing of the animal, things may go more quickly, but that also means there is more opportunity for people to look down on Rio. Mike shields her from scrutinizing eyes by doing his darndest to keep a tight lid on it all.
Honestly, this isn’t something you see that often in real life anymore. Even I can personally take notes on this couple’s problem-solving skills. They aren’t all that far-fetched, and they are fairly life applicable.
This being a sitcom, they have to go for a laugh by have Mike get greased up and chased instead of the pig. Yet still, this works to further the point, showing Mike sacrificing a portion of his dignity to save his wife.
All of this could have easily been shown as Rio’s fault because really at the base, it is. The truth of the matter is, every problem that arises in a relationship is owned by both people. We must step up and slay any beast no matter the size of its appetite, because plain and simple, two heads are better than one.
Marriage should always be seen as a two-headed creature with one set of arms, one set of legs, and even one stomach. That way we can use both of our minds to feed the one body, making it stronger, more durable, and the healthiest it can be.
Who doesn’t want to be like Mike and Rio, overcoming problems while they are still small, and putting out campfires before they become forest fires? Everyone, including platonic relationships, can blossom from acting similarly.
Constance: Traditions change!
A lot of this boils down to open lines of communication. Rudy and Constance explore this aspect in their still budding romance.
What a cute couple these two make! They are so opposite from each other, but somehow it works, making me root for them the whole time.
When Jake suggests that Rudy simply ask Constance if he can kiss her, I assume things will get awkward between the two. Of course, they do — but not in the way I think.
Their communication isn’t perfect, just like anyone else. Still, things are set in motion by the out-of-sorts conversation, leading to a soft, sweet, and tender kiss.
The effort put forth by Rudy to talk to Constance shows the depth of feelings he has for her. By communicating similarly, you too can convey your feelings — even if the words aren’t perfect.
No one is going to hold it against you as long as you speak from the heart and have the other person’s best interest. And if they do, then maybe you shouldn’t be in that relationship.
Throughout this episode, there are a decent amount of laughs, making these pills easier to swallow. Many of the different circumstances we can put ourselves into — making each character more relatable. Seeing ourselves in these characters and how they react keeps the show from becoming too preachy.
In only seven episodes, these characters seem like old friends who we can laugh with and learn from. Which is a relief, because it is easier to learn along with friends, rather than strangers.
What did you think of this episode of Bless This Mess? What character do you find most relatable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Bless This Mess airs Tuesdays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.
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Charles E Henning
Charles E. Henning lives in a quaint town of Illinois with his ever-loving wife since 1998. He is new to writing reviews, but has over thirty years of fictitious writing for his own personal fulfillment. His interests range from science fiction to character-based dramas, but he is a sucker for anyone in a cape.