As a long-time fan of animated series, I must say that BoJack Horseman stands out as one of the most impactful and memorable shows I’ve ever seen. Having watched it from its debut, I can attest to the evolution of its characters, the depth of its themes, and the brilliance of its storytelling.
Initially, let me clarify that evaluating animated shows against each other often overlooks their unique aspects. Animation serves as a medium rather than a specific genre, encompassing diverse productions ranging from classics like The Flintstones and Looney Tunes, to more contemporary series such as Big Mouth and Invincible.
Even when various rankings of the greatest animated television shows are compiled, it’s common for one standout series to emerge triumphantly – The Simpsons.
There’s no denying that The Simpsons changed the game for animation, for comedy and for TV as a whole. It should not be understated how strong those early seasons of the show are, or how evolutionary the series has been.
Despite all other contenders, I firmly believe that there’s one exceptional series that outshines them all. The confidence in this assertion comes from the fact that this series is not only among the greatest animated shows ever made, but it also holds a place as one of the finest television productions, period. That remarkable show, undeniably, is BoJack Horseman.
For over a decade now, the initial season of BoJack Horseman has graced Netflix screens, and surprisingly, there are many who haven’t had the pleasure (admittedly, it’s a larger group than one would expect). This series takes place in an unusual setting – a world populated by animals with human characteristics.
As a fan, I’d like to focus on the captivating world of Hollywood, specifically the life of BoJack Horseman, a horse who was once a TV star known for his role in the ’90s sitcom “Horsin’ Around.” This fictional show had an unforgettable theme tune that left everyone humming along.
As a seasoned film critic, I’ve embarked on a journey with BoJack Horseman, picking up his story post the cancellation of Horsin’ Around. He’s on a quest to find his niche in this complex world, yearning to regain the limelight he once had and, above all, to grasp that elusive feeling – happiness.
Boasting the vocal talents of Will Arnett (BoJack), Alison Brie (ghostwriter/friend Diane), Amy Sedaris (agent/ex-girlfriend Princess Carolyn), Paul F Tompkins (frenemy), and Aaron Paul (house guest), this series aired for six seasons from 2014 to 2020.
As a dedicated film enthusiast, I initially found the early installments amusing, reminiscent of the humor in shows like Family Guy with its quick wit and cutaway gags. Yet, it was around the midpoint of the season that things took an unexpected turn, transforming this seemingly ordinary comedy into the highly respected gem it is today.
As a film enthusiast, I must admit that the writers of this series took a bold approach by withholding crucial information, confidently relying on viewers’ patience and curiosity. Instead of spoon-feeding us the story, they cleverly buried the main plot points, allowing us to uncover the richness of their narrative piece by piece. It was an engaging experience that kept me hooked until the very end. Kudos to them for their trust in us!
During the middle of season 1, the series unexpectedly shifted direction. It continued to maintain its humorous and quirky essence, but it also began to delve into weightier issues with more intensity. This transition led the characters into grittier scenarios and presented some profoundly impactful scenes.
BoJack Horseman’s six seasons delved deeply and sensitively into a myriad of topics such as mental health, depression, trauma, addiction, self-acceptance, sexuality, cultural identity, women’s rights, #MeToo movement, cancel culture, gun violence, among others.
The excellence of the program resided not only in tackling these topics, but also in how it approached them and the insight it demonstrated along the way.
Insights often come unexpectedly, yet they’re sharp and penetrating. It seems like the series is evolving in real time, as later seasons critically revisit decisions made earlier, such as depictions that might glorify BoJack’s actions and the casting of Alison Brie as Diane, a character originally written to be Vietnamese-American.
A feature of this series that some people might find uncomfortable is its unique animation style. Initially, it could seem a bit jarring due to the originality of the character designs and overall visual appearance, which might need a bit of getting used to at first.
Moreover, not just do you quickly adapt to its unique style, but you also come to appreciate the stunning beauty of this series. Each scene brims with intricately designed characters and mesmerizing landscapes, all meticulously crafted.
In this episode, there are so many hidden jokes that it’s nearly impossible to catch them all during your first viewing. This is especially true in the critically-acclaimed episode Fish Out of Water from season 3, which uses very little dialogue but still delivers a beautiful story and deepens our understanding of the characters through clever visual storytelling instead.
In this particular episode, they creatively employed an essential element that’s inherent to the series – the realm of personified animals, a distinctive feature that has always been a part of the show.
Incidents such as these give the world a sense of being vast and inhabited. The concept of incorporating animals into the narrative originated from animator Lisa Hanawalt’s sketches, yet, on a narrative standpoint, it appears as if the idea was also creatively conceived.
According to Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator, using animals instead of humans enabled the show to delve more deeply into complex, human issues and maintain a darker tone than a purely human series or live-action show might achieve. This approach also helped preserve the program’s identity as a comedic production.
Indeed, BoJack Horseman delves deep into darkness, as evidenced by season 3’s heart-wrenching narrative that leads to Sarah Lynn’s tragic demise. Sarah Lynn, a former child actor alongside BoJack on Horsin’ Around, met her end. Not only did he supply her with drugs and fuel her addiction after she had sought recovery, but it also transpires that he played a significant role in igniting her initial addiction.
You might assume things can’t become more grim from that point. However, consider seasons 4 and 5, which delve into darker aspects of BoJack’s past such as his grandmother being lobotomized by her husband due to her emotional distress over the loss of her son. In season 5, while under the influence of opioids, BoJack inadvertently strangles his co-star Gina in a state of confusion.
In Season 6, things escalate significantly as BoJack’s debts become overdue and his past mistakes are laid bare. This marks a tragic, regrettable conclusion for the character, yet one that carries a glimmer of potential redemption. However, considering all that has happened, it feels like an outcome that is, in many aspects, fitting.
Stepping into the post-Breaking Bad landscape, I found myself increasingly captivated by BoJack Horseman – a series that boldly delved into scrutinizing and criticizing the flawed actions of its complex lead character.
Instead of delighting in portraying their main character’s questionable morals, the writers of BoJack were swift to caution viewers who might have felt a sense of connection or identification with his flaws and misdeeds.
The series deserves praise for aiding viewers in gaining self-insight and recognizing personal patterns, however, it’s crucial to note that while BoJack’s actions may have been portrayed, the show never intended to suggest that viewers should emulate his negative behavior or find comfort in the belief that they are not responsible for their own actions or that everything is okay.
The show courageously delved into this perspective, simultaneously addressing issues like abortion, dementia, intensive animal farming, and others. Diane’s struggle with depression stood out as especially moving, and it was skillfully portrayed in season 6 when she ultimately accepts the need for antidepressants.
Among other factors, what makes BoJack stand out and keeps viewers hooked is its unfailingly hilarious nature, often in an over-the-top way.
The humor ranges from simple, amusing animal antics (such as Henry Winkler joking with a ferret about returning to their tasks) to an entire plotline involving Princess Carolyn unknowingly dating three boys disguised as “Vincent Adultman”, a blend of sophisticated and unsophisticated comedy at its finest. It frequently ventures into realms of absurdity and obscurity beyond what one might expect.
To illustrate, the second season’s episode titled “Let’s Find Out” features Mr. Peanutbutter, a humorous standout character portrayed excellently by Paul F. Tompkins, hosting a game show. Interestingly, this game show was created by JD Salinger, a renowned author who once faked his own death and then resurfaced in reality.
The title of the show is “Hollywoo Stars and Celebrities: What Do They Know? Do They Know Things? Let’s Find Out!”. In the final scene, BoJack competes against Daniel Radcliffe (playing himself). However, BoJack’s petty behavior comes into play when he deliberately fails to donate $500,000 to charity by mistakenly referring to Radcliffe as Elijah Wood.
It’s quite astonishing how this episode follows immediately after “Hank After Dark,” where Diane made an attempt (that ultimately didn’t succeed) to expose Hank Hippopopalous, a former talk-show host who is both adored and accused of being a sexual predator.
The smooth transition between comedic and tragic elements within the show, which doesn’t feel disjointed but instead enhances its charm, is largely due to subtle voice acting, unique animation that softens the impact, and undeniably, the exceptional writing by Bob-Waksberg and his team.
They had a knack for determining the right moment to deliver something softly or powerfully to convey their message effectively. They showed patience by allowing events to unfold at their natural pace over numerous episodes and seasons. Moreover, they demonstrated an understanding of when humor was appropriate and when it was best to maintain a serious tone.
Just as I found myself hooked on many top-tier shows, this one too managed to strike that perfect balance. It left me yearning for more episodes, yet somehow made me reluctant to welcome its return.
Occasionally, a show gets renewed or restarted, offering fans another chance to explore a world they love, or catch up with familiar characters. This can be especially exciting when previous endings were inconclusive or unsatisfying. However, BoJack Horseman concluded so flawlessly in its final season that any attempt to alter the ending would be an unnecessary and unfortunate act.
In a two-part series, the initial segment showcased BoJack finding a modicum of tranquility and equilibrium, though it was still tinged with doubts. However, the latter part served as a reminder that every wrong action eventually catches up.
The way he fell apart in the last few episodes felt completely justified yet was still hard to bear, effectively living up to the “Sad Ending” hinted at by the Season 1 finale’s title.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a thrill when every lingering plot point, no matter how insignificant it seemed, is masterfully woven back into the story in a grand, chaotic fashion. This intricate tapestry of continuity not only brings the series to a fitting conclusion, but also pays homage to its rich history, leaving me feeling like all those years spent following this world were worth it.
Some relationships are never repaired – such as his heartwarming bond with his newly discovered younger sister – but in a way which feels painfully truthful.
Many viewers swiftly praised the penultimate episode, where a dying BoJack experiences a disturbing dinner party in his mind with those he’s lost, as a true masterpiece – and they were correct. Yet, this high praise sometimes overshadows the appreciation that the final episode deserves.
To be honest, I can’t think of many better conclusions than this one. It consists of four heartfelt conversations between BoJack and his friends, serving as a poignant farewell that beautifully wraps up the series.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my profound admiration for the poignant closing scene featuring Diane. The way their last words are exchanged, heavy with finality, leaves an indelible mark. And oh, the long shot that follows – where they gaze up at the stars, unable to find the right words, is simply breathtaking. It’s so moving that I wouldn’t be surprised if it graces numerous walls as a poster.
Ultimately, viewers of this series are likely to remember more than just the humor and intricate characters; they’ll find themselves touched by its core emotions and themes.
1. Diane’s belief that there isn’t a hidden core really strikes a deep chord, given its fundamental nature. On the other hand, Todd’s statement, “you embody all your flaws,” is both blunt and truthful, piercing through a sea of excuses.
Quotes like, “It gets easier. Every day, it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day. That’s the hard part,” and, “All that exists is what’s ahead,” may feel as though they should live on a decorative board alongside a “Live, Laugh, Love” mug, but within the context of the scenes in which they are placed they are meaningful gut-punches, getting to the heart of themes the show has been exploring throughout.
Over the past decade, BoJack Horseman stands out as the exceptional animated series among all others. While The Simpsons has left a lasting impression and captivated a wider audience, making it an extraordinary show in its own right, nothing else comes close to BoJack in terms of humor or emotional depth and impact.
As someone who’s been watching TV shows for decades, I can confidently say that I’ve never encountered a series as extraordinary as this one. The voice acting is simply exceptional, and the characters are so intricately developed that they feel like real people. Visually, it’s breathtakingly beautiful, leaving me in awe with each new episode. It’s almost hard to believe that such a unique masterpiece exists, and I can’t help but think that something this special may never be replicated again.
Regardless, celebrating a 10-year milestone seems ideal for a revisit, and a chance to recall the thought-provoking, encouraging sentiments expressed by Mr. Peanutbutter: “The universe often feels cold and indifferent. True happiness doesn’t lie in seeking purpose; it’s found in keeping oneself engaged with trivial matters, and eventually, you’ll have lived your life.”
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2024-08-22 08:35