BoJack Horseman: Celebrity Animals and Vices in Hollywoo
Short thoughts on my favourite episodes from this bittersweet show.
Yes, the ommission of the D from Hollywood was deliberate, and is explained in the show.
For me, BoJack Horseman was a show that seemed to come out of nowhere but has left a lasting impression. I had heard a little about it from friends, watched a few episodes of Season 1 (partially because the show was so accessible on Netflix) but never really got into it unlike other animated content like Rick & Morty. Then, I read a bit of online discourse about how good the show is, especially in dealing with darker subject matter despite its bright animation and nonsensical animal character designs. A close friend of mine also adored the show, which pushed me to properly watch it.
Seasons 1 and 2 have a few gems, but the show really picks up from these dramatic seeds and builds into something almost spiritual with its character journeys in later seasons. Don't be fooled by the visual language! BoJack Horseman is a show about a washed-up actor in L.A. who deals with all the addictions, traumas, corporatism, vanity, mental health issues and general dislikable self-centredness that comes with the gig and landscape of media content creation.
Below are my favourite 26 episodes from the show - 11 with 4.5/5 stars, 15 with 5/5 stars. Mostly from later seasons.
Each episode review may contain spoilers for its preceding episodes.
The 4.5 Star Episodes ⭐️
S01 E11 · Downer Ending
Life paths.
"This is all I am and all I'll ever be."
"Do I still have time to change?"
S02 E11 · Escape from L.A.
Watched on November 29th, 2022
So sad. So good. So real. So bad.
S03 E04 · Fish Out Of Water
Watched on December 15th, 2022
Limited dialogue after the opening minutes in an interesting underwater world. Seahorse baby has BoJack's heart.
S03 E08 · Old Acquaintance
Very interesting episode that I think benefitted from the "New Year" timing pressure. As usual, an ending that hits emotionally and makes you think about the "good guys" from stories.
S04 E02 · The Old Sugarman Place
Almost a perfect episode, brought some hard emotion in amongst the didactic period commentary that also served as humour. Did not like the ending but everything else to that point was *chef's kiss*.
S04 E09 · Ruthie
Fun episode concept, sad storyline w Princess Carolyn. It is definitely real though...
S05 E05 · The Amelia Earhart Story
Loved it. Princess Carolyn's flight to the sun inspired by Amelia Earhart. The cutting back and forth between flashbacks and present day, as well as LA and North Carolina were fantastic. Heart ached at the ending.
S05 E08 · Mr. Peanutbutter's Boos
Interesting time-cutting, Mr Peanutbutter examination/ learning, Diane is awesome. Oh and big points for continuity.
S05 E11 · The Showstopper
Amazing. The mystery/ conspiracy, cutting between show and reality, and focus on BoJack whilst addressing the other characters' lives. Can't wait to see what happens next
S06 E08 · A Quick One, While He's Away
I actually enjoyed all of these characters stories - Margo, Kelsey, Hollyhock, Gina, and even the annoying two period reporters. Absolute heart dropper of an episode though...
S06 E11 · Sunk Cost and All That
So many feels for Mr Peanutbutter and that storyline, which I felt was the weakest part of the season until this episode. Such a tough episode with BoJack's actions all coming back for him, and I love the characters that were around him here.
The 5 Star Episodes ⭐️
S04 E05 · Thoughts and Prayers
Two amazing plot lines. An emotional one about BoJack being a better person because of his adult daughter and dealing with his mother now deteriorating in a retirement home. The other about the USA's wild gun culture and how it intersects with women's experiences and rights. Great TV.
S04 E07 · Underground
Loved the entire episode. Just the right amount of wacky zaniness the show's setting in Hollywoo with animals could produce!
S04 E10 · lovin that cali lifestyle!!
One week later, one week earlier... wraps a lot of threads from the season and sets up new ones.
S04 E11 · Time's Arrow
Depressing. Real. Being a parent is tough and growing old means grappling with your own identity, memories from your upbringing and key moments from your past.
S05 E02 · The Dog Days Are Over
Watched on February 16th, 2023
A lovely montage of moments from a recent divorcee in BoJack Horseman world Vietnam. Heartbreaking.
S05 E07 · INT. SUB
Entertaining, telling a story with people you know but changing the names... genius.
S06 E01 · A Horse Walks into a Rehab
Amazing. The opening, space art, burning film effects every time alcohol is involved... the honest look inside of, optimistic approach and criticism of rehabilitation centres... an episode wholly focused on BoJack Horseman whilst taking a moment to remind viewers of the central cast... amazing episode.
S06 E02 · The New Client
Princess Carolyn, Mr Peanutbutter and a bit of Todd. Wonderful. The struggles of a single working mother in LA, the guilt of cheating on your fiancé and the zaniness of being a successful businessman sleeping on your friend's couch.
S06 E03 · Feel-Good Story
Diane has increasingly surprised me throughout this show. Having a whole episode to her is fitting and has made this a flawless start to Season 6. BoJack's voiceovers, the left-leaning political commentary and Chicago setting made for a wonderful introspection into Diane.
S06 E04 · Surprise!
Humorous and hard-hitting relationship discussion in the house of Mr Peanutbutter and Pickles. The pairings of BoJack/ Diane, Todd/ Princess Carolyn and Peanutbutter/ Pickles all work really well in this episode. Also forgot to mention this in last 2 reviews but WOW I love the season six intro!!
S06 E07 · The Face of Depression
I mean I am struggling to have words. So satisfying and emotional in so many ways. BoJack, I am proud of you. What a journey it's been.
S06 E10 · Good Damage
My god. Diane. I loved the art direction, voiceover dialogue, character examination of this episode. Brilliant TV.
S06 E14 · Angela
Judah?!?! Todd's storyline comes FULL CIRCLE. What a conversation between two exes. And damn BoJack... damn. What a feeling inside of me.
S06 E15 · The View from Halfway Down
PERFECTION IN A TV EPISODE. Especially the first 20 minutes. Glad my friend told me to listen to end credits of Season 6 episodes.
S06 E16 · Nice While It Lasted
The best conversations between BoJack and the supporting cast. The last conversation was a killer. This whole season, and by extension seasons 4 and 5 of this show, have been amazing. What a journey.
And as a bonus, some of the best songs featured in key moments from this show:
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