Bojack Horseman Season 6A Review: The Road to Recovery

Throughout its first five seasons, BoJack Horseman has got really good at depicting a cycle. It’s a cycle in which BoJack, the show’s titular horse, tries to get better without ever finding much success. He makes mistakes, hurts people, feels terrible about it, and tries to drink those feelings away. In the first half of BoJack Horseman‘s sixth season, though, BoJack tries and actually succeeds in getting just a little bit better. The result is a penultimate set of episodes that are all wrenching and hilarious in equal measure.

As this cycle plays itself out, the people around BoJack are left to deal with the fallout of his actions, even as they all face their own issues. That’s no different in this set of episodes, but progress seems more possible than it usually does for this crew. For Princess Carolyn, BoJack’s friend and manager, the focus of this half-season is her attempt to balance her dedication to her job with a new baby. Todd’s dealing with the re-emergence of his mother in his life. What’s more, Diane finds a chance to change her life and deal with her own depression.

Each of these principal characters, as well as BoJack himself, is actually making lasting change in their own lives for the first time on the show. By the end of “The Face of Depression,” the seventh of the eight episodes that constitute the first half of BoJack‘s final season, each of these characters are in a good place. They’re not magically cured, but all of them seem better off than they’ve been at almost any other point in the show’s run.

It’s the eighth episode, “A Quick One, While He’s Away,” though, that shows audiences why “The Face of Depression” can’t be the definitive happy-ish ending that so many viewers might have craved. In that episode, which features none of the show’s main characters, we see that the damage BoJack has wrought on those around him is about to come to a head. His half-sister discovers the trouble BoJack got into in New Mexico, while two truly hilarious news reporters straight from the 1940s seem poised to break open BoJack’s role in Sarah Lynn’s death.

That’s where we’re left to wait until the final stretch of episodes debuts early next year, but it’s far from the only thing worth mentioning about this half-season. Although he doesn’t get a ton of serious, weighty material to chew on in here, Todd’s fiascos continue to be one of the show’s best features. Whether those involve unintentionally selling a TV show or successfully stealing a kidney from an ultra-wealthy whale, BoJack knows how to make each of these misadventures uniquely unbelievable. What more could we ask for?

Other than BoJack, Diane probably gets the most to chew on in the first half of this season. Her burgeoning relationship with Guy, her cameraman, ends up giving her a stable relationship for perhaps the first time in her life. Guy doesn’t solve Diane’s existing problems, but he gives her a solid support system, and he seems to genuinely care about her.

As BoJack begins his recovery, we get a sense of just how gentle and supportive he can be. When Diane announces she’s moving, he lets her go, even though he’ll miss her. He also has a genuine moment with Princess Carolyn, one where he seems to really acknowledge all she’s done for him. The best gesture of all comes when Mr. Peanutbutter finally gets his crossover episode. It’s a moment seasons in the making and one that seems to come from genuine growth for these characters. It left me in a puddle.

Even as BoJack remains incredibly smart about who each of its characters is, the show also has time for trenchant socio-political commentary. The idea that in BoJack’s world four companies own everything gets at very real anxieties about life in the 21st century. Diane’s lingering guilt over her ability to be happy inside of this system also sends a tingle up the spine. She’s a guilty capitalist, and that’s a feeling not enough shows grapple with.

The way the show effortlessly mixes the development of its characters with these kinds of smart cultural critiques is only part of what makes it one of the best on television. It’s easy to praise the always exemplary writing, which seems to be permanently sitting atop a fence between farce and tragedy, but the animation is a huge part of BoJack Horseman‘s success.

Always formally inventive, “The New Client” in particular gets at the stress of parenthood through formal innovation as much as it does through dialogue, showing Princess Carolyn quite literally spreading herself too thin. Elsewhere, in “A Horse Walks into a Rehab,” the season premiere, the show effortlessly glides between the past and the present as we learn more about how BoJack‘s relationship with alcohol has changed over the years.

It’s that push towards the past that BoJack seems to be honing in on as it comes to a close. In previous seasons, the show has focused on how the lives our characters led before we met them helped to dictate the people they became. Now, the show is ready to rely on its own history. In BoJack’s case, that means revisiting a lot of the pain that he’s caused. It also means that many of the people he loves are about to see him in a new way.

Now that BoJack Horseman and the show that shares his name have broken out of the loops they were caught in, the show’s final episodes will give us a sense of how BoJack handles the return of his past. BoJack Horseman has been a consistent gift every season. Now that it’s coming to an end, it’s time to savor every moment we have left with the show.

9/10 — The first half of BoJack Horseman‘s final season sees characters who have been stuck in ruts make enormous progress. The show is as heartbreaking and hilarious as ever and is poised to finish strong when it returns next year.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

2 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

KeeperofUnicorns

7 months ago

I can’t say that I’m a tried and true fan of the series, but it’s a lot more relatable than I expected. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost over after running for so long.

Gavin the Binge-Watcher

I never quite got the point of Bojack, but the programme is wildly popular among my mates. There’s a debate going on now at the pub. Apparently some of my mates feel that Guy and Diane are made for each other and others want Diane to fall for Bojack because he needs her more.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

BoJack Horseman Season 6A Review: The unsteady road to recovery

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you