BoJack Horseman runs its final lap on Netflix, starting this Friday, January 31st with an eight-episode conclusion. At Wiretap, we’re looking at the long-lasting legacy of this monumental achievement in animation as we say our goodbyes to the horseman. He made us look deep within ourselves and question whether or not we matter on this speck of dirt in the universe.
Straight out of the gate, the animated series appeared to be a quirky yet dark comedy about a washed-up 90s sitcom star with more than a few demons who wonders if he’ll ever be a successful actor again. Just beneath the surface were BoJack and his existential crisis that he numbed by self-medicating.
Before we knew it, we were on a wild trip to discover what fuelled BoJack’s downward spiral. We explored his guilt over the selfish, harmful things that he did in his career. We learned about his troubled childhood and how the complicated relationship with his family took a toll on him. We cheered for him when it looked like his career was on an upswing that might get his life back on track, and we stared on, helpless, as he continuously returned to self-destruct mode.
It was a show that explored mental health in ways that few others dared to go. BoJack Horseman was able to do so much more with subjects like depression and substance abuse, pushing the boundaries because of its fantastical yet relatable premise. By the first half of its sixth and final season, BoJack was making amends, but we’re not certain if he’ll ever be able to forgive himself. For someone who has hit rock bottom more than once, can he continue moving onward and upward?
Not only was it a nuanced quest for atonement and absolution; it was also a defining moment in adult animation that took the medium in a groundbreaking new direction. Its numerous awards and critical accolades have guaranteed that BoJack Horseman has set a high bar that future shows will be measured against.
BoJack Horseman may have started back in 2014 as a biting satire of Hollywood life and culture, but it turned into so much more. It was an honest portrayal of depression and addiction. It took us on BoJack’s journey through revisiting his past so he could work toward a better future, and maybe even leave the world having done something genuinely good.
When it comes right down to it, BoJack Horseman will be remembered in the same breath as other great TV antiheroes like Walter White, Don Draper, and Tony Soprano. And the series will forever be a jewel in Netflix’s (triple) crown.
How will you say goodbye to BoJack Horseman? If you’re going to revisit previous seasons before the final run, make sure to add Wiretap to Chrome before watching. As you watch your fave BoJack episodes, you’ll also get comments from friends and fans. We’re making Netflix social, which means you can comment during episodes OR after them – whenever you feel like sharing your take, or seeing what others have to say. Also perfect for a watch party when the last season lands. Enjoy.
Images Courtesy of Netflix
