Did I ever think an animated TV show about a horse would make me laugh hysterically, and feel so emotional at the same time? No, but to be fair I never thought there would be a "Mighty, Morphin' Power Rangers" reboot starring Bryan Cranston as Zordon, and yet, here we are. "Bojack Horseman" is a Netflix original animated series set in a world where animals and humans are the same, and the bright lights of Hollywood are not as shiny as they seem. Bojack is an actor from a famous 90's show called "Horsin' Around" that centered on a horse who adopts three young orphans. Now it's over 20 years after "Horsin' Around" premiered, and Bojack is far from the squeaky clean, fun-loving horse dad he portrayed on the sitcom. Bojack is an alcoholic, drug addict, and hasn't really had any success since the '90s. "Bojack Horseman" on the surface is a satire of Hollywood, and those that inhabit and work in it, but the show is actually very deep and offers a beautiful and realistic look into human nature, relationships, and the concept of happiness.
"Bojack" features a diverse cast of characters, with an all-star cast providing voices. Will Arnett stars as Bojack Horseman, the titular character. Aaron Paul voices Todd, a 24-year-old stoner that has been crashing on his couch for five years. Amy Sedaris is Princess Carolyn, a pink Persian cat who is Bojack's agent and sometimes girlfriend that works tirelessly to get her client back in the spotlight, and cleaning up his messes. Alison Brie is Diane Nguyen Bojack's memoir ghostwriter and will they/won't they love interest. Rounding out the cast is Paul F. Tompkins as Mr. Peanutbutter a happy-go-lucky Yellow Labrador that is Bojack's rival and Diane's boyfriend.
When I started watching "Bojack" I was immediately struck by the different jokes satirizing Hollywood. "Horsin' Around" is a direct parody of ABC "TGIF" shows like "Full House" and "Family Matters." Hollywood stereotypes are pushed and pulled in every directions. "Bojack" has top-notch humor, with jokes and gags that are memorable and always hilarious. Some personal favorites are Vincent Adultman, Character Actress Margo Martindale, and the ever-constant observational humor. Don't know what I'm talking about? Watch the show! However, while the show's humor is an A plus, it is not the most striking aspect of the show.
For me, "Bojack" is one of the most realistic shows on television right now. It perfectly shows life, and how happiness and security can be fleeting. Bojack himself can never find bliss, and constantly agonizes over the fact that nothing brings him everlasting happiness and security. He agonizes over his life and the mistakes he has made, but he never really apologizes for them. Bojack constantly angers and disappoints people, and while for a little he is bothered by his indiscretions, he still finds to bury them while not totally moving on. Most of the focus of the show's story is on the titular characters, supporting characters get to share the spotlight as well, and have their own problems. Princess Carolyn, Bojack's agent constantly works, and doesn't have a life. This is evident is one episode where her birthday occurs, and the only person to wish her "Happy Birthday" is her phone. Diane, Bojack's ghostwriter never gets where she wants in her career, and she slowly starts to fall into a spiral of cynicism and regret. All of the characters feel actual emotions, and the show portrays them so realistically.
Personally, "Bojack" was such an eye-opener. Seeing the lives of animated animals and humans played out over 24 episodes (now 36 with the addition of a new season) made me reflect on my own life. Not to sound like a "Zoe," but I began to realize how fragile life can be. I saw how happiness and security can be extremely fleeting, and that we will do anything to grasp and hold on to it. How do I know this? Because it is something I do in my own personal life. "Bojack" showed me how we are always trying to go back to another time. We are constantly trying to live in the past when things were better, easier, happier, but was it really that much better? Honestly I cannot tell you, and neither can "Bojack," I think it's still trying to answer that question. Until then, check the show out, it's a real winner.
"Bojack Horseman" is available on Netflix. Season 3 is now available for streaming.
