Controversial Character Steals the Show: Netflix's Most Acclaimed Animated Series Ignites Debate Once Again
Netflix's critically acclaimed animated show receives renewed praise while shining a critical spotlight on fame and patriarchy Dive into the complexity of BoJack Horseman's character, unmatched by any other show
Summary
Fans of BoJack Horseman are praising the show's ending and its unflinching depiction of the consequences of the main character's behavior.
BoJack Horseman's descent into darkness involved engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships and being involved in an accidental death. The show emphasizes that BoJack's battle with depression and troubled history should not serve as a justification for his actions. Instead, it explores the concept of taking responsibility for our choices and dedicating ourselves to personal growth.
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Fans of BoJack Horseman are celebrating the series' complex portrayal of its characters. The animated show, which aired on Netflix from 2014 to 2020, follows the journey of BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett), a former sitcom star who battles depression and alcoholism in a world after fame. After delving into BoJack's downward spiral, the series highlights the repercussions of his actions, including his involvement in the death of Sarah Lynn (Kristen Schaal) due to drug use.
On Twitter, a user named siyyan shared a clip of BoJack being confronted about his behavior on a talk show. The video's caption, "nobody has ever gagged like this before, nobody is gagging like this at present, and nobody will ever gag like this again," has sparked admiration among fans of the show. They have praised the final two seasons of BoJack Horseman, its ending, and its unflinching portrayal of the consequences of the main character's actions. See some selected fan reactions below:
Paul, also known as Ken, praised the recent transformation of Bojack's moral portrayal in the past two seasons. This change is particularly significant as it reflects the creator's response to discovering that Harvey Weinstein was a fan of the show.
Similarly, Bran_Otterton celebrated the intricate moral dynamics depicted in the show, emphasizing that it effectively illustrates the absence of justification for Bojack's unpleasant actions.
The fun side account highlighted the impact of the show's conclusion in illustrating the idea of "living with the repercussions of one's actions as a despicable individual, yet recognizing the importance of striving for personal growth every day." As part of the discussion, a different scene from the series was shared, depicting BoJack's endeavor to confront Penny, a character with whom he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship when she was underage.
Diana shared a revised edition of a well-known meme, expressing through an illustration of a horse that each season of BoJack Horseman was flawless. Dakota also joined the conversation, stating that it is a severe critique of celebrity and male dominance, and the most captivating aspect is that BoJack never attains redemption. He evolves throughout the series, but there is never an expectation of absolution, which is absolutely remarkable.
Is There Another Show That Can Present a Character As Complicated As BoJack Horseman?
BoJack Horseman emerged during a time when many TV shows revolved around antiheroes, such as Don Draper from Mad Men and Walter White from Breaking Bad. Not only did BoJack Horseman follow in their structural footsteps, but it also took their premises to new heights with its intricate moral conclusion.
However, the landscape of recent television has shifted towards series that emphasize kindness and the growth of characters' love and respect for one another. Examples of this shift can be found in Parks and Recreation, Schitt's Creek, and Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso, the latter of which just received a staggering 21 Emmy nominations for 2023. Nevertheless, it would be incorrect to assume that contemporary television is devoid of complex characters like BoJack.
Netflix, in particular, has introduced an array of powerful antiheroes, including Marty Byrde in Ozark and Anna Delvey in Inventing Anna. Nevertheless, other streaming platforms and networks have recently showcased series with intricate protagonists, such as Hulu's The Dropout, Max's Peacemaker and House of the Dragon, and AMC's Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul. It is yet to be determined if any of these characters will attain the same level of unwavering acclaim as that of BoJack Horseman, but they all have the potential to become worthy successors in their complex portrayals.
