The Pivotal Episode that Set Bojack Horseman on its Darkest Journey

Summary

"The Telescope" episode of Bojack Horseman was a turning point for the show, showcasing its unique blend of dark storyline and flawed characters.

In its initial episodes, Bojack Horseman's mean-spiritedness and reliance on cutaway gags made it seem like a mere imitation of Family Guy. However, the later episode revealed that Bojack's betrayal of his ex-friend Herb not only triggered his self-destructive tendencies but also hindered his ability to grow and learn from his past errors.

Despite being considered one of the top cartoons of the 2010s, Bojack Horseman didn't truly find its identity until the release of its eighth episode, "The Telescope." Prior to that, the show wasn't necessarily bad, but it failed to distinguish itself from other adult cartoons. Everything changed with the arrival of "The Telescope," a pivotal episode that ultimately defined Bojack Horseman as one of Netflix's finest original TV shows.

Although not the show's best episode, "The Telescope" marked the beginning of what made Bojack Horseman extraordinary. Up until that point, the series seemed to revolve around a former celebrity's desperate quest to recapture his 90s glory days. However, once "The Telescope" premiered, it paved the way for the dark and profound journey that lay ahead for the show's titular character.

Why Bojack Horseman Stumbled Out Of the Gate

Bojack Horseman's first season is often regarded as the weakest of the six seasons released on Netflix, mainly due to a rough start. One of the main issues was Bojack's intentional and arrogant mistreatment of others, which he took pride in. The show heavily relied on cutaway gags in its initial episodes, giving it a resemblance to Family Guy. While not terrible, the show failed to establish itself as something unique right from the beginning.

However, prior to the episode "The Telescope," Bojack Horseman began to reveal the depth of Bojack's malevolent and self-destructive behavior. This was evident in his sabotage of Todd's rock opera to prevent him from leaving. The show also touched on profound themes, such as Bojack advising Diane to let go of seeking closure from her toxic family. As the first seven episodes progressed, Bojack Horseman showed signs of improvement. Nevertheless, it was "The Telescope" that truly showcased the show's exceptional qualities and solidified its special position.

How Bojack Horseman Season 1's "The Telescope" Changed Everything

"The Telescope" stands out as Bojack Horseman's first outstanding episode, effectively humanizing Bojack while also emphasizing his deeply flawed personality. This installment delves into Bojack's past, revealing his transformation from a relatively decent person into a fame-driven individual who heartlessly stabbed his former friend, Herb Kazzazz, in the back.

Essentially, the episode uncovers the fact that Herb played a pivotal role in Bojack's rise to fame. As the showrunner of Horsin' Around, Herb insisted on casting Bojack as the lead character, contributing greatly to his breakthrough. However, when Herb's homosexuality was exposed in the unforgiving Hollywood of the nineties, Bojack faced a difficult decision: defend his best friend or safeguard his own celebrity status. Ultimately, Bojack chose the latter. This act of betrayal solidifies Bojack's position as the true antagonist in the series, although one can empathize with his pursuit of fame, which is a relatable desire for anyone.

Bojack always believed that not supporting Herb was the reason for their ongoing feud after 20 years. But upon attempting to seek Herb's forgiveness, he realized that wasn't the root of Herb's intense animosity. Herb explained that his resentment towards Bojack stemmed from Bojack's complete abandonment during Herb's time of need - an abandonment that Herb never expected, followed by Bojack's sudden interest when he discovered Herb was dying. Beyond this, Bojack's apology was not driven by genuine remorse for Herb's sake, but rather an attempt to alleviate his own guilt.

Therefore, Herb's feelings were entirely justified. Bojack's attempts to make amends and reconnect with Herb do not erase the profound pain he inflicted years ago. What's more, Bojack could have still committed his past actions towards Herb while maintaining some form of contact. Even if Herb chose not to forgive him, Bojack could have accepted that and attempted to rebuild their friendship before Herb's passing. Bojack's refusal to do so demonstrates that his visit to Herb was driven solely by his own ego.

Bojack Never Learned From His Mistake With Herb

That is why "The Telescope" represents a pivotal moment in Bojack Horseman's trajectory. Despite Bojack's good intentions and his courageous attempt to reconnect with Herb after all those years, his decision to exclude Herb from his life and subsequently explode in anger when Herb did not forgive him revealed both the depths of his unpleasant character and the undeniable humanity within him, all at once for the very first time.

Bojack, having grown up in the world of television and having starred in the wholesome and family-oriented sitcom Horsin' Around, where conflicts were neatly resolved within a mere 22 minutes, naturally expected Herb to forgive him. This was a reflection of the sitcom's predictable formula. However, harsh reality struck Bojack with a vengeance. Herb not only refused to grant forgiveness but also exposed Bojack's true nature, shattering their once close friendship.

After arguing about a telescope, Herb delivers a final critique to Bojack. He accuses Bojack of wanting to portray himself as the hero, but claims to know him better than anyone else. According to Herb, Bojack is far from being the good guy he wants to believe he is. Herb suggests that Bojack would find solace in acknowledging his true nature: a selfish and cowardly individual who takes whatever he desires without concern for the consequences or the people he harms. In essence, Herb defines Bojack as a person who embodies these traits.

Herb's assessment of Bojack's character proves accurate shortly after their altercation. During their drive home, Bojack forcibly kisses Diane, who is engaged to his rival, Mr. Peanutbutter. This act of nonconsensual behavior illustrates Bojack's lack of regard for Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter's relationship, showcasing both his selfishness and self-destructive tendencies. Despite its eventual impact on their relationship, this incident remains one of the most reprehensible actions Bojack has committed throughout the show.

Bojack's refusal to accept reality and his consistent indulgence in self-destructive behavior became a recurring theme throughout the show. When Diane's revealing biography about Bojack bruised his ego, he initially fired her, even though the book aligned with his desires. During his visit to New Mexico to reconnect with Charlotte, his former love interest, he faced rejection and dangerously came close to sleeping with her teenage daughter, Penny. In season 3, after alienating everyone, Bojack embarked on a destructive binge with Sarah Lynn, resulting in her tragic death.

Even as Bojack began to make positive changes in his life, he couldn't resist his self-destructive tendencies. Despite his efforts to make amends with others, he eventually confronted the consequences of his actions, especially his responsibility in Sarah Lynn's death. Unable to cope with the public backlash, he attempted suicide instead of accepting the consequences. Bojack genuinely tried to improve, but struggled to comprehend that personal growth would bring forth more challenges and temptations to revert back to self-sabotage.

The Lasting Impact Of "The Telescope"

Throughout the series Bojack Horseman, there were much harsher moments than the fallout between Bojack and Herb in "The Telescope." Despite this, it is understood that Bojack's decision to prioritize fame over their friendship set the stage for his subsequent bad choices.

In pursuit of success in Hollywoo, Bojack continually suppressed his conscience, resulting in a string of regrettable decisions. Only after his glory days were behind him did Bojack make an effort to improve himself. Bojack's portrayal of depression resonates with viewers, as it accurately reflects mental illness. However, he also had to confront the consequences of betraying Herb in the nineties to preserve his fame.

The worst part was realizing it was all in vain. After Bojack was "canceled" for his actions, TV executive Angela Diaz revealed that her urging him to abandon Herb was a bluff. This meant Bojack's threat to leave in order to keep Herb on the show would have actually worked. This revelation shattered Bojack, as he had always wondered how his life would have turned out if he had stood up for Herb. However, it ultimately didn't matter because there was no chance for a do-over.

Bojack's journey in the show taught him that life doesn't offer second chances. He had to accept and live with the choices he made, whether he liked them or not. In the end, Bojack Horseman demonstrated that while he had the capacity for change, he also had to face the repercussions of his actions, starting with his futile attempts to mend things on "The Telescope."