Bojack Horseman is a strange show. It is strange because on paper, this show should not be anywhere near as good as it is. A show about a self-absorbed horse-man actor in a world inhabited by animal people, that's both an absurdist wacky comedy and an extremely dark and unflinchingly honest character drama? Such a premise would be a hard sell in most circles, and honestly feels like it should fall flat on its face.
But...that is exactly what Bojack Horseman is, and it goes beyond executing that premise merely competently, it excels at it in a way that seems so effortless in practice, but upon reflection, feels more like the writers just cast some sort of black magic to make the impossible possible. This is a show that will create extremely silly scenarios involving clown dentists and spaghetti strainers in one moment, and in the same episode surprise its audience and deliver powerful, sobering emotional truths about life, love, and the human condition and go to places most works will not dare tread. This is not a show that feels comfortable delivering unearned platitudes and pretending everything will always be ok in the end. In fact, it calls into the question the idea that there ever really is such a thing as a "happy ending", or that there's one singular thing that will make everyone's lives feel complete.
The show is not perfect; its animation can sometimes be creative and well-utilized, but is undeniably crude and simplistic. Some of the show's political episodes provide insightful and truthful commentary, but others feel confused as to what message they are trying to send. A few plotlines (currently) are left hanging, and the show's comedy isn't always laugh out loud funny.
But honestly, it almost doesn't matter. This cartoon is not merely GOOD, it's easily up there with the likes of the best live-action TV dramas in its well-realized characters, compelling storylines, and willingness to explore the human condition. Highly recommended.
One of the best TV shows out there, animated or otherwise.
Bojack Horseman is a strange show. It is strange because on paper, this show should not be anywhere near as good as it is. A show about a self-absorbed horse-man actor in a world inhabited by animal people, that's both an absurdist wacky comedy and an extremely dark and unflinchingly honest character drama? Such a premise would be a hard sell in most circles, and honestly feels like it should fall flat on its face.
But...that is exactly what Bojack Horseman is, and it goes beyond executing that premise merely competently, it excels at it in a way that seems so effortless in practice, but upon reflection, feels more like the writers just cast some sort of black magic to make the impossible possible. This is a show that will create extremely silly scenarios involving clown dentists and spaghetti strainers in one moment, and in the same episode surprise its audience and deliver powerful, sobering emotional truths about life, love, and the human condition and go to places most works will not dare tread. This is not a show that feels comfortable delivering unearned platitudes and pretending everything will always be ok in the end. In fact, it calls into the question the idea that there ever really is such a thing as a "happy ending", or that there's one singular thing that will make everyone's lives feel complete.
The show is not perfect; its animation can sometimes be creative and well-utilized, but is undeniably crude and simplistic. Some of the show's political episodes provide insightful and truthful commentary, but others feel confused as to what message they are trying to send. A few plotlines (currently) are left hanging, and the show's comedy isn't always laugh out loud funny.
But honestly, it almost doesn't matter. This cartoon is not merely GOOD, it's easily up there with the likes of the best live-action TV dramas in its well-realized characters, compelling storylines, and willingness to explore the human condition. Highly recommended.