When it comes to the popular genre of "adult cartoons" it's very easy to categorize a show in one of two sub-genres. The comedies and the dramas (such as Aeon Flux, for example). When it comes to the comedies, you can break it down even more - the category that The Simpsons, Futurama, Family Guy, South Park, etc. fall into which are more one-shot, heavy comedy based animated series, and the chronological dramadies like Archer and Moonbeam City. Recently, with the arrival of Netflix Originals, we were given the wonderful gift of BoJack Horseman, the half man/half horse, narcissistic, washed up actor in the midst of an existential crisis. The show came out of nowhere and captured the hearts and attention of fans and critics everywhere. And, with great excitement, the third season hit internet streams this past Friday - and it does not disappoint. BoJack is known for its mature themes and undeniably perfect mixture of humor and seriousness. The show follows the misadventures of the titular character BoJack (voiced by Will Arnett) as he attempts to rediscover himself after the conclusion of his hit 90s sitcom.... a conclusion that happened almost half a century ago. He's crass, rude, and nearly always drunk, initially leaving the viewer with questions as to why they should be rooting for this washed up horse to find happiness. But as the show progressed and the first two seasons came and went (much too quick for the majority of the viewers' liking), every bit of your soul was being poured into the heartbreak and sadness that followed this unlikely hero (antihero? We still aren't sure) in his feeble attempt to find love, true friendship, and happiness. Set beside a supporting cast that is diverse, relatable in all the most wonderful ways, and has a chemistry that is electrifying, Netflix has created a momentous treasure in a surprisingly deep and moving animated series. As season two came to a close we see BoJack in a very fragile state of mixed emotions. He finally landed his dream role of playing Secretariat in a big screen biopic, he found, enjoyed, then destroyed multiple loves, began to discover who his real friends are, and things finally seem to be looking up as he begins to prioritize what he wants in life. Season three opens with BoJack drowning in the fame of how popular his film has become, fighting with himself as to whether or not winning an Oscar will really fulfill the emptiness in his soul. We find Princess Carolyn, BoJack's long-time friend and agent, stressed and bored with running her own company and watching the best years of her life slip away. Mr. Peanutbutter and Diane are experiencing marital issues and attending counseling, trying to learn to live with each other as their polar opposite personalities conflict. And we find Todd, well, being Todd. (Some spoilers below for season three of BoJack Horseman): Season three is the most powerful and emotional look into the dark lives of celebrities, Social Media, and Hollywood drama the series has yet to delve into. The show has always been one to touch on the all-too intense truths that come with any form of fame - alcohol, drugs, one-night stands, sex scandals, production drama. But we see season three grasp onto the Social Media movement, subtle hints at the dangers and fears of rape culture and how easy it is to turn it into a joking matter, the feminist movement, and the all too real hold that celebs have on the choices and views of the normal populace. Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter find themselves in marital spats, wrestling with her unhappiness and his obsessive work ethic. The two spend the majority of the season rediscovering themselves and each other, never losing sight of how much they truly love and need each other, and it's touching to see a couple in a show that reflects on real relationship problems but doesn't result to divorce or affairs - it focuses on counseling, the fights, and learning to live a happy life and marriage, while staying true to themselves, in the midst of the chaos of celebrity life. In one notable episode, Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter find out that she is pregnant and both immediately decide to have an abortion - shocking some viewers (including me) that the show would touch on such a controversial subject. This leads to some shenanigans (because nothing can be normal in the lives of the 'Hollywoo' elite), causing an accidental Tweet by Diane to show up on pop sensation Sextina Aquafina's Twitter page. This proceeds to start a promotional campaign toward the pro-choice movement that wraps up all of the female protagonists of the show into one chaotic, but unified, goal. One young teen character at the clinic toward the end of the episode notes that a risqué single put out by Sextina Aquafina on "fetus killing" shows courage and bravery in a scary time, touching on how a single Tweet by a famous celebrity can influence the lives of ordinary people and just how much hold Social Media has in the lives of everyone of all ages. While the season features a lot more of Todd, it also begins to highlight the downfall of Todd and BoJack's friendship, after Todd's "love interest" and best friend from his high school years, Emily, sleeps with BoJack. It begins to delve deep into a strong, trusting bond between Todd and Mr. Peanutbutter, who truly value each other's company and friendship, all while becoming business partners in a quirky company idea called Cabracadabra - a female Uber type company with an all female driver based crew, to help make female riders feel more comfortable. This is the show's subtle way of hinting at the necessities of prevention of rape culture and equality and safety for both genders in a positive way. In the finale, we see Todd taking note of how important Emily is to him, but how he's pretty sure he's "not any kind of sexual", hinting that Todd may be one of the few, and revolutionary asexual characters in modern television. Season three also touches heavily on the loneliness and tired nature of Princess Carolyn, delving into flashbacks in 2007 of the early stages of her relationship with BoJack. It opens with her growing tired of being single and her desire for something more - a family, a few free nights, true love. By the end of the season we see her fired, jobless, her company bankrupt, and best of all we see her happy. She finally finds a sweet guy who loves her for who she is, treats her right, and supports her dreams. For once in her life things are finally going right, she's regained confidence and is able to let go of BoJack and live for herself. ![]() And finally, we see BoJack, wrestling with his identity in new and rough ways. It's a rollercoaster of emotion watching his life go from one extreme to another in the matter of minutes. He tries to make things right with the people he has wronged, just a bit too late. He just can't seem to win. I think my sister described it best - it's depressing. It's hard to watch because it just seems as though the story continues to spiral into a dark place that he may never get out of. The end of the season finds BoJack, driving away from Hollywoo, letting go of the wheel and closing his eyes, ready to finally end everything. He lost the only person who understood him in a drug binder, lost his chance at an Oscar, and seems to have no reason to really continue on living. It's impressive to see an adult cartoon with such depth and such sarcastic comedy woven into it. This season is impressive, channeling a strong mixture of laughs, tears, and jaw-dropping cliffhangers from episode to episode. It truly needs to be watched to be fully experienced. It's a beautifully written story arc and an impactful binge-worthy season to say the least. Arnett channels the character with a passion that is lacking in most modern television, mixing a concoction of dry humor and raw emotion that tugs on heartstrings. I'm honestly sad I have to wait another year for another season, as this one leaves you with a small sense of hope for BoJack in the final few minutes. Netflix has done an impressive job creating a charming installment in an already well-done series, and I'm excited to see where it goes from here. Welcome back, BoJack. ![]()
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AuthorJust your average geek chic gamer chick into all things ghostly and geeky (and vice versa) Archives
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