Movies News Talk
The highly praised Netflix series Bojack Horseman ended its six-season run with an unexpected and powerful ending that left viewers wondering about its deeper meaning and the fate of its dear characters.
Season 6's second half finishes in a sequence of events that bring the show to an end. The most important events fall in episodes 14, 15, and 16. After a night of heavy drug use, BoJack finds himself at his old house in episode 14 and falls into the swimming pool—a recurrent theme across the show. BoJack is in a purgatory-like state in Episode 15, surrounded by dead people he has come across during the series. Although the episode suggests he might die, episode 16 shows he is still alive and has been sentenced to prison.
BoJack attends Princess Carolyn's wedding on a day release from prison in the finale, "The View From Halfway Down," He talks with Diane on the rooftop, dances with Princess Carolyn, and spends tender times with his friends. BoJack's survival marks a new chapter for him, allowing him to face the consequences of his actions and the chance to grow, even if these interactions might seem like a last goodbye.
Although viewers were mostly expected BoJack's death in the swimming pool, the showrunners chose to approach things differently. Acknowledging BoJack's past of violent behavior, they chose to punish him by incarceration instead of a quick death. This choice connected with the investigation of responsibility by the show on the influence of the #MeToo movement on Hollywood.
BoJack buried in the pool on the opening credits acted as a continual reminder of his death's possibility. But BoJack appears alive and floating in the last shot of the series, suggesting his survival. Raphael Bob-waksberg, the producer of the show, made this intentional choice to emphasize the dedication of the series to address difficult subjects including depression, drug abuse, and the results of one's actions.
The Bojack Horseman ending divided many viewers who felt letdown that BoJack survived. Many people concluded from the character's destructive actions over the series that death was the only appropriate end to his path.
Reddit users, for example, voiced their displeasure with the ending, contending that BoJack's death would have been a potent and appropriate climax to his downward slide. They felt that BoJack's death in the penultimate episode should have been the pivotal point of his narrative.
While some felt BoJack's death would bring some closure, others thought his survival was the ideal ending. Fans contended that BoJack's passing would have been a sort of atonement, letting him get away from the fallout from his deeds. BoJack Horseman sought to show, though, how BoJack might live with his imperfections and pursue development.
The show's nuanced characters and their paths were meant to appeal to viewers personally, so providing hope that people might grow and atone for their mistakes. BoJack's survival thus points to the prospect of a better future and the means of atonement.
A key component of the ending, BoJack's last chat with Diane on the rooftop represents their nuanced and deep relationship. They have experienced many ups and downs, hurting one another as well as providing comfort and support to each other.
Their exchange in the last scene emphasizes their unique paths toward personal development and self-awareness. Diane is beginning a new chapter in her life in Houston after battling personal mental health issues. Realizing he has to grow and stop more damage, BoJack agrees Diane's decision to move on, so signifying his acceptance of the results of his behavior.
In the finale Princess Carolyn, BoJack's former friend, manager, and lover, discovers her own happily ever after. She wed Judah, a love interest who at first seemed like an unlikely fit, and starts a fulfilling career producing films with female leads. For Princess Carolyn, who has long battled to balance her desire for a family with her career goals, this represents a turning point.
Her resilience and relentless ambition are evident in her fresh success in her personal and professional life. The path Princess Carolyn follows is evidence of the belief that women can fulfill their families as well as succeed in their careers.
Though their roles in the finale are more subdued, two of BoJack's closest friends, Todd and Mr. Peanutbutter also have fulfilling endings. Todd is settling down with Maude and running his daycare business still. With his relentless hope, Mr. Peanutbutter runs his own restaurant and finds satisfaction in his life.
Their narratives show the need of discovering pleasure and fulfillment in many spheres of life. Though their paths might not be as dramatic as those of BoJack or Princess Carolyn, they highlight the possibility for stability and happiness even in nontraditional living.
Hollyhock's letter to BoJack at the end is among the more mysterious elements of the finale. He is profoundly affected by the letter, which details BoJack's past behavior and his relationship with Penny, spiraling him into hopelessness. The letter's contents, though, are never shared with the audience.
The uncertainty about the letter lets viewers conjecture about its meaning and how it would affect BoJack and Hollyhock's relationship. It implies that even if BoJack could be able to move on from his mistakes, the results of his actions would haunt him always.
Catherine Feeny's song "Mr. Blue," which aptly captures the complexity of BoJack's trip and his relationship with Diane, opens the last scene of the BoJack Horseman finale. The songs' lyrics, which honor the negative tendencies within a turbulent and loving relationship, speak of "I have to go now" refers to Diane's leaving from BoJack and "Hollywoo," so stressing the need of personal development and the need of letting go of past relationships.
Emphasizing BoJack's potential for change and development, "Mr. Blue's" lyrics also provide hope for his future. The lines "Mr. Blue, Don't hold your head so low that you can't see the sky / Mr. Blue, It ain't so long since you were flying high" suggest that despite his mistakes and his current circumstances, BoJack can still look ahead to a brighter future.
BoJack Horseman's ending, while acknowledging the complexity of BoJack's journey and the challenges he faces, ultimately offers a message of hope. Similar to the finale of Mad Men, it showcases the potential for growth and change even for deeply flawed individuals.
The ending underscores the show's central theme, as articulated by Diane, that life's challenges will persist but that it's important to keep on living. The show encourages viewers to embrace their imperfections, to learn from their mistakes, and to strive for a better future.
Though the show is popular and demand from viewers for more will exist, there will not be a BoJack Horseman season 7. The show concluded naturally, allowing its main characters to experience meaningful growth and closure.
The show's realistic portrayal of character development and the exploration of complex themes meant that there was a natural limit to the stories that could be told. Furthermore influencing the cancellation of the show are Netflix's cuts in the animation budget.
While Raphael Bob-waksberg, the show's creator, has stated that he is not interested in revisiting the characters of BoJack Horseman, some members of the cast have expressed openness to the idea of a spin-off. Amy Sedaris, who voices Princess Carolyn, has acknowledged the demand for more and expressed her willingness to return to the character.
However, the future of BoJack Horseman remains uncertain. The show's ending provides a satisfying conclusion to the characters' journeys, and any potential spin-off would need to offer a compelling new story that expands upon the established world.
BoJack Horseman was critically acclaimed throughout its run, receiving praise for its writing, animation, and exploration of complex themes. The show has left a lasting impact on audiences, prompting conversations about mental health, addiction, and the consequences of one's actions.
The BoJack Horseman ending, while divisive among viewers, ultimately reflects the show's commitment to realism and complexity. It showcases the potential for growth and redemption even for deeply flawed individuals, offering a hopeful message for viewers to carry with them.