Bojack Horseman Season 4- Time For Change
I see Season 4 as a new chapter in Bojack Horseman, the show becomes much more episodic and takes a step in a new more creative direction. Reviewing these seasons, I can clearly see a maturity in the show, this sense of introspective ambition to constantly keep it fresh. Season 4 is truly outstanding if a little disjointed. Each episode feels fresh, innovative and individual with a much smaller scale. But, as per usual, let us delve through each and every episode of season 4.
The anticipation for the premiere of season 4 was ridiculously high and no one expected ‘See Mr Peanutbutter Run’ and I don’t think anyone wanted it either. I don’t hate this episode as many people do, it is one of the funniest episodes of the show, it was just disappointing. It is a purely Mr PB episode, where the rest of the characters become a bit drowned out. He is consistently hilarious, with the chaos of the governor storyline being a highlight for political comedy. Diane is the reasonable anchor to the episode, with her phone calls to Bojack having this underlying loneliness to them. I think it is just too tongue in cheek that there is no substance in the end, Todd’s asexuality isn’t touched on enough but it’s nice to hear the representation. PC and Ralph’s relationship is lovely to see but just set up in this episode. It is so fast paced that we don’t get a second to breathe, it almost leaves you in this exhausted disbelief, one of the weakest of the season but it sets up a lot and has some really funny moments.
And then we have the polar opposite episode in “The Old Sugarman Place”. Picking straight up from the ending moments of Season 3, the episode is a reflective and personal story revolving around the Sugarman place. I adore this episode, I never expected this story to be told but I am so thankful it was. The incredible use of the flashback’s sharp and hilarious wit with dialogue written through a harsh cynical honesty. Jane Krakowski as Honey Sugarman is one of my all-time favourite voice acting performances, the grief and desperation her character shows have such an emotional impact on the audience. This is played in parallel to Bojack desperately trying to renovate The Old Sugarman Place, assisted by Eddie, a begrudging fly. The renovating of the house as a metaphor for recovery is beautiful, Bojack uses this to build himself back to the arrogant and bitter person he used to be. He wants to recreate this home that faced so much trouble, which is why the parallel narratives is so interesting with the climactic song and sequence showing the repeated patterns that pass down through generations. Beatrice Horseman is fantastically set up as a sympathetic character, which is something this season delves into so creatively. It is downright beautiful to watch, setting the tone for the rest of the season and with swift unexpected gut punches so early on.
“Hooray! Todd Episode!” is an episode where my opinion is summed up in the title. The episode shows the hectic multiple zany lifestyles Todd Chavez lives. It is chaotic, hilarious and a lot of fun yet manages to convey this lost man’s search for his identity. He is adored by some, ignored by others which is a nice metaphor for Bojack Horseman’s audience. We are also introduced to the fantastic Hollyhock, she works off Todd’s naivety with this excellent college student awkwardness. Introducing her as a possible daughter to Bojack is a plotline that I really enjoy, they work off each other really well. He causes as many problems as he solves, resulting in this exhausting pace that pays off in the end with a moment of personal independence. It has a lot of plot points to move through, but I really appreciate using Todd as the connection as it gives him quite a complex arc. The relationship between Todd and Bojack is an absolute highlight, the fallout of ‘It’s You’ shows the show really facing and using consequences to its advantage and moving on from the past. Incredible episode, with a touching moment from an unexpected character as well as being incredibly fun.
I enjoy an episode that strings together plots through a strong theme, “Commence Fracking” balances three complex relationships and explores ideas of complex love. Mr PB and Diane are facing marital issues over the campaign, I really enjoy how both of them are undeniably selfish. Diane doesn’t consider Mr PB’s desire to be governor and Mr PB doesn’t consider Diane’s opinion. Their relationship is a highlight of the show as they try to fix the relationship without considering their personal faults. Bojack’s search for Hollyhock’s parents introduces some fun side characters and moments as well really exposing Bojack for the terrible person he is when viewed from the perspective of Hollyhock, I think it’s paced a bit weirdly with the clear fake out argument being a bit of a pointless moment, but I quite like some of the parts. I love Ralph and PC’s attempt to get a kid, with the hilarious ovulation watch being so stupid and hilarious. It shows PC’s determination placed alongside a fantastic written and performed performance of Ralph makes a nice, fun and charming plot. The final moment is one of the scariest moments of the show, seeing Mr PB in such a dark and violent mood is simply disturbing, and the ending leaves you feeling very uncomfortable.
And we are here again! The political and controversial episode of the series! Personally, I really enjoy “Thoughts and Prayers”, even if it falls into the awkward place of ‘B-Plot better than A-Plot’. The actual political discussion is really nice, but not necessary to the actual plot of the season. The most it does is give Diane some authority, it’s nice to see Diane in a different light, she disagrees with a concept but comes to learn more about the concept and changes her opinion. The way it expresses this is through fast-paced witty dialogue with caricatures and over the top situations that the show does so well, it’s hilarious and scathing. However, the B-Plot with Bojack, Hollyhock and Beatrice is fantastic. The reason Bojack and Hollyhock work so well together is that Hollyhock is someone to put his actions in perspective, she brings him down a couple of notches which is what the show needs. The dynamic of Bojack wanting to hurt Beatrice, and then Hollyhock being a good enough to try and appease both in the best way possible. It brings them closer together which is really sweet, as well as putting Beatrice in such a vulnerable and sympathetic position is as confusing for the audience as it is for Bojack. An overall fine episode, with some nice character work and interesting concepts.
“Stupid Piece of Shit” is a genuinely incredible episode of Bojack. It’s an exploration of self-deprecation, spite and depression through a harsh well performed inner monologue. Arnett pulls off some incredible delivery, with a clever exploration of how Bojack causes his problems and is aware of it. Such an interesting idea to have his actions and thoughts played simultaneously and sometimes being incoherent. The 2D segments with stylistic drawings are played expertly sparingly, so they never distract but act as an insight into the world Bojack sees. Beatrice is really upsetting to watch in retrospect, she sets-up some fantastic plots and her relationship with Bojack is one of the darkest places the show has gone, the hatred where there should be sympathy is tough. It’s fantastic to see Rabbitowitz back in a position with PC, the workings of Hollywoo have always been a lot of fun to watch and it shows PC as a strong determined sympathetic character. The plot also leads to a really nice moment of authority for Todd as he refuses to get married due to wanting to find himself, I really appreciate the slow but sweet development of Todd in season 4. The final scene with Bojack and Hollyhock produces this unique sense of dread in the audience. Bojack has spent the episode worrying about Hollyhock’s perception about him, then is shown how he makes the perception worse. As well as the theme of how our parents’ problems are hereditary is shown through Hollyhock’s final line, it’s upsetting and scary, a fantastic manipulation of the audience’s emotions.
Absurd, fast-paced and hilarious, “Underground” is one of the weirdest ventures the series has ever done. Practically a bottle episode with a group of characters that are equal parts witty and stupid. I don’t think I really have any idea what the purpose behind the episode is, but I had enough fun with it that I don’t really mind. Zach Braff and Jessica Biel contribute two of the best guest performances in Bojack as they are full of self-deprecating jokes that are so over the top. Diane and Bojack’s moments make the episode a lot more substantial, with the instant devolution of Diane is really interesting as their relationship is really nice and this adds a level of complexity. Does Bojack have a positive or negative effect on Diane is something the show plays with a lot. Todd and PC really drag the episode down, with a guest performance of Ru Paul being unnecessary and the whole plot feeling like a distraction. It doesn’t add anything because the comedy is placed next to the hilarity of the A Plot, so it is simply not as funny. I want to draw attention to the really nice final scene which acknowledges how separated the main characters has become, this is the show showing its growth and the approach season 4 has gone. An unusual experiment that left me bewildered but entertained.
There really isn’t much to say about “The Judge”, it’s the definition of an episode that is just fine. I love placing Bojack in ridiculous situations and a reality TV show about butts is definitely a lot of fun. It reminds me of ‘Let’s Find Out’ where it criticizes a genre through excellent satire, however it doesn’t quite reach the depth. I adore Hollyhock’s character and this episode really shines through as a strong point for her character, her discomfort around the beauty standards of the show is nice subtle character development. I like giving her a relationship, as Bojack struggles with his ideas of parenting and Hollyhock’s intellectual maturity playing at odds. Hollyhock’s last scene is really upsetting, it’s fantastic to show a character not deeply affected by Bojack but instead has her own personal problems that make her a well-rounded character. There’s not much in Mr PB’s arc as its political humour but I do enjoy him reuniting with Todd and the self-satire of their schemes. I do enjoy PC visiting Ralph’s family as it’s using animal humour and surreal over the top humour and using it to throw the audience off balance before the emotion. Amplifying the situation amplifies the effect and message.
Concept episodes are tough to pull off, often concept episodes are clearly the writes thinking of the concept and nothing more on top of that. However, “Ruthie” is using a concept episode where the episode came first, and the concept was used to elevate the episode. Narrated by a great-great-great-granddaughter of PC called Ruthie, where the writers manage to make a crazy sci-fi world more imaginative than most modern sci-fi. It is truly upsetting to watch PC go through misfortune after misfortune, yet there is this inch of hope through Ruthie. Without Ruthie, this episode would be one note and lack the gut punch at the end. Bojack and Diane’s plot is a bit inconsequential and a distraction, they even make fun of this in the episode. Ralph and PC’s argument is really fantastic as their relationship is one of the purest of the show, and to see both of them be so self-destructive makes it so difficult to watch. PC is my favourite character of the show because she consistently goes through awful experiences but makes the situation more difficult for herself. The ending moments of this episode feature Amy Sedaris’ fantastic voice acting skill as she talks to Bojack through this defeated and upset tone but with a sense of amusement and friendship to Bojack. I adore this episode, it features one of the best subversion of expectations and results in an incredible emotional impact.
I’m conflicted about “lovin’ that cali lifestyle!”, as it has such strong components that fall apart on a structural and pacing level. An incredibly upsetting opening, that hits the audience with shock and panic like no other. But then the tension is completely swept away as we witness the battle between Biel and Woodchuck with political satire as most of the opinions are based on superficial factors, funny but could have been cut. We also witness PC get back on her feet, but with the help of Todd which is a really nice dynamic and you clearly see PC isn’t stable yet but on the path to recovery. And then, thankfully, we return to Bojack’s story which is fantastic. Seeing his genuine love for Hollyhock and placing him in a position where he is genuinely guilt free for once, but instead is in a desperate and confused state is really refreshing. Revealing Beatrice was the one drugging Hollyhock is horrifying, Bojack’s anger and actions somehow become slightly reasonable. This season plays with expectations and perceptions with expert craft. The fact that no character is completely redeemable, yet no character is completely evil is a really interesting position to write a comedy show from. And then that final malicious act when Bojack forces Beatrice into a home, it’s a dark step for his character but that final line takes the spectator by surprise and leaves them in a moral confusion. An episode that could have been flawless if it didn’t divert from the stronger elements
I don’t think an episode of television, let alone animated television has astounded me more than “Time’s Arrow”. I was truly speechless through the entire 28 minutes. From the very first time the camera pans to Henrietta and we see a younger Beatrice, I knew that this episode was going to be something else. From a technical standpoint, the detail is beyond any compliment I can give. Faces being blank, Henrietta’s disturbing face, the constant time-hopping with reactions from Beatrice, the disturbing flashes, Bojack appearing, Honey constantly being in shadow and the beautiful score make it truly unique. It’s a study of if our personalities are destined, there is hope and wisdom in young Beatrice, yet she faces so much trauma that she devolves into this cynical person in the end. We witness her relationship with Butterscotch being flawed from the beginning, resulting in this ever-lasting spite and redemption due to each one seeing the other as the barrier to their success. It’s heart-breaking to see this life fall apart before us but mixed with stylistic elements that make each event be viewed through Beatrice’s brain. I have to congratulate Wendie Malik’s incredible performance as she shows this cynicism build and grows to a climax in the conversation with Henrietta, and the final descent into chaos as Hollyhock is born. And then we snap back to the final moments of the previous episode after the whole episode has demonstrated this woman’s descent into the monster she has become, Wakesberg surprises us with a moment of genuine love and happiness between these two characters. I would qualify “Time’s Arrow” as Bojack’s Magnum Opus, its this dark, unsettling and beautiful piece of art that will astonish anyone who watches it.
Usually, the finale of each season is a fallout episode from the penultimate episode, but “What Time Is It Right Now?” is something different as there isn’t the fallout. With an excellent opening monologue by PC, she tells the audience to separate the stories from their life and the episode has a positive outlook to it. PC learns to move on and learn that life isn’t all about being self-sufficient and sometimes its fine to need people. Diane and Mr PB learn to discuss and confront their marital issues and to “stop squinting”. Todd matures and realizes that he can still have a relationship. And finally, in one of the sweetest moments of the show, Bojack and Hollyhock have a human conversation that finally shows some change. His journey through this series is recovery and development, and Hollyhock is an example of how love and friendship can make a small change. It’s a small, slightly inconsequential episode that sets up the plot of season 5 but unlike the other seasons it concludes and discusses the themes of the season and confronts change.
In many ways, Bojack Horseman Season 4 is a unique season of television. It’s very hit and miss, with some of the best and worst episodes of the series making an overall inconsistent tone. But I think that largely comes down to the show struggling to find its new voice, it clearly is moving in a different direction as it relies a lot on a semi-anthology structure as well as more surrealist and ambiguous moments. An episode like “Time’s Arrow” wouldn’t feel at home in the earlier seasons. That’s why I still adore this season, it takes risks, it puts it audiences in positions that are new and confusing, and it does it all with this step forward into a much more artistic perspective.
Thanks for reading once again!