Abandon Ship: BoJack's Failed Relationships

BoJack Horseman desperately desires connection and understanding, but he often fumbles the bag when attempting to receive these things from his friends and relations. He ignores boundaries, actively self-sabotages, and consumes a Herculean amount of drugs. No matter how hard he makes it for them, though, BoJack’s romantic partners always challenge him to change and improve his outlook on life, to varying degrees of success. From Princess Carolyn to Gina, let’s take a look at BoJack’s tattered history of romantic relationships.
Co-written by Tracy T. - / tctrauscht
Additional Writing by Kevin Anderson - / kbandersonyo
Thumbnail by Ravioli - / ravioli_510
Edited by Joe Murphy @nazchoz798
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!- / johnny2cellos
Follow me on Twitter: / johnny2cellos
If you like this video, you might like these too!
"That's Too Much, Man" Explained: • BoJack's Most Selfish ...
"The Showstopper Explained: • Floating From Reality ...
"Time's Arrow" Explained: • The Tolls of Trauma | ...
Music:
Johnny 2 Cellos Theme Music - Norman Marston
Johnny 2 Cellos Theme REMIX- @BlackTyeChi
@lofigeek
Video Used:
BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
"Fair Use" guidelines: www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html

[@potatothegreat8464]

Vanessa Gecko saying she never disliked Princess Carolyn is one of my favourite little moments in the show

[@hanshintermann1551]

Not really plausible, though.

[@iasmin8490]

@@hanshintermann1551 in my perception it just shows how all that female competition was happing only in Pc’s mind, while Vanessa was just trying to be a good employe and agent/manager/idk what she was to be honest

[@Sunny-gm9ru]

That and how you can see Vanessa in the background of pc’s wedding

[@owenleal]

​​@@iasmin8490 I think that Vanessa had a rivalry and competition with PC, but it was more of a friendly/professional rivalry in her mind, born out of respect for a fellow agent who is as good as she is but also whose interests are at odds with her's. But PC genuinely hated Vanessa and even had daydreams about Vanessa dying or being her slave .

[@AlliePaints]

@@Sunny-gm9ru that was an industry wedding that’s not really evidence for anything

[@eatatjoes6751]

When I heard about Gina's storyline and her whole anxiety about being reduced to a footnote in Bojack's story my brain was like, *"THANK YOU."*

[@VayneTheCreator]

Which is especially, especially ironic considering how her character resolution was one of the ones that got gutted the most from the lack of a seventh season. I can guarantee that we would have had a scene where Kelsey meets with her after finding out that "something happened" which made Gina suddenly impossible to work with and the two realize just how screwed over they had been by Bojack and she agrees to pick her for the lead role in Fireflame. Probably even a scene similar to season 2 with Bojack's inability to cry where Kelsey helps Gina use her trauma positively in her performance instead of slipping back into a PTSD reaction. Even though she technically gets one of the better endings, she literally becomes a wiki footnote where if you don't see the Fireflame billboard with her face on it in the background later on you'd assume that her final appearance is her freaking out at a costar and losing future roles.

[@raysay1818]

​@@VayneTheCreatorI don't know how I've never noticed the billboard detail. I am exactly that person who thought her story ended with her freaking out and losing opportunity because of trauma. I'm really glad she gets at least that little bit of vindication.

[@ananananabop]

@@VayneTheCreator That would have been really cool to see!

[@ChildOfTheFlower]

Well she became that as we never see her again

[@lukerosales5879]

At least they didnt write her to have been unable to cope with her trauma and taking her own life as a result.

[@chugmilk12]

Johnny, wait! Gina’s story doesn’t end there. It turns positive right at the very end when she gets the lead role in Fireflame! It’s an easter egg in one of the last episodes (possibly Nice While it Lasted, I’m not sure). You can see a billboard for Fireflame in the background with Gina and Courtney Portnoy. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that she was able to work through her trauma and become easier to work with. More than likely it means that Kelsey took the time to get to know Gina and her experiences and accommodated for Gina’s needs. But I thought it was worth noting because Gina finally got the role of a lifetime and the recognition she deserves as an actress.

[@oftinuvielskin9020]

I love that! That scene where the director tells Kelsey that Gina is "difficult" is so heart breaking and depressingly realistic. Knowing that Kelsey detected how off that conversation was and went to talk to Gina directly not only gives them both a silver lining, but it really fits into and builds on Kelsey's character. She's too socially aware and too much of a feminist to let a man's words rule how she sees Gina.

[@Bubbles603]

Thanks for saying this I’m gonna go look for that billboard right now but dude you saying “Johnny wait!” Like a lead in a rom com chasing their love interest through the airport is unintentionally hilarious 😂

[@chugmilk12]

@@Bubbles603 Johnny is my love interest, but I’m not chasing him through the airport to dramatically declare my love. It’s to frantically explain the little details of my true love, an adult cartoon. 🤣😂🤣

[@Bubbles603]

@@chugmilk12 then you better run bestie, run to give him the info he needs to hear 🥹🤍

[@Luunays]

Omg I never noticed it ! But yeah at 4:43min you see the billboard behind Mr PeanutButter !! I'm so happy ! 😍

[@anastasiasawyer9463]

Thank god someone is finally acknowledging that Spanakopita sexually assaulted Bojack, it's so weird how little that's talked about with the fandom and even the show itself. Female assault and rape is still rape. Bojack is terrible, but Ana is also a terrible person in her own way

[@gothicMCRgirl]

I guess because people already know she’s a terrible person so they don’t feel the need to point out in what ways she’s terrible. But it’s a good point, female sexual assault is always brushed aside, but it’s no less awful and traumatizing. You don’t have to physically penetrate someone in order to sexually hurt and damage them, regardless of who is the one suffering the assault.

[@sussybaka119]

​@@gothicMCRgirlshut up Meg

[@remyhavoc4463]

yeah that's true evenI forgot she did it until I saw it here 💀 but she was already scummy in my mind so it didn't feel that different

[@anastasiasawyer9463]

@@gothicMCRgirl Yeah, for real. I remember seeing a clip of that moment from the show and one of the comments were like 'it doesn't count as r*pe because he likes it' which is such a damaging sexist stereotype against men :// like yeah, Bojack might've enjoyed it but it doesn't matter because there was no consent, and Bojack has a very fucked up understanding of sex and healthy relationships anyway. He probably didn't even register that Spanakopita assaulted him. Also, unpopular opinion, but I don't like the episode where Bojack has to get naked for Philbert, not because of the premise itself, but because the tone of that episode was all wrong. When Gina had to do it, the episode took it seriously and kept the tone dark, but when the same was happening to Bojack, it was much more comedic and played as a joke? Like yeah, no. Bojack having to be naked (against his will) is just as bad as it happening to Gina and unfortunately the show just does not take sexual harassment against men seriously enough. Even 'self aware' shows like Bojack Horseman falls for this 'male r*pe and assault is funny' bullshit. :/

[@blenderbanana]

Ana is as competive as she needs to be. She did nothing wrong.

[@waffles5433]

Wanda was really Bojack’s best option to get out of his self destructive ways. She recognized alot of the problematic behaviors and made attempts to help him, but he ultimately couldn’t push through all the toxic traits and kept repeating the same behaviors or letting his toxic friends continue to bring him down. I think if they’d met in the final season where Bojack wasn’t perfect but was actively putting in effort to be better they would have worked out. EDIT: I agree Bojack’s best option for getting out of his self destructive ways is working on himself, but talking specifically about the partners he’s had Wanda was the one who was the most capable of helping him.

[@MooseShower]

Yeah, I feel like they’d work out, but there’s also the thing about her having the mental age of a 20 year old while Bojack is nearing his 60s

[@waffles5433]

@@MooseShower Yeah but Bojack isn’t any better in that category. Kelsey Jannings and Diane actually had a conversation about this in season 2: Diane: Ugh. Of course, the first time BoJack dates a woman his own age, she's basically just a stunted 20-year-old. Kelsey: Well, BoJack's stunted, too. He got famous in his twenties, so he'll be in his twenties forever. After you get famous, you stop growing, you don't have to. Every celebrity has an age of stagnation. Diane: I'm glad I never got famous. I mean, I did write a best-selling book, but I'm not famous-famous. Kelsey: Oh, it doesn't just happen when you get famous. Your age of stagnation is when you stop growing. For most people, it's when they get married, settle into a routine. You meet someone who loves you unconditionally and never challenges you or wants you to change, and then you never change. bojackhorseman.fandom.com/wiki/Yesterdayland/Quotes

[@MooseShower]

@@waffles5433 That's true, but I meant Wanda was literally 20. She was basically dead for 30 years (in a coma) so she earned no experience at all for 30 years. Yes, Bojack is immature, but he's actually been alive longer and seen more and experienced more, so he should know more if that makes sense?

[@deviousj5868]

He should have put in effort. She really was the best.

[@marreco6347]

Bojack is Bojack's only option. Christ, have you learned nothing in 5 seasons?

[@Sincerelyyourlocalloser]

The Best Bojack ship is definitely Bojack x Therapy

[@arielruby13]

i ship that

[@iexisted583]

Idk man bojack messed up the therapist life

[@WooffzTheCoon]

I disagree, BoJack x Rehab is definitely better.

[@2bdaqueen268]

Bojack x prison was definitely the best for everyone

[@Dummy4Lifez]

Bojack x alcohol 😈

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

I was really sad when the whole thing with Wanda blew up. It was nice for Bojack to have a relationship where he actively wanted to try having it be more than just sex. It was just really sad as it all fell apart and that line about red flags is just all too raw and real.

[@zackgulden1795]

q+

[@sexygirlmax2019]

Not really, Wanda had the mentality of a 20 year old even though she was 50 something years old, Bojack consistently went after young women, he didnt want her for sex mainly he subconsciously knew he had power over her just like he did with sarah lynn

[@ItsDanbo]

The worst thing Bojack had ever done was treating Princess Carolyn terribly, oh an everything else, but this was the worst thing ever

[@briannajazmin7144]

I'm not over him not calling 911 😶

[@bunnyrabbitsrkewl]

17 minutes was the worst thing.

[@raviolithedesigner3736]

Definitely Sarah Lynn. Not even just the 17 minutes but that entire relationship. He really was one of the biggest influences on her and I feel like he has a sizeable culpability for his death.

[@LapsisDeus13]

I think theres different kinds of the most terrible things bojacks done, and its hard to justify what the definitively worst thing hes done is.

[@scarletivy2271]

​@raviolithedesigner3736 exactly. That entire relationship was toxic from the beginning. And when he was sleeping with her.....just no. Yes I understand they were both adults but given the context of the relationship, it was just wrong. Those 17 minutes are something that's just unforgivable. She maybe could have been saved if he didn't wait.

[@forcefedsoup]

nobody EVER talks about how ana spanakopita assaulted bojack. I watched that scene and had to pause it. Its something I think a lot of people skim over and often dismiss. ive always found it weird how silent people usually are about it, so thanks for actually saying what it was, assault.

[@gh0rochi363]

She can assault me like that 😂😂😂😂

[@Frazier16]

Its cause we all know shes a shit person, and bojack didnt seem to care. So to us theres no point

[@pikminologueraisin2139]

she get the sexy pass

[@andrewgarfield9898]

The assault is considered “okay” since it’s done to Bojack and he “deserves” it. Also it doesn’t count as assault when a woman does it to a man.

[@pikminologueraisin2139]

@@andrewgarfield9898 only if she's sexy, if she's average she would be considered a creep and be harassed

[@dirtywhitepoodle]

I thought the way PC and bojack’s relationship ended in the final ep was more about letting him go than being friends… as much as she’s able to be friendly with him at the wedding PC has moved on, and she and bojack are different people than they were at the start of the series, and that’s a really good thing. It’s a sign of her growth that she doesn’t immediately jump to helping him and instead says she’ll refer him to someone else, and a sign that touched me personally as someone who went through a long term toxic situationship/breakup with someone I loved but didn’t love me. She proves that it’s possible to grow past that person and find true happiness if you’re brave enough to face your demons

[@kaitlyn__L]

Agreed. She didn’t invite him to the real one, and she has a professional distance with him at the publicity party. Much moreso than she ever had with before, and more like she did with most of her other (non main-character) clients.

[@abigails4088]

I got it more as a "I'm willing to see you as a casual friend and acquaintance... but professionally and intimately (socially intimate) we're done" also, correct me if I'm wrong she and Judah didn't even invite hardly anyone to the "REAL" wedding...

[@user-qg7fu9gn8m]

I agree somewhat I don’t think their friendship ended but I think pc helping him out with his shit and dealing with his behavior ended

[@WayraHyena]

For all the analysis I've watched and read of Bojack Horseman, this is the first I've seen that finally actually calls what Ana did to Bojack assault. Thank you. His relationship with Ana is so fascinatingly uncomfortable, yet it feels like some of the worst of it gets glossed over. I enjoyed the analysis of all of these relationships, but that one especially.

[@sierraglassman6509]

Fr I have heard 0 people mention it before this video

[@beenile]

While watching it i was really uncomfortable but it never really clicked for me until this video. Im usually the one pointing out this sort of thing to people but yeah she really did rape him. Every one of their sex scenes is uncomfortable and manipulative. Id def argue the majority of the time it was dubious consent.

[@minidreschi2]

Especially after Wanda

[@tecnapurin]

I was going to say, I am surprised how little I have seen of people analyzing Ana Spanakopita considering she is a very interesting character as well as her dynamic with BoJack.

[@blenderbanana]

Bojack needed to be pacifier, so Ana worked his. She did nothing wrong.

[@generic_ornament]

One thing that's weird to me is how people are just willing to overlook how Wanda was just fine with looking passed Uncle Hanky's actions when Diane was calling him out. Everyone talks about how nice she is, and she is in the relationship, but when it comes to those serious accusations - all she cares about is ratings. So....is she really that kind?

[@abigails4088]

at the end of the day, none of us are saints or angels...I suppose. we all have our little hypocrisies... I just try to limit mine to things that DON'T inflict a tangible measure of harm on other people.

[@Jaguarkralle1]

Interesting point, maybe because she "comes from" a different time where it was useless to fight anyway? Just a thought idk

[@arsalanafroz]

She's nice and kind with regard to maintaining harmony and stability with people and connections, as long as there isn't a superficial and obvious degree of harm visible. It's not moral kindness, it's more along the lines of harmonious kindness. My best friend is a lot like her in many ways.

[@omgsomeonesomewhereonearth7432]

I think the thing with this show is that standards of morality are a little different. Everyone does good things and bad things, ofcourse. This show is about the complexity of morality. However, I think it goes a little deeper. The "bad things" people do in this show can be divided into two types: actions that are bad and recognised by the universe as bad, and actions which are objectively bad, however in the tilted moral landscape of Hollywoo, are taken as a given and therefore have a neutral value in universe unless they're relevant to that particular character's growth. So, supporting or just taking a blind eye against Hank's actions? Objectively morally bad, but within the context of the show, the fact that characters who are overall considered "good", like Wanda, Mr PB, PC don't actively condemn him, isn't meant to be a comment on them as characters, but rather on the world around them.

[@Iblamethebarrels]

I always interpreted it as her being on the 80s mentally, and it doesn't matter back then. It's why shes able to look past so much, but after being in the modern time, she can recognize bojacks toxic traits, as she was moving forward (and he was degenerating, as usual)

[@Rabarbaraaa]

Gina did actually get the role in Firegirl! In a scene at the café you can see the poster in the background advertising the Firegirl movie with Gina as Firegirl So luckily bojack didn’t ruin her completely

[@matti.8465]

Makes you wonder if when Gina makes a big enough name for herself, she will feel comfortable telling her story

[@phoebevaughan5095]

That little detail was so inspiring! I'm glad Gina had a fresh start - her character deserved it.

[@lukerosales5879]

It was a relief too - I was worried Gina's story would end in su1cide.

[@js8qp2pwisos]

​​@@lukerosales5879 bro why are you so obsessed with gina killing herself 😭 all ur replies are this same comment

[@unhumanized]

Of all of bojacks partners I always felt the worst for princess Carolyn she was taken for such a longer ride than everyone else

[@BleddynsStudio]

Gosh, the scene with Wanda opening the door to the pizza guy is one of the most subtle yet heart-wrenching parts to watch. It's up there along with when Bojack read Hollyhock's letter.

[@pokemonmanic3595]

I really love how each of Bojack’s relationships explores a different type of toxic dynamic. Princess Carolyn: Codependency Wanda: Ignoring Red Flags/“I Can Fix Him” Ana: Abusive Power Dynamics Gina: Self Preservation

[@amandasain3769]

Gina was my favorite of Bojack's romances, and I feel like it doesn't get talked about enough. PC is an amazing character of course, but her and BoJack's relationship had already been a shitshow for years prior to the first episode. Wanda always seemed too good for BoJack, and I felt like she put up with too much from him to avoid having to live with her sister again. Gina and BoJack had great chemistry and genuinely liked each other, even if both wouldn't consciously acknowledge it at first. Gina slowly opened up as their relationship progressed, and even when they weren't serious, BoJack tried to do nice things for Gina like get her auditions and remembered the names of her friends in her book club. Even though their relationship milestones only occurred because of BoJack's addiction (saying he came to see her after filming to cover for B&E, kissing her in front of the press while high, etc), I liked how they were together when BoJack was more lucid. So awful how it ended, though, and Gina trying to bury the truth so she wouldn't be seen as a victim rips me apart every time

[@schripppy]

Watching the last episode with Gina on her new movie terrified to do stunts but unable to explain her anxieties kills me to watch every time, I sometimes will just skip those parts cause it's just so painfully sad to watch. Stephanie Beatriz voices Gina so well though, you hear the fear, the hurt, and almost anger in her voice.

[@danielapardo9776]

I think another reason Wanda wasn't the perfect match for Bojack was her job. I don't think Bojack would ever respect her job mostly because of his past and because Bojack's convictions. Gina was a better fit in general, an actor just like him. Also they were very cute in a lowkey way, he was very charming with her.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

The thumpnail is on point as always and bojack always struck me as the sort that was better off single

[@MrOsiz]

On the thumbnail I've seen PC is hugging and scaring Wanda, how is it on point?

[@alexmansfield3268]

Its better off for most girls that bojack remain single

[@potatopotayto8332]

​@@MrOsiz to me she seems like she's trying to get her a record deal lol

[@supaskiltz9877]

I love thumpnail

[@tashibalampkin8555]

Same. His Bojack thumbnails are always good.

[@BoosterLane]

Every time a character dates Bojack I keep screaming, “Stop, get out of there! Bojack is bad company!”

[@eileensnow6153]

It’s like watching a character in a horror movie investigate a strange noise at night. “GIRL NO, JUST GET OUT OF THERE! RUN!!”

[@d.phantomfan1216]

Years later there is is still stuff to talk about with this show, one of the best signs of a timeless classic.

[@nikkimvee4710]

I truly think Lisa Kudrow's Wanda is her best performance of her career. An incredible, meaningful role that ironically for how BoJack was structuring their relationship, fit their arc into an open-and-closed season when she broke up with him.

[@Johnny2Cellos]

I adore the performance but you GOTTA watch HBO’s “The Comeback”

[@whysopotato4719]

Wanda’s line was so powerful for me, it honestly helped me realize things about people I just refused to see

[@crystalgemgirl731]

I repeat that line and Ana's line about there being some people you can't save as often as I can.

[@animal245533]

I feel like you should do a follow up video with his platonic relationships. Todd, Herb, MPB, and Diane, these relationships truly defined his life. The series ends both figuratively and literally, with Bojack and Diana quietly agreeing it's the end of their friendship.

[@JamesQPurcell]

Your video ends oddly positive about Bojack's future, when the entire series is basically the story of one man, despite all of his advantages, losing every friend he's ever had.

[@Johnny2Cellos]

The show is optimistic! It ends with BoJack having lost everything, but still hopeful that he can be better and do better, even if he gets nothing in return.

[@Grnwng]

The series ends on the hopeful note of all his friends learning, moving on and setting boundaries to have happier lives and healthier relationships with BoJack (if they kept that relationship). Something BoJack could have done much earlier for himself. Diane is the only one not speaking to BoJack by the end (from his friend group), so he really only lost one friend that he only had for a handful of years. He can make more. You know why? Because he isn't dead. Unlike Sarah Lynn. It ended on the hopeful note where he has his life and he can still make something more positive out of it. If he finally chooses to. And everyone else isn't beholden to him and misery just because he didn't choose it sooner. We don't blame Charlotte for not wanting to speak to him anymore. BoJack burned bridges. He can learn and do better but he cannot always go back after every choice made. He can never go back to The Old Sugarman place for instance, because he had it demolished. People can't always return to everything in life, but he is alive and still has a support structure which was clearly seen. Mr. Peanutbutter picked him up from prison, P.C. is willing to help him find work (just not work directly for him) and Todd cares enough about him to help him relax at P.C.'s wedding.

[@frannelly]

That tiny easter egg at the very end of the series showing how both Gina AND Kelsey finally achieved a long overdue big turn in their careers cooperating on the Fireflame movie is so heartwarming :)

[@dorian417]

Thank you for pointing out how creepy Ana was. Like I've never seen anyone address that scene where she SA-s him, like it's desirable behavior from a woman since he's a s*x addict. That was always such a disturbing scene to me and no one ever mentioned it.

[@geministrial950]

This. The whole "oh sex addicts/nymphos cant be assaulted because they like sex" mentality is so harmful to victims of assault, especially considering many of us developed said hypersexuality due to trauma. Assault is being taken advantage of, regardless of whether or not you physically enjoyed it.

[@ghostsen2891]

THISSS

[@ChaiElemental]

I still feel so bad for Gina. I hope she gets therapy. Edit: Thanks to everyone in the comments who pointed out that Gina gets the Fireflame lead!

[@emmavrijburg6676]

Ana's story about her career as a lifeguard strangely resonated with me because i too had lifeguard training and it truly is the first thing they tell you. i also almost drowned during an excersice with an "agressive, panicked struggling victim" that was very scary

[@mab4172]

it still pisses me off that bojack esstially got the ick with ana because she made craft mac and cheese

[@picafresas1182]

For myself: 7:09 "You dont have time to waste second-guessing how you feel about it, you just have to do it. The best that you can. And know that that's the best you can do."

[@konapepe]

1:16 Princess Carolyn 8:15 Wanda Pierce 17:24 Ana Spanakopita 23:24 Gina Cazador

[@wow4everyo]

im glad with wanda they let the relationship play out instead of ending it for the initial gag, its one of those things that reminds me how much this show cares about actually saying something instead of getting cheap laughs

[@gaymertrav]

thank you so much for acknowledging anna assaulted bojack. i’ve met a lot of ppl who think nothing of that scene and me myself watching it always makes me super uncomfortable!

[@eduardomunhoz1581]

love you consistency on seeing Vincent for the adult he is, a lot of people say he's 3 children in a trench coat, which I find disrespectful

[@Oreo-gd2zq]

Only smooth brains think Vincent is three kids in a trenchcoat. He literally establishes multiple times that he 1) works at the business factory and 2) enjoys r-rated movies, which children OBVIOUSLY CAN'T DO.

[@error-try-again-later]

​​@@Oreo-gd2zq could 3 kids in a trenchcoat also have a son? Didn't think so. Yet another Kevin denier L.

[@ozpin8329]

One of the most powerful things about the show, which is touched on by this video, is that it teaches you how to deal with someone like Bojack in your life and set boundaries with them. Every single person that Bojack has a relationship with, romantic or otherwise, figures out how to set boundaries with him by the end of the show, despite all those relationships being different. Some people cut Bojack out completely because he's irreparably wronged or hurt them, maliciously or not. Some people cut him out because he's simply antithetical for them to be around and toxic for them specifically. Some decide to distance themselves to staying aquaintances to where they won't get pulled into the whirlwind around him while still wishing him the best. Diane, Todd, and PC do the latter exceptionally well by the end of the series.

[@abdaf8706]

Honorable mentions: 1. Diane (yes, that kiss does count) 2. Charlotte (Bojack always imagined a happy ending with her)

[@Johnny2Cellos]

this is about actual romantic relationships tho. Diane, Sarah Lynn and Charlotte don't count

[@abdaf8706]

@@Johnny2Cellos Hmmmmmm fair enough tho. Since the "crush" on Diane is so short although they still maintain a unique co-dependency throughout the series and Charlotte was his "dream girlfriend" that never was. And yes Sarah Lynn didn't count as he never see her as a romantic partner. But hey, it couldn't stop you from another good idea of YT video 😜 Cheers mate!

[@cwcpants140]

The fact that it's being analyzed still YEARS after it concluded is a testament to how wonderful and deep it is.

[@PhantomAarantula]

The scene where Gina's being strangled is so much harder to watch than I remember. I don't know how BoJack had room to appear more disgusting as a person after what he nearly did to Penny (especially considering we'd be the same age if she was real) or Sarah Lynn, but... it happened.

[@joshreddy4359]

I ship Bojack with therapy. They are such a great couple.

[@mtver8348]

I did notice in my last rewatch that in the final (I think?) Episode of Bojack, you can see a billboard with Gina and Courtney Portnoy advertising the movie Fireflame. So glad she booked the role in the end!

[@kap1618]

One of my favorite relationships was between Bojack and Daine. Why? Because it shows how people who are similar and even compatible can enable each other's worse behaviors rather than "Fixing them."

[@DroMizzles]

Can you do a video on how every if not almost every main character on the show ended up healthier in the end? This show focuses on damage and it’s easily to see the amount of damage bojack did to people, but each piece of damage he did pushed himself and everyone around him into making healthier decisions for themselves. They aren’t all friends at the end, it’s not the same, boundaries were created and each characters live’s improved significantly. I think this would be an excellent topic for a bojack video

[@nationalinstituteofcheese3012]

Maybe Judah’s lack of adventurous spirit is what PC needs. He’s stable, not constantly stringing her along or making her life hectic like Bojack

[@patriot459]

Bojack strangling Gina is so uncomfortable because we know if the crew and other people hadn’t have gotten bojack off of her he would have killed her.

[@overlordss]

Man I wish we got more seasons of this show. The complexity of the relationships and raw emotion that drives all of these characters really could've gone 2 more seasons at least.

[@egg_bun_]

I really think two more would have been perfect. And not the whole reduced last seasons bs!!

[@kaitlyn__L]

I don’t think the “hating surprises” thing is entirely deflection - if they had talked about touching her neck beforehand she might not have gotten triggered like that and the scene might have worked well. Anyway, I love this analysis. This show really goes places. People compare it to Mad Men a lot but BoJack is far more physically abusive on top of their behavioural similarities.

[@gothicMCRgirl]

Sometimes triggers can happen spontaneously. People don’t always know what can cause an anxiety attack (especially someone like Gina, who doesn’t even want to acknowledge she has a problem). It’s very possible she didn’t think for a second it would be an issue, so when it happened, she just reacted without thinking. And even if you do know certain things can trigger you, it’s never as simple as avoiding them. A careless touch, a wayward comment or just simply being in an uncomfortable situation can manifest in panic attacks. There’s just no way to perfectly predict them.

[@RandomKai27]

I'm deeply hurt by the fact that I didn't even recognize PC's mom as an Alcoholic until this video...having dealt with a similar situation, maybe I didn't want to...it was messed up enough that she tried to guilt her into staying.

[@Nanook128]

6:27 you have no idea how much I appreciate you not repeating the slander that the respectable Vincent Adultman is in fact three children in a trench coat.

[@weareallbronies9031]

it's always a treat when johnny talks about bojack horseman.

[@nyxisbestboi]

I always thought of Wanda as BoJack’s best suited partner, and I always thought that him letting Wanda go was the act to prove it. All the other relationships he goes back to to or have to tear themselves away from him. While with Wanda, he knew he was going to keep being a toxic person. And that Wanda would keep letting him.

[@John-PaulHunt-wy7lf]

there are no happy endings. just endings.

[@nyxisbestboi]

The finale proved that 😞

[@purrrrrrrple]

Yes he probably thinks it's boring, he's obsessed with people trying to mother him (Diane and PC specially). His mommy issues ruined every relationship

[@Phantomx1989]

Bojack Horseman was a show so deep, no one expected things like this from a show with anthropomorphic animals jokes

[@Princess_Weekes]

This was so amazing and wow, I had forgotten how horrible he was to Wanda and Princess Carolyn as always deserves better.

[@belmoon01]

i love the level of analysis you have in this video. it's easy to see the main themes of every relationship, as they're often stated directly, but you really dug into every layer: bojack's behavior and life, the partner's behavior life, and the effects of the relationship on both of their lives. even after watching this series several time, you still always highlight new details i've never noticed all those layers deep.

[@binterwinterboyii1095]

genuinely got so mad at Bojack when he just drove away from Princess Carolyn after their date One of Bojack's MANY earlier problems was that he cannot understand when someone actually likes being around him He doesn't know what unambiguous affection looks like and Princess Carolyn so clearly Wants to be around him in spite of all of the horrible things that they've been through and all of the horrible things he would go on to do but he's so self absorbed that he doesn't care and just leaves one of his best friends off the side of the road

[@AgentKyo]

Johnny do you plan to talk about PC, Diane, & Todd's relationship as well? I've been pretty critical about them & I like to gain more perspective or to be proven wrong.

[@Johnny2Cellos]

Considering it!

[@jerrie1533]

Bro had the most diverse group of exes and managed to fuck it up with every one

[@trinitystewart9626]

I can not LIKE this video anymore than KZbin will allow. I can’t articulate how much I’ve been waiting for a video that properly depicts Bojack’s failed relationship and how he, in his own Bojack way, has not only failed to meet the expectations that his partners have had for him but also shows how they’ve tried to help him and he has just brought himself and them deeper and deeper into the void that is Bojack horsemen. It’s dark but so real. I love this show and this chancel.

[@trinitystewart9626]

Chanel*

[@TheCommenterDragon]

I absolutely love the thumbnail for this vid! In fact this is quite the surprise Johnny, I didn't think you would ever do another Bojack vid again after all of the character timeline vids you did. But I'm ecstatic to see a new Bojack vid from you regardless and It's interesting that it's about all of the Bojack's failed relationships, In fact that was one of the many things that I loved about the show especially because it shows exactly how toxic that side of Bojack's character really is.

[@DSS712]

This is a great video, but I feel like you missed the most important one - Diane! Bojack's infatuation with Diane - an infatuation based purely on his obsession with his own self image - is fascinating to look at in juxtaposition with Bojack at the end of the series. There is so much to be said about how the show expertly subverted the "will they won't they / hopeless romantic" trope, exposing it for what it truly is - toxic, immature, disrespectful behavior that would NEVER be acceptable as an adult in the real world. I feel like a whole video essay could be done on this topic alone.

[@BasicBro99]

A positive addendum to Gina’s story is in the background in the final season. You can see her face on a billboard as the lead actress in that fire flame movie. In spite of these issues, she did get the role she deserved.

[@ChadGamesIsYourDad]

Its crazy how good this show is, like we are still piecing it apart and analyzing it

[@fran_valz]

I'm glad Gina at least got to work on the super hero movie in the end.

[@toya1346]

I don’t think that PC and Ralph’s relationship ended because of his family’s racism. In fact, that problem came up only once and in that same episode he stands up for her, claiming that she’s his family now and they are having a baby. Their relationship was ultimately doomed because she didn’t feel safe enough to let herself be vulnerable around him. That is supported by the fact that she kept her apartment after they moved in together “just in case”, she insisted on putting up a good front when she miscarried and again when he wanted to talk about other options because she wanted to be strong and carry all the pain (without any help), when he said that everything was “so easy with her”, which he said at the other end of the line after she broke down crying alone in her car. Her relationship with Judah works precisely because it was the exact opposite. She felt safe enough around him to allow herself to be vulnerable because she trusted him to be there for her and take care of her like she’s always done for other people, which is also supported in the first half of the last season (S6E8) and made explicit in the finale.

[@capitalbastard6712]

A cute thing about Gina is in the background you can actually see she got the role of fireflame

[@jackiepetro5775]

You should do a video of failed friendships or at least failed relationships;ationships outside of romantic w herb, Tod, Dianne, ect

[@nationalinstituteofcheese3012]

Honey telling Beatrice to not love anyone was definitely passed down to Bojack and so he’s not mature enough to say “I love you”

[@tatimed10]

This video made me realize that done right Wanda really could have been a positive influence for Bojack the way Guy is for Diane but as you said BJ wasn’t mature enough for that at the time

[@kaydengillum376]

I think you should talk about his relationships with women in general and his pattern of emotional manipulation. Hollyhock Diane Sarah Lynn Charlotte and Penny are incredibly important to how he has developed through the show and the biggest demonstrations of him not seeing the power he has on other people. The only person in that list of names that he didn't try to kiss he thought was his daughter

[@basicsimp8798]

BoJack is one of those people who shouldn't be in a romantic relationship

[@asiahilliard8683]

Gina does get the lead in the Fire Flame movie, though. We get a billboard reveal at the diner in the last episode. My head cannon is that she and Kelsey were able to connect over the negative aftermath of working with Bojack.

[@iceluvndiva21]

Personally? I really hated that Carolyn and Ralph didn't become an end couple. I genuinely believe that she'd be perfect to help him take back his spine. Hell, he told off his parents TO THEIR FACES that he loves her and wanted a family with her!

[@galaxyghost1340]

I think for Ralph and Carolyn it was right person, wrong time or more specifically right person, wrong circumstances

[@grandmasoldpotroast642]

I agree. I like Judah for her too but it felt less developed and a bit rushed?

[@iceluvndiva21]

@@grandmasoldpotroast642 Eh, hes ok. Though my head cannon is they divorce after a lack of stimulant. Ralph never really loved anyone else because his parents are doing their damnest to arrange a wedding despite putting his foot down. Ralph and PC go slow and Ruthie at first dosent like him but eventually warms up to him

[@roslyngordon4596]

I think her career would have gotten in the way of their relationship a lot. He seemed to prefer her not to work.

[@MEDSZ13.08]

@@grandmasoldpotroast642 the show was canceled so the end wasnt how they wanted to do it

[@saturnbtrr]

dating bojack is a death sentence lol

[@TheCommenterDragon]

So true, But I bet having sex with him is even worse. Because I can remember a scene where Bojack said that one of the many women he slept with said that having sex with Bojack was the worst mistake she ever made in her life.

[@theagnosticpagan]

I don't know about that just a nightmare

[@ajsguineapigs7942]

I think that you should have included Diane. Although they don’t not have much of a romantic relationship, as Diane does not like him in that way at all. Bojack still considers it as something, or at least something that could turn into something more and it was explored a lot in season one.

[@Grnwng]

Ralph DID have the backbone to stand up for P.C. it just took a moment for him to see it was something he had to do. Literally after P.C. said "and what are me and Philbert?" when he said "they're my family." He didn't see the anti-cat bigotry for what it was until after he brought P.C. to celebrate Squeakyvus. He even says he forgot about certain parts and that it's kind of like church, that you say the words so much that you forget the meaning. I fully believe he would have denounced his family's cat bigotry in future, had P.C. stayed and made a family with him. I hate how people think Ralph messed up, when he literally always tried to grow when P.C. communicated with him. He learned and tried to do better by her, consistently. Even going so far as trying to stick around when she later told him she wished he hadn't have left her so easily and not come back after they broke up. Their relationship failed in large part because P.C. failed to communicate and lacked consistency herself. There is probably definitely something to be said about P.C.'s past traumatic experience with Cooper Wallace Jr. and his family and the similarities she might have felt regarding Ralph and his family. Plus I personally don't think P.C. really 'let go' of BoJack, even just as the idea of 'the love of her life', until after the Sarah Lynn interview. But Ralph really didn't do anything wrong.

[@egg_bun_]

I also think the same. Ralph had so much potential.

[@limendime3720]

Ralph wanted an easy relationship, one with no problems, with a relaxed partner. PC is not that. She is driven and wants to pursue more. Ralph is not a good fit.

[@PhoenixCitrine]

BoJack is so BPD coded.

[@slashbash1347]

Ralph Stilton did eventually stand up to his family. I wish they had made it work, but hey, he can find love again. He's like like BoJack, who turned out to be better off single.

[@ladydiamond6611]

I hope Wander found someone who truly appreciates her......

[@burnedoutgraduatestudent4482]

Wanda’s face says “I don’t feel safe.”

[@MorbySA]

I connect to Princess Carolyn so hard. She is one of my favorite characters in fiction.

[@cambeckett]

how did you know i was watching all your bojack videos again and needed another one

[@Jenny-vm3yu]

Excellent video! I find it interesting to look at some of these relationships through the lens of Bojack’s narcissism. As a narcissist, or at least someone with high narcissistic traits, he is attracted to his partners for the various benefits they provide him (professional, emotional, psychological, sexual etc). He also desperately needs to acquire one of more of their personality traits at the time he is with them. PC lasted the longest because she provided Bojack with the most benefits, traits and fuel. Whereas Anna is an example of him become entangled with another narcissist who benefited him professionally but did not provide emotional benefits, seeing as she has no empathy. Wanda was easy to manipulate and ensnare due to her medical condition and provided a lot of benefits (mostly not knowing who is). Not saying he is bad character, on the contrary it’s excellent writing. He is a fantastic example of the narcissist dynamic.

[@bitterflywing]

so glad he never got with diane she had it the worst dealing with his nonscense, imagine if they dated.

[@abigails4088]

seeing the whole way she reacted to him nearly dying... to his voicemail. that sh== hurt...a lot.

[@frankwest5388]

One thing I like is how one can see BH’s characters growth through his romantic partners and his relationship to them. With PC he was at his most abusive, to himself and others, afraid of any commitment and meaningful closeness to people, this ship was by far the most toxically co dependent. With Wanda he was trying to open himself up to his partner but overcompensates self perceived flaws until he overloads and ruins the relationship. Ana is the first time he isn’t the one with all the power in the relationship and in a way she is the first one to show him how he was treating others And Gina is when he seriously starts to put others and their happiness in front of himself and being seriously happy for them. What makes BH just a great character is that both the audience and he himself know that he is an awful person but despite that, he still wants to be better and he tries. It takes him a long time and there are many set backs along the journey but he does introspection and really tries. Also this is just my head canon but I believe that one day Gina, at another low point in her career, tracks down BH and forces him to talk things through with her. She won’t forgive BH and BH doesn’t ask for it, maybe even reassuring her that he doesn’t deserve it. The conversation ends with BH helping her work through her own trauma and grow afterwards

[@qualityconcepts5762]

Wanda was really ome of the only women that he dated but also didnt work with. They worked in similar fields and do end up working together but it isnt the root of their relationship which was avery big factor in his relationships or the women he pursued almost always being a colleague.

[@tashibalampkin8555]

18:37 "With whom he was making sex." Tell me why I laughed.

[@christyzeigler8188]

love to see some new bojack content from ya johnny!

[@penelopegreene]

The look on PC's face when BJ says it was Sarah Lynn he loved...

[@madiness]

I would LOVE to see a video like this about Todd's relationships and how they affected his growth in the show I also just adore Emily, Yolanda, and bunny Echo Gillette

[@TheDanishGuyReviews]

Me when I see a Johnny 2 Cellos Bojack video: Shapes and colors the likes of which I've never seen!

[@walak6832]

23:50 "being all cute and shit" made me crack up hard haha 😂 amazing video as always, you do such great work, i think Netflix should start paying you for all youve done about Bojack haha 🙃

[@onyourleft5648]

This style of video was a lot more mature, introspective, and well delivered, if anything you could add more of an emotional tone of darkness, so that the lighter moments land giving it a symmetry to this show’s humour being interspersed between dark depressing emotional lows. I hope you make more videos in this style general style about darker comedies…idk just some thoughts great video tho!

[@Johnny2Cellos]

I feel like all of my BoJack breakdowns are much more mature in tone than my other videos!

[@maum46]

No way!!! Another bojack video!! I can’t get enough of them, Idk how many times I’ve rewatched them while working and doing stuff. And this is a 33 min one, even better. Just finished my second rewatch of bojack, so this is great timing. Keep at it!!

[@ChristopherCapersJones]

Okay, this thumbnail is unsettling. Also, I LOVE your lyrical theme song. I need those isolated lyrics so I can listen to those at some point.

[@olixwolf634]

This is why Bojack Horseman is one of the best shows that has ever been created.

[@SitaraAleu]

When I saw the “nude scene replacement”, I was so touched that I teared up, but I was too busy laughing my butt off to realize it at first 😂😂

[@mn3ii]

love the 500 days of summer reference

[@memedewd1508]

Happy to see some fresh BoJack content in 2023.

[@domh2175]

Thank you for the new content! It feels like a safe space conversation about a wonderful series that really does tackle many different issues people deal with first hand. Its helped me in my own life and i feel you/ your partners in crime do a great job of exposing the layers of compexity in this series. And thank you for adressing Ana as you did! On that note im going to go on my 6th full watch of this video 😂

[@jeffmanna4199]

Never clicked so fast. Johnny dropped a masterpiece again.

[@parkerquinn672]

“You got your heart broken, serves you right for having feelings!” always hits me in the worst way possible… 😅