Princess Carolyn's Codependency | "Best Thing That Ever Happened" Explained

“Best Thing That Ever Happened” is one of the most emotionally bitter episodes of Bojack Horseman. It examines the shaky relationship between the titular horse and his on again off again girlfriend slash agent, Princess Carolyn as well as their toxic codependent bond. It’s a gut-wrenching examination of a decaying partnership between two people with similarly traumatic origins who deal with conflict in notably different ways. Interestingly, it is one of only two bottle episodes in the entire series along with “Free Churro” as the story itself has no major set-pieces; just a series of tense and volatile conversations between our leads at the restaurant, Elephante. Though sometimes brutal and hard to watch, it is a pivotal episode in the series as it showcases the breakdown of Bojack’s longest-lasting relationship, colored by resentment, fractured communication and broken promises.
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!- / johnny2cellos
Follow me on Twitter: / johnny2cellos
Co-Written By Tracy Trauscht- / tctrauscht
Edited by Joe Murphy
Thumbnail by Ravioli
Hire him here: www.fiverr.com/raviolidesigne...
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 | ...
"The Old Sugarman Place" Explained: • Grief in Death's Shado...
"The View from Halfway Down" Explained: • Confronting Mortality ...
"Escape from LA" Explained: • A Harrowing Sitcom Sub...
BoJack Horseman Season 6 Part 2 Review: • BoJack Horseman Season...
BoJack Horseman Season 6 Part 1 Review: • BoJack Horseman Season...
Music:
Amaririsu- lo fi geek ( • Lofi Geek - Amaririsu ... )
Johnny 2 Cellos Theme Music - Norman Marston
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

[@zoeb3573]

PC seems to either be someone's absolute favourite character or the character of the main cast they completely ignore, there's no in-between. Sometimes I wonder if she's just too realistic and well-written for some people to care about her. She's too human. But to me that just makes her so relatable. I think out of everyone she was the one I really wanted to see succeed the most, and I'm so glad she got everything she deserved in the end.

[@balazsh2]

I like her human side, but her dedication towards her work and her workaholism really makes her unsympathetic for me, and 90% of the time we see her in a professional role. Also her resilience is rather inhuman, most people would collapse at least once under that much weight that she went through

[@silW3]

im with you, she is absolutely my favorite and from what ive been seeing she doesnt get that much attention as much as the other main characters

[@2b.a2]

Ehhh my favorite is todd but i love PC aswell so im that in between

[@WillowJordan1979]

@@balazsh2 Why does her dedication to work make her unsympathetic to you? Bojack is lazy and narcissistic, he just leaves projects so he can go on his self-destructive benders. Is that more relatable?

[@arthurdurham]

@@balazsh2 I know many people, especially women who had to adapt to care taker roles in their life, like her. It's mind boggling how they seem to have like 27 hours in a day when I feel like I have 15.

[@matiassanchez1362]

Let me add that in the final episode PC didn't invite him to her *personal* wedding, but her *industry* one. I think this makes a big difference because it represents how she doesn't want him in her life anymore (not thinking of him as a close one nor wanting to work with him), but she *DOES* want him to have a good life (making sure he'll have a job and someone to work with professionally)

[@myas.6485]

This is so important

[@nationalinstituteofcheese3012]

Wow, ya like she only seems him in a professional sense but not as a friend/bf

[@rainbow_doglover8301]

And that she HAD a personal wedding completely separate from work

[@caraloveslouis]

@@rainbow_doglover8301THIS. she finally had a life outside of work

[@CheziahKatt]

I feel like there is something to say about the fact that PC was so vehemently against adoption until Bojack suggested it to her. That scene where he says it's a shame that she wouldn't consider it, because she would be so good at it. I feel like he helped her realize that that was an acceptable decision and that led to Ruthie

[@trackerthewolfdog]

ugh ur so right, thats why i love this show. it just rly goes to show, people can be in ur life, influence u in so many good ways, but also they can be people that just cant stay forever... and as sad as that might be, its for the best for everyone. I know ive had my fair share of people ive loved and had them impact my life so much and they are no longer in my life but im ok with that, and i think that is a very good message to send to people who might be as confused as these characters seemed at points in the show

[@CheziahKatt]

@@trackerthewolfdog oh and Diane even says that in the end. How there's people who sometimes come into your life and they'll always mean something but maybe they aren't meant for forever and that's okay

[@inhobiswinecellar9571]

nothing in life is permanent, even the people who we think are going to be in it forever. but their impact can last a lifetime. love that

[@thesnakbar]

Many of the small, seemingly inconsequential moments where Bojack is considerate have been the catalysts for the rest of his friends' metamorphoses, and in the finale when he sees how much they've all changed, we know that he'll probably never realize it was because of those small selfless acts, but also that he doesn't need to, because that's what part of being a better person is about: helping yourself and others move along with/in life regardless of recognition, something Bojack had struggled with the entire series.

[@saladglove]

PC makes fun of bojack for "wanting a mommy" but I find it interesting that she's not entirely self-aware enough to realize she was encouraging this behavior, with bojack acting as a surrogate baby in a way. She wanted to take care of him, because that would distract her from taking care of herself. While at the same time, filling the hole she had from wanting a child of her own for so long. If she could take care of him forever, maybe she could forget her yearning for her own child. A child she knew deep down that she could never physically have herself. It wasn't until she came to the peace of adopting, that she truly took a step away from "nurturing" bojack.

[@beththegreen]

I think she is, she actively has mentioned her tendency to mother people Her tendency towards this doesn't cancel out the criticism towards him And thus her making this comment doesn't remove her understanding and self awareness of her own mothering tendencies

[@MhiaLee19]

Lol these princess Caroline lovers in the comments are starting to annoy me.. she’s just as toxic as Bojack.. just because she admits it doesn’t make it any better😂😂 being fully aware of something but actively not doing anything to change it is probably worse..

[@pyrook4074]

@@MhiaLee19 I'm sorry but PC is in no way as toxic as Bojack. She has problems sure but the main struggles from her problems are detrimental to herself and herself alone. Meanwhile Bojack literally crushes everything around him and has absolutely no regards towards anyone's feelings until practically the end of the show. Like, the list of unforgivable things Bojack did is way, way longer than PC's. I'm not even a PC stan but this is just obvious...

[@nataliem715]

@@MhiaLee19 that's.. exactly what bojack does the whole show.. lol?

[@RyanPancakes]

To be fair, PC has been a caretaker her whole life. She really doesn't know anything else. It's very telling her most successful relationships were with Bojack, a figurative man-child, and Vincent, a literal man-child. Ruthie was a huge reason she could finally open herself up to Judah, a man who wants to care for her as much as she cares for others.

[@funnybunny3468]

Bojacks “i do love you by the way” speech hurts after watching season 6 where he says “Sarah Lynn wasn’t like those other girls, I loved Sarah Lynn” truly a gut punching moment.

[@delilahgonzalez3073]

i remember thinking that too :(

[@Em0lga]

Ikr? They even show PC's face after he said that about Sarah Lynn and she looks so dissapointed... I would arge she was not even surprised at that point, which to me is even worse considering how she struggled with her self worth in the past.

[@sexygirlmax2019]

he loved everyone and no one simultaneously, not even himself. its really sad, but some cycles stay as cycles and never break

[@Cthulus_left_tentacle]

Especially since he said that, then wouldn’t do her a favor when she needed him most

[@christinaMattsson]

As someone with fertility struggles she is such an important caracter.

[@jinchuriki7022]

Why do you want kids?

[@michaelstutts4464]

@@jinchuriki7022 Lmaooo

[@nukiradio]

@@jinchuriki7022 ugh. Leave 'er be

[@errorx_x1063]

@@jinchuriki7022 I guess the bloodline ends with you doesn't?

[@friendlybaker3269]

@@jinchuriki7022 because some people want to have a family? They didn't even say that they themselves wanted children, just how important Princess Caroline is as a character

[@HOWLWOLF]

She's my favorite character in the entire series. She's not perfect even if she strives to be. But she never gave up and I'm glad she got the ending that she did. She's moved on from having to be the one that everyone depends on.

[@veronicapiccinini7956]

This is why she is a cat. They always land on their feet whenever they fall.

[@ellielovegood6307]

Agreed

[@princessmarlena1359]

Exactly.

[@inhobiswinecellar9571]

Amelia Earhart costume every year. it makes me so endeared towards her

[@LauraGrrrr5370]

"Don't go back to the restaurant, Princess Carolyn" cracks me up every time.

[@gorilla-grip-pussy-support7976]

PC is a good example of how someone whose tough & independent can still succumb to narcissistic abuse.

[@abzdudy1]

Please. PC has many symptoms of covert narcissistic behaviour. She can be very selfish, greedy when it comes to profits, controlling of other people to get what she wants and keep things how she likes them and very self focused.

[@user-qz5jm5hm7y]

​@abzdudy1 hardly. Every time she fucks up and causes issues for others she makes it very clear that it was her fuck up most of the time. Shes almost always the one going above and beyond to please people to her own detriment. Having flaws /=/ narcissist. And a lot of her profit driven behavior is mostly just the industry. She's hardly greedy its a behavior that's universal that she internalized from the needs of the industry. And again when she did fuck up she didn't pretend she didn't unlike bojack. Also this is a non sequetor, even if she was a narcissist which she isn't that doesn't change the comment you were replying to being about how she'd strong and capable while still being abused Also she clearly cares more for others than she does profits because then she would have cut bojack off a long time ago

[@sexygirlmax2019]

​@@abzdudy1people like you are the reason traumatized and mentally ill people hate themselves, she is not a narcissist and even if she was, NPD is caused by severe childhood trauma, abuse, assault, etc. Its a traumagenic condition that you dont get to choose nor does it happen because youre a bad person. NPD is a hard "habit" to break as its a defense mechanism against further trauma, but it is possible to recover from and get help for. The problem is people with NPD dont want the help or think they dont need it. But it is possible and I have seen self aware people with NPD, ASPD, and other cluster b disorders like BPD, which i myself have. People like you assigning narcissism (a disorder, NOT A TRAIT) makes it so much harder for people to get help because if theyre being told by others theyre narcissists they believe they are beyond saving and are better off dead. PC is not a narcissist, she is extremely selfless and the only selfish thing i remember her doing is forging bojacks signature out of desparation

[@lordfreerealestate8302]

@@abzdudy1 Someone can be on the receiving and giving end of bad behaviour. She was targeted by Bojack, but also was also willing to work with/defend Hank Hippopolous and another abuser to advance her own career. Both those statements can be true. I don't know if she has NPD, but she can be an enabler of abuse at times definitely.

[@AubreyDrain-wn6cv]

@@abzdudy1sorry but no. She was a character who would admit when she screwed up.

[@indigothecat]

What I love about the ending of the series is everyone except Mr. Peanutbutter decided to keep whatever distance they needed from Bojack. Mr. PB loved Bojack from the beginning in spite of his flaws, and was finally close to him, whereas BJ kept pushing him away for years before.

[@alissalalala]

i honestly loved how they lived together near the end, the one person that bojack never liked was there for him in the end

[@indigothecat]

@@alissalalala Yup! The whole time Bojack's most loyal friend was the person he least suspected. We don't always choose our friends, and sometimes what we need is different from what we want. At least, that's the lesson I take from Bojack finally opening up to Mr. Peanutbutter.

[@alissalalala]

@@indigothecat100%

[@indigothecat]

@@user_name_redacted To be fair, there is a difference between trying to make the best of a bad situation and just being a more fun-loving and chill person, versus being someone that actively suppresses negativity and goes out of their way to fill their life with noise and distraction. Mr. Peanut-Butter, of course, is the latter. His positivity is infectious at first, but as all 4 of his wives/girlfriends eventually figure out, Mr. PB is terrible at acknowledging bad things and actively avoids processing them, or worse, throws an expensive band-aid or two at the situation, believing he can "fix it" instantly. He doesn't know how to hold space for the discomfort.

[@s.a.3746]

that’s what makes the ending so impactful for me. bojack has hurt so many people, he’s been a terrible person, but FINALLY he is taking the steps to be better. now many people hate this and think he should die because of the people he hurt, but i disagree. bojack can change for the better without repairing these relationships. change is something that comes from within while remaining in a close relationship has to come from both you and from the person you hurt. many people in bojack’s life have permanently altered their relationship with him. whether it be PC and Todd distancing themselves, or Diane seemingly fully severing that relationship. hell, some people will never have the chance to even choose whether they want to have a relationship with him again, like herb, or sarah-lynn (who bojack HIMSELF took that choice away from by causing her death). and then you have Mr. PB, who chooses to remain close to him. while many would say bojack doesn’t deserve to have that relationship, but that’s just not how it works. Mr. PB WANTS to have that relationship, therefore making bojack worthy of it. i also really enjoy that bojack seems to accept that these relationships have changed, it shows that he’s not just changing to win things back, he’s changing so he can actually be better.

[@dlr_rosa254]

I've been in a relationship similar to this and it's so tiring. The best way to describe it is "addicting". That scene where Princess Caroline went back to the restaurant despite knowing full well that she shouldn't was so relatable to me. You know that you're being taken advantage of but you just can't walk away because you're just too attached. You can't help but feel good when they shower you with love and make you feel wanted. I'm so happy PC was able to leave and finally breathe. She was always so relatable to me eventually because such an inspiration in the last seasons

[@umbriel6525]

Same, i watched this show a few years back but it took me until now to realize how closely their relationship resembled my personal experiences. It helped bring insight into why our relationship was so weird all the time. When you're in the middle of it, it's too chaotic to understand what the hell is going on. Now that I've gotten some distance, I can see what was actually happening

[@eejyool5099]

@@umbriel6525 How did you do it? Sometimes I wonder if I am in a codependent relationship, however I don't know how to know for sure.

[@itsFaewyld]

@@eejyool5099 if you're having suspicions it can mean that you are but you're not ready to face the truth and one day it'll just slap you in the face over a conflict like this one. That was the case for me!

[@PS-dm1dq]

I used to have a friend who I met when we were both on the street, and we bonded on the basis of both of us growing up with abusive mothers who treated us like crap and discarded us. Several times in my life (at least 3 now) I have given her a place to stay when she had none, and tried to help her out as best I could. She grew up with money, and was always kind of bratty, a little spoiled from growing up that way, you know, but I guess I figured with real emotional and situational support she would grow out of it. She has a tendency to push her responsibilities off onto others, and then throws up shields and avoids communication if you try to call her out on it. I cared about her so much because of us sharing similar trauma that I kept looking back on happy moments in our friendship with a deep nostalgia and affection, hoping she would mature and things could be cool between us. After the most recent time she stayed in my home and things fell apart dramatically I'm looking back, and with the gift of hindsight I can see that I was nursing a codependent bond with her all along. It hurt to finally accept that, but now I'm astounded I put up with being used like that so many times over and over again by someone who treated me more as a material resource existing for her benefit than as a real friend. Eventually you have to let toxic people go from your life, and it really is healthier in the long run once you get some distance.

[@unknown_limes]

I love the discussion of Anna in this video, she's one of my favorite side characters in the entire show bc she's the most outright morally gray, but I feel like nobody talks about her. She encourages Bojack's worst habits and influenced his best choice. She knew about New Mexico for years and said nothing until she could throw the responsibility onto someone else, but she did say something to the most outspoken lead who was mostly likely to hold Bojack accountable.

[@Thepriestessdeath]

Would absolutely love a video essay on her! I love her drowning story!

[@gamerguy425]

I am only up to the season 3 finale but she seems like evil with a side of positive to me and it's hilarious Bojack tries to build their relationship up to more than it is considering what it started as. Like you JUST KNOW that is going to end disasterously. Considering his distance is part of what broke away Wanda it's just insane to see him try to bring intimacy to someone who made it clear she didn't want that either.

[@mysouptoocold1656]

I love her too. She always put her job first even when Bojack always blur the lines. She is 95% her job, but had open a bit when Bojack invaded her privacy and begs to be open with each other. But she later knew that he was a lost cause and bailed (correctly)

[@lukerosales5879]

What I don't get is why she told Diane about what happened with Penny. Ana helped cover it up herself, and if she revealed her role in covering up statutory r4pe, she could've ended her own career as well as Bojack's.

[@StudentCleric]

This is the episode that broke one of my friends. We hadn’t known each other all that long but he really was and is that giver in a toxic relationship he had left right before starting college and he saw himself so much in this episode that he just broke. He ended up asking for a hug, showed up on my floor and just cried in my arms for a while. And then a year later got to watch in horror as Ruthie broke me. But this episode will always feel like him, or the him I knew 6 years ago. He’s great now though, married to a woman who knows he’s incredible and gives just as much as she takes. I couldn’t be prouder of him.

[@FeministCatwoman]

You have a very wholesome and beautiful friendship.

[@bigclitenergy]

I'm so glad he's doing much better now in a healthy relationship

[@FeministCatwoman]

@@bigclitenergy Your pfp and username just destroyed me lol

[@bigclitenergy]

@@FeministCatwoman R.I.P, nice pfp

[@nursebee-vomit5058]

I'm glad to see men relating and healing from this, too.

[@Snarl_Marx]

I will literally never get sick of this show. It gets better every time I watch it.

[@Caneypoopoo]

It gets sickening on the 7th back to back binge

[@whre6168]

@@Caneypoopoo nah i have it on repeat every night. i can’t sleep without bojack playing

[@brittanymarie3421]

Now i don’t feel so bad about binging it 3 times in a row in the past few weeks. I miss it already lol

[@lilithsdesigns]

@@Caneypoopoo i’ll have to disagree, i’m on my 19th rewatch still going strong

[@sexygirlmax2019]

​@@whre6168waking up at 3 am to check on which part of the time loop you forced bojack into is currently playing only to of course see him with his dick in celebrity #12

[@nehanagpal378]

What’s worse than a heartbreaking breakup? These never ending on-off relationships.

[@radiocoffee7700]

"Bojack is comfortable living in chaos while Princess Carolyn is comfortable managing chaos." Johnny! This is my favorite episode of Bojack Horseman and this video definitely does it justice- Great analysis on co-dependant relationships, and pointing out each detail and reference articulately. Great job to you and Tracy!

[@JesusMartinez-rr2ry]

What really sells this episode for me is Princess Carolyn's retractable fingernails, just like cats in real life. It shows how the creators did their homework when it comes to the animal population of the world of Bojack Horseman.

[@peccantis]

What does it for me is that when her claws come out they have an immaculate red polish.

[@js0219]

same when she mentioned getting her whiskers trimmed, she said something about how she runs into walls but shes never looked better

[@noticeme2170]

@@js0219 what? Omg what episode?

[@js0219]

@@noticeme2170 im not sure 😭 it was just like a little joke when she was on the phone with bojack i think so i cant really remember

[@josephmatthews7698]

Lmao You know what really matters in this show exploring such heavy topics of codependency, drug addiction, depression, self harm and suicide? Realistic animals.

[@zodiackitten6110]

Man I have been waiting for another Carolyn essay FOREVER, this is a gift

[@Entree3000]

You have made my day with this comment. Thank you so much! :D

[@Alex-kc7tp]

Yall are lame

[@zodiackitten6110]

@@Alex-kc7tp yeah i know wygd about it

[@Design_Spark_]

I adore Princess Caroline, she's such an amazingly written character and they did an incredible job of exploring codependency, strength in a woman, and how it can build and tear down a person. Love it

[@TheCommenterDragon]

This is yet another one of my all time favorite episodes, not only because it goes more into detail about Princess Carolyn's on again off again relationship with Bojack but also kinda explores her past a little bit more. and in all honesty even though i still somewhat ship Bojack and PC i was actually glad that they broke up, especially because to some degree PC's romantic relationship with Bojack was holding her back from ending chapter 2 of her life. and by that i mean everything she ever did after they broke up.

[@ShadyRK9]

Hello again. I'm seeing you everywhere!

[@reihiramatsu5822]

Just glad Juda came. Tbh. She deserved that.

[@tiaraedits]

They were terrible together and honestly, better off as friends.

[@nelsama0881]

I shipped them too and still happy they broke up. It just wasn't right.

[@TheRoomforImprovement]

In regards to bojack, I think herb said it best: “you always try to convince yourself you’re the good guy, but you’re not. “

[@sugah_redd]

I just got out of a relationship with someone who I think respects me but never took me seriously as a partner. It made me feel so unworthy and undesirable to be this person that he called on when he needed support but otherwise I was discarded. I detest Bojack Horseman as a character in seeing him do the exact same thing to princess Carolyn made me feel slightly better about the way that guy broke up with me. All that to say Bojack didn’t deserve her and he knew it, so pushing her away actually helped her get what she deserved, even though she was clearly hurt by it

[@trailcamdeer]

man, i might as well have written this myself for how close to home this is. here's to seeking out and getting what we actually deserve, op

[@pupsap7714]

Sounds like you were his mommy bangmaid

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

When PC offers Bojack the plea and incentive of "I'll never ask you for anything ever again", it seems natural and heartfelt, but you have to realize that Bojack has absolutely no problem saying no to her when she asks for things, unlike PC, who, like most of Bojack's friends, has an extremely hard time saying no to anyone, especially Bojack. PC is projecting onto Bojack her own feelings, her own need to support and satisfy others. She mistakenly thinks that what's making him uncomfortable is putting him in the position of saying no to her. It's a brilliantly written scene. The plea makes him consider that scenario, it makes him think about all the times she's asked him to do something and he's said no, and in fact it almost seems like a gut reaction to being asked to do something. If he had thought about what it meant to her more, how he wants to be better at expressing love and develop better relationships, he would have taken longer to say no, or maybe even said yes. But she triggered him to think about a situation he has encountered countless times, PC asking him to do something. He's so used to saying no that it didn't take much thought. More generally, this episode is a great illustration of how lopsided and one directional their codependent relationship is, and their respective relationships with other people. Bojack is the egocentric one. The one who makes selfish decisions all the time at the expense of others. PC meanwhile, while she has her own ego, regularly sacrifices for others and lowers her expectations of them. She keeps Bojack as a client despite it holding back her career. She constantly advocates for him and others, skillfully managing the needs of everyone and doing whatever she can to keep everyone else happy. Not out of a sense of altruism but out of a need to generate order and success. But when she makes her "one mistake in 23 years", she is, for once, taking a page out of Bojack's book. Acting like he would. Leading with her ego. Trying to land the lucrative job that he doesn't want and demanding more money from the job he does want. In doing this, she does the very un-PC like thing of hurting others. She doesn't just upset Bojack, she also upsets Kelsey. For the first time she represents her interests over those of her client, and more importantly, those of her friend. She steps outside her role in the codependent relationship where she is the giver. She is the one to say no, saying no to the small job he wants, and telling him no when he says he doesn't want to focus on the one that is going to make her money. And this one instance, one day, of behaving like Bojack instead of like PC, is enough to effectively end the relationship, because the taker isn't getting what he needs from the giver. It's not a straw that broke the camels back, it's a rock chip that cracked the windshield. And the view wasn't perfect anymore. If their relationship was just that of friends, it would be despicable that Bojack says no. But they also have an agent/client relationship. It shouldn't be her job as his friend to always represent him and support him while getting nothing in return, but it is her job job. Person to person, Bojack doesn't deserve a friend like PC, but he pays her for her service as an agent, and she does make a critical error. It's harsh, but it's also fair, that Bojack doesn't want to work with her. But it's tragic, because Bojack's actual motivation for saying no likely has more to do with their dysfunctional relationship, and how her behavior was an uncomfortable mirror of how he behaves towards her and all of his friends.

[@wylierichardson6519]

God I miss this show

[@HOWLWOLF]

Bojack Horseman is over and everything is worse now

[@Skewer-rat]

The re-watchability is crazy though… I finish my fifth or fourth run through and I’m ready for another.

[@ShadowXardas]

I am glad it ended in the way it did. I hate it when shows go on for too long since the writing ALWAYS suffers.

[@animal245533]

Iv rewatch it so many times enjoying it all the way though everytime.

[@jessd3601]

I rewatch it probably once a year lmfaooo

[@BlueEyesWhiteDragonStan]

I think a factor that contributes a lot to how they act comes from how they were raised- as in what class they were from. PC's family seems to be lower middle class at best while Bojacks family used Beatrices family ties to gain status and resources. PC is used to working for what she wants whereas Bojack is used to having his physical needs met automatically.

[@SitaraAleu]

At the end, I feel like to an extent, Princess Carolyn will always be there for Bojack, as one of his true friends, but only as his friend. She’ll never bail him out again, never represent him and never clean up after him, but I truly feel that if he ever just needs a friend, she’ll be there.

[@user-jm5xh1qv4j]

i kind of think this is for the best as trying to get bojack out of trouble only adds to his wrongdoings. being just a friend she is able to tell him to work toward changing himself instead of escaping problems

[@SitaraAleu]

@@user-jm5xh1qv4jThat gives me a lot of hope for him by the end. Everyone else has gone their separate ways, including PC, but she hasn’t truly left, and I think Bojack sees this.

[@poppy4708]

Not in a shipping way at all, but Bojack and PC are my favorite relationship in the show. It’s well written, realistic, and provides both positive and negative outcomes for each of them. It was my favorite dynamic to watch interact, grow, and change, because despite the amount of love on both sides, their relationship was toxic and codependent. And I can’t decide whether or not Bojack’s decision to fire her at the end of the ep was cruel, or kind. Great video btw :)

[@ThiccFurryBoi34]

I think this is my favorite ship I mean bojack and Diane is cool and all but those 2 look nice

[@porcelainboy264]

PC sees Bojack as a sunk cost, if she cuts ties with him then what happens to all the time and effort and emotional labour she's put into fixing him

[@arthurdurham]

In a series of broken people who constantly make bad decisions I think PC may be the best person. And as I rewatch the show I always just want her to succeed. Even at the end when everyone was against Bojack (and he deserved it) she still stuck around to help him.

[@uberpapaRuu]

God what an underrated episode. I’m glad more people are realizing what a good character study this is for both PC and BoJack. Great video Johnny!

[@penelopegreene]

When Bojack says Sarah Lynn was the only one that he loved, it's like a bat upside Princess Carolyn's head. I felt so bad for her!!!

[@awkwardtaylor4725]

Honestly, I can relate to PC. That feeling that everything and everyone depends on you is emotionally exhausting and yet, when it stops, you want to get that feeling back. The only solution is to reflect on your own feelings and, well, let yourself go

[@boopidoops3150]

This break down of codependent relationships reminded me why I should NEVER reach out to my ex. Because him saying he never loved me truly was the best thing that ever happened to me 😊

[@holsoweeny]

THE BOJACK ART BOOK???? immediately added to basket

[@ripwednesdayadams]

“Maybe if you’re good at putting out fires, you just run from fire to fire and don’t really think about it.” This episode broke me as a child of alcoholic parents with NPD.

[@gothwang7646]

Therapy is watching these videos and seeing how much applies to you in the real life. I’m an avid viewer of these breakdowns and I have to say this one almost made me breakdown which hasn’t happened before to me. I’m just getting out of a two year highly abusive relationship and hearing PC’s and bojacks relationship too closely reflect my abusive relationship, really hurt in all the necessary ways. And your right it really was the best thing ever.

[@inhobiswinecellar9571]

the halloween episode has a lot going on but my favorite detail of that one ep was pc wearing the same Amelia Earhart costume every year. like queen is so real for that. I just feel so endeared towards a character whose consistent in their goals and values, which is symbolized through her admiration for the late pilot.

[@georgiaolivia91]

In the episode princess legit puts out fires for Bojack and like the quote she does, she does she puts fires out for bo, and does everything for him for his unlove until she realises her worth and no needed that to become a better horse Princess is great example you can be good and still be toxic mostly for one self but still And I still love her

[@pikachick222]

Bojack is more concerned about looking like he’s a good person than actually being a good person

[@Chris.Batchelor]

I literally just rewatched this episode like an hour ago. The recollection of their events together was so emotional, and it honestly made me tear up. Especially the end when he says “No.” so sternly.

[@iceluvndiva21]

Honestly, what hurts most about this episode is because bojack dose respect ana's input more because she was making him her top priority. We knew this was completely temporary, Ana knew it was temporary, and PC seemed to know it too. But bojack was the one who believed what Ana was selling him. It's still my favorite episode though.

[@doethundermelon]

PC and Bojack's relationship was so important to me because it helped me realise the co-dependent relationship I'd ended up stuck in with one of my own friends. I'm a lot better at setting boundaries now :)

[@alexisdossantos8581]

I would love to see a breakdown episode on Mr.PB and Diane’s relationship. I feel like their story should get some attention in detail especially the “commence fracking” episode!

[@WobblesandBean]

I haaaaate PB, and that episode is a major reason for that. He's an idio†, a predator, a bad partner, and just plain obnoxious.

[@MhiaLee19]

@@WobblesandBean I completely agree people keep trying to say that he is not aware of his toxic traits because he’s a dog so he doesn’t know that he’s overbearing and obnoxious but I disagree. He definitely knows what he’s doing!!

[@jinchuriki7022]

Glad that P.C. knows her worth and cuts ties with bad influences to help herself. Bojack drowns in his sorrows and takes everyone with him. Also a very good example of never mixing business with personal situations.

[@taylorgabbey2371]

I convinced a friend to start watching Bojack Horseman earlier this year, and the first time I asked her what she thought about it, she said "You really love Princess Carolyn, don't you?" This show is incredibly good at showing what people can look like when their toxic traits are at the forefront, and Princess Carolyn is my alternate reflection if I hadn't grown up with the wonderful support I'm lucky enough to have had. Even though our lives look nothing alike, I recognize myself in her, and that's pretty amazing character writing

[@alexanderleonehmiahmuller4265]

Yeesh, as someone that used to be the giver in a codependant relationship, many of your points ring painfully true, right down to details of my upbringing compared to PCs. It's really hard to set boundaries and defend them with consequences for the taker... I'm lucky enough to have found someone that doesn't take advantage of my giving nature but I still need to learn setting my boundaries better. Bojack Horseman helped me actually understand so much about life and hardships and I think it helps me with dealing with my mental health as well, paradoxical as that may be.

[@nicolazael]

I watched Bojack Horseman for the first time like two months ago, finished it in less than two weeks, and your channel was one of the main sources of content for me after the ending. Your episode breakdowns and your analysis of the show in general got me hooked from the first moment, so I am SO GLAD you're back with Bojack and with such an important episode! PC is my favourite character of the main five, only behind Beatrice in terms of the whole series, and every time you talk about her it warms my heart. As for an episode breakdown, you've already done most of my favourites, like Time's Arrow or The View from Halfway Down, but I'd LOVE an episode breakdown of Angela, The Telescope or The Amelia Earhart Story!

[@zer0w0lf94]

I would enjoy all of those as well as Downer Ending.

[@nicolazael]

@@zer0w0lf94 Downer Ending is also amazing!! Definitely needs to be covered in a breakdown episode!

[@princessmarlena1359]

Princess Carolyn is how to make a good character. She’s a more sophisticated version of Edna Krabbapel, whom I also like.

[@jaxjaxattaxx]

Whew this video was roughhhh to sit through, especially as someone who left a toxic and abusive narcissist. You hit every point to the point where I had to pause the video and breathe. I love your content. Great job as always !

[@TVVENCH]

Hang in there! I’m going through it too.

[@veronikawinters8138]

Princess Carolyn is the reason I was finally diagnosed with codependency lol

[@chrishei3111]

I watch these videos and I'm like "did I even watch this show???" AMAZING VIDEO, thank you

[@Thepriestessdeath]

She really tried her best with him…I’m grateful for her character and this representation. I find her relatable and there are a lot of people like her who struggle with these issues and so I love that they not only explored how she got to be that way but how trying to save others and putting others before herself isn’t sustainable and is extremely detrimental to her well-being as well as being unappreciated AND then showing how she’s able to transcend her trauma responses and poor habits/patterns/coping mechanisms by developing healthy boundaries and self respect. Love that they gave her a happy ending too while maintaining realism. Such an amazing series 🤌

[@ariellemartinez8412]

this video made me realize I'm a princess Carolyn with a Bojack in my life hopefully I'll be able to move past as she did

[@ashleighpeterson1510]

Appreciate your work, PC is such a good part of the show. I love that she finally has Ruthie

[@NinjaPirateRabbit23]

Thanks for covering this episode as I feel that it does not get enough attention when people discuss the show! The way the episode ends with BoJack's "No" and then the immediate cut to the ending theme is such an incredible gut punch and so surprising because we are so used to shows seemingly following certain rules.

[@Agnesaugusta]

I've never thought of this as a bottle episode. The writing is just that strong. My biggest thanks to you Johnny. I think we all need and miss Bojack from time to time. ❤

[@ripwednesdayadams]

Did you ever notice that in the episode before “Best Thing That Ever Happened”, Kelsey is sitting outside of the restaurant “GATO” when she says, “ Do a girl a favor, don't break her heart by inches. Do it all at once. It'll save everyone some time.” “Gato” is Spanish for “cat” foreshadowing the events in the next episode between Bojack and Princess Carolyn. Bojack tries to break up with Princess Carolyn for good, both professionally and personally- taking Kelsey’s advice.

[@kittycattt93]

17:08 thank you, you're so right for this. Bojack forces intense levels of responsibility on the women in his life. As someone who watched the series when it originally aired i never got the hate for PC, Diane etc but then seeing so many people, especially straight men relating to Bojack ( despite the showrunners constant proof that he's an awful person and shouldn'tbe revered) I understand why they vehemently hated PC, Diane, Gina etc cus they constantly (in different ways) called Bojack on his shit!!

[@isabelirvine47]

PLEASE NEVER STOP MAKING THESE this is my favorite show and the detail is so incredible it even helps me with understanding and comprehension of everything i love these and i thank you x

[@moonlightrider24]

Just finished rewatching Bojack myself! So glad to see the discussion continue about this amazing show, PC and Bojack are one of my favorite things to analyze and I think them and their relationship deserves/warrants more discussion!

[@tothemilkywayx]

Wake up babe, new johnny 2 cello's vid about bojack horseman just dropped

[@dim307]

I am in an unique low point of my life, after many years in the sun, after many, many more years in the shadows ( my entire life ), I’m finding myself drawn back, unsurprisingly, to Bojack Horseman. And during this time, I am beyond thrilled to find this channel, of which I have been watching for a little while. I appreciate your in-depth analysis of this already extremely deep, gut-wrenching, shadow rendering series. I am probably going to rewatch it now, inspired by these videos. The thing about the show is that it’s a brilliant, brutal call out self therapy- if, as a tool, is utilized properly. in America, if you don’t have a Bojack Horseman lifestyle income, Bojack Horseman is the next best thing you can use for self reflection, self improvement and healing. Thank you.

[@bluueorb]

It's strange but also refreshing that a woman saw through his bullshit and had boundaries and she was a person who was in a coma for 30 something years and was stunted in her 20s, kinda makes you think especially as a 21 year old I'm a pushover and just now recently starting to practice boundary setting because sadly I grew up in a family with little boundaries.

[@danbenitez2473]

I missed your BoJack breakdowns so much! and this episode is in my top 3 of the whole series, it just hits hard

[@hipersonicc9736]

I LOVE this episode and that radio song that plays on PC's car was the funniest thing ever lol

[@julesrules7297]

I've watched this 3 times in the last week. It's poignant, sad, comforting and interesting.

[@twokindsofovenfries32]

Please do an essay on anna spanikopita!! She’s so interesting

[@eatatjoes6751]

This is my favorite episode. I don't know why, but I love it.

[@sheenalazleem3959]

I'm a lesbian and I had a relationship with my best friend similar to that of PC and BoJack it's why I relate to PC and how I learned to never let myself get taken advantage of again

[@yofoxy9940]

Can you do a breakdown of nice while it lasted. I love the ending for Bojack and Bojack making peace with his friends like Todd and PC and ESPECIALLY Diane. I love Diane so much and she is so true to herself and who she is and that's why I love her character

[@zer0w0lf94]

He has said that will be the last one he ever does, so he's holding off on it.

[@Michaelsmith-nd1hc]

@@zer0w0lf94 why is that?

[@yofoxy9940]

@@zer0w0lf94 the last ever video or the last Bojack video

[@zer0w0lf94]

@@yofoxy9940 Last BoJack Episode Breakdown.

[@junai7440]

Johnny you never miss with your bojack episodes. I could literally watch a breakdown on every single episode and never be bored!!

[@Alexandra-vn1qe]

Can we talk about Wanda? And how her relationship with Bojack was almost perfect and healty, but she came in his life at a wrong time, and it didn't work because of that?

[@adzace9]

I love that I’m not the only one that looks so much into this show

[@Ryan-mf4pd]

One of my absolute favourite break downs of an episode

[@BasilWald]

This is my favourite episode of Bojack horseman. I love dialogue heavy stuff like this ep or for example the before trilogy. I appreciated both their characters so much more. Great analysis!

[@margraveofgadsden8997]

2:46 a naked bojack was something I should’ve have never seen.

[@veronicapiccinini7956]

Missed your Bojack essays ❤️

[@valentina8691]

I think one of the hardest parts of breaking patterns and learning to set boundaries is that there's always gonna be that one person who you can't say no to, even after being able to cut ties with other people who are unhealthy for you, there's always this one exception. I think that's the case with PC and Bojack, he seems to be her weak spot. But i don't know, i'm very high so.

[@xxbennyboygamerxx]

Most underrated episode in the series, imo.

[@hurricanemeridian8712]

What an amazing well written show

[@NickCC23]

"A Quick One, While He's Away" should be a breakdown subject.

[@rahulxyz763]

Bojack horseman is about how we hurt and heal each other. It takes a lifetime for our story to conclude.

[@infpssassyarm3763]

The whole food critic scene and her giving them a low score can be also a parallel to PC and Bojacks relationship, putting all that effort trying to get the validation/rating the outcome wasnt worth it as u gained nothing

[@trevor_mason_reed]

I loved your video analysis! I’m a huge fan of Bojack Horseman and Princess Caroline is such a relatable character. I too struggle with codependency issues, and a caretaker role. 😭

[@lawsonwang9637]

I think the very reason of PC falling in love with BoJack horseman in the first place is due to the attraction of childhood-like environment and the familiar feelings towards the same traumatic roots. It's interesting to see how people tend to cling onto the reflection of their childhood even if it's dark and toxic. Gladly, PC found her own strength to change this tendency, but god knows, it's always extremely difficult to fully realise how harmful it can be, if you just let yourself dwell with your most familiar instincts in life.

[@mehlover]

Yay! So glad you covered this! Having the other clips shown in chronological order helps to see Bojack's narcissm and PC's and his codependent relationship a lot more clearer. And kinda even more messed up how Bojack said no. Plus seeing it very clearly that Bojack does put a lot of pressure/work on the women in his life, cause when binging it on Netflix, it's a little bit more harder to notice if you're not used to seeing those type of things. Also learned more about albatross and mushroom risotto. I love these episode breakdowns! Looking forward to your next one

[@PurpleM70]

This feels like my last relationship. Give and take some details. When you realize someone can't and won't change you have to make a choice... sadly that choice means leaving them behind. You can want so much more for someone but if they don't want it for themselves then what's the point? A person can only take so much abuse and rightfully so, shouldn't have to.

[@donnyshark8680]

This show is so relatable to my life that I often find myself watching it purely to see what I can do better or how my actions affect others. As someone with BPD, I GET Bojack Horseman. I understand his struggles and what he goes thru and what he sees thru his eyes. He’s not just a narcissist, he has BPD, he has no idea who he as at any given point so he uses other people to try and find himself. He manipulates people unintentionally, and may feel bad about it in the end but is unable to show it, and because of that unable to change and grow. BPD is hard, and most people don’t make it past 30, and I love this show because it shows what happens if you make it past 30 with BPD without taking care of yourself and your own mental health. Since watching this show I’ve done many changes and work on myself :)

[@12LaughsTM]

Please keep on doing bojack breakdown videos. Your insights of the shows is just way too good! Thank you.

[@RiqueDropsBanter]

05:31 just to be clear to anyone who may have forgot, he walked out on that recording for a whooooole different reason than being picky or anything. He walked out on it because he realised that he was not the right person to play in that show because he was afraid he might ruin that little girl who played in the show as well and wanted to be like him.

[@stopplayingwiththefuckingi2054]

This is such a great video analysis. I just left my partner of 4 years who is an addict and during our relationship it was tumultuous, isolating, but also sprinkled with love and great memories. I held onto those for so long even though our relationship for the last year was just me putting out his fires as he continued using. It only was when I left that I saw all the issues, and this video helps us codependents feel less alone but also take accountability and heal. Thanks for this ❤

[@teat.8716]

“Is it possible you letting me go is the happy ending?”

[@walak6832]

I never realised but its true, trough out the series she cuts ties with a lot of people easily, their relation really was fucked up but full of love at the same time

[@psiie2613]

oh m gd i have been desperately waiting for a cover on this episode HELL yes

[@elcamino2572]

I would really like to see Downer ending. Man,I've missed these breakdowns,thanks for continuing them!

[@injsctu]

This episode was so rough and hard to watch in a sense its hard to stomach but its one of my top 5 for it

[@shinyhitomi3916]

God, what a fantastic episode. Both the original and this analysis. The ending always felt so...bittersweet. Not like sweet normally, but in the sense of "it was for the best". In the short run, BoJack refusing to do her that favor is a dick move to someone who's supported him for years. But in the long run, that decision helped break an unsustainable pattern of behavior.

[@vinx7448]

I love this show so god damn much, thank you for making video essays about it, it blows my mind all the little things that i miss

[@joehaynes6647]

These episode breakdowns are great. I know there is so much meaning behind each one but you explain more than what I know and it makes the show so much better. Well done

[@itsFaewyld]

Thanks for this video! It's almost a year since I left my relationship like this. It feels good to have something to relate to and have someone almost see you!