Steve Reviews: The Bojack Horseman Finale

[@TheRealNormanBates]

*The View From Halfway Down* 12:50 The weak breeze whispers nothing The water screams sublime His feet shift teeter-totter Deep breath, stand back, it’s time Toes untouch the overpass Soon he’s water bound Eyes locked shut but peek to see The view from halfway down A little wind, a summer sun A river rich and regal A flood of fond endorphins Brings a calm that knows no equal You’re flying now You see things much more clear than from the ground It’s all okay, it would be We’re you not now halfway down Thrash to break from gravity What now could slow the drop All I’d give for toes to touch The safety back on top But this is it, the deed is done Silence drowns the sound Before I leaped I should’ve seen The view from halfway down I really should’ve thought about The view from halfway down I wish I could’ve known about The view from halfway down

[@tdfern1]

Great anti suicide poem

[@Coffee__Head]

This poem hit hard.

[@andrewmichael9201]

This hit especially hard given that a friend of mine committed suicide last week

[@dr.ambiguous4913]

Siege Rack-n-Ruin Sorry to hear about that, man. RIP.

[@SirCheeseEater]

Have you realized that it switches from 3rd to 2nd to 1st during it all... I remember someone posting about it counting down, 3... 2... 1...

[@a_cynical_mad_man_vods]

Herb didn't die to cancer, he beat cancer, he died of his severe peanut allergy as on his way home from the hospital he got in a car crash with a peanut truck.

[@harpo664]

Mad_Hatter_LPS thought the same thing but then realized that I didn’t need to point it out as he died right after and we all understood what he meant soo

[@WoodlandDrake]

His "Last Meal" is even a bowl of the peanuts that killed him.

[@zan31669]

Ya this guy missed a bunch of important points they made...

[@a_cynical_mad_man_vods]

I do like Steve and his style of critique, but he seems to miss a lot of the small details that don't center on Bojack himself, and as many other commentators have already pointed out Bojack dying would have been a horrible message and doesn't seem to have picked up that nearly dying and then being sentenced to prison has changed him, hell Bojack even says to Mr. Peanutbutter that since being in prison he's been sober again and is looking forward to breaking his last record of sobriety, of which Todd comments that once he does he'll be breaking that record every day afterwards. It's actually a really nice interaction between the two of them. He also missed that the Horny Unicorn was a movie not a TV show. Edit: Due to at least 3 people pointing out that it was Todd not Mr. Peanutbutter that made the comment I have fixed this comment, my mistake I mixed up what was said with Todd with the diner scene with Mr. Peanutbutter. My apologies.

[@ZaESims123]

Which is why his last meal in the fifteenth episode are peanuts

[@Uwujarvis]

The message of bojack horseman's final episode is that life doesn't have a climatic ending. It doesn't end in a blaze of glory or a tragic death. Life just continues, there's more show. If Bojack would have ended on the view from halfway down it would have been great and I would have cried but that wouldn't be in line with what the show is about, about how life is and how we as people can grow from it

[@GamzeenMakara]

The creators have never wanted to let the show play out as a normal sitcom or tv show. In any normal show or sitcom he would have either died as the ending or there would have been some big satisfying end full of answers. That’s not the kinda show Bojack is. The point of him surviving isn’t supposed to validate him and change him around. Honestly, Todd’s speech to Bojack in the last episode speaks volumes on what many normal people deal with. Not everyone turns their life around after something traumatizing happens. Not everyone can motivate themselves to a happier, healthier situation. Real life doesn’t have closure to all things. I liked the show ending as it did because you can see who’s changed and grown and who still needs to. Like Diane said, life sucks but sometimes you keep on living. That’s what each of them are doing. They’ll just keep on living and we just won’t get to see it. Which sucks cause the show is amazing, but is also just another fact of life that happens. We don’t always get to see our friends till the very end. So, I kinda disagree with you there. The finale was good in my opinion.

[@LilLemonLady]

I fully agree. I also think the reason why episode 15 feels like it could be taken out and everything would stay the same, is because the whole thing that they've been reiterating the whole season is that the suicide is BIG deal but it isnt a big deal to /him/. Everything that happened in the episode was so big and so moving, and yet it could be brushed off by him like it didnt even happen

[@ushjaba1067]

the ending was quite realistic about life in general. People will come and go but life goes on with or without them.

[@canvas_125]

TheLibraQueen That’s what the show has always been about. Bojack would’ve become a martyr if he died. The creators of the show didn’t want that. Season 5 was about how identifying so much to BJ isn’t a good thing. I loved the ending. The bittersweet moment between Diane and Bojack as they both spend last moments with each other as they both look like they want to say more, but don’t, is so realistic it hurts.

[@xlilsasuke4x]

People have short memories it’s the best and worse thing about them

[@llamadasinrespuesta4631]

That's why the suicide ending was the best ending for the show, no resolution just darkness.

[@atavener]

I disagree with your critique about the ending for one simple reason; life goes on. The series was trying to say that life goes on despite the good things or bad things that happen. If he'd have died or found solace in a quiet life, then it would be contradictory to the lack of resolution that the show has always portrayed. Bojack never understands that life isn't about a happy ending; it's just a series of events. All the other characters manage to move on to pastures new. The point is perfectly surmised by this piece of dialogue: Bojack - "Life's a bitch and then you die, right?" Diane - "Sometimes life's a bitch and you keep living"

[@Primpy]

This. Bojack Horseman was always about life not ending after a climactic moment. Killing off Bojack would've done exactly the opposite of what the writers intended to do throughout the entire series. Life is complicated and despite the near death experience Bojack went through, it's not over for him. His life won't end on such a high note.

[@lfamvs5520]

atavener And that’s why I love this show. Even it’s ending is as close as you can get to real life

[@Boavidacinemafilms]

Nah. "Life goes on" to me is just a cop-out for a nothing-burguer ending.

[@aussieboy4279]

It just felt like such an ass pull for episode 15 to show us Bojack is dead, for episode 16 to turn around and say "haha not! you fool we tricked you!" it just felt like they shouldn't of had ep 15 if they weren't gonna kill off Bojack. And wouldn't the theme of life goes on be stronger if Bojack did die and the last episode is about how the other main characters are still going on with their life, even though Bojack, a huge focal point of life for them, is gone. I don't know I still liked the finale it's just I felt like it was a bit underwhelming

[@kahlepersell9494]

@@aussieboy4279 No because all of them are already moving one with their lives. That's basically the point of season 6. Every character other than Bojack has learned what it means to keep living. For example: Diane career going good, love life going good and content on her meds, Mr. Peanutbutter finally coming to terms with being happy alone and not needing another person to be whole. Princess Carolyn understanding work/life balance, allowing someone to take care of her after years of her taking care of everyone else, finding a meaningful relationship. Todd in a career he loves and is good at, finally taking care of himself in his own apartment not on someone's couch, reconnecting with his mother. We don't need to see them understand life goes on because they all already figured that out. The only one who hasn't caught up is Bojack.

[@G36Ghost]

If BoJack's death had been real, it would send the message that there is no point in improving yourself and working on your issues, because no matter what happens, people won't let you live down your past mistakes.

[@llamadasinrespuesta4631]

Well, that's actually how real life works.

[@G36Ghost]

@@llamadasinrespuesta4631 Not always though. It depends on the people and your past transgressions.

[@mikemorro140]

I kind of feel like the show says anyway though because Bojack is immediately destroyed when everything comes out despite working on himself

[@UnderageStrangeGames]

Mike Morro No bojack isn’t destroyed initially. I’m not saying it wouldn’t have come out, but I think the fact that bojack basically relapsed to his old self and wanted a second interview for the fame is meant to be seen as what really finished him off

[@mikemorro140]

@@UnderageStrangeGames yeah but that's also because the second interview is when the real bad stuff came out in the first it was just Sarah Lynn dying with him which while screwed up wasn't as bad as him letting her die and all the other stuff. So the show does say if any of the real bad stuff comes out then Bojack is screwed

[@m-w-x8859]

Corduroy was a young impressionable actor who had been reaching out to bojack for help. Bojack ignoring him lead to his own relapse and death. It makes sense for him to haunt bojack (even if not as much as the others as the others at the dinner)

[@gracehaven5459]

M-W-X that and Bojack even said Point Blank cordaroy's death and being the one to find him was traumatic for him, it makes sense

[@honkeymcgee3934]

Bojack also directly influenced his relapse by bringing up he fetish and asking questions about it. You see that whenever Bojack asks him "how it works?" and "what do you use to choke?" Corduroy begins contemplating on doing it again.

[@watertommyz]

It aslo shows the consequences a minor character had on a major one. It shows Bojack doesn't forget things.

[@ThatLittleKitten]

I had to stop watching after Corduroy's death for a long time, it was too depressing

[@frogglen6350]

I don't think episode 16 diminished the events of 15. BoJack realizes that suicide is unnecessary and that he really does prefer being alive. If he died, that would make the whole series pointless and possibly even encourage suicide as an easy escape from life.

[@frogglen6350]

And realistically, most suicide attempts end in failure with the survivors feeling regret.

[@liltoaster2128]

Netflix would eat that up lol they love that ehit

[@MrHighnstein]

100%

[@B88-h6n]

Don't agree. The series would end as a cautionary tale: Don't end dying fuckded up at your ex-house pool. Don't be Bojack. Do better. Besides, is his past what pushes him over the edge. So be good, and your past will not push you.

[@splashything3001]

The problem with that is what if people have already gone down this dark path. They don’t have a way to get out. They need a way. And if they’re at a low point, and see suicide as a way to escape their horrible life, they might just take it.

[@meiyagii]

I don’t feel like it makes a lot of sense for Bojack to end on his death. The whole show is about how everyone is redeemable to some extent, and that you can put yourself back on your feet even if it may feel impossible. “It gets easier. But you have to do it every day, that’s the hard part.”

[@java1.130]

It still makes perfect since for the show “Bojack Horseman” to end when the character “Bojack Horseman” ends his life

[@coolioschoolio4359]

Java 1.1 but the whole point of the show was redemption, and seeing the best in absolutely bleak situations

[@canvas_125]

Java 1.1 The creators didn’t want BJ Horseman to die because then that would make Bojack a martyr. He did pretty shitty things in his life and he has to live with the consequences. Think about it. After death, there is nothing. Herb’s words: “This is it.” It sends the opposite message the show is going for. Bojack Horseman has to live on. Day by day. “It gets easier.”

[@TYcarterTracks]

yes but the show also is about a failing character who no matter how many times they try and try they always fail but even at their worst still manage to always faill upwards such as bojack did. and they keep failing upwards no matter how much it ruins the lifes or even kills the people around them......this last 2 seasons have been about him no longer failing upwards but now failing downwards and seeing what life is like struggling with these problems as a normal person not a rich egomaniac ......plus it would be poetic for the show to end with him finally finding success at somthing he failed at many times before..stopping himself from hurting others. .

[@imouttie3206]

@@coolioschoolio4359 i think the point was that there is no closure in real life. Its not a sitcom. you dont do shitty things and then just hug it out at the end of the day and move on to the next episode. edit: both bojak and herb says this in the show but then maybe im wrong

[@NerdMiGerd]

I actually think episode 16 was the perfect follow-up to episode 15. The whole message I got from Secretariat's poem is that death, more importantly suicide, is the easy way out, and ultimately unfulfilling. Bojack could have died right then and there, and not have to properly face his past mistakes. However, he doesn't. I liked how he was practically yanked from the afterlife, and the first thing he woke up to was his prison sentence. I loved how that court room contained every living character he'd wronged in the past. It's the showrunners' way of saying he wasn't facing this punishment solely for breaking and entering, but for *every* horrible thing he did throughout the series. He does have a change in attitude, a very harsh one in fact. He realized he couldn't run from his sins anymore, and faces them head-on. Season 1 Bojack would be trying to break out of prison, or just generally miffed abut the whole situation. But now, he realizes it's what he deserved for his previous behavior, and takes it in stride. He's changed drastically as a person thanks to episode 15, even if it came at a hefty price.

[@gracehaven5459]

NerdMiGerd that's a very good point

[@jhuds5011]

I like to think that they intended the last episode that way because I remember how the creator Bob Waksberg had a theme for the show, about how life keeps going after the ups and downs, and structurally, the show itself demanded that ending. Otherwise, episode 15 wouldn't stay true to the theme of Bojack Horseman, that life keeps going on, things happen, and you keep going. If it stuck with the View from Halfway down, the show wouldn't be meta enough to defy TV show trope of things ending on a "high note", if you could call it that. And it becomes more apparent when we think about the show as a reflection of the life of a person/people a la Aristotle's mimesis and verisimilitude to reality(in this case Bojack would be in the center), rather than as a TV show, and we know mimesis to be a critical element touched by the show because of the multiple meta parallels the show makes between Bojack and every characters' lives vs shows within the Bojack universe (Horsin' Around, Secretariat, the one with Gina, Birthday Dad, etc). I get that the last episode wasn't a high note, or a positive note, but I really think it was what the story demanded, and I think it did that well.

[@cd2220]

I think the last episode is a great way to leave the ending ambiguous. If you want to believe he died and it's all in his head, that's fair, if you want to believe he lived on, that's fair is well. I allows it to ask the hard questions and hit as hard as it could without going to him blatantly flat out dying, which I think would have been a cop-out and honestly kind of boring. I also think that him dying really would have sent the wrong message out for a show about not resigning yourself to your fate. I do for sure think there's a lot of stuff in the last episode that I saw and though "wow they could have made another 2/3 seasons out of that stuff and really fleshed it out" so yeah some things felt rushed, but I think we got the best ending we could have got with the time they had left to make it.

[@kikilove4465]

“Life’s a bitch and you keep living”

[@TheKlutz31013]

This

[@raggedyanarchist]

Dude... no. A funeral where the cast reminisces and the "twist" is that Hollyhock still loves him. That's THE fantasy suicidal people so often have. They'll all realize how much I meant to them when I'm gone. She'll be sorry she was ever angry with me. Sorry man, but that would have been a seriously irresponsible way to end a series that speaks to depression to the degree Bojack did.

[@ianriker5996]

No, because that would show people with real depression and trauma the only way for people to care about them is if they killed themselves, or would be a bad message.

[@NoClueHonestly]

Exactly. That would romanticize suicide in an unbelievably irresponsible way.

[@dannyherrera6531]

Agreed! It would've been 13 reasons why all over again...

[@TheAkator]

Im traumatised and pathetick i keep loosing cause im toxick what i feel like is People are better off without me like im and obstackle Even my mom called me a mistake If People love you or not dosent matter its not validation suicidal seek we Just want to be in a room and not feel hated or like a laughing stock or bullied but sight ive learn this when i was 8 i was abaout to jump but if somone had cared abaout me it would have given me commfort to know atleast i die knowing somone cared but not all suicidal People is a like if youre suicidal know somone always cares youre not alone life is hard but youre amazing try talk to a phsykiatrist and never give up

[@allhailthee]

I disagree. To me, having Bojack die a tragic and premature death, yet having the cast vow to do better in his name, sends the message that even if your idols fail, that doesn't mean that you're doomed to and that you can live a better life so that they didn't die in vain

[@Aurongel]

Having a show about depression end with the lead character successfully committing suicide would have been the worst possible direction to take the story in.

[@haydenmenges5716]

Why though? To spend so much time with a character like Bojack and then to watch him kill himself would be horrible and heart wrenching, but it would ultimately convey the very real horror of suicide. By copping out, all they are doing is diminishing the impact of suicide. He tried to kill himself, but someone, by chance, was there to save him. His suicide didn't have consequences, what kind of message is that?

[@frogglen6350]

@@haydenmenges5716 His suicide attempt did have consequences. He ended up in prison and made Diame worried. Probably added more trauma to her

[@JArt872]

@@frogglen6350 And ultimately made the friendship end.

[@Aurongel]

HELL bull head You must be great at parties 🙄.

[@batonnikus]

Hayden Menges exactly, also last episode could be others just living for better or worse. Yeah, he killed himself but life goes on, but no, let’s just insert some generic bs that looks deep on the surface. Don’t care much tho, season 4 I dropped the show because I couldn’t stand Bojack’s horseshit and started to expect some wishy-washi ending. Hell, I would have been annoyed if I have given a crap about the show. Really, the horse should have died slowly and painfully, with constant flashbacks from planetarium which should have had eventually drain his sanity so he is dying in fear and despair (and with lungs full of his blood after a carcrash). Ah, it’s nice to visualise that.

[@_DiJiT]

But Bojack isn't revealed to be alive in episode 16. It's revealed in episode 15 if you DON'T SKIP THE CREDITS

[@TMJBtv]

Yeah but that's an intentionally hidden thing that most people miss

[@bobspurloc]

exactly... don't do a review if you aren't going to watch the whole episode lol...

[@YellowTwerker]

bobspurloc I think that’s a criticism on Netflix intentionally skipping the end credits. I mean he even shows in the video how Netflix skipped the end credits for hik

[@jeremyabbott4537]

honestly Episode 15 hit me so hard I let the credits roll so I could compose myself... and then I heard the heartbeat.

[@bobspurloc]

the heart beat starts after 7 seconds of credit. regardless the review is wrong bojack was revealed to be alive in ep 15. Herb died of peanuts when he crashed into the peanut truck not cancer...

[@LumPeyCusTerEd]

10:39 - You forgot about Zach Braff, who was burned alive by Jessica Biel in the episode "Underground". He was the house butler in that episode.

[@colbyhunter4622]

He served food because he was food

[@squill9446]

I actually really loved the finale and thought it was basically perfect. I think ending the show with Bojack killing himself would’ve sent the message that broken people can’t get better and are better off dead. However, the penultimate episode is still important in that it shows Bojack that suicide isn’t a good option and that life has meaning. And like the episode says, even if Bojack ends up spiraling downwards again, he can still get better again. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. Bojacks life still isn’t perfect, but he’s still going to make an effort to improve. The ending is more so content than it is happy or sad and that is why it’s perfect in my opinion.

[@Silly_mcWilly]

Couldnt have said it better

[@MMAGamblingTips]

“The irony of Pete Repeat” being the one to repeat what Bojack did to the kids to Hollyhock.

[@lootcat1230]

Sort of bad writing though that he would just happen to be at this random party, in New York, right when Hollyhock is finally stepping out of her shell, and he just happens to be the only person to talk to her, right when she's having a panic attack, and trying to drink alcohol for the first time. That's just so coincidental, that it's terrible.

[@MMAGamblingTips]

Loot Cat Yes I agree. That is pretty bad writing. You literally could have had Pete meet Hollyhock many other way. Like Hollyhock goes to a support group for depression and so does Pete (for what happened) and this is how they meet. Alternatively! they meet online through a dating website; HH reads a letter Pete wrote BJ; or Pete comes to wherever Bojack is to confront him and they meet somehow in a general vicinity. I don’t know, I’m not a writer, but I do agree that it was a terrible idea for them meeting like this. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lootcat1230]

@@MMAGamblingTips all great alternatives. There's also the possibility of having Pete go to her school, and he sees Bojack is teaching there. They confront each other awkwardly, with Hollyhock witnessing the events, then asking Pete about it. There were so many better ways to go about it, and not have hollyhock just flat out refuse to talk to Bojack about it.

[@MMAGamblingTips]

Loot Cat Yes! I thought of that same thing regarding them attending the same school. They really did screw the pooch on that piece of writing. Disappointing.

[@Rubbly]

Not irony but yeah it is funny

[@cuteskeleton9381]

While Bojack actually being dead would have been a shocking, bold move on the creators part, I feel like it would have offended and disappointed a lot of people. I've seen a lot of people who have stated that they suffer from depression and this show helped them with it by handling such a heavy subject in a very respectful way, so if they had the main character of it commit suicide and it ends with that....it's just sending the wrong message to the people struggling with suicidal thoughts themselves, giving them no hope that there's another way. It's more poignant that he survived because he was able to get closure with the only people in his life who stuck by him despite all that he did and the roof talk with Diane was especially important because of her correcting Bojack that it's more like "Life's a bitch but you keep on living" Giving him the perspective that yeah there's no happy endings in life and it doesn't just freeze in time when something good happens to you, but we keep living our lives to experience those little bouts of good moments because they're worth experiencing and not every single moment in life is going to be bad. Granted I do think the second to last episode was possibly the best in the whole series for how gut punching and dark it was, but the writers making the decision to have Bojack live was the best possible outcome because it gave those struggling in this world hope.

[@memoryman51]

It would have been hack and morally definitive; a reduction of the complexity it masterfully juggled to moralistic storytelling.

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

_"You know, sometimes I feel like I was born a leak, and any goodness I started out with just slowly spilled out of me, and now it's all gone and I'll never get it back at me. It's too late. Life is a series of closing doors. Isn't it?"_ *~ Bojack Horseman*

[@frogglen6350]

Yeah. That is a quote from the cartoon. Thanks for saying what somebody else said *better* 🙄

[@gaarafangirl54]

Frog Glen what stick is up your ass? Oak or pine?

[@geoleo965]

Again? Seriously?

[@angelizdaboss]

Its a good quote

[@Saieras]

You posted a different one this time. Is everything okay?

[@-D.W-]

Bojack not dying is the BEST ending IMO

[@Johnlindsey289]

It would had cheapened the ending

[@birdmoney]

Bojack: Do you think it's too late for me? Diane: It's never too late to be the person you want to be. Steve: I think the show should have ended with Bojack dying...

[@YenB_prplka]

When I watched episode 15 I just can't handle that BoJack is dead... I had a panic attack. I crying like I never cried when I watched others shows. I was destroyed... I saw in BoJack myself: a person, who try his best to keep standing, no matter what shit his going trough. But then he's gave up... Did suicide... And I was destroyed and did thinking: why shouldn't I give up too? But BoJack survived. He was regret about suicide! Survived by the incident! But still standing and keep living. And that was heartwarming for me. Because if BoJack can keep going, then I'll can too. I will miss this show a lot.

[@anubis7457]

He didn't commit suicide, he was going swimming and hoping he'd get hurt so Diane would come and feel bad and help him

[@nitrogenbubbles4555]

@@anubis7457 no he, was going to kill himself if diane didn't come get him, that was very much implied

[@arrash4388]

I think that's the main reason the creators didn't kill Bojack. Because they feared suicide rates might increase. So they let him survive. Although me and a few others have said that we preferred him dying, we can understand why he didn't.

[@karlaj.4056]

Exactly. Some people are too messed up to be able to deal with that ending. Why you shouldn't give up? BECAUSE YOU ARE ALIVE!!!! The show is not making an apology of suicide, it's the very opposite. But as we can see, it would have been missunderstood.

[@phlpcockrell]

@@nitrogenbubbles4555 bojack was so cognizant of everything else he did that night up until getting back in the pool when diane didnt answer I'm sure he would know if he intended to commit suicide. He thought he was asleep on the couch.

[@Kaospyri]

I wasn't happy with BoJack's survival at first. But the more thought I put into it the more I came to the conclusion that it's better this way.

[@tametalks6102]

Same honestly

[@VenomPansy]

Same. I felt so cheated initially. Each rewatch I find more pieces myself and due to Johnny2Cellos pointing out symbolism and it continues to make more sense along the theme of the show. Will admit it still would have been nice to at least *finally* see Erica

[@officialdrowsy]

@@VenomPansy I heard there was a theory about Erica being a squirrel and that’s why Mr PB ALWAYS gets distracted when she comes around

[@sydneeblueford3754]

Herb died from a peanut allergy, not cancer. That's why he's eating peanuts in the "dream"

[@johnmraz4332]

I'm more a fan of the black oil being more direct. Not something lofty like death. It's the water filling his lungs. He's drowning. And that's manifesting itself in his dream. He takes a sip of water earlier and tastes chlorine. Also I understand what you mean by underwhelming but I think I like it better because of it. "Sometimes life's a bitch and you just keep living." Is powerful and real. And quiet. Life goes on and it's up to you to deal with that. No happy after. No tragic martyrdom for a message. Those are fairytales. Most of the time life just is. And when it isn't, it's not because it isn't. It's because we're applying meaning that isn't there. This is it. "Wouldn't it be funny if we never talked again?" Diane knows they never will. Not because the show is over. Because that's what's going to happen in universe if you look ahead.

[@lunasmoonlight714]

It's also a reminder of what Charlotte told him years back - that LA is build on black tar.

[@DanielMerrick]

This was the impression I got from the ending too. That's part of the progress that Diane is making as a character, where she's moving on and learning to be happy and maybe Bojack will too but maybe he won't. I think she knows she'll miss him but is giving him that conversation as "that phone call and you possibly dead was the last adventure I'll go on with you". It's a final conclusion of their relationship set up from the beginning. The interview from episodes earlier if there's a message Bojack was supposed to learn is things he does have more consequences for people than just him this is the message that life(the show) is beating into him. We learn that Mr. Peanutbutter is still learning this and making progress and at a certain point, Todd is still learning this and at a certain point, Princess Carolyn is learning this and is at the best point for now, Diane learned this and has to end her ties. And that final moment playing out is maybe Bojack finally learning that from those final moments but maybe it's not. The show goes on.

[@tsokoy1709]

The way bojack quivers with anxiety when he finds holyhock's letter hurt to watch

[@melted_pistons]

Patrick Canuto I still wonder what that letter was, did I miss an explanation?

[@didafreaze3434]

@@melted_pistons Hollyhock discontinued her phone, after Bojack's been constantly calling her. This, alongside Bojack's reaction, shows that Hollyhock really did cut him out with that letter

[@lootcat1230]

Hollyhock's turn was a big slap in the face and a major F U to anyone who liked her. She was acting like a b!tch all throughout the latter half of the season without even talking to her BROTHER about what happened. But no, a random stranger she met at a party is more credible than family.

[@collinevanrossen4403]

Loot Cat i partially agree with what you’re saying, however, she could’ve also seen the horrible interview that bojack did.

[@lootcat1230]

@@collinevanrossen4403 that's true, but she started down the path of being aggressive to him before that. She even acted af if their familial relationship meant nothing.

[@MariekeB95]

I just realised after another comment somewhere that the reason that Sarah Lynn stands there, staring at the void (her death), for a while, is because BoJack waited 17 minutes to call help and she was still alive at that time. It just sends chills down my spine, it's too much man.

[@TG-tv6ni]

The underwhelming ending is perfect for this show i feel, Its never been a show to tie things up in bows. Life never ends with all the bows tied up and this is an accurate representation of life. As Diane says "I think there are people that help you become the person that you end up being and you can be grateful for them even if they were never meant to be in your life forever" which is incredibly true and this episode is a perfect interpretation of it.

[@Whimsly]

I definitely understand the urge for the show to end on ep 15, but I could not disagree more. In my opinion, Bojack continuing to live with the consequences of his actions, even if those consequences are sad and largely irreversible is a much stronger payoff to the themes used throughout the show. Having his life continue on after the credits roll gives Bojack a chance to live without the audience he's spent his whole life trying to please. In fact, ending the show on Bojack's funeral with everyone weepy and reminiscing would completely undercut the show's critique on the whole 'grand gestures' thing from Free Churro. Bojack shouldn't get post-mortem closure with Hollyhock- he fucked up, and if he wants her back in his life he has to accept that he is worthy of forgiveness, but isn't owed it. All that being said, I definitely agree that the last episode was pretty wack when it comes to pacing. I don't have any problems with where the characters ended up, but Todd making up with his mom and PC marrying Judah really could have used a bit more screentime between them. tldr; the show ending on Bojack's death just reeks of him playing the victim one last time. no thanks.

[@comicbookreviewer4856]

I felt you could of had Todd having a hafe sister who is less of a slacker and more of a counterpart to todd who worked hard to get what she wanted and than having things handed to her more easy thanwith their mum in the hospital having her admit the only reason she worked hard was to show her family she was not like todd and even admit she was always bitter by todd happy lifestyle as it would of been a perfect way of showing how sometimes the younger sibling will always try and be something they aren't

[@pomamoba]

So basically you are saying: >episode 15 provides some of the best anti suicidal messages ever >The show discussing depression should have ended with putting main character in a terrible spot, making him refuse to admit his guilt and mistakes, losing everything he had and just killing himself. So... the idea is “don’t be that guy”? I am just stunned with the fact, that you mention the words of the Golden Bridge jumpers, but don’t realize that they describe the whole message of BoJack surviving and paying his price for his actions. That all his troubles were also solvable, except for him drowning. That life is a bitch, but you keep living. The show was letting hundreds of people get through their issues, and it should have ended with the most depressed guy just giving up and killing himself?

[@pupville1055]

To be honest I agree that the show just ending in darkness as Bojack has died, that’s be very powerful. But I feel like that’s kind of a glorification (KIND of) of his death, a tragic figure. Sure, it’d be an insane finale, but it would feel a tad bit too “glorious” to me. Having it end not in some incredibly gorgeous, poetic and tragic way, instead just ending with Bojack moving on and continuing life is sure, a little underwhelming, but that’s just life. Besides, having it end with Bojack and Diane parting ways is quite touching in my mind. That’s just my opinion currently though.

[@jinxthatsme2317]

Pupville I still would’ve preferred Bojack to settle down and have a family like in the flashback all the way back in Season 1. Maybe such an ending would manage to bring Hollyhock back into his life, illustrating to both her and the audience that Bojack can change.

[@koryfredrick1164]

@@jinxthatsme2317 I like how it ended, Bojack dying would have been too "dramatic", and the way Bojack had his past finally catch up to him felt appropriate to the themes of the show, and in the end, after everything, life goes on.

[@jinxthatsme2317]

Kory Fredrick Oh no I wasn’t saying that Bojack should’ve died. I was saying that I think he should’ve changed after his near death experience and settle down. Maybe have a wife and kids. One of the main themes of the show is family and how Bojack desperately wants to have one of his own. You can see it in Bojack’s drug trip, Escape From L.A, and even Fish Out Of Water.

[@jinxthatsme2317]

Kory Fredrick I remember there even being a line with Charlotte where Bojack says, "At our age it’s weird if you don’t have a family," to which Bojack laughed awkwardly. It’s pretty obvious from at least seasons 1-4 that Bojack was desperate to start a family of his own but fell unlucky in his pursuit of love. I think it would’ve been satisfying to see him finally have one of his own.

[@koryfredrick1164]

@@jinxthatsme2317 That would´ve been a cop out way to end the show imo. All the things he´s done in the past catch up to him and... he´s fine. Better than ever, actually. I like what they went with, you just gotta make the best of what you have.

[@AlexanDrMoskalenko]

They've already discussed ending Bojack's story with death - long time ago) - Eesh! Downer ending - You got something better? - Wait a minute

[@Zero86Sk]

Im actually glad bojack is alive. And in prison he seems to be doing better. Im sure nearly dieing gave him a new perspective. But that i love about this show is. It shows people can change if they try hard enough. And yes, your past can come and bite you in the ass. But it dosnt need to define you.

[@BAVBAVBAV]

Personally I prefer how it normally ends. While the 'death' ending would have 'made more sense', and been more tragic, I still would have felt like no closure was met and the series ended too soon. Plus, the final episode only has voices from the 5 main characters, which makes it extra special. Those final scenes with PC and Diane are some of my favorite moments in television history, too.

[@cascamybeloved828]

I think the series ended perfectly, it just shows that no matter what shit we get in, good or bad, there’s still more life ahead and some things can’t always have closure.

[@frogglen6350]

I agree. The final episode is underwhelming. But that's just how life is. Things happen, good or bad, and life goes on.Some things change. Some don't. Some resolutions are made. Others aren't.

[@Jakioliberty]

life's a bitch and you keep living

[@allhailthee]

I keep seeing similar statements that defend the finale over the value of being intentionally underwhelming. Doesn't an engaging narrative take precedence over emulating how reality supposedly operates?

[@AllyKat-sf2zu]

I personaly think it was a good ending for hollyhock because like you said bojack is most likely going to mess up again and now she can be happy without that bad influence in her life. I wish the letter was read to us but im happy knowing she will have a normal most likely happy life.

[@javiermejia9209]

AllyKat 5678 idk man. Honestly Bojack isn’t a bad guy. Most of the things that happened were out of his control or exaggerated. Yeah he’s at fault for being there at the wrong time but u got to understand that most of these character are grown ass adults too; they take their own decisions in hand and choose wrong ones and end up blaming Bojack for their results.

[@AllyKat-sf2zu]

@@javiermejia9209 im not saying bojack was a bad guy im saying he was a bad influence for holyhock and other young characters like sharah lynn and penny. i loved bojack just as much as the next person but im just being real here

[@javiermejia9209]

AllyKat 5678 Na. Man. U can’t just ghost someone when they need help especially if they’re ur blood. U like most r snakes man... but that’s just reality... the show captures that exceptionally well. I can’t imagine abandoning my brother when he needs help... and by the way the kid that told the story to hollyhawk twisted up the story when he told her... he said they were forced to drink when in reality Bojack just purchased them the liquor... still bad but not as much as forcing someone to drink.

[@AllyKat-sf2zu]

@@javiermejia9209 well you obviously dont have parents who abuse you like i did, and a sibling who was the favorite and got everything, i cut out a familiy member just like bojack and my life is better for it im the most happy iv ever been. tv shows need to tell people its ok to cut out a familiy member who was bad for you like this show did. i relate to hollyhock because i did exsactly what she did.

[@godking]

@@javiermejia9209 Some things were out of his control or he is only partially responsible for but he has done a lot of damage to the people in his life. He is mostly not a bad guy but he is not a good influence to have in your life.

[@brandonemmons4699]

I always think that killing a main character at the end of a show is kinda lazy like all this build up and character growth just to kill them off

[@revampedchaos2822]

From an artistic standpoint, I agree that ending with Bojack's death would give it some serious weight. However, I think this show is very aware of their audience, and how some us relate to the struggles of the characters. Having Bojack kill himself could send a dangerous message to some viewers that it doesn't matter how hard you try to turn things are around. Eventually, those past mistakes will catch up with you, so you're better off ending it. That would be a very bad message to send.

[@llamadasinrespuesta4631]

Only an idiot would base his life decisions on a badly animated tragicomedy.

[@dontpanic7153]

@@llamadasinrespuesta4631 Do idiots not deserve to live?

[@llamadasinrespuesta4631]

@@dontpanic7153 nobody deserves anything.

[@koryfredrick1164]

@Llamada sin respuesta I hope it gives you at least the smallest bit of satisfaction to just put everyone down. Otherwise this was a pointless affair

[@K8isGr88]

@@llamadasinrespuesta4631 only an idiot would waste his time commenting on KZbin about a "poorly animated" TV show he doesn't even like.

[@theonlyalexryder8814]

I really enjoyed the finale. It was a good ending that wasn’t “bojack is gonna die and everything is sad” but not a perfect ending. Good mix.

[@punisherrorschach27]

The finale is intentionally underwhelming though. Instead of getting extremes where Bojack dies or drastically changes his life by living in the wilderness, he gets a "grey" ending where he must face the consequences of his relapse/near death experience and be held accountable for his behavior. Season 6 is about the difficult nature of holding yourself accountable even when you have changed for the better. Had Bojack experienced either of the endings you mentioned, we would have gotten something arguably stereotypical and utterly moral-less. With the ending we got we are forced to accept that you don't necessarily get a cheery ending or an utterly bleak conclusion. Sometimes, you get an ambiguous future where you have to keep picking yourself up if you truly value being a better person.

[@da1on2]

Thank you, all these people saying he should have just died make me question if we were watching the same show for the past 6 seasons

[@dudebro2852]

Yeah, I was honestly expecting Bojack to redeem himself somehow and get a happy lowkey ending when I was working my way through the show. And while I wish the ending was more "filling" I still think it was the more real and fitting ending for what the show had turned into and I still love it all the same.

[@DragoRaRaRa]

I loved the ending. Throughout the show Bojack keeps hitting a new low but is forced to keep going. I like the idea that even after you hit the lowest point in life you can still move on. That even after everything life can still go on

[@bascal133]

I think the happy ending is that everyone moves on without bojack in their lives. They all grow past him so it doesn’t matter what he decides.

[@Schweigetherapie]

I gotta disagree, I don't like the message that severe mental illness can only end in tragedy and suicide. Because a lot of the time, it doesn't. A lot of the time you just have to deal with life, and you keep living.

[@unfinishedsentenc5308]

Steve has returned!!!

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

IT'S A MIRACLE!!!

[@dreamwanderer5791]

Penultimate episode sets the bar so freaking high there was no real way the final one would've lived up to it. And as you mentioned, certain major character's big moments are just.... rushed. I like to think that the penultimate episode is it tbh.

[@zebefreod871]

Your second would have been a good alternativa, maybe a little clichey, but a good alternative nonetheless. Stil, I like the actual ending, how we won't know if Bojack will change or not, it's up to us to think about it. The problem is you can't kill bojack, you can't have a requiem for a dream finale, it'd give the wrong message. In RFAD, it was all about how drugs can destroy your life, it had to finish that way, but here? If they killed Bojack, the message would have been "when you touch the bottom of the barrel (no, what Am I saying? When you tear through the bottom of the barrel and reach the centre of the earth) and you fail to rise up, even after you tried seriously, there's only one thing you can do...kill yourself. It'd had been a spit in the face to those two survivors and everyone who did or attempted suicide. The show needed to give us HOPE, to let us know that, no matter how shitty things can get, there's always a way out and a better time.

[@chinbag]

Your two proposed endings are exactly what the show strived not to do. The show was originally subverting a normal sitcom, it was real, actions had consequences.If he died, he would have gotten off too easy, and if it changed him that just wouldn't be Bojack. Instead of subverting what people thought the show would become after seeing the generic first few episodes, it is subverting your idea of a big climactic ending. The finale seems nice, but he doesn't really make amends, because Herb taught him not to. Todd leaves his shoulders and become independent from him, PC tells him to move in to a different client, Mr. Peanut Butter finds himself and no longer needs to attach himself to people like Bojack and Dianne understands that she needs to completely disconnect with him. Side characters also do this too: Hollyhock is uncomfortable with his actions and cuts connections with him (the idea that she secretly still loves him after that is unlikely), Charlotte, Penny, Herb, Gina and Sarah Lynn moved past their trauma with him (or died), his parents died, still never acknowledging him and the public hated him for a year. He then spent 14 months in prison. The ending is hopeful, but not happy if you think about where he is.

[@SimonJasiewicz]

Conspiracy: They couldn't decide if he lives or dies so they said Phuket and made both

[@GXSCChater]

I feel like the inconsistencies in the episode (like the last seconds of the episode being thrown into beginning showing diane and bojack fading to black flat lining, bojack imagining the family saving him coming in goofy and happy (who the fuck comes in happy and ignore there gate not being smashed?? and other things) shows that bojack is indeed dead. But lets throw in some more fucking inconsistencies to show that bojack is not dead! So I believe the show wants to show bojack is dead in episode 16 with loopholes that he is alive.

[@mustafaoguzaksoy2939]

@@GXSCChater I do know that I am replying to a comment that was a month ago, but if you wait after the credits in episode 15, the heart monitor starts to beep again. I think that's pretty concrete proof Bojack isn't dead

[@GXSCChater]

@@mustafaoguzaksoy2939 That is true. I just don't know why they would have an intro like that in the next episode. The family finding bojack in the pool and just ignoring the front gate of there house being plowed annoys me while they are all still smiling while coming in. No family does that. They would of been concern and realized someone broke into their house.

[@davidtyler2654]

This ending was all about the feelings, and I think ending it on the particular scene that they did was amazing as loneliness with a small hint of heartbreak was the underlying feeling of Bojack. I think if they did Bojack dying in two episodes where he has the dinner party, then attends a big event like Princess Caroline's wedding where he gets one last talk with everyone ending on a rooftop with Diane would have made the biggest impact while still making each and every episode count. In this essay, I will

[@therealCrazyJake]

That poem literally sent me into a panic attack. My family had to come into my room and calm me down. It hit way too close to home for me, as it brought me back to my own suicide attempt from three years ago...

[@casperxchris]

I think that the last episode in the series feels very fitting in the overall messages of the story. I agree with most everything you said, but I think your alternative endings might have been TOO perfect. The series constantly reminds me as the viewer that nothing is perfect and that everything’s fine everyone has flaws, and for the story to end very anti-climactic and incomplete makes perfect sense to me. But that’s just how I see it I guess

[@Unfamous-Chronicles]

I can never unsee 7:00 where the stool Mr. Peanutbutter was on disappeared when he stood up. Thanks for that, even though you didn't point it out or anything of that nature.

[@jlinus7251]

I liked this ending. Your life doesn't end once the show stops. You just continue living, repeating some mistakes, overcoming others, finding new people and letting go of others. We as the audience know Bojack now, and we know there's always going to be ups and downs in his life going forward. The ending just cements that idea.

[@george1785]

why anybody foretold Judah's feeliings for PC??? I was thinking of that since he was fired (it was his reaction... I mean.. went Judah had ever look surprise like that?)

[@PerifEric_DiLuna]

Sometimes life's a bitch and then you keep living

[@paigehorrocks1495]

The view from half way down has always been my 100% favourite episode

[@skyrogue1977]

Those last few episodes, Bojack was just getting it from every conceivable angle.

[@iraevans2013]

"...... sometimes you just keep living"

[@josephpega2888]

I would ended like a combo of those two. Where we see Bojack on a hospital but he is a coma and had been for a year and time come to let him go. Each one tells their story and how Bojack influenced their lives. With Holly reading the letter and making the decision to pull the plug. Then quiet Credits roll as Holly drops to the floor crying. Dark enough for ya Steve?

[@unreallife6817]

That would be much better.

[@glich6035]

@@unreallife6817 have to disagree, many say have said it better than me. But it would go against the entire theme of the series, which from the very beginning was one of hesitant optimism the highs and lows of life. "Lifes a bitch, and sometimes you keep on living" Also it breaks so many of the rules regarding the glorification of suicide its not funny

[@ominousone900]

What the fuck did i just read?

[@demonicthan742]

He has returned!!!

[@christophermarini2447]

Steve Reviews, have you watched the video about how Bojack Subverts Expectations by Will Schoder? This show is meant to be the anti-thesis of the "Conclude all issues neatly in a half hour" Sitcom style. Life goes on. In "real life" stories don't just all wrap up in a nice knot on the same day. "There is always the day after the happy ending" - or the day after the tragedy. But death is always final - that's what makes death so profound. It was pure genius how they gave us both, They "gave" viewers the 15th episode - if that's what you wanted - then do not watch the final episode. They teased the Bojack Death intentionally; on purpose; in a meta way - to both give us this ending and mock it.. There is not always some big life-changing mood-altering experience after a near-death experience. I have seen so many people go on pretty normally after these events. The final episode is meant to be a "realistic" version of a final episode: It gives us some closure on some story lines; but others continue and life goes on. "Life's a bitch and then you die"..."or keep living." I have never watched such a smart, cohesive show before - and to think it came from the medium of animation. Absolutely brilliant.

[@recon441]

Yeah I feel like the last two episodes were the writers way of having their cake and eating it too, so to speak, not in a bad way though. I loved how everything did and didn't come together 😊

[@allhailthee]

I've seen arguments against a supposedly grand ending and in a strange way, I feel that all these arguments about how Bojack is "subversive" in its narrative choices miss a larger point, which is that life doesn't HAVE a script. While I agree that issues can't conclude in the span of a typical TV episode, that doesn't mean that downright theatrical and strange things can't happen in life. It's equally rigid to assume that life can never have tragedies such as an accidental drowning.

[@belladaartist1348]

The master critic is back! Just wanted to wish you a happy early valentines Day too!

[@atumless9696]

I felt the exact same way about the final episode, glad i wasn’t the only one that thought it was kind of anti climactic

[@alexrobertssings]

I have to say despite its flaws, I love the last episode. Death would be too easy for Bojack. Life doesn't tie itself up in a neat little bow so of course the show wouldn't give us closure on everything. It's a shame that Netflix ended the show here because I think while this finale was planned, the creators needed two whole seasons to fully make it work.

[@Joshikaunfortunately]

steve: more like pickle pack your thinks and f*** off me: dies of laughter

[@randfur]

I'm glad they didn't end on something big/tragic like a death. Bojack as a show has been wonderful in not only showing the big moments that happen in life but also follow through with the regular moments afterwards. The stuff most shows don't consider worth showing and just reset things back to status quo. I think episode 15's contribution to the season is giving a few layers of depth to Bojack's head for the last episode. You're watching all these catch up moments with a character that you've just gone to the edge of death with mentally. 15 is all in his head and its contribution for your understanding of Bojack's head going on.

[@nixie6077]

I like the idea of Bojack being liberated from fame for the season finale. I wouldn't have been as happy if the series just ended on the flatline. It would've made for an emotional ending nonetheless, but I think it would be too void of the hopefulness that the show tried to carry throughout.

[@harmonysaavedra8409]

If the show had ended with bojack dying, it would have been the biggest slap on the face this show could have given its audience. What's the message in that? That if you die, you're finally free? No more depression and suffering? What kind if message does that give to anyone? That would have been an awful ending and and absolutely horrible message to give its audience. Maybe the finale wasnt perfect, but it sums up what this show was actually about. That sometimes lifes a bitch but you keep on living. I dont care if him dying would have been shocking or powerful, that's not the point. Because if you end a show, with a character with depression dying. Then what does that say about the rest of us?

[@wendyberrios5957]

No. I’m glad the series ended the way it did. Bojack is toxic. He has done little to atone for the severe damage he’s caused. Death would be too kind an escape for Bojack. This can be succinctly put in some of the final lines of the series between Bojack and Diane: Bojack: “Life sucks and then you die, right?” Diane: “No, life sucks and then you keep living” This is what Bojack has never learned. Also if you note the heart monitors at the end of episode 15 and the start of episode 16 where it superimposes over Diane and Bojacks conversation, it is not only referring to Bojack’s return from death, but it is also showing us the death of Bojack and Diane’s friendship. He’ll now have a life devoid of the friends that he’s come to depend on so much. Now he will be truly and completely alone and he can do nothing about it. This ending is so fitting because for Bojack, the only worse fate than death is living life itself

[@glich6035]

This is different flavour of missing the point, but a understandable one.

[@mishadixon3694]

I love the added detail that everyones plate at the diner party was the last meal they had in life.

[@andytheunicorn]

Bojack's death would have been kind of a lame ending (specially since Secretariat's poem gave a very powerful message about suicide), is good they bring a more hopeful message, that even if life can be bad there is still hope and you can still live on

[@glich6035]

@CallMeJason to kill themselves yes.

[@maco1391]

I will never skip the intro of BoJack Horseman. Ever. No matter how many times I watch it

[@Kantenschiesser]

i also found the finale quiet underwhelming. but thats the point of the show. its about life and the ups and downs in life and how we deal with them and still move on. wouldnt fit the show if they'd just killed him.

[@xxxtakaji-kaixxx9016]

“Don’t worry” “I’ll see u on the other side” -Call Of Duty Advanced Warfare

[@angryguy67]

I think the ending was just what bojack is about. The nonstop chaotic cycle of life. Creators almost always put the ending to be interpreted in multiple ways to keep the idea of the show alive. I of course wish the show hadnt ended, but the ending was... subtly great.

[@qizhou4883]

The ending makes more sense and gets better each time I binge thought the series

[@mikekomarinski]

Good 2 C U making content again Steve keep doing what u do best my friend.🙂

[@Shadow-ashlad]

The purpose of the show was to show that life doesn't have a single happy or say ending but is rather a lot of ups and downs and i think they captured it excellently by having the show end as it did instead of having Bojack die.

[@gothmaze]

Your reviews are the perfect balance of analyzing and jokes. I love how dark this channel is too 🖤

[@nix1nonly635]

I agree with you Steve about the first scenario (Bojack been dead) because he's sadly broken beyond repair, which is sad but also how life is to some people and there is no way of changing it.

[@YoungDoug13]

Thank you! I've written on some other reviews that I felt cheated in the end. I don't believe BoJack surviving was the way to end this. Especially, as you pointed out he is most likely still stuck in his same endless feedback loop. I couldn't quite put a finger on why it pissed me off so much. You hit the nail on the head. The final episode severely discounted "The view from half way down" It really didn't mean anything because nothing changed.

[@DeclanRays]

thanks for explaining the plots of the episodes we just watched.

[@davidrich27]

Having Bojack kill himself in the end would have been antithetical to the themes of the entire series. Having him die at the end just for shock value would be cheap. Bojack the horseman is nihilistic, Bojack the show is not. Also, Bojack frame of mind is clearly informed by his brush with death, so saying episode 15 had no effect on the finale is just not true.

[@jackashmore]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t skip the intro for bojack

[@PhoenixReaper04]

Please review Balto next steve then paranorman and then monste house?

[@jessicar4934]

The black goo is a callback to a conversation between Bojack and Charlotte where she informs him that “Hollywood’s a real pretty town that’s smack on top of all that black tar. By the time you realize you’re sinking, it’s too late.”

[@MoonLoonie69]

I actually feel ya, man. The ending was underwhelming for me too.

[@rafasilva1265]

But episode 16 wasn't the ending. Episode 15 was. The story DOES end with him nearly dying. But the epilogue sends the message that second chances exist, while not negating the effects of the past. Bojack will NOT be the same person after episode 16 and he will not have the same friendships he had before then. Bojack is almost literally someone else by then, and episode 16 is this person's birth.

[@MoonLoonie69]

@@rafasilva1265 I still say it was underwhelming for me

[@jakub5]

6:59 Mr. Peanutbutters chair disappears when he stands up.

[@LeeMilby]

Meh, I disagree. I think having Bojack "keep living" but lose all of his close friendships and relationships being in tatters, that acknowledges how much of a toxic person he is without forgiving him. Hollyhock cutting him off is a realistic reaction and in line with her mature and realistic personality. I just don't see Hollyhock saying she "loved" him as being realistic, considering they didn't ever really get to know each other that well, and it doesn't make sense for her personality.

[@savannahhuso2134]

The ending episode made me fall in love with the song Me. Blue. Now it's stuck in my head all the time.

[@zonyae29047]

I’ve never watched Bojack, (I know I know, I’ll binge it tomorrow) but even I felt underwhelmed by the explanation of the last episode. Kinda upset I spoiled myself but this video made me realize what a show I was actively ignoring. I thought it was just a dark Family Guy of some sorts.

[@somecanadian_guy]

I think that not having all the story lines finished at the end of the show makes sense. Not all life’s problems will finish and wrap up at the same time. You will have to deal with these and the consequences at some point later in life, which is a part of the show like you said.

[@danielwieczorek1186]

No I think the way it ended was better than your options

[@DrRobot55]

The message is: life is a bitch, but you keep on living

[@tentrilliconlp7748]

I really didn't like it to be honest, but it's still a great show and I'm glad that Bojack survived.

[@Darkdays79]

Bojack in the last episode realises that for the first time ever he's truly 100% alone. Everybody moved on and his left behind. His near death experiance, his last encounter with the people he lost and the closure he gets with the living is what makes him have some optimistic view for the future (the line "maybe I can direct something" could easily indicate his ready to take control and not just search for fame and spotlight). In any other case Bojack would distance himself with pills and a lot of alcohol. That's why we needed one more episode after The View... For me that was the perfect ending.

[@AlexanDrMoskalenko]

I wonder if I'm the only one who thinks that penultimate episode was somewhat... simple and predictable. OK, we're all gonna die and dissapear in this black oil, it's all pointless and whatever. Let's jump to the pool already. It was a good dark episode, for sure, but I wouldn't rank it as the best in the series or even in this season. I kinda liked Diane's Good Damage episode better. Plus Downer Ending, That's Too Much Man, The Old Sugarman Place, I still think any of them are more meaningful and elaborate. I'm glad that Bojack saw that view from halfway down and returned to life, it makes perfect sense. The show must go on, though it's gonna be different show and some very important characters are leaving him...

[@koryfredrick1164]

i agree, I knew right away what was happening, and once the show started, I just wanted it to get to the point. It didn´t feel like a waste of time exactly, but I just wanted to know what was gonna happen

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Total NEIGH to this finale. Great look into Bojacks life til this point in the show, but it just seems like his life goes on. He doesn't end up with anyone which seems like he might've needed comfort, but the ending just seems content that life goes on-whether its hard or not. I agree I'd like a more impactful ending like the one you presented Steve. Especially with the letter read.

[@karlaj.4056]

I agree with you. I don't see how BoJack dying would be an "easy ending" as many people say. It' s so strong that they just don't want to see it

[@gray4709]

From a traditional T.V. show perspective, I think you're right. The last episode wasn't as satisfying as it could've been from an entertainment standpoint. There was no real sense of closure and either of the endings you came up with would have solved that much better than what we have. However, both of those endings would have followed the traditional storytelling device of ending a series with a proper and satisfying conclusion. In Bojack's series finale, they switched up this method of storytelling which other shows haven't done before. They stuck to their guns and made a melancholy ending where Bojack could go either way in the future. I think the entire episode is building to its final thesis. Bojack is reunited with PB and learns that his friends are still there for him, but have their flaws. Todd shows Bojack that no matter how hard he falls today, he can pick himself back up tomorrow. If it ended with this being the final conversation, I'd think Bojack would take action to live a better life, but it keeps going. PC's conversation shows that Bojack isn't ready to let the LA lifestyle go and that he might be addicted to the drama. If the show ended here, I would think that he might relapse and the show would continue as a never-ending drama till his eventual death. Yet, it keeps going to the final conversation with Diana. Let me preface, up until this point, I wished the final episode would have been 15, as I thought death would be the only thing that can bring Bojack peace. I would have found this a satisfying conclusion as happiness is the only thing Bojack has been searching for throughout the entire show. Then, all of that shattered when Diana dropped this bombshell of wisdom, "Sometimes life's a bitch and you keep on living." I think this is the overarching message of the show. Everyone's life is unpredictable and today could be great, but tomorrow could bring the worst. Either life will take you out or you'll keep slogging through it. In the end, there are no satisfying, climatic conclusions, just like this ending. Good review though! Episode 15 cemented this as my favorite TV show of all time.