Why Everyone LOVES Judah from Bojack Horseman! | Video Essay

[@noviatoria2436]

Another thing that makes Judah such a great character is he's actually written as good autistic representation. So often on TV characters with stereotypical autistic traits are treated as little more than punchlines, but with Judah we see someone who has those same traits, but is also a fully functional, independent, successful person.

[@raideranimator6091]

I AM A SURGEON

[@silasxdd]

YES YES YES I LOVE THIS SO MUCH

[@BlackLabsLikeRuleDog]

AND HAS COMMITMENT TO OTHER PEOPLE!!!! HAS A LOT OF COMPASSION!!! ABILITY TO BE WHOLESOME ROMANTIC.

[@NoxAtlas]

I know, right? It's so annoying when autistic people are portrayed as selfish jerks who have no empathy. And that's what makes me love Judah so much. He might struggle to give emotional comfort and can't read the room well, but he tries his best to understand. He asks what's wrong, tries to figure out what to do, and offers rational solutions to fix the problem. That's something I relate to so much, and I hate it when this is portrayed by other people as a selfish and heartless act.

[@IntrusiveThot]

And he’s great PASSIVE rep. the fact that they never outright stated it really impressed me, in contrast with the overt way they approached Todd’s asexuality. They felt comfortable just dropping hints about Judah because it’s already a part of Judah’s identity pre-show - he didn’t need to soul-search like Todd, and Judah is clearly very comfortable being a spectrum chad.

[@erusdearest]

3:19 where Judah offers his finger for the child to hold without hesitation is so subtle, yet so adorable.

[@Clairebee]

I liked that he was also a musician after work, meaning even though he was very professional and took his job seriously, he had other interesting traits besides what he has in common with PC.

[@cubirb]

As someone who occasionally has a hard time reading sarcasm/tone in general - I really appreciated seeing that on screen.

[@eileensnow6153]

Same. My therapist says I don’t have autism but that I have similarities. I hate it when people use overly dry sarcasm, I hate it when I’m forced to make eye contact, and I come across as “weird” to neurotypical people. It’s refreshing to see someone with these characteristics not being penalized, othered, or having to “unlearn” their neurodivergent tendencies before they can have a happy ending.

[@annabelletolley8916]

also he's hot

[@2120musiclover]

I was looking for this comment!

[@pixelgnarp]

REAL 🗣️

[@GustavoRodriguez-qr5po]

Well he IS vaush

[@jonathanstern5537]

I remember watching this show where they said, "A straight man can tell that another man is hot if you want to look like them." I do kind of want to look like him... except I probably would keep my hair down. I've always wanted the whole Robert Plant, Axil Rose look. I was never able to get it.

[@xuehuapiaopiao1893]

I love seeing autistic characters with genuine personality that makes the best of all these typical autistic traits. Finally someone you can relate to

[@someoneRando_]

I think the core of his loveability is how much he tries to do good for others despite having a hard time with social norms and reading things like context, tone and sarcasm. You see he really tries to work on that and improve. And that's a lot more admirable than starting off already good at those things.

[@fricc_picc]

i’m SO happy that people are talking about his autism in the comments. as someone who is autistic it is so important to have autistic characters that are hot, that love, that are emotionally intelligent, etc. and judah is just such a perfect representation of someone who is their own person but is also affected by having autism.

[@jamj4r]

And he's successful in both personal and professional matters! It's so important to see that bc so much of our rep is literal children who already need to be cared for regardless of autism and adults who are only considered employable if their literally a genius in math or science and everyone "puts up with them". Being an assistant in the industry of hollywoob isn't something someone (neurotypical) would see an autistic person doing and doing well.

[@im_just_gracie]

My old therapist told me there was no way I was autistic, even though my father is, and I've been wondering since middle school. She told me I was too emotionally intelligent. Seeing the representation of emotionally intelligent people who are autistic is so nice and refreshing! I agree with your comment entirely.

[@BlackLabsLikeRuleDog]

I was waiting for Ralph at the end, but the more I watched Judah go for PC, I GOT it. Something hits during the Ruthie sad episode where she’s like “YOU NEED TO LIVE IN THIS. THIS COULD HAPPEN 5 MORE TIMES. SAVE IT FOR YOUR NEXT GF…THE ONE WHO’S EASY.” Like she spent all her life sacrificing her own needs for others, so no wonder she felt resentment when a partner made a comment about her “compromise” abilities. Also, Ralph liked having her at home and not working when she was a workaholic. Didn’t fully support the new management company. Judah?? His whole damn motto was “there’s nothing Princess Carolyn can’t do.” She had a big idea, Judah said, “how can I help??” She had a freakout, he let her have her space. Even thought it was for monthssss, a year I think?? Rutabaga insults her perceived ability to have compassion, Judah says “[he sucks], you will be a wonderful mother.” Her necklace clasp breaks?? He notices. Knows how important it is. Calls a jeweler without her mentioning it. When she brought him back?? He was so casual about it. Let her pick back up from where they were before the firing. All her past boyfriends (Bojack, Ralph) so full of emotions. Judah was so chill. That time PC had to run somewhere, needed someone for Ruthie. Judah’s got no intense connection to kids, even though they CLING to him for no reason, threw some bubble wrap on her, let her chill on his lap while he did work on his laptop. Asked for more responsibilities in the company not for the money, but solely to support PC because he believed in her and her work. The more I think about it, the more I tear up. If we break it down, he’s the partner EVERYONE needs. (And he’s the endgame partner of the Main 5 we see the most of!! We didn’t meet Guy for Diane until season 6, we watched Judah support PC since season 3!!!

[@Gynoidmm]

Probably because he is tall all the kids at the camp I worked at loved all the tall counselors. Which makes sense I would want to know more about the giant human in the room too.

[@ezraallainmendoza]

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!! Thanks for breaking it down to detail!!!

[@bronxishomenomatterwhereig3149]

So basically she needed a man who'd get on her program and support her 100% without compromise. That's understandable for a more A type personality like her. Ralph isn't a bad dude. A more traditionally minded dude like him just wasn't a good fit for her. Someone much more flexible and willing to move on her time was.

[@ola171]

He is all these positive things, but also his beard and hair helps. And hear me out, I feel like if he didn't have a beard, I think less people would like him (those who hate femininity in men), so they've kept his masculine aspect while also making him a supportive. Most often we see masculine energy downplayed to make the male character more approachable and supportive. But Judas got the best of both worlds. I like it!

[@americanmarsupial4943]

The first time I watched the series I felt like Judah's feelings for PC came out of no where, but after rewatching the show countless times I have realized he did have a crush on PC. That's one of the reasons why I still rewatch the show every few months. I'll always notice new things I hadn't on my other watches. Like foreshadowing I didn't catch before, or funny background gags lmao

[@im_just_gracie]

The best shows are the ones that you can rewatch a hundred times and still catch on to things you didn't notice before!!

[@Kazooples]

Just realised how much he looks like Rhett from Good Mythical Morning

[@CosmicQuinn]

I love Judah, I’d have married him too. I think they set out to make a polar opposite of Bojack to give PC the ending she deserves, even down to the opposite power dynamic of Judah being PC’s assistant rather than PC being subordinate to Bojack. People like Judah often aren’t the height of popularity growing up so seeing him bag the high flyer of his dreams makes my heart soar

[@SMFAHgirl98]

Such a good point. PC tried to get Bojack so many deals, took them for him, and technically that's overstepping professionalism! She finally had a chance to feel the opposite side of the dynamic, similar to the way she was treating Bojack. The difference is of course that she's much more driven and capable than Bojack, and would have the OPPOSITE reaction he has to receiving more gigs without his awareness/consent.

[@elliot2331]

My brother and I cheered when Judah came back in season 6.

[@xlro8f853]

The entire series led up to his wedding.

[@lamisspoetry]

He’s my favourite character and the way they built up the relationship with PC to their romance was beautiful. I also love that the moment he expressed his love he was wearing outside clothes and his hair down.

[@hazymoon698]

one thing i notice is that as cat always loves privacy and also sense of space around people, Which I found it amazing that princess Carolyn, a cat , found such kind of person cat will generally like

[@nellyomega8866]

Judah low key scared me, I feel uneasy when a character seems too perfect but in the end he really was just perfect. No ulterior motives

[@Arsaja]

I love that man purely from esthetical view - his eyes, hair bun, tie and suit are all the same shades of green. The glasses, Jesus beard and that hunky lion's mane are just a cherry on top

[@lungleaf]

it wasn't mentioned bc everybody already knows he's autistic

[@annsh.6487]

Asperger's is an outdated term afaik.

[@kaydoodle3498]

PC past relationships either wanted to be in charge and do everything for her, or want her to fix all their problems cause they know she can. Judah however, sees that Princess Caroline needs to have something to do and needs that control of the situation to help her feel secure. He doesn’t want to be in charge, he wants to support her and be there for her when she is ready to ask for the help. She overthinks but Judah bring reasoning and logic into her thought process. He sees her spiraling and gives her the space she wants but is ready with solutions when she wants them. I love Judah and I love PC so seeing them end up together in the end brought me so much joy.

[@Fadzi2342]

Judah is such a good boy. Even more gooder than Mr. Peanutbutter.

[@virtualhug5558]

Doggy doggy what now ?!

[@bigclitenergy]

truly! i would honestly like to see them interact

[@speckielishouspie8942]

The fans aught to thank Rutabaga for being such a two-faced scumbag, if he hadn't tried to screw over Princess Carolyn she and the fans would never have found the flawless gem that is Judah. In the world of Hollywoo where big fish eat little fish in an already tiny pond and big wigs that poach and eat up those big just to get ahead, so having that one person like Judah who has everything figured out in the most straitlaced manner is a breath of fresh air

[@porcelainboy264]

It certainly doesn't hurt that he's hot

[@rocamboleq]

great video but the wedding we see is just for the presses, their actual wedding was before and only had family and close friends

[@BlackLabsLikeRuleDog]

Them officiating work-life boundaries!!! The personal wedding vs the professional wedding!

[@cyanmanta]

To say nothing of how amazing he looks in his cycling gear...

[@Lauren007E]

I remember being genuinely sad when he got fired. It felt like PC just took all her frustrations out on him since he was the only one she safely could. It really sucked to see. But I always loved Judah. Who couldnt? He's literally also Batman and so hyper competent

[@Kristiekins2]

People think she should have ended up with RALPH?!

[@roxannerichie2603]

Super awesome video!!! I think your voice is great for video essays!

[@alix4935]

Judah is 100% autistic like there’s no even arguing source: (I am autistic. I love him so much. His development & plot make me so so happy)

[@chromesthesia]

Yes! Also his sweet earnest song made me cry

[@DustyHoney]

Everyone loves Sarah Lynn, too

[@goblinbabe]

The way I cheered when he came back.

[@seulement_un-cUn7]

Fucking love judah❤️🙏🏻

[@Borderose]

He's a perfect _eminence grise._ Of course we love him.

[@ГалинаХолмецкая]

And he is voiced by BATMAN in the flesh

[@theunsettlingwitch]

but i mean we never get judahs backstory keeping him perfect and superhuman edit: typo

[@cubergo]

Judah

[@LarrySonOfMilton]

this video needs to be added to your bojack playlist!

[@PosiTVty.]

Thank you for the tip!

[@kathrynvincent1563]

Funnily enough the first role I heard Diedrich Bader in a role was the “Evil Cat” cat actor from Bolt

[@PosiTVty.]

Wait, *what*?! That was him??? I guess this is his first role for me too, then lmao

[@zoebucher2617]

While I wouldn’t qualify it as a mistake, especially through his point of view, keeping the VIM offer from PC definitely warranted him getting fired lol. People get fired for less all the time.

[@Rick-O-Matic]

Judah is just so amazing

[@morbidsearch]

I know Judah's last name is meant to be a pun, but I still want to believe that it means he's half dog.

[@marinastan9543]

I cried watching this

[@Paradigm-Shift208]

Man- Judah shown loving made me hand-flap mid episode, I swear-

[@lamisspoetry]

Ending with Ralph made no sense. He loved her but didn’t see her.

[@bperez22]

hes just perfect

[@UA_7177]

HUGE fan of Judah!

[@Jo-Heike]

He did that one bad thing, not sure if anyone should forgive him even if I do.

[@noro2487]

He is my favourite character with out a dought. PC should not have fired him, i am still watching that episode i needed a break cuz im mad 😭😭😭

[@cherryb0ng]

This look says it all 4:36

[@penneymoore7133]

One of the most interesting things I see with Judah is, he's about 10 years younger than PC, when Bojack was about 10 years older than her. The relationship with BJ was toxic, and the one she had with Judah was healing and supportive. It is also awesome that Judah is all man!!! Great character and I'm glad him and PC got married in the end.

[@ishkajules]

The closest thing iv seen to Judah getting....not even 'hate' just people preferring Ralph Stilton as PCs partner. Which I understand, but i love Judah as a person and as a partner. The biggest difference between him and Ralph is that Judah understands PCs need and love for her job despite the bad times. Not only does he accept that the job comes first, he supports her as the Best Assistant in the World. He meets PC on an even playing field in terms of job dedication. Then add that he's great with Ruthie, is a musician (his song to PC is the MOST ROMANTIC THING EVER), looks great in a suit, is a true gentleman, has a very calming presence, has the most amazing hair/beard, hes just the whole entire package, but hes not entirely perfect either (just mostly perfect). I think people wouldnt like him as much if it werent for his flaws. Perfect characters risk being annoying Mary Sues, but this show has always been amazing at giving us Real People (even the animal people). And from an audience perspective, like other comments have said, hes incredible representation. I dont know if its confirmed hes on the spectrum but it heavily reads that way. My heart broke when PC fired him and i thought he was gone for good. Even without a romance, everyone needs a PC, but PC needs a Judah. (I did not mean to write this much, its just....JUDAH ❤)

[@doesitmatterwhoiam8838]

Is it just me or is part of the joke that he seems like a cat person?

[@dr.mahima]

Oooo that's genius

[@thegoatcarnival]

Seeing his name written out, I get the joke.

[@xx_somescenecath0lic_xx888]

bro is a walking green flag

[@PriyankitaPant]

Is he part dog?

[@jamj4r]

I love to see a successful autistic person in media. And there have been some people in my life who said to me that "he's not he's just socially awkward and deadpan and intensely organized and kinda weird" and I'm like okayyyyy you literally just described autism and also HIS BAND IS CALLED 'S P E C T R U M OF ENCHANTMENT' GET OUTTA MY HOUSE WITH THAT HE NO AUTISM BC HE SUCCESS BS GEDOUDDAHEEEEEEERE

[@lukasvokurka9224]

I love him, but I have a friend that really dislikes him. I don't know why.

[@esshor.]

I thought he was great as an assistant. But I thought the sudden love plot was seemingly forced and came out of nowhere. The way he behaves I would’ve assumed he has no sexual urge

[@kaylaHat]

I'll be honest, didn't really care for Judah and PC's romantic relationship, i don't dislike it but i don't have any feelings about it. I think it’s because we never really see them as a couple? You get the confession and then nothing more, we don't even see him as his "wedding" I do like Judah and PC, it's just the romance i don't care about. But I'm still glad they both got a good ending

[@GustavoRodriguez-qr5po]

Is Judah vaush

[@chromesthesia]

Noooo he appreciates music!

[@HopelessHermit]

As a big fan of Judah can someone explain to me the autistic thing? I assumed it was him being OCD with a touch of sort of lazy writing Jewish uptight stereotype. Thanks. Peace

[@r4tz4sn4ckz]

I'm here to help!! As a fellow autistic person, Judah expresses many autistic traits such as the flat affect, not understanding sarcasm and tone, and being detail oriented. Hes also in a band called Spectrum of Enchantment, so do with that as you will!!

[@dickottel]

I think I'm autistic and I love this dude. Relatable af 😅

[@PS-dm1dq]

*sigh* The only reason I could ever hate Judah would be him giving me false hope for what real men could be like... 😞

[@TheDrummingBuffoon]

He's just not very realistic. Someone without problems or flaws seems cartoonish and out of place on a show examines problems and pain so well. Kudos to the writer who managed to write their wank material into the show

[@iceluvndiva21]

I don't love him. I mean he's OK but I never understood his appeal.

[@eternia15]

I hate him

[@samiacool9]

Why? 😭