Top 10 BoJack Horseman Episodes
#10: “Ruthie”
The best “BoJack Horseman” episodes strike an unlikely balance between comedy and tragedy. “Ruthie” has no shortage of witty one-liners and ingenious sight gags, but Princess Carolyn’s day is anything but a laughing matter. This WGA-nominated episode is told from the perspective of Princess Carolyn's great-great-great-granddaughter Ruthie, voiced by Kristen Bell. Ruthie recounts a horrible day in which Princess Carolyn lost a job, suffered a miscarriage, fired her loyal assistant, and called it quits with her boyfriend. Since Ruthie is apparently a descendant of Princess Carolyn, we’re led to believe that there will be a light at the end of this dark tunnel. The biggest gut-punch is saved for last, however, as Princess Carolyn reveals that she merely imagined Ruthie as a way of coping.
#9: “The Dog Days Are Over”
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Diane has known for a while that it’s not working out between her and Mr. Peanutbutter, but that doesn’t make it any easier as their marriage nears its end. Needing an escape from “Hollywoo,” Diane travels to Vietnam to see if she can find herself. Killing two birds with one stone, Diane uses the trip as a basis for a listicle she needs to write. The episode is reminiscent of “Lost in Translation,” exploring how an unfamiliar environment can put things into perspective. Diane’s countdown is also smartly woven into the story as she reflects on her past, her culture, and the reality she’ll have to face upon returning home. Who knew that a Top 10 list could be so enlightening? Well, we did!
#8: “Stupid Piece of Sh*t”
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BoJack Horseman is one of the most flawed characters in television and he’s well aware of this. Now living under the same roof, BoJack finds himself butting heads with his mother. Of course, the real fight is within BoJack, taking us inside his head like never before. The series has received widespread acclaim for its authentic representation of depression, and this Annie-nominated episode sums up why. BoJack’s brutal inner-monologue will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt worthless, toxic, and trapped in a vicious cycle of self-loathing. It culminates in a bittersweet ending as BoJack and Hollyhock talk about that little voice in our heads. Although the conversation leaves him feeling a little less alone, it also feeds into BoJack’s fear that his depression is hereditary.
#7: “The Showstopper”
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BoJack may not realize it at first, but his character Philbert reflects his own life in many ways. When BoJack receives a mysterious letter, he sets out to solve the mystery just like Philbert would. The deeper BoJack digs, the harder it gets to differentiate between reality and fiction. Soon enough, he gets completely lost in a labyrinth of painkillers, paranoia, and showtunes. The episode is like a ticking time bomb or, in this case, a giant BoJack balloon gone rogue. By the time he comes face to face with that balloon, it becomes clear to BoJack that he’s his own worst enemy. Not even the clever use of foreshadowing could prepare us for this episode’s ending, which is as uncomfortable as television gets.
#6: “Surprise!”
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As far as farces go, few episodes are more ingeniously crafted than “Surprise!” It opens with Pickles informing her social media followers that her engagement to Mr. Peanutbutter is off. Flashing back to earlier that night, it’s revealed that he told Pickles about his affair, which doesn’t come as a surprise to the audience. What is surprising is that Todd has organized a surprise wedding for the couple. Suddenly realizing that this might not be the best time, everyone scrambles to sneak out of the house. This amounts to some great visual gags as the guests narrowly avoid being discovered, even with a baby on the loose. The episode plays out like a classic screwball comedy while using the animation medium to its full potential.
#5: “That’s Too Much, Man!”
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We’re used to watching BoJack spiral out of control, but seeing him drag somebody else down with him is infinitely more depressing. Following nine months of sobriety, Sarah Lynn jumps at the opportunity to go on a bender with BoJack. What ensues is like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” meets “Leaving Las Vegas.” Instead of Vegas, though, the drugs and alcohol take BoJack from L.A. to Ohio to make amends. Alas, BoJack just adds gasoline to the bridges he’s set on fire. BoJack has let down every person he’s ever cared about, but Sarah Lynn is his biggest failure. Voice actress Kristen Schaal scored an Emmy nomination for her performance in this episode, which serves as a heartbreaking end to Sarah Lynn’s character arc.
#4: “Escape From L.A.”
Somewhere down the line, BoJack went from being a raunchy Mister Ed to the animated equivalent of Don Draper. In this “Mad Men”-esque episode, BoJack decides to get away from the hustle and bustle of “Hollywoo.” He ventures to New Mexico where he rekindles old feelings with Charlotte. BoJack is given a glimpse at the simpler life he could’ve had, nearly tempting Charlotte to leave her husband for him. BoJack also grows close to Charlotte’s daughter Penny, becoming a surrogate uncle of sorts. This makes it all the more shocking and appalling when BoJack almost sleeps with Penny, only to be interrupted by Charlotte. This show has always reserved the mother of all profanities for BoJack’s lowest moments and Charlotte’s parting words continue to sting.
#3: “Time’s Arrow”
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Given his abusive childhood, it’s no wonder why BoJack turned out the way he did. Piecing together Beatrice’s memories, however, we find that BoJack’s mother had an even more emotionally-scarring upbringing. Not only was Beatrice’s mother lobotomized, but her father masked his despicable actions with a cheerful demeanor. This nonlinear episode explores how Beatrice met BoJack’s father and the lifetime of trauma that she inflicted upon their son. They say time is an arrow that only moves in one direction. If Beatrice’s life proves anything, though, it’s that history often repeats itself. The merry-go-round of bad parenting comes full circle as two babies are heartlessly pulled away from their mothers. Kate Purdy deservedly won a WGA Award for this masterclass of writing.
#2: “Fish Out of Water”
If you asked someone what the best part of “BoJack Horseman” is, they’d probably say the genius dialogue. Except for its beginning and ending, this episode takes a practically silent route, proving that visual storytelling is just as integral to the show’s success. Set under the sea, “Fish Out of Water” commences with one great sight gag after another. The episode evolves into something much more when BoJack encounters a baby seahorse who’s been separated from its family. BoJack is constantly looking for something to fill the void in his life, be it fame, fortune, booze, drugs, or an Oscar nomination. Caring for this little seahorse, BoJack experiences true fulfillment. Once they part ways, though, BoJack is reminded of how empty his life is. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “The Telescope” “The Old Sugarman Place” “It’s You” “BoJack Horseman” (2014-) “The View from Halfway Down” “The BoJack Horseman Show”
#1: “Free Churro”
Where “Fish Out of Water” was visually-driven, “Free Churro” revolves around two epic monologues. The episode opens with Butterscotch Horseman scorning his young son. The remaining twenty minutes are dedicated to an adult BoJack’s eulogy at his mother’s funeral. BoJack repeatedly gets off-topic, ranting about churros and “Becker.” Yet, everything ties back into BoJack’s bitterness towards Beatrice. All the while, BoJack considers her final words: “I see you” . . . or “ICU - Intensive Care Unit.” In an effort to see his mother, BoJack opens her casket, only to realize . . . he’s at another funeral. After five seasons, the episode finally earned “BoJack Horseman” an Outstanding Animated Program Emmy nomination. The fact that Will Arnett wasn’t nominated for his voiceover performance, however, is the greatest snub since “Secretariat.”
