It's been very hard for me to put this episode to words that people, including myself, can actually comprehend. I literally don't even know where to start with this episode.
First, way back in season one, episode 11, we had 'Downer Ending', an episode dedicated to Bojack's trip while on drugs, and how he wishes for himself to be seen better in his book, rather than Diane's honest reflection and perspective on the man Bojack is. Then there was S2 E11, 'Escape From L.A.', in which Bojack escapes from the life of L.A. and from his new movie, 'Secretariat', in order to spend his time with an old friend, Charlotte, and finally attempt to find something good in his life, and peace within himself. Of course, this is halted by his attempt to sleep with Charlotte's daughter, Penny, after an attempt to elope with Charlotte herself.
We then have S3 E11, 'That's Too Much, Man!' in where Sarah Lynn meets her tragic end after Bojack and her ensue on a long, drug and alcohol-fueled bender. S4 E11 takes a somehow more gripping and dark tone with its portrayal of Beatrice during her childhood and adult years, and how her father masked his ill intentions with a happy smile, basically ruining her as a result. It also shows how flawed Bojack's family really is, as Hollyhock was the bastard child of Butterscotch and their maid, Henrietta.
S5 E11 was 'The Showstopper', a marveled piece of television for its haunting and reflective portrayal of drug and alcohol addiction, and the crippling feeling of loneliness that comes along with it.
And, now, here we are, S6 E15 'The View from Halfway Down'.
Out of all the episodes I mentioned, there's been one common theme. The second-to-last episode of each season shines above all (not that the others are not as good, they're still great episodes of television). Each penultimate episode in the series has one goal: to hammer home the themes and ideas behind each season which drives the plot of Bojack's character. This episode is no exception, and with each passing minute, we begin to grasp Bojack's morality, and his inevitable fear of death, through the phone call with Diane, and Secretariat's poem. This episode is horrifying and emotionally charged with the portrayal of each character Bojack had cared about, but ultimately let down.
The episode left me speechless for about ten minutes. "Is Bojack dead?" was the question ringing in my ears. The episode was so bittersweet, yet so tragic in its approach. I could not have seen an episode of television with the goal of outlining and explaining depression, anxiety, loneliness, and addiction that did any better than this episode, and this entire show.
This review is really long, it's almost 'too much man'.
Get it?
Did--did you get my joke?
Anyway, to tie this all up, Bojack Horseman has been one of the greatest television series in history. I would hold this show up to the highest regard, that in which I also give to 'Mad Men', 'Breaking Bad', 'The Sopranos', etc.
This episode had me in laughter, in tears, and had my heart drop, my eyes widen, and my teeth clench.
Haunting, echoing, heartbreaking.
I'd give it an 11/10 if I could.
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