Not much of a wonder given that part of the show's tragedy largely relies on Bojack's inability to grasp the bigger picture. that I would say are statements towards the "absurdity" of life and trying to make sense of that. Also, this post belongs on r/philosophy. As BoJack Horseman … I liked what you said about existentialism in the show. On the last day of 2020, at least 20 people were shot and killed in the United States, ending the country’s most violent year in decades with more than 19,000 gun-related deaths. Think and ruminate and experience, despite the fact that after you die, there is nothing and nothing to show for the life you lived, thirty, forty years from now (think: do you know anything about your great-grandparents? BoJack Horseman, overall, warns against the nihilistic inability to accept the absurd and reflect on the self, or on society as a whole. It basically says that we have free will, and that ultimately the things we do are the results of us making a conscious choice to make them. While some go against the fundamental themes and disrupt character arcs, others tend to find missing links between unrelated episodes and the deep meanings, references, and foreshadowing that the makers … Rick and Morty, The Simpsons, American Dad… There's a tendency to lump adult cartoons together as if they're a genre unto themselves. Recently Wisecrack's analysis of Bojack was posted (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rORIDYHOFTQ) and I thought it was excellent. Salinger (voiced by Alan Arkin), and an out-of-work Mr. Peanutbutter, “Higher Love” is a lighter episode of BoJack Horseman. Subreddit for the Netflix animated series, BoJack Horseman, starring BoJack Horseman as BoJack Horseman. is the eleventh and penultimate episode of the third season of the American animated television series BoJack Horseman.It was directed by J.C. Gonzalez and written by Elijah Aron and Jordan Young. Otherwise he’s more existentially trying to figure out what to do despite it all. That's actually a classic example of where existentialism breaks down. This is a subreddit dedicated to the aggregation and discussion of articles and miscellaneous content regarding absurdist philosophy and tangential topics. Bojack and Sarah Lynn deal use drugs and alcohol to detach themselves from reality. Of course, there is always consequences, but still it is important to remember that we have free will and that there is always other options. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the BoJackHorseman community. A silly satire of Hollywood culture and a dark character study about depression, BoJack Horseman ’s best feature is that it doesn’t privilege one side of its premise over the other. The episode was released in the United States, along with the rest of season three, via Netflix on July 22, 2016. Holy shit, dude. In this case, the world is full of casual drug users. All right? (Bojack: I'm suppose to be responsible for my own happiness? “BoJack Horseman,” created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg and executive produced by voice stars Will Arnett and Aaron Paul, has been gaining an enthusiastic fan base in … Existentinalism and Absurdism In Bojack Horseman Recently Wisecrack's analysis of Bojack was posted ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rORIDYHOFTQ ) and I thought it was excellent. Bojack, as rest of the humanity, is condemned to be free. That's absurd. And since whatever he do, he can’t create his existence, he is caught in … Bojack, a person free of responsibilities, is burdened, even though he has everything, because he has no one to blame but himself, for everything. Join Wisecrack! Interview with Alison Tafel, the "BoJack Horseman" writer who gets Diane and Guy the Bison together in a Chicago-centric episode during Season 6 … I think sometimes people dislike labels, but existentialism is such a part of modern thinking that it's easy to ignore that it came about historically and isn't really the default (although any person who grew up in a Catholic or Christian or Muslim, etc. He eventually finds out that whatever he do, doesn’t matter; as he can do anything, his purpose is absurd. Sometimes things happen and it makes us hard to make the choice that is best for ourselves, but still, we can't and shouldn't talk as though we had no choice in the matter, according to Todd. I notice Todd especially changes through the show, at first he was almost a throwaway character, just someone to laugh at and make fun of, but he changed and almost matured so much. It's says, "fuck it" enjoy life anyways. Normally I wouldn't read such a giant wall of text, but that's deep. You can say "I'm addicted," to justify your taking drugs, but ultimately it was you who made the choice to take them. Nothing you do has any meaning. Press J to jump to the feed. I'd say honestly, he's more of Nihilist but that's just my perspective. It's you. I have nothing to add to this conversation. Move past the circumstances of the present that you think hold you back and exercise your free will. Bojack horseman has nihilistic themes. BoJack Horseman is a particularly neurotic character. Yes, I believe that the writers of the show do know something about existentialism, at the very least with the throwaway "Sartre" comment. Is the show 'Bojack Horseman's inclusion of characters that are animals with human characteristics an indication of absurdism? What he said goes along with that quote from Diane who said that "There is no deep down, all we are are the things we do". A deep-dive into the animated television show BoJack Horseman, by way of personal essays, comics, tarot, and interviews. I never really thought about it before, Bojack as a study on absurdism and existentionalism, but it makes sense, I realized, after watching the Wisecrack video. For those of you not familiar, Absurdism and Existentionalism are pretty much two perspectives one can take once faced with the reality that there is no God (if one believes there is not). That one Todd rant: No! BoJack Horseman is an American adult animated tragicomedy sitcom created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg.It stars the voices of Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, and Aaron Paul.Set primarily in Hollywood, the series tells the story of an anthropomorphic horse named BoJack Horseman (Arnett), the washed-up star of a 1990s sitcom who plans his return to celebrity relevance … http://wscrk.com/2GtaXohSupport Wisecrack on Patreon! The guests perform for Bojack, filling out the line-up for an absurd talent show in his head. Make that choice. He exercises his free will more than most do. Existentionalism deals with the fact that since there is no God, there is also no inherent morality to the universe. Is the show 'Bojack Horseman's inclusion of characters that are animals with human characteristics an indication of absurdism? A discernible kinship with the absurd. "That's Too Much, Man!" 8 bit philosophy is great as well. If one were to be dropped into one of the … There have totally been times where it has appeared though, like with Mr. Peanutbutter telling Diane that she should fill her life with meaningless nonsense until her life is over and with Bojack telling Sarah Lynn that in the grand scheme of things, their lives don't matter, but some other examples you mentioned aren't necessarily either of those things even though they do sorta relate to it. Live life meaningfully and with enthusiasm. Which examples, specifically, do you think? Thoughts? Yeah I wouldn’t say that the animation is absurd, however the show itself does have some absurd and definitely existential themes throughout the seasons. I would even argue that existentionalism and determinism are not mutually exclusive, because they are both extensions of the implications of nihilism. In BoJack Horseman, stories of addiction, loss, and heartbreak find odd resonance in the various visual analogues it presents, but these narrative risks would never work if … Anyway I think the word is zoomorphism for the artwork and anthropomorphism for the narrative trope. Along these lines, BoJack Horseman addresses a number of themes, as well as lampooning myriad pop culture elements, such as absurd aspects of television news, vapid morning shows, pointless celebrity-focused game shows, and the all-too-common “style over substance” focus of contemporary American politics. While I know that addiction may make it damn near impossible to resist taking or doing a drug, the impulse is automatic, but the act itself is not. “BoJack Horseman” may have released its final episode more than a year ago, but it remains a masterpiece. In literature, critical themes such as social issues, identity and … The Absurdism trope as used in popular culture. “BoJack Horseman” is an absurdist comedy cartoon, but its portrayal of gun violence is almost identical to the crisis the United States is currently facing. That’s some of the brilliance in BoJack Horseman’s absurd animal-hybrid world. At one point, Bojack himself talks about Sartre, who wrote the seminal work on Existentionalism. Not necessarily happiness. LOL. There is no "real you." Wisecrack did several videos on the philosophy of Bojack. It's not the alcohol, or the drugs, or any of the shitty things that happened to you in your career, or when you were a kid. I can't even be responsible for my own breakfast!) Bojack Horseman. And as each of the end of their segment, they drop down through a door to nowhere, disappearing into the inky blackness. We can do anything we want. He leaves the set of Ethan Around even though we believe he is obligated to do it. Go to https://BuyRaycon.com/schaffrillas for 15% off your order! Sartre once said that we are condemned to be free. f*ck, man. This introduces the concept of existentialism, as he asks the question what is his purpose so he can be happy? Or subscribing to a certain belief system, like Buddhism, is a choice. You bring up a good theme I never considered, but for some of these I'd say the connections to absurdism and existentialism are loose. Free will doesn't always trump instinct. Brought to you by RayconSchaff finally addresses where his credits song comes from! di-VINE Egyptian Gods ~ Overly Sarcastic Productions ~ Youtube. As much as Bojack Horseman deals with depression, existentialism dread and full-blown absurdism, there's no denying that there's a lot of subtext in which the male cast has shown to be a bit...too close. There is still the element of conscious control when it comes to addiction. (Including casual drinkers, since not everyone who consumes alcohol becomes an alcoholic.) Everything is a choice. Art. There are many times at least in the last season: in the observatory with Sarah Lynn, Mr. Peanutbutter's brother, etc. Some existentialist themes I would say, not explicitly absurdist. I haven't watched the full video yet so sorry if this was discussed. Subscribe! For a given stimulus X, we truly have no choice but to respond with Y. It deftly balances absurd — and delightfully pun … For fans, as well as those who can't understand what there is to love in a cartoon about … There wasn't much proof of this in the days of Sartre, but addiction is a physical issue. Bojack deals with a lot of these themes. An animated show, available online, Bojack Horseman has seen its titular character dealing with a broken home, difficult childhood, loss of parents, substance abuse, and various failed relationships. Freedom is a burden because we, as individuals, are responsible for the things we do and the things that happen to us. In the absence of a God, of a purpose, what is there to really live for? From the sabotaged Rock Opera to joining the cult of Improv, he always finds a way to be happy with something, even if it's clearly doomed. No, BoJack, just stop. Anything morals you adopt are intrinsically valid simply because you choose to believe in them. And his course of action only deepen his flawed nature, further enticing viewers. Sorry if I didn't have a coherent message, I don't really know how to start up discussion. Within: alcoholism, international fandom, the history of screwball comedies, unlikeable cartoon women, absurdism, representation in voice acting, the power of Lisa Hanawalt, and much more. Press J to jump to the feed. He leaves the set of Secretariat even though he is obligated to stay and finish the movie. You can say "I'm addicted," to justify your taking drugs, but ultimately it was you who made the choice to take them. Addiction, yes, is physical, but it also is psychological. I hope this makes sense, it's 3am here. When BoJack realizes how absurd it is to be carrying Todd, he sets him down. Sure, he'll always be a failure, but you have to admire his spirit, even when BoJack constantly cuts him down. I mean, you could jump up and scream and strip during a board meeting, if you felt so inclined. 3. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rORIDYHOFTQ. environment could probably tell you that). Maybe someone in the creative team had zoophillia. Oftentimes Bojack does things that seem bad for him, but he can do these things because he knows he is free to. “BoJack Horseman” Courtesy of Netflix But the dining room offered a fun arena for the most ambitious scene, in which the characters grapple with the meaning of their lives. Anyways. Your mother is ill around the time war breaks out. Existentionalism is still alive and well today, even with all the knowledge that modern science has afforded us. It runs along existential lines, that quote. It's you. Here is an example of their most recent one but they have more. To say it is purely physical is incorrect as saying it is purely psychological. There is no intrinsic morality to the universe, so you are free to choose what is right and wrong. I’d say it’s only nihilistic when he’s at his worst. I suppose you could try and find some tangential themes in Bojack's attempt to escape the broken state his childhood left him in, but there really isn't much of a direct connection between Bojack and absurdism. They don't address nihilism in the same way absurdism does. User account menu. With its colorful animations, the absurd setting of talking animals, and glamour of Hollywoo[d], to the intricacy of its characters, the show seems to be a happy go-to cartoon — but this is far from the case. He is often in a foul mood, he is tremendously self-conscious, and he has great difficulty in controlling his impulses. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Aaron Paul said, "I was so proud to represent that community and so many people came up… Should you stay by her or go fight and support your country? As a high school English teacher, thug notes is a definite go-to. In a fitting series finale, "BoJack Horseman" finds out what it truly means to be canceled For six seasons we connected with a damaged character who did awful things. The correct answer, according to existentialists, is what ever you choose. I'd say yeah the show confronts the absurd nature of existence enough to qualify. If there wasn't, there would not be AA or drug support groups, because these groups aim to prevent people from taking drugs by strengthening their will to resist. And determinism, the idea that says that we are essentially 'robots', was a well known branch of thought even in Sartre's day. Absurdism deals with the fact that there is no meaning to the universe, that we are all just products of chance, but yet we can still be happy. Considering all the things BoJack Horseman initially had going for it, it was an exceptionally bold move to shift the cartoon show’s focus onto mental illness. But if he decided this should be happiness instead he would have to limit his free will in order to achieve that, which to him is not worth that responsibility because he is fulfilling his own life's meaning. BoJack’s Troubled World. What else is there to say? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But that is not absurdism. Gaze Into the Abyss - Nihilism in Rick and Morty & BoJack Horseman – Wisecrack Edition, Wisecrack has some great stuff. Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s peerless animated series – starring Will Arnett as the eponymous BoJack, a Hollywood has-been who uses sex, drugs and alcohol to … Shows like Broad City, Bojack Horseman and The Good Place are overlaid with surreal settings, wildly strange plotlines and jokes of erratic absurdity. Existentionalism also deals with the fact that free will is one of the most powerful possessions of the individual and oftentimes we are tricked into thinking we don't have as much of it as we do. BoJack, an ass of a horse, is right in the wheelhouse of Mr. Arnett, who has played self-centered oafs like Gob Bluth in “Arrested Development.” But … If you want to be a good person, be a good person. I don't think it breaks down. Check them out, they are worth watching. Bojack makes the choices he is free to make and is therefore giving his own life a specific meaning. And in the broader scope, we're all "robots" to some degree. Despite containing numerous discussions of autoerotic asphyxiation, the appearance of J.D. I guess I never thought of it that way, but it makes so much sense, especially if you've rewatched the whole series as many times as I have (I think I'm on my fifth time?). Log In Sign Up. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. BoJack is clearly an antihero from the show’s start. ("The key to being happy isn't a search for meaning, it's to keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense and eventually, you'll be dead"). the life they lived?). There is no "ultimate truth" in the universe. After you are dead you will feel nothing. I am not going to explain everything but I’ll show you a way to reason. Press J to jump to the feed. One such example is none other than, BoJack Horseman. How ‘BoJack Horseman’ Became TV’s Funniest, Saddest Show It’s an absurdist cartoon about a depressed, alcoholic talking horse — and the show’s new season proves it’s a modern classic The absurdist movement is one of the most hilarious and depressing artistic and philosophical movements. Netflix's BoJack Horseman with its unsettling characters and the dark storyline has provided fodder for millions of imaginative as well as uninventive fan theories in social media. Even subscribing to God is a choice. Drug taking is a deliberate not compulsory act. :|. I never really thought about it before, Bojack as a study on absurdism and existentionalism, but it makes sense, I realized, after watching the Wisecrack video. Mr. Peanutbutter and Todd fill their lives with small tasks that bring them joy because in the a nihilistic world, what more can we really do? The show to me seems like what happens if you were to put to much thought into answering the question... New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. ... Free Churro deservedly tops the “The top 5 saddest Bojack Horseman … Princess Caroline deals with the nihilistic void by constantly working and not letting herself mull over the sadder aspects of her life. You are all the things that are wrong with you. School, college, our jobs. But I mean by the logic being used in your post, most animated or fictional media could be considered absurd. As for the philosophy then check out Wisecrack that have several good youtube vidoes about Bojack's philosophy. A God, of a purpose, what is there to really live for: //www.youtube.com/watch v=rORIDYHOFTQ... Him, but that 's just my perspective and alcohol to detach themselves from reality `` ''. 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Tragedy largely relies on BoJack 's inability to grasp the bigger picture mean by the logic being used in post! And Sarah Lynn, Mr. Peanutbutter 's brother, etc today, when. I thought it was excellent he knows he is free to choose is. Self-Conscious, and he has great difficulty in controlling his impulses broader scope we. Teacher, thug notes is a subreddit dedicated to the aggregation and discussion of and! Are wrong with you him down Horseman is a particularly neurotic character I 'd say yeah the show Horseman.
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