Warning: SPOILERS ahead for BoJack Horseman, season 6, episode 16, “Nice While it Lasted.”
Netflix’s long-running series BoJack Horseman has concluded, and the animated TV show’s ending was perfect — apart from one character’s final moments. The series follows the life of washed-up TV actor BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett). BoJack Horseman is one of Netflix’s most successful Original Series. Technically, it has achieved the benchmark for TV sitcom success: 6 seasons and a movie (in this case, the 25 minute Christmas special). Netflix released the final episodes from season 6 on January 31, 2020.
News first broke that season 6 would be the Netflix show’s final installment in September 2019, leaving many speculating whether Netflix cancelled BoJack Horseman, or if the creators felt it was time for the series to end. While the answer to this seems to be a combination of the two factors, the fact remains that the beloved show is now over.
BoJack Horseman season 6, episode 16, “Nice While it Lasted” is a perfect ending for the show. The series finale wraps up the various main characters’ storylines, without feeling saccharine or forced. BoJack is still BoJack — a toxic, deeply-flawed man, who some are better-off without — but, as his willingness to try honeydew at Princess Caroline’s wedding suggests, he is actively trying to change.
How BoJack Horseman Ends
BoJack Horseman’s ending is kind to the majority of its characters, many of who spent season 6 discovering their best self. For some, this involved finding a partner. Princess Caroline and Judah Mannowdog are married, giving two of BoJack Horseman’s best characters the happy ending they so desperately deserve. Diane is now married to Guy, and she too seems both happy and well-adjusted. Not only does Todd have a girlfriend, but he also is living on his own for the first time in the series (rather than couch-surfing), and has even reconnected with his estranged mother.
BoJack is serving his sentence in jail, and in many ways, his core circle of support has moved on; however, this does not mean that he’s alone. Mr. Peanutbutter is still there, as always, offering his unwavering support and optimism. For the first time in the series, the audience is given the impression that BoJack may actually allow himself to genuinely connect with Mr. Peanutbutter, who is learning how to break his own toxic relationship patterns. The codependent relationships are over, but Todd, Princess Caroline, and Diane are still welcoming BoJack into their lives: just from a safe distance.
BoJack Horseman’s Finale Short-Changes Hollyhock
Although BoJack Horseman’s series finale offers a satisfying conclusion for most of its characters, there is one beloved character who doesn’t get an ending at all: Hollyhock. Hollyhock Manheim-Mannheim-Guerrero-Robinson-Zilberschlag-Hsung-Fonzerelli-McQuack (she has eight last names because of her eight adoptive dads) doesn’t appear in the series finale, despite how important her character has become to the series since she was introduced in BoJack Horseman’s fourth season.
Hollyhock’s last appearance (by voice only) is episode 13 “The Horny Unicorn.” Although BoJack tries to call her multiple times, she won’t answer her phone. BoJack receives a letter from her in the mail, which he eventually reads once he’s worked up the courage. The impersonal nature of the letter’s medium foreshadows its content. His reaction tells the audience that Hollyhock has rejected him in some form, but viewers never get to hear what the letter says. Given that BoJack Horseman is unlikely to get a season 7, the character’s brief conversation with BoJack at the end of episode 9 serves as her farewell not just to him, but, unfortunately, to audiences as well.
Hollyhock’s exit from the show was a missed opportunity in many ways. Her swift yet unexpected exit was sad, and poignant, and meaningful; however, it was not satisfactory. There’s a logic to the writers opting not to show her onscreen again because it reinforces the fact that she has completely severed ties with the show’s main character, with whom all the show’s events are tied. Still, fans of Hollyhock are left never knowing how the young woman felt about BoJack’s public scandal, and if she was able to cope. Unlike Diane, Todd, and Princess Caroline, BoJack Horseman didn’t give Hollyhock a happy ending.
Next: BoJack Horseman Cast Guide: All The Celebrity Voices You’ll Hear In Season 6
