The critically acclaimed animated series BoJack Horseman concluded with its titular character, BoJack, facing the profound consequences of his actions and sharing final, often bittersweet, moments with the key people in his life, particularly in the poignant series finale.
The Finale: "Nice While It Lasted"
The final episode, titled "Nice While It Lasted," aired in January 2020 and served as a quiet, reflective denouement to BoJack's long and tumultuous journey. The episode picks up after BoJack has been arrested and sentenced to prison for breaking and entering. He is granted a furlough to attend the wedding of his ex-girlfriend and long-time manager, Princess Carolyn. This setting provides the backdrop for a series of emotional farewells and reflections. The episode was widely praised for its nuanced approach to ending the series, offering a sense of closure without providing an overly neat or saccharine resolution.
Key Character Interactions and Farewells
The bulk of the finale focuses on BoJack's individual conversations with the people who were most significant in his life. These interactions underscore the show's core themes of accountability, change, and the ongoing nature of life.
- Princess Carolyn: BoJack attends her wedding to Judah Mannowdog. Their conversation is brief but significant, as she tells him she's happy and that he's "doing the time." It's a moment of quiet understanding, showing Princess Carolyn has moved on and found happiness, while BoJack is facing his penance.
- Todd Chavez: BoJack and Todd share a conversation on a rooftop, reminiscent of their early, often absurd, interactions. Todd acknowledges BoJack's struggles and makes it clear that while they're not going to be "friends" in the traditional sense anymore, he's "doing good, BoJack." It's a moment of profound growth for Todd and a realistic boundary for their complicated relationship.
- Mr. Peanutbutter: Their interaction is surprisingly light-hearted but still carries an undertone of finality. Mr. Peanutbutter, ever the optimist, reassures BoJack, but the scene emphasizes their different ways of coping and moving forward.
- Diane Nguyen: The most impactful and final conversation occurs between BoJack and Diane on a rooftop after the wedding. Their relationship, which was the emotional backbone of the series, concludes with a quiet, somber exchange. They acknowledge that their bond has changed, and while they once relied heavily on each other for support, they both need to move on separately. Diane's final words, "It was nice while it lasted," encapsulate the bittersweet ending of their shared journey and the show itself. It's a powerful moment of acceptance that some relationships, no matter how profound, must eventually end or evolve beyond their previous form.
Below is a table summarizing the nature of these final goodbyes:
| Character | Interaction Type | Outcome/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Carolyn | Brief chat | Acknowledgment of her happiness and his accountability; quiet finality. |
| Todd Chavez | Honest discussion | Todd sets clear boundaries, affirming his growth and indicating their friendship has fundamentally changed. |
| Mr. Peanutbutter | Casual farewell | Continues their unique dynamic, highlighting their contrasting paths forward. |
| Diane Nguyen | Poignant goodbye | The most significant closure, emphasizing mutual growth and the bittersweet end of their intense, co-dependent relationship. |
Themes of the Ending
The ending of BoJack Horseman masterfully weaves together several core themes that have been central to the series since its inception:
- Accountability and Consequences: BoJack finally faces legal repercussions for his actions, underscoring that while personal growth is possible, it doesn't erase past mistakes or their impact.
- The Bittersweet Nature of Life: The finale acknowledges that not all relationships are meant to last forever in their original form, and that moving on can be painful but necessary.
- Ongoing Journey: The series doesn't offer a clean, happy ending for BoJack. He is still serving his time, and his future is uncertain. This reflects the show's realistic portrayal of mental health and recovery as an ongoing process rather than a destination.
- Growth and Change: While BoJack's growth is incremental and hard-won, the other characters, particularly Diane and Todd, clearly demonstrate significant personal development and an ability to establish healthier boundaries.
The series concludes not with a grand revelation or a definitive "happily ever after," but with the quiet understanding that life, and the messy process of self-improvement, continues. BoJack's final scene with Diane, sitting in silence, perfectly encapsulates the show's complex and realistic take on human connection and the journey of healing.
[[TV Series Finale]]
