Netflix's BoJack Horseman - Episode 6.07 "The Face of Depression"
BoJack travels around the country reconnecting with loved ones, while Mr. Peanutbutter embarks on his own national tour as the face of depression.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Netflix's BoJack Horseman.
"The Face of Depression" was written by Shauna McGarry and directed by Aaron Long
Can BoJack ever truly find peace? This episode seems to suggest that he can. He simply has to accept it into his life and actually do right by the loved ones who still support him. It can be so rewarding if he contributes to these friendships in a way that only fosters an even stronger connection. In fact, he is so beneficial to everyone he interacts with here. There was the fear that he would spiral all over again after Dr. Champ told him he was responsible for the pain and misery of others. Hearing that out loud was the moment where everything seemed to click for BoJack though. He understood just how silly and irrational that fear actually was. He shouldn't be seen as the person who only brings chaos and destruction no matter where he goes. Sure, he is still accountable for so many horrendous actions over the years. He has to atone for those. However, he is working the steps. He is attending meetings and putting forth his best effort to be a better person. He may always have the fear that he doesn't deserve happiness. He believes that the world around him hasn't actually changed. If it hasn't since he entered rehab, how can anyone else expect him to change? But it's fundamentally about his own willingness to do so. He finds forgiveness and peace to be easy concepts when the people actually put in the work to earn that trust from their peers. BoJack is actively listening to his friends in this episode. He actually helps them navigate their various personal issues right now. Diane worries that the world is absolutely nothing. An antidepressant won't fix her and may only change her to the point where Guy no longer wants to be with her. And yet, it's still worth giving medication a chance to see if it can truly help. Medication is tricky because a pill doesn't have the same effect on everyone. It should be trial and error to see what routine works for each person. But Diane shouldn't feel shame about needing an antidepressant in order to be productive with her life. Guy still returns happy to see her. Meanwhile, Princess Carolyn shouldn't feel any shame for wanting to spend more time at home with Ruthie. She doesn't have to be in charge of every single thing within her company. She can delegate some of the responsibilities to people she trusts. She encouraged Judah to represent the Hollywoo assistants in the hopes that he would help them make the best deal. It was great to work with him again even though they were on opposing sides. That's a professional relationship that can still be very meaningful and inspiring. She knows that he is valuable and would lead her company to great success. As such, she can feel free to be with Ruthie without worrying about what's going on at work and with her various clients. They are all covered. BoJack helps his friends come to these realizations about what they need to do to also find peace and happiness. Meanwhile, he steers a girl to Todd's dating site in the hopes that he can find a worthwhile match as well. He also finally gives Mr. Peanutbutter the crossover episode he has long wanted. Mr. Peanutbutter and Joey Pogo being seen as the faces of depression is a complete farce. They don't really understand the mental health condition whatsoever. They may exhibit some of the traits of depression. They don't live with it in the same way that BoJack and Diane do. That should be freeing. It also shouldn't be used to exclude them from the peace and friendship BoJack is extending. He may feel the urgency to escape Hollywoo and his familiar environment. When he's back at his house, he only recalls all the bad memories that took place there. When he's in Connecticut with Hollyhock though, he sees a future brimming with possibilities. He may actually accept himself for the first time here. That includes revealing his true hair color and stepping up as a friend and brother. That is glorious to behold. Of course, this happening at this moment in time basically signals that it won't be as easy to maintain as BoJack was hoping. But it's significant that this level of peace was able to come at all after years of psychological turmoil for BoJack. That should be very rewarding for the audience.
