BoJack Horseman Season 6 is one of realization and puts the hero in a place of genuine growth, humility

Spoiler Warning - The following article contains spoilers for Season 6 of BoJack Horseman. 

“I’m not gonna change!” cries out the ghost of BoJack Past, the voices of all the mistakes he’s made over seasons 1-5 filling his head, as he drives to his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. The sentiment is something fans have come to expect. As much as BoJack has wanted to become a better person throughout the course of the show, he always finds a new way to mess things up. It’s gotten to a point where one could be forgiven for feeling uncomfortable whenever it looks like BoJack Horseman is in a good place, just waiting for him to sink to a new low.

This time, however, it seems BoJack’s extended stint in rehab - a whole six months instead of the recommended six weeks - may have just had a lasting effect on BoJack. He no longer has the option of turning to drugs or alcohol to numb his self-awareness when it gets too much for him. As a result, Season 6 may just be the most honest BoJack Horseman has ever been with himself, as he realizes that bitter cynicism and honesty are not the same. 

Season 6 sees BoJack Horseman in a place of genuine growth and humility. The show makes a point of reminding both audiences and BoJack himself of the many ways in which he’s ruined the lives of the people around him. However, this is possibly the first time that BoJack is in a place to take responsibility for his actions, instead of spiraling into guilt. 

In Episode 7, ‘The Face of Depression’, BoJack allows his old hairdresser to give him a new haircut, one that does away with his dyed hair and shows his greys. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s symbolic of a larger change - an image-obsessed "Hollywoo" (as it’s called on the show) star who is ready to show his age. It’s a hairstyle that reflects his newfound honesty with himself. 

Everything he’s learned, every instance of growth we have seen him make so far is going to be sorely needed. Part 1 of Season 6 ends on a cliffhanger - while a pair of intrepid reporters are about to uncover BoJack’s role in Sarah Lynn’s death, Hollyhock herself is about to learn of BoJack’s actions in New Mexico.

Facing up to one’s own actions is one thing, but the cliffhanger implies that the latter half of Season 6 will involve BoJack having to face the fact that everyone in his life may know the truth of those actions as well. It will be the ultimate test of BoJack’s newfound serenity - not to mention his sobriety. 

With this being the final season, BoJack Horseman’s story is about to come to an end. Will he stand strong in the face of the public judgment or will he succumb once again to his own guilt? 

Part 1 of Season 6 of ‘BoJack Horseman’ is currently out on Netflix. Part 2 releases January 31.