This year, I finally made my way around to watching Bojack Horseman. I know, what took me so long? Rewatching The Office over and over again, that’s what! Nonetheless, I finally did it and wow, it was not what I was expecting.
Bojack Horseman isn’t your typical light hearted cartoon in the realm of Bob’s Burgers or Archer. Instead, it’s a very real take on the part of life most sitcoms don’t want to touch; ie: mental illness, addiction, abortion and failing to find self-fulfillment. Heavy stuff, man. Bojack, for example, is a masochistic alcoholic who can’t seem to find happiness in his life, despite how much fame and prestige he acquires. Furthermore, his show companions seem to be stuck in their own unsatisfying positions as well. Dianne, his ghostwriter, has to grapple with the fact she may not have grown up to be the person she always strived to be; his agent, Princess Carolyn, is middle aged, alone and has poured her life into a career that gave nothing to her and his rival, Mr. PeanutButter, is only content living in a world of optimistic deniability. But most importantly in this show is the gift that is Todd Chavez.
When I first started watching the show, I texted my sister to let her know I loved Todd. Her reply was “of course you do.” Todd initially became my favorite character because he is everything I’m drawn to in people in real life (yup, bums. Dopey, hopeful bums). But as the seasons went on, I just thought Todd was wonderful because of his hilarious ambition, loyalty to his friends and the way he was the only one in the show who didn’t let their position in life get them down. I think overall, though, Todd became my total hero when he came out in the last episode as asexual. The way he admitted to his ex girlfriend “I think I might be nothing” when she accused him of being gay was so perfectly open and vulnerable (and one of the few times we really see Todd be serious in the series). It was just a fresh take on the hot topic of sexuality and I was so excited to see something new.
So, because I think Todd is a perfect character, I’ve put together a list of reasons to prove it so that you can side with me. Then, we can form a cult and maybe move west and wear matching t shirts at all times.
1) He deals with his problems the way all of us do.2) He knows how to have fun whether he’s with friends…
3) …Or just hanging out on his own.
4) He’s not a worrier.
5) He goes through great lengths for animal rights.
6) The guy’s an overflowing pot of creativity…
7)…a total business connoisseur. 8) He knows the most important part of a party is the food.
9) He’s there to help his friends, no matter how small the task.
10) But he’s not afraid to get real with them when he needs to.
11) Todd gets into the holiday spirit like the best of them.
12) He can pull off a type of cool that definitely doesn’t say “I sleep on my friends couch”.
13) But most importantly, he’s never afraid to let his excitement for life show.