Ep 8. The Telescope

BoJack Horseman season 1 episode 8, entitled "The Telescope", continues to explore the complexities of the show's titular character. BoJack is a horse who achieved fame as the star of a 90s sitcom, but has since spiraled into a depression caused by his own self-destructive behavior. In this episode, we see BoJack struggle with the repercussions of his actions and the challenges of making amends.

At the start of the episode, BoJack discovers that his idol, a writer named Diane Nguyen, has been hired to ghostwrite his memoirs. BoJack is initially excited at the prospect of having his life story told, but it soon becomes clear that the process is more difficult than he anticipated. Diane is a talented writer, but she struggles to get BoJack to open up about his past and reveal the truth about his actions. BoJack is defensive, avoiding the painful memories that he doesn't want to confront.

In one particularly poignant scene, BoJack visits an old friend and former flame from his early days in Hollywood. He hopes that she can help him remember a specific event from his past, but instead they end up reminiscing about their shared memories and the dreams they used to have. It's a bittersweet moment that highlights the loss of innocence and the passage of time that BoJack has experienced.

As the episode progresses, there is a growing sense of tension between BoJack and Diane. She becomes frustrated with his reluctance to share, and his defenses only serve to push her away. Eventually, BoJack makes a decision that leads to a conflict between the two of them. It's a difficult moment that underscores the challenges of trying to reconcile with one's past mistakes.

The episode also features a subplot involving BoJack's former co-star and friend, Herb Kazzaz. Herb was fired from the show they starred in together when he was diagnosed with cancer, and BoJack did nothing to help him. In the present day, Herb is dying and reaches out to BoJack for one last conversation. The conversation is painful and confrontational, with Herb giving voice to all of the anger and disappointment he feels towards BoJack. It's a powerful reminder of the impact that our actions can have on others and the importance of taking responsibility for our mistakes.

"The Telescope" is a standout episode of BoJack Horseman, delving deeply into the emotional landscape of its characters and exploring themes of regret, accountability, and the passage of time. The dialogue is sharp and insightful, and the writing deftly balances moments of humor and heartbreak. Through it all, BoJack remains a complex and compelling character -- flawed, frustrating, and human.