Ep 8. Old Acquaintance

In "BoJack Horseman" season 3 episode 8, titled "Old Acquaintance," the story follows the protagonist, BoJack, as he visits his old friend, Charlotte, in New Mexico. BoJack's visit to Charlotte's house is not without awkwardness, as he reunites with her husband, Kyle, and their two children, Henry and Penny. BoJack has had a crush on Charlotte ever since they met in "Escape from L.A.," but she is happily married, and their reunion initially seems platonic.

As BoJack spends time with Charlotte and her family, he begins to feel a sense of nostalgia for the life he never had. His past mistakes and regrets haunt him, and he finds himself questioning if he could have made different choices and ended up in a different place. BoJack's desire for something he never had is further fueled as he connects with Penny, Charlotte's teenage daughter. They bond over their shared interest in theater, and BoJack's fatherly instincts kick in as he tries to impart some wisdom to Penny.

Meanwhile, back in Hollywoo, Diane struggles with her own demons. She feels disconnected from her husband, Mr. Peanutbutter, and her job as a writer. She turns to her friend, BoJack's former co-star, Princess Carolyn, for advice. Princess Carolyn encourages Diane to follow her passion and do what makes her happy, even if it means taking a risk and stepping out of her comfort zone.

As the episode progresses, BoJack's emotions begin to spiral out of control. He becomes increasingly jealous of Charlotte's seemingly perfect life, and his interactions with Penny become increasingly inappropriate. BoJack's inner turmoil eventually reaches a boiling point, leading to a confrontation that exposes his darkest fears and vulnerabilities.

"Old Acquaintance" is a poignant exploration of the human experience. It delves into themes of regret, nostalgia, and the struggle to find happiness and meaning in life. The episode's emotional depth is heightened by the excellent voice acting, particularly Will Arnett's portrayal of BoJack, which captures the character's complex mix of cynicism and vulnerability. The episode also features standout performances from Alison Brie as Diane and Amy Sedaris as Princess Carolyn, who both bring a depth and authenticity to their characters' struggles.

Overall, "Old Acquaintance" is a powerful episode that highlights the strengths of "BoJack Horseman" as a series. Its exploration of complex emotional themes and its commitment to portraying its characters with empathy and depth make it a standout episode in a show that consistently delivers thought-provoking and emotionally resonant stories.