Why BoJack Horseman Is Not a “Bad Person” (But Not a Hero Either)
The central question of BoJack Horseman is: "Deep down, am I a good person?" The show's answer is radical: "Deep down" doesn't exist.
1. The Myth of "Deep Down"
BoJack clings to the idea that despite his actions, his intentions or his inner self are good. Diane dismantles this in Season 5:
"I don't think I believe in 'deep down'. I kind of think that all you are is just the things that you do."
This is the psychological crux. If you act selfishly, you are selfish. Your "inner goodness" is irrelevant if it never manifests in reality.
2. Morality vs. Psychology
- Psychologically: We can understand BoJack. We see his trauma, his addiction, and his pain. This generates empathy.
- Morally: Understanding him does not absolve him. He choked a costar; he betrayed Herb; he waited 17 minutes. These are objectively bad actions.
The show teaches us to hold two thoughts at once: We can have compassion for a person's pain while condemning their behavior.
3. Product of Environment vs. Choice
BoJack is a victim of his upbringing (Beatrice and Butterscotch). He didn't choose his trauma.
However, he is an adult with resources. He chooses not to heal.
- He is not "bad" because he is broken.
- He is "bad" because he refuses to clean up his mess, letting it spill onto others (Penny, Sarah Lynn).
4. The Verdict
BoJack Horseman is not a villain in the mustache-twirling sense, nor is he a misunderstood hero. He is a warning. He represents the danger of unchecked trauma and the fallacy that feeling guilty is the same as being good.
What Is Your Moral Alignment?
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FAQ
Does BoJack deserve redemption?
The show suggests redemption isn't a token you earn. It's a continuous practice. He deserves the chance to try, just like anyone else.
Is BoJack a narcissist?
Yes, he fits the criteria for Vulnerable Narcissism, prioritizing his own emotional narrative over the safety of others.
Why do we root for him?
Because we see ourselves in him. We root for him because we want to believe that we are forgivable, too.