Alexander Jones

How can a horse feel such intense sadness?

Bojack Horseman's second season was wonderfully melancholy, but also cemented some of the things I loved about the series in an effortless, euphoric manner. The beloved sadness was highlighted and focused upon during a few pivotal moments that were peppered throughout the season (often later into the year.) When watching the show, I was struck by some of the darker moments taking place in Bojack's life. Without giving away any spoilers, fans should know that this season is an improvement from the last. The stakes are larger, and characters have surprisingly dramatic arcs. This season Bojack shifted even more away from the comedy side -- when describing the show to others, I often compare it to Family Guy (that is, if Family Guy showed the consequences of Peter's actions and never reset itself.) At the heart of the typical animated comedy is individuals misbehaving, and something that Bojack was more willing to explore this season. With F is For Family premiering late this year (also a Netflix Original Series,) I found that the show wasn't willing to dig into some of the individual heights of Bojack. The key members of the cast return including Bojack Horseman (Will Arnett,) Todd (Aaron Paul,) Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris) and more. The show continues to have a star-studded voice cast with great actors and comedians such as Paul F. Tompkins (Mr. Show) and Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything.) One of the great aspects of this show is how many of these voice actors and comedians defer away from being funny all the time. Known funnyman Paul F. Tompkins, shies away from being the humor vehicle with Mr. Peanutbutter, a talking dog following in the footsteps of Bojack himself into a serene depression nursed by horrific decisions and an inability to do the right thing. Stanley Tucci's Herb Kazzaz unfolds what happened in the split between Bojack and Herb this season with another pair of episodes cradled in sadness. With a third season on the way, Bojack is likely going to continue to offer beautiful sadness in a profound manner. While this may not be the Netflix show that will make you burst into tears, it just might be the most thought-provoking one -- what an odd thing to say about a half-hour animated comedy.