Netflix's BoJack Horseman - Episode 6.05 "A Little Uneven, Is All"
Dr. Champ tells BoJack it's time to leave rehab. Mr. Peanutbutter's reputation takes a hit. In Chicago, Diane wrestles with writer's block.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Netflix's BoJack Horseman.
"A Little Uneven, Is All" was written by Rachel Kaplan and directed by Peter Merryman
BoJack has grown accustomed to life in rehab. It's an easy place to remain sober because it's an environment that has eliminated all temptation. He has the money to keep extending his stay. He even feels like he can stay here indefinitely. However, that may not be the proper function of a facility like this. This place helps people who are in the midst of crisis. They are hitting their rock bottoms and need immediate help in order to save their lives. BoJack has already exhausted all of the stories he can share with Dr. Champ. There is nothing left to tell. Of course, that's probably not true at all. When BoJack looks at alcohol now, he is forever reminded of Sarah Lynn. He envisions a universe of wonders. It's not a universe full of possibilities though. Instead, it is one full of dread as he is reminded of all the chaos and destruction he has brought to so many lives. His selfish impulses made Sarah Lynn vulnerable to temptation from a young age. The narrative plays to BoJack's fears that he was responsible for everything Sarah Lynn did as an addict. That weighs heavily on him. He kept the bottle of vodka not to have something to drink when needed but to serve as reminder of all that he has lost so far. He may have been able to keep Horsin' Around going for several more seasons after Herb was fired. And yet, he lost the compassion and understanding of the crew. Instead, they viewed him as the demanding and homophobic star who simply had to be indulged. For a long time, BoJack believed he was incapable of getting better. It was too late for him to turn his life around. There was no urgency for him to do so either because Hollywoo kept affording him more opportunities to succeed. However, his personal relationships inspired him to take this action. And now, he's terrified to leave rehab because he doesn't know what awaits him in the outside world. He has grown comfortable and doesn't feel as if he has to leave. Dr. Champ may have an ulterior motive for wanting him to go. He may want to make room for a celebrity client. One who won't take the program that seriously. That too highlights how the basic function of rehab can actually be summed up rather quickly. As long as BoJack remembers that, then he may actually have a shot at maintaining a healthy life outside this place. And yet, he keeps stirring up more chaos. He accidentally gets Dr. Champ drunk. He didn't mean for it to happen. He wanted to rid himself of this clear temptation. In doing so, he just jeopardized even more people. That's the danger that comes from sneaking alcohol into rehab. It's placing temptation in front of several people who have a disease. BoJack steps up and cares for Dr. Champ in the aftermath. He does so because he doesn't want anything bad to happen to him. He does want his therapist to lose his job. This doctor has given him some great advice about how to live outside of rehab. There are systems in place to help BoJack succeed in the rest of the world. He can attend AA meetings, find a therapist and rely on his friends for strength. He just has to have the willingness to do so. Right now, the action keeps him grounded in rehab. He doesn't leave the place by the close of the episode. That will be a huge step for him eventually. It's significant that he cares about what will happen to Dr. Champ. Of course, his actions still have unintended consequences all over the place. His words inspire all of the assistants of Hollywoo to walk out on their jobs because of the abuse they are forced to endure every single day. That is a very relevant and timely story because it's something the industry is currently in the midst of addressing in real life as well. That makes the show very prescient while still coming across in a fantastical and insightful way about the human condition. BoJack needs support and so does everyone else. There should be no shame in that. But it's also every person's responsibility to treat others with compassion and respect.
