Examples Of Existential Nihilism And Intertextuality In Bojack Horseman

The Intricacies of Existential Nihilism and Intertextuality in Bojack Horseman Animated television shows are not good at mirroring real life. That is what most people would think when confronted with a television show centered around an alcoholic, ex-”Hollywoo” self-deprecating horse. However, it is a show that is rich in intertextuality through indirect quotation, mention of real-world writers and public figures, and recontextualization of several quotes and works. When looking far deeper into the show and the subtle references it makes, it is apparent that many of the show’s ideals are based around Nietzsche’s writings and beliefs about existential nihilism as well as using real-world references to create a basis in reality more appealing

Many of the instances of intertextuality on the show, Bojack Horseman, is the through use of familiar people, texts, objects, and places to make the show more humorous and relatable to viewers. One of the main components of the plot of Bojack Horseman is determining whether or not Bojack, the title character, is morally corrupt or whether he is a good person who does bad things. One of the most glaring examples of this is a scene where Bojack goes on a drug-induced bender and is faced with many moral questions about whether he is a good person, his path in life, and whether he has control of the life he lives. This scene is obviously very heavy on viewers and as a result, the writers made several intertextual references to make the scene more palatable to viewers. An example of an intertextual reference used during this is the use of Peanuts animation style and direct quote from Charlie Brown and Lucy during one of the most philosophical moments of the show. Bojack states “Good grief. I’m so

A major plotline of the show is centered around Bojack and his friend Diane's search for happiness while confronting their moral demons. One of the most glaring nihilistic themes that are portrayed in the show are that you are responsible for yourself and your own happiness and that you need to choose your own path. During the beginning of the show, Diane confidently states “You’re responsible for your own happiness, you know?”(Bojack Horseman Season 1 Episode 1). This quote recurs throughout the show. It is a recontextualization of what Nietzsche wrote in his work, Untimely Meditations. He wrote “We are responsible to ourselves for our own existence; we want to be the true helmsman of this existence and refuse to allow our existence to resemble a mindless act of chance.”(Nietzsche Untimely Meditations). Diane also states later in the season that you must choose the life you want and this is a major theme in many of Nietzsche’s writings. A much more direct reference to Nietzsche’s work is in Season 5 Episode 3, where Bojack’s addiction issues are much worse, his sense of reality is faltering, and he is nearing the climax of his depression. Clearing written on a board in Bojack’s storyboarding room is the quote “ If you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes at you”. Later on in the episode, the name “Nietzsche” is written on a board on the wall.