Nice While It Lasted
"Nice While It Lasted" is the series finale of Netflix's animated comedy-drama television series BoJack Horseman. Written by series creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and directed by Aaron Long, it was released on Netflix on January 31, 2020, alongside the second half of the sixth season. In the episode, titular character BoJack Horseman is arrested and sentenced to prison for breaking and entering, but is granted a furlough to attend the wedding of his ex-girlfriend, Princess Carolyn. The episode was widely praised as a poignant ending to the series.
| "Nice While It Lasted" | |
|---|---|
| BoJack Horseman episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 16 |
| Directed by | Aaron Long |
| Written by | Raphael Bob-Waksberg |
| Featured music | "Mr. Blue" by Catherine Feeny Music by Jesse Novak |
| Original release date | January 31, 2020 |
| Running time | 27 minutes |
Plot
After the events of "The View From Halfway Down", a montage shows that BoJack was saved from drowning by the occupants of his former house. BoJack is convicted of breaking and entering and is sentenced to 14 months in a maximum security prison.
A year later, BoJack is granted furlough and is picked up by Mr. Peanutbutter to go to Princess Carolyn and Judah's wedding. Mr. Peanutbutter takes BoJack to the Griffith Observatory, where he officially gives back the 'D' to the Hollywoo sign in a celebration of the success of his show "Birthday Dad". Due to a misunderstanding, he commissioned a 'B' instead, so that "Hollywoo" is renamed to "Hollywoob".
At the wedding, Todd finds BoJack and asks him for help to go to the beach. The two watch the fireworks for Princess Carolyn and Judah. BoJack tells Todd that he is comfortable being in jail; he stays out of trouble and is beating his sobriety record. Todd convinces him that once he completes his sentence, he just has to set a new record every day.
Later, BoJack meets with Princess Carolyn and congratulates her on the wedding reception. Princess Carolyn tells BoJack that Hollywoob is waiting for his comeback with "Horniest Unicorn", and assures him people may forget all his bad deeds. BoJack asks Princess Carolyn to dance, and he tells her he fantasized about convincing her to go through with the wedding. Princess Carolyn assures him she does not need that, and she is happy with the decision she made. BoJack tells her that she deserves to be happy, and asks for representation should he decide to re-enter the business. Princess Carolyn smiles, instead offering to 'recommend some excellent people'. BoJack returns a smile as they continue to dance.
Later, BoJack climbs onto the roof and finds Diane smoking. BoJack tells her he misses her, and she reminds him of the voicemail he left when he broke into his old house and nearly drowned. She tells him she thought he was dead for seven hours, and how she hates herself for feeling guilty about not taking care of him. BoJack apologizes. Diane reveals that she is happily married to her husband Guy, and they have moved to Houston together. She advises him that there are people who help you become who you are, but they are not meant to stay in your life forever. BoJack jokes about how funny it would be if this was the last time they ever talked. Diane says it is a nice night, and BoJack agrees. They look at the sky in silence.
Critical response
"Nice While it Lasted" has received widespread critical acclaim. The A.V. Club's Les Chappell gave it an A rating, calling it "the right bittersweet close for this bittersweet series", noting its poignant understanding of, and ultimate lessons about, life.[1] Scott Meslow of Vulture.com gave it four out of five stars, praising its emotional depth.[2]
References
- Chappell, Les (February 2, 2020). "BoJack Horseman comes to a bittersweet end, with the promise of new beginnings". A.V. Club. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
- Meslow, Scott (February 2, 2020). "BoJack Horseman Series Finale Recap: Hollywoob Ending". Vulture.com. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
