We are truly in a golden age of television. One of this year’s most hard-hitting shows covers depression, overdose, tortuous marriages and toxic family relationships. These topics are covered in a cartoon about an anthropomorphic horse man.  

“Bojack Horseman”‘s beauty comes with indisputable absurdity – in how it depicts a world so removed from our own, but still captures it really accurately. 

It is a fun house mirror that reveals many taboo secrets that would normally not be shown on any other movie or show. All of it is presented by the knockout cast starring Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, among others. 

The fourth and newest season of “Bojack Horseman” yanks out all the stops from the get-go and pulls no punches as it tosses viewers in the middle of an election to fill the office of the Governor of California. Paul F. Tompkins’ gregarious yellow lab, Mr. Peanutbutter, decides to run against the current governor. This appears to be a move by the show’s creators to use Mr. Peanutbutter as an analogue for the nation’s current president — in the sense that the dog is a political outsider who is still adamant about running for political office. Additionally, it becomes clear that Mr. Peanutbutter’s marriage with wife Diane Nguyen, played by Alison Brie, is on the rocks. 

This is only the first episode of the season. It does not even feature the title character. 

Family and the past are undoubtedly the main themes of this season. A long lost daughter named Hollyhock, played by newcomer Aparna Nancheria, enters the titular horse’s life. Bojack reestablishes connections with his toxic, dementia-addled mother, which makes him want to treat Hollyhock better than his mother treated him. 

The highlight of the season is the relationship between Bojack and Hollyhock. Between dealing with his alcoholism, depression and commitment issues, dealing with a teenager who claims to be related to him, is the biggest obstacle Bojack has dealt with. However, there are many times when rays of light break through the darkness of this world. By the end of twelve episodes, you will be eager for more, in true masochistic fashion. 

This show is a ninja sneaking in the shadows. You will be on edge before you realize what is about to happen. There is so much going on in this season that one review cannot do it justice. Seriously, “Bojack Horseman” is too smart and complex for its own good. With its raw, jet-black tone and humor as well as its diversely standout characters, this show alone is worth a Netflix subscription.