BoJack Horseman is a popular animated series that follows the life of a washed-up former sitcom star who struggles with depression, addiction, and self-destructive behavior. The show is known for its dark humor, emotional depth, and realistic portrayal of mental health issues. One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is the complex family dynamics of BoJack and his relatives, especially his half-sister Hollyhock.
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Who is Hollyhock?
Hollyhock is a young horse who appears in the fourth season of BoJack Horseman. She is the result of an affair between BoJack’s father, Butterscotch Horseman, and his maid, Henrietta Platchkey. Butterscotch never knew about Hollyhock’s existence, and Henrietta gave her up for adoption. Hollyhock was raised by eight adoptive fathers, who are all gay men.
Hollyhock is a curious, optimistic, and kind-hearted person who wants to find out more about her biological family. She contacts BoJack, believing that he is her father, and asks him for a DNA test. BoJack agrees to help her, and they develop a close bond over time. However, they later discover that they are not father and daughter, but half-siblings.
How did BoJack and Hollyhock find out the truth?
The truth about Hollyhock’s parentage was revealed in a shocking twist in the season four finale. BoJack and Hollyhock visit Henrietta’s house, where they find a photo album that shows Butterscotch and Henrietta together. They also find a letter from Butterscotch to Henrietta, confessing his love and regretting his decision to stay with his wife, Beatrice Horseman.
BoJack realizes that Butterscotch is Hollyhock’s father, and that he cheated on Beatrice with Henrietta. He also realizes that Beatrice knew about the affair, and that she was the one who drugged Hollyhock with amphetamines in an attempt to make her lose weight. Beatrice had a history of eating disorders and body image issues, which she projected onto Hollyhock.
BoJack confronts Beatrice at the nursing home where she lives, and tells her that Hollyhock is her granddaughter. He also tells her that he hates her for what she did to him and Hollyhock, and that he will never forgive her. He then leaves with Hollyhock, who is shocked and hurt by the revelation.
What happened to BoJack and Hollyhock after the revelation?
BoJack and Hollyhock try to cope with the trauma of their family history in different ways. BoJack decides to go to rehab, where he hopes to overcome his addiction and become a better person. He also tries to reconnect with his friends and former colleagues, who have drifted away from him due to his erratic behavior.
Hollyhock decides to go back to college, where she studies psychology and joins a women’s rugby team. She also tries to distance herself from BoJack, who she feels betrayed by. She stops answering his calls and letters, and eventually changes her phone number. She also changes her last name from Mannheim-Mannheim-Guerrero-Robinson-Zilberschlag-Hsung-Fonzerelli-McQuack to Platchkey, after her biological mother.
The show ends with BoJack and Hollyhock having one last conversation on the phone, where Hollyhock tells him that she doesn’t want him in her life anymore. She says that she is happy with her new friends and family, and that she doesn’t need him. She also says that she hopes he finds peace, but that she can’t be a part of it. She then hangs up on him, leaving him heartbroken.
Why is Hollyhock’s relationship with BoJack important?
Hollyhock’s relationship with BoJack is one of the most important themes of the show, as it explores the effects of intergenerational trauma, family secrets, and redemption. Hollyhock represents BoJack’s chance to have a meaningful connection with someone who shares his blood, but also his pain. She also represents his chance to break the cycle of abuse and neglect that has plagued his family for generations.
However, Hollyhock also represents BoJack’s failure to change his ways and make amends for his mistakes. Despite his genuine love for her, he is unable to provide her with the stability and support that she needs. He also exposes her to more harm and danger than he realizes. He ultimately loses her trust and respect, as well as his own self-worth.
Hollyhock’s relationship with BoJack shows that family ties are not always enough to overcome personal demons or heal deep wounds. It also shows that some people are better off without each other, even if they share a common history or DNA. It is a tragic but realistic portrayal of how complicated family relationships can be, and how hard it is to find forgiveness and closure.
