TV Series and Games That Got Me Through Tough Times

Life has its ups and downs, and during the tough times, turning to entertainment can be a powerful way to cope and find solace. For me, several TV series and video games have been my companions and sources of comfort during some of lifersquo;s most challenging periods.

BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

BoJack Horseman is one of the most poignant and well-constructed TV series Irsquo;ve ever watched. The main character, BoJack, is a narcissistic, drug-addicted, and alcoholic horse. Initially, his demeanor is manipulative and self-centered, but as the series progresses, we see him go through a profound transformation.

After experiencing unimaginable tragedy and destroying several of his relationships, BoJack is forced to confront the wreckage of his life. This personal struggle and his ultimate growth serve as a powerful reminder that change and recovery are possible, even in the darkest moments. For a cartoon character to showcase such a compelling character arc, it inspired me to believe that I too can get through rough times.

BoJackHelps was created to celebrate the positive aspects of BoJack and the lessons he learned along the way. Itrsquo;s worth checking out if you havenrsquo;t already. It can be found on the same streaming service where you can watch the main series.

Early Farmville

Before I delve into the impact of more recent entertainment, letrsquo;s not forget the significance of Farmville. This simple yet addictive Facebook game kept me sane during a particularly rough time. We even made the effort to travel to the library or nearby towns, where wersquo;d use the free WiFi to play. Farmville not only provided a welcomed distraction but also helped me maintain a sense of normalcy.

BoJack Horseman During the Early Days of the Pandemic (2020)

When the Covid-19 pandemic first hit Panama in 2020, the country went into lockdown. As an apartment dweller, I was only allowed to leave twice a week for four hours. Thanks to the miracle of working from home, my wife and I had the flexibility to manage our lives without too much difficulty. But that didnrsquo;t mean the boredom and the loneliness didnrsquo;t creep in.

BoJack Horseman became my anchor during those challenging days. Whenever my life seemed particularly bleak, I reminded myself that his situation was even more dire. Watching the animated series helped me find perspective and kept me in good spirits.

Astro Boy: An Unchanging Favorite

Astro Boy was a constant in the early years of my childhood. In 1965, when I was just six years old, I had a severe case of Asthma. The condition was difficult to manage, and my diaphragm would often feel as if it was on fire from the effort it took to breathe, especially at night. In those desperate times, watching Astro Boy on television became a lifeline.

Astro Boy was not an ordinary superhero. The original series was black and white, and it was suitable for a more mature audience. The characterrsquo;s journey was often bleak, and he couldnrsquo;t always rescue those in need, but his bravery and kindness were qualities I deeply admired and emulated throughout my life. Even today, Astro Boy remains my favorite superhero and the guiding principle that has shaped my existence.

Every morning, on the rare occasions I could leave the apartment, I would come across the local library where the free WiFi was available. I would spend hours watching Astro Boy with no breaks. Even now, with all the advances in technology, the nostalgia of those morning sessions and the lessons I learned from Astro Boyrsquo;s example remain with me.

Conclusion

From the lavish world of BoJack Horseman to the more somber but endearing figure of Astro Boy, these TV series and games have played a significant role in my life. They provided not just entertainment, but also a dose of hope and courage during tough times.