Whether this is a recession (or a depression) or just the way things are is anyone’s guess. Alas, before anything can get better, it first has to get worse. However, in the meantime, all we can hope to do is make the best of our given situation, remembering to laugh along the way when we can too.
Returning for a second season to FX is “Louie,” airing Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. after “Wilfred.” Starring Louis C.K., the shows writer, director and overall character archetype for the fictitious representation of himself, “Louie” returns just as we remember him.
Still divorced, still a father of two and still working his way through the stand-up comedy circus that is New York City, Louis C.K. again shamelessly portrays a life (however closely related to his own) as yet another sad clown making his way in this sad – strange little world. Finding intermittent moments of joy, “Louie” also manages to uncover and dust off those moments that seem to defy any kind of a rational response other than justified pessimism and apathy.
Obviously trying to establish himself as more than just a live-action manifestation of a perplexed Winnie the Pooh distraught over honey, Louis C.K. wastes no time in exploring the larger issues of life. The trusting of your neighbors, the frailty of life and what to do when you are alone in a hotel room with Joan Rivers – just to name a few.
Following the same format as before, season two merges slightly relatable excerpts from Louis C.K.’s actual stand-up routine with (for the most part) seemingly random – though vaguely not irrelevant scripted scenarios, all fitting nicely into a thirty-minute timeslot. Themes are introduced and they are either explored, or not. Perhaps for another time, perhaps never – in “Louie,” anything goes. If you are lucky however, you may get to laugh about something at some point, even when it is not expected.
Though the moments of stand-up sprinkled throughout each episode capture glimpses of a talented performer and proud student of comedy, the moments of deep reflection are often times too heavy to be lifted into any resemblance of levity. Additionally, those scenes usually end with such a twist one cannot help but feel lost and weighed down by the sheer enormity of the situation at hand. A tall order for a “comedy,” no doubt, but one that “Louie” looks to achieve – even if it is not funny.
The true beauty is in the details; and having said that of course, “Louie” is a masterpiece in its own right. The musical accompaniment alone is worth its own show – the “homeless switcheroo” in episode three is priceless – and the fact that children actually do say the darnedest things only proves that there is a light at the end of this tunnel – hopefully.
Reach the reporter at jbfortne@asu.edu
