TV REVIEW: 'LOUIE'

Louis C.K.'s New Comedy on FX Finally Lets Louis be 'Louie'

By: Josh Moorhead

July 1, 2010

(FX) There are several forms of truth in this world. There is verifiable and unengaging fact, like 2 + 2 = 4 or that pi is 3.14 and so on. There is truth we know in our hearts and guts that isn’t necessarily on Wikipedia pages, like all men are created equal. There are historical facts like the 100 Years War happened when it did and wasn’t really 100 years long at all. There’s emotional truth, like love, or anger.

And then there’s comedy. And when comedy is really killing, it’s about the most honest thing out there. It’s often more honest than the politicians we elect, than the classes we take, or the books we read. It’s because comedy isn’t beholden to present itself in any way but the most honest way possible.

Comedy never says it’s not sure what the definition of “‘is’ is.” It doesn’t fly in on aircraft carriers under “Mission Accomplished” banners. Or at least it never does those things without knowing the inherent absurdity of them. And that’s why comedy is truth. The funny bone is nothing more than a lie detector, and when it’s tickled, it’s because it hears the truth it recognizes being said out loud — some truths no one but a sweaty balding schlub at a microphone in a sardine can-sized club is brave or dumb enough to say.

That’s why we love comedy. That’s why FX’s new sitcom, Louie, is bound to be a favorite. Starring, written by, produced by, directed by, and even sometimes edited by comedy vet Louis C.K., Louie, in the portion of its debut season that I saw, wasn’t always consistent, but it was often brilliant…and that’s a hard thing to keep rolling. But the brilliance shone so bright that any lulls were totally forgivable.

I can encapsulate my glowing review/preview of Louis’s new show down to the one scene that opened its second episode. A group of comedians, including Louis, sit around a table playing poker. They’re at their vulgar-guy best and, as those conversations usually do, the banter turns to a “you’re gay!” witch-hunt. But it turns out one of the guys is an openly gay comedian, so they start asking him about his lifestyle. A very, very honest moment arises where the comedian explains the origin of the “other F word,” if you’ll allow me that phrasing, and how it’s hurtful. Entirely enlightening and poignant. Sympathetic. But then truly the only honest, funny thing to do would be for someone to lob the name at him. Naturally, it happens and relieves a great tension in the moment, but also exhibits an affection between these guys.

See how I put on a tutu and my ballet shoes and tip-toed around that whole scene? I bet you don’t even have a clear understanding what actually happened in the scene. You know why? I’m a pansy. I wouldn’t even repeat the word they used. But in a way, that’s the point — Louie goes there. Honestly, boldly, and without hesitation or remorse.

That’s the key to what’s sure to be Louie‘s success as a TV show. It’s not that Louis C.K. hasn’t done the TV show game before. His other most recent sitcom, HBO’s Lucky Louie, was, in my estimation, kind of horrible. It had a stammering, clearing-your-throat-mid-sentence quality — you know, when you’re trying to pick your words too carefully. In Louie, and with the creative control Louis gets, he’s finally being his all-out self. And it’s honest — at least to him.

You’re not always going to agree with Mr. C.K. When he rails a chubby married woman or says he sees no moral qualm with inter-species dating, you might be appalled, but refreshed also for seeing someone be so open with all their shortcomings and ticks. But when he goes stalking on Facebook, or again, when he’s talkin’ crass with his dudes, it will ring true.

To me, Louie has the undeniable, unbeatable quality of comedy. You could never say it in church, but if a pastor heard it, he couldn’t say it wasn’t true and he’d have to laugh. The last thing Louie the show or Louis the man are is divine. But he sure ain’t a liar.

Louie is on FX every Tuesday night joining an aggressive schedule of original comedy programming that now includes It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The League, Archer, and upcoming shows like Wilfred, starring Elijah Wood about a man with his dog… except his dog is played by a drunk guy in a dog costume. See? Funny.

Louis C.K. is still performing stand-up far and wide, has recently appeared on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, and has a myriad of CDs and DVDs available. Fun Fact: he’s also the writer and director of Chris Rock’s 2001 cult favorite flick Pootie Tang.