Louie – Motorcycle crashes and black ex-wives

It can be difficult to review a show like Louie, which is considered by many critics to be one of the best shows on TV. Sometimes there seems like an obvious point, but other times it’s quite subtle. And sometimes he just wants to talk about a random idea he had.

In the first episode of the season, we have a segment of Louis CK’s standup routine, not only incorporating some disgusting, hilarious imagery, but reflecting on the concepts of getting older, getting tired of “the old,” and wanting to spend money to replace what no longer works. To get this started, there’s an extended joke of the confusing street parking signs in New York (they certainly can be, at times), and eventually his car gets destroyed by construction workers in a long, excruciatingly funny sequence.

But this destruction of a physical entity is mirrored by the destruction of a relationship with a girl we’ve never seen before (Gaby Hoffmann) — after all, Louis doesn’t much seem to care for continuity. But although we start without even a name for her and unclear on their relationship situation, apparently they’ve been “nothing for six months.” And although Louis is clearly awkwardly communicating, she picks up that he doesn’t seem to want to be that close. So she initiates a breakup, despite Louis almost, but not quite, protesting.

Louis needs a new vehicle, so he goes to a motorcycle shop where the owner shows off a series of scars and injuries. But Louis buys one anyway, convincing himself it’s a must buy because it’s so cheap and has great gas mileage. Priorities, fooling yourself, and hiding the facts of getting old with danger. Unfortunately, after crazy bikers show off around him, he crashes into a parked truck and ends up in the hospital. We get this hilarious off-camera screaming of a woman — “Why won’t somebody help me?”, etc (trust me, it’s funny).

The doctor lists gruesome injuries of other bike accidents; he represents Louis’ mature perspective. Then the “Sure, why not?” part of this episode — Louis calls his ex-wife to tell her that he’s in the hospital, and apparently Janet is now apparently black (Susan Kelechi Watson). Sure, why not? This is the same show that had a 13-year old boy playing his agent. But it was just a bad decision, so Louis is mostly okay.

What about Obama? The woman gives us a last mutter as we fade to Louis leaving the apartment. His now ex-girlfriend shows up, is horrified, but still helps him out. But Louis asks, in an amazingly subtle acting performance, simply to “stay.” But there’s too much meaning there. She wants him to acknowledge what he’s asking. He can’t, so it’s over. Done. This wasn’t the funniest episode of Louie, but it packed quite a punch.

Clacked by Jeremy Fogelman
on Jun 29, 2012 @ 03:34 EST5EDT