By Chase Stevens ’12
THE ROUNDUP
Amidst a sea of reality TV shows and stale comedies, one show stands out.
“Louie,” a show about the life of comedian Louis C.K., is one of the funniest and most insightful shows on television.
The show is different nearly every episode.
The only thing that is consistent is that it includes a segment of Louis C.K.’s standup that is relevant to the episode.
The main character is always Louis C.K.
Sometimes, there is one central plot to the episode; other times, the show is broken up into multiple vignettes.
This alone sets it apart from other TV shows.
Most shows follow a formula where the main character has a conflict and has to resolve it, while another support character has issues of their own in a B-plot line.
“Louie” doesn’t follow this.
t breaks apart from tired TV plot lines and makes unique strides in storytelling.
Another thing that makes “Louie” special is that it has a level of realism that most shows don’t capture.
While most stories involve the lead character obtaining wild success in the face of adversarial challenges, “Louie” shows the main character failing.
This level of mimesis brings the audience closer to the story and makes them more involved.
They can relate better to someone who does occasionally fail rather than spoiled brats on reality shows.
Due to the quality acting and writing, “Louie” is also one of the most hilarious shows on television. Louis C.K. is one of the funniest standup comedians, and this talent shows within “Louie.”
One reason why “Louie” is able to take so many risks that most shows are unable to is that the star of the show, Louis C.K., is given nearly unlimited creative control over the show.
He is the director, writer, producer and star of the show.
Unlike nearly every other show on television, “Louie” is the effort of one person.
FX, the channel that “Louie” airs on, approached Louis C.K. and offered him a meager sum of money, but gave him unlimited control.
Whatever the reason, “Louie” is one of the funniest, creative and relatable shows on television.
The second season wrapped up in September, but it will continue next year for a third season.