"Something is Wrong" with Louie - NOT!
It's is very difficult to write a review about FX's Louie without it just sounding like several paragraphs of kissing Louis C.K.'s butt. There are a number of reasons for this. First, the show is absolutely freaking brilliant. It's hard to argue with any choice that Louis makes in terms of making the series, from the locations, to the low budget look and feel, to the genuine pathos pouring from the lead character. The entire thing is just dripping with originality and humor of a very high degree.
For another thing, nothing ever happens on Louie. There is no continuity. In fact, Louis C.K. has made a point of saying that he doesn't worry about such things, preferring instead to make each half hour the best story it can be, without worrying about connecting it to what has come before it. Normally, this is a weak point of a show, but for some reason, Louis makes it work so well that there cannot be anything bad said about it.
The only slightly distracting thing along these lines in the premiere is that Louie's ex-wife is shown to be African American, which doesn't quite gel with the pale daughters we've seen him have in other episodes. Then again, the actresses playing the daughters change, so it isn't a big concern. And they aren't in this episode, so they don't count in the plot.
Saying that nothing happens is also not a slam. In the third season premiere, "Something is Wrong," Louie has relationship issues, then buys and crashes a motorcycle, with his recovery tying back into the relationship. Viewers have never seen this girlfriend before and probably will not again, so there isn't suspense as to whether the two will remain a couple. Louie's car being crushed and (temporarily) replacing it with a motorcycle probably also only applies to "Something is Wrong." And these are only two very small plot points to make, not what is most interesting about the episode.
Instead, "Something is Wrong," like every episode of Louie, luxuriates in the awkward moments. The girl thinks that Louie is breaking up with her, and won't believe him when he denies it, so he sits quietly and listens to her have her crazy fit. Louie just wants that personal connection, and she is reading too much into every little thing. He takes it with grace and humility, not seeing a point in arguing with someone who is convinced that she is right. It makes for a wonderful scene, and one many viewers will find a connection to.
Of course, everyone slams Louie for his decision to buy the motorcycle, which he immediately wrecks. They echo the same argument Louie himself makes as he enters the shop, before being talked into the purchase by the very skillful salesman. Both sides of the argument about whether to own a motorcycle are valid, but once more, everyone acts like they're right, and Louie knows there's nothing to be gained by arguing. This passive behavior is just so... Louie.
Now, there are a couple of noticeable changes in "Something is Wrong" as compared to the first two seasons. It appears that Louie has an increased budget, smashing a car and showing stunt bikers riding down the street. This does give the half hour a slightly more surreal quality. Then again, other, more understated parts of Louie's life are also surreal, so it doesn't seem out of place.
Louie is back and as good as ever. Tune in Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. ET on FX.
If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!
Watch Episode 1 - Something is Wrong online
About the author JeromeWetzelTV
Jerome Wetzel is a huge fan of stories, in both books and television. He writes TV reviews and fiction. He currently posts articles for TheTVKing, Seat42F, and BlogCritics, as well as his own personal blog, as well as writing fiction. His website is www.jeromewetzel.com Follow him on twitter @JeromeWetzelTV
JeromeWetzelTV's profile | JeromeWetzelTV's RSS feedMore reviews & recaps for Louie (2010)
TV Reviews
-
"One More Time" to SULLIVAN & SON

-
SINBAD Kinda Bad

-
"Redefining" Awkward.

-
GAME OF THRONES "Mhysa" of All Fantasy Series

-
Game of Thrones chants "Mhysa" in the season three finale

-
Zombies IN THE FLESH

-
REVOLUTION Out of the "Dark"

-
THE VENTURE BROTHERS Put On a New "Cleansuit"

-
ORPHAN BLACK is Truly "Beautiful"

-
PSYCH Fights "Trout" Invasion

-
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Gets "Off the Hook" (Season 4 Episodes 11-15)

-
Teen Wolf Season Two Review

-
True Blood The Complete Fifth Season Review

-
The Curtain Closes on SMASH

-
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Same "Double Crossers" As Always (Season 4 Episodes 6-10)

JeromeWetzelTV Reviews
-
"One More Time" to SULLIVAN & SON

-
SINBAD Kinda Bad

-
"Redefining" Awkward.

-
GAME OF THRONES "Mhysa" of All Fantasy Series

-
Zombies IN THE FLESH

-
REVOLUTION Out of the "Dark"

-
THE VENTURE BROTHERS Put On a New "Cleansuit"

-
ORPHAN BLACK is Truly "Beautiful"

-
PSYCH Fights "Trout" Invasion

-
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Gets "Off the Hook" (Season 4 Episodes 11-15)

TV News
-
New Girl Season 2 E4 Air Date Confirmed

-
The Mindy Project E4 Air Date Confirmed

-
'The Jeff Probst Show' has been cancelled

-
The Mentalist Returns To Channel 5 With Series 5 Part 2 This February

-
Doctor Who Return For Series 7 Part 2 This March

-
FX's The Americans Coming to UK on ITV

-
HBO Renew Girls For A 3rd Season

-
Misfits Renewed For A 5th Series By Channel 4

-
Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 Cancelled By ABC

-
Dallas Is Back Again! Season 2 Returns To TNT & Channel 5

-
Top Gear Returns to BBC Two Tonight At 8PM

-
TBS Cancel Wedding Band After Season 1

-
Criminal Minds Season 8 UK Return Date Set

-
Ben & Kate Cancelled By Fox

-
Nashville UK Air Date on More4 Confirmed

Louie (2010) tweets
TV Buzz
- DVD Return Policies Need a Cha...
- Fickle TV Fans
- When Good Shows Go Bad
- Will Amazon Change Television?
- Top 5 British TV dramas
- When Series Break Genre
- Lack of Imports
- Redefining Cancellation
- Horror on Television
- There's Nothing on TV
- High Definition Versus Standar...
- Will Netflix Change Television...
- The Trouble With Football
- Trek Vs. Wars: A Conflict of I...
- New Trend: Parents Playing Par...

.jpg)
Watch Something is Wrong Online with Vudu.