New Lou

A few years ago, HBO tried an experiment--an old-style sitcom, Lucky Louie. The language and subject matter was much more raw than a network would allow, but it was done with three cameras in front of an audience. It starred comedian Louis C.K., and was based somewhat on his standup, and his life as a married man with a kid. I thought it had possibilities, but HBO canceled it after one season.

Now Louis is back with a new comedy, though more "modern." One camera, no laughtrack. On FX, it's still based on his comedy--in fact, like Seinfeld, it shows his routines. It's also based on his life today--a divorced man in his early 40s with kids.

I watched the first two episodes and thought it wasn't bad, but didn't find it as interesting as his HBO work. It uses odd comedy concepts growing out of his routines--a bus with kids going on a field trip breaks down in Harlem, he wonders whether he should use the word "faggot" on stage, he goes to see a girl he knew in school who asked him once to "whip it out."

I've always liked Louie as a writer and comedian. I'm not sure if the show has found its style yet, though. But it's good enough that I'll stick around a bit longer.

PS I like that he uses "Brother Louie" as the theme song.