Lucky Louie

I'm not going to waste your time and pretend that I was one of those watching this cancelled HBO sitcoms when it was broadcast almost ten years ago; like most people who have seen it, I came to this show relatively recently thanks to Louis CK's FX show and his various (well priced) live shows. It is an odd feeling to watch this show looking back, because unlike this most recent work, this is very much studio-set sitcom with a live studio audience. At first it was hard to get into, and I admit I started the pilot with reservations over the very dated look, and very basic sets. Frankly as well, the very 'sitcom' aesthetics and structure to the whole thing put me off a little, because generally I am not one for network sitcoms, even if I do watch a few.

However, below the surface, Lucky Louie is essentially the show Louie transposed into a sitcom and given greater structure, and forced to actually have jokes. As much as I do enjoy his much more freeform show now, this sitcom structure actually works very well because it means the show not only does what his later show would do, but it has more robust narratives, a better structure around the family unit, and with more direct jokes. The show is crude, it is impatient, it is dirty, it is lazy, and it is just about getting by – all of which is very much the opposite of sitcoms, not least of which Friends, which had been the dominant example for near enough a decade before this show aired. In terms of writing it is exaggerated of course, and it is crude, but it has that sense of honesty about its characters and situations which I found really quite engaging and refreshing.

With this element at its heart the show is strong, but what really made it work was that it was consistently funny and well played out. Some of the characters really didn't work for me, but the core unit was strong and most of the narratives flow around Louie and Kim, with others just supporting. There are really no weak links in the cast though, and everyone is funny, on-point, and served with consistently good material. The basic set is something I got used to as part of the charm of the show (and the genre it is within), while the laugh track generally works even if personally I don't care for shows that use them.

It is a great sitcom though, as it manages to embrace and subvert the norms of the genre, bringing the darker, frustrated humor of Louie, but giving it greater structure and sharper (actual) jokes. Remarkable to see also that 10 years has really not affected it in any way, as it feels fresh, challenging and relevant even if it screened now.

In no way is it supposed to be groundbreaking like Six Feet Under, The Sorpranos, or any other HBO programming. Lucky Louie is a sitcom that is filmed, and can be shown, on HBO. They intentionally aren't trying to break the box here, folks; that's the point. I am looking forward to this show because I am sick and tired of the generic, pansy, overly formulaic, and frankly unfunny sitcom shows on network TV (and by this I don't mean My Name Is Earl, The Office, or Arrested Development, but of the Freddy, Dharma and Greg variety). This show will be a breath of fresh air and will give me a great night of comedy (Entourage, Lucky Louie and Tourgasm). I can't wait.

Also, I'm sad to report that cast member Jim Norton might not make season 2 because of his battle with AIDS. I'm currently watching his puppy and refilling his broth bowl. Thoughts and prayers.

There's a trend in the television-community where they cancel a show if it doesn't bring in amazing ratings in the first half-season. Everyone seems to have forgotten that Seinfeld was a massive turkey for the first couple of seasons, but the fact that someone in the brass at NBC had faith in the show allowed the show grow into the juggernaut that it became. HBO had the same opportunity with Lucky Louie.

It's unfair that the burden of proof as to whether a show is good or not lies on the mucky-mucks that are in charge of the financing and resource-allocation of the show. It should be compulsory that every show that gets picked up for a series is allowed to run for at least three seasons. Developing characters, writing dynamics, running gags; all of these are long term processes, and it's BS to except that any series is gonna have this down from the get-go.

To all you networks and cable-outlets out there: give your series a f*cking chance before you pull the plug, goddamnit!

Having watched the first three episodes of Lucky Louie I have to say I am impressed by the real world issues it choose to deal with through comedy. However, if really talking about sex makes you feel awkward, or you feel grossed out by male nudity, then this show is most likely not for you. Otherwise be prepared for some laugh out loud moments depicting a struggling young family as they deal with issues ranging from female orgasms, to racism. While this show is not where you are going to lean any profound lessons regarding these topics, it confronts them head-on in a manner that is very edgy even in today's culture. If you are open minded enough to think there is such a thing as sophisticated, gross-out humor, then you should find plenty of that here. The jokes are well executed 90% of the time and nearly the entire show is very well acted. My two complaints are the shoddy looking set design, and the 'laugh track' audience which can sometimes get annoying. These are minor complaints if what your looking for is a good laugh. The reality these characters live in is far more compelling than any sitcom out there today.

The pilot premiered last night and although I enjoyed it I have the distinct feeling it will only get better. The setup of characters was excellent and I am anxious to see how Louie interacts with his neighbor, his daughter, his wife, and friends. The character Rich (drug dealer) did not have much of a part but his abrasiveness and flow of curses was as smooth as broth flowing into a bowl. I do not wish to give out spoilers (although it has already premiered) I would definitely put this down as a watch (or TIVO) On the plus side being sandwiched between Entourage and Dane Cook's Tourgasm is perfect placement I'm sure it will be a hit. I will definitely be sitting down to watch this. The hook is set in this critic's mouth.