Can the eponymous main character in FX's Emmy-nominated comedy Louie ever catch a break? It doesn't seem likely, but at least the show itself is garnering plenty of success.
Louie, starring stand-up comic Louis C.K., has been nominated for four awards heading in to Monday's Emmy Awards ceremony: outstanding comedy series, outstanding directing for a comedy series, outstanding lead actor in a comedy series and outstanding writing for a comedy series. The series has nabbed one Emmy trophy in the past, winning for writing in 2012.
Here are four clips from this year's fourth season that present the show at its painful, watch-with-your-hands-covering-your-eyes best.
Louie's issues weigh on him
In a scene that received a lot of attention on social media, Louie gets dressed down by a female friend after he says that she isn't fat. She then puts him on the spot when she wants to know if he's ever dated a woman who is heavier than he is.
Worst subway ride ever
Louie does his best to teach his daughters about staying safe on the subway, and yet things still manage to go horribly wrong for him when Jane gets off the subway car prematurely. First, Louie gets an earful from a fellow subway passenger about using profanity around his daughter, and then his daughters don't appreciate how he disciplines them. This is enough to make someone pony up for a cab.
Louie wants to keep his issues public
Louie and ex-wife Janet (Susan Kelechi Watson) don't see eye-to-eye on whether to send their daughters to private school. Louie goes on a rant about "Hitler youth" until he acknowledges that he's out of control — but he still can't calm down.
Louie's doctor is not in
Not even trained medical-health professionals have time for beleaguered Louie's antics. Louie tries to get his doctor (Charles Grodin) to weigh in on his latest romantic quandary, but the doctor isn't having it. "Do you know the only thing happier than a three-legged dog?" the doctor asks Louie. The answer may surprise you.
Email: Ryan.Gajewski@pgmedia.org
Twitter: @_RyanGajewski
