FX's Louie - Episode 4.09 "Elevator Part 6" & Episode 4.10 "Pamela Part 1"
Mother nature takes control of Louie's life.
Louie on the rebound.
Going into tonight's two episodes of Louie, I was worried how the conclusion of the great "Elevator" story would play when it was paired with the start of the next story arc. The "Elevator" series has been the longest plot thread that has ever been done on Louie. It has dominated this season - with it taking up 6 of the 10 episodes so far (also how are we already at Episode 10 of this season?). And honestly, pairing these two episodes is ultimately very awkward. The conclusion to "Elevator" is wonderful while "Pamela Part 1" just kinda lingers in the aftermath.But let's start with the greatness that is "Elevator Part 6," with Hurricane Jasmine Forsythe pouring down on New York City in full force. Louie is trying to keep that connection alive with Amia. There's an awkward and almost ethereal dynamic between the two of them. He's really happy with her and from his perspective the sex was really pleasant. For her, not so much. When we first see the two of them together, it's as Louie is recounting the experience to fellow comedian Nick DiPaolo and there's glimpses of the two of them together outside just as the storm is about to hit. She runs off without a word and he chases after her. It's very much mystical. Louie's imagining this wonderful and pleasant environment for the two of them and quickly it contorts back to reality. He can't understand what she's doing and ends up at a church with her. She's prepared for the weather and all he has is his hat. She's right where she wants to be and he's in a strange new place that just makes him uncomfortable. He's striving for answers that he just can't get. He wants Evanka to help translate but that only makes the situation so much worse. Louie and Amia just aren't on the same page anymore.
And then comes a massive shift to the episode as Louie has to rush towards Janet and the kids in order to get them to safety from the storm. The entire sequence really does table everything else that's been a major component of the "Elevator" arc. It's ultimately about Louie searching for connection. And it ends with Louie being there for the people he is most connected to. He's the one that needs to go get them out of there - otherwise they would be dead (according to the weather guy)! Patrick's gone and Louie needs to be there for his family. That's the most important thing in his life. And it's just a spectacular sequence. He prepares himself for the storm outside. And then, he gets out there and it's just so brutal. New York City is practically a ghost town - except for a few. Walking would take forever and the subways aren't an option. He rents a car but that's just another big ordeal to drive with this storm. But he does miraculously get there - despite the zero visibility. Janet is freaking out and all Louie does is hug her to come her down. That's just such a wonderful moment. Right now, Louie's the one in charge and he knows what needs to be done. Amazingly, they all are safe. And that's because of Louie.
Then, the episode returns to Louie and Amia as she prepares to go back to Hungary. Louie has made a profound impression on her. Their time together is something both of them will look back fondly and be happy that they spent this time together. It doesn't make the departure sting any less. But in the quest for human connection, they both made an impact on the other. And that's just wonderful growth to have for a character in year four of a series.
In the past, Louie typically doesn't have any problem doing a story only for it to be completely forgotten about by the characters one episode later. Yes, there are connective and thematic structures and beats that bring everything together in the end. But there's also the time Louie punched a model and has to give payments to her family every month. That's a story introduced in one episode that's never really going to be touched on ever again. But with the "Elevator" saga, it took up so much screentime this season. So it can't be so easily whisked away just so the next human observation piece can begin. That was my large concern going into "Pamela Part 1." That it would just be a new story and not mention Amia ever again.
However, it does take that time at the top of the episode to be referential and mournful of the story we just got out of. It is melancholic while also uplifting. Dr. Bigelow has quickly become just a wise guy of clarity. His opinions have been a really refreshing change of pace. Louie's continued search for guidance is wonderful. And he rationalizes that right now is love. It's the hurting and the sad part that makes one realize just how special that time was. Yes, it's painful but it's also a feeling. Nothing is the bad part. Forgetting about Amia is the worst thing that could happen to Louie and Louie.
And yet, strangely, that's exactly what happens once Louie receives a picture text from Pamela. She's been the larger female romantic interest throughout the life of the show. And yet, I personally don't think they would be a great couple at all. This episode is so frustrating yet fascinating. I don't really like it but it also feels like a natural hassle to have to do in order to move from one story arc to the next.
I mostly just enjoy that halfway through it Louie just starts doing his standup routine about God and feminism. It's been a long time since we had a standup routine quite as long as that one. The "Elevator" arc was so into the particulars of that story that the standup moments where shafted a little bit. Here, we get a great showcase of how Louis C.K. can go right up to that line of being offensive while still being extremely hilarious. I loved every bit of that routine.
But that scene also serves as a pivot. Afterwards, we are fully immersed in the Louie-Pamela relationship which is painfully awkward. Their scenes in his apartment are just so weird that I really have no clue how to respond to it. That's the impression that I got from "Pamela Part 1." Not a clue how to react to it. Obviously, it's all set up for something much larger later in the season. But pairing that with the conclusion of "Elevator" is just awkward.
"Elevator Part 6" - A
"Pamela Part 1" - B
Some more thoughts:
- "Elevator Part 6" was written and directed by Louis C.K.
- "Pamela Part 1" was written and directed by Louis C.K.
- The strange people come out during the storm, don't they? And the strange people largely stick around after the storm as well.
- But with all my reservations with "Pamela Part 1," I did really love that final interaction between Louie and his kids where the last thing he wants to do is talk about Pamela.
