Episode no. Season 2
Episode 9 Written by Louis C.K. | Directed by Louis C.K. Production code XCK02010 | |
Original air date August 11, 2011 (2011-08-11) ← Previous
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"Eddie" is the ninth episode of the second season of Louie. It first aired on the FX channel in the United States on August 11, 2011. The series stars stand-up comedian Louis C.K. as a fictionalized version of himself and this episode has him reconnecting with an estranged friend from the comedy club circuit who confesses that he is planning on killing himself and just wants to say good bye to the only person who will associate with him. The episode was received positively by critics.
Contents
Plot
After finishing a stand-up set, Louie runs into his old friend and colleague Eddie Mack (Doug Stanhope), whom he has not seen for years. Louie is happy to see his friend, but when Eddie becomes unnecessarily aggressive towards a fellow comedian, it becomes clear that something is wrong. It turns out Eddie is struggling with his career, lives in his car and drinks heavily. The two go out together, get drunk, and Eddie does an impromptu set at an open mic event. As the evening comes to an end, Eddie tells Louie that he's planning to end it. Louie thinks he is talking about his stand-up career, but Eddie is actually planning to commit suicide, and sought out Louie because he wanted someone to say goodbye to. Louie initially states that he has struggled with determining his purpose in life and had to discover it for himself and everyone must discover their own purpose. Louie at first attempts to dissuade him stating for instance," You know what, it's not your life. It's life. Life is bigger than you. If you can imagine that. Life isn't something that you possess; it's something that you take part in, and you witness." While Louie is expressing his concerns, they are both promptly interrupted by a random couple arguing within earshot and thus distracting them in the process. The moment ends in an awkward silence. The two part ways with the issue unresolved, and it is not revealed what eventually happens to Eddie.
Reception
James Poniewozik of Time's "Tuned In" blog, gave the episode a positive review. He commented on how the show had "evolved from a surreal comedy about one comic's take on life, to a funny show about the serious subject of how to live." Todd VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club gave the episode a grade "A". He believed the show was better in its second season than in its first, asking "is there a show on right now better than Louie?"