Although Louie is the only starring character in the show, there a few recurring characters as well. Actors portray Louie's brother and two young daughters, while his comedian friends appear as themselves. Additionally, another single parent recurs, as does Ricky Gervais in a couple episodes, playing an extremely unprofessional asshole of a doctor. While the stand-up segments are pretty straightforward and often a hilarious highlight, the individual story segments can be an ridiculously offbeat delight as well. One such story involves the visit of Louie's exaggeratedly selfish mother who decides, for no apparent reason other than a desire for attention, declares herself a lesbian. Another standout story involves his fantastical attraction to an African-American check-out lady, whom he essentially follows all the way home making humorously horrible and uncomfortable attempts at seduction, to the point where she confronts him on his fantasies. Although some of these little stories can be especially odd, just when you begin to question the direction they're heading, they catch you off guard with C.K.'s outrageously funny and surprisingly absurd humor.
Bottom Line: Louie is an original and diverse exploration of a comedian's occasionally bleak, but always hilarious observations and experiences of life.
