Telling Jokes/Set Up
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| "Telling Jokes/Set Up" | |
|---|---|
| Louie episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Louis C.K. |
| Written by | Louis C.K. |
| Cinematography by | Paul Koestner |
| Editing by | Susan E. Morse |
| Production code | XCK03002 |
| Original release date | July 5, 2012 |
| Running time | 22 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Telling Jokes/Set Up" is the second episode of the third season of the American comedy-drama television series Louie. It is the 28th overall episode of the series and was written and directed by Louis C.K., who also serves as the lead actor. It was released on FX on July 5, 2012.
The series follows Louie, a fictionalized version of C.K., a comedian and newly divorced father raising his two daughters in New York City. In the episode, Louie joins a friend for dinner, where he is introduced to a woman as a potential date.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.08 million household viewers and gained a 0.6 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with Melissa Leo receiving praise for her guest appearance. For her performance, Melissa Leo won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series at the 65th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
While eating, Louie (Louis C.K.) exchanges knock knock jokes with Lilly (Hadley Delany) and Jane (Ursula Parker). He uses part of their exchange during his stand-up routine.
Louie hangs out with his friend, comedian Allan Havey, when he is invited to join him and his wife Debbie (Larisa Polonsky) to dine. After picking up alcohol, he arrives at their house, discovering that they also invited a friend, Laurie (Melissa Leo). Debbie wanted to set up Louie with Debbie, with Allan not disclosing it to him as he knew Louie wouldn't come. They have an awkward dinner, in which they don't get along very well. As Allan and Debbie have an argument, Laurie invites Louie to join her in the bar, which he accepts.
At the bar, they hit it off, with Laurie admitting it was the most fun time she had in a while. She then drives Louie in her car, before pulling off and performing oral sex on him. She then asks for cunnilingus, which Louie claims he is not comfortable with. She then threatens him to break his finger if she does not do it, as well as licking her butthole, forcing Louie to do it. Despite being forced, Louie agrees to go on another date with her.
Production
Development
In June 2012, FX confirmed that the second episode of the season would be titled "Telling Jokes/Set Up", and that it would be written and directed by series creator and lead actor Louis C.K. This was C.K.'s 28th writing and directing credit.[1]
Casting
Melissa Leo met Louis C.K. during an appearance at the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, where he offered her the role. She accepted, saying "I got what he was doing, and if he thought I could be her and do that with him — yeah, I'm willing to give it a try."[2]