When a cancelled performer reënters the culture, we expect them to offer us a great work, channelling their newfound clarity into the finest art they’ve ever made. With his new comedy show and début novel, has Louis C.K. met the bar?
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/critics-notebook/louis-cks-next-chapter
I bet the New Yorker itself and the writer and Louis all saw it as a win for them. It’s a Goldilocks Zone for all three. The New Yorker generates some controversy but not too much. They wouldn’t have done it a few years ago because it was still too soon. The writer gets the same benefits. Louis - of course - gets some rehabilitation plus a nifty plug for his novel. He’ll surely milk it in his stand up. I can imagine…
“The New Yorker did a piece on me. And my novel. Guys - did ya know(?) - maybe ya didn’t know(!) - I’m a novelist. I’m a literary figure. How 'bout that huh? I’m already on my way to getting uncancelled. Feels good. Feels right. Thanks - New Yorker!”
[CW: Sexual content]
“So the other day I was jerking it in front of a non-consenting female. But - hey(!) - relapses happen when you’re in recovery. It’s normal and all good. And I’m not just a funny guy anymore. I’m a novelist too so I’m kinda entitled - right? Right? Right. I’m like Norman Mailer and some other guys. I’d like to get into a fist fight with Rip Torn too. But he’s dead. But can I think of a substitute? Who’s a great substitute? Hold on. I’m almost there. I’m gonna cum. I got it!..”
I bet the New Yorker itself and the writer and Louis all saw it as a win for them. It’s a Goldilocks Zone for all three. The New Yorker generates some controversy but not too much. They wouldn’t have done it a few years ago because it was still too soon. The writer gets the same benefits. Louis - of course - gets some rehabilitation plus a nifty plug for his novel. He’ll surely milk it in his stand up. I can imagine…
“The New Yorker did a piece on me. And my novel. Guys - did ya know(?) - maybe ya didn’t know(!) - I’m a novelist. I’m a literary figure. How 'bout that huh? I’m already on my way to getting uncancelled. Feels good. Feels right. Thanks - New Yorker!”
[CW: Sexual content]
“So the other day I was jerking it in front of a non-consenting female. But - hey(!) - relapses happen when you’re in recovery. It’s normal and all good. And I’m not just a funny guy anymore. I’m a novelist too so I’m kinda entitled - right? Right? Right. I’m like Norman Mailer and some other guys. I’d like to get into a fist fight with Rip Torn too. But he’s dead. But can I think of a substitute? Who’s a great substitute? Hold on. I’m almost there. I’m gonna cum. I got it!..”