Louis CK has made a low-key return to Netflix with his new comedy special 'Ridiculous', nearly a decade after admitting to sexual misconduct allegations in 2017. The special marks a full-circle moment for the comedian, whose last pre-scandal hour '2017' was also released on the platform.
The special is less a triumphant comeback than a gradual reappearance, with no explicit defence or apology for his behaviour. Louis CK's tone throughout is one of grim acceptance, summed up in a bit about touring a nursing home for his father: 'The theme of the tour is: “This Is What This Is”.'
While the special contains some genuinely funny moments, such as a routine about waking up on an airplane, the material is often uneven. Jokes about sensitive topics like cremation and child abuse feel like blunt shock tactics rather than the carefully crafted provocations of his earlier work. A gag about a 42-year-old friend's fertility issues lands poorly, relying on derogatory terms like 'scrambled' and 'rotten'.
Despite these missteps, Louis CK remains a skilled comic. A line about his body hating itself recalls his talent for describing physical indignities. The pedestrian nature of much of the special serves as a reminder that his on-stage weaknesses, like his off-stage actions, are ultimately human.
