Ep 3. So Did the Fat Lady

Louie season 4 episode 3 titled "So Did the Fat Lady" revolves around Louie's encounter with a woman who he initially rejects but eventually ends up going on a date with.

The episode begins with Louie heading to the doctor's office, where he finds out he needs to lose weight. On the subway ride home, he spots Vanessa, a plus-sized woman, and can't resist making eye contact with her. Vanessa is played by Sarah Baker, who delivers a powerful and compelling performance that drives the storyline forward.

As the episode progresses, Louie and Vanessa engage in an honest and vulnerable conversation about their perceptions of themselves in relation to societal beauty standards, and about the narrow-mindedness of individuals who claim to be enlightened. Louie struggles to be honest with himself about his lack of attraction to her due to her size. In an effort to defend his position, Louie claims that he wants to "love" Vanessa but cannot bring himself to do so because he is not physically attracted to her. This conversation reveals that attraction, like beauty, might be subjective, but it is also very much tied to the way society shapes our preference for certain types of people.

Throughout the episode, Louie and Vanessa have several conversations that explore their understanding of what it means to be happy and how their feelings for each other are more than just physical. Vanessa makes it clear that she is confident in who she is, and although she has been dismissed by men before, she refuses to be sad or angry about it.

The restaurant scene is the highlight of the episode. Louie and Vanessa meet again and share an intimate and optimistic dinner. Their light-hearted banter is relatable, especially when Louie ends the date by admitting that he had a great time and drives away in a cab without a kiss.

Overall, "So Did the Fat Lady" is a thoughtful and complex exploration of body-image and romance, delivering a powerful message about how we perceive beauty and acceptance while being entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time. The show's creators have definitely scored another win with this episode, which is sure to resonate with viewers and fuel discussions about body image, societal beauty standards, and the narrow-mindedness of individuals who claim to be enlightened.