Part 2 "In the Woods" is the eleventh and twelfth episodes of the fourth season of the American comedy-drama television series Louie.
The series follows Louie, a fictionalized version of C.K., a comedian and newly divorced father raising his two daughters in New York City.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.60 million household viewers and gained a 0.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
In flashbacks, 13-year-old Louie helps his chemistry teacher, Greg Hoffman (Skipp Sudduth), into explaining methane gas by lighting a flatulence on fire.
When the brother is unable to provide more marijuana, Louie decides to ask local drug dealer Jeff Davis (Jeremy Renner).
Back in present day, Louie takes Lilly to his apartment, who angrily locks herself in her room.
The young Louie skips school to deliver the scales to Jeff, impressing him and his girlfriend Alison.
The principal informs Hoffman that Louie stole ten scales for drugs, and due to their price, it constitutes grand theft.
In June 2014, FX confirmed that the eleventh and twelfth episode of the season would be titled "In the Woods", and that they would be written and directed by series creator and lead actor Louis C.K..
According to C.K., he started smoking marijuana at 13, and ended up stealing 14 scales from his school for a local drug dealer.
[2] According to Jeremy Renner, Philip Seymour Hoffman was supposed to guest star in the episode before his death in February 2014.
Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode an "amazing" 9.2 out of 10 and wrote in his verdict, "There were certainly times when it felt like 'In the Woods' could have gone the scared-straight route.
I imagine some of the beats could have been tightened up, but the loose atmosphere, and all the '70s/'80s soundalike rock on the score helped convey what Louie was (and wasn't) feeling during this hazy, stupid period of his life.
decided now was the time to interrupt the present-day arc for so long, rather than concluding the season with the incredibly moving 'In the Woods.
It's a nervy, complex piece of work that digs into everything from notions of masculinity to the responsibilities adults bear toward children and vice versa.
"[10] Jake Cole of Slant Magazine wrote, "Louie regularly courts controversy as it explores various subjects on C.K.
"[11] Joe Matar of Den of Geek gave the episode a 4 rating out of 5 and wrote, "There are no easy answers or straightforward conclusions here.