Tonight was a very different episode of 'Louie' (Thu., 10:30PM ET on FX). He traded the urban background of New York for the rolling hills of Afghanistan, and yet it remained familiar and delightfully unexpected.

The premise is simple, sending Louis C.K. on a USO tour to Afghanistan to entertain some troops stationed in various encampments. He comes with a country singer and some cheerleaders, because these are hard-working men and men love cheerleaders.

But it's the stowaway in Louis' bag that makes it so they can have a nice time in Afghanistan. When their chopper has to land amongst hostiles, things aren't looking so good. That is, until a baby duck emerges from Louis' bag. His daughter had slipped it in there to keep him safe.

Smart kid. The duck was a huge hit and basically afforded them goodwill and free passage along their journey. Pure joy and optimism on 'Louie'? This is a complicated show, isn't it?