Are they dating in real life?

Louie has always been a fabulous mix of resentment, depression, and awkward, failed relationships, but Monday's episodes may bring all of Louis CK's feelings about relationships to a head. As usual, FX is hosting back-to-back episodes of Louis CK's surreal black comedy, and big things are going to happen. Louis's relationship with Amia is on the rocks after they had sex, and she's bound to leave for Hungary soon. Meanwhile, Pamela is back in town, and she's ready to start an "adult," "kissing" relationship with Louie, and since the second episode is called "Pamela: Part 1," it seems they might finally get involved. Pamela's return in episode six marked one of the most emotionally charged moments of this season, and their ongoing bromance begs the question: are Louis CK and Pamela Adlon dating in real life?

As it goes with most will-they-won't-the rumors, the short answer is that they're not together ... officially. They don't have a torrid Twitter relationship, and they don't send each other naked Instagrams for everyone to see, but they have been a comedy duo for many years now, and the changing nature of their relationship on a show they both produce tends to raise some questions. So, let's evaluate the possibility that Pamela and Louie are getting down off-screen.

Louis CK's Twitter is a carefully-constructed blend of comedy, supporting comedy, and raging against injustice, and as such, he only follows three people: Muhammad Ali, Colin Quinn, and Pamela Adlon. Naturally, Pamela follows him back, and retweets many of his rants, whether comedic or social justice-themed. Pamela also has glowing things to say about Louis to the press; in an interview with New York magazine, she said that Louie was her favorite New Yorker "because he's really embraced everything great about New York and that I always loved growing up here, and was captivated by."

Louie feels the same intellectual passion for Pamela, since he "proposed" to her in 2006, before she played his TV wife on Lucky Louie. Lately, they've both been doing their own thing when not on Louie, but their chemistry on the show can't be denied. Even if Pamela (the character) acts like Louie is simply a bro she finds somewhat attractive, it's apparent that she has deeper feelings for him.

And even though Louie is more emotionally stunted than most real comedians, he subtly shows his affection for Pamela, even when he looks depressed and bewildered by her antics. If they start dating in Monday's episode, it's undeniable that Louie-fandom will finally demand an answer about their real-life relationship, and it's possible we could be pleasantly surprised.

Image: FX