WILFRED PRESS RELEASE: FX is adding more original comedy to its programming slate, ordering 13 episodes of Wilfred, a live-action comedy series starring Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Jason Gann, which is based on the critically acclaimed Australian series of the same title, announced Nick Grad, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, FX Networks.  Wilfred was adapted for FX by David Zuckerman (Family Guy, American Dad), who wrote the pilot and will serve as Executive Producer/Showrunner. Randall Einhorn (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Modern Family) directed the pilot episode. Wood stars as “Ryan,” an introvert who struggles to find social and professional happiness, until he meets “Wilfred” (played by Gann), who Zuckerman describes as part Australian Shepherd, part Russell Crowe on a bender. The world sees Wilfred as a dog; Ryan sees Wilfred as a man dressed in a dog suit.  Wilfred is Ryan’s alter-ego intent on pushing Ryan out of his shell. Fiona Gublemann (Californication) co-stars as “Jenna,” Ryan’s attractive next door neighbor and owner of Wilfred. Wifred marks Wood’s first starring role in regular series television. Gann co-created and played the title character in the Australian version of Wilfred.  “We loved how well the pilot turned out, and we were blown away by the chemistry between Elijah Wood and Jason Gann,” said Grad. “It’s a very unique concept and we think David Zuckerman has a great take on it.”  Executive Producers are Rich Frank, Paul Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park, along with Joe Connor and Ken Conner of Renegade, producers of the Australian version of Wilfred. Gann will serve as Co-Executive Producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.

WILFRED “Trust” Second Episode Advance Review, Airing 6/30/2011

WILFRED talks trust and loyalty with Ryan and still winds up getting rooted in the ass.  What is a dog/Australian bloke in a dog suit to do?  If you enjoyed the premiere as much as I did then I know you are just dying to see what WILFRED has in store for us this week.  Let’s just say it involves an axe, Matt Damon and a questionable appendage.  Chris Klein guest stars so you obviously do not want to miss this episode.  “Trust” – Ryan betrays Wilfred’s trust to gain favor with Jenna, but his deception yields an unexpected secret about her.  Written by David Zuckerman; directed by Randall Einhorn.

I love this show and I love that it is on FX even more because where else are you going to hear a gem of a line like, “knuckle busting anus hole” delivered with such moxie?  Wilfred (Jason Gann) has a heart-to-heart chat with Ryan (Elijah Wood) about the “deeper issues” plaguing him and what being a loyal friend entails.

I bet after this episode airs everyone’s new catch phrase will be “everything has to do with everything” because how can you go wrong with that?  No matter how you look at it that line is genius and should be printed on t-shirts for future reference.

If you think you know what a sack race is, think again.  Wilfred’s description is very different from the loving burlap embraced memories of past picnics.  It’s a dark and disturbing vision but if you ask Wilfred, and of course remember to add in the adorable Australian accent, “It was awesome!”  There is nothing sweeter than hearing an Australian say “awesome” except maybe that they “parked their car in the car park.”  That sentence is a true gift for those of us who adore Aussies and are passionate about their accents.  Seriously, I blush every time I hear that phrase delivered properly.

Wilfred demonstrates his retrieval skills at the beach and that lands Ryan in some hot water but Wilfred makes up for it with his photography skills.

Ryan’s favor for Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) leaves his friendship door with Wilfred “closed, locked and bolted.” It’s going to take a lot of sweet talking and offerings on Ryan’s part to gain Wilfred’s trust again.  Will he ever forgive him?  You will have to tune in to find out.

Jenna visits Ryan to thank him for taking care of Wilfred and he lets his awkwardness lead him into a choice conversation about uterus switching.  Trust me, it’s a good one and of course Wilfred is egging him on.  When will Ryan ever learn?

In this episode, Wilfred gets spiritual and explains to Ryan about “the window into the soul.”   Wilfred’s lessons are life-changing and you just thought you were watching a meaningless comedy, no way.  By the end of this series we will all just want to hang out and share a meat pie with Wilfred.  Don’t miss WILFRED, Thursday nights on FX.

WILFRED
Advance Episode Review
“Trust”
Airing June 30th at 10 PM EST on FX
June 29, 2011
By Lena Lamoray