WILFRED
Advance Episode Review
“Identity”
Season One Finale Airing September 8th at 10 PM EST on FX
September 7, 2011
By Lena Lamoray
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 “Identity” Episode 13, Season 1 Finale Advance Review, Airing 9/8/2011
The first season of WILFRED wraps up this week and what a season it has been. I went into this show thinking that I would hate it and I was sold on it five minutes into the pilot. It hasn’t let me down once and the cast is beyond amazing. Jason Gann is mesmerizing as Wilfred and don’t get me started on that accent. I could listen to that beautiful Australian accent all day and night and it would never get old and the dog costume just adds an extra level of hotness. I am still disappointed that Jason didn’t wear it at Comic-Con, perhaps next year. Elijah Wood is known for his dramatic roles and this is one of the first comedic roles that I have seen him in and he is brilliant. “Green Street Hooligans” is one of my absolute favorite movies and it stars Elijah and Charlie Hunnam. Check that movie out if you haven’t seen it and watch the season finale of WILFRED on FX. This show is just so damn special and I have never seen anything like it and I can’t tell you how much that means in the world of television. WILFRED, the show and the man/dog are not going to change the world but certainly have earned a special place in our hearts and hopefully that place is far away from our boots.
About this episode: Ryan ignores Wilfred’s advice, creating an existential crisis for both of them. Written by David Zuckerman and directed by Randall Einhorn.
Wilfred puts on his glasses and gets to work on his will because obviously, if things go down, he doesn’t want “Bear and Ryan fighting over his shit.” That is so understandable and I don’t blame him. I was hoping that he would channel his inner court reporter because Wilfred as the court reporter last week was one of my favorite scenes. How cute was he? If you have seen the previews you know that Wilfred brings up the fact that the pills that Ryan took worked, so that asks the question, was this entire season an illusion? Did Ryan cross over and all of this was just a fantasy of a dying young man? It makes you think but I’m not going to tell you because it is your duty to watch the finale.
Wilfred experiences smoke monsters and bubbles and I think he would explode if they occurred simultaneously.
Mr. Patel (Gerry Bednob) gets very descriptive and forces a change of plans on an unsuspecting duo. We didn’t see enough of Mr. Patel this season, so I’m glad he is back for the season finale along with Kristen (Dorian Brown), Drew (Chris Klein), Jenna (Fiona Gubelman) and Ray Wise makes a very brief guest appearance.
Even if you hate WILFRED you have to respect the show for bringing in the most incredible guest stars ever like, Dwight Yoakam, Mary Steenburgen, Nestor Carbonell, Jane Kaczmarek, Eric Stoltz, Rashida Jones, Ed Helms, Rhea Perlamn and so many more. You have to bow down to a guest cast like that and when you pair them with the exceptional cast that is already present, it is impossible not to have a hit show on your hands.
This episode of WILFRED takes an interesting turn and it’s not like a “typical” episode. It’s not my favorite episode of the season but sometimes you have to shake things up a bit. This is probably one of the darkest episodes of the show so far so be ready to be challenged and to see things in a new light. I will not say too much about it because it is just something that you have to see for yourselves. I loved all the twists and turns that this first season brought us and I am so happy that we are getting a second season. I loved the show right away but I was questioning if it would have mainstream success and as it turns out, you guys are just as wacky as I am and you loved it, too. To all the people that watch and support this show, thank you for being awesome and don’t miss the season finale, September 8th at 10 PM EST only on FX.