WILFRED Ends With "Happiness"

Article first published as ‘Wilfred’ Review: Series Finale – ‘Happiness’ on Blogcritics.

FX’s Wilfred came to an end tonight after four seasons on the air. The strange TV series about a man, Ryan (Elijah Wood), who sees his neighbor’s dog, Wilfred (Jason Gann), as a guy in a dog suit finally explains itself, while giving viewers emotional closure. Not every mystery or secret may have been addressed, as some fans of the mythology would have liked, but overall, the conclusion, “Happiness,” is satisfying enough, and there aren’t any nagging threads hanging around.

Funny Vs. Mythology

I like to sort fans of Wilfred into two camps: those who want to know why Ryan sees Wilfred the way he is, and those who just enjoy the comedy of the two pals hanging out. The series finale serves both of those groups by making their friendship and antics the reason behind the Big Question. Ryan is mentally unstable and lonely, and he’s imagined Wilfred to provide himself a chum. When the real Wilfred dies, Ryan has to bring back his imaginary friend, even if there is no longer the hook into reality to ground Wilfred, in order to find his happiness.

Happiness

Can Ryan be considered happy as Wilfred comes to a close? I think so. He’s crazy, to be sure, but at least he comes by the craziness honestly, as both his mother (Mimi Rogers) and his biological father (whom he finally meets in “Happiness”) share similar traits. They have found a way to live their lives, dealing with the eccentricities and not worrying about what other people think. So, too, has Ryan, now that he has Wilfred back, despite the dog’s death.

In a way, this version of Ryan is almost more stable. At least now he knows what’s going on his head. He also has greater emotional maturity, accepting himself and not needing to be in a romantic relationship to be happy. Rather than obsessing over what he cannot change, Ryan lets go of those things and embraces who he is. While some viewers may still think Ryan should seek help from a medical professional, if it works for him, who are we to judge? As long as he doesn’t hurt anyone, including himself, whom he almost offs prior to his revelations, why stand in his way? And with this kinder, gentler Wilfred, everything looks to be OK.

In fact, everyone on Wilfred gets a happy ending. Ryan’s mother, Catherine, is out of the mental institution and in love with a caring man (John Michael Higgins). His sister Kristen (Dorian Brown)  finds that helping the needy actually brings her pleasure. Ryan’s crush, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann), decides to make her marriage to Drew (Chris Klein) work; after all, he’d made her very happy once upon a time. As down on life and himself as Ryan could be, there has always been a major pulse of optimism running through the show, and this is echoed perfectly in the series finale.

Mystery Solved

The way Ryan’s imaginings come to life totally makes sense because of what he finds out over this final season. Born into a cult-like group, Ryan is exposed to people and ideas that eventually become his fantasy. Even one so young, who doesn’t have clear memories, can form impressions. That’s why, even if Wilfred doesn’t lay everything out on the table, the ending makes sense, the explanations rooted in solid back story. I also like the way we see past scenes re-shot with an actual mutt.

The only complaint I have about the final season is the recasting of Catherine and Bruce. Both are major recurring players, and to see someone else take over in the final days of the show is beyond disappointing. Even if scheduling caused this issue, it’s still highly regrettable and casts a tinge on Wilfred. Since there is already an established issue with reality on the show, why couldn’t they at least explain the different appearances, rather than laughing them off?

Verdict on Wilfred

Overall, though, Wilfred sparks the imagination, maintains an entertaining consistency, and allows real emotional growth and development, building to a conclusion that feels earned, rather than tacked on. “Happiness” is nearly unimpeachable, and it leaves me wishing I could see more of Ryan and Wilfred’s adventures, which is exactly how I wanted to feel. Excellent work.

DVD Review: ‘Wilfred – The Complete Third Season’

Article first published as DVD Review: ‘Wilfred – The Complete Third Season’ on Blogcritics.

FX’s Wilfred doesn’t like to give us answers. A weird ‘comedy’ about a man, Ryan (Elijah Wood), who sees his neighbor’s dog, Wilfred (Jason Gann), as a guy in a dog costume; the show has never yet attempted to explain its premise. They dance around the issue, sure, but only the tiniest progress has been made in tying everything together.

The Complete Third Season, now out on DVD, starts to push the show in that direction, though. Serving as the penultimate batch of episodes, this run begins with Ryan probing Wilfred’s roots for information. Then, as per usual, most of the rest of the installments ignore the bigger picture entirely, providing interesting side adventures and character development without giving much away, before touching on the mystery again at the conclusion of the year.

I don’t have any predictions for exactly what the end of Wilfred, whose final season is airing right now, will be. What does seem certain is that the answer has as much to do with Ryan as Wilfred. The Complete Third Season looks into our human protagnoist’s past as well. His relationship with his father (James Remar) helps bring Ryan to this place on the edge of sanity. And while there is a heck of a finale that seems a huge setback, with Wilfred’s owner, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann), forbidding Wilfred and Ryan to spend time together, it’s easy to figure out that the new rule can’t last, the fates of the two leads closely intertwined.

There are two types of fans of Wilfred: those fascinated by the enigma and who long for answers, and those who just enjoy the buddy comedy of two friends, no matter that one is dressed as a dog, getting high and getting into trouble. The Complete Third Season strives to satisfy both those sets, though gives more screentime to the latter. The installments in this release are almost uniformly good, but as someone who definitely falls more in the former category, I am disappointed by the incremental movement forward on the mystery front.

Among the elements of the third year are Ryan finding a new roommate (Kristen Schaal, Bob‘s Burgers), Ryan’s crush, Jenna, now living as a married woman with Drew (Chris Klein), Ryan finally trying to get to a good place with his sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown), Bruce (Dwight Yoakum) making a return appearance, and a handful of half hours where Ryan doesn’t know if Wilfred is sinister or not. These are all solid, entertaining stories, even if they don’t quite get into the meat of what I’m looking for. At least the plot is serial, with the events of one week affecting the others, and the character of Ryan undergoing much examination and reflection, rather than just participating in stand-alone stories.

Wilfred also seems to attract a terrific array of guest stars. Besides those mentioned above, which include several recurring characters, season three boasts the likes of Angela Kinsey (The Office), Zachary Knighton (Happy Endings), Gina Gershon (Rescue Me), Barry Watson (What About Brian), Lance Reddick (Fringe), Mary Steenburgen (The Help), and more. I feel like when a short, thirteen-episode cable season can assemble a guest list that rich, it says something about the quality of the show. Wilfred deserves to be included on such a list.

Sadly, like other recent Fox releases, Wilfred  – The Complete Third Season has no bonus features whatsoever. I’m not sure why the studio is doing this now, but it’s a huge disappointment. While not everyone makes use of the extras, some of us do, and to ask us to buy a set that includes no fresh material, having already watched the episodes as they air, is kind of a jerk move, in my opinion. I hope this company reverses course on this decision in the near future.

Wilfred – The Complete Third Season is available now.

WILFRED Gets More Serial in Final Season

Article originally written for Seat42F.

FX’s WILFRED, which is beginning its final season on sister network FXX this week, is a show about a man who sees a dog as a man in a dog costume. It’s a weird concept, to be sure, that allows the writers to explore not only mental illness and fantasy scenarios, but also some primal human emotions. After four years, the program is wrapping up with a ten episode run, the first two of which air this coming Wednesday.

As a quicker refresher, season three ends with Ryan (Elijah Wood) mourning the death of his father, Henry (James Remar), who sought to get Ryan help, then fell down some stairs. Following a clue discovered in his late dad’s office, Ryan goes out to the woods where he discovers a statue of Wilfred (Jason Gann) on the ground.

Season four picks up right at the moment where Ryan is looking at the statue, and only gets weirder from there. WILFRED occasionally does trippy, reality-bending episodes where fans can’t take anything they’ve seen for granted, breaking the rules of even this rule-lite world. The season premiere, “Amends,” is one such installment, being one of the more confusing, weird installments of the series to date.

I can’t go into the specifics of “Amends” without spoiling anything, but suffice it to say, this not only gives Ryan pause, bringing into question the reliability of the show through his perspective and his health, but also touches on the greater mythology. WILFRED has long avoided stating exactly what is going on, but prefers to drop obtuse hints on a fairly rare basis, hinting at the promise of a full explanation in the end, but never bringing us anywhere close.

The good news is, both “Amends,” which is mythology-heavy, and the second episode, “Consequences,” begin tackling that larger mystery. WILFRED is not the type of series that can reveal some cosmic explanation at the last minute and leave anyone satisfied. These first two episodes back promise a season-long journey of discovery, something we’ll get a piece of in each fresh adventure, likely culminating in the master plan WILFRED has kept hidden all along. Viewers who have been yearning for those secrets will probably get them.

But there is another camp of WILFRED viewers, those who don’t value the bigger picture so much and just prefer the give-and-take between Ryan and Wilfred. That type of fan should be satisfied with “Amends” and “Consequences,” too. Admittedly, “Amends” does spend a lot of time on brain-bending, but there are still some rich, obnoxious exchanges between the leads. “Consequences” has more of that as Wilfred sets himself up to be the god Ryan should turn to and obey, while Ryan resists such a rearrangement of their relationship.

And for those who consider themselves ‘shippers,’ wanting desperately for Ryan to end up with the literal girl-next-door, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann), well, there’s some movement on that front, too. “Consequences” finds Drew (Chris Klein), Jenna’s husband, yearning to spend some time with his buddy Ryan. Not only does Drew consider Ryan a good friend, but he thinks Ryan might be able to shed some light on what’s going on between Drew and Jenna, with Jenna pulling away after kissing Ryan last season, which Drew does not yet know about.

I won’t reveal how “Consequences” ends, of course, but I really like the Drew / Ryan scenes, in this episode and others. Drew has an ugly streak, but he’s almost always been good to Ryan. Ryan never quite feels comfortable with Drew because he can’t be honest about his feelings for Jenna, making for a tension-filled chemistry. Thus, one never quite knows what will happen when the two get together, and that’s sort of a shame because they could have a solid friendship if only Jenna were not between them, but it’s a positive when building an entertaining half hour of television.

“Amends” and “Consequences” are two terrific, very different installments of a pretty good show. They check off the various boxes that differing viewers want, while staying true to the themes and story of the show itself. With only ten episodes left for the program, it’s off to a strong start, and it should leave viewers very curious to see how it all will end.

WILFRED now airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FXX.

WILFRED Has Few "Regrets"

Article first published as TV Review: 'Wilfred' - "Regrets" on Blogcritics.

FX’s Wilfred is an odd series. Most episodes take the fact that Ryan (Elijah Wood) sees Wilfred (Jason Gann) as a man in a dog suit, while everyone else sees Wilfred as a normal dog for granted. But the ones in which the mythology of the show is explored – what is Wilfred and why does Ryan see him differently – are what make it special. Season three, which culminated in “Regrets” this week, explores this mystery much more than the first two years combined.

A long-standing clue plaguing fans is the drawing we now know Ryan’s sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown), made as a child, depicting their family with the human Wilfred in the background. Kristen remembers the character as “Mr. Floppyears,” even though the resemblance to Wilfred is uncanny. But she doesn’t remember why she drew it.

At the end of “Regrets,” Ryan finds a broken statue in the foliage of Wilfred / Mr. Floppyears. This explains what Kristen drew, and it also might provide the origin of Ryan’s hallucinations, if in fact Wilfred is a hallucination, which seems likely. There is some connection to the family’s past in this statue, and it will certainly combine with the drawing to merit further unraveling next year.

It’s really cool that Kristen is part of this now. Although she doesn’t know Ryan’s secret, she clearly has an important role to play. Since she originally appears as an unnecessary side character, this is gratifying to see her interwoven with the family’s thread, along with their mother, Catherine (Mary Steenburgen), who had a cat similar to how Ryan sees Wilfred.

The odd person out, and by “odd” I mean sane, in the family is Ryan’s father, Henry (Dexter‘s James Remar), who thinks Catherine and Ryan are just plain crazy. This season has focused on Henry trying to get Ryan back in his life after a two year separation, and “Regrets” brings that to a head. Henry confronts Ryan with footage that makes Henry think Ryan is talking to a dog like a person. But instead of locking Ryan up right away, as he did Catherine, Henry offers Ryan the chance to work in his office, where Henry can keep an eye on him.

Henry is not a bad person. His concern for his son is understandable, and while he does resort to secret video taping and blackmail, his end goals are kind. He doesn’t want to hurt Ryan; he wants to help him. Henry is hoping that working together will refocus Ryan, and maybe Ryan won’t need to end up as Catherine has. This is a noble gesture, proving Henry is not a bad father, and I found myself hoping Ryan would take the deal.

Sadly, this is not to be, as Henry falls down a staircase and dies. I must say I am disappointed by this turn of events, even as it neatly solves the corner Ryan is backed into. I wanted to see Ryan have help struggling with his sanity, something lacking from the show so far, and was hoping Henry could either understand or explain what is going on. Instead, removing Henry means Ryan can continue as he is, preserving the basic story of Wilfred, but taking away a very interesting, potentially major change to the tale. I do love that Henry’s story ties in Anne (Kristen Schaal, Bob’s Burgers), who was utterly wasted this season.

With Henry dead, Ryan’s more pressing issue, since he doesn’t have to worry about hiding any more, is how to resolve his relationship with Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann). After a shared kiss, Jenna pulls away, wanting to avoid further infidelity, since she is married. Ryan respects her wishes, stopping short of confessing his feelings, but the real victim is Wilfred, who doesn’t get to hang out with Ryan all the time any more.

Whatever Wilfred is to Ryan, the dog helps Ryan work through his issues. Maybe Wilfred is a symptom of Ryan’s craziness, but the way Wilfred pushes Ryan and Jenna together all season, despite seeming Wilfred’s disgust at the pairing, is part of Ryan trying to assert himself. Should Ryan be the one behind Wilfred’s actions, as many viewers suspect, this year is about Ryan trying to take a chance with Jenna, despite her marital status, and Wilfred is key to that movement.

Jenna deserves the chance to make an informed decision. I am not in favor of wrecking a marriage, and Drew (Chris Klein) is a nice guy and better friend to Ryan than Ryan is to him, but Drew and Jenna don’t quite seem right together. They’ve made it work, as many do in the real world, but that doesn’t mean they should keep at it indefinitely. If it’s not right, it’s not right, and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Which is not to say that Jenna should be with Ryan. Ryan is mentally unstable, and a tad creepy at times. While most want him to have a happy ending, I just can’t see Jenna being part of that right now. However, Ryan must confront his feelings for her and work through them, rather than fighting against them, if he wants to move forward, and that’s what is regrettable that the writers don’t bring out fully.

Presumably, next year will find a way to get Ryan and Wilfred back together, Kristen will expound upon Mr. Floppyears, and Jenna will finally figure out what man she wants, if any at all. But the wait shouldn’t be too hard, as long as the series gets renewed (it has not been yet), because “Regrets” is an excellent half hour, answering and raising questions, and exploring the dynamics at the heart of the show.

Wilfred is done for the year, and will hopefully return next summer to FX.

Article first published as WILFRED Season 3 Premiere Review on Seat42F.

Grade: 92%

FX’s WILFRED is a series about a man figuring out who he is. Sure, there’s a guy in a dog suit that speaks to the protagonist, but as strange as the premise and stories sometimes are, the real heart of the show is finding yourself. It’s much more about how one gets to who one is than the end result. In the season three premiere tonight, “Uncertainty,” that’s what Ryan (Elijah Wood) attempts to do.

Each installment of WILFRED focuses on another part of Ryan’s psyche he must delve into and deal with. For a mentally healthy person, it’s rarely a bad idea to reflect and examine one’s own mind. For someone as unstable as Ryan, it’s a necessity. Only by figuring out who he is and forcing himself to mature and accept the world can he become a whole, happy person.

“Uncertainty” is actually an issue many completely sane people have trouble wrapping their heads around. After all, we are driven to know things for certain, and people tend to try to make connections or conclusions, even if there isn’t an easy one to be found. Ryan’s “Uncertainty” comes about concerning the existence of Wilfred (Jason Gann), the man in the dog suit, whom everyone else sees as a normal dog.

At the end of season two, Ryan finds a picture he drew as a child that somehow features a cameo of Wilfred. A photograph proves Wilfred was always in the picture, not added later. Is Wilfred only in Ryan’s mind? Is Wilfred an immortal magical creature? These are just two of the possibilities pondered in this season premiere. The answer isn’t revealed, nor does one expect it to. That will come at the series’ end, if at all.

Now, this half hour does not mess with one’s mind nearly as much as last year’s opener, in which reality wasn’t even clear to the viewer. Instead, it’s a more subtle, but just as interesting, quandary as Ryan digs into Wilfred’s past. Toss in The Office’s Angela Kinsey, Gaan delightfully pulling double duty on screen, and some hilarious historical tragedy gags (yes, you read that right), and it’s a very solid, very good season premiere.

I wish WILFRED chose only to air one episode tonight. Unlike most modern series, WILFRED is not one that should be consumed in a binge fashion. Each installment gives viewers something to ruminate on, both about the show, and about themselves. “Uncertainty” is such a terrific episode, I’d like time to digest it. So I recommend TiVo-ing the second half hour that will air this evening, “Comfort,” and watching it a day or two after you see the premiere.

That being said, I watched them back to back, and still found much to enjoy about both. In “Comfort,” Ryan looks for a place he can feel safe and secure. It’s not with Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) and Drew (Chris Klein), who worry about him and try to set him straight. It’s not with Wilfred, obviously. So when a mailman (Zachary Knighton, Happy Endings) wants to hang out, Ryan accepts.

It’s a bad decision, to be sure, and not just because dogs like Wilfred and postmen are natural enemies, as this particular mail carrier is the opposite of a good influence. However, the fact that Ryan separates himself from a bad situation, and refuses to allow himself to have his decisions made for him, does show some growth. Ryan has become more assertive over the past couple of years, and this shows in “Comfort.”

Luckily, Ryan’s friends do want what’s best for him, and can back up when rebuffed. I very much enjoy the dynamic between Ryan and Jenna, especially now that it seems there will never be anything romantic between them, since she is happily married. It’s a little strange for a television show to not try putting its leads together, but she’s a good friend, and that’s what Ryan needs on his journey to self-fulfillment.

WILFRED is not my favorite show on television, but it’s a unique one that I never miss. It’s dark drama, intermixed with a touch of comedy, but not in an obvious way, makes for a compelling half hour, and there’s always much more going on than is visible on the surface. “Uncertainty” and “Comfort” are excellent examples of WILFRED’s quality and style, indicating that season three will be at least as good as the first two.

WILFRED airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

The "Secrets" come out on Wilfred

The season finale of FX's Wilfred has many big events. Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) and Drew (Chris Klein) get married. Ryan (Elijah Wood) is accused of being a mole within his former company, and selling trade secrets. Amanda (Allison Mack) is exposed as being completely insane. And Wilfred (Jason Gann) finds himself in a drawing that Ryan made as a child.

The last is the secret with the biggest impact, at least as big a finale as last year's disappearing basement. The implications of such a find, a drawing Ryan doesn't even remember making, but finds proof that he did, as well as the age of it, are enormous. Was there a Wilfred before this Wilfred? Is Wilfred an imaginary friend of Ryan's from childhood that has re-emerged and is projected onto the neighbor's dog? Or is Ryan completely insane?

Wilfred has always danced around the idea of insanity, without fully committing to it. Ryan's mother (Mary Steenburgen) is most definitely mentally unstable, as we've seen during visits to her hospital. Ryan hallucinates, too, as viewers witnessed in season's two "preview" episode. Does "Secrets" reveal once and for all that Ryan is on the same path that his mother took? Is there no hope for him?

Amanda appears a way out for Ryan. Someone who can make him happy, and maybe even negate the need for the man in a dog suit that Ryan sees as Wilfred. But when we learn she is off her rocker, there's kind of an "Oh, right" about it, seeing how Ryan could be drawn to someone like him, albeit a bit more of a criminal. Plus, if one stops and thinks, the signs about her mental state were present right from her very first appearance.

It's not like the others around Ryan are perfect. Jenna admits to using him, knowing of his feelings for her, but stringing him along to help her out. Kristen (Dorian Brown) shoves her child off on James (Eugene Byrd), the guy that comes to accuse Ryan of embezzling. These are not the actions of the best people. Perhaps if Ryan could break away from this group, he might stand a better chance of healing.

Jenna was always a possible way for Ryan to lead a "normal" life, but "Secrets" burns that bridge, or at least soaks it in kerosene, when she marries Drew. Now she is no longer an option for Ryan. Would she have even accepted the real Ryan, anyway, or been able to help him? Who knows, but it's quite surprising that the writers take the character out of play as a love interest. At least for now.

How interesting would an arc be where Ryan spends several months living with his mother in the hospital? Not only would we get more of Steenburgen, always a treat, but progress could be made on Ryan's condition, and there would be invaluable insights into his psyche as he is treated. Maybe Amanda could be there, too. This story doesn't have to ditch the titular dog, but rather, allow Ryan to better understand why he sees Wilfred, and of what value that might be.

Who knows what direction Wilfred will take if it gets a third season? This oddball dramedy is full of surprises, and could end up being about anything. Given the brilliant acting and the completely original writing, I hope we get the chance to find out.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Unleash the Franklin & Bash!

TNT's Franklin & Bash completed their sophomore run this week with "6:50 to SLC." Bash's (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) law license is suspended because he misses a payment, which makes representing his buddy, Tommy Dale (Chris Klein, Wilfred), who is having problems with his campaign for governor, difficult. Meanwhile, Leonard Franklin (Beau Bridges) of Franklin & Franklin would like to purchase Infeld Daniels, whether Stanton (Malcolm McDowell) likes it or not.

It's a shame that Franklin & Bash has become such a procedural. Even in this episode, which spends at least half of its time focusing on firm politics, there is a case of the week that must be dealt with. In the beginning, that was OK because Franklin and Bash often made these cases fun and exciting with their big stunts. In this one, not so much.

Yes, there were great guest stars in "6:50 to SLC," like Klein and Paul Schulze (Nurse Jackie), who played Dale's campaign manager. And the story of two wives cheating on their husbands with each other is pretty scandalous. But they somehow made this boring, probably because of how toned down the two lead characters have become in court. In a story about Bash's old friend, this should never have been allowed to happen. It may be more realistic, but it's not as much fun to watch.

The other story, where Franklin's (Breckin Meyer) father tries to steal the firm right out from under their boss, is much more compelling. Stanton is a larger than life character, played a by a brilliant acting veteran who bites into the role with gusto. So when he is threatened and his vulnerabilities are laid bare, it makes for very engrossing television. Stanton shows his age a bit here, but he also shows his scrappiness and shrewdness, which got him to where he is today. The resolution is shocking and smart.

Stanton must reveal the real reason he hired Franklin and Bash and made them partners. They are a poison pill, a tool he can use to self-destruct the firm. They are not happy at all to learn this, two years (or only one year?) after they began working for him. But they do what must be done because they are stand up guys, making a huge fuss on an airplane. Stanton's later apology, and the boys' forgiveness, shows that there is a deeper bond here than a cynical arrangement. But their relationship with their awesome boss is rocked a bit, in a good way.

The other moments of greatness in "6:50 to SLC" come from Carmen (Dana Davis) and Pindar (Kumail Nanjiani). These are entertaining, quirky characters, who do not get nearly enough plot. Sure, it's nice to see Franklin and Bash make peace with Karp (Reed Diamond) and Hanna (Garcelle Beauvais), but I would trade an emotional Hannah scene for a funny Pindar bit any day. Again, going back to the complaint that Franklin & Bash has mostly become a rote procedural, more of these two characters would punch up the episodes.

Some hopes for season three, besides more outrageous antics and screen time for the boys' employees? Bring back their flying ban as a plot point, and make sure that Shiri Appleby returns for a sizable arc. It might be nice to see how Franklin handles a real relationship, and what she can do to the dynamic of the group.

This law show may have lost its way in the second season, becoming more predictable and monotonous. Hopefully, there will be a season three, which gives them time to make up for it.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Originally posted on TheTVKing

Wilfred The Complete First Season bounds onto Blu-ray

FX's Wilfred was one of the big surprises from last summer. A much-changed American remake of a popular Australian show, it's about a guy named Ryan (Elijah Wood) who, after a failed suicide attempt, begins seeing his neighbor's dog, Wilfred (creator of both versions, Jason Gann), as a man in a dog suit. This dog smokes pot and encourages Ryan to do illegal things, causing trouble. Or does he? Maybe Wilfred is just getting Ryan out of his comfort zone, so that Ryan can improve as a person.

No one else sees Wilfred a man. This can create some issues when Ryan interacts with Wilfred a little too naturally in public. And Wilfred himself spends a lot of time acting like a dog, from humping teddy bears to digging holes, though he usually uses a shovel to do the latter. So the line between reality and fiction is pretty fuzzy.

Obviously this is the recipe for a comedy, and Wilfred is that, albeit, a very strange one. However, it's also the kind of mix that opens up a bunch of philosophical questions, forcing one to confront questions about oneself. What does it mean to be crazy? Is Ryan insane, or is he just freed from the shackles of conventionality? What should a person want out of life? What should one do to get what one wants? Does pot destroy your brain?

None of these questions are answered in The Complete First Season, which may make the show a bit inaccessible to a widespread audience. Viewers aren't accustomed to thinking too deeply about television, especially in the comedy vein. Without knowing what the series is really about or what is going on, it turns into a strange presentation. Perhaps fans will commit to such mysteries on a series like Lost, but will they do the same for a cable half hour?

Obviously, Wilfred did something right, earning itself a second season, which is currently airing Thursday evenings. It could be the talent of Wood and Gann, who ably carry what is basically a two-man buddy show. It could be the writing, intelligent and witty. It could be the absurd situations Ryan finds himself in, which are the hallmark of any sitcom, and which Wilfred crafts well. Or perhaps the mystery really does draw people in and make them want to keep watching, hoping that someday Wilfred will get around to explaining its conceit.

Each episode has a one word title, which explains an emotion or character trait that is explored within. Among the highlights of the first season: "Happiness," the pilot that kicks off all the craziness; "Trust," in which Ryan learns that Wilfred may have ulterior motives for his actions; "Acceptance," where Ed Helms (The Office) plays a creepy doggy daycare owner; "Pride," which features Wilfred forcing Ryan into a relationship so that he can have his own tryst; "Anger," where Wilfred acts possessed; "Compassion," in which Ryan's mother, Catherine (Mary Steenburgen, Bored to Death), who is also nutty and sees a woman in a cat suit (Rhea Perlman, Cheers), is introduced; and "Identity," the finale that questions if anything viewers have been watching is even really happening.

Besides the mentioned actors, Wilfred has a rich guest cast of recurring characters that really help the high quality impression the show gives off. The series co-stars Fiona Gubelmann as Wilfred's owner and object of Ryan's affection, Jenna, and Dorian Brown as Ryan's controlling sister, Kristen. Additionally, in smaller roles, Chris Klein (American Pie) plays Jenna's boyfriend with anger management problems, Ethan Suplee (My Name is Earl) is a scary neighbor, and John Michael Higgins is Ryan's mom's somewhat unethical doctor.

For a show about being the best person one can be, many of the characters featured are not good people. Is this an excuse to make Wilfred and Ryan not seem as bad as they are? Or are these negative images offered up as excuses to get into amusing situations?

The two disc set of Wilfred The Complete First Season has a handful of special features. Six minutes of Wilfred's Comic Con panel is enlightening, showcasing the cast, especially Wood, speaking about the process of making the show. Even better is the ten minute "Fox Movie Channel Presents Life After Film School With Jason Gann," which has Gann talking lovingly about his creation. There are also fifteen minutes of deleted scenes, many of them, thankfully, from the episode "Compassion."

Less valuable are two featurettes that are basically sixty second mash-ups of clips. "Wilfred & Bear: A Love Affair" is just a bunch of sex scenes between the two, while "Mary Jane Mash-Up" shows some humorous moments had under the influence of drugs. Neither is very valuable, being too short to justify whipping them out at a party, and having no value for any other setting.

Overall, it's an entertaining and original series, even if the special features are a little lacking. Buy Wilfred The Complete First Season, on sale now.

Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com  Click here to read every review of Wilfred I've ever written. If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Wilfred The Complete First Season bounds onto Blu-ray on TheTVKing.com

Wilfred doesn't define its "Identity"

     In the season finale of FX's Wilfred, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) eats drug-laced candy that Wilfred (Jason Gann) leaves laying out at Ryan's (Elijah Wood) place. The resulting strange behavior causes Jenna to lose her job as a news anchor. Ryan puts his lawyer hat back on to help Jenna with her boss (Ray Wise, Chuck, Reaper), but must resort to blackmail to get her position back.

     Because Ryan touches the dark side of himself, left behind until now, he begins to be sneakily manipulative in other parts of his life, too. Ryan drives a wedge between Jenna and her boyfriend, Drew (Chris Klein), because he wants Jenna for himself. However, this backfires, and soon Jenna is planning on marrying Drew, thinking she is pregnant, while Ryan's sister Kristen (Dorian Brown), a pawn in his game, is left by her husband, Leo (J.P. Manoux), not realizing she is the one carrying the baby. Plus, she tells Ryan he is dead to her. To make matter worse, Wilfred is hit by a car, leaving Ryan without any help in fixing the mess he made, as well as finding his "Identity." "Identity" being the title of the episode.

     "Identity" is a confusing episode of Wilfred for a number of reasons. First of all, Ryan struggles to comprehend what exactly is going on with Wilfred. His canine companion, whom he sees as a man in a dog suit, is perceived as a dog by others. Is Wilfred a dream? Is Ryan in purgatory, as Wilfred hints when he references Lost this week? Is Wilfred sent to better or worsen Ryan's life? Or perhaps he is a dark part of Ryan's psyche manifesting itself. This last explanation makes some sense, given that Ryan's bad qualities apparently disappear when Wilfred arrives on the scene, and after Ryan takes them back, Wilfred is left severely injured and with amnesia.

     But the question is, if Wilfred is representative of Ryan's bad side, why does he sometimes do good? The dog is an enigmatic figure, whose motivations are often murky, at best. While much of the time Wilfred campaigns to help Jenna and use Ryan as a servant, other times he truly seems to want to assist Ryan in bettering himself. Or Wilfred gets him into big trouble. So what exactly is this dog? An angel or a devil on Ryan's shoulder?

     It's also odd that Wilfred just happens to accidentally leave a drug sucker laying around, since his other actions are almost always well thought out, whether with good or bad intentions. Wilfred may act like a dumb dog at times, but he is a very deliberate character. To make such a stupid, far-impacting mistake seems unlike him. So maybe there is more going on here than is immediately obvious.

     Finally, why did Ryan's basement disappear, to be replaced with a closet? Certainly it ties into Wilfred's will, a foreshadowing of a disastrous event. But now Ryan can't each the will. Will the will explain why these happenings went down? Or how Ryan can get the old Wilfred back? Ryan didn't imagine the whole friendship with Wilfred, because the dog is still a man in costume just before Ryan goes home to discover the missing lower floor. The confusing finale leaves much in doubt between seasons.

     That being said, Wilfred remains an intriguing show, and while a tad unsatisfying, the finale cannot be called simple or boring. Wilfred has been renewed for a second season on FX.

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Article first published as TV Review: Wilfred - "Identity" on Blogcritics.

Does Wilfred have a "Conscience" ?

     FX's Wilfred finally delves into Jenna's (Fiona Gubelmann) love life this week. Fans of the original version may be used to the idea that the main girl and the man guy are shacking up throughout. But in the Americanized remake, Ryan (Elijah Wood) is thwarted in his pursuit of her by the fact that she already has a boyfriend - Drew (Chris Klein). In "Conscience," Wilfred (Jason Gann) helps Ryan break up Jenna and Drew, only to see Ryan have a guilt trip afterward. Will Wilfred allow Ryan to have a change of heart? Or will the dog murder his new best friend?

     The Wilfred character, of which even its existence is an enigma, is getting harder to figure out. While in earlier episodes, Wilfred has very clear motivations in retrospect, in "Conscience," things get a bit murky.

     Wilfred wants Drew to go away, but that doesn't mean he wants Ryan to take his place. Is Wilfred jealously trying to keep Jenna all to himself? While the mutt is played by a human, he shows little signs of sexual attraction to his owner, but instead, a fierce, dog-like loyalty. But wouldn't a dog welcome someone new to give him attention all the time? And since he spends so much time with Ryan anyway...

     Plus, why turn on Ryan so quickly? How come Wilfred can accept Drew's alpha male role without striking back directly, but goes after Ryan with a vengeance?

     The scene that feels most out of character for Wilfred is his mad scientist routine in the basement. It is hilarious that he tries to poison Ryan with chocolate and raisins, which are toxic to canines, but losing the typical voice and mannerisms of the titular character are confusing. It could be argued that Wilfred is slipping into a persona, a reasonable explanation. Instead, though, the script meanders, and it is disappointing how unclear that character has become.Ryan, on the other hand, remains true to the guy shown these past five weeks. He does want to improve his life, and being with Jenna is a goal, but he isn't willing to make Jenna unhappy, or hurt an innocent guy. Sure, Drew can be a jerk when acting ultra-competitive, but who doesn't have their faults?

     Klein makes the boyfriend sympathetic as he confesses he knows what he is doing wrong and, but struggles to stop it. His apology cinches the deal. Ryan's compassion mirrors the viewers', and so he must step in to correct his mistake. Drew makes Jenna happy, so he can't be all bad.

     Over all, Wilfred is quickly winning hearts as a charming comedy. But the dog needs to be nailed down a bit better. His motivations can stay a mystery, as long as they make sense in the larger context. Explanation for behaviors.

     Also, remind me again why the perpetually missing Kristen (Dorian Brown) is a main character?

     Watch Wilfred Thursdays nights at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

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Article first published as TV Review: Wilfred - "Conscience" on Blogcritics.

Wilfred - "Happiness"

     FX's Wilfred premiered "Happiness" last night. In it, Ryan (Elijah Wood, Lord of the Rings) tries to kill himself, not knowing his sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown, NCIS, Roommates), has prescribed him sugar pills. After spending a sleepless night waiting to die, Ryan's new neighbor, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann, Blades of Glory) asks him to watch her dog, Wilfred (Jason Gann, who co-created the original Australian version, and reprises his role here) for the day. While everyone else sees Wilfred as a shaggy mutt, Ryan views a man in a dog suit. This version of Wilfred has insight into Ryan, and encourages him to not only blow off the job Kristen has secured for him, but also break into an annoying neighbor's (Ethan Suplee, My Name Is Earl) house, poop in his shoes, and steal his pot. Ryan thinks Wilfred is saving his life, but Wilfred also plants Ryan's wallet at the scene of the crime.

     Now obviously Wilfred is just a dog in reality. How could he plant Ryan's wallet the way he does? This speaks to the big question of the show, what exactly is Wilfred? Is he something Ryan is imagining? Maybe Ryan did kill himself, and this is some sort of afterlife or purgatory to make him realize what a mistake he has made? Is Ryan going crazy? Each of those has their own set of larger queries to raise, and obviously that is something to be explored as the series goes on. But then, is Ryan the one putting his wallet underneath the broken window, or did Wilfred do it? Knowing that will speak to whether Wilfred, in any incarnation, is actually helping Ryan, or being self-destructive.

     It's not often a half hour comedy show raises such issues, and gets one thinkig about the meaning of life, the power of the brain, and fate versus self-direction. Wilfred raises each of these subtlely in "Happiness," and will likely explore them more in depth in later episodes. It's not just a man in a funny suit. It's about a guy's journey to figure out what he is. The fact that the episode opens with a quote from Mark Twain, "Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination," sets the tone for the rest of the thirty minutes perfectly. Which puts Wilfred heads and shoulders and snout above most of its kin on television.

     But lest you worry Wilfred is too metaphysical to enjoy after a hard day of work, rest assured it is funny, too. When asked by a waitress if Ryan always serves his dog nachos, he deadpannedly replies that Wilfred worked out today. Much of the humor will be had at Ryan's expense, and go over Ryan's head. That's OK. It doesn't make him stupid. Sitcom is short for situation comedy, and there is plenty of comedy to be had about this situation.

     It should be testament to how good the series is that it attracts many large guest stars. Ethan Suplee, who is easily recognizable from the Kevin Smith movies, is merely the first in a long line. Among the familiar faces in this first season are Ed Helms (The Office), Chris Klein (American Pie), Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation), Nestor Carbonell (Lost), and many more. I wouldn't want to spoil all the surprises, but it's certainly worth tuning in for.

     Wilfred airs Thursday nigths at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

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