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 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.

WILFRED Chock Full of "Sincerity"

Article first published as TV Review: 'Wilfred' Season Three, Episodes Three and Four, 'Suspicion' and 'Sincerity' on Blogcritics.

The newest episodes of FX’s Wilfred, which aired last night, are “Suspicion” and “Sincerity.” Not as deep as last week’s one-two punch of a season opener, these are still amusing installments that will satisfy the viewers who watch the show for its comedy, even if they may slightly disappoint those who are looking for the deeper meaning and trippy moments, which are in shorter supply this week.

The first, “Suspicion,” finds Ryan (Elijah Wood) trying to ‘be there’ for his sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown), so that he can be named guardian of her infant son. But, with Wilfred’s (Jason Gann) overly selfish and confusing help, Ryan runs off Kristen’s new love interest, Michael (Barry Watson, What About Brian, 7th Heaven), earning her ire.

The relationship between Ryan and Kristen is a complicated one. Kristen treats Ryan like he doesn’t have his act together and that she knows better than he, and yet, she makes poor decisions, too. Her attitude may be a bit more snobby, but the two have quite a bit in common, and it’s easy to identify them as siblings.

Thankfully, they are able to patch things up by the end of the half hour. This hasn’t always been the case, with their feuds in earlier episodes being arcs, rather than short spats. It’s nice to see that they now have enough understanding between them to be able to forgive and forget, showing growth on at least one of their parts.

Ryan is upset to learn that his father is involved in Kristen’s decision to choose a guardian, with Ryan believing that his dad sabotages Ryan’s chances at the position. Ryan’s father is someone frequently mentioned, but never seen, a figure that Ryan considers cruel, while Kristen defends. Who is correct? Likely, the truth is somewhere in the middle, but until we meet the character, we can’t be sure, even as Ryan demonizes him in “Suspicion.” One thing is certain, after waiting so long for him to show up, he is going to have to make an impact in his very first appearance.

I really like the Wilfred / Bear / Joffrey love triangle in this episode. It takes a trio of characters who seem innocent enough in real life – a dog, a stuffed animal, and a baby – and assigns them sinister and sinful characteristics. All of this may come from Wilfred (or from Ryan’s deranged mind if you think that’s what Wilfred is about), but things play out just realistic enough to make it work, and stil generate laughs at the utter ridiculousness of the scenario.

In episode four, “Sincerity,” Ryan takes Wilfred to obedience school when he learns his high school crush, Kim (Jenny Mollen, Crazy, Stupid, Love.), is the instructor. Kim takes an interest in Ryan, opening up the possibility of a relationship, but she is everything Wilfred hates in a dog owner, forcing Ryan to make a difficult choice.

Ryan will always chose Wilfred over anyone else. No matter how much trouble Wilfred causes his neighbor, the dog has been an invaluable companion to Ryan at a vulnerable time. As such, sex cannot come between them, and Ryan will stay loyal. The same cannot be said about Wilfred, proving that man is dog’s best friend, rather than the reverse, as is commonly quoted.

I love that “Sincerity” pokes fun at the mommy-style dog owners. I agree with Wilfred, that that style of behavior towards ones’ animals is stupid and should not happen. It’s not cute, it’s disturbing. Since Wilfred is a series about a dog, it’s always fun when the series reminds us of that, which is easy to forget since Wilfred is a man in a dog suit. Like the episode right before this one, “Sincerity” succeeds on that front.

Other than that, though, much of the A plot in this half hour falls flat. Kim is not a very interesting character, and she doesn’t have any chemistry with Ryan, making it hard to invest in them. Which is why when Ryan is lukewarm on her, not bending all that far to make her happy, it makes sense. She is clearly a one-time character, and it will be surprising if she returns.

However, she does have purpose. This is the installment where Ryan deals with his unresolved feelings about Amanda, his ex who is now in a nut house. Ryan has been holding some baggage, thinking he is not worthy of love, or capable of having a healthy, sustained union. It’s nice to see Wilfred console Ryan, and Ryan come to terms with himself, no longer believing some negative things.

Wilfred continues to delight in its third year, delivering consistently good programming, with great bits even in a comparatively mediocre episode like “Sincerity.” 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

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

"Letting Go" of Wilfred

FX’s WILFRED returns tonight. When last fans left WILFRED, the titular dog (Jason Gann) had just been hit by a car, and pal Ryan (Elijah Wood) thought he was going crazy. After all, Ryan opens the door to the basement where he and Wilfred hang out to discover it’s a closet! Oh, and Ryan’s crush, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann), thinks she is pregnant after the duo switch her urine, which they know will show the drugs they gave her, for Ryan’s sister’s (Dorian Brown), leading to Jenna accepting Drew’s (Chris Klein) proposal.

Unfortunately, this week’s episode, “Letting Go,” isn’t actually the first episode of the second outing. Last week, there was a preview episode called “Progress” that dealt with Ryan’s precarious mental state and the basement. So “Letting Go” picks up later, dealing a bit with Jenna’s situation, and not at all with practically any of the other hanging threads.

This feels like a cheat. Viewers who loyally tuned in last season may be confused. If they miss the preview episode, it will definitely feel like something is missing, because it is. What’s more, “Letting Go” is more pedestrian than “Progress,” with a focus on the love story, rather than the mystery. Are fans of WILFRED really looking for romance over exploration of the mind? If so, why aren’t they watching one of the many shows on television that centers on love stories, rather than this misfit of a sitcom?

That’s not to say that WILFRED is bad in the romance department. Ryan’s relationship, or lack thereof, with Jenna has been done very well. But as much as Ryan would like to be with her, he simply isn’t ready. He needs to get his own house in order before he can worry about bringing anyone else in. Thus, Jenna is doomed to be stuck with Drew, who is kind of a jerk, awhile longer, and may even date a couple other guys after before it is Ryan’s turn.

In fact, while Ryan is waiting on Jenna to be free, something he decides to do in “Letting Go,” showing some progress for himself, he also embarks on a diversion of his own. Realizing that Jenna will not be dumping Drew anytime soon, he accepts a date with sexy, funny new co-worker Amanda (Smallville’s Allison Mack). Amanda probably won’t be the woman that Ryan settles down with, but Mack is a great actress, and a heck of a score for a recurring character in this second season, practically guaranteeing an avoidance of the sophomore slump.

Back to what WILFRED is really about. Namely, what is going on inside of Ryan’s head. We are no closer to knowing this than when the series started. Wilfred is still the creature everyone else sees as a dog, but Ryan sees as a man in a canine suit. The basement being back could be a sign that Ryan is succumbing to the same mental disease that plagued him last year. Or it could be a sign of a break through, as he literally breaks through the closet wall in “Progress” to find the steps again. Is Wilfred a help or a hindrance? Why does no one notice Ryan’s obvious insanity?

WILFRED is also a buddy show. Ryan is sad that Wilfred seems infatuated by Drew, having seemingly forgotten about his best pal during their long time apart. It’s an obvious act, though whether Ryan realizes this and declines to point it out to spare Wilfred’s feelings, or is just too oblivious to see it, isn’t clear. Ryan does his best to be there for his friend, because imaginary or not, Wilfred is the only thing keeping Ryan going these days. Though Wilfred rightly points out that their relationship has been a bit one-sided. So Ryan strives to correct that.

Is “Letting Go” presented as the official season premiere because it is better at appealing to a mass audience than “Progress” was, being a little less “out there?” Why is WILFRED not letting its freak flag fly much in this outing, when the freak flag is the best thing it has going for it, despite the mixed reviews last week? Will viewers have to debate reality as fervently as they did for the series Lost for the entire run of WILFRED? Tune in to season two every Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on FX to find out.

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.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read all of my Wilfred reviews.

     To catch up on Wilfred with streaming episodes online, please click here.

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

Wilfred searches for "Compassion"

     This week brings two new episodes of FX's Wilfred, though the first, "Compassion," is far more significant than the second, so this review focuses on the first. In "Compassion," Ryan (Elijah Wood) picks up his mother (Mary Steenburgen, Curb Your Enthusiasm) from the mental institution where she has been living these past twenty years. Finding it hard to deal with her eccentricities, Ryan tries to take her back. But Wilfred (Jason Gann) has grown attached, and arranges for Mom to discover Ryan's suicide letter. Soon, Ryan ends up being treated by his mother's doctor (John Michael Higgins, Happily Divorced), though in the end, they both return home.

     This is a very important episode because it reveals just how much Ryan is like his mother. Despite Mom telling Ryan he looks like Dad, Ryan is said to have been very close to his mother while growing up. She took him to belly dancing classes and other events she considers "bonding," but he thinks, with the perspective of age, are just "weird." Removed from her direct influence for two decades, Ryan may have escaped some of the specifics that befell his mom, but the seeds are planted, and it might explain why he is such a loner.

     The clincher in "Compassion" is, in the final scene, Mom is shown speaking with her cat (Rhea Perlman, Cheers), whom she sees as a woman in a cat costume. This is exactly like Ryan's relationship with Wilfred. While next week's new episode, "Doubt," will confusingly suggests a handful of other theories as to why Ryan sees Wilfred the way he does, "Compassion" offers the explanation that Ryan has inherited his mother's mental disease. It remains to be seen if Wilfred will ever explain definitively what is going on, but this episode points to a simple possibility, and the simplest answer is often correct.

     So does that mean Ryan is doomed to see Wilfred as a man in a dog suit his entire life? What happens when Wilfred dies, as all dogs do eventually, much sooner than humans? Why has it taken until now for this illusion to manifest itself in Ryan's brain? Is there a trigger? Did Mom try to commit suicide, too?

     The biggest miss in "Compassion" is leaving out Kristen (Dorian Brown), Ryan's sister, Kristen, is not around nearly as much as she should be, and with a family reunion episode, now would be the perfect time to bring her back. Plus, it would be nice to get the chance to compare Kristen to Mom, and Kristen to Ryan. It would really have been a neat look at the dynamic of the family, and a clue to if Kristen has some of the same issues that Ryan and Mom share. Unfortunately, this does not happen. But perhaps it still can, down the line?

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

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Article first published as TV Review: Wilfred - "Compassion" 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.

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