Advance Review: FX's New Comedy - Wilfred - Season 1 Premiere Ep 1 "Happiness"

Rating ★★★★★

Advance Review: FX's New Comedy - Wilfred - Season 1 Premiere Ep 1 "Happiness" 1

Ryan (Elijah Wood) finds Wilfred (Jason Gann) digging holes in his backyard

What do you get when you combine Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, FX Network, and a TV-MA rating? A fantastically refreshing (and realistic) dark comedy sure to tickle your smart-ass funny bone to death! I have to admit, when I first heard the premise, I wasn’t so sure I would be interested in the story. What drew me in immediately was Elijah Wood as the lead actor. Many of us know him most readily as the courageous Hobbit from Middle Earth, but he’s so much more than a hairy-footed savior.

Wood plays Ryan, a self-loathing former attorney who’s ready to throw in the towel. After his sardonic attempts at killing himself, including at least four revisions of his suicide note, Ryan unexpectedly meets Wilfred (Jason Gann), his cute neighbor Jenna’s (Fiona Gubelmann) dog. While meeting someone’s pet doesn’t seem all that exciting, Wilfred isn’t just a dog – at least not to Ryan. Everyone sees Wilfred as a lovable pet but Ryan sees a perverted, pot-smoking, nicotine infused, vulgar man with an Aussie accent in a dog suit. Confused? Don’t over analyze the situation – just roll with it for a moment. Wilfred still does the things a normal dog would – chewing on bones and tennis balls, digging holes, humping people’s legs and violating giant stuffed teddy bears. It’s laugh out loud comedy, that’s for sure.

Advance Review: FX's New Comedy - Wilfred - Season 1 Premiere Ep 1 "Happiness" 2

L-R: Jason Gann as Wilfred; Elijah Wood as Ryan; and Fiona Gubelmann as Jenna

The pivotal element cinching everything together is the great rapport Wood and Gann have. Wood is adorably quirky and endearingly funny. Wood’s slightly awkward humor is showcased allowing you to see him in a whole new light. I’ve enjoyed films like Try Seventeen and Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind which exhibits Wood’s unique sense of humor. His wry and clever delivery combined with the sharp sarcastic comedic writing will ensnare you.

Gann is the co-creator of Wilfred which was an Australian series adapted from one of his short films. His unapologetic approach to teaching Ryan life lessons as a foul-mouthed and somewhat deviant dog is so refreshing for American television. I applaud FX for continuing to step outside the box and bringing us comedy with a darker edge. If you are a fan of British humor, you may find that Aussie humor is just as amusing.

Advance Review: FX's New Comedy - Wilfred - Season 1 Premiere Ep 1 "Happiness" 3

Ryan takes Wilfred out for nachos

From the moment Ryan and Wilfred meet, the adventure begins—breaking and entering, theft, smoking from bongs, and pooping in boots—Wilfred will make you laugh until you piss your pants. The half-hour, live action comedy may not resonate with everyone, but for those of you who are totally into the darker side of comedy which exploits the inappropriate humor in life, then don’t miss Wilfred. I for one LOVE it! It’s so wrong but feels oh so right.

Tune in to the season premiere of Wilfred Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 10PM E/P only on FX.

For more on the show go to http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/wilfred/

LIKE Wilfred on FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/WilfredonFX

Tweet @FXNetworks #WilfredFX

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.