Advance Episode Review
“Happiness”
Series Premiere June 23rd at 10 PM EST on FX
June 21, 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 “Happiness” Series Premiere Advance Review, Airing 6/23/2011
WILFRED will tug on your heartstrings and release that warm and fuzzy feeling that you get the moment before you are put under sedation. It’s a dark and hilarious comedy starring Elijah Wood and Jason Gann. I wasn’t sure if I would like the show and as it turns out I didn’t like it, I LOVED it. It’s not for the faint of heart and certainly not a show you would want to watch with your grandma, unless of course your grandmother is Joan Rivers. “Happiness”- After a failed suicide attempt, a despondent young man named Ryan forms a unique connection with his neighbor’s pet dog, named Wilfred. Written by David Zuckerman; directed by Randall Einhorn.
When the show opens we meet Ryan, a man who is so down on his luck that he believes he has the solution to all his problems. Luckily, his various attempts to reach what he feels is his only way out are as poorly contrived as his last words.
Ryan’s neighbor, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) asks him to look after Wilfred and that is when the show takes on a life of its own. Wilfred has requests and he fancies a very famous movie star that I am hoping will guest star in the show at some point. Wilfred is very skillful and has mastered the art of “lingering particle” detection. You will be happy that you don’t posses this gift because it would be a very unsettling world. Wilfred behaves like your average dog and just wants to play ball and spark up a bit of a good time. He loves to meet new people and he treats them accordingly. You know if your dog could speak his first words would be, “Piss Off!” Wilfred offers Ryan companionship and a lesson in love, tough love. There is a scene between Ryan and Wilfred that involves footwear and it is one of the most endearing moments in the episode that really demonstrates the bond that is developing between them.
Ryan’s sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown) calls him to discuss her job and the “realness” of her situation. She thinks he just needs to alter his perception.
I really love this show and the outlandish relationship between Wilfred and Ryan continues to blossom into something even more unique as the series progresses. I’ve seen the first three episodes and they were all brilliant and fun. Elijah really nails his first comedic role and his chemistry with Jason is superb. One of the highlights of the show is Jason’s Australian charm. I loved how they used the term rooting in the show. It is such an innocent word in the United States but I’ve interviewed enough Australian bands to know exactly what that means.
Don’t miss the series premiere of WILFRED on Thursday night at 10 EST on FX.
