I know I watch a lot of crap, and I talk about it a lot, but I wanted to take a moment to write about my new favorite show, and possibly one of the smartest shows on television right now, Wilfred. Airing Thursday nights on FX. Or Friday afternoons on Hulu if you're cable-less.
The basic premise seems almost based on mere convention. The dog, Wilfred, is seen by Elijah Wood's character, Ryan, as an adult Australian human in a dog suit. However, the rest of the universe just sees a dog, and Ryan seems fully aware that he is dealing with a real dog and never doubts that it is not a real dog, only immediately accepts that this is how he sees his new friend, Wilfred.
The most exciting aspect of this show is how the writers have managed to work this into reality, creating a place where I completely understand Ryan's hallucination, and my understanding of this creation actually adds to my enjoyment of the overall story.
The pilot opens with Ryan drafting the 3rd copy of his suicide note as he prepares to end his own life. (no spoilers here, this literally happens in the first ten seconds) This all night long failed attempt ends with Wilfred on his doorstep, led by the pretty girl next door. Their friendship begins.
This set up is essential to the true fabric of this show which is laid deeply under the hilarity that is the simple convention of a man who everyone treats like a dog. Not to mention a rude Aussie man in a ridiculous costume. However, as all of this obviously can not be literal, you realize that Wilfred is merely an extension of Ryan, a manifestation of choices he is too afraid to make himself.
Our suicidal Ryan has projected all of his life choices onto this dog, allowing him to remove the blame for his failures and also any glory for his successes. He has externalized his instincts and put them on the most adorable and innocent of creatures, removing any guilt or conflict as he works through his self-loathing and tries to build a new life. Ideally, one worth living.
You could also argue that Wilfred is a mostly bad influence on Ryan. Wilfred convinces Ryan to quit his job, blow off his family, and to rob a neighbors house. These all have extenuating circumstantial explanations but it doesn't even matter. We're tuned in to see what Wilfred will do next and ultimately, the most thrilling parts are whenever it comes together that Ryan is sick and doing this all to himself as he battles his depression and suicidal tendencies. What you're really watching is an intensely realistic portrayal of someone struggling through the basics of life and looking for a reason to live. He's created his reason in Wilfred.
I could go on, but we're only a few episodes into this new series and in my opinion it's an original exciting show that combines humor and psychology in a an awesome and refreshing way. It is a little hard to get over the whole, Elijah Wood was a hobbit thing but you should try. It's worth it.
(side note, how much does FX rock now? It's Always Sunny and now this? You go FX!)
Glad you encouraged me to give this show a second chance! Just re-watched the first episode and I dig it. I was not watching closely enough and missed the whole suicide note thing in the beginning and even the fact that he tried to kill himself at all. :-)
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