June 24th, 2011
12:32 PM ET
Elijah Wood's 'Wilfred' a bizarre gemAfter watching Thursday night's premiere of "Wilfred," I'm not sure there's enough to sustain a long-term series, but there's more than enough to keep me watching. Elijah Wood stars in FX's remake of the critically acclaimed Australian series of the same title. Co-creator Jason Gann reprises the role of Wilfred, a dog who is seen by Wood's character, Ryan, as a man in a dog suit. The show began with Ryan trying, unsuccessfully, to kill himself by swallowing a cocktail mixed with medication. At one point, he was interrupted by the yammering of what he believed to be his neighbor's boyfriend. When the neighbor, Jenna, showed up at Ryan's doorstep the next morning, she asked him to watch Wilfred, and before long it became clear - to Ryan, at least - that this was not a side effect of the drugs (which turned out to be placebos). In between musings on some of the habits of dogs, Wilfred was able to read Ryan like an open book and offer up sage advice from a canine point of view. Soon, after doing unspeakable things to the property of another neighbor who had threatened him, the once-suicidal Ryan discovered that he never felt more alive. That's when the big twist took place: Wilfred planted Ryan's wallet at the scene of the crime. Yes, I laughed out loud at some of the silly humor here. Despite the opening, it's not as dark as one might expect. At the moment the show's intriguing, if only because you just want to know the reason why Wilfred appears to Ryan this way. I worry, though, that the dog jokes may wear pretty thin after a few weeks. The two biggest highlights here are the performances by Wood and Gann. Gann, especially, is extraordinary in this role, and hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more of what he can do in the future. Did you enjoy last night's premiere as well? What's your theory about Wilfred? Share your view on an iReport, tweet me your thoughts or comment below. |
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That seems really weird. I think the ccenopt's interesting and I'll definitely watch the first few episodes. It's going to be odd seeing Elijah Wood again: I've only ever seen him in LOTR.
anybody know where I can get a wilfred costume for halloween?
This show rocks my socks off. Not really, but it is quite hilarious! All my friends have been raving about it as well as myself. When Wilfred destroyed the evil vacuum...freaking classic. 😛
I love, love this show. It's refreshing and different, not like the other dribble on networks nowadays.
one of the funniest things on tv right now ....excellent and about time you can have some "foul" language on tv. who the hell let's their kids watch it if it's what they consider adult in their house? so many puritans around
I love Wilfred. There's finally something different on TV and I laugh out loud at this show. I hate that so many people are "politically correct" in their humor these days...I say, "get a sense of humor and remember how to laugh".
Been meaning to watch it, but was otherwise engaged. Saw it last night. My wife and I were rolling.
The promos made me want to see it. I haven't been disappointed. I love quirky shows like this.
The Pavlov's dogs reference was hysterical last week with Wilfred blowing bubbles in his drink, only to prompt Ryan to fire up the bong!
Any show that hatefully attacks children & ladies with Turner Syndrome or any disability is not funny or worthy of your time.
Grow uppppppp and get a sense of humor.
I like it a lot. Both guys are great. I find it hilarious to think of a dog hitting a bong.
I love the quirkiness of it and that there's a new program on that's NOT a stupid reality show for a change. When Wilfred suddenly switches from a worldly adviser to going crazy on the beach or chasing a lazer light it's hilarious. It's so rare for me to watch network TV any more but I really hope this series makes it.
Thought the pilot was great but the two episodes following it is what really hooked me. Smart, and not TOO much low-brow humor.
Certainly way out of the box, but it's a welcome break from all the junk on TV these days(i.e reality shows).
Can't wait to see more.
My wife and I watched this last night and it was brilliant! Really liked it. To the profanity police: If you don't like the language dont' watch it and block the TV-MA ratings so your kids won't either. It's called personal responsibility and good parenting...
Not to sound too midwestern but the language on some of the clips available is after midnight stuff. I really hope the writers can develope some really funny interaction with out the foul language.
Ever see the MA tag on the show? Hmmm...
Don't mind Gary. Not all of us in Wisconsin have a stick firmly lodged in our @sses.
Enjoyed everything but the crude stuff....and the language. It's like, when you grow up, you learn that saying crude things just makes you look immature, people.
"It's like, when you grow up,"
Most adults stop using the abominable "like" in their everyday speech. Pot, meet kettle.
I was a lil ticked when IFC stopped showing the Australian series but was quite elated when I heard it was restarting in the states. AND that the Wilfred was going to be played by the same actor... Can't wait for the next episode.
omg Wilfred was Fing Hilarious!
A hallucinating hobbit? Fascinating!
that was a premo coiler... one of the best ive ever seen!
I am so glad this Aussie comedy gem has been lovingly remade in the US without the Australian edge destroyed. So glad that my US friends are able to enjoy this series, what a dry, sarcastic wit Adam and Jason the creators have.......Enjoy, and to think this all started as a 6min movie for Tropfest.
I loved it when Wilfred just all of a sudden started chasing the motorcycle with utter hatred...just died laughing!!
Elijah Wood is so hot in this show. I've never typically been attracted to him but he is a total babe with his hair that way and his giant soul-stealing eyeballs.
I've seen the next two episodes and the show doesn't linger on dog jokes. But dogs do interesting things and to see Wilfred do them will be a hit with dog owners and lovers. What Wilfred does linger on is a perfect balance of raunchy humor, sentiment and heart. Nothing like I've seen before.
SO glad you are enjoying it..........
I see the show has good reviews from those of you who watched it. I saw the promos during "Archer." A man in a dog costume doesn't draw my interest, even though I see one of the commenters here said that only Elijah Wood's character sees him that way...
Booo, I thought the series looked pretty stupid during the promos for it. I didn't understand what the show was supposed to be about. But then someone told me I "had" to watch the premiere, so I did, and I loved it. Just try to ignore the dog suit.
I am with you on that comment. I have seen the previews and I cannot see my self on my worst day wasting my time watching this! Seems stupid
It's actually very well written and is uncannily funny. Recommended for anyone with and sense of humor whatsoever.
It's shows the human side of mans best friend...
LOVED the first episode. Finally something that isn't your typical, cookie cutter BS show. Absolutely hilarious. Great acting, writing, directing...everything is spot on.
I love that Wilfred isn't seen as a real dog through other the eyes of the other characters, and human only to Ryan. When Wilfred gave the waitress a motorboat I was dying! : )
I agree... I absolutlely cracked up during the whole episode. Not sure how long it will be funny but right now, I can't miss an episode.
I meant to check this out but forgot. Hopefully they show it again at some odd time slot. I noticed Workaholics hasn't been on comedy central lately, did it get cancelled?
was 10 episode season they signed for a 2nd as well tho, for workaholics.
Workaholics was picked up for a 2nd season a couple months ago and possibly a 3rd season already. Never fear, those crazy guys will be back. I can't wait to check Wilfred out later on.
I thought this was a show about furries
Me too!
gross
Love this show. Right up my alley!
My sentiments exactly. I don't know what it says about our personality type, but I'm digging it.
I thought it was cute and funny. Definitely not for children. Elijah has been acting since he was a child and he is good at his trade. Love those blue eyes.
I thought the show was funny and cute.I've always liked Elijah Wood and it was nice to see him play something different than the strange Lord of the Rings character.I'll definately keep watching.
I agree it was funny & I can't wait for the next episode 🙂
I heard he is daring daniel radclife.
Daring him to do what, exactly?
Why would you make such an idiotic sitcom and cancel LIE TO ME What revelation about intelligence in lala land
Lie to Me was on Fox. Wilfred is on FX.
This show is great, 'Lie to me' was ok, plus they are on different networks. Wish they would have canceled 'Son's of Anarchy' over "Terriers". Terriers was a much better show!
Wow, just, just wow. How stupid can one person be? On top of slamming a great show in Wilfred, you can't even get the networks right? Geez. Someone needs to go back to school or something. Unbelievable that someone can this retarded
Dog, you do realize that SOA is the highest rated show in FX history?