Wilfred has one of the most original concepts for a television series. The way it has turned out on screen is visually one dimensional but after close inspection, there are more dimensions than one would want to think about.
This series takes (Elija Wood) on what appears to be a psychedelic trip which gives life, consciousness and makes a friend out of the neighbor’s dog. The series takes things even deeper as the general ‘crazy rule’ of Only I Can See You, is broken. Everyone else can see the man in the grey dog costume but the most important unanswered question as of yet, is: ‘Is he a normal looking dog to the outside world’ and only (Elija Wood) gives him a personality.
From what we should now consider, the post- inception era, where we are now more familiar with the concept of ‘projections’ so stunningly visualized by Tim Nolan, a TV series like this is now more easily accepted; even more easily understood.
Still it remains a quirky, intriguing and comical concept for a series which is open for the writer’s to take in any direction. Series One illustrated the wild side that was brought out in (Elijah Wood) and propelled him away from his efforts to lead a normal life, free of deception after his unlawful antics as a junior lawyer.
The closest approximation to this series would be ‘Me Myself and Irene’ (The 1998 Hollywood Comedic Blockbuster). Parallels can be drawn from the split personality disorder of Jim Carey’s character which is a constant battle to keep under control. The mood changes and outlook on life were randomly and instantly switched at unexpected moments which took him to the precipice of where law-abiding ends and lawlessness begins.
The comedic atmosphere isn’t as powerful in ‘Wilfred’ but the unexpected nature of the relationship between the two protagonists and the clever non sealant lines is what makes this series a hit and an instant Classic. Going on only its second season this series is a great example of what a television series can be utilizing every minute of air time to produce comedic gold.
It highlights the short comings of a movie which is limited to 2-3 hours of condensed story telling time and uses the marathon like story telling format of tv to its fullest. For the first time in a long time, TV and The Movies are on equal levels when it comes to entertainment value and it’s becoming harder and harder to choose what you want to watch, one of the few difficult life choices to we enjoy.
Only after its second season Wilfred is set to cement its position among the top television series of today. The possibilities for these two characters are endless; the physical adventures are only a reflection of the internal goings on of (Elija Wood) and the dog, his guardian or his downfall.
The concept of Man’s best friend brought to life is a neat sound bite of what this series is all about, but as we all know from (the dog’s) naïve and twisted ways season 2 can only get better. This is not one to miss.
Wilfred Review: Season 1
Oct. 31st 2011
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