Review: Wilfred, S2, Ep. 206 – “Avoidance”
Air Date: Thursday, Aug 2, 2012, 10:00PM E/P on FX.
Rating:
“Our biggest problems arise from the avoidance of smaller ones.” – Jeremy Caulfield
I am torn. I laughed a lot during “Avoidance” but I was also very…uncomfortable. In an effort to avoid making the issue bigger later (as noted in the quote), I admit that the whole ejaculation portion of this episode grossed me out.
Ryan (Elijah Wood) and his sister Kristen (Dorian Brown) enjoy a cup of coffee at a beachside cafe when James (guest star Eugene Byrd), an old friend of Ryan’s, stops by. Ryan doesn’t seem keen on rehashing old memories with James. It seems there’s some bad blood between them, but it’s mostly Ryan who’s holding onto the grudge. It’s so discernibly uncomfortable for James when Kristen jumps up with arms wide open for a hug he never intended to give. She acts like they were besties when it’s clear James only wanted to say hi to Ryan. I love when James tells her she looks “radiant”—the look on her face is priceless. Especially given her comment to Ryan after he said the same thing, “People say radiant, what they mean is fat.” Her tagging along when Ryan and James go out for a beer makes her look even more desperate for attention. It’s completely awkward. And, while I get that the introduction of James is a gateway to finally learning more about Ryan’s past and his father, the story line gets a bit muddled with all the “jizz” happening.
Not the mayo, Wilfred!
Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) takes Wilfred (Jason Gann) to “doggy dancing” on the beach and gives him a treat afterwards – a churro. With Jenna out of town and the big dance recital just ahead, Ryan becomes Wilfred’s new (reluctant) dance partner. But the whole ‘get a treat after we dance’ thing takes on a new meaning. It becomes almost like a waking nightmare as Wilfred begins stalking Ryan, looking for his “treat.”
I’m surprised Ryan’s not scarred for life by Wilfred’s actions…I know I am! And to top it off, you knew it was coming (no pun intended). It’s no wonder Ryan was so willing to have a drink with James. Wilfred comments on Ryan’s quick departure, “Wait, is this because I jizz blasted you?” When the doorman at the bar checks Ryan’s (Elijah Wood) I.D. and uses his black light flashlight to scan him, it’s pretty gnarly.
Observations:
Wilfred wants his “treat”
Ryan tries to dance and follow along with Wilfred but it looks so awkward. Of course, they’re just dancing in the streets, alleys, and crosswalks, not trying out for Dancing with the Stars. It isn’t until the very end, after a few hits on the bong, that Ryan and Wilfred go into a theatrical dance montage, complete with tuxedos, when we finally get to see Ryan bust some moves. I still don’t get the whole dance routine, but I’m willing to overlook it since I love the show.
Wilfred talks about his other “best friends” and I’m just wondering when these jokers will pop up. Apparently, the mysterious Dennis, his number one BFF, is disabled and can’t be Wilfred’s dance partner. You can see the hurt and disappointment in Ryan’s eyes when he finds out he’s only a “good friend.” I wonder if this is another one of Wilfred’s ploys to teach Ryan yet another life lesson about friendship. Friends aren’t supposed to “jizz” on each other…well, unless it’s prearranged or something. (Note to my friends: no jizzing on or near me.)
I’m ready for Ryan’s story arc about his daddy issues to progress. I want to see that come (no pun intended) to a head (again, no pun intended). I’m not eager, however, to see anymore eruptions from Wilfred’s or anyone else’s penis. Saying it happened is one thing—to see it under a black light and on Ryan’s cheeks, well, that’s just too much. (Giggle…barf).
Tune into Wilfred, Thursdays at 10PM E/P only on FX.
For more on the show, go to http://www.fxnetworks.com/wilfred/.
Follow Wilfred on Twitter @FXNetworks #WilfredFX.
Like Wilfred on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/WilfredFX.
Photos © 2012 FX Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Judy Manning
Latest posts by Judy Manning (Posts)
- Review: THE CHANGELING – Apple TV+ New Drama Is Extraordinarily Perplexing - September 8, 2023
- CLEAN SWEEP Series Review – Sundance Now’s Addictive and Dynamic New Drama - June 22, 2023
- CITY ON FIRE Review – Apple TV+ Hypnotic Music Driven Mystery Full of Intrigue - May 12, 2023
- SILO Review – Complex, Dark Labyrinth of Secrets, Lies, and Drama - May 4, 2023
Follow Us!