Review: Wilfred, S2, Ep. 201 – “Letting Go”
Air Date: Thursday, June 28, 2012 10:00PM E/P on FX.
Rating:
“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.” – Howard Hesse.
Each episode of Wilfred begins with a quote relating to the central theme of the episode. The theme of this episode is firmly planted in its title, “Letting Go.”
I have eagerly been anticipating the season two premiere and though I hoped for more antics, I think the slower pace leads us into the season perfectly. But don’t let the gradual progression mislead you, oh no. There are plenty of “WTF” and “WOW, did he just say that” moments to be had in “Letting Go.”
Wilfred (Jason Gann) ignores Ryan (Elijah Wood)
It’s been three months since Ryan (Elijah Wood) has seen Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) or Wilfred (Jason Gann). As we left off in last season’s cliffhanger, Wilfred had trouble remembering things after his accident. Now Wilfred is healthier since his return from Drew’s (Chris Klein) parents’ lake house. Oh, did I mention Drew is moving to LA? Look like we’ll be hearing more crazy ‘Ryan-isms,’ as I like to call them. It was a little bit of overkill on the Ryan-name game but quite hilarious, too. I liked “Ry-An woman, hear me roar.” A new one Drew throws out on the fly, “Ry-can see clearly now the rain is gone,” is a bit strange, however. And of course, the old faithful, “Ru-Ru-Ry Sharona” works on Drew’s name as well, as Wilfred belts out, “Drew-by Dooby Doo.” It’s so silly, you have to chuckle.
It’s obvious Wilfred’s had a lot to think about in his months of recuperation. He pretends he doesn’t remember Ryan but I think we all know that isn’t going to last very long.
Ryan: “Wilfred, I know you’re having trouble remembering who I am but I hope in time…”
Wilfred: “I remember you, Ryan. Memory is like the Packers when they’re behind by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter – it comes back.”
While I didn’t find that humorous nor did I think it made sense, it’s Wilfred and sometimes, things just don’t make sense. That’s one of the reasons I love this show.
L-R: Drew (Chris Klein) explains to Ryan (Elijah Wood) that he and Jenna have been having issues as of late.
So with all the pleasantries out of the way, we get back into the routine of the familiar – Ryan still pines for Jenna and needs Wilfred’s help, while Wilfred is plotting some ingenious plan to make Ryan feel guilty, and basically has Ryan wrapped around his paw. But things take a weird turn when Wilfred talks about the workouts he’s been doing with Drew – cardio, weights…and showering? The way Wilfred repeatedly mentions showering with Drew makes me wonder if this will turn into a ‘peanut butter’ situation like in season one’s episode, “Acceptance.” I really hope not. While I find the implied bestiality innuendos funny, they can be overdone at times. Let’s just hope it wasn’t a sordid shower.
Wilfred wants to impress Drew so Ryan helps him enter a doggie challenge competition. Things get twisted around, however, after Ryan offers to get Wilfred an over-the-counter enhancement product to boost his agility. Wilfred, being the drug snob he is, must only have illegal substances—none of that legal crap will suffice. When Ryan and Wilfred hit up a muscle beach hangout looking for steroids and meet up with a randy character played by Don Swayze, it’s hilarious. We’ll call him Shady Alley Guy. Well, Shady Alley Guy wants payment in the form of oral sex from Ryan. Of course, Wilfred basically calls Ryan a wuss when he refuses, so what’s a guy to do…? Ryan goes back and what he does as a consolation to a knob job is the most awkward moment I’ve seen between two guys. Not that I make a habit out of watching two guys…LOL!
I like the life lessons surreptitiously embedded in each episode. Throughout “Letting Go,” references are made to letting go of things you can’t control – bad relationships, like Jenna and Drew’s with their constant bickering; Wilfred’s obsession with impressing Drew; and Ryan’s realization of how selfish he’s been in his relationship with Wilfred. Although, I think Wilfred does a good job of making Ryan believe he’s being more selfish than he really is.
Funny lines/moments:
Wilfred to Ryan after Ryan asks for his help with Jenna: “I’m not Dr. Phil, ok. I’m Dr. Wilfred and I only call myself that when I’m DJing.”
Wilfred to Ryan about Wisconsin: “Wisconsin was kick ass. There’s a beautiful lake there. I took 37 shits in it.”
Wilfred to Ryan about getting him steroids: “See, this is how friendships work, Ryan. I scratch your back, you scratch the area directly above my penis until my leg goes ape shit.”
Shady Alley Guy to Ryan: “Fine, $150 and a hug; a long one. I want it to be tender like we’re sisters at a funeral.”
***
There are so many moments where I laugh out loud and cringe a bit in “Letting Go.” The dialogue is witty and the chemistry between Wood and Gann is still fantastic and playful. And the comedy is as raunchy and uninhibited as ever…just the way I like it!
Tune in to 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.
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Photos © 2012 FX Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Judy Manning
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