Well, that was…interesting. The final shot of the third season of Wilfred is of Ryan in a forest, unearthing a statue of a man in a dog suit. It’s a moment that’s perfect for a cliffhanger, intended to be intense and mysterious. However, it comes across as tacky and unnecessary. Let’s break down why.
Ryan’s dad has always been a fundamental part of the show, even without his physical presence. He’s been hovering over these characters’ heads, influencing Ryan’s life in ways Ryan himself does not want to admit. Wilfred is important, but he may very well be a manifestation of Ryan’s inability to let go of his childhood. The series is about him maturing as a person, and his dad has impeded that natural progression of events.
This is exactly why I was excited to hear that his dad would be brought into the fold this season. However, I feel like the writers only scratched the surface with this relationship; it was a unifying storyline, but it jumped around the other side stories way too much. The weaving was less effective in this season.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the season (there are a few absolutely amazing episodes), or the episode. I love Wilfred’s reunion with Ryan, as it conveys true sadness on both of their parts. It’s heartbreaking and endearing, and it reminds you why you’re watching this show. The Jenna stuff, on the other hand, feels a bit generic, just like the rest of the season. The show pushed the boundaries in seasons 1 and 2, and I feel like they took a step back here.
As for the decision to kill off Ryan’s dad, I’m left disappointed. I guess that it is a smart move on the part of the writers, as they can maintain the ambiguity they’ve created with the character. However, it comes across as an avoidance of Ryan’s father issues. I hope that next season, the writers focus on him coping with the death, and not with the new overarching mystery. I don’t think that will happen, but I’d really love it if Ryan worked to make himself better. If that means the series has to end, then so be it. I want to see a natural progression of events, not some meandering plot that dances around a big mystery the whole season.
It’s not a bad episode. I’ve made it out to be worse than it really is, but that just stems from disappointment.
Grade: B
Season Grade: B
Other thoughts:
-So Ryan’s roommate is a spy! Okay.
-We also find out that the pro bono division managing job is actually real. It’s an interesting decision that I hope will be handled well next year.
-“What’s next, landscaping camp?”
-“At first I thought it was you, but then I thought about what you look like, and act like, and how you struggle with dandruff and stuff, and honestly I just burst out laughing.”
-Renewal is not a given. The show has been struggling, especially without Louie as a partner, but I hope FX allows it to end on its own terms. Hopefully I’ll see you all back here next year for season 4.
Credit to FX and Wilfred for all pictures. I own nothing.
Polar Bears Watch TV 
I’ve never watched Wilfred but I’ve heard good things and I really like Alison Mack(who I hear had an eight episode arc in the second season). I might give it a try. Good review.
You should give it a try. It’s kind of strange, but it’s an entertaining show with a complex mythology and a hilarious Jason Gann.