Recap / Wilfred

Wilfred (2011-2014) is the American version of the Australian series of the same name, starring Elijah Wood as Ryan, a man who forms an odd friendship with his neighbors dog, Wilfred, whom he sees as a man in a dog suit (portrayed by Jason Gann). Spoilers will be unmarked.

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Season 1

1. "Happiness": After a failed suicide attempt, Ryan forms a unique connection with his neighbor's dog, Wilfred.
2. "Trust": Ryan betrays Wilfred's trust to gain favor with Jenna, but his deception yields an unexpected secret about her.
3. "Fear": Ryan learns why Wilfred planted his wallet at the scene of the crime when Spencer comes around seeking vengeance.
4. "Acceptance": Ryan's efforts to reconcile with his sister cause Wilfred to have a shocking experience at doggy daycare.
5. "Respect": Ryan and Wilfred volunteer at a hospice and discover Wilfred may have a remarkable secret talent.
6. "Conscience": Wilfred persuades Ryan to help him get rid of Jenna's boyfriend.
7. "Pride": Wilfred's pursuit of a new love interest forces Ryan to swallow his pride— among other things.
8. "Anger": When Wilfred learns that Ryan feels responsible for the death of his childhood dog, he goes to otherworldly lengths to help Ryan learn the truth.
9. "Compassion": Ryan's resentment of his eccentric mother is exacerbated when Wilfred starts treating her like the mum he never had.
10. "Isolation": Wilfred uses Ryan's unhealthy habit of isolation as a means to rid himself of a neighborhood pest.
11. "Doubt": Ryan begins to suspect that his friendship with Wilfred may be self-destructive.
12. "Sacrifice": Wilfred urges Ryan to sacrifice his new found happiness for a greater good.
13. "Identity": Ryan ignores Wilfred's advice, creating an existential crisis for both of them.

Season 2

1. "Progress": Ryan realizes the consequences of not having Wilfred in his life but finds it difficult to separate his dreams from his reality.
2. "Letting Go": Wilfred refuses to help Ryan with his problems in an effort to prove that their relationship is ruled by Ryan's selfishness.
3. "Dignity": Wilfred's popularity creates problems for Ryan, whose own reputation has suffered because of it.
4. "Guilt": Ryan must prevent Wilfred from waging war against an unlikely foe: the unborn baby who's still residing in Kristen's belly.
5. "Now": A traumatic experience creates unexpected consequences for Ryan and Wilfred, who must now learn to cope with a new trauma: change.
6. "Control": Ryan makes plans to introduce Amanda to Jenna, but Wilfred makes the simple meeting a lot more complicated than it needs to be.
7. "Avoidance": Wilfred and Ryan's friendship is threatened during a sticky encounter that leaves them both unable to face each other.
8. "Truth": When Ryan asks Amanda to move in with him, Wilfred's nemesis, Bruce, returns with an offer that rocks Ryan's world.
9. "Service": An impromptu road trip leads to disastrous results and leaves Wilfred, Ryan and his family in peril.
10. "Honesty": Ryan and Wilfred go to extraordinary lengths to help boost Jenna's career.
11. "Questions": On a drug-filled journey of self-discovery, Ryan looks inward to discover the truth about Wilfred and finds a Native American spirit guide.
12. "Resentment": Ryan's jealousy prompts Wilfred to derail Jenna and Drew's wedding, where Wilfred and Ryan are playing the roles of co-ring bearers.
13. "Secrets": An old drawing prompts Wilfred and Ryan to consider shocking existential questions about love, life, and childhood.

Season 3

1. "Uncertainty": Ryan and Wilfred search for Wilfred's original owner.
2. "Comfort": Ryan befriends Wilfred's enemy: the mailman.
3. "Suspicion": Ryan distrusts his sister's new love interest.
4. "Sincerity": Ryan takes Wilfred to a dog training class in the hopes of winning over a girl.
5. "Shame": Wilfred helps Ryan pick a roommate.
6. "Delusion": Wilfred forces Ryan to collaborate on a birthday gift for Jenna.
7. "Intuition": Wilfred leads Ryan on an insomnia-fueled crime-fighting caper.
8. "Perspective": Ryan tries progressive psychotherapy to better understand a past trauma.
9. "Confrontation": Wilfred crashed Christmas dinner and pits Ryan against his family.
10. "Distance": Ryan, Wilfred and a wily friend try to outfox one another.
11. "Stagnation": Wilfred's obsession with a forbidden love jeopardizes Ryan's living situation.
12. "Heroism": Wilfred's path to valor puts Ryan in danger.
13. "Regrets": In the season finale, Jenna bars Ryan from seeing Wilfred when he needs him most.

Season 4

1. "Amends": Henry, who has a strange connection with the Flock, convinces Ryan to take a new job, but Ryan soon has a dire premonition that comes true.
2. "Consequences": Ryan and Wilfred go camping to search for clues to the Flock, but when Drew tags along, Wilfred tricks Ryan into telling him the truth about Jenna.
3. "Loyalty": Ryan helps Kristen with her bitter custody battle despite interference from Wilfred, and Lonnie reveals a startling fact about Henry and the Flock.
4. "Answers": Ryan lets Wilfred undergo research experiments, but he soon begins to wonder just who is being studied. Meanwhile, Ryan learns more about the Flock.
5. "Forward": After Wilfred causes a debacle at Joffrey's daycare, Ryan and Wilfred reveal radically different perspectives on the events.
6. "Patterns": Ryan discovers Genevieve's connection to the Flock, and Wilfred and Bruce engage in "End Games" that reveal— maybe— Bruce's true identity.
7. "Responsibility": Ryan and Kristen spar over how to best care for their mother, who is in love with a doctor at the sanitarium, and Wilfred gains a three-legged rival.
8. "Courage": Learning that he has advanced lung cancer, Wilfred begins checking things off his "bucket list," while Ryan and Jenna get closer than ever.
9. "Resistance": Happy he has brought Ryan and Jenna together at last, Wilfred prepares to die in peace— until Drew returns and drives a wedge between them.
10. "Happiness": Distraught over the loss of Wilfred and Jenna, Ryan finally learns the truth about the Flock, his father— and Wilfred himself.