Saving WILFRED

WILFRED is one of the weirdest shows on U.S. TV, which probably is why we love it. Turns out, though, that this heartwarming saga of a man and his neighbor’s dog is in danger of cancellation. Here’s what’s happening, and what you can do about it:

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Please don’t let them put Wilfred to sleep
by The Bitter Script Reader

I’m going to ask you guys for a favor. If it is at all within your power, please check out the sitcom WILFRED this Thursday night at 10pm on the FX Network.  I’ve heard rumblings that the show’s low ratings this season have cast doubt on the show’s chances for a renewal for a fourth year.  In fact, this week could make all the difference for the show’s survival.  If this season truly is the end of the line, then that would be a shame as WILFRED is one of the most unique shows on TV. In fact, it’s one of my favorite current shows. (Full disclosure: I’m friends with one of the actors, but I’d be a fan of the show regardless.)

I think of WILFRED as sort of an adult Calvin & Hobbes if Hobbes was a dog – and a Machiavellian sociopath.  Elijah Wood plays Ryan, a former lawyer who starts seeing his neighbor’s dog Wilfred (Jason Gann) as a human in a dog suit.  Wilfred has a biting sense of humor and a near omnipotent ability to manipulate a situation to his ends, even when Ryan thinks he’s seen through the dog’s agenda. Many of Wilfred’s schemes involve playing on Ryan’s crush on Wilfred’s owner Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann), with the dog alternately seeming to help Ryan look good in front of Jenna or often putting him in compromising situations for reasons that suit Wilfred’s ends.  After another couple of seasons, TVTropes.com might have to rename “the Xanatos Gambit” to “The Wilfred Gambit.”

Is BROOKLYN NINE-NINE the New BARNEY MILLER?

We have to say that we think it would be wonderful for the TV audience if that was the case. So far, though, all we have is the showrunner’s word:

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ EPs: It’s ‘Barney Miller’ Meets ‘The Wire’
by Michael O’Connell

Mike Schur wanted to make something very clear at the top of his Television Critics Association panel: Brooklyn Nine-Nine is not a parody.

“This is not Police Squad … as big a fan as I am ofPolice Squad,” said the executive producer, who co-created the upcoming Fox comedy alongside fellowParks and Recreation scribe Dan Goor. “We want it to seem like it’s a real police precinct. And that was the goal the whole time.” read article

Herbie J Pilato: Showbiz & Its Ethical Dilemmas

EDITOR’S NOTE: Here at TVWriter™ we know Herbie J Pilato as a demanding critic of pop culture. Time now to bear witness to another of his many sides:

ALifeSunKindness Trumps Talent
by Herbie J Pilato

 Years ago, I directed a musical for the Rochester Association of Performing Artists (a.k.a. RAPA), and spent weeks auditioning many actors, singers and dancers of all ages. A diverse amount of extremely talented performers gave it their all during the auditions, but of course I could only narrow it down to a chosen few who would win the various lead and supporting roles.But it soon became clear who would round out the cast.I was impressed with the excessive talent of some, but more impressed with the extreme kindness of others. Some of those with the most talent, unfortunately, did not have the best personalities – nor the kindest of demeanors. And some of those with less talent – and in some cases, no talent at all, appeared to be less egotistical and potentially the easiest with whom to work.So, I was faced with a dilemma:

Hire the most talented who were also the most egostical and difficult personalities?

Or read article

DARIA’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION Knocks Us Out

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Click the pic and see the real Daria

Were you a DARIA fan back in the day? We sure were. I mean, we’re talking total identification with the character and her situation.

CollegeHumor.Com has brought Daria back – live! – in the form of Aubrey Plaza. This is one short video, and one high school reunion, you really shouldn’t miss.

Our favorite line: “We’ve all gone our separate ways, but we’re forever united by the scars of  our experience at Lawndale High.” read article

Sit Back and Enjoy the Matt Smith Doctor Who Farewell Tour

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Publicity for the DOCTOR WHO 50th Anniverary Special and all assorted Whomania is building, aided and abetted by Matt Smith’s personable as hell “Long Goodbye.”

Yeah, we admit it. TVWriter™ is really gonna miss the 11th Doctor. Sigh. read article