I just re-read my post from six months ago about Wilfred, and I'm left without much more to add. I've seen the show's third season now, though, and I can vouch that this second one remains the show's greatest to date. Which isn't to say that the third one is bad, but just that - you know what? We'll get to Season 3 in due time, I'm sure.
The thing about Season 2 that sets it apart from Seasons 1 and 3 is a strong sense of thematic continuity. For the show's whole run so far, Ryan has been charming and endearing but helplessly put upon by his sister, his boss, his neighbor and love interest, and that neighbor's dog. But it's here in Season 2 where Ryan gets a chance to lead a happy life and take part in a healthy relationship with a girlfriend. Of course, Ryan's not ready for something like this. He still loves his neighbor, he has daddy issues on daddy issues on daddy issues, and most importantly he still spends most of his free time getting high with his neighbor's dog, probably hallucinating. Tack on his sort of recent series-opening suicide attempt and it's clear that this is a fleeting happiness indeed.
That's some heavy stuff, and it's dark enough to feel downright depressing. Fortunately, this is a show about a crass talking dog, so there's plenty of comic relief undercutting several of the starkest moments and scenes. And I mean, there are plenty of those. The show manages to strike up a healthy balance of mystery, psychology, surrealism, and dick-and-fart jokes. It's really unlike anything else on TV. The upcoming fourth season has been confirmed as the show's last one, so now's the perfect time to try jumping in and seeing if you like what's being offered here. I do, and I look forward to Season 4! Especially since most summer TV just plain sucks.
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