australian television information archive

There is a Dog.

Episode 1.01
Monday, March 19, 2007 (SBS)
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

Adam can hardly believe his luck when he's invited home by Sarah — a gorgeous young woman he met at a Powderfinger concert. This joy is quickly turned on its head when he meets Wilfred — Sarah's cantankerous canine who is determined to make him feel as uncomfortable as possible. This might be cute and everything on the first night. However, when Adam and Sarah start a serious, live-in relationship, Wilfred turns up the torment meter in his quest to drive Adam out of the house. Eventually, Adam is forced to question his sanity after spending whole weeks embroiled in an ongoing psychological war with a nine-year-old dog who thinks he's five.

With: Alex Tsitsopoulos as Hoon 1, Daniel Schumann as Hoon 2, Troy Lovett as Hoon 3

Note: the first 7 minutes of episode one is the original short film

Dog Day Afterglow.

Episode 1.02
Monday, March 26, 2007
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

Adam and Sarah's relationship is blossoming. Sarah takes the opportunity to tell Adam how important it is that he and Wilfred get on well. She gives Adam the 'single mum' speech: She and Wilfred come as a package. Adam convinces her that he loves Wilfred and to prove it he decides to spend some quality time with him.

With: Daryl Suter as Adam Stunt Double, Kaori Hamamoto as Nurse, David Ringelblum as Doctor

Dogs of War.

Episode 1.03
Monday, April 02, 2007
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

Sarah is aware of the growing tension between Wilfred and Adam and calls a meeting. She demands a ceasefire. Adam apologises to Wilfred and Wilfred graciously accepts it. It seems like they're all friends, but as soon as Sarah's back is turned Wilfred threatens to tear out Adam's throat. A silent but deadly psychological war is waged behind Sarah's back. The potential for explosive violence is at every corner.

With: Lindsay Moffatt as Gent 1, David Maslen as Gent 2, Agostino Soldati as Gent 3, Tony Ghosthawk as Gent 4, Carly Rheinberger as Lady 5, Billy McCabe Jnr as Postie

Walking The Dog.

Episode 1.04
Monday, April 09, 2007
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

The tension continues to escalate between Adam and Wilfred. When Sarah and Adam take Wilfred to the beach, they get to share some quality time together as Wilfred plays in the shallows. Later, when Adam and Wilfred are in the water, they drift further out — and away from the flags. They get caught in a rip and both start swimming desperately to shore. Wilfred catches a wave all the way into the beach, to the cheering of the sunbathers. Meanwhile, Adam needs to be rescued by two lifesavers and resuscitated on the beach.

With: Sharief Serfonteyn as Todd, Timothy O'Dwyer as Tim, Daniel Ryan as Steve, Nick Birnie as Surfer, Richard Young as Lifesaver, Stuart Ridge as Lifesaver, Greg Pandelidis as Cop, Steve Marton as Mark, Andrew Phillips as Dad in Car, Emma Kathryn as Mum in Car, Sam Bentick as Boy in Car, Jesse Rowles as Wilfred stunt double, Daryl Suter as Adam double

The Dog Whisperer.

Episode 1.05
Monday, April 16, 2007
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

TV Vet Jack Underwood comes to help Wilfred with his behavioural problems. Wilfred convinces Jack that he is of sane mind and it is Adam who has social problems. Sarah refuses to choose between the two. But if she did have to choose...

With: Kim Gyngell as Jack Underwood, Vejay Shanmugam as Cameraman, Michael Ellenford as Soundman

Dog Eat Dog.

Episode 1.06
Monday, April 23, 2007
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

Sarah sees an 'old friend' on TV. Adam and Wilfred, being on each other's wavelength, crack jokes about this 'old friend'. Their mirth comes to a grinding halt when Keith turns up on the doorstep. Keith is a well known film star. Wilfred gives Adam a wry smile — "you got your work cut-out for you." At that moment, Keith introduces his dog, Cyros. Wilfred also has his work cut out for him.

With: Angus Sampson as Cyros, Damian Walshe-Howling as Keith

Note: Tony Rogers won "Best Direction in a Television Comedy" at the 2007 Australian Directors Guild Awards for this episode

Barking Behind Bars.

Episode 1.07
Monday, April 30, 2007
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

Adam and Wilfred are at the park. Wilfred is behaving petulantly. Two dog-catchers ask Wilfred if there is any reason why he isn't wearing a collar. There isn't one. The catchers regret to say that they'll have to take him into the station. Wilfred explains that he's under adult supervision — he's here with his owner's boyfriend, Adam. But Adam walks by, pretending he doesn't know Wilfred. Wilfred is driven-off in a paddy wagon.

With: Damien Richardson as Hank, Suzannah Bayes-Morton as Jane, Noel Ballantine as Dogcatcher, Kim Gyngell as Jack Underwood, Vejay Shanmugam as Cameraman, Michael Ellenford as Soundman, Chris Wallace as Pastor, Billy McCabe Jnr as Postie, Gianluca Toscano as Young Wilfred, Sharief Serfonteyn as Todd, Timothy O'Dwyer as Tim, Nick Birnie as Surfer; Funeral Guests: Pearl Bosley, Leo Bosley, Mary Adams, Trish McWilliams, Bianca Martin, Kylie Gulliver, Bonnie Chen

This Dog's Life.

Episode 1.08
Monday, May 07, 2007
Written by Jason Gann & Adam Zwar
Directed by Tony Rogers

Sarah breaks-up with Adam. This comes as a surprise. Although Adam is upset, he says he understands and tells her to call him should she change her mind. But he's philosophical about it — and vows to throw himself into his work. We catch a glimpse of Adam's life without Wilfred and Sarah. The next day an executor of Sarah's ex-boyfriend's estate turns up and informs them that the house has to be auctioned immediately and "you have to move out". Wilfred calls on Adam's chivalrous nature and manages to get him to do something about it with unexpected and disastrous results.

With: James Saunders as Peter Fitzpatrick, Kevin Brady as Driver