The words 'sitcom' and 'ingenuity' are rarely ever used in the same sentence...well, at least for the better part of two decades when it comes to the Australian Comedy strand.

It's been a long time since Aussie TV enjoyed the likes of Fast Forward, the last genuinely funny local sketch show to grace our tubes. Since then, everything has been very miss, with the likes of Kath n Kim and We Can Be Heroes the only real exceptions to the rule that our attack of the comical genre is less than adequate. More notably, efforts like Comedy Inc, Skithouse and newly developed, The Wedge, are examples of why we need to just let go.

The last of the lower-than-low-brow sketch shows that has two redeeming features: Jason Gann and Adam Zwar, creators of the brilliant eight-part comedy series, Wilfred. Originally a short film entrant to the mega-showcase that is Tropfest, Wilfred attacks the stereotypical Australian comedy with a bite that can only come from one species - a dog...but not in the traditional sense.

Wilfred (Jason Gann) is a dog of a different breed - he thinks he's human. The dog costume doesn't help deter the viewer from the notion that we are watching the very exposed and descriptive relationship between man and his supposed best friend. Enter Adam (Adam Zwar), a helpless, hopeless guy vying for the attention of Wilfred's owner, Sarah (Cindy Waddingham), whose characteristics and regular swearing emphasise the 'bloke' atmosphere of the comedy.

What follows is a tussle between Adam and Wilfred as they try to outdo each other with every chance possible and gain the undivided attention of Sarah. Neither man nor beast will admit to it, but it's a wonderfully written hate relationship that oozes the devoted companionship both have for one another.

An important strength of the show lies in the way the duo has gone to lengths to emulate canine moods via human element. In one sequence, Wilfred is tied to a table, as dogs are when they're out the front of milk bars and the like. As people walk by, instead of the snarl we get, "Fuck off!" In another, someone rings the doorbell and instead of barking, we get, "Who the fuck's there? Yeah, who's fucking there!"

With guest appearances from the likes of Kim Gyngell and Angus Sampson, Wilfred does enough to keep you laughing without the help of the 'canned laughter' record that is attached to almost every other show out there. It's interesting to know that most successful sitcoms out there don't have to rely on recorded laughter to get a laugh (hint hint, other Australian 'sketch fauxs').

4.5 stars

Out through Madman