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Dollhouse Updates, non spoilery
May. 7th, 2009 11:47 amAfter a bit of a lull, I caught up on the last few episodes of the Dollhouse, and I can see a major improvement in the stories.
For those who haven't seen the series, let me set your expectations
Opener - Not the strongest opening for the show, but they get the basics of the series across: The Dollhouse programs people (actives) with various personalities and rents them out to clients. The memory wipe is supposed to be perfect but Echo (Eliza Duskhu) get flickers of past memories, and of her old life. Characters are pretty thin at this point, but it's only the first episode.
Episodes 2 & 3 - While they are useful in setting up relationships between Echo and her handler, and showing FBI Agent Paul Ballard's (Tahmon Peniket from BSG) search for the Dollhouse, the plot in both of these is pretty damn bad.
Episodes 4 & 5 - These stories are more interesting, but still have the focus on Echo's "identity of the week" with little development of the other characters and their back story, the staff at the Dollhouse are pretty one dimensional still, but growing more entertaining.
Episode 6 - This easily makes up for all the weak episodes by setting the ubran myth of the Dollhouse in greater context, adds some great twists and hooks to the story, and basically kicks the storytelling up several notches. The show definitely finds its footing here.
Episode 7 - The show continues getting better by giving the other actives more screen with with Echo. Ensemble shows are where Joss really works best, and the other actors are up to it.
Episodes 8-9 Less time spent on random missions, more time on politics and experiments within the Dollhouse. Some big character revelations, and much more depth added to the supporting cast. A much richer environment by now.
Episode 10 - While this is a one shot again, the story is much more engaging and morally interesting.
Episode 11 - The penultimate (?) episode of the season, more big twists and an awesome appearance by a Joss Whedon alumni are the perfect reasons to watch this episode.
After an admitted weak beginning, Dollhouse picks up and starts running. I don't know that this show has the length/duration of something like Buffy or Angel, but it certainly has one or two more good seasons in it. You can watch episodes 7-11 on Hulu now, which are the better episodes to watch anyhow.
For those who haven't seen the series, let me set your expectations
Opener - Not the strongest opening for the show, but they get the basics of the series across: The Dollhouse programs people (actives) with various personalities and rents them out to clients. The memory wipe is supposed to be perfect but Echo (Eliza Duskhu) get flickers of past memories, and of her old life. Characters are pretty thin at this point, but it's only the first episode.
Episodes 2 & 3 - While they are useful in setting up relationships between Echo and her handler, and showing FBI Agent Paul Ballard's (Tahmon Peniket from BSG) search for the Dollhouse, the plot in both of these is pretty damn bad.
Episodes 4 & 5 - These stories are more interesting, but still have the focus on Echo's "identity of the week" with little development of the other characters and their back story, the staff at the Dollhouse are pretty one dimensional still, but growing more entertaining.
Episode 6 - This easily makes up for all the weak episodes by setting the ubran myth of the Dollhouse in greater context, adds some great twists and hooks to the story, and basically kicks the storytelling up several notches. The show definitely finds its footing here.
Episode 7 - The show continues getting better by giving the other actives more screen with with Echo. Ensemble shows are where Joss really works best, and the other actors are up to it.
Episodes 8-9 Less time spent on random missions, more time on politics and experiments within the Dollhouse. Some big character revelations, and much more depth added to the supporting cast. A much richer environment by now.
Episode 10 - While this is a one shot again, the story is much more engaging and morally interesting.
Episode 11 - The penultimate (?) episode of the season, more big twists and an awesome appearance by a Joss Whedon alumni are the perfect reasons to watch this episode.
After an admitted weak beginning, Dollhouse picks up and starts running. I don't know that this show has the length/duration of something like Buffy or Angel, but it certainly has one or two more good seasons in it. You can watch episodes 7-11 on Hulu now, which are the better episodes to watch anyhow.
