jchrisobrien (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
jchrisobrien) wrote2009-05-07 11:47 am
jchrisobrien) wrote2009-05-07 11:47 am
Dollhouse Updates, non spoilery
After 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.
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When funny actors can flip the switch and go to something more seriously and scary, I'm really impressed. Color me really impressed!
PS- Half the time I hear Agent Ballard speak, I can imagine Nathan Fillion delivering the lines. I'm sure Joss had him in mind when he wrote the part. :)
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I think things sound good for renewal, from what little I've heard.
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Hooray for season two of the Dollhouse!
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Time to make room on my shelf for another Whedon TV show. :)
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It's a nice payoff later!
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so far I've found it completely predictable from end to end. the only thing that has surprised me so far was the reveal that Mellie was a doll. but once it came out and Ballard found out, his reaction was totally predictable. plus, I really can't stand Dushku's acting.
the [supposedly] big reveal of a couple weeks back that this technology could be used to make rich people immortal? that was obvious from day one to anyone who thought the implications through rather than just waiting to be told. besides, Robert Silverberg wrote it already in "To Live Again" and Roger Zelazny wrote another variation in "Lord of Light".
BTW in case you missed the reveal in the last episode, Dr. Claire is actually a doll code-named Whiskey.
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She's so variable. She doesn't do vulnerable well at all. And the sexy nekkid screen ads make me laugh, it's just not her. But I thought she was great as a rich 50-something in the doll's body, she actually seemed relaxed in that role.
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I don't think it was that big a reveal about immortality, but it was fun to think about. The episodes w/Alicia and Topher interacting with actives were pretty revealing things about their characters, which I liked.
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*g* Are there any plots that haven't been done multiple times at this point?
(Not commenting on Dollhouse, as I've only seen about 30 minutes of it in total.)