Echo gettin' implanted by Topher.
Dollhouse's pilot isn't going to blow away anyone who isn't a die-hard Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly) fan, but the potential for a very strong season is definitely here. In fact, some Joss fans may not even like it right away as most of Joss' trademarks are absent--there's almost no witty back-and-forth dialogue and the show seems to be exhibit Joss' more serious side (a stark contrast from his last project, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog).
There is probably no need to summarize the plot of Dollhouse, but just in case someone reads this who isn't completely obsessed with Whedon, I'll give it a go.
Eliza Dushku stars as Echo, an "Active" for a secret organization that runs an updated version of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. These Actives are people who--through imprinting memories, abilities, and personalities (think Keanu Reeves' "I know kung-fu" bit from The Matrix)--are made-to-order for anyone willing to pay the right price. Of course the Actives have no idea they're being pimped out.
They can become spies, sexual companions (as we see in the first five minutes), or probably even World's Greatest Grandpa. Dollhouse thankfully doesn't go into the science and technology that allows this to happen in the plot-stuffed pilot, but as a basic premise, it's incredibly promising and keeps the door open for anything and everything to happen in future episodes.
There have been concerns about Fox's requests to make the episodes more action-packed and standalone, and I'm afraid to say those concerns are warranted. Joss is a storyteller who thrives on character-building, and that's a tough gig when your star spends most of her time being other characters in the episode's standalone plot or having no character at all (as noted in the premiere, Actives must be almost completely devoid of personality in order to receive implants--not those kind, you dirty dog--resulting in an emotionless Echo cruising around the Dollhouse).
This is just the pilot, so we're counting on Echo's developing awareness of what's going on (which we're promised is the main storyline) to help us feel some sort of bond with her. It will be very interesting to see how Whedon is able to overcome this obstacle, but I'm pretty confident he will (we're treated to some pre-Dollhouse Echo footage, but not enough).
Echo, personality-free.
As for the other characters, Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica) plays an FBI agent obsessed with uncovering the Dollhouse, Harry J. Lennix (Commander in Chief) plays an ex-cop who serves as Echo's handler (he watches over her when she's on an engagement), and Olivia Williams' character runs the Dollhouse and serves as the shady corporate figurehead that all sci-fi shows need. Of particular interest is Fran Kranz's Topher Brink, the tech-wiz responsible for implanting the Actives. He's instantly engaging and provides the pilot's only levity. Dichen Lachman is also poised to be a breakout star as a fellow Active that will no doubt butt heads with Echo later.
The standalone plot in the pilot is nothing special…pretty standard stuff. There's a kidnapping and some mediocre character acting going on, but that's about it (we don't want to give too much away). We all read the story about the original pilot being thrown out, reshot, and rewritten, and sadly that can be seen--the pilot feels a bit hurried.
In recent interviews, Whedon has said the show has definitely hit its stride (albeit several episodes in), and I'm inclined to believe him. Whedon is an artist working with new tools, and the pilot was basically a first draft.
Having said all that, I'm eagerly anticipating more based on Whedon's track record, the incredible potential, and Eliza Dushku (whoa momma that white dress done made me stupid!). I'm not usually one to give out scores, but this pilot would be somewhere in the 7.0-7.5 range.
Dollhouse premieres on Fox on February 13.
Comments (81)
Oh an I forgot to say that I think Eliza Dushku is a really good actress. I think she will be part of what makes this show great once it gets rolling.
I became a member of this website just to comment on this review. I was a little surprised this show plays on Friday nights. I LOVED the first episode. I am a 22yr old female and I love to party but I would stay home on Friday nights just to watch this show. I loved Buffy when I was younger and when I found out this show was coming I was sooo excited. I wasn't disapointed by the first episode at all. I think people need to give it a chance. I hope that it's not one of those shows that gets pulled halfway through a season. I am really looking forward to watching the rest of the season.
Since it's Whedon, I'll hold out, but I hope it really is as good as he says.
I liked the premiere and am looking forward to the rest of the season.
Ahh, the fanfiction opportunities for Dollhouse are immense. I'm looking forward to that almost as much as I'm looking forward to new episodes.
I never really liked Buffy or Angel, looks like an interesting concept though, so I will give it a try.
OMG i am so excited for this show!!! i really hope fox gives this show the chance it deserves. i mean cmon ITS JOSS WHEDON!!!
If the network is patient enough to give it a full season with hopes of a second, and to have backed off enough for J Whedon to build from episode to episode, I'll trust that Whedon will go well beyond the pilot and build an interesting, if not intriguing universe or dollhouse to visit, especially with Dushku onboard. The premise does hold enough promise, so I'll definitely season pass it and watch.
I mis-read this title. :( Even though I already visited this article before, I read "Joss Whedon's Dollhouse Renewed". My heart sunk and I was about to shout for joy. *sigh* February 13 can't come fast enough... for more than once reason.
Well I don't agree with the below post on missing the Buffy alumnis cause they have have been everywhere. Sarah on movies, Alyson on How I met your mother, Nicholas on different shows, David in movies and Bones, James on many shows like Torchwood and Smallville, Amber on Supernatural and even Eliza was in Tru Calling and many other movies but I do agree on wanting more Joss shows on the air so come one Dollhouse I really can't wait anymore !!!!!
c'mon dollhouse! we need more joss whedon shows on Tv! and besides, we missed loads of the buffy alumni. can't wait!
February second needs to come now !
Im afraid FOX is holding Joss back to much, this only makes me worry more.
Seriousley rrunning out of patience...This show is going to be amazing !
Seriousley rrunning out of patience...This show is going to be amazing !
Can't wait to see what Joss has for us with Dollhouse!!! I wish he'd bring us another spin-off of the Buffyverse or something from the Firefly Universe!!!
how come people are complaining about standalone episodes.....FIREFLY was standalone episodes with overarching links between them...and it was ACE
I really hope Fox dont ruin Dollhouse by requesting standalone episodes.
i always thought Tru Calling was a brilliant show that never a real chance. The few episode made of season 2 were tv gold. certainly eliza has got the chops to make this brilliant. i just wonder at Joss trusting Fox with his new baby after they completely dropped the Firefly one. If Fox are paying attention "YOU DON'T BUY AN AUDI AND THEN COMPLAIN IT'S NOT BMW" You hired Joss for Joss so stop trying to change him
i'd like to give eliza dushku an implant
Always when there is name Joss Whedon then it's darn quality one.. :PAlso when there's Eliza Dushku it's a must see :) She is such a spicy actress and sooo beautiful that makes me feel dizzy :)
I have no idea if we'll be getting it in the UK. Two things worry me:1. It's on Fox and we've learnt how they ruin good tv shows.2. They wanted a new pilot.I'll watch it but won't get my hopes up.
Yeah, I've been waiting a while. I'll see for myself if I like it:-)
Agreed this show should be a serial ! Not " standalone " Either way I'm going to watch it !
12Iceman, Im with you completely on that.
The reason so many (greedy) networks prefer standalone's is because they are easier to follow and pick up new fans as the show progresses, unlike a serial which requires its viewers to start from the beginning or it becomes to complicated. What the networks fail to realize is that shows with continuing storylines are often the most captivating and rewarding programs on air without all that tiring repitition of standalones.
I hate this obsession the networks seem to have with "standalone" episodes. I want stories to continue week to week so that there is a reason for me to keep watching. I am sick and tired of all the Law and Order / CSI clones that just keep repeating the same basic plot every week and try to pass it off as original.
Again I am really excited. The creator is Joss. The storyline is hot and the actors and actresses are hot...it dosen't get any better !
I'm excited about this by I'm keeping my optimism in check due to thefact that FOX decided to give this a Friday time slot.http://www.joeonthetube.com
I like the concept, but the fact that FOX pushed it back till February makes me wonder if it'll be any good.
I wish they'd post the pilot on the internet. 30 Rock did that. Start already!
Too many stories about Dollhouse. Too little people seen anything... but I'll give it a try
This looks good. I will definitely take a look at the premiere.
I can't wait for the premiere. It'll be great to have a regular Joss show on. Sounds like it has the potential to do well.
This better make it!
Its actually partly due to Fox meddling with his pilot to Firefly that doomed it.
Fringe was classed as a stand alone series until it developed and that was awesome! ill be watching with an open mind for the first 6 episodes as Joss is the man who can pull off a good series
Cannot wait to see this. Love Joss W works and Eliza D is just to die for !!! But lets hope that 1.2 way through the season it will still have the excitement.
Regardless of how it opens, it is a must see. I always try to give shows at least 4 epis before I make a decision.
I have found that most of Whedon's pilot eps arent the most action packed full speed ahead eps that studios want them to be. He uses them they way they are meant to be used, to set the stage for the rest of the action packedness. Whats the point of action if you dont know why it is happening. So i am not worried and i am looking forward to seeing behind the humour of Joss to what else he has to offer us
Well, Firefly had amazing potential and Fox still managed to kill that pretty quicky, as talented as Whedon is, it doesnt mean it will get its fair chance.
If anyone is interested I also saw the episode and have a review up in my blog.
The only real concerns I have are:
A) No typical Whedon humor....This is one of his great strengths as a writer.
B) The bad time slot and FOX meddling will probably be the death of the show.
I think its time Joss considered doing a cable show. Outside of network TV, he could make a series with less meddling and mediocre numbers wouldn't necessarily mean an immediate cancellation.
The hardest part is choosing to DVR Monk or Clone Wars which also air at 8pm Fridays. Terminator should be no problem since Smackdown does not earn any Reward tv points anymore since moving to the non channel MyNetwork. lol [although Toon does not count either, just love Clone Wars]
Ugh... Fox seriously sucks, are they trying to kill the show before it starts! But, Joss is amazing so I have faith in Dollhouse! He'll pull it off. =)
Itngrcr9051-Firefly was awesome. I believe that network execs tend to only look at numbers, I swear they don't consider how many options there are in the entertainment world these days. They remember the hay day of "the big 3" when the numbers were big. It seems that if they don't get the same numbers now, it's axe time.
Uh oh... I get the eerie impression that Fox didn't learn its lesson from Firefly...