Writer-director-producer-composer Joss Whedon's fanbase is amazing (at more than a few conventions I have seen T-shirts and posters state: "WWJD: What Would Joss Do"). His captivating and unique vision for the future of science fiction and fantasy has already generated three cult hits with varying lifespans (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly), and produced the catchy and popular web musical Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. Therefore it is difficulty not to have high expectations for anything new that man does, even if it is in the early stages. This is the case with his latest television show, Dollhouse, which enjoyed a short first season to introduce the characters and overall aesthetic of this labyyrinthine and perpetually changing series. Thankfully the show has been renewed for a second season by Fox, although Whedon and company certainly created a fascinating and reasonably bookended first season.
The show is about a girl named Echo (Buffy and Angel vet Eliza Dusku), who works in a place called the Dollhouse. She has been contracted for five years (it has never fully been stated how long she has been here) to have her memory and personality wiped clean from her while the programmers of the company download the fantasy personalities that the clients request for their "engagements." While sex is brought up, the Dollhouse is not solely for any type of high-tech prostitution. Most of the clients have other reasons for requesting Echo and her fellow Dolls' (primarily featured are Dichen Lachman as Sierra and Enver Gjokaj as Victor) personas of the week. Each episode chronicles the various engagements of each Doll and the Dollhouse support staff. The staff includes the handlers for each doll (Harry Lennix plays Echo's handler Boyd Langton), tech wizard Topher (Fran Kranz), Dr. Claire Saunders (Angel alum Amy Acker), and Adelle Dewitt (Olivia Williams), the head of the location that the action takes place. Hot on the trail of finding and stopping the Dollhouse is Agent Paul Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett); for reasons yet to be fully elucidated, he is looking for Echo (or as she was once known, Caroline) in particular.
This is all information given early in the pilot, so as not to ruin all the fun and surprises, and there are quite a few mysteries to unfold. There are a number of subplots and b-stories that occur during each episode, and that have been built throughout the season. While not all of them have been wrapped up, some answers are there as a reward for those who sit through the whole season. Yet, as with any Whedon show, not all of the answers are happy and generally lead to even greater questions.This is not a show recommended for children! While the Dollhouse is not always about prostitution, there are a number of sexual encounters depicted, the cast in various states of undress that may make parents uncomfortable, violence, and some disturbing images. The show was rated TV-14 for a reason.
It is remarkable how the actors that play the Dolls are able to realize such drastically different personas each episode, but you can still tell that it's all just a facade. Each of the performances from the entire cast are quite good in their own ways, but as with any new show, there is still room to grow. There is some stiffness when they go in depth on exposition scenes to setup how the house functions, that was starting to melt away by the end of the season. This can also be said of the writing staff; they primarily stuck to one-off episodes that cohered more and more throughout the season. Oddly it became most clear how much was developed, or pieced together by the writers, during the approximately five minute montage at the end of the season finale. As Beck's haunting cover of The Korgis' "Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime" plays, there are major revelations and wheels in motion for the next season that should leave viewers anxiously awaiting the season two premiere.
The DVD set includes the "lost" episode from the season, "Epitaph One" that was produced in case the show was not renewed; it is meant to afford better closure about what would have happened to Echo after the cliffhanger ridden season finale "Omega." While it has a fun guest appearance from Felicia Day, it's not fully clear if this episode will have much impact on the series, which is a flash forward to the future. Still, it is interesting and worth watching once. Another bonus episode, if you will allow, is the unaired original pilot, "Echo." While it is never fully clear why it had to be thrown out completely; there are a few minor distinct differences in how everyone is being introduced that were probably better choices. There are also a few featurettes about the making of the show that are entertaining, and will probably really fascinate those who enjoy this high-concept show.
Dollhouse enjoyed a solid first season, but it's growing pains were evident in the first few episodes. Yet, it is actually nice to see a show that managed to improve from it's pilot; there are countless shows that have their best episode of the first season be that initial overly-planned outing. Enjoy getting to know these characters at the beginning (this is not a show to jump onto in the midd, and anticipate the future.
Grade: B+
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