After being pulled from the air for a month by Fox, Dollhouse returned to the airwaves and did so with a vengeance.
The episodes titled The Public Eye and The Left Hand aired on December 4th. We watched as the Dollhouse organization had to deal with society and another Dollhouse. Rather than a confusing assignment interrupting the story, we watched one plot develop throughout the entire 2 hours of Dollhouse.
Quirky humor, good action, intrigue and good old fashion knock-down fights riddled with subterfuge. NOW WE’RE TALKING!
Come on, Topher talking to Topher. How fracking funny is that?
In the past, episodes had underlying developing plot while the plot of the assignments were carried out. I always found that distracting and no matter how hard I tried, the show just wasn’t connecting.
For me, that’s what I felt was why the ratings never really took traction. But Joss Whedon on the issue had this to say:
“The problems that the show encountered weren’t standalone versus mythology [episodes],” Whedon said. “Basically, the show didn’t really get off the ground because the network pretty much wanted to back away from the concept five minutes after they bought it. And then ultimately, the show itself is also kind of odd and difficult to market. I actually think they did a good job, but it’s just not a slam-dunk concept.”
“People responded to Dollhouse by saying ‘this is trafficking. This is sex for money.’ “
Even Joss admits the premise was a tough sell.
As far as I’m concerned, Friday night’s episodes is what Dollhouse should have been about all along.
As it stands, Joss says that once Dollhouse is over, it’s over. There won’t be any Dollhouse comics or web series. (For those of you who were wondering.)
When Dollhouse ends, I wouldn’t be surprised if Joss veered away from television. As he put it, he brings things to the table that changes things up and brings a different idea to the table. But networks seem to be more about bringing to people exactly what they’re expecting.
He feels like the entire TV system is crumbling from what it was because of how the internet can make entertainment a different production process.
As far as Joss’s future projects?
“There are irons that are in the fire and when it’s time to pull one out and brand myself with it, I will, but there are a couple of different things. I’m still sort of trying to figure out which one is going to get the nod, but first I have to finish reading the script for [Episode 13] and make all the episodes.”
Dollhouse Closing Season Notes
Upcoming selected guest stars for this final parts of season 2 are Keith Carradine, Alan Tudyk, Felicia Day and Adair Tishler.
On December 11th, the episodes will be “Meet Jane Doe” & “A Love Supreme.” Echo is still working on keeping her multiple personalities and Alpha returns.
On December 18th, “Stop-Loss” and “The Attic.” This is a Victor story line and yes, that title says it all. We get to see the attic. The question I put to you, is who else gets to see it?
On January 8th is called “Getting Closer.” January 15th, “The Hollow Men.”
The series finale of Dollhouse airs on January 22nd, titled “Epitath Two: Return.” Felicia Day and Adair Tishler guest star. If you can somehow manage it, find someone you know who might have the Epitath episode. It’s a totally awesome epi and stands alone very well.
When All Is Said & Done
No matter what else, Joss Whedon got to air this story he wanted to tell. Not often someone can take an edgy concept and get it on network television.
Do I think we’ll ever see another Whedon television series? My guess is not on the big three. Cable, maybe. FX and such have some daring edgy shows on and it could be a possible avenue for Joss.
But I feel we will be seeing web projects from Joss. That’s that.
Dollhouse is coming to a close. That’s fine. If these last few episodes really do kick butt, I’ll be upset they didn’t make it that way through and through. But it is what it is.
A Suggestion From Cinema Static on S.o.B.: My above information comes from an incredible interview conducted by Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune. It would be criminal to not head on over to her site and read the entire interview. She starts the article with her take on her Joss interview, then includes the trasncript of the interview. It’s a good read for the Dollhouse / Joss Whedon fan.
Thanks for coming by gang!
Chicago Tribune; Dollhouse: Season One on Amazon
