Dollhouse, Season One – Blu-Ray

Joss Whedon’s imagination is one of the greatest modern gifts bestowed on the entertainment industry in this generation. Together with other out-of-the-box creative types like J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost, Star Trek, Cloverfield) and J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5, The Changeling, the upcoming Silver Surfer), Whedon refuses to accept the boundaries of already-set genres – thus, giving us underappreciated series like Firefly or cult followings for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. His latest endeavor is a grower that captivated more and more each week: Fox’s latest thriller/drama, Dollhouse.

The title references the show’s central location – the “dollhouse,” a Los Angeles center, hidden of course, where the Actives live when they are inactive. Those Actives (or Dolls) feature central character, Eliza Dushku as Echo, among others whose real-world memories have been wiped clean. Instead, they are now robotically hired out to the highest bidder to do whatever the assignment gives them – whether it’s a fantasy of the employer, a crime, etc. You get the drift.

Also involved is a rather mysterious organization – Rossum Corp. – running the entire thing along with the Handlers – the group responsible for being on-site and wiping away memories, dealing with issues, handling the assignments, etc. Thus it’s an odd work environment whose central plot line gives way to endless creativity with each episode. And this can also be the series’ undoing.

I say this because early on, Dollhouse finds a hard time with its footing. It’s only when the viewer gives Season One a full chance that things really begin to come together and feel, well, Whedonesque. Dushku is a fine casting choice, although the “fine” part refers as much to her physical attraction as anything else. Other characters are certainly memorable, but the constantly changing sub-plotlines found in each episode means it takes forever to really get to know people and feel like you’re falling into the show’s rhythm. Then again, that’s also what gives the show its creative spark and ability to take you anywhere.

There are many episodes that “work” and a few that don’t in the course of the season. “The Target,” the season’s second episode, is a great thriller set in the outdoors and features Echo on the run for her life. “Haunted” is a very engaging, clever mystery episode as Echo tries to figure out who killed her new imprint personality, Margaret. And “Spy in the House of Love” turns the tables on the Dollhouse and makes it the set for some espionage as an internal spy is uncovered somewhere.

The actual highlight here is the original pilot episode, which I read online in various places was considered “too dark” by focus group audiences. Thus the on-air pilot is a bit more concise, easier to follow and lighter, obviously. That’s sad because Whedon is at his best when allowed to work without constraints. Thus the original pilot, “Echo,” gives a fantastic beginning to the series and it would have been interesting to see what would happen if Whedon was given the green light from the outset sans pressure of any kind.

Still I realize Whedon is an acquired taste. This is, after all, the same man who merged the Wild West with outer space (Firefly). But given enough time, Dollhouse works out wonderfully and truly makes you wonder what Season Two has in store.

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