carlarsmendes When this show was created, (Almost!) 10 years ago, I was defintely looking forward to it. After following religiously others of Joss' shows (Buffy, Firefly), I couldn't wait to see what was coming next. And I was definitely not disappointed.Dollhouse surprised me then, with its mastery over the human psych, its treatment and development of characters and it surprised me now, when I rewatched it in 2018 and found it to be as insightful as it once did. Sure, the technology seems almost outdated, due to the rapid changes on the landscape, but the terrifying predicitions seem only closer this time around, and I would say, more real. The many loops and twists were still amazing to watch (even if I still remembered some of them partially) and it is refreshing to rewatch such a clever show. Should you watch this show? Yes, definitely, but especially if you: - Sometimes wonder where this technological advances are leading us; - Don't mind watching a show for the glory of its years (eg.: Watching Star Wars and remembering which technology was available at the time and not complaining how lame the computer graphics are); - Love Joss Whedon and want to capture its essence with the female-dominant hero, intelligent humor, different perspectives on the same situations, and grey scenarios and villains.I also wanted to add that one of the things that I particularly enjoy in this show is exactly what Joss intended to do: It makes people nervous and it makes them hot and bothered even if sometimes they can't quite figure out why (well, in this show, many times you can clearly pinpoint why - My brain quickly travels to the SM outfit). It is also interesting that maybe nowadays, with the hollywood-ish climate on women being treated differently and abuse, this show could never have existed, at all.And what a shame that would be.

spuzer55 I began watching this show not knowing what to expect after hearing about and reading mixed reviews stating its lack of popularity and untimely demise. I was surprised to find that every episode I watched made me want more at an exponential rate. The premise is well thought out and big on ideas. Each episode is exciting, being its own cohesive whole impressively put together with cleverly presented themes, while at the same time continuing and adding to the overarching plot development of the series. At no point in its fifty minute per episode run time does the story or dialog seem like filler or unnecessary to the plot development, and the story telling format is also often modified for extra effect and variety. The show doesn't regress into boredom or run out of ideas the longer the series continues, as some concept shows with high potential have been known to do in the past. In fact, the more you watch, the better it gets. I believe if a show written this well doesn't get the credit it deserves, the problem is likely to lie elsewhere in the execution process. Usually this is the result of subtle aspects in the way the show is presented; there is often a disconnect with the audience- either it's unsuccessful at adequately engaging them emotionally or appealing to them on some level. I personally believe that this show's shortcomings stem from the fact that it wasn't framed as a modern show. Despite coming out in 2009, the look and feel of the show makes it seem like it was shot in the early '90s; From the camera work to the sets, soundtrack and special effects, flashback hues and lack of closeup or reaction shots, even down to its cheesy intro and music. It all doesn't appear to be congruent with or complement the writing, making the acting seem transparent and the story seem at arms length to the audience. Often the character development in regard to the science fiction goes beyond what is plausible, but if you are willing to look past that the plot generated because of and despite this is engaging. At no point will you be asking yourself "Did I fall asleep?". Just for God's sake- don't watch the unaired pilot!! They chose to take a different plot direction, and some scenes are re-used in the later episodes for different story lines, making it confusing for those who do watch it. I also don't understand the criticism that the series is in some way misogynistic. The show is led by a strong and complex woman (in fact, the show has several strong female characters) striving to make the best of her situations, and ultimately trying to overcome and conquer the obstacles placed in front of her in ways that resonate to her very core. The premise of the Dollhouse may be morally aversive, but that's the point. It's not condoning or glorifying anything; and while the protagonist is female, the dolls are of both sexes. A sexual encounter may be part of someone's larger fantasy, but for most clients the experience is about recreating something meaningful, nostalgic or emotionally fulfilling. Despite what the show is lacking, it's still very, very worthy of being looked into. So go seek out Dollhouse, because it's time for your treatment now.PS- Don't listen to the person(s) below who apparently wanted to write a scathing review so badly after watching a total of three episodes, that he didn't bother paying attention to the exact parts of the show he was mocking. For those interested in clarity, ***Spoilers** for S1 Episode 2 follow: Client hires doll for outdoor adventure- rafting, rock climbing, hunting- and therein lies the greater risk to the doll's safety and the reason for the price increase. He also didn't complain about the price. The house had no knowledge of his other intentions. It is later explained that everything about this man was a fabrication, made up in order to pass the security evaluation and hire the doll. The question isn't "Why did he spend so much money just to kill someone for sport knowing he would only be exposed later?" but "Who was willing and capable of fabricating this man's personality and setting up these shenanigans (ie the fourth party who killed the remaining evidence), and what was so special about said doll that made her the target?" -although given the intricately fabricated personality, the first question would also be plausible if he was looking to create a worthy adversary for himself and had the money to spend. Together with a very relevant intro at the beginning of the episode, this is all further explained, in detail, near the end in case there were some who didn't understand it completely as it was happening. These events tie in to the bigger picture and overarching story which, surprisingly, keeps developing beyond the first three episodes of the series.There's nothing wrong with disliking a show, but if the only reason behind this and calling the creator an idiot in a heated rage of emphasis caps is that you can't adequately follow the plot, then you risk making yourself look like a fool on the internet.

A_Different_Drummer Another reviewer nailed it -- said this did not "feel" like a Joss Whedon show. What was he thinking? It was high concept, it had potential. The first mistake was the casting. Eliza Dushku worked so well in Buffy because she was counterpoint, not merely to the star but to the ethics and morals of everyone on the Scoobie team. It was at the time a part that would be almost impossible to screw up, and she did not. But not screwing up a part is not the same as winning an Emmy. Whether, after a few outings in B-grade cheerleader movies, that justified building an entire show around her, gee, turns out Joss is human after all, and makes mistakes. The record will show that I tried to like this production and watched each episode looking for just a hint, a soupcon, of what makes a Joss Whedon show so special. Some snappy dialogue. An unexpected plot arc that comes out of nowhere but really was subtly set up 5 episodes ago. The set also made me crazy. The interior of some institution buried underground sounds great on paper, but week after week it gets claustrophobic. True confession. I watched every episode until it was yanked. And instead of anger I felt relief.

emacedon2003 This movie had me hooked from the beginning. I hate it that its no longer on anymore. I knew that FOX Network had a lot to do with Dollhouse not being on air anymore. You guys should have went on the CW they rock. Here's hoping you guys can get back on air sooner then later. It had an excellent story-line. This show had imagination, excitement, mystery, the action scenes totally rocked-hard. Echo (Eliza Dushku) was very exciting to watch. Some of the cast was from Angel. Once I found that out I started looking up why Fox stopped this show. The twist of the show had me on edge, in a "I love her, I hate her" (Adelle) Aka Olivia Williams, Mellie (Miracle Laurie) was so beautiful, hoping to see you in more shows. Alpha (Alan Tudyk) was giving them the business. Paul Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett) Was so sexy, wow. What a man. Boyd Langton (Harry Lennix) So, had me fooled. Great Actor. Topher Brink (Fran Kranz) such a Genius. Victor (Enver Gjokaj) had me cracking up when he was Topher. Everyone was great in this show... Hope to see you back