(S01E05) Among other things we've learned from tonight's episode of Dollhouse is that those who live in a cult can sing in perfect harmony. Mostly likely due to brainwashing.We've also learned that certain members of the U.S. Senate are well aware of the Dollhouse's existence, making it even less likely that Agent Ballard will succeed in his mission of bringing the place down.
The big reveal from tonight is that any and all of the Actives can potentially break their programming. We saw it with Victor tonight and we saw it with Echo at the end when she instinctively knew that Laurence was an enemy (and also a douchebag).
I found it interesting how Topher and Claire Saunders (the delicious Amy Acker) stood on opposite ends of the moral spectrum, as well as the confidence spectrum (Topher is so insecure). I also found it interesting how the organization treats Actives like objects rather than people, such as giving them risky surgery without true consent. It sounds like slavery to me.
I don't care what Joss says, Mellie is definitely something. If she's not the Active known as November, then she's someone. I'll bet money that she's the one feeding the information to Agent Ballard. Does she work for Alpha? Did she know Caroline pre-Dollhouse? Note that I am still not abandoning my idea that Ballard is Alpha. That will likely happen later when it is proven that he isn't.
In all the discussion about the relative benefits of going to the Dollhouse for an Active rather than hiring someone, did anybody mention that they can't crack under questioning? Someone probably did. An Active actually believes their cover story so it would certainly make undercover work like this episode more effective.
Echo's false identity reads pretty well considering the fact that she hadn't read a book since she was nine. It could be that she had the passage memorized beforehand. The Hooked on Phonics probably didn't hurt either.
Tonight's character of Esther Carpenter (note that biblical references of her name) hails from New Hampshire. Her previous character from two weeks ago was from South Boston. Given the fact that Eliza Duskhu herself is from the area, are all her personalities going to be from there? When will she become a Brit or an Australian or a gangster rapper?
Speaking of two weeks ago, between her stage appearances from that episode and her television appearance on this one, it's going to be more difficult to keep Echo and the Dollhouse low-key. I'm also wondering when she'll partner with the Bunnymen (okay, bad joke. Forgive me).
Overall, a pretty good episode. A few reveals and hints of things to come. Despite her re-conditioning, Echo may even be able to grow and change. The characters around her certainly are changing. That's what keeps the show interesting.
Next week represents a big reveal according to the Gospel of Whedon. It represents a step up in the drama. It's also competing with the series finale of Battlestar Galactica. As cult science fiction fans, we have a big decision to make next week. Which one will we be watching live?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-14-2009 @ 4:24AM
ryan said...
If you're a Neilson family, watch Dollhouse live. Otherwise it doesn't matter since you don't get a vote. :-)
Anyhow... really digging Dollhouse, despite what the haters say. This episode's plot was both interesting in its own right and a good example of what creative ideas the Dollhouse actives could be used for (compared to midwifery, for example, which was just ridiculous). Lawrence's actions at the end were quite over the top I thought, but we got the nice reward when Echo gave him the evil eye at the end... loved it.
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3-14-2009 @ 11:35AM
Claire said...
It does seem to be getting better and better. I hate having to justify liking a show that isn't bad, just complex. why can't people like a show they confuses them at bit? Maybe I'm more willing because I'm addicted to LOST, which hasn't made sense for three years now.
I would like for them to explore the victor/sierra relationship. It's very Blue Lagoon at the moment, or whatever that movie was called. Topher's reaction to the "man-reaction" and subsequent explanation to Dr. Claire was somewhat humorous. I really like the Topher character, but I prefer him secure enough to say and hear the word erection.
do you think Joss will ever give us a background episode explain how everyone (staff at least) got to the Dollhouse (Adelle, Dominick, Topher, Dr. Claire) or why/how it was started.
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3-14-2009 @ 11:47AM
Brad said...
Dollhouse is really starting to grow on me, as I was hoping it would Now that we are getting closer to "what Joss really wants to do with the series" type episodes, it should (I hope) get even better.
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3-14-2009 @ 12:28PM
MacGuffin said...
Great episode last night. Hope this series catches on because it is getting better each week.
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3-14-2009 @ 1:49PM
MDD said...
BSG of course...
P.S. Echo and the Bunnymen..lol
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3-14-2009 @ 2:18PM
Midnight13 said...
A pretty great episode for Amy Acker. Give us more Amy Acker! I really thought this was a good epiosde. I liked the twist that nobody in the cult wanted out, and that the note was a plant by the head of guy who wanted to raid the compound. As for "Dollhouse" and "BSG" on at the same time. "BSG" usually re-airs the episode later that night. Midnight here in the west. This being the series finale I would hope that Sci-fi airs the episode more then once, or even twice.
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3-14-2009 @ 5:13PM
e said...
Which one to watch live? What? People still watch live TV?
Complicated? Who thinks this is complicated?
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3-14-2009 @ 9:00PM
In A World (XBL) said...
I absolutely loved this episode... until they set the house on fire, that's when the story fell apart. I thought I knew what was coming: the crazy cult leader will face rebellion from most of his followers, but "Ester", being a "True Believer" will surely remain true to form and give a sincerely-brainwashed speech along the lines of "we must burn in this world to be reborn in the next", the final test of faith the cult leader has been putting her through. But no, instead Echo completely breaks character by reverting, for no apparent reason, to the assertive hero personality (aka Faith from Buffy, same old same old). They still could've had the fire department rescue everyone and had the confrontation with that evil dude who works at the Dollhouse... all WITHOUT compromising the consistency of the characters. Why can't they let Echo BE Ester? Just BE THAT PERSON, through and through. Make it believable!
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3-15-2009 @ 12:53PM
Suntzu said...
No apparent reason she got punched in the face and adapted
3-15-2009 @ 2:52AM
YouFaceTheTick said...
Like it. Like the slow build. This only seems like it could last one season but I don't mind. most shows grow stale a bit into season 2 and by season 3 everything blows. so if this makes it a full year, great. I like the evolving story line regarding the actives and their natural selves slowly coming out.
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3-15-2009 @ 10:35AM
Biggus Rickus said...
Echo breaking character is the whole point. It's why the douchebag wants her in the attic and is the main story arc of the season.
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3-15-2009 @ 5:54PM
YouFaceTheTick said...
Why would anyone watch any tv live? This is 2009 - we have DVRs and the internet. We're not stuck hoping the VCR records or trying to get home for a "very special episode of Growing Pains."
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3-20-2009 @ 2:28AM
Tom said...
Surprised the comments here are as positive as they are, I've been unimpressed thus far. I was going to post a question as to whether everyone else was feeling disappointed in this one. I tried to watch true believer, but couldn't get into it. I then went back through my Tivo and read the summary to each week I hadn't seen yet, and delete-delete-delete. I saw nothing that interested me.
But, if you all think this show is really this interesting, I'll give it another chance this week.
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4-28-2009 @ 2:18AM
Dollhouse said...
I had Watched this episode on http://www.watchdollhouseonline.com/
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