Dollhouse

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 13, 2009
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 419 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 346 out of 419
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 419
  3. Negative: 58 out of 419
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User Reviews

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  1. Zonata
    Feb 25, 2013
    6
    This show had so much potential. However, for reasons I understand, the ethical concerns were not fully exploited. The result is an half action/psychological show were both side are just ok.
  2. DougB
    Feb 16, 2009
    4
    For those of us that are just plain old Tv fans, ugh. I can imagine Whedon backers might be into it, but an unbiased eye could not see right through this. Way to much information exposed for us to be intrigued. Way too many obvious logic jumps to be intelligent. Way too many dull dim-witted cliche characters to be exciting. Some nice action sequences and skin galore can't save this For those of us that are just plain old Tv fans, ugh. I can imagine Whedon backers might be into it, but an unbiased eye could not see right through this. Way to much information exposed for us to be intrigued. Way too many obvious logic jumps to be intelligent. Way too many dull dim-witted cliche characters to be exciting. Some nice action sequences and skin galore can't save this stiff show.… Expand
  3. PlacidD
    May 6, 2009
    4
    This show has a very very exciting premise, but falls far short in terms of delivering. Eliza Dushku is a very one dimensional actress, and simply cannot carry a leading role like this. The support cast varies from solid to mediocre, and storytelling goes very up and down (with the familiar Whedonesque twists). Alan Tudyk's portrayal of Alpha is true class though, he performs brilliantly.
  4. BSmith
    Feb 13, 2009
    6
    Too early to tell if its good but if this wasn't a show brought by Joss Whedon I would not watch a second episode.
  5. DobJ.
    Feb 14, 2009
    4
    A lifeless mess, expected far better from Joss.
  6. Ravenous
    Nov 19, 2010
    4
    As a huge fan of Joss Whedon, I have to say that Dollhouse was his worst creation to date. Why was this so bad when Firefly, Buffy, and Angel were so unbelievably good? Well, for starters it lacked Whedon's trademark HUMOR. The premise was so dark that there was no room for the kind of witty banter and hilarious references within the dialogue that we've come to expect from Joss' shows. InAs a huge fan of Joss Whedon, I have to say that Dollhouse was his worst creation to date. Why was this so bad when Firefly, Buffy, and Angel were so unbelievably good? Well, for starters it lacked Whedon's trademark HUMOR. The premise was so dark that there was no room for the kind of witty banter and hilarious references within the dialogue that we've come to expect from Joss' shows. In addition, Dollhouse had another major problem: the cast just wasn't as good. Dushku is simply not a lead actress. No matter how hard they try to make her seem sweet, it just never works. Call it the 'Faith syndrome' if you want, but she just appears totally awkward and fake whenever she tries to act the 'good guy'. Furthermore, the other cast members were only adequate at best, and annoying at worst. I hate to criticize Joss' work so much - and part of me is pained even typing this - but this show just didn't stand a chance.… Expand
  7. Stealthgear
    Feb 24, 2013
    6
    This show definitely had its moments but never hit full on excitement. All of the actors were excellent. Stories were hit or miss, usually focusing on the technology of mind swapping. By the end of season 2 the entire plot and characterization becomes broken, almost like they were trying to destroy the show. Attempts at adding drama just ruined things, just like what happened to someThis show definitely had its moments but never hit full on excitement. All of the actors were excellent. Stories were hit or miss, usually focusing on the technology of mind swapping. By the end of season 2 the entire plot and characterization becomes broken, almost like they were trying to destroy the show. Attempts at adding drama just ruined things, just like what happened to some seasons of Buffy. While technically this show looks better than than Whedon's previous attempts, its not as fun. Its obvious that Whedon can't tell a long arcing story with multiple characters. Since it was kind of fun I'd say check it out, but beware that the show was cancelled for a reason.… Expand
  8. drlowdon
    Aug 16, 2023
    6
    Dollhouse told the story of a young woman, known as Echo, who is kept in a place known only to the most rich and powerful. Whilst in the Dollhouse their minds are wiped leaving them in a childlike state but when required they can be programmed to meet the wishes of the organisation’s clients. If you want a highly trained bodyguard or a master thief the Dollhouse is the place to go.

    From    Dollhouse told the story of a young woman, known as Echo, who is kept in a place known only to the most rich and powerful. Whilst in the Dollhouse their minds are wiped leaving them in a childlike state but when required they can be programmed to meet the wishes of the organisation’s clients. If you want a highly trained bodyguard or a master thief the Dollhouse is the place to go.

    From the opening episode the show follows Echo on her various assignments whilst simultaneously raising questions about who Echo really is and why she finds herself in the Dollhouse. Any show created by Josh Whedon will always get my attention, but for the most part Dollhouse lacks the magic that made Buffy, Angel and Firefly such a joy to watch. In a similar way to Tru Calling, another show starring Dushku, the weekly assignments did become a little repetitive and it was only when the series hinted at a bigger picture towards the end of this first season that the viewers were given an idea as to Whedon’s overall plan for the show, making far more interesting viewing in the process.

    Despite a number of negative comments about Eliza Dushku’s ability to play such a difficult role she, for me at least, does a capable job and the supporting cast are arguably even better. Perhaps surprisingly however from the man that gave us Xander, Mal Reynolds and Lorne the show did lack truly memorable characters with many coming across as slightly generic.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Best TV Season of 2009
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
44
#44 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 28
  3. Negative: 6 out of 28
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    67
    Given the artfully vague hints of an intriguingly desperate past for Echo, as well as Whedon's track record, we ought to cut the show some slack. Let's see if Whedon can bring this doll to greater life.
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  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    60
    Whedon is a vastly better storyteller than anyone involved in "My Own Worst Enemy," so Dollhouse can be very engaging, even if the premise doesn't make sense. Dushku isn't as versatile as the role demands--many weeks, the only difference in Echo's persona seems to be her wardrobe--but Whedon and his writers certainly are.
    Read full review
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    50
    Joss Whedon is one of television's most talented visionaries, but his latest series--the highly anticipated midseason drama Dollhouse--is a major disappointment.
    Read full review
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