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. EB
    Mar 21, 2009
    8
    The show keeps getting better. Granted the pilot wasn't great, but what pilot is? Exposition is a necessary evil in the beginning of any show, however, the plot and characters are improving noticeably with each show. Latest episode - Man on the Street - was extremely well done. I hope that people will give this show a chance.
  2. CaseyC
    Apr 13, 2009
    10
    Amazing show. I saw a few ads but wasn't impressed. Randomly caught a bit of an episode and was hooked. This show is complex, different, and intelligent. Each episode pulls you further into the mysteries of the Dollhouse. AMAZING! Really a must see. Fox, please renew for a second season and give it some better marketing. This show is a gem!
  3. JacquiO
    Mar 29, 2009
    8
    Very good...took a while to warm up, but has now finally hit its stride. Was just enjoyable, is now extremely compelling. Takes tradition SciFi conceits and delves into them with pop sensibility, fun action, and deep philosophical implications. What is reality? What is individuality? What is personality? This show asks it all. Extremely enjoyable.
  4. kennethc
    May 8, 2009
    10
    Its sad to see the idiots who dont give credit where credit is due and lack the comprehension ability to follow a good story. As with anything though decide for yourself, watch the first 6 episodes and make a judgment call. If you like what you see it only gets better. If its not up your alley then thats to bad your missing out on a lot.
  5. alisrachel
    Jul 11, 2012
    10
    I loved this show! I can see why some people may not enjoy the intense suspense, the thrilling and complicated plot-lines, the mesmerizing performances and the constantly outstanding level of action, the drama, the development and overall excitement of the show...but then again, I can see why some people prefer to lead simple lives. If you liked Buffy the Vampire slayer, you'll love dollhouse.
  6. Ken
    Jan 4, 2010
    10
    Slow to start, as the season progressed it became more and more compelling. Eliza Dushku is easy on the eyes and does a fine job at most of the characters, but lacks at some of them. However, it is the overall story arc and the many supporting characters that bring this up from a good show to a great one. Someone comented about this show being about date rape, and in a way it is and Slow to start, as the season progressed it became more and more compelling. Eliza Dushku is easy on the eyes and does a fine job at most of the characters, but lacks at some of them. However, it is the overall story arc and the many supporting characters that bring this up from a good show to a great one. Someone comented about this show being about date rape, and in a way it is and isn't. It is a complex morality tale that shows the road to destruction is paved with good intentions, at least at the beginning of the journey!… Expand
  7. GerardoB
    Mar 7, 2009
    9
    The first episode was kind of boring, but slowly I'm getting reeled in. After watching "Grey Hour" I think I'm getting ever closer to becoming an addicted fan of this show.
  8. OscarR
    May 10, 2009
    10
    This is the first TV show that I've been hooked on week after week in about a decade. I really hope that they go on to make a second season.
  9. JenniferM
    May 10, 2009
    9
    This show is fantastic! It is the first show I watch off my TIVO every time a new one is available. The episode where Echo was a rock star's bodyguard had a very weak climax, but every other one has been stellar! I hope Fox picks this up for a second season.
  10. THATTVGUY
    Feb 14, 2009
    10
    Joss Whedon is BACK!!!! The pilot has me sold. Great writing, awesome directing and a very intriguing storyline. I can't wait to see where it goes. really REALLY don't listen to the critics on this one. Dollhouse is a mystery, detective show, and sci fi all wrapped up in one. It feels like an expertly adapted comic book and it has some great actors and the girls are hot. Support Joss Whedon is BACK!!!! The pilot has me sold. Great writing, awesome directing and a very intriguing storyline. I can't wait to see where it goes. really REALLY don't listen to the critics on this one. Dollhouse is a mystery, detective show, and sci fi all wrapped up in one. It feels like an expertly adapted comic book and it has some great actors and the girls are hot. Support the Whedon! I feel a strange paranoia that since the show already got moved from it's original Monday Night next to 24 slot, FOX might cut it. But i hope not. I hope it turns into the best parts of Heroes, Alias and everything Fringe isn't (IMO). And yes, I think the pilot was that good!… Expand
  11. AnthonyU
    Feb 16, 2009
    7
    Though one could see a lot of past Whedon shows in Dollhouse--Eliza Dushku, Amy Aker, and a set that looks strangely like Wolfram & Hart--there was very little of the wit and superb storytelling one typically associates with a Whedon enterprise in this first episode. However, if you're a Whedon fan you know not to count to count him out based soley on the first episode of a series. Though one could see a lot of past Whedon shows in Dollhouse--Eliza Dushku, Amy Aker, and a set that looks strangely like Wolfram & Hart--there was very little of the wit and superb storytelling one typically associates with a Whedon enterprise in this first episode. However, if you're a Whedon fan you know not to count to count him out based soley on the first episode of a series. I'm holding out hope that audiences won't be dissapointed as Dollhouse develops.… Expand
  12. JoshP
    Mar 1, 2009
    10
    This show is not only entertaining, but leaves you wanting to know more and more about what's going to hapen next. While it may have mixed reviews at the moment, the episodes keep getting more and more intense, surely it will get better feedback as the season moves forward
  13. JohnV
    Mar 23, 2009
    10
    Fantastic show that is only getting better episode after episode... reminds me of the early seasons (the good ones) of Alias, but a bit more twisted and interested.
  14. Scribbler
    Mar 2, 2009
    7
    I was looking forward to this show for weeks before it premiered, and had to sit a while after the second episode to decide if I'd been disappointed. There are some things in the writing which snag, and the overdone plot of "The Target" nearly quashed my interest - but the premise of the series brought me to watch the third, and as the plot has thickened, and Echo's off-mission I was looking forward to this show for weeks before it premiered, and had to sit a while after the second episode to decide if I'd been disappointed. There are some things in the writing which snag, and the overdone plot of "The Target" nearly quashed my interest - but the premise of the series brought me to watch the third, and as the plot has thickened, and Echo's off-mission personality quirked further, I've found myself growing more and more engrossed in the possibilities of the series. It seems odd to me that the strongest acting regularly comes from one-shot characters, but as the episodes pass, we begin to see more out of the main characters, as though their actors are coming to realize their characters more fully at the same time as the plot unveils them. At this point, the series is full of potential, with plot and character development that draws the audience into exploring its intrigues; as it progresses further, I look forward to seeing how it develops.… Expand
  15. BenjaminS.
    Apr 12, 2009
    10
    The latest drama from Joss Whedon shows a departure from his previous work. Less of the monster element of Buffy and more towards the 'Firefly/Serenity' style of drama, looking at human nature and the way people will treat each other when given power over them. An excellent cast centres around 'Buffy/Angel' alumni Eliza Dushka, who plays a Doll, one of the The latest drama from Joss Whedon shows a departure from his previous work. Less of the monster element of Buffy and more towards the 'Firefly/Serenity' style of drama, looking at human nature and the way people will treat each other when given power over them. An excellent cast centres around 'Buffy/Angel' alumni Eliza Dushka, who plays a Doll, one of the 'volunteers' chosen by a mysterious agency to have her mind wiped and to be given memories and a new persona, in order to deal with the tasks and assignments the company is hired for. While certainly more serious in tone than Buffy and more complex than Firefly, Joss Whedon has constructed a highly intriguing plot line that should acheive the same success as Buffy... if the general public can 'get' it.… Expand
  16. ChrisB
    Apr 22, 2009
    10
    The show is subtle and complex compared to the first seasons of Whedons earlier shows. Give it a chance, it's worth it.
  17. CarolinP
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    I didn't expect the show to be so entertaining, but now i cannot stop watching it. Joss has done it again, and FOX should defiantly keep Dollhouse on air- for i know many who will continue to watch it!
  18. JeremyQ
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    It is getting very interesting and i can't wait for the finale!!
  19. Mari
    Apr 7, 2009
    10
    It keeps getting better and better, and I am always excited for the following week's show!
  20. ZD
    Apr 8, 2009
    10
    The first few episodes are slow to build up, but it's definitely worth sticking with this show. It keeps improving with every episode. It's twisted, intriguing, and thoroughly entertaining.
  21. CaraD
    May 1, 2009
    9
    This show is completely different from Whedon's Buffy and Angel shows but excellent nonetheless. You never know quite what to expect from week to week and as we are getting to know the characters more and more, the show itself is becoming rather intriguing. I really hope it won't get cancelled - just when it is getting interesting!
  22. HymanR
    May 5, 2009
    9
    Gets more interesting with each episode. Good mix of episodic stories and overarching mystery.
  23. Kadayip
    May 9, 2009
    9
    First few episodes are a tad formulaic, but the show hits it stride later on and throws up some very interesting storylines as well as an examination of the nature of identity and what it means in a world where personalities/memories can be made to order. Worthwhile
  24. beccaw
    May 9, 2009
    10
    This show is amazing! I think that Whedon is a genius. His work in Dollhouse asks the audience to question and ponder intellectual concepts and facets of human nature. His work inspires us to think about slavery and free will, about identity and autonomy, about tragedy and fantasy. There is so much more here than beautiful actors, a cool set, action scenes, and someone losing their This show is amazing! I think that Whedon is a genius. His work in Dollhouse asks the audience to question and ponder intellectual concepts and facets of human nature. His work inspires us to think about slavery and free will, about identity and autonomy, about tragedy and fantasy. There is so much more here than beautiful actors, a cool set, action scenes, and someone losing their freedon. A good critic needs to dig deeper and consider the intriguing concept and overarching themes of the show. Dollhouse is a nuanced, intellectual, and fascinating show. The director's work and vision comes across clearly, and with every episode I have a deeper respect for this director's amazing work.… Expand
  25. MariC
    Jul 6, 2009
    9
    So interesting! Really fun, fascinating scenarios and so much moral ambiguity.
  26. MadonnaM.
    Jan 16, 2010
    10
    I love this show. Eliza Dushku is an amazing actress. The plott of Dollhouse is outstanding and keeps me hooked on every moment of the show.
  27. Dave
    Jan 27, 2010
    9
    This 2nd season has been brilliant. Which means it will get the chop.
  28. johnh
    Feb 13, 2009
    10
    First episode lacks the Whedon humor but promises of more in later episodes pushes this to a 10....Elisa is believable in a multitude of different roles. Again, is the public ready for something different? A bit of LeFemme Nikita and a dash of Firefly...good pairing with Terminator, SCC. Hopefully we'll see development of characters other than Echo....visually stunning!
  29. ColinC
    Feb 28, 2009
    7
    Not equal (yet) to Whedon's last effort, Firefly, but the show has potential. I'm certainly enjoying it so far (3 episodes in), and I'm confident that it will to continue to grow and get better.
  30. MarcB
    Mar 20, 2009
    9
    So far Dollhouse shows as much promise as any series I've seen in the last several years. I've loved each episode and it just keeps getting better every week.
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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.
    Read full review
  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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