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. BrendanR
    Mar 27, 2009
    9
    An intriguing premise and great acting, this show is really getting interesting.
  2. AndrewM
    Mar 26, 2009
    7
    This score is for right now up to episode 6, without which my score would have been slightly lower. Like all of Whedon's projects, they unfold slowly. Buffy's first season was all about the hits and misses and the misses were corrected by season 2. Firefly never got the chance to unfold. Luckily, FOX has corrected that huge miss in allowing Dollhouse to do the same. As far as This score is for right now up to episode 6, without which my score would have been slightly lower. Like all of Whedon's projects, they unfold slowly. Buffy's first season was all about the hits and misses and the misses were corrected by season 2. Firefly never got the chance to unfold. Luckily, FOX has corrected that huge miss in allowing Dollhouse to do the same. As far as the lack of the same humor we Whedon-ites all know and love, Dollhouse is a more mature show and so the humor isn't going to be the same as what you'd find in a high school setting or 500 years into the future. The beginning of Dollhouse was lacking, but it has really picked up the pace and it's really changed gears in episode 6. Now I can't wait for this story to unfold. And knowing Joss, the twists won't end at just one.… Expand
  3. DanaT
    Mar 25, 2009
    10
    I find Mrs. Dushku's constant change in personalities, and the up beat 'Heroes' like suspense, creates a refreshing since of action in a TV Series as well as an interesting plot line. I'm interested to see where the writers take the series.
  4. 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.
  5. AaronM
    Mar 21, 2009
    9
    Dollhouse began with a rough start but, as previously stated, it just keeps getting better and better as Josh Whedon is figuring out what to do with the show.
  6. EricS
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    Great concept and getting better with every episode. Can't wait to see what is in store. I think the fans of Joss Whedon deserve a show to go beyond 1 season.
  7. JonS
    Mar 21, 2009
    3
    The entire show is just fetish fuel, right down to the commercials and opening credits. While its definitely improved its storytelling as of late, I'm still unconvinced that it will be able to turn things around. Phrases and story points get repeated over and over again. "Alpha must have done this, isn't what they are doing immoral," etc can only be repeated so many times.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. JasonG
    Mar 17, 2009
    8
    So far, I'm into it. Dushku is great in this role. She pulls off the tough girl and the vulnerable girl at the same time very well. It is good to see Battlestar Galactica's Tahmoh Penikett working, as he was excellent on BSG. I hope this one keeps up its momentum.
  11. SW
    Mar 17, 2009
    7
    Got off to a rocky start, but has shown marked improvement beginning with episode 4. Should again show improvement once series creator Whedon receives the reigns from Fox at episode 6.
  12. JimW
    Mar 16, 2009
    9
    Started off on the wrong foot, the episodes keep getting better and better. The writers and actresses started out just as confused as the audience and now hit their stride. I not that the critics who hated the show all had liberal papers, and blue-collar area critics like in Philadelphia usually loved the show. Also, many female critics loved the show. The most worthy season since Angel Started off on the wrong foot, the episodes keep getting better and better. The writers and actresses started out just as confused as the audience and now hit their stride. I not that the critics who hated the show all had liberal papers, and blue-collar area critics like in Philadelphia usually loved the show. Also, many female critics loved the show. The most worthy season since Angel Season 1 for Joss. As it dominates the 18-34 demographic for dead Friday, it will be renewed.… Expand
  13. MarkSn
    Mar 16, 2009
    0
    Bad TV show..I regret watching it and wasting time on it. Whedon should move on to something else.
  14. ColeG
    Mar 15, 2009
    9
    Maybe I am just a Whedonite, but I think Dollhouse is a great show. The pilot episode was a bit shaky, I have to agree. However, The Target really grabbed my attention. I always think Joss Whedon does great stuff, and I continue to follow thae actors on his shows (Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day, Summer Glau, etc)
  15. CollinH
    Mar 14, 2009
    8
    Let's face it, anyone who's been a fan of Joss Whedon knows that critics are rarely nice with him. Yet fans still love his work. Dollhouse has many of the same weaknesses as his previous shows, but the strengths have been improved. Firstly, Joss Whedon's writing is perpetually stuck in the 1990's - which was impressive for Buffy in 1996, but in 2009 it's weak and Let's face it, anyone who's been a fan of Joss Whedon knows that critics are rarely nice with him. Yet fans still love his work. Dollhouse has many of the same weaknesses as his previous shows, but the strengths have been improved. Firstly, Joss Whedon's writing is perpetually stuck in the 1990's - which was impressive for Buffy in 1996, but in 2009 it's weak and immature. Some performances can be a little hollow - Harry Lennix does not seem to adapt well to Whedon's style, and performances from Reed Diamond and Dichen Lachmen are utterly forgettable - but Dushku herself, Olivia Williams, and Fran Kranz offer lifting performances. The plot development is a bit slow at first, but episodes 4 and 5 are noticeably better-written than the preceding episodes in terms of combining elements of the story like the mysterious Alpha, the FBI agent, and Echo's compounding sense of adaptability and identity. And Lastly, the set design marks Whedon's best production yet; I remember reading an article that Whedon trumped the number of episodes this season to afford more lavish environments, and it works. The show looks and feels like it belongs on a primetime network like Fox, even if it has the Friday night time slot of doom. For those who watched Firefly, you know where that show could have gone if given the chance, so given Dollhouse some time and it'll eventually live up to par.… Expand
  16. PhillipW
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    This is the kind of show that eases into things, and from what I've seen, things are only getting better! What may have seemed a slow show at the start is now showing its true colors as not just intellectually deep, but action-packed as well. During the show, I'm on the edge of my seat-- and during the week until the next episode, I'm on the edge of going crazy in anticipation.
  17. SpecialE
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    I love Eliza Dushku and have enjoyed Josh Whedon's creations, so I was flush with anticipation for Dollhouse. I missed the pilot and recorded the next 3 episodes on the dvr. I was nervous about it because of some bad press and the Feb Friday night debut. My wife suggested we watch it, I begrudingly watched episode 2 without seeing the pilot and we enjoyed the show so much we watched I love Eliza Dushku and have enjoyed Josh Whedon's creations, so I was flush with anticipation for Dollhouse. I missed the pilot and recorded the next 3 episodes on the dvr. I was nervous about it because of some bad press and the Feb Friday night debut. My wife suggested we watch it, I begrudingly watched episode 2 without seeing the pilot and we enjoyed the show so much we watched all 3 that I had and went to the computer for the pilot. It is a must see. The concept is a fresh sci-fi concept, the stories were solid and the show looks great. If you hate sci-fi , well, you probably won't like it, but other than that, it's great. It's not Lost, but it's in the group of shows below that and IMO as good or better than Battlestar. Check it out.… Expand
  18. JosephS
    Mar 8, 2009
    0
    This is a real gutting from the creator of three shows I really loved. I'm not the biggest Eliza Dushku fan, but I think she does well playing supporting characters. She's just not up to snuff here. Way out of her league by trying to play several different personalities that are essentially her. If Joss Whedon's name wasn't attached to this, I would've stopped This is a real gutting from the creator of three shows I really loved. I'm not the biggest Eliza Dushku fan, but I think she does well playing supporting characters. She's just not up to snuff here. Way out of her league by trying to play several different personalities that are essentially her. If Joss Whedon's name wasn't attached to this, I would've stopped after 10 minutes of episode one. But with each episode, I feel more and more betrayed.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. TomS
    Mar 7, 2009
    7
    I think its really lame that dollhouse uses the same exact scene (Episode 1. 49:36) as 24 does (Season 7. Episode 9. 31:60) ...or is it a well known location...i dont think so.
  21. Renarudo
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    Great show!! This is from the guy that gave us Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Serenity. Nevermind the critics, if you liked any of the shows I just mentioned you just have to watch this one. It's smartly written and great fun.
  22. ScottH
    Mar 2, 2009
    9
    It's a little frantic in the first episode or two, but it seems to roll back to a more reasonable pace once things get started and the viewers all know mostly what's going on. Eliza Dushku delivers a surprisingly diverse performance as Echo, given that her character varies in sometimes drastic ways from show to show. The fight scenes have been particularly well-done given that It's a little frantic in the first episode or two, but it seems to roll back to a more reasonable pace once things get started and the viewers all know mostly what's going on. Eliza Dushku delivers a surprisingly diverse performance as Echo, given that her character varies in sometimes drastic ways from show to show. The fight scenes have been particularly well-done given that most fight scenes done by models have been pretty poor (I'm looking at you, Ultraviolet). In Dollhouse, they actually seem downright believable. I miss Whedon's quirky sense of humor, but the show seems to hold a certain charm, which charm is partially based around the fact that you aren't quite sure if what's going on is okay or not. It's a bold step, not giving the viewer a certainty that their protagonist is 100% a good guy, but I think it feels somehow more authentic that way.… Expand
  23. 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
  24. TitoB
    Mar 2, 2009
    3
    I immensely enjoyed every Whedon's show so far (Buffy, Angel, Firefly) and was looking forward to this but Dollhouse is really bad. Everything we like about Whedonverse (humor, witty dialogue, melodramatic emotions, ironic undercutting of those same emotions, meta-, auto- and other references, defamiliarization of the familiar genre...) is NOT to be found in this predictable C-grade I immensely enjoyed every Whedon's show so far (Buffy, Angel, Firefly) and was looking forward to this but Dollhouse is really bad. Everything we like about Whedonverse (humor, witty dialogue, melodramatic emotions, ironic undercutting of those same emotions, meta-, auto- and other references, defamiliarization of the familiar genre...) is NOT to be found in this predictable C-grade show. The casting is horrible. I can understand that Miss Dushku is pleasant to look at and fun to be around, but she does not have the range to pull this off. This show needed someone like Amber Tamblyn for the multipersonality lead. Even worse are the über-cliched empty, other-blandly-good-looking-people: the obligatory British headmistress ("Execute a kill order? Good heavens!"), the soulful ex-cop that overcomes his doll-ism (it's like racism! and he's black! omg! the irony!) in the space of 20 minutes, the obsessed lantern-jawed agent or cop (or whatever), the small-time crook and the painfully unfunny tech-geek. The only semi-human character (like Tara from Buffy) is the cop's lonely neighbor who will (in a non-surprising twist) probably be revealed as a deep cover agent and/or a doll herself. The soft-porn opening credits and the main theme make me cringe every time I see/hear them. The only thing that remains thoroughly Whedonesque is the gargantuan gap between the ambition/pretention and the realization/skill/budget. I thought the pilot was bad/boring/cliched until I saw episodes 2 and 3. The whole thing plays like Pamela Anderson's VIP, which is really disappointing for a Wheadon show. I (figuratively) cried when they canceled Firefly - I will sigh with relief when they euthanize this awful mess. Do yourself a favor and avoid this. In the time of shows like Veronica Mars, Mad Men, True Blood and Generation Kill... this is not even grade B brainless fun, it's embarrassing for all involved.… Expand
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. MickeyMouse
    Feb 26, 2009
    10
    I think the pilot was very good and intriguing but the next show "Target" was just awesome. Eliza is playing a difficult role really well, and the cast is great in general.
  28. TomH
    Feb 25, 2009
    9
    Every show with Whedon takes a while to fully develop, but after 2 episodes I am excited to see where this is going.
  29. lilyg
    Feb 22, 2009
    8
    Dollhouse's concept is intriguing. The show has good potential. Unfortunately, the pilot was dismal and did not meet expectations. The next episode 'The Target' ~ I felt like I was seeing a different show! Wow! What were they thinking not to use Target as the pilot episode. It was much more what I expected. Unfortunately, it this quick to judge market... it might be too Dollhouse's concept is intriguing. The show has good potential. Unfortunately, the pilot was dismal and did not meet expectations. The next episode 'The Target' ~ I felt like I was seeing a different show! Wow! What were they thinking not to use Target as the pilot episode. It was much more what I expected. Unfortunately, it this quick to judge market... it might be too late. All I can say is...take another look ... you might be surprised.… Expand
  30. TimothyN
    Feb 19, 2009
    8
    The first episode definitely suffered from first episode exposition, but it shows a lot of promise.
  31. JonathanC.
    Feb 19, 2009
    0
    This show is awful. The premise is bad, the execution is bad, the writing is bad, the acting is bad. The character motivations make no sense; what the hell is some holier-than-thou cop doing working for a human trafficking/prostitution ring that brainwashes women and turns them into living sex dolls? Joss Whedon is overrated, and this is proof positive that he is, at best, a hit or miss This show is awful. The premise is bad, the execution is bad, the writing is bad, the acting is bad. The character motivations make no sense; what the hell is some holier-than-thou cop doing working for a human trafficking/prostitution ring that brainwashes women and turns them into living sex dolls? Joss Whedon is overrated, and this is proof positive that he is, at best, a hit or miss idea guy. For ever Dr. Horrible, there will be a Dollhouse.… Expand
  32. MichaelD
    Feb 18, 2009
    10
    I just saw this on-line. I wasn't expecting much of anything after the mixed reviews, but I loved it. By half-way through, I was sucked in. This show has potential written all over it, and it's already great fun!
  33. BradC
    Feb 17, 2009
    7
    I'm a big Whedon fan, but I found the pilot more interesting than good. I'm not sure Dushku has the range to pull off a role where she'll be a different character every week, and I'm not sold on the rest of the cast, either. I'm willing to keep up with it, but I'm not going to be surprised if it winds up running about as long as Firefly.
  34. K.H
    Feb 17, 2009
    9
    The final scenes in the hostage negotiation were unbelievably gripping and intense. I want to know where this show is going.
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. silentone
    Feb 15, 2009
    10
    I think the show was mysterious and adventurous and with amazind drama. I definitely like Eliza's portrayal of Echo I thought it was exciting and very stimulating with drama to boot. I also liked Dichen's portrayal of Sierra because her character in the pilot was strong even though it was only brief.
  38. Rebecca
    Feb 15, 2009
    8
    The first episode wasn't as good as I've come to expect from Joss Whedon, but with his track record I am definitely interested to see how it unfolds. Something tells me that if Fox gives it time to develop it will turn into a hit as big as Firefly and Buffy.
  39. Andrew
    Feb 15, 2009
    9
    I watched it earlier today and have been thinking about it all afternoon. It's going to be pretty good I think. I really like the conflict between the people who work directly with the actives and the higher ups. Pretty weird.
  40. CarmenB.
    Feb 14, 2009
    9
    I think the show is very interesting and I know a lot of people saw the pilot and it didn't meet their expectations but, you got to give the show the benefit of the doubt because I think the show will live up to its expectations later.
  41. Mike
    Feb 14, 2009
    8
    Joss makes a nice comeback to TV.
  42. CazGoff
    Feb 14, 2009
    9
    Intriguing. A show that makes me want to come back for more. Enough backstory for the dumb of viewing but not too much for those who like to unwrap their presents more slowly. Dushku manages to pull off all the personas and the moral ambiguity of those running the Dollhouse leaves you on unsteady ground.
  43. [Anonymous]
    Feb 14, 2009
    10
    Joss Whedon now know how the network folks operate and has to compromise to get his vision on the air. This means a lot of exposition and explaining in the early episodes so the network and the viewers that are quick to say "I don't get this" would get it. The storylines will soon delve into Joss Whedon's trademark addictive awesomeness soon.
  44. RobertM.
    Feb 14, 2009
    10
    Yes, the plot was complex, but I like that. I was intrigued from beginning to end nad am really looking forward to next week.
  45. timothym.
    Feb 14, 2009
    3
    I watched 75% of the show and finally had enough. The actress that plays Echo seems to play every charter the same, emotionless, with a hatred for the world.
  46. deetoo
    Feb 14, 2009
    1
    Eliza Dushku is just horrible. It's one of the most painfully self-conscious performances I've seen in a long time. Every time she's on-screen it threw me out of the story. I wanted to like this show - I hated it. Really, REALLY hated it.
  47. ricks
    Feb 14, 2009
    9
    Interestin show but still has it faults but, I think this show will turn into a great one sooner or later.
  48. DobJ.
    Feb 14, 2009
    4
    A lifeless mess, expected far better from Joss.
  49. JacquiK.
    Feb 14, 2009
    8
    Not perfect, but still a very good start. Hints of Whedon that I hope will continue to grow as the 'verse takes form.
  50. AndrewD
    Feb 14, 2009
    10
    Dollhouse is already rich with mythos and full of deep three (or more) dimensional characters. Looking forward to the rest of the season.
  51. 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
  52. JaeE.
    Feb 13, 2009
    2
    Maybe I'd like this show if I'd never seen or read any science fiction before and I got off on the idea of a hot, programmable woman, but for me this was just a waste of good talent and an hour of my life. Watch it right after an hour of BSG (as I did) and you'll really see notice this one's shortcomings.
  53. ElaineK.
    Feb 13, 2009
    10
    I was very pleased, after all the luke warm reviews I was not sure what to expect, but enjoyed it from start to finish and looking forward to next week.
  54. calk
    Feb 13, 2009
    7
    It seems promising.
  55. 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!
  56. MikeW.
    Feb 13, 2009
    10
    Great show. Once again Joss Whedon creates an in depth world. I can't wait to explore it further. I only hope that FOX gives it the chance it deserves to build itself up. From watching so far it seems like his style has really matured into something even more awesome. You rock Joss!
  57. KaraW
    Feb 13, 2009
    8
    Not perfect, but very intriguing. I can't wait to see where it goes.
  58. 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.
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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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