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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  1. 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)
  2. BrendanR
    Mar 27, 2009
    9
    An intriguing premise and great acting, this show is really getting interesting.
  3. NicoleH
    Apr 17, 2009
    9
    I really like this show. Interesting characters and intriguing storyline. Different from everything else on right now.
  4. RyanB
    May 25, 2009
    9
    Yes, this show was a little slow in the start, and as some critics say Dsuhku may not be up to playing so many varied roles. But the season finale (as well as several preceding episodes) was spectacular.
  5. Jackie_Coogan
    Jun 2, 2013
    9
    This show shoulda never aired on FOX. I mean Whedon shouda trieded a get it on Fx, HBO, Showtime or hell even Sy-Fi. Channels like those really would have aloud to manifest the complexity of the concept Insted we got a bucketfull of episodes where Echo acts like a Prosti. Meddling producers. Still it has some great momentes and awesome characters. Epitaph One is one the finest moments ofThis show shoulda never aired on FOX. I mean Whedon shouda trieded a get it on Fx, HBO, Showtime or hell even Sy-Fi. Channels like those really would have aloud to manifest the complexity of the concept Insted we got a bucketfull of episodes where Echo acts like a Prosti. Meddling producers. Still it has some great momentes and awesome characters. Epitaph One is one the finest moments of television (even though it never aired). And thoughs who complain about the humor, I don t know what your talking about, I laugh out loud all the time.… Expand
  6. tigerheart
    Jul 16, 2013
    9
    I think dollhouse is an amazing programme. The series starts as being a little dull, no major plt and confusing themes but as it goes on the characters develop and reveal their true personalities. The ending is truly emotional and i have to say i cried ALOT. Overall, Whedon does it again.
  7. 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.
  8. Maxh
    Nov 4, 2009
    8
    It's not an entirely consistent effort, but when it's good? It's brilliant. Could occasionally be a little weirder, a little darker, but is generally as funny as you'd want.
  9. AbdullahY
    Oct 17, 2009
    8
    I think Dollhouse is among the most exiting drama on air nowadays. Although I love my procedural/case of the week shows, Dollhouse transcends the genera and becomes something else, where the week's case takes the backseat and becomes a mere device to reveal yet another layer to this fantastic world. That being said, I wish that the lead was someone with better acting chops than Ms. I think Dollhouse is among the most exiting drama on air nowadays. Although I love my procedural/case of the week shows, Dollhouse transcends the genera and becomes something else, where the week's case takes the backseat and becomes a mere device to reveal yet another layer to this fantastic world. That being said, I wish that the lead was someone with better acting chops than Ms. Dushku who is fine in certain roles, but it is not really fair to ask her to pull off such a complex task.… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. DavidC.
    Apr 11, 2009
    8
    Its difficult to judge, based solely on its own merit, because the bar has been raised so high by previous Whedon shows. Some thought it would be this glorious, perfect show of messianic proportions that would take us by the hand and lead us to the television equivalent of the promise land. Its not. But that doesn't mean its a bad show. Its formula breaks away from Joss' Its difficult to judge, based solely on its own merit, because the bar has been raised so high by previous Whedon shows. Some thought it would be this glorious, perfect show of messianic proportions that would take us by the hand and lead us to the television equivalent of the promise land. Its not. But that doesn't mean its a bad show. Its formula breaks away from Joss' previous endeavors, and even its humor, something for which Whedon is famous, feels different. Again, not bad, but different. The good news is that while I couldnt help feeling some disappointment with the first episode, the show has continued to improve with each coming week. Introducing interesting character arcs, unexpected twists, and a surprising level of depth in what first appeared a rather shallow concept. If people can get past what they think it should have been or hoped it would be, they'll find a compelling show that takes new directions none of us Whedonites saw coming. Please, for the love of God, don't let this be another Firefly. My heart can only take so much!… Expand
  15. RayR
    Aug 29, 2009
    8
    We have to admit that FOX is one o fhte worst networks in broadcasting televison, at least i think that, EVER SINCE they canceled "Tru Calling". "Dollhouse" is a new project that i think has a future, the first 2 episodes were great, episodes 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 were okay, but the last 3 episodes rocked it, And it was an amazing season finally. I wasn't at all desapointed at Josh Wedon, We have to admit that FOX is one o fhte worst networks in broadcasting televison, at least i think that, EVER SINCE they canceled "Tru Calling". "Dollhouse" is a new project that i think has a future, the first 2 episodes were great, episodes 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 were okay, but the last 3 episodes rocked it, And it was an amazing season finally. I wasn't at all desapointed at Josh Wedon, but he could bring in more mistery, and suspanse to the show, it would only make it better.… Expand
  16. JamesR
    Dec 21, 2009
    8
    This show is really good. I admit, it has some flaws, but the story and campy feeling really work out. This is a show I'd be eager to keep watching. I'm not exactly a Joss Whedon fan either, I thought Firefly was barely watchable (except for Alec Baldwin's antics). But with Dollhouse, I think he's really hit on something accessible and intelligent. It's well worth This show is really good. I admit, it has some flaws, but the story and campy feeling really work out. This is a show I'd be eager to keep watching. I'm not exactly a Joss Whedon fan either, I thought Firefly was barely watchable (except for Alec Baldwin's antics). But with Dollhouse, I think he's really hit on something accessible and intelligent. It's well worth watching. As an aside, I think a reason people struggle to enjoy Joss Whedon's shows is the lack of overproduction and super-realism. If dollhouse was produced like an episode of 24 or something, I'm sure it would be mainstream successful. It sucks that the general public are so narrow minded about their viewing choices.… Expand
  17. KaraW
    Feb 13, 2009
    8
    Not perfect, but very intriguing. I can't wait to see where it goes.
  18. Mike
    Feb 14, 2009
    8
    Joss makes a nice comeback to TV.
  19. 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.
  20. TimothyN
    Feb 19, 2009
    8
    The first episode definitely suffered from first episode exposition, but it shows a lot of promise.
  21. 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
  22. MathiasH
    May 11, 2009
    8
    Starting up slow the Dollhouse has gradually steeped into character. Peaking in the last two episodes in writing, visuals and acting it has now reached Fireflyish dimensions. Hopefully we will see a season 2 with more of Tim Minear who's episodes is great and of course more of Josh.
  23. JasonH.
    Dec 13, 2009
    8
    I really enjoy the show, but it does have its flaws. The first is that it seems like "the Eliza Dushku show" in that it seems to have been created to show off Eliza's talent. The only problem: she isn't that great of an actress. The second problem is a bit peculiar, but the show seems experimental. Other than that, I love the other characters, and the premise is pretty interesting.
  24. lifeinrewind
    Jun 29, 2011
    8
    Dollhouse is a truly original concept which introduced a lot of intriguing and complex ideas. The first season had it's hiccups to start, showing loads of potential but the usual meddling by FOX crippled many of the early episodes into being more of the "case of the week" variety instead of building up the overarching mythology. Once the excellent sixth episode "Man on the Street" hit, itDollhouse is a truly original concept which introduced a lot of intriguing and complex ideas. The first season had it's hiccups to start, showing loads of potential but the usual meddling by FOX crippled many of the early episodes into being more of the "case of the week" variety instead of building up the overarching mythology. Once the excellent sixth episode "Man on the Street" hit, it was clear that Dollhouse was about a lot more than it seemed. By the end it had becoming compelling and addictive, featuring impressively strong performances by the supporting cast. Season 1 makes up a lot of points for the strong finish, including the surprisingly effective post-script episode "Epitaph One", which deals with events 10 years after the main storyline. Dollhouse still had yet to have its best moments, but Season 1 is still very entertaining and worth watching. Overall score: 8/10


    Individual Episode Ratings: E1 "Ghost" 8/10 E2 "The Target" 7/10 E3 "Stage Fright" 6.5/10 E4 "Gray Hour" 8/10 E5 "True Believer" 7/10 E6 "Man on the Street" 9/10 E7 "Echoes" 6/10 E8 "Needs" 8.5/10 E9 "Spy in the House of Love" 9/10 E10 "Haunted" 8.5/10 E11 "Briar Rose" 8.5/10 E12 "Omega" 8/10 E13 "Epitaph One" 9/10    … Expand
  25. heromoder
    May 11, 2015
    8
    There's a lot to like here. Eliza Dushku has long been a favourite if mine, and she delivers wonderfully as Echo. As always, Joss Whedon surrounds her with a diverse range of actors, Fran Krantz leading the charge. Mysterious, funny and thrilling, Dollhouse is a must-watch for sci-fi fans and crime watchers alike.
  26. Ryatta
    Nov 22, 2013
    8
    The first few episodes feel like a grind but they successfully set up our characters and universe to make the series second half must watch tv when the episodic feel starts to wear away
  27. 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
  28. 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
  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. calk
    Feb 13, 2009
    7
    It seems promising.
  31. 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.
  32. 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.
  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. 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
  35. TheBear
    Oct 13, 2010
    7
    An interesting if not original premise but none the less succeeds thanks to Joss Whedon's quirky characters and dialogue. Season 1 is slow to start granted, however it does pick up the pace and shows itself to have more substance than you might expect. Great to see some old familiar faces from the Joss Whedon universe and whilst Dollhouse may not be his greatest work, give it some timeAn interesting if not original premise but none the less succeeds thanks to Joss Whedon's quirky characters and dialogue. Season 1 is slow to start granted, however it does pick up the pace and shows itself to have more substance than you might expect. Great to see some old familiar faces from the Joss Whedon universe and whilst Dollhouse may not be his greatest work, give it some time and it can be great.… Expand
  36. 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.
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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.
  40. 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
  41. 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.
  42. DobJ.
    Feb 14, 2009
    4
    A lifeless mess, expected far better from Joss.
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. KevinB
    Aug 29, 2009
    3
    The only way I could give this a positive score is if the second season reveals that Dushku's character is actually a horrible actress and the real life Dushku is an incredible actress, acting like a horrible actress, who is acting like randomly-generated personalities. Bring back firefly.
  46. 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.
  47. 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.
  48. FreemanC
    Jul 11, 2009
    3
    The Dollhouse is a whorehouse that solves crimes. If that makes sense to you, maybe you should be writing the show, because the writers can't make it make sense. They act like they're being really complex, but they're just sloppily inconsistent - one week the Dollhouse is like Charlie's Angels, the next week it's evil. They did like three good episodes out of 12 The Dollhouse is a whorehouse that solves crimes. If that makes sense to you, maybe you should be writing the show, because the writers can't make it make sense. They act like they're being really complex, but they're just sloppily inconsistent - one week the Dollhouse is like Charlie's Angels, the next week it's evil. They did like three good episodes out of 12 and got a second season just 'cause the show's owned by Fox. Don't waste your time - Fringe, Bones, there's something out there you'll like better than this mess.… Expand
  49. LJHayes
    Feb 25, 2014
    3
    I've been a fan of Joss Whedon since before my age even hit double digits but I missed out on seeing this show when it was released so I was thrilled to find it on Netflix. Then came the crushing disappointment. This show is awful.
    One of the things I love about Whedon is that he brings together a collection of characters with distinct personalities and different personal strengths and    I've been a fan of Joss Whedon since before my age even hit double digits but I missed out on seeing this show when it was released so I was thrilled to find it on Netflix. Then came the crushing disappointment. This show is awful.
    One of the things I love about Whedon is that he brings together a collection of characters with distinct personalities and different personal strengths and weakness and we see them interact and bounce off each other as they develop. But due to the nature of this show, half the main cast (Echo, Sierra, Victor & November) don't have any personality of their own, they change to a different character from episode to episode. It is impressive on the part of the actors to show such a range of talent but it makes it difficult to relate to the character. We don't steadily build up a relationship with a character throughout the series, we have forty minutes to briefly get to know a character we're told we should care about.
    As for the other characters, the non-doll characters, they don't make much sense either. Paul Ballard and Boyd Langton are basically the same guy on different sides of the fence. Paul Ballard is a tough guy working for the police who doesn't like what the Dollhouse are doing and spends every episode (literally every episode) obsessing over how to find them but never makes any progress until the last three episodes. Boyd is a tough guy who used to work for the police who also makes it clear he doesn't like what the Dollhouse are doing, which begs the question of why the hell he's working for them but that never gets answered.
    Topher Brink can have his funny moments but his character remains undeveloped throughout. Adelle DeWitt is the only one who has any kind of depth to her which is somewhat explored in small segments between the large chunks of time spent focusing on the Drones...sorry, Dolls.
    The premise of the show is an interesting concept but there just enough here to keep it afloat. A huge let down.    … Expand
  50. MovieGoer
    Apr 14, 2009
    2
    An unfortunate misstep by Joss Whedon. Too populated by glib beautiful people to be believable as a human experience (even a pretend-world human experience), too poorly written and trite to be interesting. Superficial but not tasty enough to be mind candy, guilty but not a pleasure.
  51. 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.
  52. mereditht
    Oct 27, 2009
    1
    What Dollhouse serves up week after week is the high-tech date rape of its attractive women, who are fed electronic roofies for sex they can't remember. Lest you think this show is written by bad people, they include token disapproval of what's happening. Then, more date-raping. Echo gets raped the most, although they are particularly brutal when they rape Sierra - no idea what What Dollhouse serves up week after week is the high-tech date rape of its attractive women, who are fed electronic roofies for sex they can't remember. Lest you think this show is written by bad people, they include token disapproval of what's happening. Then, more date-raping. Echo gets raped the most, although they are particularly brutal when they rape Sierra - no idea what that's about. Thankfully, America isn't buying it and the show has basically been canceled. Don't waste your Christmas season fighting to save a show that panders to the sadistic fantasies of its nerd-heavy audience.… Expand
  53. NatalieS.
    Jun 13, 2009
    1
    Sooner of later Fox will be obliged to notice that nobody watches this show.
  54. 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.
  55. MarkSn
    Mar 16, 2009
    0
    Bad TV show..I regret watching it and wasting time on it. Whedon should move on to something else.
  56. 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
  57. SusanK
    May 8, 2009
    0
    This show bores me to tears. It's hard to believe Whedon was involved in this.
  58. 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
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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.
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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.
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  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.
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