Did anyone see the premiere of Joss Whedon's Dollhouse yesterday? I thought it had potential, but it wasn't mind blowing. I was particularly annoyed with the 'talk to her slowly like she's a fifth-grader' scenes when she was actually in the Dollhouse. And where was the funny? But the premise was interesting, Eliza is a good actress, and Joss Whedon has earned my trust, so I'm definitely around for more episodes. I don't want it to be like his previous show Firefly when I watched it on DVD and was like, 'This is awesome! Why did it get cancelled?!'
It's early, so I'm willing to give it the benefit of doubt myself, but I too have reservations. It...it feels too slow, too mysterious, and yet, at the same time, too quick, as if it's already about to run out of ideas. I mean, in the first episode, Echo is already having "glitches?" Sure, I understand you want to establish story-lines, but you also need to provide an actual world for us to believe in. Unlike his other shows, this relies on a nuts-and-bolts system, and although I like being dropped into a story and learn stuff through context, television (unlike a novel) doesn't have the expository moments--we need to be shown.
Again, I too love Whedon, and I think he's got a good idea on his hand. But if I was going to pick up this show based on this first episode, I don't think I would.
By the way: wasn't this show called "Alias?"
I see too much Minority Report in it for me to like it. I do have to admit I missed the premiere. I'm sure I'll catch up at some point. Whedon is a God among men most of the time, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for a while.
I'm watching Dollhouse with a neutral perspective. I'm not a Buffy/Angel fan, but I loved Firefly. I certainly don't worship Whedon as some do. I wasn't crazy about the first episode; however, I thought the second episode was much stronger. I like the relationship between Echo and her handler, I like the Alpha gone rogue (and ultra-violent) angle, and I like the FBI agent trying to find them. That said, I don't think Dushku is a good actress and I can't help but think the show would be better served by a more talented actress. I also find it extremely hard to believe that this "Dollhouse" is able to remain top secret when so many of the "assets" are out in the real world with their handlers, their pretty obvious black vans, and their SWAT teams. And if you're going to "clean" a room after an operation, that means you don't leave Echo's eye glasses on the floor for FBI man to find. I'll give it another few episodes on the DVR.
I think Penny Arcade in their February 27th post said what we've all been thinking: this isn't a good show. We want it to be because Whedon is involved, but the story isn't really interesting, the acting isn't that good, and we never get to connect with the protagonist because she changes every week. I might watch one more, but I think we'd have all been better served if Fox had just picked up a new season of "Firefly."
Poor. Not making sense. Gave up after 2.
The spousal unit said 'Mutant X is heaps better' and was not a fan of that show.
I know this sounds lame, but I have it on good authority that Dollhouse gets much better after episode six. Fox has their hands in the first few episodes, and we all know how they like to screw around with Whedon's work.
I am enjoying the show. I know it's not up to Joss' usual standards of awesomeness, but it is still entertaining and has slowly been getting better with each episode. I have faith that Joss will pull through eventually. Fingers crossed, aidan.
Okay I know I'm late to the game and I've already posted about this but I am so in love with this show. Maybe it's because, as dpomerico pointed out, it's just like Alias. But holy eff did you see Epitaph One? THAT WAS A MINDEFF! Out of the blue, I tell you. Can we discuss its implications? Anyone else see it?