Dollhouse

[yendi]

So, we watched the last two eps of Dollhouse, and the most recent one, in particular, took the show a step forward. Turns out that Patton Oswalt really does make everything better (so just imagine how much The King of Queens must have sucked out of the box).

The week before (the "Echo joins a cult" episode), however, featured a "twist" that was like the result of two stupid ideas having (unprotected) sex and conceiving a third stupid idea with both of their traits, then lobotomizing it to make it even dumber. And it was written by Tim Minear, even.



So, we're first told that no one checked the security cameras at the store. No one. And then, we find out that it's because Head FBI Raid Guy was the one who planted it. And, um, well, no one else on his team asked about it? Or his bosses when they read reports? Or even the local cops who would have been called in first? Or anyone? And better yet, he thought that inevitable defense attorney wouldn't want those tapes, too?

There were so many better ways to have done this, including a tape switch, demagnetizing it, just plain sabotaging it a day or two earlier, etc. Of course, none of them would have allowed one of the two intelligent characters on the show to then figure things out, which is the problem.

On the plus side, the cult episode did finally give a hint of why Reed Diamond's only a guest star.



This week's was actually decent, though (or at least better than the last six).



First, can we have Tahmoh Penikett guest star on The Sarah Conner Chronicles and sleep with Shirley Manson's character? Because then he'll have slept with a Cylon, a Doll, and a Terminator, which has to be a trifecta worth achieving.

The "reveal" of Mellie as a Cylon Doll was not surprising in the slightest, of course; the Victor reveal pretty much ensured that we'd be prepared for it. But it was damned well done, and turned the otherwise icky rape plotline into something manageable (as the rapist was sent to his death without realizing it). Of course, the entire show is still creepy on sexual levels (even when there might be a sympathetic motivation behind a character like Oswalt's). But that was a given coming in.

The fight between Echo and Ballard was wonderful; I'm a huge fan of junk fights (the clubhouse brawl in Rumble in the Bronx remains one of my favorites), and this one was fun.

We now, finally, have the beginning of an arc and an actual storyline. We know that there are lots of these places, and they've been around for years. We know that there's an insider working to take down the houses (who, based on how things are currently being telegraphed, almost has to be Topher's unappreciated assistant), but there's no way it's just one person working alone (maybe with Alpha?), and I'm assuming we'll hear more about that soon.

I'm still not blown away, but at least there was good dialogue (the entire Oswalt scene was great) and a decent plot, which is enough to keep me around until next week.

Comments

[theloriest.livejournal.com]

I think having the insider be Topher's assistant is WAY too simple. I know this show isn't quite on its legs yet, but that is just too easy.

[yendi]

*nod* I see it first step (the Little Mole, with the Big Mole to be revealed later, to use traditional Joss terms), or possibly a red herring.

[malinaldarose.livejournal.com]

I've been wondering about Topher's assistant, because what other purpose does she serve? I'm still waiting for the FBI Guy to be a Doll himself, though.

[yendi]

He can't be, because he's sired a kid with her. . . oh, wait. Never mind.

[taura-g.livejournal.com]

It has definitely been growing on me and this weeks episode was in my eyes the best so far.

I LOVED the fight scene. That was a lot of fun... and really hot if you are into that kind of thing. (Yes, I'm saying I found it really HOT)

And the twist of sending Hern to his death was really well done.

This week's episode should be interesting.

[yendi]

Oh, "hot" definitely works as an adjective for that scene. :-)

[chris-walsh.livejournal.com]

First, can we have Tahmoh Penikett guest star on The Sarah Conner Chronicles and sleep with Shirley Manson's character? Because then he'll have slept with a Cylon, a Doll, and a Terminator, which has to be a trifecta worth achieving.

I like the way you think.

I'll finally see it and see what I think (tech issues and scheduling meant I haven't seen any more than ads for Dollhouse) come Friday. More stuff to ponder critically!

[yendi]

Just stick around for a few episodes. Trust me, the early stuff is decidedly messed up.

[nnnslogan.livejournal.com]

I've met Tim Minear before, back when he was doing a panel for Wonderfalls. Good guy, good writer, but goddamn the Dollhouse has been a turd. It's so stupid it hurts.

[yendi]

The latest one does get better. But I expected more from Tim.

[feste-sylvain.livejournal.com]

Actually, we don't yet know that there are lots of Dollhouses; the only reference we have for that is the message Echo passed on to Ballard, which could be full of manipulative crap.

Then again, presuming it's Alpha who wrote that message (does anyone doubt that?), it could well be manipulative truth.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

The conversation between Dewitt and the security guy at the end confirmed that, actually; she told him to notify his counterparts at the other Dollhouses of Hern's rape of Sierra.

[feste-sylvain.livejournal.com]

*head-palm* Ooo, right! Forgot that.

[dustyskinandall.livejournal.com]

I don't actually think it was Alpha. I think it was the "I live to serve lunch" assistant and/or the Doctor woman.

[littlebuhnee.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was thinking the Doctor as well.

[unwilly.livejournal.com]

Lady Un is enjoying it, but I'm not all that interested.

I was amused by Oswalt, tho'.

[dustyskinandall.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad the last episode actually addressed some of the plot points AND some of the major "issues" of the show. If the episode hadn't been any better than the previous ones, I was going to be out. I'm at least giving it another shot now.

The Oswalt scene WAS brilliant. I'm glad that the characters are starting to acknowledge the creepy abuse/rape/using people issues that are rampant in every episode.

[littlebuhnee.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you posted this. I've been interested in what your thoughts were on the most recent episode. :)

[sarabellum.livejournal.com]

I suppose this ep being so good has nothing to do with the fact that Joss wrote it? ;-)

[yendi]

Well, he wrote the pilot, too. And that blew chunks.

[sarabellum.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah. Trying to forget that.

[skitty.livejournal.com]

First, this episode was Jossier than the others, probably by virtue of the fact that Joss actually wrote it. I find that to be both a good thing and a bad thing. However, taken objectively, I don't think we can assume that anything Echo told Ballard is anything more than the Dollhouse wanted him to hear - they did directly tell him that his loved ones were in danger, and they were, at least, as far as he can tell. Why would they send someone to attack Mellie unless they intend for Ballard to know he's in a load of shit and that he has at least one body to account for? In addition to the cop they framed him for, of course.

Maybe the assistant tampered with her programming. It looked to me like they wanted us to believe that Topher himself tampered with her programming. (He just couldn't get it right until she went to get him some lunch, then immediately finished the job?) But what if the Dollhouse is absolutely responsible for all of it? It's possible.

Having said that, I don't think Ballard is a doll. They're expending too many resources trying to deceive him.

Finally, I agree; Patton Oswalt was great.

[yendi]

*nod* All very true, although if there's no mole (or potential betrayer), Ballard's time might be tough.

I didn't see them playing Topher as the spy, unless they blew it. But if they're actually setting him up as the spy, it might make sense.