I think this is the only show I have been obsessed about before it has even begun shooting but there is something about this dollhouse idea and I do confess to completely idolising Eliza Dushku as well as great reverence for anything Joss Whedon is upto so this is a sort of dream ticket for me.

So what's it about?

"Echo (Eliza Dushku) is a young woman who is literally everybody's fantasy. She is one of a group of men and women who can be imprinted with personality packages, including memories, skills, language—even muscle memory—for different assignments. The assignments can be romantic, adventurous, outlandish, uplifting, sexual and/or very illegal. When not imprinted with a personality package, Echo and the others are basically mind-wiped, living like children in a futuristic dorm/lab dubbed the Dollhouse, with no memory of their assignments—or of much else. The show revolves around the childlike Echo's burgeoning self-awareness, and her desire to know who she was before, a desire that begins to seep into her various imprinted personalities and puts her in danger both in the field and in the closely monitored confines of the Dollhouse."

Who is in it?

Eliza Dushku as Echo - The lead character and a doll who is becoming self-aware despite the blanking proccess, though she must keep this hidden both in the dollhouse and out on assignment.

Olivia Williams as Adelle DeWitt -
Beautiful, sophisticated, cold as an alp. Runs the Dollhouse with an efficiency that is both ruthless and protective. Would die before she showed anyone how lonely she is. Series Regular.

Tahmoh Penikett as Paul Smith -
Good-looks hardened by a cynical distaste for most of humanity. An FBI field agent, he's been chasing the urban myth of the "Dollhouse" long enough to have lost any shot at promotion. Becomes obsessed with, and twisted romantic foil for, Echo. Series Regular.

Fran Kranz as Topher Brink
Genius programmer who's articulate, nerdily attractive and blithely amoral. He's responsible for imprinting the dolls - and making sure they stay unaware of anything. Is fascinated by the science and kind of digging the illegality. Fun to be around, but might not be remotely trustworthy. Series Regular.

Dichen Lachman as Sierra
Strikingly beautiful. A Doll like Echo, she has every personality in the world but her own. Is not as self-aware as Echo, but is instinctively drawn to her as a friend. Series Regular.

Enver Gjokaj as Victor
Handsome and fit. A Doll, and the other closest thing to a friend Echo has. Childlike when he's inactive, and everything from Errol Flynn to (young) DeNiro when he's active. Series Regular.

Amy Acker as Dr. Claire Saunders
Smart and a little sad. Looks after the physical well-being of the dolls. Has an acid wit that she usually reserves for Topher, who may only be kidding about being smitten with her. (Or he may not). Recurring.

Miracle Laurie as November
Beautiful and heavy. Another Doll, a hopeful child in the house and everyone else you need her to be outside. A comforting, radiant presence, who tends to get fewer of the criminal gigs and more of the personal ones. Recurring.

Harry J. Lennix as Boyd Langton
Gruff, about to make the descent from 'good-looking' to 'fatherly'. An ex-cop, Boyd is Echo's 'handler' - her guard/bodyguard. Hates himself for taking this job, bu he'd lay down his life to protect the people he feels he's exploiting. Series Regular.

What stage is it at?

Well now that casting is complete and the pilot episode has been written (called simply "Echo" in which Eliza will have to pull of five completely unique identities) shooting will start shortly on the seven episode run for the autumn season.

yes !!!!!!!!!!! can`t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's an adult Joe90 ?

i just wish it would have an air date...i've been waiting for this one for a long time!!!

looked it up it`s going to be good !

sounds good. It will really need good actors to pull off the 'multiple ' personalities for each doll character. Haven't heard about this series before, is it us or canadian?

i was going to say canadian, just to get a rise outta the capt, but no, its american
lol

looks interesting... Although at first while I was reading it started to remind me of dark angel...but I guess it wont be anything like it now that I finished reading...lol...

This is starting soon? yes? anyone?

FOX are going to start running it in Jan 2009 at the latest though the show will be ready to run from Oct 08 so if one of the fall shows fails then Dollhouse may well run early.

The Trailer;

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1562737894&channel=769341148

ok..that was awesome!!!...thanks a bunch!!!

It sounds like a promising show!

It's so good to have Joss back making tv. It's what he's best at.

lets hope fox keeps it going you know how they love to cancel series if the dont get the numbers with in the first 6 shows they have a tendency to cancel shows before they can on the map IE John Doe

I just found this comment about the pilot episode. it was written june 10th

Post-production sound (ADR, foley, etc) for the pilot episode of Dollhouse, which was supposed to begin this week, has been pushed back 'til later in the month due to some reshoots that are being done right now. I'm told that the reshoots are at the behest of Fox, as the show just got back notes from the network who asked (told?) that certain parts be redone. Fox has made some awesome strides lately, but I suppose they wouldn't be a network if they didn't ask for reshoots.

Bit hard for Fox to demand reshoot's as Joss is keeping control of this one, unless it's for a timeslot change.

***bump****

any more news on this show?

TVrage says ep 1 airs on 1/05/2009

Some news on the Dollhouse

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080911/tv_nm/dollhouse_dc;_ylt=AhjlhSsgZp1NnjF
vW_SwlX1xFb8C

So the first three episodes are almost dusted, with a bit of luck someone will leak a pre-air.

That would be cool and cruel.

@uncertaingod thank you for the great info. on the show.

I am really looking forward to seeing it.

Show has been put on hold for rewites..joss is not happy...can't remember where I saw the article yesterday to repost . But it did say even holding production right now and getting started again soon should not affect a January premiere..

@nakara
Yes, I read at a site that the scripts are just not
'Whedon worthy'. As long as we get to see the show as scheduled I'm a happy camper.

ok guys, so it's december ya' think it's gonna air on time?

@tash I'll let you know on the 13th feb 2009

ok

They are finally showing commercials for this show!!!

Oh ... about time.

guys sorry if i change the subject...hurry!! http://www.demonoid.com/register.php to register!!!!hurry...

@jktheman

There are two demonoid threads in existence please do not spam that site in other threads. thankyou.

So what did everyone think of dollhouse?

I'm not sure of what to make of it yet. lol

I thought it was an ok start, not brilliant but good, I liked it. I think this show has a lot of potential. I also liked the fact that they didn't rush Eliza Dushku into the action side of things. It's nice to see her vulnerable side, although I hope she also kicks some but. I have high hopes for this show, hope I don't get let down.

A slow start can sometimes be a good thing ... and sometimes not.

I thought the initial scenes were confusing, it wasn't clear on what basis Echo was in place. Was it supposed to be some sort of trial run?

It was just an ordinary assignment, Echo is the top active in the dollhouse so she has been doing this a while.

Was she kidnapped and put into the dollhouse? or was she a volunteer?

When you see the opening of the pilot it's quite clear she made the choice although she obviously didn't have much of one, I'm guessing she murdered someone.

'Coercion of an enemy of the state', a very similar concept is used in the original French film "Nikita" and its various spin-offs. "Nikita" has never been bettered in my view; the "La femme Nikita" series was more stylised and lost a lot of the edge, and the Bridget Fonda film "The Assassin" just wasn't up to either mark - I hope Dollhouse does better on that score.

Episode 3 is where this show is going to kick off.

Uncertain you said there is a pilot? Before episode 1 or is the pilot episode 1?

Episode one is the Pilot.

Thanks

the show has promise the characters have to develop yet get to know each other and there needs to be some history about the subjects

This weeks episode was superb, I like how they are teasing the story out little by little.

the show is getting more interesting each week; what a good singing voice she has!

Enjoyed this week alot, I wonder how many of the actives will start to remember.

This weeks episode was superb, glad I stuck with it long enough for the story to really take off.

I don't know what it is about Joss Whedon but the guy cannot start a new season very well ever.

That's Joss's way. My sister says he likes to let the story build by itself with the occasional push...he's a more natural story teller. All I can tell you is that in the next couple of weeks it is really gonna take off for a short spurt then a more softer touch for a week to let it build again.

This is the best show since Buffy. love seeing some of the old cast back together and the concept, brilliant!! completely hooked.

I have been underwhelmed so far. I like the pop star episode, but the last episode was just okay. I want to see more about the Alpha storyline. I'm willing to let things pick up however and see how this show develops.

The sideplot to this weeks about the shower was superb, very funny.

i look forward to the character development on this show. it's getting very interesting.

So much going on in this weeks show, very good once again.

Yeah, some things definitely got turned upside down.

Told you it would speed up in the next few weeks. Wait til next week and then we'll coast for a week. Makes the excitment last longer.

getting better

I wish they were real, as they would sooo be worth it. Just think of it, 24 hours of the ultimate pleasure.

@ iceman knowing your luck you'd possibly end up with one that had captsheridan's mind print in it....LOL

haha

@blkhole,

Thanks for that, I was having such a wonderful dream. :-)

yesterday's show was an absolute cracker. THis is getting real, guys.

@softwizz

I agree. This weeks show was very good, even though is seen a couple of thing coming. I hoppe it stays on this level and doesn't take a step back.

I can't wait for an episode where Echo and Sierra are sent out to kick major butt.

I have to admit I do feel a little sorry for Victor, getting to take a shower with Echo and Sierra and not being able to do anything.

Yeah, if anything was going to break your "no-sexual thoughts" programming that would be it.

Excellent episode and nice to see how the recruitment process and Echo's back story.

Utterly brilliant episode tonight, I love how many layers this storyline has going on. And who is it that is programming the dolls really?

Yeah great episode. This show is starting to take off. Pity there will only be twelve episodes this season, or 13 if you count the stand alone dvd episode.

I do count the DVD episode as it has Felicia Day in it, yum.

Also in episode 11 look out for Wash from Firefly.

Fox Networks have clarified the situation. Episode 13 will not be aired due to the final episode of "Prison Break". Fox Have *NOT* canceled Dollhouse at this time.

um, no-one said it had been cancelled.

Didn't I tell you it was going to get good with some good twists. I'll see what I can find out from my sister about next season. Have to push her cause she is usually tight lipped about any of Joss's stuff that is in production.

@blkhole,

Is your sister open to bribery, and if so what is it going to cosy us ???.

That should be cost and not cosy.


Sorry

Dollhouse News

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Dollhouse fans, prepare yourself...

The show's network, Fox, has scrapped the final episode, The Hollywood Reporter confirms.

The network has scheduled the season finale, Omega, which is the twelfth episode, for May 8 on US TVs, but it has cut the planned final episode, Epitaph One.

Producer Tim Minear says that the missing episode will definitely be available to see on the Dollhouse DVD. "...Because we scrapped the original pilot, we really ended up with 12 episodes...But the studio makes DVD and other deals based on the original 13 number, so we created a standalone kind of coda episode which is the mythical new episode 13.

"The network had already paid for 13 episodes, and this included the one they agreed to let us scrap for parts. We always knew it would be for the DVD for sure, but we also think Fox should air it because it's awesome."

So it seems that they want the "show to go on!" It's a shame Fox don't. What do you think of the season being cut short?

Yet another instance of Fox rescuing defeat from the jaws of voctory.

Epitath One was NEVER going to air on FOX, get your fact's right and stop rehashing old news that is old.

@uncertaingod

What, according to your information, is the ongoing status of Dollhouse? Is it still in with a chance of getting a second series?

It's looking like both Sarah Connor & Dollhouse are going to get picked up but not until the last second while they try to cut some costs, plus I wouldn't expect them to come back on a Friday.

I don't know why people are getting nervous over the fact that episode 13 will not air. The studio has clearly stated that episode 13 was only ever made for the dvd.

Because people are hysterical drooling morons for the most part.

People still remember the f**kup that was Firefly on Fox and what they did to that excellent series.
Seems that money grabbers like Bernie Maydoff are running Fox and screwing all the viewers in the process.
If you want a show to run and be a success put it on an independent channel and pay for the whole thing yourself like George Lucas does.

That might have been 'just a stand alone episode but it was simply superb, can't wait for next week and the finale the week after.

Whoa this weeks episode definetly a must see I can hardly wait for the finally next week for this two parter.

That was possibly the greatest single episode of any show I have ever seen, and it's only the warm up to next week.

ALPHA!!!!!!!

It was really good, got me by surprise... Looking forward to the closing episodes...

lets hope fox does not pull its regular trick cancel like they have done with so many others

I think if Fox did pull it they would do them selves more harm than good.
I for one would stop watching Fox programs for the simple reason that I don't want to get in to a show that is never going to run it's course.

Fox won't air final Dollhouse episode .

On May 8, Fox will air the episode titled "Omega," which the network describes as a season finale. But there's just one problem: "Omega" is only the show's 12th

Wrong, and way to go mentioning ANCIENT & incorrect news.

lool i hope so .

@ iceman the poop on Dollhouse...from my sis
....am up to date on Dollhouse...that one – just one more ep and let’s hope they get another season but it’s a long shot as the viewing numbers have been disappointing. Joss only went back to Fox as Eliza already had a deal with them for a show and asked him to do it for her. I guess given the choice he’d of been happier not working with them.

So there you go it could go both ways..blkhole

@blkhole

Does your sister work for Joss or Fox?

Not for Fox that's for sure. She does a lot of the art work for the publicity so she knows the crowd well.

Nice circle to be in.

Well that was fucking brilliant, Alan Tudyk is simply stunning as Alpha with his multiple mannerisms and it was a nice payment to get Ballard under the thumb.

This show HAS to come back next season, it's just far too good and has kept it's entire audience week after week and even grown it.

That was pretty good. Omega wasn't bad either (not so much her acting, but her kick ass).

Don't call her Omega, she will kick your head in.

@ucg

I won't. I'll do whatever she wants me to do, Omega, Echo, or Caroline.

Dark episode. It was brilliant hope it comes back. Would like to see ballard and echo work together.

knowing Fox's track record, though...

I'm curious to see what's coming back. Sci-fi shows I like too often get the shaft after a season...

@newlinux
Yes, I hate when that happens!

A couple of the new pickups those asinine morons at the BOX network are looking at would pair well with Dollhouse and Joss gave his Series 2 pitch on Monday, I think it's looking good for a pickup now.

But it's getting to the point with new shows that I am only going to download them and watch then after the first season ends.

Looks like Dollhouse will be paired with Human Target for next season and not be given the Friday death slot.

Now thats good news.

Got this over at EZTV

In a stunning move, sources say Fox has renewed Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” for next fall.

The official announcement will not be made until Monday at the network's upfront presentation, but sources confirm a deal has been struck for another 13 episodes. Fox plans to continue the show on Fridays next fall.

Fridays and the ammount of Episodes isn't confirmed but yes the show has been picked up.

BTW, guys, I was browsing books in a second-hand bookshop a few days ago and suddenly turned up "All My Sins Remembered", the book on which this series is said to be based.

I can see that Josh Whedon got the idea about personality implants from this book, but in all other respects it's totally different. It takes place in a future galactic civilisation, where a clandestine "black ops" branch of an interstellar government is using these techniques to place undercover agents in the field. It's a collection of several stories, in all of which the same operative is involved. They were published in the 1970's in SF magazines, and this collection has some brief added material to link them - sort of.

Not sure if I'd recommend it - the Dollhouse material is much better! Still, worth a look if you want to experience a very different treatment than Josh's.

s/Josh/Joss/g

for non-Linux/Unix types, the above is the editor command to correct my mis-spelling of Joss's name :-)

Dollhouse episode 13 "Epitaph One" and the original unaired pilot are available all over the net now and I have to say Epitaph One is fucking superb in it's dark destruction of humanity view and gives alot away about the direction and motivation of the next season, I can't wait.

And why in hell did they go with the crappy first few episodes of this show when they had a great pilot episode like that, it eases the viewer into the show far better than they did with the episodes that actually aired.

thanks for the info ucg- Gonna go download now...

@uncertaingod

I agree that Epitaph One is an amazing episode, but I'm not so happy about where that puts season 2. In a sense, we've been given a huge spoiler. I for one, would prefer to meet the events of season 2 as they come, without the 'benefit' of preknowledge.

Summer Glau and Alexis Denisof will appear in season 2.

Who is Alexis Denisof ???

Alexis Denisof played Wesley Wyndam-Pryce in Angel

Alexis was also in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

A fantastic opener to the new season, the new visual style suits the show so much better than that over-blur effect they were using and the course the show was set on in the last few minutes was superb. Very happy with this return episode.

Dollhouse is a FOX television series created by Joss Whedon.I also watch all episodes of this show.Superb show.

@Stake

Please read threads before you post in them.

We were told herein a year ago that it was to be aired on Fox.

Goodness Gracious that was a good episode indeed. Nicely creapy and highlights just how Echo is growing.

*****************************************************************
Possible spoiler alert
*****************************************************************






























Yes, it looked like she wiped herself just long enough for the clean up team to get there. Now that was something to see. I loved the Kiki/Victor dance scene now that was funny. On a darker note, I think that professor got what he deserved. It is a shame what some people will do to fulfill their fantasies.

From EZTV
Joss Whedon's weird-brain-science show Dollhouse may struggle in the live ratings, but enough people are watching it on their DVRs that Fox promises to run all 13 episodes of season two. But season two is unlikely to have 22 episodes.

Fox scheduling chief Preston Beckman tells The Hollywood Reporter that even though Fox isn't happy with Dollhouse's ratings, the network plans to air all 13 episodes — although during November sweeps, Fox might have to air something else, to goose up its numbers. Fox won't make a decision about giving Dollhouse the other nine episodes of season two until after the first 13 episodes finishes airing — which means the show still has a chance. But it also means the show will have to shut down production after it finishes shooting episode 13, and then ramp back up if it gets another order.

Joss Whedon tells THR he's currently shooting episode eight, and he'll make sure the script for episode 13 gives fans a degree of closure, in case the show does not come back after that: "We'll definitely have closure, but will leave some doors open. When we got our first numbers, which were bad, the first thing [Fox president of entertainment] Kevin Reilly said was, 'You'll have all 13,' which was great. They're not going to pull the rug out from under us."

This weeks episode was the best one they have ever done, Fran Krantz is a brilliant actor when given the chance to show his talents. Show is off for a month now and returns in December with 2 episodes a week.

I agree this weeks episode was really good makes watching the extra episode for last year make sense now. I don't think they will but I really hope they do get all 22 episodes out of Fox and prove the AHs how wrong they are.

And when the show returns we will get to meet Summer Glau's character who is supposedly quite different (read sadistic) from anything else she has played before.

Ummm...not alien, robotic or insane? Lol

WOW. The best bit of telly I have seen in a long time.

yes a very good episode. I do hope they can keep up the good work.

best episode of the series so far

I'm still trying to work out Echo's relationship with the detective guy? her new handler. His name has escaped me! What was their relationship before she went to the dollhouse?

I don't believe Paul Ballard had any knowledge of Echo before she was Echo. IIRC, someone posted to him, anonymously, a dossier on Caroline, who is Echo's true identity. I understood that this was the first time he had heard of her.

So he was just being a good guy trying to find a missing person? It seemed to much more personal.

Thanks softwizz for answering. :)

teah, he did seem to get more fixated on Caroline/Echo as time went on...

Ballard seemed to connect with Echo from the beginning (before he even met her) maybe there is more to be revealed in the future.

I get the impression that Ballard was reminded of someone by Echo/Carolines story.

I hear this show has been officially canceled... :(

It's true :(

http://eztv.it/tvnews/4557/fox-sends-dollhouse-to-the-attic/

Tx Rhettswife

Here's the transcript
*********************************************************************
it's official

Fox has cancalled Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" but will still show all 13 episodes, it's been announced today.
In a statement on Fansite Whedoneque Joss thanks crew and the fans for their support:

"Hmm. Apparently my news is not news.

I don't have a lot to say. I'm extremely proud of the people I've worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you'll agree in the coming months. I'm grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again.

I'm off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I've read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you'll know what my next project is. But for now there's a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear.

Thank you all for your support, your patience, your excellent adverts. See you again. -j. "

They are currently shooting Episode 11 so there's just enough time left to re-write episode 13 for a series / season finale. (It was written with an out to a 3rd season so not much work to tie everything together.)

:-(

Eliza finally killed the show, shame.

Eliza finally killed the show??

Well not really but she was the worst thing on the show by quite some way, everyone else on the show was stunning, particularly Fran Krantz & Enver Gjokaj.

@Uncertaingod

If you were casting for the show who would you have chosen to play Echo?

FYI spoke to my sister in the UK last night and this is what she has found out so far not much new....
Well Dr Horrible 2 is already underway but no one knows what format – I should imagine it will be web based like before. I think Joss may be creating a studio for online - digital media like Dr H but other than that I got nothin’. He is still in control of the Buffy S8 comics, he has a project with Summer Glau called ‘The Serving Girl’ which I believe is ballet that he has been waiting to do – last time I spoke to Summer she said she and he both still wanted to do it but it was a schedule thing. There’s been on and off talk about Ripper (Giles) but I think there are copyright issues to sort out between Fox and BBC who wanted to do this.

So that's all I found out sorry guys nothing more news breaking.

Well another great show falls before it's time, so when is Joss going to do the film of this one.

blkhole, Joss already has created a studio for online format distribution.

@uncertaingod, I'd like to hear your answer to thor's question

@ uncertain that was studio # 1. This new one is supposed to be far more advanced than that.