Dollhouse: Season 1

On TV: 2009

Channel: Fox

Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama

Episode Type: Season 1 (13 Episodes)

In 1 Sentence: Joss Whedon’s magic works wonders creating an addictive thrill ride that is like nothing else on television 

Amazon Summary: It’s fair to suggest that there are television series that have sprung out of the blocks with more confidence and momentum than Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse. The latest show from the creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Firefly centres on Eliza Dushku as Echo, a woman who has different personalities transplanted into her depending on the mission she’s been hired for. It’s a tremendous premise, and one laced with just the kind of threads that Whedon has shown real skill at exploiting. But the first half of the season is a muddle. It takes some time for the show to settle down and find its feet, and the first couple of episodes in particular are more disappointing than anything else.

But then Dollhouse suddenly finds its feet. And while it doesn’t iron out all of the creases, once the show slips into gear, it finally begins to realise some of the immense potential here. What’s interesting too is that this first season DVD set includes the terrific missing episode that was never broadcast when the show debuted in the US.

A second season of Dollhouse is incoming, and given how soundly all concerned recover their footing with season one, that’s something to genuinely look forward to. This maiden season? It has its problems, but when it finally hits top gear, it rewards both your financial and time investment.

My Review: July has been all about Dollhouse and what a discovery it has been! I was not prepared for how incredible this show is and it is fast making its way into my top 5 shows of all time! And I haven’t even seen season 2 yet!

Where do I begin?

With loveable and varied characters with real depth which is rare to find the chemistry between the cast is there from the start, therefore investing in characters such as Echo is effortless.

And the storylines! So gripping you wouldn’t believe. I agree with some reviews that it’s a little of a slow burner but by episode 6 I saw a remarked change. And from then on the episodes just got progressively better and better. It got to the point where I found myself consistently going “It can’t get any better!” and yet it did time and time again! Testiment to just how excellent the story writing is. It isn’t your typical sci-fi or drama - it goes to those places you always want it to go. It explores the characters and the dollhouse and keeps you thinking throughout. 

It really is just a fantastic thing.

Unfortunately, it’s one of those shows that’s beloved by fans but got cancelled after only 2 seasons which is a huge shame - but of the 26 or so episodes there are it is a beauty!

Score: 9.5/10