October 25th, 2009 9:54 pm

Second Look: ‘Dollhouse’

Despite the pre-season buzz surrounding ‘Dollhouse’ after the fantastic finale, unaired episode, ‘Epitaph One’ and the Comic-Con, the sophomore season of ‘Dollhouse’ has somewhat been an anti-climax.

As most of my favourite shows from the states go on hiatus for a week – in place of sports, I thought I would just give a few reviews on shows I have kept in my viewing rotation this fall.

Despite the pre-season buzz surrounding ‘Dollhouse’ after the fantastic finale, unaired episode, ‘Epitaph One’ and the Comic-Con, the sophomore season of ‘Dollhouse’ has somewhat been an anti-climax. Similar to season one, season two of ‘Dollhouse’ has seen more boring episodes than engaging ones but this week’s episode ‘Belonging’ illustrates the potential of the show.

Ironically, the best episode since ‘Epitaph One’ had more of Sierra/Priya (Dichen Lachman) and less of Echo (Eliza Dusku). ‘Belonging’ continued on from last season’s ‘Needs’ where it hinted that Sierra was perhaps sold to the ‘Dollhouse’ rather than volunteering like the others. It also demonstrated how adaptable Dichen Lachman is when given different roles. We flashback one year ago, where Priya is a normal citizen working as a craftswoman when Nolan (Vincent Ventresca) approaches her. Nolan does everything he can to seduce her, giving her a painting gallery, even hiring both Victor and Echo to convince her he is the right man. But when she decides “Nothing in this world could ever make me love you,” we cut back to the present day where the two are hugging and kissing like they are a couple.

We later discover, in an attempt to seduce her, Nolan drugs her, making others believe that she is a schizophrenic, has her institutionalized, and uses his connections with the dollhouse to “help” her by making her a doll. Then he hires her for repeat engagements as his love interest.

Back in the Dollhouse, Echo senses some discomfort with Sierra and decides to show Topher Sierra’s disturbed paintings, who is surprisingly shaken. Topher’s transformation from an arrogant smartarse (season one) to a sympathetic character must also be highlighted. His conversation with Adele (Olivia Williams), after finding out how Nolan is treating Sierra emphasizes the lack of control the supposed boss has over the dollhouse. It is unethical head honchos like Harding (Keith Carradine) who run the show.

Nolan then demands he wants Priya permanently imprinted with his preferred personality and Priya returned to him for good leads to some cool scenes. Topher imprints Sierra with her original Priya which leads to the murder of Nolan and the gruesome hacking and dissolution of his body.

Finally as many of you know, Fox has done a back flip with their November sweeps schedule, after announcing they would stick with ‘Dollhouse,’ they will be airing repeats of Bones and House during November, then will burn off a further six episodes during December by airing episodes back to back. This leaves the remaining three episodes in limbo and who knows with Fox, these episodes might not even reach the airwaves and will eventually be on DVD. I suppose, we fans can only treat this second season as a bonus as this show should’ve ended in May given the ugly ratings.

We can play the blame game all we want, but both Fox and Whedon should cop the blame for the show’s soft ratings, Fox for wanting more stand alone episodes in season 1 and giving it an unfavourable Friday slot and Whedon (who had free rein this season) for bland early episodes. The bottom line is the relationship between Whedon and Fox is no longer as tight – I know Fox is giving Whedon a chance to redeem himself in ‘Glee,’ where he will write an episode or is this just some sort of justification to put ‘Dollhouse’ on hiatus during November? Nevertheless, Whedon and Fox should part ways which will be a win-win for both parties.

Other Notable Quotes:

• Adele to Nolan – after discovering Nolan’s dark events with Sierra: “I would no sooner allow you near one of our other actives as I would a mad dog near a child… given that you’re a raping scumbag one tick shy of a murderer.”
• Harding reminds Adele of her morals “Miss Lonelyheart”
• Sierra to Nolan: “I love him so much more than I hate you.”
• Sierra: “This secret we have… can you keep it?” Topher: “I can keep it, but I don’t know I can live with it.”