Dollhouse

Dollhouse is one of many Fox network's unfortunate cancellations. Joss Whedon created the show and it first came out early 2009 and was canceled near the end of that same year. The series was allowed 2 seasons with a total of 27 episodes if you count the unaired pilot. Each episode is about 45 minutes.

Dollhouse is about a secret business known as the Dollhouse which caters to the rich and powerful. The Dollhouse uses its dolls to fulfill the fantasies that these rich people have. The dolls are people who have signed their lives away for 5 years. After that time they will be returned to normal with more money then they could even dream for. During those 5 years their minds are wiped and they are turned into living dolls. These dolls can be programmed like a computer with memories, skills, abilities, and personality traits. For example, you want a beautiful woman who knows how to fence, likes to dance, and knows some amazing sexual techniques. They can do that. It should be noted that one of the things most people have a problem with is the fact the dolls main purpose is to essentially be million dollar prostitutes. The rich pay for a fantasy that usually involves some sort of sexual experience whether it is a straight up dominatrix you want, or the seduction of a student. People didn't like the idea of a show about prostitution which is unfortunately one of the reasons it was ultimately cancelled. But while it does have prostitution as a recurring theme within the show it is not what it is actually about. The main point the show portrays is the dangers of technology and how easy it can be to abuse it. As well as the threat it can pose to a society if used for ill gains.

The story revolves mostly around one specific doll named Echo (Eliza Dushka). Echo is an anomaly and continues to become more and more odd as the show continues. Eventually she compounds all of the uploads she has been given to become a single entity with over 40 minds in her head. Each with their own thoughts and abilities. Echo wants to free all the dolls and eventually bring down the Rossum Corporation which is controlling the whole Dollhouse and its technologies.

The show has plot twists, fight scenes, intrigue, sabotage, and much more. The show also casts some amazing actors such as Alan Tudyk, and Summer Glau, both of which also starred on another Fox Network cancellation which was also created by Joss Whedon called Firefly. (review will eventually come). However I would like to make special mention of 2 of the shows actors in particular. First is Fran Kranz who played the role of Topher Brink. Topher is a highly intelligent man who is the mastermind behind programming the dolls in this house. He is a highly playful person who in a way considers the dolls as his toys. He eventually does start to feel some moral problems and the actor does quite well at portraying that emotional struggle because while Topher is the most intelligent person in most rooms, he is also the most childlike. The other special mention goes to actor Enver Gjokaj who plays another doll named Victor. Victor gets to play the largest range of characters. He is a mob informant, Miss Lonely-Hearts sex doll, a brilliant and yet childlike scientist(yes he plays Topher) a soldier, and more. And each role I keep forgetting that its all the same actor. He is extremely good at his craft and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him in episodes.

I really enjoyed this show. It was clever, the acting was top notch, the plot was fascinating and kept me interested in what would happen next. It also had some sexy parts when we would see Eliza Dushka dressed up for her next engagement. I am also curious what would have changed for the show if it hadn't been cancelled even though they did finish the show. I give Dollhouse a 10.5 out of 11.