FOX Checks Back Into the Dollhouse - Page 2

So how should Whedon and his wonderfully disturbed staff move forward? As the second half of the season proved, Dollhouse is at its strongest when dealing with its overarching mythology and the Dollhouse's terrifying ethical implications. Whedon is a self-proclaimed feminist, and one of the strongest themes in his work is that of violation, be it physical or psychological. In Dollhouse, it's been about both, and also about another, even richer concept: Can a person's identity be stripped away? Is there such a thing as a soul, and if so, can it be removed? Is a person still a person when they're other people? Just watch "Omega" to see how intellectually stimulating, and emotionally involving, these existential conundrums can be.

The show is less interesting when dealing with Echo's (Eliza Dushku) routine engagements, when she's sent out as a biker chick fantasy girlfriend or a back-up singer (the latter of which was later mocked within the show). What viewers respond to is the story of Caroline, the person Echo was before she gave herself up to the Dollhouse, slowly emerging to take her life back, as well as FBI Agent Paul Ballard's (Tahmoh Penikett) obsession with rescuing her. The Dollhouse's staff is also excellent. Icy headmistress Adelle DeWitt (Olivia Williams), likeable head of security Boyd Langton (Harry Lennix), smugly arrogant techno-whiz Topher Brink (Fran Kranz), and the mysterious Dr. Claire Saunders (Amy Acker) are all peaches. With villainous rogue Doll Alpha (Alan Tudyk) set to come back, Whedon's got a lot to play with.

Luckily for viewers, it looks like he knows it. Ending his Whedonesque post, Whedon says, "But oh, the terrible things my brain is brewing... Just wait. We'll make it worth it. Thanks for hanging in."

That long ride to renewal has been a rocky one, and the show hasn't always been perfect, but I've got no reason to doubt him now. Considering how strong this season became, it'll be interesting when the DVD set hits on July 28 to see how diminished its weaker spots will seem when judged in a larger context. Regardless, I've only got one question: Is it fall yet?

Article Author: Arlo J. Wiley

Arlo J. Wiley is an aspiring filmmaker who has a deep love of movies, music, television, and most other artforms. He is also totally obsessed with Joss Whedon and the Beatles. You kind of need to know that.

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