How is it possible to undo all the good faith acquired by the finicky nerd core genre? Portions of the GLAAD community? As well as fans of just, plain good television? Mr. Joss Whedon has assembled something so woefully trite and flat out boring it makes the remake of Knight Rider seem like Whitman's "Leaves of Grass". Dollhouse [at this point] three times-out-of-four, will have an interesting premise, the lead character lets the show fall flat on its pretty face.
As a follow-up, yes, I did watch the entire season of the new Knight Rider. This should tell you that this criticism of Dollhouse is coming from someone who is willing to watch anything. Upon watching the series finale of Knight Rider I wondered: "Can surface/fluffy shows always have an unintentionally funny element within its crusty and shabbily executed plot?"
With Dollhouse it was always how an interesting premise would translate. The translation and focus of the show [at least from the start] is focused on Echo, played by Eliza Dushku. Dushku is essentially the biggest problem with Dollhouse. At this very moment, fans of the show are probably getting their Whedon-fanboy foam fingers ready to champion the subtle brilliance of having a strong female character play all of these 'intricate roles'. What should be understood is I want this show to do well, but when your lead character is depicted as some form of whore or male-servant with all the grace and charisma of a slug; it leaves more to be desired. The show has been advertised with the same 'young, hip, sexy' look that seems aimed at an audience Joss Whedon has derided. Look at the pic below...
You tell me who looks more uncomfortable.
If you answered, "my face" then you would be correct. The pic above is the best summation of Dollhouse. Both parties look uncomfortable. The setting does not help convey a deep or meaningful message. Moreover, that black guy's reaction is perfect.
The staff writers for Dollhouse [including Whedon] do a good job of making half of the supporting ensemble 'seem' interesting. The introduction of the other 'dolls', Sierra and Victor appear like something Whedon held back on for fear of losing the limited audience he has currently acquired. It also goes without saying that one of my favorite actors, Tahmoh Penikett [a.k.a. Helo from BSG] is stuck going through the motions in a somewhat interesting storyline.
The heart of the show relies on the supporting cast, considering we have already ruled out taking stock in the potential character depth of Echo.
Harry Lenix plays the father figure? I am not sure if that is apt seeing as his character goes back and forth from: wanting to care about the well-being of Echo, to haphazardly throwing her into highly volatile situations without so much as batting an eyelash. Fran Kranz is the young, tech wiz kid who cares deeply about the 'project' and cares about the missions being executed and less about the people sloppily executing said missions. Both Harry & Fran have, what I would call, "Whedon-lines". They have some depth that makes you think they are the key to the show being more than what it is, but ultimately they look like unintentional pimps.
The show is still in its infant stage, but I think many are questioning how late is 'too late' for an abortion. My girlfriend tells me that Whedon's been doing interviews and podcasts indicating that he is completely elated with how the show has turned out. I will definitely keep watching, because I like train wrecks; in addition, Knight Rider is over and I need something to fill that void.
This week I hear Echo plays a blind woman who infiltrates a secret and well guarded cult. There will be some way where Dushku's character will make out with some guy, momentarily lose her memory, then be rescued from a seemingly inescapable situation. No, I have not seen the episode yet. Fans of Dollhouse, you better hope I am wrong.
