nvlahou Review of Dollhouse

Dollhouse (2009–2010)

The most underestimated new show is also the most brilliant

[22 March 2009]

I was so eager for the new Whedon series (huge Firefly fan) and kind of shocked from the snap judgments everyone was passing on the show before it even aired. I was surprised that even Whedon fans seemed disappointed in the lead character, the plot and the fact that he seemed to support a morally dubious (at best) establishment. I have never seen anyone sold so shortly! The show is fantastic, and it's wonderful that Whedon chose not to reveal everything from the very start. I mean, have we become, as a culture, so impatient, that people thought that Whedon would go to all that trouble for producing a show that would offer nothing more than a different adventure every week and a main character no one can root for? Not only there seems to be an underlying concept that is slowly emerging, but the basic premise offers countless possibilities, and the opportunity to dwell on important philosophical and existential questions: what is it that makes us who we are? What does our humanity depend upon? One is reminded of Blade Runner, where memory was also key to identity. Far from endorsing human trafficking or the objectifying of women as some have suggested, Dollhouse is a brilliant show that offers both amazing action sequences and food for thought. Not to mention the hilarious brand of Whedon humor. I hope more people can discover how original and unique it is and give it the attention it truly deserves.