A review of Fox’s Dollhouse Premier

I, like many Whedon Fans, watched Dollhouse last Friday. It was good but the ratings were terrible. I think as far as Pilot episodes go, it’s on par with most of Whedon’s work.

*Warning Spoilers*

Story:
The story is simple, people volunteer (forcibly) to have their memories erased and become “actives”. They then become almost childlike with no personality of their own. Rich people who need someone extremely specialized contacts the Dollhouse and they implant memories, flaws and personalities into the “Actives.” The show follows Echo(Eliza Dushku) a new Doll.

In the premier, we saw “actives” being a party girl, a hostage negotiator, and a military commando. We were given little hints as to the overall story with the main character, Echo, remembering being implanted in the middle of a mission and the hints of a rogue Alpha running around.

Overall it wasn’t a bad starting and has lots of story to work with.  

Pacing:
The pacing was good I barely saw the time pass by and was interested the whole episode.

Acting:
The acting felt a little overdone at first but once you get into the world it’s barely noticeable. Overall I believed the characters and I’m looking forward to seeing the “actives” range in acting.

Production Value:
A few explosions, lots of pretty people, good camera work and great framing. I’d say this is a very well put together show. It’s very stylistic, almost like a commercial.

Potential:
The story has a lot of potential to be great but it has some potential to become nothing but Fan service. I liked the balance between sexy and serious in the show but the concept lends itself really easily to raunchiness. That said I really liked the little white dress in the opening.

Overall:
If the show can continue to have a good story by episode that makes us feel for the characters then it’ll be a great show. I just hope Fox and the US public give it a chance.

I give it 7 out of 10.

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