Dollhouse

Being a huge fan of Buffy and thoroughly impressed with the short-lived Firefly, I was very much looking forward to Joss Whedon’s new venture Dollhouse. Joss has the ability to make cheesy, potentially mind numbing concepts into insightful and humorous treats. Here, he takes a very high-concept plot device and the results are surprising and hugely disappointing

The Dollhouse may look like a very exclusive spa but it is in fact a covert and highly illegal operation that treats humans as a blank slate that can be programmed with character traits and abilities for anyone willing to pay the high price for their service. These could come in the form of a sexual plaything or a muscle for hire, and the mission concludes with their memories erased. Buffy alumni, Eliza Dushku, plays one of the “actives” Echo, who as her codename foretells, is slowly beginning to piece together the residual memories of previous missions to form a vague semblance of a personality. But the Dollhouse is no place for individuals and her behaviour draws the attention of her employer/captors. A stubborn cop is on the trail of the Dollhouse, only to be ridiculed by colleagues and superiors who think it a myth.

There are many names in the credits that are familiar to Buffy fans: writers, producers, actors. So why it is reminiscent of an eighties soft porn show is baffling. The Harold Faltamyer –like soundtrack and the countless boob and ab shots are embarrassing. Dusku is a co-producer of the show so I can only guess it is with her approval but this likeable and gifted actress is not doing herself any favours by allowing the focus to be on her body rather than her abilities. The results are often embarrassing, and Whedon should be ashamed of himself for condoning such titillation.

Perhaps the main problem with the show is the concept. If a key player is supposed to be void of personality, how can an actress bring something unique to the role? If that character is then programmed with a new identity, how can a viewer become consistently engaged with that personality? It seems that Whedon has set himself up for failure even before the cameras started rolling. Whedon’s skills are with characters, wit and dialogue, but has chosen to focus on scenarios leaving little room for any of these. The script is too concerned with explaining both the over-all and weekly set-up, leaving it void of heart or charm.
There are no stand outs from the rest of the cast. Topher, the geeky scientist responsible for programming and wiping, is just plain hateful. His attempts at endearing humour fall flat and he has a smirk that incites violence. Boyd, Echo’s handler is wooden. Olivia Williams is the head of the organisation, but brings nothing to the role apart from her menacing British accent. The cop, Ballard (played by Helo from BSG) has yet to impress.

I’m trying to think of something positive to say about Dollhouse, but I’m struggling. I will keep watching in the hope that I can see some of that old Buffy magic but I’m doubtful. Luckily I believe that I won’t be watching for long. This show will be cancelled quite soon. And I can’t believe that I’ll support that decision.