Dollhouse

Many viewers were shocked to learn that Fox picked up Dollhouse for a second season.

Now, those same viewers better enjoy what remains of this drama while they can: there's little doubt at this point it will be shut down after completing its 13-episode order.

Sources have confirmed that the network won't air a single Dollhouse episode during November sweeps. It will return in December, air back-to-back episodes on Friday nights and then almost definitely go off the air.

A silver lining, at least? Followers of creator Joss Whedon can turn in next year when he directs an installment of Glee.

Will Dollhouse fans finally get the hook-up they've been waiting for?

It sounds that way, according to star Tahmoh Penikett.

"I think it's safe to say you're going to see [a kiss] soon," he told E! News of his character, Paul Ballard, and Eliza Dushku's Echo.

Regarding his overall relationship with the Dollhouse, the actor added:

"Paul has to drink the Dollhouse Kool-Aid for a bit—I don't know if he's going to continue doing it though. I think you'll see, over the next couple of episodes, that he's having more and more issues working for the company, but he's kind of stuck in that position right now."

The long-term prospects for Dollhouse aren't good.

The series is struggling big time with its ratings and, while Fox has promised to air all 13 episode of season two, it won't commit beyond that. Viewers should prepare to say goodbye.

But in the meantime, Dichen Lachman (Sierra) says there is a lot to be excited about.

Speaking to TV Addict, the actress has previewed the October 23 episode, in which the Rossum Corporation will give fans a closer look at one of the Dollhouse’s most mysterious members.

“[But] not too close,” says the actress. “Just enough to understand what happened in Sierra’s life to bring her to where she is today.... This season is less about the engagement-of-the-week and more about how deep this thing [the Dollhouse] goes and how very wrong it is. Be excited, it’s really really cool.”

For an episode titled "Belle Chose," from the French for "pretty thing," there was very little of Dollhouse's pretty thing, Echo, on this episode.

Tonight's show focuses on stopping a serial killer... the dollhouse uses their technology to imprint a comatosed sociopath's memories into several dolls in order to find his prisoners before it's too late.

Read on for a full description of this week's episode.

Aside from the usual reasons of suspense and intrigue, why should you watch Dollhouse this week? We've got a few words for you:

Echo... as a sexy college school girl.

During the episode "Belle Chose," our favorite doll is programmed in this role, as the promo and photos below depict:

Click on the following pics for an early look at scenes from the episode - and remember to visit TV Fanatic soon after it airs for a full review!

Tonight's episode of Dollhouse redeemed itself after the snoozefes that was the season two premiere. The story arc builds, as we see Echo becoming increasingly self-aware...

During the hour, Echo is imprinted as a new mother, but her reactions are far more intense than anyone predicted. Also, Senator Perrin steps up his investigation, while Adelle pays November a visit. Read on for our complete recap!

As usual, we've collected a few of the best Dollhouse quotes from the hour. They are:

Topher: The human mind is like Van Halen. If you just pull out one piece and keep replacing it, it just degenerates. | permalink

Echo: All of these things that happen to me, I feel them.
Ballard: I know, Echo. I know you remember everything.
Echo: Not remember - feel. I was married. I felt love, and pain, fear. It's not pretend for me. They made me love my little boy and then they took him away. They make it so real. Every time, they make it so real. Why do they do that? | permalink

Ballard: If you want, I'll tell Topher what's going on with you and he can fix it. He'll come up with a way to wipe you and you won't remember a thing. You won't have to feel sad anymore.
Echo: Feeling nothing would be worse. It would be like before - asleep. I'm awake now. I don't want to go back to sleep. | permalink

Topher: The maternal instinct is the purest - it's too strong for a normal wipe. I outplayed myself. It's like online chess! | permalink

On the first season finale of Dollhouse, November was released from her Dollhouse contract by Agent Ballard.

As a result, viewers were left in the dark about the future of November, as was portrayer, Miracle Laurie.

But both are back, and the actress dished on her return to Dollhouse - taking place tonight, as the character Madeline within this tri-character individual (it makes sense to viewers, trust us) - with TV Guide Magazine.

On how Madeline returns: We get to meet her really for the first time, and see who she is after the experience of being in the Dollhouse... the theme is, whether we meant to play this out or not, that everyone has the same soul. It’s their minds that are being wiped and replaced, and different personalities that are put in, but I think, there is an essence for everybody that is the same throughout. I think that's the same with me. It’s still [the same] November/Mellie, that we fell in love with.

On the world in which Madeline resides: We kind of pick up and really see what her life is now. There aren't any flash backs to before. We got that from last year, that her daughter passed away and that's why she volunteered to be part of the Dollhouse. So we get to see how she exists, now that that is over for her and the contract is over and she has to live a normal life again.

The thing about all these scripts so far, is that I'm constantly surprised and blown away at how brave and smart and funny and witty and exciting they are. Our writers didn't waste a minute. Everyone's relationships are tested immediately. I'm just blown away by the season. We're not even in halfway yet. So I think the fans are going to be really, really happy.

As always, we'll recap tonight's episode in detail soon after it ends - but check out stills from "Instinct" right now and get an early preview of what's to come!

On this Friday's episode of Dollhouse, Echo receives a mission like never before.

She's programmed as a mother; and her reactions are a lot more intense than anyone originally though. Meanwhile, Senator Perrin steps up his investigation, while Adelle pays November a visit.

For an early look at the installment titled "Instinct," click on the photos below:

Remember: we recap every episode soon after it airs. Return to TV Fanatic often for the latest Dollhouse quotes, videos and more!

Follow this article's jump for the official Fox trailer for "Instinct."

Continue Reading...

The second season of Dollhouse didn't get off to the most exciting start.

Gorgeous star Eliza Dusku, fortunately, is enough to keep our interest, but we can only hope the action picks up a bit over the next few weeks.

See if you agree by checking out our detailed recap of the season two premiere, "Vows."

Among our favorite Dollhouse quotes from the episode...

Ballard: You want to study the rat before you slice it up.
Adelle: Well that is how science works. | permalink

Echo: I try to be my best.
Saunders: Good for you. You're done - go be your best.
Echo: No one is their best in here. | permalink

Boyd: You seem to be having a hard time.
Saunders: My entire existence was constructed by a sociopath in a sweater vest, what do you suggest i do? | permalink

Topher: Is this some kind of a joke?
Saunders: You designed me Mr. Brink. I guess it must be your kind of a joke.
Topher: I designed you to be a not crazy woman! | permalink

Dollhouse viewers learned a valuable lesson in May: when you overload a doll with multiple personalities, serious problems arise.

Such a development took place on the drama's first season finale, as Eliza Dushku Echo received a bevy of personalities at once, the combination causing a shortage in her brain.

How will the character deal with that problem this season, which premiere tonight?

"Basically, through force of will," series creator Joss Whedon told TV Guide. "She did have all those personalities dumped into her at once and as we pick up, we're going to find out that that's starting to affect her."

How will they affect her? A few Dollhouse spoilers reveal clues.

But Dushku herself says:

"She's much more directed and driven, and even in her doll state is growing, and learning and starting to try to access these personalities to see what they can help her with, because she has a mission that she understands now, which is to get back to her personality and get everybody back to theirs."

The show airs at 9 p.m. on Fox.