Blu-ray Review: Dollhouse Season One

When Fox initially announced the new series “Dollhouse,” I admittedly had my apprehensions. I’m a long time Joss Whedon fan, but unfortunately his shows have a reputation for ending just when they’re getting good or just before they’re about to get even better. I don’t have to mention “Firefly” or “Angel” to the Whedon fans out there, who were left out in the cold when those series were cancelled.

After watching the first four episodes of “Dollhouse,” I thought, “Good show, but not great.” Two more episodes in and I found that I couldn’t go a Friday night without watching “Dollhouse” or DVR’ing the episode. “Dollhouse” was just that good.

So what is “Dollhouse?” The “Dollhouse” is living the fantasy of creation, making a human (or doll) according to your exact specifications, without the emotional baggage. When you’re done with a doll, they are wiped of all their memories until the next engagement. You may think this is just a high priced whorehouse, but not the case. Much like Neo in the Matrix, a doll can also be implanted with a certain set of skills: like hostage negotiation prowess or martial arts skills. The series starts off as several one-off episodes, but slowly the overarching plot comes out and the “Dollhouse” inevitably must battle threats both from within and without.

Eliza Dushku stars as Echo, one of the house’s prized “dolls.” Eliza is amazing in this challenging role, as it demands that she play not one, but several distinct characters. Tahmoh Penikett stars as Paul Ballard, an FBI agent who is trying to bring down the Dollhouse and rescue Echo.

The series starts off as several one-off episodes, but slowly the overarching plot comes out and the “Dollhouse” inevitably must battle threats both from within and without. By the time you reach the season finale, you’ll appreciate the quiet and clever genius that is Whedon. He created a series that is not only compelling to watch, but also delivers a message regarding the future of mankind that rivals “The Terminator.”

“Dollhouse” is recommended for all sci-fi fans. Just make sure you stick through the first few episodes because even the filler episodes help to build towards an amazing conclusion and awe-inspiring finale.

The bonus features include the “Epitaph One,” which shows off a post-doll Armageddon world. The “Pilot” is also included on the Blu-ray release. Fans will get a kick out of watching this unaired episode because several scenes from the Pilot were later used in future episodes of “Dollhouse.”

Bonus Features
- Briar Rose
- Omega
- Never-before-seen episode Epitaph One
- Commentary by writers Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen
- Original Unaired Pilot – Echo
- Deleted Scenes
- “Making Dollhouse” featurette
- “Coming Back Home” featurette
- “Finding Echo” featurette
- “Designing the Perfect Dollhouse” featurette
- “A Private Engagement” featurette