Dollhouse

(S01E12) I’m not sure if I should label this one the series finale, but I live in hope. In any case, it was an excellent episode and gives some sense of closure to the series, yet allows for a continuation of the story should it be picked up. And there is the unaired episode "Epitaph One," which hopefully will be included in the DVD set.

This episode was rife with characterization and philosophical debate, two strengths of Joss and his minions. Echo even brought up the simple fact that many viewers have been saying all along: "you can’t sign a contract to be a slave."

Those of you who deduced that Doctor Saunders was a Doll: congratulations. You were correct. I wonder what this means for Victor’s future since he is another broken Doll.

The episode was concentrated on Alpha’s backstory. I have to wonder: once the technology behind the Dollhouse was perfected, why keep a convict on staff? I guess Adelle figured his brain had been rebooted so many times that it was safe. That only works if the virus is in the operating system and not the BIOS.

Joss and company also used the quick-cut "crazy" filming technique to represent insanity in the last episode of Firefly (which was never even broadcast during that series’ initial run). At least they’re consistent.

I’m so glad Fox showed all the episodes in the correct order. It made it easier to pick up on the recurring themes and motifs of the show and made it much more enjoyable. Notice that Victor’s feelings towards Sierra were similar to Alpha’s feelings toward Echo, but not as twisted. The fundamental philosophy was that people had a core being (call it a soul) that goes beyond memory. I can only hope that Fox is waiting to see how DVD sales go before making a final decision on a Season Two.

I liked the fake-out at the end where you were supposed to think for a moment that Ballard was agreeing to work for the Dollhouse in exchange for Echo’s freedom, but the freed Active ended up being Mellie/November/Madeline. I do wonder if the series continues if Ballard will become Echo’s handler, given his protective feelings toward Caroline.

Sierra’s appearance in the episode bordered on a cameo. The same can be said for Mark Sheppard in his FBI role. I had thought more would come of his character.

Considering Alpha’s ability to put together imprinting equipment in that power station, I wonder if future seasons would deal with the theme of "back-alley imprinting"? Surely there must be geniuses out there that don’t work for one of the Dollhouses.

Why would anybody hire a pair of Dolls to go on a cross-country crime spree? It takes all kinds.

Why did Echo touch Topher’s heart at the end? I didn’t understand the point of that gesture. Was she forgiving him? Was she making an observation of some sort of burden on his heart?

While the series wasn’t as good as Whedon’s previous ones, I still thought it was better than most of the stuff on TV nowadays and am hoping for a second season pick-up. I plan to rewatch this season to pick up on all the nuances I didn’t catch when I didn’t know where they were going with the story.

So, what did you think of the series? Do you think you’ll buy the DVD?