Dollhouse

(S02E08) We get double the guest stars in this episode with both Alan Tudyk returning as Alpha and Patton Oswalt returning as Joey Miner. Did anybody else notice that Alpha seemed to be acting just like the Joker, particularly with the mismatched purple ensemble? I’m referring more to the Heath Ledger version than the Jack Nicholson or Cesar Romero versions.

Patton Oswalt is a returning guest and a former engagement of Echo’s, but were the others, as well? I suspect so. I think the one that got blown up real good was the motorcycle rider from the pilot episode. I think. It was interesting how one person became so addicted to the Dollhouse that he blew all his money on it. This is your brain on Dollhouse.

Tonight we had more of the chess match between Adelle and her establishment and the resistance in the form of Ballard, Langton and Echo. Despite Topher’s genius, he’s still pretty rational. It took a monstrous mind like Alpha’s to conceive of truly evil ways of using the imprint technology. Topher’s technology even became obsolete. "Now I know how old people feel ... and Blockbuster."

Of course, it is implied that using the imprint technology as it currently stands involves having some sort of implants placed in your body. With Topher’s idea, no implants are needed. People’s memories can be erased and replaced at will from anywhere.

Speaking of sapping one’s will, tonight’s episode had so many AT&T ads you’d think they were the sole sponsor of the show. That is being offered simply as observation. Unless, of course, Rossum plans on using the iPhone to implant personalities on people. Or they’re doing it already.

It’s nice how the show differentiated between the Dollhouse addict and Patton Oswalt’s character, who moved on from using the Dollhouse to deal with his grief. All this keeps with one of the themes of the episode (which is reflected in its title) of dealing with love.

Enver Gjokaj continues a streak of versatile acting by becoming a nebbishy Jewish psychologist in the beginning and then a soulless soldier near the end.

Regarding a comment made by Alpha: why would anybody need an imprint of an Eagle Scout? Some ideas come to mind, but they’re pretty sick.

The big surprise twist tonight was Alpha wiping Ballard’s memory out of jealousy of his time with Echo. It was hinted that a cast member would be permanently mind-wiped. I could have sworn I saw Alpha put a copy of his imprint on a hard drive, and I don’t think Tahmoh Penikett’s name is being taken off the credits, so he’ll likely be back in some form. Perhaps Rossum will take his body as property and make him another Active.

Damn, this show is getting good. Just in time for cancellation. I do want more Ray Wise and Summer Glau before the show wraps up, and I’m praying to Zombie Jesus for a satisfying end to the series. That would be the greatest gift of all.