Dollhouse

Dollhouse has had a pretty checkered history since its debut earlier year: the first and second seasons were delayed, the ratings have been far from desirable, and creator Joss Whedon has done little to dispel rumours of a rift with Fox. Now back in the UK for its second season, can a shotgun wedding and a baby plot help spice things up for the troubled sci-fi series? Recently, we caught up with Dichen Lachman - aka Sierra - to find out why fans shouldn’t give up on the show just yet.

How does the second season compare to the first?

"I think you can look forward to it being a bit darker. It’s really, really good - it’s awesome! People should be very excited. I have a light workload on the first three [episodes], but I’ve read the scripts and they’re just phenomenal. Fox are letting Joss do his thing - they’re trusting him and letting him do what he wants and I think it’s really paid off."

Where does Sierra’s story take her this season?

"People can look forward to her becoming more aware. Obviously that’s the concept of the show that the Dolls are becoming aware, and they’re not supposed to. Prior to this season, Echo’s been the most aware, but Sierra will catch up to her a bit more. She’ll also get a little bit of her power back - not all of it, but some. She was quite the victim last season."

What about the other Dolls?

"Victor and Echo are the most aware and that is going to carry on through. I actually have no idea what they have in store. I’m very light in episodes one, two and three, so I’m not sure where they’re taking my character. But I think Victor and Sierra’s relationship will evolve. Into what, I don’t know. But people seemed to want to see more of that and I think they’ll be pleased that that is still going to be a part of the story."

Would you like to see Victor and Sierra as a couple?

"It’s such a beautiful relationship because the show is very dark, so it’s lovely to have that really pure, innocent, uncorrupted relationship where they’re just drawn to each other in a way they can’t explain. It’s a nice contrast to everything else."

Do you know when we might be taking a trip to the attic?

"I’d love to see that! I hope we get to see it... That would be very interesting. Maybe they’ll just keep it as this dark, mysterious place that we never see."

Could Mr. Dominic make a return from up there?

"Oh, I hope so! He obviously comes back - in episode 13 we see him there with Adelle - but I’m not sure. We watch shows and we fall in love with characters. And Reed Diamond does such a wonderful job, but sometimes, it just comes down to people’s availability. I very much hope that Reed returns as Dominic because he’s a wonderful man to work with."

Mellie/November left the Dollhouse at the end of season one. Will we see her again?

"Yeah, it’s been confirmed that she is returning. You’ll definitely see some stuff with her character. People love Miracle [Laurie] - they really responded to her character a lot. She’s lovely to work with and you can look forward to seeing more Miracle, for sure."

Are there any new regular cast members joining?

"I think it’s pretty much the same as last season, but there will be some new people coming into the Dollhouse. I think Paul Ballard ends up spending more time in the Dollhouse and that’s going to be exciting because Tamoh [Penikett] - who plays him - was like, ’You guys always get to work on the set but I’m always on location!’ It’s great to have him there and having all the regulars in one place."

Will he be continuing his quest to bring down the Dollhouse?

"I think that’s his purpose but I don’t know if it’s gonna be as obvious as it was last season. He’s the guy who’s trying to make it right so he’s going to be a key component of this second season."

Are you still in touch with anyone from the Neighbours cast?

"Absolutely! Damien Brodie, who played Dylan Timmins, comes here quite often and stays on the couch, Stephanie McIntosh is our neighbour here, and Caitlin Stasey was here for a while on the couch. I know Pippa Black, Natalie Blair and Ben Lawson are out here as well. Natalie Bassingthwaighte is here for a bit too and we’re all within walking distance of each other! I feel like I’m still living in Australia because there’s so many of us here!"

Is a return to Neighbours something that you’d ever consider?

"Of course! But I don’t think they’d go that way. The show’s been going for nearly 25 years and they tend to chug along. It’s a place that’s home to me so I’d definitely consider it if they wanted to. There’s always a place in my heart for Neighbours."

Dollhouse returns to Sci Fi for its second season Tuesday, October 20 at 10pm.