Dollhouse

Question: Thank goodness you are back. We have felt like we were watching blind since your online column disappeared. I was really unimpressed by the first episode of Dollhouse. Fortunately, I stuck it through to the second, and loved that one. I’d say most of the (poor) reviews I’ve seen read like I felt after the first episode, and aren’t reflective of what I’ve seen since. What are the chances of the show making it through the season, and did that initial first episode hurt it? Also, any info you might have about the renewal chances of Chuck, Terminator, Friday Night Lights or Big Bang Theory would be appreciated.—John K

Matt Roush: Well, thanks. Most everyone I talk to about Dollhouse agrees the first episode was the weakest, but keep in mind that most reviewers of the show were able to screen multiple episodes before weighing in, so it’s also just possible that they find insurmountable problems with the premise and/or the execution. Given that Fox appears willing to let the show play out its initial order, I’m willing to keep an open mind for a while still. That’s a good question about whether the first impression given by the pilot episode may have hurt the show in the long run. Maybe that issue will be addressed during a Dollhouse panel at the Paley Festival in Los Angeles next month. We should all have more perspective by then. (I’ll be moderating a panel the night before on Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. How fun is that! Note: There was a miscommunication earlier about my hosting the Dollhouse panel. That one will be in the good hands of EW’s Jeff Jensen.) I really can’t say how Fox will feel about renewing either of its Friday fantasy/sci-fi dramas. They knew going in not to expect much, but a cult audience at least keeps the lights on, on a historically tough night. I’ve seen rumors that DirecTV and NBC are talking about extending Friday Night Lights another two seasons, which would be miraculous, but let’s wait and see what happens. The Big Bang Theory is definitely a keeper, and CBS appears to be trying to nail down a multi-season renewal on that one. As for Chuck, read on.