Dollhouse

In trumpeting Dollhouse’s Season 2 pick-up, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly called the decision "a bet on creativity" and "a bet on Joss" — as in series creator Joss Whedon. Immediately following Fox’s upfronts presentation, TVGuide.com grabbed a few minutes with Dollhouse lead Eliza Dushku to celebrate the renewal as well as the show’s fans.

TVGuide.com: How did you find out about the renewal? Who told you?

Eliza Dushku: I was in Uganda the past two weeks. I landed Friday night about midnight, and when I touched down the first message was a text from Joss saying, "We’re back on, kid! Get ready to raise hell!" [Laughs] It was a nice homecoming.

TVGuide.com: Kevin Reilly has been out there saying that Dollhouse’s renewal is testament to Joss’ loyal fanbase.

Dushku: The fans, the fans, the fans, absolutely. We are so grateful and just bowled over by the support and the love and the loyalty. We are so excited to do the second season because it took us until the last six or so episodes to hit our stride; now we get to really have some fun.

TVGuide.com: Will the "missing" 13th episode, "Epitaph One," now serve as the Season 2 premiere? Or is it still DVD-only?

Dushku: You know, I dont know. I just got off the plane, so I dont know.

TVGuide.com: "Epitaph One," which was produced on the studio’s own dime, was used to convince Fox that Dollhouse can be delivered on a smaller budget. Are there any differences the viewer might pick up on?

Dushku: No, our set is pretty solid and top dollar. I think the show will continue to be visually stunning.

TVGuide.com: So, as you filmed it, you didn’t pick up on anything different?

Dushku: Well, it was faster — and that’s always nice!

TVGuide.com: How will Echo be different going forward, considering the events of the season finale?

Dushku: Being downloaded with all the personalities, the build-up was about Echo becoming self-aware. It will give the audience a chance to connect with Echo more, because she’s not just that blank slate. There’s something behind her eyes creeping out. That’s the center of the show — can you really erase someone’s identity? The answer seems to be no.

TVGuide.com: That was nice what Paul Ballard did for Mellie, getting her released from her contract early.

Dushku: I know, right? He’s a love. We have such an amazing cast... It’s just such an honor to be a part of it. When Joss sent out that email, everyone one was just flipping out. We were really, really happy.