Season 1 Discussion

[shred]

What did you think of the first season? Even with only 12 episodes, did the season do a good job of introducing you to the DHverse and its characters? What was your first impression of the show?

Favourite episode?
Least favourite episode?
Did it feel like a Joss show?
Did you like the actors in the show?
What did you think of Epitaph One?

[Bre]

My first impression of the show was NOT good at all. I caught a glimpse of the episode where Echo is being hunted in the woods, but it was pre-hunt and it was when she was pretty much sex-bot. I was just appalled by that because it was a Joss show and so I flipped it. But after actually sitting down and watching each episode, I really began to love the show. It's got an interesting premise and cool characters.

Favourite episode?
Stand alone episode (kind of) -- Echoes .. I thought the whole idea of the actives at the school was cool and I liked learning about Caroline's past. But my favorites are the last three of the seasons. Briar Rose, Omega, and Epitaph One. I LOVE seeing Alan Tudyk and Felicia Day's appearance in E1 was cool. ;D

Least favourite episode?
Maybe Ghost? Just because it was an early episode. Very standalone, too. I don't really dislike any episode.

Did it feel like a Joss show?
Definitely. I didn't think so at first, but a few episodes in, it's very Joss. Topher, especially, brings in the Joss-ness through dialogue, but whole episodes remind me of his other shows. Like in Echoes, when everyone was drugged, that was very Joss and in Needs (I think) when some of the actives were "awakened" it reminded me a lot of Tabula Rasa.

Did you like the actors in the show?
Yep. I think they're all pretty good. I like whoever plays Ballard (I think he's on Battlestar Galactica, too) and Eliza Dushku is much better in this than in Buffy I think.

What did you think of Epitaph One?
LOVED it. I didn't like it at first because it wasn't really centered around the main characters, but it had a very eerie, awesome feel to it and I loved seeing the flashbacks of the Dollhouse. It kind of reminded me of Out of Gas.

EDIT: Apologies for the long post.

[shred]

I had high hopes for this show but after watching the first episode, I was really disappointed! I was expecting the show to have the Joss dialogue and humour but I guess everything can't be like Buffy or Firefly.

But I stuck with it and I'm glad that I did. I wouldn't say DH was the best show Joss has done but I thought it was still good enough. The towards the end of the first season and the second season really got to be like a Joss show in my opinion.

I really like how different the show is from all the other shows on TV. You can't say that DH reminds you of a certain show, etc, etc. It had a really good premise which would have been a lot more interesting if the show continued.

Favourite episode?
Has to be Briar Rose. I thought it was great! Even though I knew Alan Tudyk played Alpha, I still didn't see the twist coming! I love his line about growing medicinal carrots!

In season 2, it would probably have to be Epitaph Two. It was a great series finale in my opinion. Some of the stuff that happened didn't really sit right with me (don't want to say which one as I don't want to spoil Bre. ) but overall, it closed the show well. I was satisfied with it.

There are others that I liked (Needs, The Left Hand) but I can't remember much of them right now.

Least favourite episode?
Probably one of the those stand alone eps in season 1 (I didn't watch much of those in season 2). I'll go with Ghost. Echo's character in that annoyed me.

Did it feel like a Joss show?
Not at first but it became a show Joss towards the end of season 1, when the real story started.

Did you like the actors in the show?
Yes. Though I wasn't so thrilled about ED playing the lead. I don't know why but I didn't think she was all that great. I would have casted Summer Glau to play Echo/Caroline.

What did you think of Epitaph One?
I didn't get it at first until I watched it the second time round and then again with Epitaph Two. After that, I liked it - though I wouldn't say it was my favourite episode. It was interesting to see how the world became after the fallout of the DH.


Oh man, now I really want to get the DVDs.

[Beck]

I've seen 3 episodes so far, we watched them in a row last night. So far I am enjoying it but haven't warmed too much to any characters yet. Ballard I am not that interested in, but you all seem to love him so I am assuming he gets more interesting. I like Boyd and Echo's relationship, and how much he cares for her. They are all pretty sad in their helpless states

[Forsaken]

The first few episodes really struggled to catch they're stride but towards the end of the season and season 2 it because a lot more cohesive and the show gains a more solid plot. By the end I really enjoyed the show (although it's no Firefly) and the acting in it was often impressive. At many points it had a Joss feel but I was impressed that the show had a flavor all it's own.

I did really enjoy Epitaph, both one and two. I especially like the changes between Topher and DeWitt in the first one. As for my favorite episode for season 1 I'd say probably Briar Rose/Omega. I didn't much like Stage Fright.

[Beck]

We've watched only 6 episodes so far and both of us are enjoying it. We ummed and ahhed about whether we thought Millie was going to end up being a doll Interested to see who the inside spy is that programmed Echo to give Ballard the message. I wouldn't have thought too many in the Dollhouse would have the skills to do such a thing.

Characters.... Sierra is supposed to be beautiful? Um, ok. I hated her on Neighbours, but so far I don't hate her on this. But I don't think she is beautiful I was pleased to see they used her Aussie accent in one ep The last one we watched was the one that showed her rape, poor Victor not knowing what he did and having all those questions.

I still don't have a favourite character yet, I'm enjoying the ensemble which is typical of a Joss show.

[Nico]

The character development in only 2 seasons is insane, but great, you like characters you didn't before and others you really start to enjoy.

[Beck]

I wish I hadn't known Alan Tudyk played Alpha, it would have been a great twist if I hadn't. I was stunned he slashed up Victor though, poor Victor

I don't know why everyone loves Ballard. I actually side with the Dollhouse over him. His obsession with Caroline is creepy, and considering his relationship with Mellie I am disgusted he would still prefer to save Caroline than her. (I know what his ultimate choice is, but is that because he prefers Echo around while working in the Dollhouse over November? In any case, his obsession is way creepy). I loved that she hit him and wanted to stay with Boyd.

[Beck]

The finale.... I liked Echo in this episode, but didn't like Caroline (again) even though she was in another body. Alpha I liked, he was even creepy in the flashbacks before he snapped! I felt bad for Dr Saunders/Whiskey.

Any other thoughts?

[shred]

Did you watch Epitaph One, Beck?

I can't remember much about the season one finale.

Oh I do remember not getting what happened in the end with Echo. She got all this personalities so what now? What does that make her? What was the purpose of giving her all these personalities?

[Beck]

No I haven't seen that one.

Alpha wanted her to be like him, awake and aware with all her personalities except Caroline's. What he did to her leads to her becoming self-aware and remembering all her personalities in Season 2.

[shred]

Ah right.

Also, the season 2 DVD has been given a release date - 12th Oct.

[shred]

Has anyone seen season 2 yet or waiting for the DVD to be released?

[Bre]

Still waiting for the DVD!

[shred]

Have you gotten the DVD yet, Bre?

Season 1 is showing here on TV so I'm rewatching it. Realised that I haven't seen Haunted before when it first aired. The story with how Topher celebrates his birthday was so sad! At first I thought he just brought back his best friend who died or something.