Dollhouse - December 11 Episodes

To begin, just a minor note that bothers me about Fox's Dollhouse promos.  It's clear they are just airing back-to-back episodes of Dollhouse to get rid of it faster.  So, why make the promo say a "Special 2-Hour Event"?  It's not special -- at least according to Fox.  They are the ones canning it, so why make it something it's not? It's a minor detail -- but nonetheless bothers me.  Dear Fox, just say "2 All-New Back-to-Back Episodes."  Don't make it something special. Fans will watch regardless -- don't patronize us.

*****SPOILERS AHEAD*****

Now -- on to two plot happenings that merit a discussion. 

1) This whole Echo/Ballard Romance.  I am one of the many that think the Dushku-lite episodes are better than those centering around Echo's plight.  While I think Echo is an okay character -- it's the rest of the Dollhouse that I'm actually hardcore about.  With only a handful of episodes left, I'd rather the writers not mix it up with an awkward Echo/Ballard romance.  I prefer that Ballard just want to look out for Echo because he thinks she's special (there's that word again...) or important.  The pair's "chemistry" is a little predictable and downright weird (or even useless) to watch.  Leave that drama on the cutting room floor -- and just delve into the deep, dark insanity of the house.

2) Adele's gone bad.  Aw, man... first let me say, I really, really like Adele DeWitt.  It gets me all excited when she sticks up for her Dolls' safety.  Yes, she's basically a Madame.  But still, she's cool, cold, cutthroat and calculating.  I love that.  But when she gave over Topher's how-to instructions for building the most dangerous, technological doo-hickey, that made me a little mad.  I don't like not liking Adele and that made me scream a little inside.  I like Adele when she's totally bitchy -- but looks out for the good of her dolls.  Adele:  Turn back.  Turn back now.  Please?

So, there you have it.  Please feel free to comment and so forth.

-J

Whedon's Next Move

So, as we all know -- "Dollhouse" has been officially canceled.  It's sad, but true.  Now, while I highly enjoyed "Dollhouse" for what it was -- and the potential was there to be something really intriguing -- it was not my favorite Whedon project.  I agree with most critics when they say the Dushku-lite episodes were far superior to those which focused on Echo's assignments and/or character development.  Sierra was great -- Victor was great -- and Adele was a personal favorite of mine.  But what's done is done and the show is DONE.  :(

So, now what?

This isn't the first time Fox has screwed over Joss.  So, I say screw Fox.  Screw network television altogether.  In my opinion, Joss should try one of these paths:

1) First up, the obvious transition into feature filmmaking.  Now, part of Joss' genius is his ability to develop characters very well, so a feature film gives him less time to do this.  However, I have faith that if anyone can make it work, he can -- and I get tickled by the idea of a full-blown Joss Whedon movie (I enjoyed Serenity and am stoked to eventually see Cabin in the Woods and Goners).  May I suggest an adaptation of Fray into a feature flick or mini-series?

Which brings me to my next path..

2) Consider this -- developing a show for Sci-Fi, FX or a another cable network.  You don't need as many viewers and with something like Sci-Fi, your target audience is already tuned in --- not to mention, all the die-hard Whedon fans will tune in to anything he creates.  What's more, the cable networks may offer a little more creative license to develop something that he wants to develop -- vs. worrying about what the Network may or may not want because all they care about are ratings and sponsorships.  Come on, Joss would rule on Sci-Fi.  

What do you think?