Episode Discussion 1.06 "Man On The Street" - Aired 3/20/09 (FOX-USA)

[Fusions2]

Finally I've been able to see all of the Dollhouse episodes so far and "Man on the Street" was by far the best so far. I loved how it played out with that Internet man telling Paul all about his fantasy. Sierra's storyline was really sad it made me feel sorry for Victor who had no clue what was going on but it was so well played out with Boyd working it all out and using Sierra in the operation. Her innonence over the whole situation is so heartbreaking to watch.

Echo's fight scene with Paul was totally kick arse those moves were awesome although half the time I kept thinking Echo was so like Faith. I'm starting to think that info given to Paul wasn't part of the programme but it could play out differently. Loved Mellie (sp?) being the sleeper agent thats a new twist to the Dollhouse. That ending to the whole episode was so touching I loved how Echo/Rebecca was so surprised about the house, it was good to see the episode ending like that.

Overall fantastic episode it kept me on the edge of my seat, finally the show is starting to get in to its pace. I can't wait to see the next episode now.

 

[Lyri]

Loved this episode so freaking much. I thought the whole thing was perfectly written and acted, and everyone was just awesome.

Loved Echo/Rebecca's 'PORN!' line, that was just one of the best moments in the show so far for me.

I was devestated that they thought Victor could have been Sierra's attacker. I was like 'No Way!' I knew that, while he may be attracked to her on some unconscious level, there's no way he could or would have done anything. He's too innocent.

The fight scene between Paul and Echo was just jaw-dropping. I loved every single second of it.

The imprint inside the imprint was a real spinner, I never saw that coming. Not sure who it was, but I'm thinking it might be Topher, despite the imprint saying the imprinter has nothing to do with it. I don't think Claire has the know-how, and Ivy's too obvious.

I love Mellie, I think she's fantastic, even though she might be a doll, I think she's so sweet how much she cares for Paul. But is she a doll? Or was she just the neighbor, and DeWitt had her carted off and imprinted the sleeper agent? She seems really settled in, and Paul would notice if she was skipping out to get her 'treatment' every night or something.

And saying that, how long do the imprints last? We saw Victor going back to the Dollhouse, so can they be permenant, or do they need refreshed every few days or something?

 

[Fusions2]

And saying that, how long do the imprints last? We saw Victor going back to the Dollhouse, so can they be permenant, or do they need refreshed every few days or something?

Good question I never thought of that before especially when the handlers come along and say its time for their treatment. Maybe it only lasts so long and they have to go back for a reboot if the mission is a long one. It could be that after a time the imprints start to unravel or dissolve. Oh I've got more pondering thoughts than answers now.

 

[nerd4hire]

She seems really settled in, and Paul would notice if she was skipping out to get her 'treatment' every night or something.

And saying that, how long do the imprints last? We saw Victor going back to the Dollhouse, so can they be permenant, or do they need refreshed every few days or something?

It's interesting that Dominic asks Adelle if she wants to withdraw the sleeper, but she says no just bring her in so Topher can run a diagnostic.

 

[Flannen]

I'm finding the whole sleeper agent thing so confusing. I thought at first that maybe she's normal until activated (which she obviously is) but she must also inherently be an active....mustn't she?! - See CONFUSED! LOL!

What made me question whether she is in control of herself and actually her own person (not just a continued imprint) and its only when triggered that she reacts like she did - which is what I thought was going on - was Adelle's comment to Dominic in the lift when she said 'After all, she loves him' seriously my brain hurts now.

 

[JCC]

If the rest of the episodes had been as good as this one then perhaps the show would've found its feet better with the ratings, it was miles ahead of the rest. Although, when Eliza was like "Please... put the gun down..." I was like "Egads, MTV movie overacting rears its ugly head".

 

[TabulaRasa]

I thought the beginning was boring because there was too much ballard. As I've mentioned I'm guessing we got lots of Ballard so that we don't have to see him for a while?!! Hoping so. No offense to the actor. Or, maybe a little offense. He's just not the right guy for that role.IMO. Kate on Angel, she was right for the cop role. Darn, I loved Kate! Anyways..moving on...

The story that guy told about his wife. That friggin broke my heart. I was like, holy crap. I totally understood why he did it. The only thing is, if that happened to me, and my girl was killed, I don't think any other person could fill that void. No matter what, you know? I couldn't pretend with any other person because it wouldn't be her. So, that is just easier for some people I guess!!!

Echo fighting Ballard, very awesome. Ballard looked like a baboon but Echo/Faith (cause she was so faith there) was awesome. She looked good and fought good and was just smokin hot!

What she said to him was very interesting. She said that they deal in fantasy but they are much bigger than that. So we know that there are 20 other dollhouses around the world and that deal in fantasy, duh, but also...more. They are like the Wolfram & Hart of Angel. I love this because so much reminds me of Angel. Joss wasn't done with Angel. So I hope he ties in some cool ideas from that to this. Minus vampire stuff. Booo, I like vampire stuff!!!

Now we have to wonder, who was the mole inside? Who is keeping an eye? And if someone is, why not just take em all down? Or at least that one? Well, obviously because they want to take them all down. But if you're inside, can't you get intel to the 20? I mean, if there are 20, you know there are 20, then you have to know where they are...why not take em down? Of course, the person could not know. But still cool. UNLESS, it is not someone good in there and whomever messed with her program just wanted Ballard to think there was someone good inside so he'd back off. Anything is possible I guess. So now, who is the one tampering with things? Some people think Adelle. I like to think it's not her. Mostly because I love that she's a true villain. I don't want her to have a soft spot.

Now, on to Victor and Sierra. We know that they are holding their own personalities. Because well, they have to. It's how Joss does things. And we can also see that they are not being totally wiped because used to, if a doll was suggested to do something, like take a swim or a shower, get a massage ( I could so go for one right now) then they would say..ok..I think I'll get a massage. BUT, when Victor was being taken away and they said "victor, please come with us" he said "Where?" So, he questioned what was happening. That is awesome! Yes, they are being wiped, but are keeping personality.

And how cute, he likes to play husband and wife with Sierra.

I loved how Adelle disposed of Sierra's handler. She didn't have to do the dirty work, dollhouse didn't have to do the dirty work. She set it up so it looked like a break in. This way once she activated her doll, the doll would show she's protecting herself and kills him. Self defense. Nothing leading him to dollhouse. Not a thing. How.friggin.perfect! That Adelle is a good one. She knows what she's doing.

Now, Echo painting. Two meanings. She said to Adelle that it wasn't finished. You saw Adelle's eyes get HUGE. So, she wanted to finish the job of giving that guy his fantasy, since she was painting a house and a husband and wife. And, she wanted to finish doing her work at the dollhouse. Because she's probably realizing deep down she can take them on. She obviously doesn't know it yet. But she knows deep down. So, that's awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also was glad to know I wasn't wrong about Milly. And the way Joss made us think she wasn't a doll and turned it around on us. Perfect. I love that man!

 

[Kean]

Although, when Eliza was like "Please... put the gun down..." I was like "Egads, MTV movie overacting rears its ugly head".

Yeah, I thought that too. Although the PORN!!! parts were funny I thought her acting in that scene was extremely awkward.


I don't know if I am totally sold on the whole Eliza-is-the-most-awesomest-actress-in-the-histroy-of-ever that Joss keeps harping on about.

 

[AndrewCrossett]

Now, Echo painting. Two meanings. She said to Adelle that it wasn't finished. You saw Adelle's eyes get HUGE. So, she wanted to finish the job of giving that guy his fantasy, since she was painting a house and a husband and wife. And, she wanted to finish doing her work at the dollhouse. Because she's probably realizing deep down she can take them on. She obviously doesn't know it yet. But she knows deep down. So, that's awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first thought was that she was painting her own (Caroline's) childhood house and her parents. If her Caroline memories are starting to resurface, then they'd probably start with childhood memories first. "It's not finished" would mean that the memories are only vague so far, and she can't quite finish piecing them together.

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

I've succumbed to watching an episode.
Not because I am curious but because I can't have an opinion if I haven't seen it.

I decided that the first episode I would watch would be this one - its the Joss episode I've seen all the fans pre-wank over because its where he has control...right?

Well so far I'm 23 minutes and 11 seconds into it and I am bored.

I'll update at the next end of part.

---------- Post added at 02:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 AM ----------

29 minutes 34 seconds - still bored

---------- Post added at 03:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:58 AM ----------

44 minutes 39 seconds - big fight means not AS bored as before but no where near the thrill I got with my first episode of Buffy.

---------- Post added at 03:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 AM ----------

Overall - Bored.
Now I know people are gonna say that I went in biased, well so what - every single one of you guys did just like every person ever to watch something has been.
Some of you may also say well you should have watched it from the beginning to understand - well let me tell you, its not that difficult to work out.

I am annoyed at a few things.
Henry Lennix - I think is an awesome actor, but not here.
Olivia Williams - has been in some good movies (or at least been worth watching in less than OK movies (X-Men 3 for example))
Amy Acker - playing the same character we saw for 2 years on Angel, when she showed in the first half of her first year and the last half of her last year that she actually DOES have range.
Eliza Dushku - I really did only see Faith, and not even Faith at her best.
Tahmoh Penikett - He was HOT in BSG, he is NOT in Dollhouse.

For the first half it was annoying me that this had a feel of something else, then it hit me - this is the X-Files without Aliens and a sceptical partner and slightly more narrative from the Alien/Syndicate (Dollhouse in this case) types...though to be fair there was a female character that looks like an Alien-Human hybrid.

I also had issues with the story-telling, things that would ONLY make sense if Olivia Williams character is the one feeding Tahmoh Peniketts character the information, but to be fair THIS little nugget could be because I haven't seen the rest so I don't know ALL the character development.
Like for instance the Billionaire who hires such lame-ass security. Trust me, a man has that much money, in the real world his security guards would be all ex-SAS, Navy Seals and/or Secret Service and wouldn't all be taken down by an FBI agent.
Again, I don't know his back story so the agent might be ex-Navy Seals himself, but its almost ludicrous when Jack Bauer does it and we're constantly told of his history.

ANYWAY, will I watch this show again?
Doubtful BUT I did watch it on Hulu so hopefully I've helped bolster numbers for you guys to keep your show.

---------- Post added at 04:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:42 AM ----------

Just wanted to show you guys.
You tell me that there isn't a passing, almost familial, resemblance!!

---------- Post added at 04:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:02 AM ----------

OK - I just read this thread as well, I am assuming that the 'November' thing was a big reveal, but it was obvious, to me at least, what she was from the outset of the episode.

---------- Post added at 04:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:20 AM ----------

....I wonder what the red flower in the vase would do... (Green, Yellow....the third has gotta be red).

If Green is 'activate' and Yellow is 'sleep'(mode) then I would assume that Red will be either total destruction or self-destruct.

Why am I even engaging in this thread?!!??!

---------- Post added at 04:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:25 AM ----------

Damn, now I feel bad for Paul. He kinda sorta really likes Mellie, and she's not even real... That makes him an unintentional hypocrite then, right? 'Cause at the beginning he was telling the Internet mogul guy how weird it was to hire a doll to be his wife?

OK, seriously last time because I'm not gonna read anymore!

How on earth does it make the character a hypocrite in anyway at all?
He has absolutely no reason, from what I have seen, to suspect she is a Doll, to suspect she is nothing more or less what she claims to be.

IF, when he finds out, he continues to 'use' her then he is a hypocrite, but not by any definition of the word is he one now
He and the Internet Moguls situations at this point have NOTHING in common.

 

[Flannen]

Personally, the only link I see to The X Files, is the fact it has an FBI agent in it. The fact you establish it is missing: aliens, a sceptical partner etc, only go to show that it really is nothing like The X Files.

If I was to suggest it was like any other show, it would probably have to be Alias.

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

Personally, the only link I see to The X Files, is the fact it has an FBI agent in it. The fact you establish it is missing: aliens, a sceptical partner etc, only go to show that it really is nothing like The X Files.

If I was to suggest it was like any other show, it would probably have to be Alias.

A random FBI agent makes it his crusade to find a sinister, powerful and secret organisation through a consipracy theory while his colleagues think he is a little bit of a joke on a quest for the Truth.

He is doing it all for one woman, someone he believes lost to them.

Now, want me to write the basic plot line, from the FBI agents POV, on Dollhouse?


If all that X-Files was, was having a sceptical partner and be about Aliens, then it wouldn't survive.
The Aliens have been substituted for 'Dolls' then Syndicate have been substituted for the Dollhouse Elite and Henry Lennix is The Cigarette Smoking Man.

 

[Flannen]

Well when you put it that way...😉

I get what you're saying now. I do still think it has a lot of similarities with Alias as well though. But as a fan of Alias, and The X Files, this is not a problem!

 

[Silum]

Overall - Bored.
Now I know people are gonna say that I went in biased, well

Great, I dont have to say it. Btw, by prefacing your post with the blatantly obvious, doesn't make it any less true.

The only reason you watched the episode was because you were running out of things to argue. Even if in the back of your mind you were giving the 'best episode to date' a chance, clearly you were never going to enjoy it with this mindset.

All billionaires have exSAS security? He had to remind them not to have the kids call...hardly a buttoned down operation

Xfiles? Your reasoning is that the FBI agent is on a fringe mission, that hardly brings these two shows together. Especially now that he's not even an FBI agent.

 

[goldenboy]

You can spot little bits of Alias, X-Files, Dark Angel, etc in this. Whedon always deals in genre clichés, so that doesn't bother me. After this ep, I'm definitely willing to give it time, see where it's going, if anywhere (FOX). I hope more Battlestar fans will jump over to this show now.

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

Great, I dont have to say it. Btw, by prefacing your post with the blatantly obvious, doesn't make it any less true.

I didn't argue that it wasn't - what I did argue was that everyone goes into a show biased, unless they manage to go into it without knowing anything, even that it exists.
Even titles of shows help form bias.
Thats kinda one of the reasons why Joss called Buffy, Buffy.

The only reason you watched the episode was because you were running out of things to argue. Even if in the back of your mind you were giving the 'best episode to date' a chance, clearly you were never going to enjoy it with this mindset.

No, I genuinely gave it a watch because I felt you can't have an opinion of something until you've tried it.
There have been many shows in the past that I went into thinking that I would hate it and it won me over.
You should do a little search and find some of my 'rants' about Battlestar Galactica.

Also, I did have somewhat of an open mind - granted not that open, but before I watched it I did say to myself 'this was made by the guy who made Buffy and Angel AND he has alot of people around him, again, that I actually DO like'.

This episode has been advertised in interviews and on this board, as the one where Joss is in control. This was Joss' time to shine or fade out.

All billionaires have exSAS security? He had to remind them not to have the kids call...hardly a buttoned down operation

Of everything I said about the actual show, this is the one pick to use against me.
Either you're not trying OR my other points are accurate!

Basic security would have known that - however, people like him who have security would have ex-SAS ect because they want/need the best. Paul Blart isn't going to cut it my friend.
The point is that if he has the best, so many are not going to be taken out so easily by a rogue FBI agent.
Unless, as I said, there is some back story I have missed regarding Tahmoh's character.

Xfiles? Your reasoning is that the FBI agent is on a fringe mission, that hardly brings these two shows together. Especially now that he's not even an FBI agent.

No, my reasoning is above.

As for the 'not even an FBI agent' well Mulder wasn't always one. He was suspended a few times.
Heck, the entire last movie was him as a consultant while still a criminal.

You don't rightly know whats to come for the Tahmoh character, you don't know that he won't be back in the FBI - but as I said above, you have my reasoning.

Rip me to shreds, rip me to shreds!

---------- Post added at 05:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:23 PM ----------

You can spot little bits of Alias, X-Files, Dark Angel, etc in this. Whedon always deals in genre clichés, so that doesn't bother me. After this ep, I'm definitely willing to give it time, see where it's going, if anywhere (FOX). I hope more Battlestar fans will jump over to this show now.

I didn't actually say it was a bad thing for people who are watching the show - I just said I got a very strong X-Files vibe from it.

 

[Silum]

I didn't argue that it wasn't - what I did argue was that everyone goes into a show biased, unless they manage to go into it without knowing anything, even that it exists.
Even titles of shows help form bias.
Thats kinda one of the reasons why Joss called Buffy, Buffy.

Yes, but thats not the bias were talking about. Buffys a funny name so sure im predisposed to find it camp etc, but ive read enough opinions on Dollhouse from you that I at least understand a little where your coming from. Sure I had a bias toward Dollhouse from the get go because of its creator, something that worked the opposite for you, but thats not what im talking about.

I can only paint a picture based on the posts your made regarding Dollhouse but.... You watched the show not to see if you might enjoy it (i would presume, im not you) but because "you wanted an opinion on it". An equally valid reason for watching, but you went into it already 'hating' the show.

Anyway, my point is thin on this one, your welcome to your opinion. My point is your 'boredom' on this show doesn't surprise me in the least.

Of everything I said about the actual show, this is the one pick to use against me.
Either you're not trying OR my other points are accurate!

To be fair, I wasn't critiquing your post, in fact I only quoted one of the first lines. I read throuh quickly cause I dont always read everything people say, even if I feel like dissagreeing with what I have read. That said, those were the only two points I read that wern't a result of opinion; im not gonna argue whether Eliza was faith like or Tahmoh is hot or not.

Basic security would have known that - however, people like him who have security would have ex-SAS ect because they want/need the best.

A internet guru with an obsession for seeing his ex-wife's reaction needs the very best? I wouldnt be surprised if he had a retired city cop watching his back. You haven't seen them but in previous episodes, Dolls are thrown into all sorts of situations with not even a thought for security beyond the Dolls 'handler' (Boyd for Echo)... so even the Dollhouse wouldn't require high security. The only reason I brought it up was because to me it was a strange complaint of the show.

No, my reasoning is above.

For all your laughing at people making 'Whedonverse connections', you should see that loose thread the two shows are tied together with. I will concede that the thread is there though. I suppose thats a good thing for connecting with Xfiles nuts who were used to getting their friday night TV fix, but I think its more of an accidental one.

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

Yes, but thats not the bias were talking about. Buffys a funny name so sure im predisposed to find it camp etc, but ive read enough opinions on Dollhouse from you that I at least understand a little where your coming from. Sure I had a bias toward Dollhouse from the get go because of its creator, something that worked the opposite for you, but thats not what im talking about.

I can only paint a picture based on the posts your made regarding Dollhouse but.... You watched the show not to see if you might enjoy it (i would presume, im not you) but because "you wanted an opinion on it". An equally valid reason for watching, but you went into it already 'hating' the show.

Anyway, my point is thin on this one, your welcome to your opinion. My point is your 'boredom' on this show doesn't surprise me in the least.

To be fair, a few people on this thread have said the episode started weak (which I read after I watched it).

I don't think its fair to assume I went in 'hating' it either.
I watched Doctor Horrible for the first time just before it and I actually quite likes it, it was fun. Yes, there were issues but what show is perfect in its first outing.

I went in with certain expectations, and yes there were certain elements I thought better than others - I thought that a particular part of the fight scene was interesting, but to be honest I've never been one for action so it wasn't enough to keep me piqued.

To be fair, I wasn't critiquing your post, in fact I only quoted one of the first lines. I read throuh quickly cause I dont always read everything people say, even if I feel like dissagreeing with what I have read. That said, those were the only two points I read that wern't a result of opinion; im not gonna argue whether Eliza was faith like or Tahmoh is hot or not.

A internet guru with an obsession for seeing his ex-wife's reaction needs the very best? I wouldnt be surprised if he had a retired city cop watching his back. You haven't seen them but in previous episodes, Dolls are thrown into all sorts of situations with not even a thought for security beyond the Dolls 'handler' (Boyd for Echo)... so even the Dollhouse wouldn't require high security. The only reason I brought it up was because to me it was a strange complaint of the show.

I didn't mean The Dolls needed security, I meant that the billionaire would have his own security.
He probably has a detail to watch him go to the toilet.
I picked up on that because it seemed odd to me that Tahmoh took them all out rather easily when in reality if you feel the need for security - you pay for it.

I must say that the 'Paul Blart' comment was entirely based on the new movie with Kevin James who worked with Patton on King of Queens! I love that show!

I think that ED's acting is something to be discussed though, while Tahmohs hot bod is for somewhere else - I think it might be his hair cut!

For all your laughing at people making 'Whedonverse connections', you should see that loose thread the two shows are tied together with. I will concede that the thread is there though. I suppose thats a good thing for connecting with Xfiles nuts who were used to getting their friday night TV fix, but I think its more of an accidental one.

I wasn't laughing, if there is a genuine connection (and if you remember when there did seem to be one, I was the one being vocal how it was obvious, even to me who hasn't seen it, that it was a nod) then its a connection.

I don't, however, see that thread as being as loose as you - but then you have seen more of Dollhouse than I have and I only have what I have seen as a reference.

 

[nerd4hire]

There was a rush to criticize from professional reviewers with the previous 5. This ep seems to be getting a majority of positive reviews. Here's an example.

iFMagazine.com: TV Review: DOLLHOUSE - SEASON 1 - 'Man on The Street'

I got that from Whedonesque. Here's their introduction to the story...

What the papers say about Dollhouse episode 6

iFMagazine.com says it was "just as good as the best of any Buffy or Angel episodes".

Ken Tucker at EW.com goes with "I know I'm along for the rest of the ride".

The A.V. Club gives "Man on the Street" an 'A', adding"[it] was Whedon on his game".

The Hitfix recap ends with "Whedon, you actually sucked me in again. Well played, sir. Well played".

And finally, TVGuide.com says the episode "delivered on story, twists and action".

Source

 

[Airam]

I'll just echo what most have already said, I LOVED IT! The "man on the street" interviews were awesome, Eliza as the wife was SO GOOD, my very fave imprint to date. Like all of you I lol at "PORN!" It was just such a well rounded episode, it had the twists, the humor, it was disturbing and touching. When Echo drew the picture and kept saying "is not finished" aside from it speaking to her self awareness I also took from it that not all the engagements are dirty and corrupt or harmful and she is catching on to that, she WANTED to finish that engagement because I think she got that it was emotionally imortant to that man. And I did get pretty teary eyed at the end when she went back and finished. (It helps a little more if I pretend that after the heartfelt reunion the man didn't take her into the bedroom and make a little "PORN!" with Echo... lol 😛 )

The Mellie twist was good, I did think she was about to die... still a little confused as to exactly how this sleeper active thing works but I think we'll find out more next ep. My only qualm with the episode was just how random Agent Ballard's sudden attraction to Mellie was... I mean I did like how it all played out but, like someone else mentioned, up till now it seemed like she was just the clingy enamoured next door neighbor that he was a tad creeped out by and then next thing we know he's cutting her off mid sentence smooching her? It just seemed like it came out of nowhere...

And as for the man on the inside messing with Echo's imprint to go see Ballard... I'm still unsure if Adelle programmed Echo to go to him and say all that or if her imprint was actually hijacked... although I think I'm leaning more towards the latter.