Dollhouse Ratings Watch!

[Primal Slayer]

I'm tellin' ya... direct-to-DVD movies are the way to keep this story going. It's worked very well for other genre shows, and if there's anything Joss excels at profit-wise, it's selling DVD's.

Ya I wish. But somehow I dont think Joss and co. are thinking that way.

 

[Giants Rule 04]

Son of a...

I can't believe it. First Scrubs goes off the air and now Dollhouse is looking dead. I f**king hate TV! 🙁

 

[LittleMissLikesToFight]

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! that is all that i need to say.

 

[Frketson]

I'm really disappointed, only got the finale episode to watch but i was really starting to like this show 🙁

 

[Skanky Vamp]

I was throughly displeased with the series finale; as with the rest of the series episodes, the basis for a great show was there, however Joss was not able to pull it off.

There were glimpses of what could be an amazing series in more capable hands (would have loved to see what a David Lynch could have done) but especially in the finale, rather than pushing the envelope Joss went with formula writing and failed to really push the boundaries in the way we view ourselves (though there were some good glimpses).

In addition to that failing, the same trite metaphorical images which permeated the first episode were witnessed again in the last. Without adding a spoiler, the scene "you saved the girl" seemed as cheesy as the boxing scene in the pilot episode. I think this played a large part in the failing of the series.

The prosaic storytelling did not help; each episode seemed like a repeat of a previous series- be it Alibi, Pretender on down the list. There seemed little originality, save for the series finale, which again failed to go beyond the formula. Unlike Firefly which was (to use the vernacular of the show) put in the attic before its time, Dollhouse was a mercy killing.

For a man that digs in and explores human interaction and emotion, the premise of Dollhouse ultimately proved too much. For the most part, characters lacked the very thing which Joss Whedon excels at: human emotion.

 

[goldenboy]

David Lynch. I can't imagine him working out a truly intricate, non-nonsensical plot, but it would be mesmerizing to watch, probably.

You're right that this hasn't played to Whedon's traditional strengths of emotional, character-driven stories and dialogue"”and a tight "family" of characters interacting. Never saw an episode of Pretender or Alibi...the concept isn't that worn out to me.

I think it could grow (could've grown) into unique new territory. I still wanna know what the larger intended purpose of the Dollhouse is. This seems like it's in some ways setting up as the 5th Season of Angel"”the way Paul has seemingly joined the Dollhouse. And did Topher bring Whiskey into the Dollhouse program originally? Was she actually a friend or girlfriend?

If this show could move to a place where some of the leads are somehow friends or close allies...I dunno...

 

[Skanky Vamp]

David Lynch. I can't imagine him working out a truly intricate, non-nonsensical plot, but it would be mesmerizing to watch, probably.

But I think that would play to the strength of the series; the finale could have been the complete and total mind-fu__k that it tired to be. The way that Alpha was portrayed, if Omega was similar.. have a real anti-hero (or heroine) as the the lead and expand, fully on the disassociation of the dolls. Nothing would have to be sensical, as you saw Alpha was anything but.. besides, it would be similar territory as Bob kept bouncing in and out of people in TP.


Re: other shows that Dollhouse 'borrows' from:

Basic Pretender plot

Spoiler

Jarod, a boy genius with a special gift for pretending, was kidnapped and held prisoner by a corporation that used him as a human simulator in their clandestine research. Escaping from The Centre more than 30 years later, Jarod now searches for clues to his true identity and family. He also uses his ability to quickly become an expert at anything to right wrongs and exact revenge on the wicked. All the while, Centre operatives led by Miss Parker work relentlessly to capture Jarod, and return him to The Centre

Basic Alias plot

Spoiler

For seven years, Sydney Bristow believed she was working for a covert branch of the CIA, named SD-6. However, when she tells her fiance of her job, Arvin Sloane, head of SD-6 and an old family friend, has him murdered. With this life-shattering event, Sydney learns not only that SD-6 is a mercenary group of terrorists, but that her father, too, works for SD-6. Sydney then works with the CIA as a double agent, trying to bring down SD-6 with her father, a second double. This is only the beginning of a path of betrayal, murder, lies, and disbelief. Sydney Bristow pushes through trials of love, learns the truth about her mother, loses a friend in an utter form of incredulity, pitfalls herself into months of torture and puzzlement, and is tormented with countless revelations

 

[goldenboy]

Wait. Is "Alibi" Alias? OK. 🙂

I was expecting the Omega thing that Alpha was attempting to be successful (at least temporarily). It just seemed so abrupt that it "didn't take", Echo's back at the Dollhouse, Caroline "won". What if Echo had become an Angelus-like character (or, Drusilla)? I guess that's kind of a retread too.

It still has the potential to get even darker and more twisted...not sure that that would be a selling point for the Friday night Ghost Whisperer crowd. So many "what if's" with this series...

 

[Skanky Vamp]

I was expecting the Omega thing that Alpha was attempting to be successful (at least temporarily). It just seemed so abrupt that it "didn't take", Echo's back at the Dollhouse, Caroline "won". What if Echo had become an Angelus-like character (or, Drusilla)?

Well, I said since the first episode that Alpha should be the 'good guy.' I think he and Omega could be a proper anti-hero team. Should have been, in fact. But I think it was 'safer' to have Caroline 'win' and things return to normal.

Consider the opposite though; we know via Dominic that NSA was invested in the Dollhouse, we know via the 'religious' episode that the ATF works with the Dollhouse and now we know that there is Dollhouse involvement in the FBI. How many other branches of government was involved? Imagine what wonderful domestic terrorists Alpha and Omega would be trying to bring down the Dollhouse(s). Plus, they would be utterly bonkers in so doing (and those cut angles with Alpha as he/others were talking would be common- I rather fancied those) with all those different people in their head. But... they took the blue pill. It's a waste, really. I think Joss has serious trouble writing standalone episodes.

 

[goldenboy]

^ That actually sounds slightly like the Vertigo comics remake of The Losers (what I've read of it). A band of ex CIA, betrayed, attempting to take down the organization. Or even the Bourne movies.

But yeah, the twist of the psychotic unpredictability would be wild. How this would all tie back to Whedon's core strengths of relationships and human emotion I'm not sure...

 

[Skanky Vamp]

How this would all tie back to Whedon's core strengths of relationships and human emotion I'm not sure...

Ergo the Lynch comment.

---------- Post added at 08:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 PM ----------

But yeah, the twist of the psychotic unpredictability would be wild.

You could have a three person monologue with but one person; but I did like the God concept. In theory Alpha and Omega would never die.

 

[goldenboy]

Shows still "on the bubble" and yet to be renewed: "Bones," "Dollhouse," "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," "Sit Down, Shut Up." Fox is taking a good look at the seven comedy and five drama pilots it has in development before making what looks to be the two most difficult decisions here - "Bones" and "Dollhouse." The first has been a steady if unspectacular performer and the latter was a disappointment that showed signs of life late in the run. The question for Fox is whether it can find a sci-fi styled match for "Dollhouse" or not. Everything else looks dead.

Pilots in play for the 2009-10 season: Dramas include "Eva Adams," about a womanizing jerk who is "transformed" into a woman and then suffers all the jerkish behavior he once doled out, and "Human Target," based on the DC Comics story about a guy who assumes the identities of his clients who are in trouble (and by that we mean someone is trying to hurt them badly). Mark Valley, Jackie Earle Haley and Chi McBride star; it's considered a red-hot contender to get picked up. "Maggie Hill," featuring Alfre Woodard, is about a brilliant female surgeon who develops schizophrenia. "Masterwork" is a thriller about tracking down and recovering works of art and artifacts. (Think "National Treasure.") The final drama is "The Reincarnationist" - yep - about a team of investigators who solve your current woes by figuring out what you did in a past life.

Of the dramas, look for "Human Target" and "Maggie Hill" to get the green light - but like any upfront, there's plenty of intangibles in play.

Television: Fox looks for laughs this fall


If they're insisting on pairing up Dollhouse with another sci-fi/genre show...Human Target seems possible. But its premise seems so similar (is that a good thing?). Maybe "Masterwork" or that "Reincarnationist" thing....

 

[Airam]

Television: Fox looks for laughs this fall


If they're insisting on pairing up Dollhouse with another sci-fi/genre show...Human Target seems possible. But its premise seems so similar (is that a good thing?). Maybe "Masterwork" or that "Reincarnationist" thing....

Yeah but I don't think it would do Dollhouse any good to pair it up with another rookie series. I think a boost in ratrings for Dollhouse is completely plausible, but never hidden away in that Friday night death slot. To really put it on the radar and open people's eyes to it it needs to be on sometime Mon-Thurs following an already established show. I still think having it follow Bones on Thursday is a great choice.

And a sidenote, WTF?! Bones is on the bubble too?! I had no clue but if FOX dares to cancel Dollhouse AND Bones, that would be the final nail in the coffin for me. Those are the last two shows left on FOX that I watch and they will be the last two shows I EVER watch on FOX.

 

[AndrewCrossett]

I still think having it follow Bones on Thursday is a great choice.

That was my thinking too, but it's been pointed out that that would put it up against CSI, Grey's Anatomy, The Office, and 30 Rock. Probably not the most auspicious timeslot for a struggling sophomore genre show.

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

I think all you guys that seem to have given up on the show because of its ratings are funny🙂

 

[Airam]

I haven't given up at all. Actually despite the crappy ratings I still have this feeling that we will definately be getting a season 2, can't shake it, I have unshakable optimism when it comes to this show.

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

I haven't given up at all. Actually despite the crappy ratings I still have this feeling that we will definately be getting a season 2, can't shake it, I have unshakable optimism when it comes to this show.

And who said anything about you?
I just read the thread - its evident who DOES think it though!

 

[Airam]

And who said anything about you?
I just read the thread - its evident who DOES think it though!

Wait, you mean the world doesn't revolve around me?! *pouts*

Either way I just wanted to reiterate my DH faith, maybe I'll infect some of the pessimists :biggrin:

 

[AndrewCrossett]

The sad reality is that a multi-million-dollars-per-episode show with ratings this low is not at all likely to be renewed, unless Fox has an angle in mind that they haven't told us. If it were, it would be unprecedented as far as I know.

Fact is, I'm not giving up on this show even if it does get cancelled. It could possibly move to cable, but even more likely, it could continue in the form of one or more DVD movies.

20th Century Fox (if not Fox Broadcasting) is still behind this show, and will make quite a bit of money off the DVD sets. If Joss and Eliza want to keep doing Dollhouse, I'm sure the resources will be made available to do a DVD movie or a whole series of them. They would sell as well as every DVD with Whedon's name on it sells.

 

[Primal Slayer]

Oh well, when is Fox upfronts? We should know the shows fate by next week.