The Dollhouse Genre and Chuck

[Buffyverse Fan]

I just read an article talking about NBC's Chuck, and its chances of renewal. I'd say Chuck is easily the most comparable show to Dollhouse that airs currently on American Network Television. While Chuck does average "weak ratings" (6-7million, double Dollhouse's, lol), the cast, crew and fans have commented that the genre or lack there of probably hurts the ratings. They say that within a single episode, from scene-to-scene, the genre can jump from spy to drama to scifi to comedy, and casual viewers may be confused by this.

Anyway, I think Dollhouse suffers from the same thing. I'd say Chuck is much more popular due to its character-driven nature, so even if the genre is confusing, people still latch on to their favorite characters. Ironically, it seems Joss neglected this aspect in Dollhouse, which is more story-driven than character-driven. It's ironic, because I think Joss' real talent is writing character-driven stories. The premises of both Buffy and Angel would have lead to quickly canceled series if the stars weren't so interesting.

 

[caitaintdead]

I can definitely see your point when it comes to the character driven nature of Chuck. I watch Chuck religious, purely because I a.) started watching it for Adam Baldwin and b.) look forward to seeing what is bought to his character every week. I haven't felt the same connection to anyone from Dollhouse the way I've felt a need to follow John Casey's story line.

 

[Fake Shemp]

I read that the picking up of season 3 Chuck was false, i dunno i stopped after how bad season one was

I dont want to think of Dollhouse alongside Chuck as Dollhouse is a GOOD show, chuck.... really not.

I must say at first i really liked Dollhouse, then i got a little meh a few episodes in but now its really entertaining. I will be very very sad to see it go and it will confirm my grrrrelationship with Fox.

 

[Buffyverse Fan]

I read that the picking up of season 3 Chuck was false,

Neither of us said Chuck was being renewed or canceled...

I dont want to think of Dollhouse alongside Chuck as Dollhouse is a GOOD show, chuck.... really not.

Well it manages to wrangle over double Dollhouse's ratings on a lesser network

I must say at first i really liked Dollhouse, then i got a little meh a few episodes in but now its really entertaining. I will be very very sad to see it go and it will confirm my grrrrelationship with Fox.

I feel the same way you do about Dollhouse. But I think Chuck is a better show. Like caitaintdead said, people watch Chuck to see what's going to happen with the characters. Dollhouse isn't the same, because it can go weeks with no character progression on Echo's part.

I won't claim that Chuck is a great show, mostly because some episodes are pretty boring, but funnily enough, I'd say Chuck is more like Buffy than Dollhouse is.

Point I was trying to make is that with these types of shows 9 times out of 10, the stories are so ridiculous and mediocre that the characters are what bring you back to it, not the story. And Dollhouse only really has Paul, who isn't even the star. Everyone else is either a Doll or technically a villain.

 

[Blondie Bear]

I quit watching Chuck after the first season because Fox moved House opposite it, and House just comes first (sorry, Zachary Levi and Adam Baldwin). I had every intention of keeping up with the episodes online, but I never really got around to it, and then when I did, I was bored. For the sake of the people who love it, I hope it gets picked up again (and for the sake of having something sci-fi-ish on the air), but it just isn't the show for me. 🙁

 

[Buffyverse Fan]

I quit watching Chuck after the first season because Fox moved House opposite it, and House just comes first (sorry, Zachary Levi and Adam Baldwin). I had every intention of keeping up with the episodes online, but I never really got around to it, and then when I did, I was bored. For the sake of the people who love it, I hope it gets picked up again (and for the sake of having something sci-fi-ish on the air), but it just isn't the show for me. 🙁

If I were you, I'd just watch episodes 02x21 & 02x22 online, they are about 1,000,000x better than the rest of the series. I agree that House is better, but that's a whole other genre 😉

 

[Fake Shemp]

I wasnt saying that anyone said it was coming back, just bringing it up with the other thread about trying to save a show.

I am interested in the 'characters' in dollhouse, the ones who are not actives anyways.

I dont see better viewing figures equalling a better show, though it does help 🙂 (if you want your show to get another season)

 

[Blondie Bear]

I agree that better figures don't make a better show, but I'm not going to risk negative karma by saying why again.

BUT I do see your comparison between Chuck and Dollhouse; they both sort of defy genre and demand a certain level of involvement.

 

[Randy Giles]

Well it manages to wrangle over double Dollhouse's ratings on a lesser network

Chuck airs on Mondays. Dollhouse airs on Fridays on a network that has always had huge issues with programming the night. Not to mention Dollhouse is much darker than Chuck and deals with themes that unfortunately makes the casual TV viewer uncomfortable.

I also would not even begin to compare the two shows OR say they are the same genre, they are vastly different.