My Exercise In Futility

While in Europe, my only connection to regular season television is through iTunes. That means I am always at least one day behind everyone else in regard to keeping up with my favorite shows. One of the shows I wasn’t sure I would purchase a season’s pass for was “The Dollhouse” starring Eliza Dushku. After watching the first four episodes of season two (this was the last new episode until December), I am so glad I decided to purchase it.

The first season introduced the interesting concept of ‘programming’ people. The Dollhouse is the dormitory for ‘actives,’ human shells that have had their own personalities wiped; each person wanders the house in an a dreamlike state. When needed, clients contact the Dollhouse and have an ‘active’ programmed to be anyone, or any combination of someones.

Most of the first season focused on the technology behind the idea, and there was a new story from week to week. This season focuses more on the ethical ramifications or dilemmas that might be encountered if such brainwashing technology actually existed. While there is still a new storyline each week, there is a powerful recurring storyline about the ‘actives’ being able to remember who they really are. In a subtle way, the show seems to deal with slave trading, prostitution, and psychology all at once. To get a better recap of tonight’s episode than I could provide, and to confirm what I am saying to you, click here and read about Friday’s episode.

“The Dollhouse” is one of the rare shows that has gotten better in the sophomore season. I hope that it’s enough to keep the house open for a third season! Look for it on Fox.