I missed the airing, as did Tivo, of the first episode.  The week in between, although unintentional, allowed me to catch some reviews of the show online, however scathing they might have been.  I also heard Whedon on NPR describing his new masterpiece.  To be honest though the show is complex and I don’t believe it can be summed up in even a few episodes or short conversations.  The characters are rich and deep, at least when they are not in their doll state, the stories that involve the “actives” are technically detailed, in the T.V. sense anyway, environmentally stimulating, action packed and somewhat dramatic.  Whedon mentioned during the NPR interview that each episode was very similar to a pilot for Eliza – the person she is playing is never the same and continuously evolving – even in the doll state she is constantly becoming more aware of herself, current or former is yet to be seen.

The various story arcs present are what has truly entangled me into show and made me glad that Tivo didn’t miss a beat each Friday night.  The short list from what I have seen include a rogue personality only known as Alpha who, with the help of a particular set of imprints and intelligence, has escaped after murdering everyone in his path with exception to Echo for whom he has a soft spot.  I like the concept of what is being done with Alpha but it is very similar in description to another character named Alpha from the J.C. Hutchin’s audio book 7th Son.  The chief of security, Dominic, seems to take his job to heart but has little love for that which he protects.  There is a certain static, yet undefined, in his reactions and relationship toward the Dolls, in particular Echo.  In each episode, or near, he has suggested that she be put in the attic, and I am assuming not in the nice fun playful way.  Topher, the scientist that built and runs the imprinting technology, is busy trying to figure out who, possibly Alpha, has compromised their computer systems and now has the ability to remotely reprogram or deactivate the “actives” while they are on assignment – assuming they answer their phones.  If it is not Alpha, and there is only minimal evidence to the audience that it is, that would open up another possible long reaching story arc with a potential corporate or government nemesis.  Speaking of government, FBI specifically, agent Ballard is trying every trick to learn about the Dollhouse.  He has some interest in Echo, or the person she was, but there isn’t so far a real connection, other than a few photos about why he cares or what she might mean to him, other than a case number.

So far each week has been entertaining.  My favorite has been episode 5: True Believer.  The story is interesting and captivating, even if the technology is a bit far fetched, but I love the immersion they provide Echo into the cult.  I liken it to the events surrounding David Koresh but with a twist.

The show has merit but unlike others that start and you instantly judge them, Dollhouse has to grow on you a bit, perhaps in the same way that Jericho did – start with a bang – get to know the characters – start telling the story.  The story concept is a bit foreign, or at least new, and the seasonal arcs needs some time to grow – there seems to be a breadth of background that we only learn in small chunks – but the picture seem to be more significant each time we get one.  The characters are interesting, simple at first, but as you watch additional layers are added, or removed, to reveal something deeper, not philosophical, but attention grabbing with slight detail that if missed would diminish the whole.  Just like Buffy and Firefly, and continually assuming Fox doesn’t find a way to screw with it, Dollhouse has potential to be a great show – okay maybe not “great” but a classic in the same sense as the others.