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rogueslayer452) wrote2009-04-10 10:45 pm
rogueslayer452) wrote2009-04-10 10:45 pm
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Dollhouse: "A Spy in the House of Love" Episode Review + Meta
Dollhouse 1.09 "A Spy in the House of Love"
In this uniquely directed episode and clever title, it is discovered there's a mole within the Dollhouse. Sierra and Echo are both imprinted with spy-skills to uncover the mystery of the mole's identity, and there are multiple surprising and unexpected revelations that are revealed. It appears that Mr. Dominic was planted into the Dollhouse by the NSA and has been for the last three years; after being found out he was sentenced to the attic. It is revealed, to the viewers at least, that Victor's repeated engagement to Miss Lonely Hearts is actually DeWitt who has a softer, light-hearted side that we've never seen before. Echo proves to be more attentive and observant than anyone else realizes.
Meanwhile, November is back to being imprinted as Mellie and returns back to Paul, though her imprint was corrupted by whomever corrupted Echo's during their last encounter and gives him a starling message, pretty much shocking him of the entire situation.
Echo: The Potential Inside The Doll
As mesmerized as I was with this episode, I think what stood out for me was the beginning sequence with Echo's point of view. Everything from how the camera was following and focusing on her reactions to her surroundings and even making outside conversations seems muffled and private, as they we were seeing it all through Echo's eyes in a way. We were experiencing how she perceives everything around her. I thought that was an amazingly creative way to start this episode, which was creative and artsy in and of itself the entire hour.
This really tells us a lot more about what's going on inside Echo's head, even in her Doll state. Quite frankly most will look at the Dolls like mindless, brainless walking bodies with no minds of their own, and some treat them as such. But like children, they are very observant and see and listen even if they appear to be noticing or "not all there" so to speak. Echo provided us with an inside look to how she looks and sees situations. She might not know all the details of what's happening but she knows, instinctively, something is wrong. Most of the Dolls probably don't even register some of those things, but we know that Echo is different, special. She's been able to think outside the box numerous of times. She's able to assess the situation from a child's point of view. She knew something wasn't right, she wants to help fix it. There is no specifics needed. I found that very interesting.
Also, notice how she places the pieces together before deciding to help. First she observes people's body language, how they're acting and treating each other, the tension levels are high and she notices it. Then she sees the changes in her friends -- November not reacting to her waving, and then Sierra going into the chair as Sierra and then becoming someone else. Someone that wasn't the Sierra that Echo knew. So placing all that together, she knew something was wrong and because she knew of the "chair" which made people differently then how they were, she wanted to help whatever was wrong so people could be okay again.
This development in Echo is rather fascinating and I'm loving where it's going, particularly since Adelle seemed very impressed with how Echo managed that all by herself. She seems to hold a lot of affection for Echo in general, and I really want to know why that is.
It also seems that there's hints of Caroline inside of Echo still, or at least subconsciously. We know that Caroline is rather idealistic in how she wants to solve things, whereas Echo appears to be more pragmatic. If adding those two personalities together we'd have an interesting combination where Echo could truly become a potential threat to the Dollhouse if she ever find out their true intentions. This is something I am predicting will happen in the future once she, and the others, regain their own personalities and memories again; combining both her old memories with those she acquired from the Dollhouse, it could be potentially dangerous to have all that knowledge and being unleashed back into the world.
Either way, I can't wait to see what happens next.
The Dollhouse: Actions Have Consequences
That's the basic tagline, isn't it? Actions have consequences, nobody is free from sin. Even within the Dollhouse where fantasy becomes reality, sin still exists. Underneath the incredibly powerful organization of the Dollhouse, owned by the Rossum corporation which is possibly powered by something else higher up in the government food chain, there's that possibility that even the goodness of the business isn't always for that greater good belief. As it is repeated, nothing is what it appears to be. This episode gave us a reveal along with more questions concerning just that.
Dominic being revealed as the inside mole was quite unexpected, and I'm shocked with how they dealt with it, along with impressed. We get a little background information about him being in the NSA, about being a plant by them in wanting to shut down their entire organization, and we finally understand his hostility towards Echo. At least somewhat; he saw her as a threat, that by going off mission she could compromise his intentions for being there, and for a Doll to think outside that box would be dangerous for him. Also what he says the Adelle that she's naive of her beliefs towards the Dollhouse and their purpose, that he appears to know a bit more about that purpose; his message to Echo in the back of that van, it seemed omnious. Very omnious, that no matter what there is no escaping what's happening. It makes things much more interesting because we know that the Dollhouse is owned by a powerful corporation, and what their purpose is? We have yet to know that full truth yet.
I'm saddened about Dominic, but he's not dead. At least not yet. He's just been wiped and placed into the attic. We have yet to see this attic but I'm presuming it's not entirely pretty, from the descriptions mentioned in this episode. Also, non-Dolls can go to the attic, which makes me wonder what this place is and what it does to people so they are no longer a threat.
Adelle DeWitt and Paul Ballard: Everyone Has Needs, Everyone Has Secrets
Another startling reveal in the episode was that Victor's repeated engagement visits to Miss Lonely Hearts a.k.a. "Catherine", imprinted as Roger, is actually for DeWitt. That was also very shocking and unexpected.
What I liked about seeing this however is the twisted reality they're all living in and even the depressing thing about it. Yes, the Dollhouse is a business of using people and there is no justifications for that, whether it is taking advantage of a Doll during their innocent blank state or becoming a client and using your own Dolls to secretly have your own personal fantasy, it's all about controlling and using people against their will, which is the morality issue the show is presenting to us; the very uncomfortable notion of such a thing.
Nevertheless, it was a pleasant surprise seeing Adelle DeWitt, to often cold and slightly offputting and conservative director of the Dollhouse letting loose for a change. Being romantic, having dreams of a future outside of the Dollhouse setting; of wanting love, finding love. Even by secretly making herself a client to engage in such a fantasy, it's kind of sad thinking of Adelle wanting out of that organization and wanting more out of life. She has needs and wants of her own, and she cannot have that while being at the Dollhouse 24/7 and dealing with such unimaginable things, and this is her means of escape, even if for a weekend. Which makes me wonder who "Roger" was to her. It must've been a personally chosen imprint to have because she seemed so attached to him. Perhaps not Victor but the personality of this "Roger" character, and I'm thinking he could've been someone she previously loved by lost, or left behind. Also make note that she's even told and confessed to "Roger" about her work inside the Dollhouse and the stresses of that job. Twisted irony right there, but y'know. She trusted this man, she told him her secrets that she wouldn't tell anyone else and she's just fulfilling that emptiness within her.
It's sad, after realizing that she could no longer keep up with that secret along with finding out about Dominic, I have a feeling that Adelle is probably going to have a breakdown at some point. I sympathize with her a lot more now than before, poor Adelle. *sad face*
Going onto Paul, which yet another revelation that happened with Mellie when her imprint switched from Mellie to November and telling him vital information, which also startles him because he now realizes what he's been doing. Sleeping with one of the Dolls from the Dollhouse, an unwilling participant who has no idea what is being done to her. Even with the twistedness of that November tells him more of her message that he could not reveal this to Mellie otherwise the Dollhouse would find out he knew of these secret messages and, since Mellie is a sleeper agent, they could have her kill him instantly if they decided to. You could tell he was disgusted and revolted and moreover confused by everything, but he had to go along with it because what other choice did he have? He just looked like he'd gotten hit with an anvil, repeatedly, because of this revealed knowledge.
Secrets and needs. All these characters have them and yet, thinking about it long afterwards, there are many flaws where these needs and secrets and jusifications come from. So many twisted delusions and wanting to justify your actions by questionable methods and whatever, it really places into perspective of what this show is about.
Memorable Moments of the Episode:
++ ELIZA BECOMING A DOMINATROX = OMG HAWTNESS! ♥ I loved her dom!outfit, and hair; it had a slight resemblance to Princess Leia, or was that just me? Anyway, I liked that they aren't shying away from the fact that yes, even with some of the romantic and criminal and even government-type engagements there are still the sexual fantasy type of engagements being done. Even Claire Saunders mentioned that there were multiple same-sex engagements that day alone...not shying from that either! I also liked that we didn't to see the engagement played out, since the outfit told us all we needed to know.But still, Eliza in leather and with a whip? Rawr.
++ Echo and Victor seeing each other without really knowing each other because of their imprints, was kinda awesome. And Echo using the whip on Victor's handler? LOL.
++ Opening sequence with Echo was brilliantly done. 'Nuff said.
++ Sierra becoming a highly skilled spy hunter was absolutely cool, very Alias-like. Also, HELLO HIGH TECH HEAVEN!
++ Paul's obsession with the Dollhouse is becoming quite scary, and I like that development because sooner or later you knew that was going to happen. You can't be fixated on something that intensely and not go overboard or have some kind of breakdown. And all those newspaper clippings, the strings and whatnot totes reminded me of Supernatural and John's obsession with pinning things together. Or Mohinder with his father's map. Whatever. Same kind of situation where the obsession takes over.
++ Though poor Paul, guy can never catch a break can he? WHEN CAN HE AND ECHO/CAROLINE MEET AGAIN?! Srsly, I think the only way to progress his findings and get further into the investigation is with meeting Echo again or, hell, even Alpha.
++ Fight scenes on this show are always so awesome. Impressiveness never fails.
++ I completely was like "WHOA!" when we find out about Adelle and about Dominic being the mole. I mean, srsly, I knew Joss wouldn't let us down for surprises and he delivered that nicely. Also the "wiping" of Dominic or whatever was done extremely well, in that creepy kind of way.
++ The fencing scene with Adelle and "Roger" was very cool. Again, fighting scenes are done awesomely on this show. Trufax.
++ Also that car he was driving? ME WANTS IT! *grabby hands*
++ Topher is lolarious. As always. XD
++ OMG IVY! WE FINALLY HAVE A NAME! \O/ I really like her, and her outrage about being Topher's little assistant for food stuffs is rightly noted because hey, if I worked my ass off to get where she is now only to become a servant of foods for another? I'd be pissed as well.
++ AWWWW, NO! DON'T TAKE BOYD AWAY FROM BEING ECHO'S HANDLER! DDDD: I have a feeling it won't last very long, considering her look at him at the end when she says "with my life" -- because Echo isn't like the other Dolls in that she notices and catches onto things more quickly, or at least have a different approach to them, she'll still trust Boyd even with a different handler. She seems to have that instinct when it comes to defending and depending on her friends. She and Boyd are like BFFs; and I see them in that Giles and Buffy kinda relationship in a way. ♥
Overall: EXCELLENT EPISODE. It was definitely the kind of episode that has that kind of flavor which speaks what this show is primarily about. It was done in that creative manner where you see the perspectives of nearly all the characters, their storylines and get that insight to some of the mysteries and questions that need answering, thus having more questions. As always. Dollhouse is proving to be more and more durable as a show and from what I've seen, those that didn't like it or were uncertain at first are now loving it. And that's what Joss does, he creates this atmosphere, this world and its characters and makes us see them like this, so when episodes like this one come up we're all "OMGWHUT? OMGOMG" because either we didn't see it coming, or we did but just not like that, and anxiously waiting for more.
So yes, overall very impressive and I'm loving the directions this show is going. I keep saying that and it may seem redundant at the moment, but it's true. Please FOX, please don't even think about canceling this shiny gem.
Two weeks without Dollhouse? Blasphemy! Let's hope people will remember to watch it when it returns. That's the fear I have sometimes, that if there's a prolonged hiatus sometimes people won't pay attention to dates and times and will bypass it completely.
Must go watch TSCC because I accidentally missed it by over-napping this evening, as it's the season (and hopefully not series) finale.
In this uniquely directed episode and clever title, it is discovered there's a mole within the Dollhouse. Sierra and Echo are both imprinted with spy-skills to uncover the mystery of the mole's identity, and there are multiple surprising and unexpected revelations that are revealed. It appears that Mr. Dominic was planted into the Dollhouse by the NSA and has been for the last three years; after being found out he was sentenced to the attic. It is revealed, to the viewers at least, that Victor's repeated engagement to Miss Lonely Hearts is actually DeWitt who has a softer, light-hearted side that we've never seen before. Echo proves to be more attentive and observant than anyone else realizes.
Meanwhile, November is back to being imprinted as Mellie and returns back to Paul, though her imprint was corrupted by whomever corrupted Echo's during their last encounter and gives him a starling message, pretty much shocking him of the entire situation.
Echo: The Potential Inside The Doll
As mesmerized as I was with this episode, I think what stood out for me was the beginning sequence with Echo's point of view. Everything from how the camera was following and focusing on her reactions to her surroundings and even making outside conversations seems muffled and private, as they we were seeing it all through Echo's eyes in a way. We were experiencing how she perceives everything around her. I thought that was an amazingly creative way to start this episode, which was creative and artsy in and of itself the entire hour.
This really tells us a lot more about what's going on inside Echo's head, even in her Doll state. Quite frankly most will look at the Dolls like mindless, brainless walking bodies with no minds of their own, and some treat them as such. But like children, they are very observant and see and listen even if they appear to be noticing or "not all there" so to speak. Echo provided us with an inside look to how she looks and sees situations. She might not know all the details of what's happening but she knows, instinctively, something is wrong. Most of the Dolls probably don't even register some of those things, but we know that Echo is different, special. She's been able to think outside the box numerous of times. She's able to assess the situation from a child's point of view. She knew something wasn't right, she wants to help fix it. There is no specifics needed. I found that very interesting.
Also, notice how she places the pieces together before deciding to help. First she observes people's body language, how they're acting and treating each other, the tension levels are high and she notices it. Then she sees the changes in her friends -- November not reacting to her waving, and then Sierra going into the chair as Sierra and then becoming someone else. Someone that wasn't the Sierra that Echo knew. So placing all that together, she knew something was wrong and because she knew of the "chair" which made people differently then how they were, she wanted to help whatever was wrong so people could be okay again.
This development in Echo is rather fascinating and I'm loving where it's going, particularly since Adelle seemed very impressed with how Echo managed that all by herself. She seems to hold a lot of affection for Echo in general, and I really want to know why that is.
It also seems that there's hints of Caroline inside of Echo still, or at least subconsciously. We know that Caroline is rather idealistic in how she wants to solve things, whereas Echo appears to be more pragmatic. If adding those two personalities together we'd have an interesting combination where Echo could truly become a potential threat to the Dollhouse if she ever find out their true intentions. This is something I am predicting will happen in the future once she, and the others, regain their own personalities and memories again; combining both her old memories with those she acquired from the Dollhouse, it could be potentially dangerous to have all that knowledge and being unleashed back into the world.
Either way, I can't wait to see what happens next.
The Dollhouse: Actions Have Consequences
That's the basic tagline, isn't it? Actions have consequences, nobody is free from sin. Even within the Dollhouse where fantasy becomes reality, sin still exists. Underneath the incredibly powerful organization of the Dollhouse, owned by the Rossum corporation which is possibly powered by something else higher up in the government food chain, there's that possibility that even the goodness of the business isn't always for that greater good belief. As it is repeated, nothing is what it appears to be. This episode gave us a reveal along with more questions concerning just that.
Dominic being revealed as the inside mole was quite unexpected, and I'm shocked with how they dealt with it, along with impressed. We get a little background information about him being in the NSA, about being a plant by them in wanting to shut down their entire organization, and we finally understand his hostility towards Echo. At least somewhat; he saw her as a threat, that by going off mission she could compromise his intentions for being there, and for a Doll to think outside that box would be dangerous for him. Also what he says the Adelle that she's naive of her beliefs towards the Dollhouse and their purpose, that he appears to know a bit more about that purpose; his message to Echo in the back of that van, it seemed omnious. Very omnious, that no matter what there is no escaping what's happening. It makes things much more interesting because we know that the Dollhouse is owned by a powerful corporation, and what their purpose is? We have yet to know that full truth yet.
I'm saddened about Dominic, but he's not dead. At least not yet. He's just been wiped and placed into the attic. We have yet to see this attic but I'm presuming it's not entirely pretty, from the descriptions mentioned in this episode. Also, non-Dolls can go to the attic, which makes me wonder what this place is and what it does to people so they are no longer a threat.
Adelle DeWitt and Paul Ballard: Everyone Has Needs, Everyone Has Secrets
Another startling reveal in the episode was that Victor's repeated engagement visits to Miss Lonely Hearts a.k.a. "Catherine", imprinted as Roger, is actually for DeWitt. That was also very shocking and unexpected.
What I liked about seeing this however is the twisted reality they're all living in and even the depressing thing about it. Yes, the Dollhouse is a business of using people and there is no justifications for that, whether it is taking advantage of a Doll during their innocent blank state or becoming a client and using your own Dolls to secretly have your own personal fantasy, it's all about controlling and using people against their will, which is the morality issue the show is presenting to us; the very uncomfortable notion of such a thing.
Nevertheless, it was a pleasant surprise seeing Adelle DeWitt, to often cold and slightly offputting and conservative director of the Dollhouse letting loose for a change. Being romantic, having dreams of a future outside of the Dollhouse setting; of wanting love, finding love. Even by secretly making herself a client to engage in such a fantasy, it's kind of sad thinking of Adelle wanting out of that organization and wanting more out of life. She has needs and wants of her own, and she cannot have that while being at the Dollhouse 24/7 and dealing with such unimaginable things, and this is her means of escape, even if for a weekend. Which makes me wonder who "Roger" was to her. It must've been a personally chosen imprint to have because she seemed so attached to him. Perhaps not Victor but the personality of this "Roger" character, and I'm thinking he could've been someone she previously loved by lost, or left behind. Also make note that she's even told and confessed to "Roger" about her work inside the Dollhouse and the stresses of that job. Twisted irony right there, but y'know. She trusted this man, she told him her secrets that she wouldn't tell anyone else and she's just fulfilling that emptiness within her.
It's sad, after realizing that she could no longer keep up with that secret along with finding out about Dominic, I have a feeling that Adelle is probably going to have a breakdown at some point. I sympathize with her a lot more now than before, poor Adelle. *sad face*
Going onto Paul, which yet another revelation that happened with Mellie when her imprint switched from Mellie to November and telling him vital information, which also startles him because he now realizes what he's been doing. Sleeping with one of the Dolls from the Dollhouse, an unwilling participant who has no idea what is being done to her. Even with the twistedness of that November tells him more of her message that he could not reveal this to Mellie otherwise the Dollhouse would find out he knew of these secret messages and, since Mellie is a sleeper agent, they could have her kill him instantly if they decided to. You could tell he was disgusted and revolted and moreover confused by everything, but he had to go along with it because what other choice did he have? He just looked like he'd gotten hit with an anvil, repeatedly, because of this revealed knowledge.
Secrets and needs. All these characters have them and yet, thinking about it long afterwards, there are many flaws where these needs and secrets and jusifications come from. So many twisted delusions and wanting to justify your actions by questionable methods and whatever, it really places into perspective of what this show is about.
Memorable Moments of the Episode:
++ ELIZA BECOMING A DOMINATROX = OMG HAWTNESS! ♥ I loved her dom!outfit, and hair; it had a slight resemblance to Princess Leia, or was that just me? Anyway, I liked that they aren't shying away from the fact that yes, even with some of the romantic and criminal and even government-type engagements there are still the sexual fantasy type of engagements being done. Even Claire Saunders mentioned that there were multiple same-sex engagements that day alone...not shying from that either! I also liked that we didn't to see the engagement played out, since the outfit told us all we needed to know.But still, Eliza in leather and with a whip? Rawr.
++ Echo and Victor seeing each other without really knowing each other because of their imprints, was kinda awesome. And Echo using the whip on Victor's handler? LOL.
++ Opening sequence with Echo was brilliantly done. 'Nuff said.
++ Sierra becoming a highly skilled spy hunter was absolutely cool, very Alias-like. Also, HELLO HIGH TECH HEAVEN!
++ Paul's obsession with the Dollhouse is becoming quite scary, and I like that development because sooner or later you knew that was going to happen. You can't be fixated on something that intensely and not go overboard or have some kind of breakdown. And all those newspaper clippings, the strings and whatnot totes reminded me of Supernatural and John's obsession with pinning things together. Or Mohinder with his father's map. Whatever. Same kind of situation where the obsession takes over.
++ Though poor Paul, guy can never catch a break can he? WHEN CAN HE AND ECHO/CAROLINE MEET AGAIN?! Srsly, I think the only way to progress his findings and get further into the investigation is with meeting Echo again or, hell, even Alpha.
++ Fight scenes on this show are always so awesome. Impressiveness never fails.
++ I completely was like "WHOA!" when we find out about Adelle and about Dominic being the mole. I mean, srsly, I knew Joss wouldn't let us down for surprises and he delivered that nicely. Also the "wiping" of Dominic or whatever was done extremely well, in that creepy kind of way.
++ The fencing scene with Adelle and "Roger" was very cool. Again, fighting scenes are done awesomely on this show. Trufax.
++ Also that car he was driving? ME WANTS IT! *grabby hands*
++ Topher is lolarious. As always. XD
++ OMG IVY! WE FINALLY HAVE A NAME! \O/ I really like her, and her outrage about being Topher's little assistant for food stuffs is rightly noted because hey, if I worked my ass off to get where she is now only to become a servant of foods for another? I'd be pissed as well.
++ AWWWW, NO! DON'T TAKE BOYD AWAY FROM BEING ECHO'S HANDLER! DDDD: I have a feeling it won't last very long, considering her look at him at the end when she says "with my life" -- because Echo isn't like the other Dolls in that she notices and catches onto things more quickly, or at least have a different approach to them, she'll still trust Boyd even with a different handler. She seems to have that instinct when it comes to defending and depending on her friends. She and Boyd are like BFFs; and I see them in that Giles and Buffy kinda relationship in a way. ♥
Overall: EXCELLENT EPISODE. It was definitely the kind of episode that has that kind of flavor which speaks what this show is primarily about. It was done in that creative manner where you see the perspectives of nearly all the characters, their storylines and get that insight to some of the mysteries and questions that need answering, thus having more questions. As always. Dollhouse is proving to be more and more durable as a show and from what I've seen, those that didn't like it or were uncertain at first are now loving it. And that's what Joss does, he creates this atmosphere, this world and its characters and makes us see them like this, so when episodes like this one come up we're all "OMGWHUT? OMGOMG" because either we didn't see it coming, or we did but just not like that, and anxiously waiting for more.
So yes, overall very impressive and I'm loving the directions this show is going. I keep saying that and it may seem redundant at the moment, but it's true. Please FOX, please don't even think about canceling this shiny gem.
Two weeks without Dollhouse? Blasphemy! Let's hope people will remember to watch it when it returns. That's the fear I have sometimes, that if there's a prolonged hiatus sometimes people won't pay attention to dates and times and will bypass it completely.
Must go watch TSCC because I accidentally missed it by over-napping this evening, as it's the season (and hopefully not series) finale.
no subject
I had a similar problem with this episode as I had the last one. I think sometimes the writers just love the story they're telling so much that they don't consider motivation. Last episode, I was confused why November needed to go to her daughter's grave when her glitches had only happened with regard to Paul. This time around it was Echo's motivation that I felt was quite manufactured. Yes, she was curious about the chair and she understood things were wrong, but for her to go from there to asking to be imprinted was a huge leap that I would've imagined Adelle would want to control. After all the glitches Echo has had in the past, I find the people in charge taking this in their stride to be very OOC and indicative of more problems.
My other point of contention is the idea that Victor could be imprinted to perform tasks that Topher or his handler were not aware of. I get that Adelle is the lady boss, but Topher is the one writing the program and the handler is supposed to monitor the active 24/7 while on mission. Wouldn't Adelle's subterfuge become easily known? Or at the very least, wouldn't it be questioned that they're imprinting an active with fencing skills when he's going on assignment to be with an octagenarian?
no subject
That's something I found very interesting actually, in the first few episodes it's been the same formula but only with different aspects here and there, though mostly about Echo and her discovering bits and pieces of the puzzle. This episode really gave us a broad look of the overall picture, with each character's perspective and then coming together in the end. It was nicely done, and I can't wait for what's to come next.
Yes, she was curious about the chair and she understood things were wrong, but for her to go from there to asking to be imprinted was a huge leap that I would've imagined Adelle would want to control. After all the glitches Echo has had in the past, I find the people in charge taking this in their stride to be very OOC and indicative of more problems.
However, Adelle's been very lenient towards Echo going off mission especially in regards to thinking outside the box with the perimeters they've imprinted her with. Echo has been said to be special, Adelle has seen that within her and it's interesting how she seems very attached to Echo in that sense. Maybe she sees the potential in her like she did with Alpha from before, only maybe Adelle is planning on having something else designed for Echo with the entire organization.
I didn't think it was a huge leap for Echo to witness her surroundings and then want to be imprinted. Perhaps it was in a sense that she hadn't done that before, but knew that the chair allowed others to be changed and she wanted to help...I think that's also part of Caroline coming through. She's trying to find ways to help out the situation without really knowing what the situation is. Maybe within time her observations will become more and more evident and she'll become fully aware of the operation of the Dollhouse.
The thing with this show is that we're peeling away parts of the mystery bit by bit, and while we might not understand most of what's happening yet I do believe Joss has a plan. Anyway, that's how I feel.
Wouldn't Adelle's subterfuge become easily known? Or at the very least, wouldn't it be questioned that they're imprinting an active with fencing skills when he's going on assignment to be with an octagenarian?
That's what I'm wondering, too. Hopefully that'll be explained.
no subject
It's a strange kind of thing, and you could see Topher just going "OMG WHUT JUST HAPPENED?" XDDD I'm sure it's unheard of or rare that a Doll would suggest getting imprinted. They are told what to do there, but for Echo to make up her own mind based on her observations -- it's very fascinating. I want to see the outcome of where all this might be heading.
I do believe that Echo will still trust Boyd over her new handler. It appears that Boyd is more compassionate towards her than the other handlers to their Actives; most will treat it like a business, but Boyd seems to treat Echo like a person.
HEE! Paul as John Winchester definitely was great. His obsession with finding the Dollhouse, his erratic and ethusiastic behavior. XD Seeing him losing his ground is possibly a nice touch to his character, though with the new information about Mellie and the Dollhouse will have him gain more perspective on his mission, and even tread more carefully.
Also makes me wonder if he'll follow Mellie around, and if she leaves again he'll find out who she's going to and that could be another lead towards the Dollhouse.
no subject
As twisted as it was, I really loved the Adelle/Victor plot. It shows us that maybe she doesn't believe in the 'mission' of the Dollhouse 100%. If she did, she wouldn't have ended her relationship with 'Roger' because she'd see nothing wrong with it.
Echo becoming self-aware is awesome and I'd like to see some of that happen to the other dolls, as well. A part of me wonders if maybe Echo will become almost-fully aware and be made into a handler or care-taker for the other dolls, no longer being imprinted herself. I could see something like that happening and sooner rather than later.
Paul...his obsession is just kinda icky, isn't it? I'm hoping the Mellie/November reveal will give him someone OTHER than Caroline to save and his obsession will become less-Caroline-centric and more about saving ALL of the dolls.
I'm also hoping that, while keeping up the charade with Mellie, he'll actually become attached to her regardless of what form she takes. (Meaning, he'll want to protect not only Mellie but November and whoever she was before she became a doll). I heart Paul/Mellie and I don't want that 'ship to be ruined now that Paul knows the truth. I want him to see that she has the same SOUL in every guise.
no subject
It shows us that maybe she doesn't believe in the 'mission' of the Dollhouse 100%. If she did, she wouldn't have ended her relationship with 'Roger' because she'd see nothing wrong with it.
There are definite signs that Adelle is very much aware that she has little knowledge of the "real" purpose the Dollhouse is in, she just has this notion that if she believes in those greater plans her superiors have in store that everything will be alright. I'd like to get more background regarding Adelle, because she seems like such a complex character and we don't know where she stands in regards to the Dollhouse. Perhaps she does believe they are doing things for the greater good of the world but she knows there are flaws in that system, like Saunders.
Echo becoming self-aware is awesome and I'd like to see some of that happen to the other dolls, as well.
Me too. Of course this is perhaps why Echo is special, she can be unlike the other dolls where she's able to assess the situation around her and look at things perspectively. Not fully conscious of everything mind you, but yeah I would love that Echo would come to understand where she is and what its purpose is, adding that Caroline aspect into the Echo persona. Definitely would be interesting to see.
Paul...his obsession is just kinda icky, isn't it? I'm hoping the Mellie/November reveal will give him someone OTHER than Caroline to save and his obsession will become less-Caroline-centric and more about saving ALL of the dolls.
But hasn't that been his entire mission all along? He only knows of Echo/Caroline by what Alpha sent to him. He knows there are other people being held at the Dollhouse and he's been on that case, unofficially, for about two years. But at least he knows that the Dollhouse knows about him for a long while, and that should give him at least enough time to figure things about. But I do want him and Echo to meet again.
I think that him and Mellie are sweet, but because she's a doll and now that he knows it's like taking advantage of an unwilling person underneath the control of the Dollhouse. Because Mellie isn't real. I find it rather creepy that he'll pursue it even though he knows, but what other choice does he have anyway? I'd rather have Paul/Caroline, but that's been like my wish since even before the show premiered. Even moreso that we know they have similar idealistic ideas. But I do want Paul to actively pursue in saving Mellie, Caroline and everyone else.
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I blame my being too distraught to concentrate.I like how we were seeing things from Echo's perspective for a while, it was intriguing (esp how she volunteer to help Topher).
LOL IVY. ♥ She's funny. And kinda awesome.
Okay, now I really want a Victor in my life. Or a Roger. Adelle kinda broke my heart this episode with her woeisme-ness and everything. She really really needs a hug. Because, the poor girl. ): Although, how in the world did they manage to program Victor such that he'd know to drive to her house after visiting that old lady? Without anyone actually knowing she did that? Or is it some clandestine arrangement with Topher? I WANT TO KNOW.
Paul scares me with his obsession. It totes reminded me of Mohinder with the strings in the loft. I was totally hoping his shirt would say something cool (ala Jayne's 'Blue Sun' tee) but it just says Tokyo, Japan. ): DOES THAT MEAN THE DOLLHOUSE HQ's in Japan?
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Yeah, that was a really nifty way of showing us not only was this episode going to be unique in that way of showing us the different POV of characters, but the fact that Echo is becoming more self-aware of what's happening. Even if she doesn't understand it all, she's not completely "blank". Very interesting stuff.
IVY IS LOVE. ♥
I'm interested in how that worked as well, making the imprints along with whomever is corrupting them. But I agree, Adelle needs a hug. They all need a frakking hug don't they? D:
LOL I TOTES NOTICED HIS SHIRT! I WAS LIKE OMG HE'S WEARING A SIMILAR JAYNE COBB SHIRT?! THAT'S TOTES JOSS. XDDD
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Anyway, Dominic being the mole didn't shock me too much, but ADELLE OMG! I was so bowled over. She might just be my favorite character in the series. I sympathize with her a lot, and I also don't blame her for using Roger/Victor to cope with her stress and emotions. Granted, the morality of it is a bit sketchy. Alright, more than a bit sketchy, but I can't say that I wouldn't be tempted to do the same. (Also, I was ridiculously relieved to find that Victor/Roger wasn't playing gigolo to an elderly woman.)
Paul's obsessive behavior was expected, but Mellie switching over to November was another moment that whacked me over the head. Paul's face! I felt so bad for him...the look in his eyes when she snapped back to Mellie and she started kissing him...
Oh, Topher...you are adorkable.
One thing that bothered me is how easily Sierra got into the building when she looked nothing like the woman whose identity she took over. Except for the fact that they're both of Asian descent. SERIOUSLY HOW DID ANYONE WHO WORKED THERE NOT NOTICE THEY LOOKED COMPLETELY DIFFERENT IN THE FACE?!...but I suppose this is sort of a moot point.
Friday nights for the next two weeks are no fun. No more SCC or Dollhouse. What's taking SCC's timeslot?
I need a Dollhouse icon. I need more icons in general.
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I sympathize with her a lot, and I also don't blame her for using Roger/Victor to cope with her stress and emotions. Granted, the morality of it is a bit sketchy.
And that's what I love about this show, since it presents to us situations where even if it's absolutely uncomfortable we understand why people would do such things. We all have needs, and sometimes we don't think about the consequences or the unethical reasonings for doing what we do. Adelle using Victor/"Roger" as her emotional release was definitely the identifiable moment for the character, because it makes her more human in our eyes. We know that Victor is a doll and she's using him, but she has her reasons, like all the other clients.
Plus, we see her completely break down in front of him. Adelle DeWitt doesn't break down like that in front of just anyone, even within her office she doesn't allow her emotions to arise in such a way. Even if sketchy, she was about to be herself in front of him. It must be difficult to live such a life knowing what you're doing is a complete lie. Poor Adelle. DD:
I felt so bad for him...the look in his eyes when she snapped back to Mellie and she started kissing him...
He's caught between a rock and a hard place, that Paul Ballard. Now that he knows he's taking advantage of someone he wants to stop, but stopping means the Dollhouse will find out and have him dead within seconds. Oh, poor Paul. I'm betting he'll be incredibly disgusted with himself after this. :((
Topher IS adorkable. Amoral and kinda skeevy, but still adorkable nonetheless.
One thing that bothered me is how easily Sierra got into the building when she looked nothing like the woman whose identity she took over.
Eh, that's a take it or leave it thing. How else would she have been able to walk into a highly secured government facility? There were differences but unless someone was actively looking for those differences I don't it would've mattered. *shrugs* Sierra looked hot, though.
Friday nights for the next two weeks are no fun. No more SCC or Dollhouse. What's taking SCC's timeslot?
I've heard that FOX is planning on moving House onto Fridays, but I've also heard that if (and when!) Dollhouse gets renewed they'll be moving that to Monday nights. So IDK what's happening. *crosses fingers both shows get renewed*
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Exactly. And the fact that everyone keeps forgetting that, keeps treating them like they aren't really there because they are just Dolls, means they can have an advantage when they start being ready to rebel. (Which of course means there has to be a time where they won't just have their memories erased all over to start again...)
We know that Caroline is rather idealistic in how she wants to solve things, whereas Echo appears to be more pragmatic.
Agreed. I love Echo but Caroline is my least favorite character on the show. Because they are very different characters. But with Echo's practical thinking and strong will for the sake of herself (rather than Caroline's strong will for the sake of sticking it to someone else/potentially helping something external) mixing in, a combination of Echo and Caroline would be really different. If that ever happens, I think she'd be awesome and pretty unstoppable.
I'm saddened about Dominic, but he's not dead. At least not yet.
True. I have to keep remembering that. But I'm still going to miss him so much. :/
I really loved Adelle in this episode.
And Paul. Oh, how he breaks my heart.
I loved your comments on the dom situation and the Claire's comment on the same sex partners because they are so spot on. 1) Eliza was smoking hot. 2) I'm so glad that the show came out and addressed those two aspects of what would happen if people had this available.
Paul and his deep obsession are going nowhere good, and fast. And now that he knows about Mellie/November, it can't get any better. Poor baby.
Echo and Boyd are too epic to stay apart for too long, right? Because they work together too well.
Each episode gets better and better, and makes the idea of a prolonged series in this universe seem even more necessary to explore the complexities. FOX really needs to keep Dollhouse.
I didn't know we had to wait two weeks! Argh, so sad.
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Definitely, and the fact that their main concern is keeping those that might turn into another Alpha they are completely neglecting that very fact, especially with the excessive wipings. It completely reminds me of Firefly and what they did to River. The more they meddle the more their entire plan is going to bite them in the ass.
Agreed. I love Echo but Caroline is my least favorite character on the show. Because they are very different characters.
It's interesting how Caroline is the least liked character, because even with her extreme activist planning I kinda like her intentions. But yeah, Echo and Caroline combined would be very epic and she'd be unstoppable. She'd be able to strategize logically, and it would be amazingly awesome.
True. I have to keep remembering that. But I'm still going to miss him so much. :/
I'm sure he'll appear again, he's been a very character particularly with his status within the Dollhouse aside from the NSA business and his feelings towards Echo in general (and they did center on that quite a bit in the beginning). Also if he had been the one messing with the imprinting to give to Paul and they have someone else who is willing to complete that.
Adelle is FTW. Srsly. I'm loving her more and more. ♥
Paul and his deep obsession are going nowhere good, and fast. And now that he knows about Mellie/November, it can't get any better. Poor baby.
OMG I know. I wonder how he'll function after being revealed about November/Mellie. And like you said previously, what he'll think if he meets a Victor personality. I'm sure he'll be second guessing everyone around him whether they're connected to the Dollhouse or not. A mindwhirl, srsly.
ECHO AND BOYD ARE UNSTOPPABLE AND EPIC, TRUFAX. They are forever, nothing'll keep them apart.
I really want FOX to move Dollhouse to Mondays because Fridays? Not really a great timeslot. And with TSCC possibly not returning and BSG being done, how can the show be promoted? They need more advertisement strategies and prove they really are behind this show, because they are saying it but sometimes I feel like they don't mean it. Have them renew for another season and I'll reconsider.
But if they don't renew it, I'll srsly cut a bitch.
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But if they don't renew it, I'll srsly cut a bitch.
For real. I'll be the girl next to you, cheering you on.
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Damn straight! Plus there's all this uncertainty going on about whether it's in "limbo" or whether it'll be renewed, hopes and then doubts and just UGH! STOP TEASING US ALREADY!