"I remember everything..."
Sep. 25th, 2009 10:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rogueslayer452I'm still in the middle of writing up my review/meta for Supernatural, which is taking longer than I thought without going into massive flailing. However tonight was the return of Dollhouse with its second season premiere, and I just thought I'd mention a few things about it.
Dollhouse 2.01 "Vows"
First of all, Joss Whedon rocks so hard I can't even begin to tell you. Dollhouse got a miraculous renewal, something I am deeply happy about despite having TSCC canceled, and even with a lower budget this go around it pretty is much the same show. Except this time it's done correctly without FOX interrupting Joss and his creativity. You could definitely tell it had a different look to the Dollhouse in general; it was a bit more darker, I think, in terms of tinting of the color. A grittiness which matches the mood of things, particularly where the characters are. The scenes weren't filmed all glossy-like, the camera work was a but jarred. Again, lowered budget but it's still the same setting. Just done differently, and you know what? I like it. It gives off a different mood for what is in store for these characters and what is to come.
I think the highlight of this premiere was definitely Dr. Saunders. Amy Acker acting the hell out of her scenes, especially with Topher. Her taunting him, playing with his mind, perhaps in a way for him to understand what it's like? What he created since she now knows that she's actually an imprinted doll (and it appears others know too, like Boyd). It's just so sad watching her going through the motions, having these questions and thoughts in her mind now that she's discovered she's not really real, just an imprint. This self-awareness is a progression that Echo is going towards, in a way. But seeing her breakdown like that, it's so devastating I don't even know. I felt for her entirely.
Also, that part about her not wanting to die? Incredible. Amazingly written and really, it makes sense. She knows that what she thinks is real, but discovering she's someone else does that mean she'll have to die so whatever original self the body is can continue to live? That is just so tragic and heartbreaking, and just, gah.
Topher. Oh, my poor Topher. It's interesting since when Dollhouse first premiered I wasn't too keen on him, but after seeing his character progress and especially seeing what he'll turn into after watching "Epitaph One", just watching him in this episode had my heart breaking all over again. When he said "I know what I know"? I was about to cry. :((( And that's where he sleeps, just a small little space and on the floor? Oh man.
Oh Topher. Oh Whiskey. You two are so broken, my heart aches for you. :(((
VICTOR'S FACE IS NEARLY FIXED! \O/ I had wondered how they were going to deal with that, of course seeing the future we know that it must've been highly expensive and more or less of higher ups dealing with such things. I do want Claire's face to be fixed too, but she considers that part of herself now. She doesn't want to be seen like the others, and again. Sad.
Victor/Sierra. ♥ NEVER STOP BEING CUTE, U GUISE. NEVER STOP BEING CUTE.
Adelle got a haircut. Me likey. ♥
IVY! ♥ ♥ ♥ I was loling so hard at her conversation with Sierra's imprint, with the "oriental" comment. Oh, the irony.
JAMIE BAMBER. ALEXIS DENISOF. BOTH IN ONE EPISODE. I LOVE JOSS SFM.
Jamie is a lucky man, having those delicious scenes with Eliza. And likewise with Eliza, having to make out with Jamie Bamber, with him using his normal accent which I am like, rawr. Also, Apollo and Helo together again. Fighting and being hot while doing so. I think my screen nearly exploded from all the hotness of Jamie, Eliza and Tahmoh.
But the way, the action/fighting scenes were off the hook. In any Joss Whedon show they never skimp on good fighting scenes, and they make it look realistic instead of the fake-punching that happens in shows. It's all intense and complicated and I love it.
I love Echo. I love her so much and the fact that she's becoming more and more self-aware of the fact that she is a doll, that she understands that she has had many personalities placed into her, that she remembers them, is just fantastic. I think I'm slightly puzzled at those that hate on her or like Echo the least because quite frankly, I think she kicks ass (it could be people just don't like Eliza, which that is also another thing I don't understand, but whatever). She is at the brink of fully understanding that not everything is right within the Dollhouse, that she isn't herself, that something is missing. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Paul/Echo team. Love them. Why? Because it had been my wish that somehow they would partner together and figure out the mystery surrounding the Dollhouse or, more importantly, what is controlling the Dollhouse. Do I want them to get together romantically? Not Echo and Paul, but I do think that Caroline and Paul might at some point once she regains her original personality back. Although from the future we saw, it doesn't seem likely that they'll last. But having that partnership and trust is definitely going to happen, and I am enthusiastic and can't wait.
Eliza was amazing in this episode. That wedding gown looked absolutely gorgeous, as did her hair, and I loved it when Echo was glitching, switching from one personality to the other and Paul figuring out what was happening. I am so glad that he is her new handler now. It was a given, obviously, but it was lovely to see that they will be secretly working together. Like it was shown in the future episode. Awesome.
Overall, this was a nice blend of balancing out the engagement and what is happening at the Dollhouse, and I am thankful they are balancing it out. I do enjoy the engagements but it's been said this season will be more about the plot of things within the Dollhouse and less about single episode engagements. That is another development I am going to love about season two.
I am so happy that this show is back, and even happier that FOX is not going to be intruding like how they did last season. I trust Joss in the direction he's going with everything, and from the unaired episode to this premiere I am anticipating more especially for what's in store for these characters and their stories. So, yay, Dollhouse is back! \o/
Dollhouse 2.01 "Vows"
First of all, Joss Whedon rocks so hard I can't even begin to tell you. Dollhouse got a miraculous renewal, something I am deeply happy about despite having TSCC canceled, and even with a lower budget this go around it pretty is much the same show. Except this time it's done correctly without FOX interrupting Joss and his creativity. You could definitely tell it had a different look to the Dollhouse in general; it was a bit more darker, I think, in terms of tinting of the color. A grittiness which matches the mood of things, particularly where the characters are. The scenes weren't filmed all glossy-like, the camera work was a but jarred. Again, lowered budget but it's still the same setting. Just done differently, and you know what? I like it. It gives off a different mood for what is in store for these characters and what is to come.
I think the highlight of this premiere was definitely Dr. Saunders. Amy Acker acting the hell out of her scenes, especially with Topher. Her taunting him, playing with his mind, perhaps in a way for him to understand what it's like? What he created since she now knows that she's actually an imprinted doll (and it appears others know too, like Boyd). It's just so sad watching her going through the motions, having these questions and thoughts in her mind now that she's discovered she's not really real, just an imprint. This self-awareness is a progression that Echo is going towards, in a way. But seeing her breakdown like that, it's so devastating I don't even know. I felt for her entirely.
Also, that part about her not wanting to die? Incredible. Amazingly written and really, it makes sense. She knows that what she thinks is real, but discovering she's someone else does that mean she'll have to die so whatever original self the body is can continue to live? That is just so tragic and heartbreaking, and just, gah.
Topher. Oh, my poor Topher. It's interesting since when Dollhouse first premiered I wasn't too keen on him, but after seeing his character progress and especially seeing what he'll turn into after watching "Epitaph One", just watching him in this episode had my heart breaking all over again. When he said "I know what I know"? I was about to cry. :((( And that's where he sleeps, just a small little space and on the floor? Oh man.
Oh Topher. Oh Whiskey. You two are so broken, my heart aches for you. :(((
VICTOR'S FACE IS NEARLY FIXED! \O/ I had wondered how they were going to deal with that, of course seeing the future we know that it must've been highly expensive and more or less of higher ups dealing with such things. I do want Claire's face to be fixed too, but she considers that part of herself now. She doesn't want to be seen like the others, and again. Sad.
Victor/Sierra. ♥ NEVER STOP BEING CUTE, U GUISE. NEVER STOP BEING CUTE.
Adelle got a haircut. Me likey. ♥
IVY! ♥ ♥ ♥ I was loling so hard at her conversation with Sierra's imprint, with the "oriental" comment. Oh, the irony.
JAMIE BAMBER. ALEXIS DENISOF. BOTH IN ONE EPISODE. I LOVE JOSS SFM.
Jamie is a lucky man, having those delicious scenes with Eliza. And likewise with Eliza, having to make out with Jamie Bamber, with him using his normal accent which I am like, rawr. Also, Apollo and Helo together again. Fighting and being hot while doing so. I think my screen nearly exploded from all the hotness of Jamie, Eliza and Tahmoh.
But the way, the action/fighting scenes were off the hook. In any Joss Whedon show they never skimp on good fighting scenes, and they make it look realistic instead of the fake-punching that happens in shows. It's all intense and complicated and I love it.
I love Echo. I love her so much and the fact that she's becoming more and more self-aware of the fact that she is a doll, that she understands that she has had many personalities placed into her, that she remembers them, is just fantastic. I think I'm slightly puzzled at those that hate on her or like Echo the least because quite frankly, I think she kicks ass (it could be people just don't like Eliza, which that is also another thing I don't understand, but whatever). She is at the brink of fully understanding that not everything is right within the Dollhouse, that she isn't herself, that something is missing. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Paul/Echo team. Love them. Why? Because it had been my wish that somehow they would partner together and figure out the mystery surrounding the Dollhouse or, more importantly, what is controlling the Dollhouse. Do I want them to get together romantically? Not Echo and Paul, but I do think that Caroline and Paul might at some point once she regains her original personality back. Although from the future we saw, it doesn't seem likely that they'll last. But having that partnership and trust is definitely going to happen, and I am enthusiastic and can't wait.
Eliza was amazing in this episode. That wedding gown looked absolutely gorgeous, as did her hair, and I loved it when Echo was glitching, switching from one personality to the other and Paul figuring out what was happening. I am so glad that he is her new handler now. It was a given, obviously, but it was lovely to see that they will be secretly working together. Like it was shown in the future episode. Awesome.
Overall, this was a nice blend of balancing out the engagement and what is happening at the Dollhouse, and I am thankful they are balancing it out. I do enjoy the engagements but it's been said this season will be more about the plot of things within the Dollhouse and less about single episode engagements. That is another development I am going to love about season two.
I am so happy that this show is back, and even happier that FOX is not going to be intruding like how they did last season. I trust Joss in the direction he's going with everything, and from the unaired episode to this premiere I am anticipating more especially for what's in store for these characters and their stories. So, yay, Dollhouse is back! \o/
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no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 07:01 am (UTC)Topher and Whiskey are breaking my heart too, and I love it love it loveee itttt. Joss is so good at that kind of stuff.
Jamie verses Tahmoh was so totally ftw. ♥ As was hearing Jamie with his natural accent. So adorable.
And yeah, the grittier things get, the better. The new lowered budget look definitely sets the right tone.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 07:53 am (UTC)I know. Joss is the mastermind of having emotional scenes and breaking our hearts, repeatedly. Just that scene between them, so heartfelt and raw and open, my heart definitely was bleeding for both of them. Poor Whiskey, poor Topher. :( I wanna hug them both.
As was hearing Jamie with his natural accent. So adorable.
I already knew what Jamie sounded like in his own accent, but it still is hot nonetheless. And can we just say how utterly gorgeous he was in this episode? I mean really. :D I had wondered if they were going to allow him to use his natural accent, and not only does Joss give us that but he also gives us hot Echo/Apollo scenes and a Helo/Apollo reunion with fisticuffs. YAY FOR JOSS WITH THE FANSERVICE!
Yes, I totally agree. The grittier atmosphere of the Dollhouse is just perfect.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 08:01 am (UTC)Joss fan service yesss. I love that he was totally a fan of BSG.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 08:08 am (UTC)Hee, Joss is totes a BSG fanboy. I also love that he and RDM are swapping actors from each other, lol.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 07:55 am (UTC)And Topher...I kinda fell in love with him in the first season finale, then EO, and that loved just continued with this episode. I absolutely loved his scenes with Amy. GODS...that moment when he tells her that she chose to hate him...*huggles him so frakking tight*
But the one thing that didn't work for me in this episode was Paul/Echo. I just don't see it. I don't think the actors have much chemistry and his obsession with her makes it very hard to like him as a character. At least, for me.
Overall, it was a pretty awesome episode.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 08:17 am (UTC)Topher is just...there are so many complexities with his character, so many layers and just seeing all those layers unravel is just so heartbreaking. I do want to know what drives him to the breaking point where we see him in "Epitaph One", but at the same time I don't want to. I don't want him to be broken, he's too adorable to break like that. Oh, Topher. *hugs him too*
I can understand why some people don't see Paul/Echo working out, but I am excited to see them working together. Since last season I had predicted they would somehow, and here we see Echo initiating this pact between them of allowing him to help her. I don't know, I think they have good chemistry. Of course we still need to see more of them interacting than the brief scenes we've had of them, though I can totally understand people not liking them together in the sense based on Paul's blatant obsession for her. And if what Joss says is right, there will be more of this issue introduced this season. And that is also something I am looking forward to.
It was definitely a rocking premiere.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 08:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 09:07 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 09:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 08:49 am (UTC)I think my screen nearly exploded from all the hotness of Jamie, Eliza and Tahmoh.
I'm pretty sure some part of my brain short-circuited.
Topher ♥ I loved him from the start and he's breaking my heart too, with the show fleshing him out and making me just want to hug him and never let go. Part of me doesn't want him to break and become the Topher in Epitaph One, because that's just frakking sad. ):
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 09:10 am (UTC)I'm pretty sure some part of my brain short-circuited.
Already been there, bb. Also I was tempted to just shout "JUST HAVE A THREESOME ALREADY PPL!" at the screen, because really. HAWT.
I just wanna take Topher home with me, he's just too precious and how they're dealing with his character is phenomenal, but sad because we know how he turns out. And I don't want him to. :(
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 11:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 02:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 02:00 pm (UTC)It all started when I saw Alexis and Jamie's names in the opening credits. I tend to avoid any and all spoilers when it comes to Dollhouse, so I literally squeed when their names popped up. Then Jamie was using his real accent which, you know, made me flail that much more.
And don't even get me started on the scene featuring the reunion of Tahmoh and Jamie. Just- AAUGH! I love Joss so fucking much right now. Sure, he has caused me emotional pain in the past, but he never fails to deliver the goods. ♥
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 02:11 pm (UTC)or nothing at allis enough to make me flail. And the fighting and reunion between him and Tahmoh, oh man. So much love with everything.Joss is an evil mastermind when it comes to these things, he can break our hearts into millions of pieces but deliver so many other epic things that we still love him. ♥
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 06:01 pm (UTC)Speaking of real accents, did Alexis use his or a different region? I know he's American, but I've only heard him as Wesley, so I don't know what his natural accent sounds like.
I wouldn't be surprised if Whiskey's original self was another criminal. Or we never find out.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 10:33 pm (UTC)I...honestly can't tell you. This is the first I've heard Alexis using an American accent (having only seen him as Wesley, too). But it's so cool that we got to have Jamie Bamber's real accent as well as Alexis Denisof. :D
It's a mystery, with her original personality.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 10:04 pm (UTC)Amy Acker pretty much kills me on this show. She just nails it.
I loathed Topher most of S1, until the finale and Epitaph 1. Now I look forward to more scenes and layering for his character.
Victor/Sierra (my 2nd favs after Saunders/Whiskey) - We didn't get much with them, but what we got was perfection. Loved Sierra's imprint stuff and the end scene with the two of them was just SQUEE!!!
I'm really interested to see Ballard working with Echo this season and how well he handles it and how the dynamic develops there. Sometimes I feel there is only a handful of us that like him, lol.
OMG ALEXIS! I had no clue that he was gonna be on and I totally gasped when I saw him and started clapping. *is a nerd*
no subject
Date: 2009-09-26 10:41 pm (UTC)I really don't want him to turn out the way he does in "Epitaph One", but it just might be inevitable. :(
I wonder what will happen with Whiskey, if she'll try to live a life or eventually return to the Dollhouse because, again from what we've seen, it might be inevitable. These characters man, they break my heart.
Victor/Sierra are too adorable for words. The ending with her touching his face and them walking off holding hands? jadjfa;lsdjflajsdf ♥
Sometimes I feel there is only a handful of us that like him, lol.
I know! I find that sad, because I can understand the uncomfortable feeling about what he's done and his idealistic views on trying to do the right thing, much like Caroline in a sense, I do believe that Paul working with Echo might be for the good. At least in figuring out the mysteries behind the Dollhouse and what the technology is being used for, etc. I think it's going to be quite a ride with them teaming up. I just wish others felt the same. Many thing it's going to turn into Paul/Echo which, at this point, I don't think so.
But it does make for an interesting question...how far will Paul go in his obsession with Echo/Caroline?
OMG ALEXIS! I had no clue that he was gonna be on and I totally gasped when I saw him and started clapping. *is a nerd*
ME TOO! I mean, I knew he was going to be appearing, but when I saw him I couldn't help but go OMG IT'S WESLEY! Except without the British accent. Using his real accent, hee. :D