Link

[lirazel]

For you Dollhouse fans, you might want to read this article.  It's called "Why Dollhouse Struggles and 'Fringe' Soars," which might make you think it's bashing, but it's not.  It's actually a pretty thoughtful look at why Fringe is doing so well and Dollhouse isn't.

Also, it's got this summation that thrilled me to death:

On Dollhouse, no one's quite so cut and dried. The white-knight FBI agent out to rescue the girl is paranoid, slightly creepy, and ultimately putting her in danger. The bodyguard who keeps her in her cage also loves her like a father. The icy mommy figure is secretly ravaged by guilt and regret. The lovable wacky nerd is a self-loathing sociopath. The doctor with the scarred-up face is kindly and compassionate -- right up until she isn't. And the damsel in distress herself is in no particular hurry to be rescued, and may actually be the most powerful one of all. With the possible exception of Dushku's Echo and the other dolls -- who are literally different people every week -- there's no one on Dollhouse you can feel entirely comfortable rooting for. And we all know how much viewers love that sort of confusion.

Because every line is ridiculously true.  And why I'm enjoying this show so much.

I'll go ahead and warn you that there are spoilers for Fringe (who on my flist is still watching it?  I couldn't get into the first episode, and so I never went anywhere with it--is it actually worth checking out, or is it just okay?) and a few allusions to the finale of Dollhouse, but it's cool, and fair to both shows.

Also, anytime I get to use my Victor/Sierra icon (OTP!), I'm a happy girl.

Comments

[afterthree.livejournal.com]

All the ethically gray in Dollhouse is awesome, even though Joss's issues still manage to shine through. The show started off rocky, but the second half of the season has been pretty good.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

You're totally right. I don't think Joss's approach to gender is nearly as...forward thinking as everyone claims it is, and I have major problems with his depictions of race. He also has some other weaknesses, and I'm all for naming those: I'm not one of those "Joss-is-god" people.

And you're right about the show, too; I was just sort of casually watching it, admiring the scenery, up until the midway point, when it finally got good, and I have to admit, I was pretty surprised that it did. ;)

[afterthree.livejournal.com]

I knew it would if Fox gave it long enough. Joss usually delivers on story and interesting, engaging characters even if he sucks at other things.

I love Joss. I admit and criticize his work on gender and racial grounds, but as a story teller he's top notch.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

Joss usually delivers on story and interesting, engaging characters even if he sucks at other things. I agree. Though I wasn't sure if he was going to get long enough to deliver those, you know?

I admit and criticize his work on gender and racial grounds, but as a story teller he's top notch. And I'll agree with that, too. Buffy's my favorite show ever, and I care about his characters in ways I rarely do with other shows. Plus, you always know you're going to have fun.

[afterthree.livejournal.com]

And I'm not sure anyone writes dialogue quite so witty as Joss does.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

Well, maybe Steve Moffet. But they're probably tied. All of Joss's shows are quotable.