Dollhouse

Network: FOX
Episodes: 26 but episode 13 did not air (hour)
Seasons: Two

TV show dates: February 13, 2009 — January 29, 2010
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Eliza Dushku, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz, Tahmoh Penikett, Enver Gjokaj, Dichen Lachman, Olivia Williams, Amy Acker, Reed Diamond, and Miracle Laurie.

TV show description:
This sci-fi series, created by Joss Whedon, revolves around a group known as “Actives” or “Dolls.” The Dolls voluntarily contract for their time with the secret Dollhouse company, usually seeking to escape a big problem in their personal lives. Their personalities and memories of the outside world are wiped clean and stored in a special computer system.

The Dolls are then imprinted with new memories, physical skills, languages, or accents and more — all depending upon each new client desires and the needs of the assignment. The assignments include anything from solving crimes, fantasies, or even doing good deeds. They are monitored by their “Handlers,” who are always close by to help keep them safe. When their mission is completed, the memories, skills, language, etc. are wiped out.

They exist in the Dollhouse in a very passive state; with no memory of the past. The atmosphere is spa-like, and the routine is like sleepwalking until their next assignment. Topher Brink (Fran Kranz) is a cynical, ego-driven scientist who masterminds the Dollhouse technology and imprints the Actives. His genius in the area of human behavior allows him to craft the differing personalities of the Actives for their assignments. Dr. Claire Saunders (Amy Acker) works in the Dollhouse and looks after the physical needs of the Actives.

Echo (Eliza Dushku) is a favorite Active among clients. However, she increasingly shows skills that go outside of the parameters of her imprints. Before becoming an Active, she was a college activist named Caroline Farrell. She often becomes self-aware in between assignments when she is supposed to be completely wiped out. She runs the risk of being sent to the “Attic,” the place where malfunctioning Dolls are placed.

Echo’s handler initially was former cop, Boyd Langton (Harry J. Lennix). Langton is eventually promoted and becomes the new head of security. Despite this promotion, he still has doubts about the morals of what they do at the Dollhouse.

Paul Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett) is an FBI special agent who becomes obsessed with the urban legend of the Dollhouse. His main goal is to rescue Caroline and he’s developed an attraction to her. Most of his cohorts view the whole thing as a joke and refuse to believe the Dollhouse even exists.

Victor (Enver Gjokaj) was originally Paul’s informant inside the Russian mob, but he’s really an Active. When his mind is wiped, he has an attraction to Sierra (Dichen Lachman), the newest Active in the Dollhouse. She is drawn to Echo, but doesn’t have the same self-awareness and was once raped by her handler. While Topher has done everything he can to get rid of those awful memories, he hasn’t been entirely successful.

Adelle DeWitt (Olivia Williams) is the highest ranking person at the Dollhouse. She sincerely believes they are helping people there. She has several superiors that are never seen, since the Dollhouse is really one of twenty across the world.