Whedonesque : Comments on 16086 : (SPOILER) Dollhouse Pilot Outline.

What was not very clear is that Kristin must have had a look at the script, not at the real pilot, right ? Isn't it supposed to start shooting on the 23rd ?

I think all comparisons between Echo and Faith are pointless, really. Oranges and passion fruits. I think it's inevitable, being Joss and all, but the other parallel Xander-Victor, as easy and understandable as it may be, irks me. This is a new show, a new world, a new paradigm, why do journo types need to reinforce this is for Buffyans only ? Dollhouse needs to branch out, especially in the media, for audience reasons.

I'm especially intrigued by Paul's mysterious connections to the Dolls. Might he have been one in the past and he doesn't remember it, but has a hunch they're important to his own life ?

Perseo | April 16, 11:41 CET

Too sad, there was nothing really new to find out. I'm still excited. This is the first DOLLHOUSE news in weeks. Anyhow can't wait for the next casting news. They start shooting next week, so they should have found actors for the final three parts by the beginning of next week.:)

Donnie | April 16, 11:57 CET

Hooray for spoilers.

Simon | April 16, 12:00 CET

There's not a lot of new information, but there's one bit that's new and very intriguing. It's about FBI Agent Paul Ballard.

crossoverman | April 16, 13:33 CET

First post here...been long time reader of the site and a Joss fan since the beginning of Buffy
The article is not that spoilerly but I find it interesting that the script for the pilot has been leaked to the press
Maybe FOX and Joss are trying to reassure us that what happened to Firefly (Pilot rejected and critical/PR buzz poisoned before the show even aired) won't happen to Dollhouse
Anyway I can't wait til the fall

antipyrene | April 16, 13:40 CET

Wonder what's gonna be Fox strategy promotion wise, if they're actually debuting it during fall, or hold it for mid-season, which seems to happen to some of their shows, and it's been working for them, especially having American Idol, as a programming placeholder during mid-season period.

If they re-new Sarah Connor Chronicles, I could see some promotional thingie featuring Summer and Eliza, respectively in their roles of Cameron and Echo, running on entertainment magazines or website bumpers.

Numfar PTB | April 16, 14:09 CET

That heading was such a tease. I looked everywhere for it.

Zoic_Fan | April 16, 14:14 CET

I find it interesting that the script for the pilot has been leaked to the press

Nah. In the good old days, Mutant Enemy leaked like a sieve. I think it was something to do with having unlocked mail boxes on the doors and anyone could grab a script as a result.

Simon | April 16, 14:17 CET

Wonder what's gonna be Fox strategy promotion wise, if they're actually debuting it during fall, or hold it for mid-season, which seems to happen to some of their shows, and it's been working for them, especially having American Idol, as a programming placeholder during mid-season period.

I wonder if they are going to promote it the same way they promoted "Tru Calling" back in the day. That would probably not be any good. :(

Donnie | April 16, 15:20 CET

This is not so spoilery for people who have read other Dollhouse materials. It's an overview of themes and key characters rather than a plot outline. I noticed only two new pieces of information, and I haven't read those casting bits that were floating around.

(For those like me who debate clicking. I'm all into "here's the main idea and key people," so this is all good, but I'm less into "here's what happens in the pilot.")

[ edited by Sunfire on 2008-04-16 12:25 ]

Sunfire | April 16, 15:24 CET

The start date (for airing) should become clearer within the month, as FOX's Fall upfronts are unveiled to press and advertisers during May. This is where the advertisers buy cheaper advertising spots during the shows. So we'll know then when Dollhouse will be on the airwaves.

I don't think people need to worry about promo. Everything I've seen suggests the people at the network are behind the show.

And as for the themes on display in the pilot script - every time Echo leaps, she hopes it's the leap home? Tenner bet Saje gets the reference. I hope.

[ edited by gossi on 2008-04-16 12:38 ]

gossi | April 16, 15:37 CET

I got it!

swanjun | April 16, 16:35 CET

Hadn't even considered that Fox might air the pilot last, after playing 52 card pick-up with the other episodes. Would be funny (in a tragic, burn down the Fox offices kind of way).

I didn't get gossi's reference, but it might be because of swiss cheese memory. Which would tie in both the Dollhouse mind-wiping and the Cheese Man in Buffy... It is the Great Wheel-don of Life!

OneTeV | April 16, 17:17 CET

And as for the themes on display in the pilot script - every time Echo leaps, she hopes it's the leap home? Tenner bet Saje gets the reference. I hope.

I truly hope the entire internet gets that one. If not, there's serious work to be done.

Sunfire | April 16, 17:50 CET

I so should have posted or previewed again rather than meandering over to other tabs. OneTev: here.

Sunfire | April 16, 17:54 CET

I got the reference, and I never managed to be a huge fan of the show.

Haunt | April 16, 18:39 CET

Televisionary has an article on the script too. It's here: http://www.televisionaryblog.com/2008/04/playing-with-dolls-advance-look-at-joss.html

Sorry, can't make cool links in html. :)

swanjun | April 16, 19:30 CET

Throwing around a quantum of humor now, are we.

The One True b!X | April 16, 19:41 CET

swanjun I fixed your link for you. If you want to know how to do a link in a comment, then click here.

I also added your link to the entry as well.

Simon | April 16, 20:04 CET

I'm really thrilled that Televisionary is so thrilled. Very good sign. He's a fan, but not a "Jossus" fan, if you know what I mean. I trust him to be objective, [i.e., to have opinions I'm likely to share :)].

I didn't look at the first one because I wanted to avoid spoilers, but I couldn't resist Televisionary. So I skimmed. That works, right? It seems that he focuses on character & setting without giving away much plot.

jcs | April 16, 20:28 CET

Thank you, Simon.

swanjun | April 16, 20:48 CET

Sunfire: Do a search for the word "Swiss" (cheese) on the web page you linked. :-)

OneTeV | April 16, 21:04 CET

Uhm, I should point out I wasn't saying the show is Quantum Leap and if you didn't like that show, don't be concerned. I just think thematically there's a loss of identity thing going on which is relevant.

Also, if you're inside that environment, can you use the situation to help others? (Or yourself?) That, I think, is the big question about Dollhouse. I don't want to see these dolls being beaten with a big stick Every Single Week. I want to see what they can do with the stick.

[ edited by gossi on 2008-04-16 18:08 ]

gossi | April 16, 21:06 CET

On a happy side note, the coworker who I introduced to Buffy and Angel just read the Televisionary article and literally cackled with anticipatory glee. I have converted her most thoroughly!

swanjun | April 16, 21:07 CET

b!X: Heh.

m'cookies actual | April 16, 23:38 CET

So, umm... when did my namesake on the show go from Paul Smith to Paul Ballard? How many last names has this character had now? And why wasn't mine good enough for him?

Haunt | April 17, 07:08 CET

The article's since been updated to include the info that Harry Jennix has been cast in the role of Boyd, Echo's handler.

Jackal | April 17, 07:52 CET

when did my namesake on the show go from Paul Smith to Paul Ballard

If I recall correctly, Ballard was the original. Then someone (in reality, or merely in press reports) changed it to Smith.

ETA: It isn't Harry Jennix. It's Harry J. Lennix. And he's pretty awesome.

[ edited by theonetruebix on 2008-04-17 04:58 ]

The One True b!X | April 17, 07:56 CET

It's 5am here and the letters all started jumbling together. I should sleep.

Jackal | April 17, 08:05 CET

Harry Lennix? Turning the corner from handsome to fatherly?! He's yummy lovely gorgeousness. Very pleased with this one. :o)

curlymynci | April 17, 09:33 CET

The article's since been updated to include the info that Harry Jennix has been cast in the role of Boyd, Echo's handler.

I've made it a new front page entry for people to chat about.

Simon | April 17, 10:19 CET

April 16 2008