(no subject)

[ayrdaomei]

One episode in, and here's my problem with Dollhouse - Echo, well chosen name aside, is a bore to watch. Granted, if the series holds true to the format of the pilot, we won't see too much of her, but I just cannot take Eliza's studiously vacant/childlike stare seriously. And, from a more superficial point, E doesn't have the kind of body that makes me want to tune in just to watch her wander the HQ in a tank top and yoga pants.

It's true I've long enjoyed shows where we got to see the protagonists be someone different every week - La Femme Nikita, The Pretender, Quantum Leap, Highlander, to name a few - but the one thing those shows all had in common was the fact that the protagonist was a fully realized character independent of all the personas s/he put on, week to week. I tuned in to those shows every week because I cared about my leads as individuals. How can you get invested in a character like Echo? And I can't get invested in the people she pretends to be, because I gather we won't be getting very many, if any, repeat personas. (Or will we? I haven't been paying attention to anything that's been said about the show's concept, beyond the basic premise).

Give it time, and I could like Boyd a lot, I know - I'm a sucker for the protective older not-quite-fatherly-but-maybe-unclely type (Alias' Dixon, SAAB's Col McQueen). And Amy Acker's character has a background I'm a little curious about. But it doesn't bode well, I think, if I'm far more interested in the supporting cast than the lead.

I'll check back in on the show in 4 or 5 eps. I could get more into it if the "treatments" stop working so well, and we start to see what impact that has on Echo, but who knows what Joss has in store.

Comments

[scornedsaint.livejournal.com]

Echo, well chosen name aside, is a bore to watch.

I think that's going to be my problem too. I totally agree with what you said about the rest of the cast; I found myself way more interested in the supporting characters (especially Dr. Amy Acker and her Mysterious Facial Scars, and maybe the sketchy tech guy who does the wiping.)

(Or will we? I haven't been paying attention to anything that's been said about the show's concept, beyond the basic premise).

From what I remember reading pre-show, Echo's going to start realizing what's going on, so I guess Echo is going to become an actual character instead of a blank slate.

I'm definitely going to keep watching, since this is already a Show to Watch with People --and also I like making Friday nights Tahmoh Penikett nights-- but I'm kind of wary for now. I'd be happier with less big social messages about child abuse, etc.

[ayrdaomei.livejournal.com]

and maybe the sketchy tech guy who does the wiping.

Ha - I actually didn't like him at all. Well, I guess we're not supposed to like him. But he was like the Echo character - didn't do anything for me.

so I guess Echo is going to become an actual character instead of a blank slate.

I have to wonder how long Fox will give them to get there?

I don't get Fox so I have to make time to sit and stream eps on Hulu, or download them. This definitely isn't a show I'd bother downloading every week, right now. As for streaming, I think I'll just rely on f-list reaction to see if an ep is worth it.

also I like making Friday nights Tahmoh Penikett nights

Hee, there is that. I'm not really feeling Agent/Detective/Whatever Paul right now, unfortunately, but I guess we'll see.

[schnaucl.livejournal.com]

Hee, there is that. I'm not really feeling Agent/Detective/Whatever Paul right now, unfortunately, but I guess we'll see

You watch BSG, right? Is he not playing Helo again?

[ayrdaomei.livejournal.com]

I do, sorta (I'm currently 5 eps behind). This is the final season of BSG, isn't it? I have been under the impression that all these eps got shot during that long layoff, so TP's commitment to BSG is over.

Is he supposed to be in the mythical Caprica?

[schnaucl.livejournal.com]

I think they started filming some of the episodes before the strike and resumed after the strike was over.

Caprica is a prequel so I'm not sure any of the key actors will be back.

I'd forgotten that the Admiral is played by the same guy as Justice Santos from TWW.

Favorite non-spoilery line of the last episode:

Roslin: Lee, sometimes you're so caught up on doing the right thing that you don't do the smart thing.
(beat) Lee: Well then, I'll try to be dumber. And wronger.

[schnaucl.livejournal.com]

but I just cannot take Eliza's studiously vacant/childlike stare seriously.

Yeah. My main problem is that I really didn't buy her as the K&R specialist. She still had the vacant stare/clueless look going. Maybe if they hadn't been going for the sexy librarian? But I really felt like she was playing at the role rather than actually being the K&R person. If you can't buy her as the various roles I think it just sort of falls apart.

[ayrdaomei.livejournal.com]

If you can't buy her as the various roles I think it just sort of falls apart.

That's a fair point. I liked Eliza on Buffy and Angel - I didn't watch her other show - but I do have to wonder if she's got the range for a part like this. Putting her in different outfits and changing her hair doesn't do it all.

[schnaucl.livejournal.com]

I liked her as Faith, too.

[aurealis.livejournal.com]

I can't contribute anything meaningful as I don't know anything about the show. Just popping in to say that I'm happy that you posted today. :-)

[ayrdaomei.livejournal.com]

**laughs** Well, thank you for saying so :)