Ballard, assigned to handle Kiki, was so unnerved by this incarnation of Echo that when he was pulled off her case to extract information from a serial killer, he blurted, “Serial killer? Thank god!” (Trust me if you didn’t see the episode: That line killed.) The real evil derived from this other subplot: serial-killer Terry, nephew of the former Saul Tigh — Uncle Brad, that is, to Terry.
Early on in the hour, Terry is wheeled into the Dollhouse in a coma. (Uncle Brad is a major Dollhouse investor, and wants help for his troubled nephew.) The Dollhouse gang needed access to his killer thoughts, so Victor got a “treatment” that poured all of Terry’s nastiness into him. Ballard’s interrogation of Terry/Victor was tense and fine, and things got even better when Terry/Victor was slipped out of the Dollhouse by Uncle and Topher couldn’t track him down because Victor didn’t have his cranial GPS installed. (Wouldn’t you know it? It was removed during the operation to get Victor’s scars repaired and wasn’t reinstalled.)
Topher attempted the super-tricky “remote mind-wipe” and things go haywire: Terry’s mind gets deposited into Kiki’s pretty little head, and, boy, did actor Enver Gjokaj have a good time wiggling around as Kiki.
The episode contained a fair amount of Dollhouse angsting — dialogue that poked us in the ribs with sentiments such as, “we’re human, not his toys,” and “you’ve surrounded yourself with the fakes, the copies.” But this week, such sentiments were woven into the story in an essential way: It didn’t come across as though a message was being delivered via the thwap of a croquet mallet to our heads (Terry’s chosen method of punishment). Regular characters who usually don’t get handed laugh-lines were rewarded with some sharp ones, and they made the most of them. It was satisfying, for example, to hear Boyd, during a discussion of serial-killer mind-info extracting, observe with comic disbelief, “Topher has ethical problems [with this] – Topher!”
All in all, one of the most enjoyable hours of the season. Or as Kiki would say, this stuff about “Chauncey ” deserves an A. Or at least an A-. Do you agree?
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Last night was a great episode but I wish that it didn’t have such a stand alone feeling to it. With the shorter season we really need to get more progression in the main story line.
I agree that the feel of the ep wa mostly stand alone, but I don’t feel that is a bad thing as the show was criticized for not having enough of – making it hard to get newer viewers who might jump in mid season. I think that the storyline progressions came with Echo uttering “Goodness gracious” at the end showing that all of her personalities are still around and what the fallout of that will be. Also, I think that Ballard’s character might be changing his view of Adele in that she might actually have some humanity/morals to her contrary to what he previously beleived…. Everything was subtle but I really enjoyed this ep.
It was a great episode! Victor as Kiki was great!
Perhaps the most interesting after effect was Echo being stuck with Terry’s memories and possible Terry himself perhaps popping out of her.
It begs also will Caroline ever be free of all these personas when she’s done?
I know they have to create new drama each week but it’s getting to be a bit ridiclous that EVERY week something else goes wrong with the programming of the dolls.
I was thinkimg the same thing – last week she stole a baby, this week she stabs somebody in the neck. Not to mention allowing a serial killer loose on LA – at what point does somebody say that the experiment isn’t working and just shut the place down?
Having said that – it was a really good episode and I’m looking forward to Summer Glau coming on board.
“at what point does somebody say that the experiment isn’t working and just shut the place down?”
Right! And when does someone decide to sue the Dollhouse for the mistakes? Or is that not possible because it’s an underground operation? Seems like there would be some sort of repercussion to these events.
WAY better than last week. I’m with Helo…Echo looked crazy sexy.
This ep actually managed to equal, at least in content quality, Epitaph One from the DVD. I was extremely impressed, now if they can maintain this type of quality, it’ll definately keep it’s season pass on my DVR. I also felt this episode was much more cognizant of the ethics of Dollhouse tech and better at addressing not just what can go wrong, but what’s wrong with it when it goes “right”.
Agreed. The latter eps of S1 and especially Epitaph were awesome and this was the first time this season they’ve come close.
It was a pretty good episode… had some nice bits. Victor as “Kiki” was a hoot. I thought Michael Hogan was wasted in what was basically a bit part. Hopefully he will be back and they give him something worthy of his talent and gravitas. For me, the most interesting scene in the episode was at the end where Echo repeats one of Terry’s favorite phrases (can’t recall it exactly and I’ve already deleted the episode). This seems like the only part that advances the plot as it further illustrates the fact that Echo is retaining some of each new personality that is imprinted in her. Is Echo turning into Alpha 2.0? Hopefully she isn’t wasting her time on being a self-absorbed diva and is paying attention to, and learning from, the many talented guest stars who come through and give her free acting lessons.
“Goodness gracious.” That does not bode well for Echo later on.
I was thinking about divorcing this show afer the firs two episodes – but now I’m, at least tentatively, back on board.
Not THAT is how you do a Dollhouse episode. It was much batter than the last week. I thought the pacing, the plot and the humor was much better. I find myself more and more impressed with Eliza’s acting with each episode so far. The girl can act, so stop hating. I think my fave scene of the night is a tie between Ballard/Terry interrogation when he mentions living with the “Fakes” as Adelle watched in the monitor and pretty much the entire Victor/Kiki sequence. (Okay, that’s several parts XD)I thought it was hilarious when he knocked that guy out in the club and when he hugged Paul. <3's it!!! And speaking of Adelle, I friggin' LOVE her character. She reminds me a bit of Lilah from Angel: Lonely, cold hearted, complex and in charge. One criticism I have is that I think head of security, Boyd should get fired. Again people somehow find ways to escape the Dollhouse. Last week it was Echo, this week it was Terry/Victor and his uncle. But over all, it was a really good episode.
Sorry, Ken. We didn’t see it. We’ve given up on this show! It’s burned us too many times.
Your loss. It was a great one.
Must’ve burned you bad, since you insist on coming back to the boards and mocking us.
Oooh. Ouch. Thinking you hurt me good? Palms getting a little sweaty? Heart racing? Don’t worry, getting off on hurting people doesn’t make you perverted at all. You’re totally perfectly normal.
Is it just me, or is Enver Gjokaj possibly one of the best actors on television. He absolutely and convincingly /becomes/ these people, to tone structure, mannerisms. When they put the agent in the attic last year, then downloaded him into Victor, I was floored about how precisely he copied the other actor’s mannerisms, speech inflection. (Too lazy to go and look up names.)
Now last night, he just absolutely absorbs this serial killer. Completely just becomes the guy you saw in the beginning of the show. He just astonishes me with how accurate he portrays them.
Absolutely agree, Bek! Enver Gjokaj has been great since the beginning, but this show let us see just how good the guy is at transforming himself. I hope when this show is eventually (inevitably?) canceled, he gets lots of opportunities, because he deserves them.
yeah i completely agree. He’s bloody brilliant and so convincing every time! they need to use him more often.
I’m beginning to believe that Enver Gjokaj is a Doll himself. That man is one talented mimic.
AMEN!!!!!
i’m adding my amen!!! to this – he’s a brilliant actor and completely believable in each role.
I really enjoyed last night’s episode. I found it to be engaging, suspensful, a little bit creepy and even funny at times.
Victor being Kiki was perhaps the best moments of the episode… but well done Dollhouse, give us more of these.
This episode blew my mind. I would give last week’s episode ‘Instinct’ a B, but ‘Belle Chose’ gets an A+++ from me, if only on acting alone. Eliza Dushku IS getting better (which was painfully necessary, but it is happening, so we should give her props); Michael Hogan was DELIGHTFULLY creepy, well-meaning, and ineffectual; Tahmoh Penikett delivered his most articulate and multi-layered work so far; and Enver Gjokaj knocked it out of the park – and quite possibly the solar system – with his portrayals of both Terry and Kiki. And all this without even getting started on the so-wrong-it’s-right-ness of Echo’s ‘Kiki and the professor do Chaucer’ storyline. I haven’t had so much fun in one hour for a very long time.
I was glad to see the show back on track – moments of humor mixed in with the action. I just hope that it is not too late. I love all the BSG crossovers.
Best. Episode. Ever.
I should have known Minear was behind it. I wasn’t sold until the story lines crossed and the dolls switched bodies. Man, I didn’t see that coming! And Victor as Kiki? Good gracious!
I don’t know that the episode deserved quite the amount of praise that Mr. Tucker gave it (really, his review smacks of oh yeah, EW is still on Whedon’s payroll…better write something positive!) it was ok…better than last week it’s always hit or miss with this show. I also believe that Tahmoh Penikett has more chemistry with the actor who plays Victor than he does with Eliza Dushku!…the whole storyline of Paul is “obsessed with Echo or Caroline or whatever the heck her name is”…seems forced on the audience because even the show runners know the two have no chemistry. They have to resort to putting Echo in yet another fetish outfit and have Paul looking at her in a real dopey/horny frat guy/creepy kind of way to say to the audience: “see, see he really likes her!!…get it?, you do get it don’t you?!”…actually, no. All I think is, Joss supports this?…and boy, do I miss Tahmoh as Helo.
I think what really is being said is that Paul has a physical attraction to her, no doubt. And by being so close to her and seeing her in those outfits and scenarios it makes it worse. Yes, he is kind of obsessed with her and all of that, but she isn’t a “person” exactly. He can’t have any chemistry with a blank slate and all that is there is physical attraction. And he’s disgusted at himself for thinking like that because it plays right into the hands of the Dollhouse. In the very least, it’s another situation like when Sierra’s handler went all rapey on her.
We know he is attracted her physically, yes. But I actually thought his relief at taking on the serial killer case instead was because he couldn’t believe how ridiculous Echo as a sexy college student was rather than how attractive she was.
Great episode – restored my faith after last week’s abomination. But how about banning the following two plot devices (crutches) for a little while?
- There’s a glitch with Echo (yawn)
- Worst…security…ever!
Anyway, it’s probably too-little/too-late for the show. I hung on as a long-time Whedon fan and even I’m still on the fence.
Put the show out of its misery so Joss can cook up something better for us.
Just once, I’d like for Paul to look at Echo in one of her “Wham” costumes and just go, “Oh the Hell with it,” and just head for the other side. I do agree though: Why must things go wrong with Echo? I mean, why couldn’t the wipe go into Sierra and she acted like Kiki. For that matter, where was Dichen this episode?
Fantastic episode. The two storylines were both creepy and disgusting and sad in their own way, without beating you over the head with “SO IS THE DOLLHOUSE”. The show’s only been getting better this season. Too bad they’re gonna pull it for ratings.
I love Michael Hogan! He was brilliant as Saul Tigh!
It’s sad that this show might be pulled mid-season — according to chatter around town, FOX might not air any episodes past 6 or 7 and run double episodes of “Til Death.”
Save Dollhouse!
the very idea that “Til Death” could replace episodes of Dollhouse makes me throw up in mouth a lil bit. Say it isn’t so! This Whedon drama is getting better with every episode. Some words of advice: keep using the incredibly strong ensemble! I’m so excited to see a Sierra-centric ep in two weeks. Eliza is a fine actor, but the show truly shines when everyone gets equal screen time. Even Buffy and Angel worked best when the central characters were interacting with series regulars (ex. buffy chillin with the scooby gang) rather than guest stars. Please keep to that formula! I know the actives MUST go on engagements, but “Belle Chose” was stellar because the true stars got to shine, rather than become overshadowed by an extra brought in for one ep. BTW, Enver was incredible – - who knew he could really bring the laughs! My favorite moment of the episode: Ballard/Victor/Kiki hug…”you got a problem?!?” ahahaha
So… did Ballard kill the serial killer at the end? He said “Not anymore” and then he flatlined.. because of Ballard? I wouldn’t be surprised. he seems to be enjoying the power of not having to answer to anyone
That’s what I took away from it. I thought it showed balls on his part; I like that Ballard is being allowed to be intelligent this season. Great episode. Enver really should get his own show once this is – inevitably – cancelled.
It was certainly implied that Ballard killed him. No doubt that was thrown in to give us some insight to Ballard’s character and what he is willing to do regarding his sense of what is right or wrong.
It was almost a great episode (for Dollhouse anyway), but Dushku could not quite pull her part off. Shame, as the rest of the cast was great…
People are really missing the point with Ballard and Echo, imo. They are making the same mistake that Mellie always made, and then makes again as Madeleine. Mistaking his obsession with Echo as being love or at least romantic/sexual interest
This man enslaved himself to the dollhouse to set Mellie free. He sacrificed himself for her welfare. He loves Mellie/Madeleine and it’s against every fiber of his being to act as Echo’s handler. When he sees her naked in the shower scene…but you can see this discussion go back and forth at my blog (deepgraceoftheory). I just get tired of the depth of this character’s unhappiness being misunderstood. There’s no chemistry between Paul and Echo because Ballard isn’t in that place in his head and can’t be, because of Mellie among other things, such as Echo’s inability to “consent.”
another great episode. i really dont want it to get cancelled, but if it does all 13 of this seasons eps better be on the dvd! and enver is amazing! i was only halfwatching the episode and it took me 15 mins to realize that victor was imprinted with the serial killer just because he was sooo convincing! his voice and even his face changed. and as kiki? omg too adorable!
Agreed. By far my favourite of the three episodes aired so far this season.
Like others I gave up on the show. It was just so boring this season. Too bad because I had such high hopes for it.
Great ep. Can Ken Tucker do these recaps from now on?
Best episode of the season so far! The only problem is that it didn’t leave a huge impression after I watched it like the best episode so far should have.
omg just saw the episode and one of the best so far..loved everything about it..victor as the serial killer and then kiki…so good and echo as the serial killer..she is suck a great actress..really hope the show is not canceled….SAVE THE DOLLHOUSE!!!!!!!!!