Joss Whedon's Dollhouse is back for an exciting second season! Caroline (Eliza Dushku) - code name "Echo" - is an "Active," a member of a highly illegal and underground group of individuals who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. Last season, Former FBI Agent Paul Ballard, determined to solve the mystery of the Dollhouse and find the missing Caroline, accomplished his goal and was convinced (or was it coerced?) to become Echo's handler. Dollhouse continues to revolve around Echo's blossoming self-awareness and her desire to discover her true identity. But with each new engagement, comes a new memory and increased danger inside and outside the Dollhouse.
This second season seemed to delve more into the corporation behind the Dollhouse, and the politics of it, than the actual adventures of the Dolls (or "Actives") that the first season did. There were several surprises, and some sad moments as well; and overall it was a very satisfying ending, in my opinion. People bash FOX for cancelling this show; but keep in mind that:
A) It renewed the series for a second season despite very low ratings. and B) They let Joss know about the cancellation early enough that he was able to give the series a proper ending (Unlike with "Firefly")
Eliza Dushku, while not my pick for best actress, does a good job as "Echo" and the evolution that the character takes. She blends the various personalities very well. Alan Tudyk, as always, is amazing in his role here as ****SPOILER WARNING**** Alpha. His ability to flow from hilarious to sinister is nothing short of amazing! ****END OF SPOILER****
One note, about the finale...I suggest that before you watch the finale, "Epitaphs II" you first read the graphic novel "Dollhouse Volume 1: Epitaphs" as this will fill in some blanks that were absent from the episode; particularly about Alpha. That graphic novel can be found here: Dollhouse Volume Epitaphs Andrew Chambliss
While I wish the show could have gone the entire five years that Joss had planned out; I personally found this second season (and series finale) to be satisfying.
I was skeptical at first about this series but after watching the first few eps i was hooked so i ended up buying the blu-rays season 1 and 2, i've only bought one other series i thought was worth it. Dollhouse and Firefly both on blu-ray.
Love the characters and the situations they're faced with as an 'active'. Living in their abode 'Dollhouse' and summoned or activated when needed, the dolls are faced with real life missions or preferred 'engagements'. Each doll has their flaws even when so called programming them with professions to be the perfect companion for clients which can sometimes land them in sticky situations.
Plot twists are mind guessing having you thinking about whats going to happen in the next episode and to whom.
The supporting cast all play their characters well particularly 'Echo's' faithful handler 'Boyd Langton played by Harry J. Lennix (season 1) and Olivia Williams as 'Adelle DeWitt', the 'don't mess with me' underground facilities manager.
Enjoyed the series overall and it was a nice fresh idea from all the over rated crime and medical series we're force fed. Dollhouse was sadly cut short of its time not allowing the series to grow to it's full potential.
Season 2 contains 3 disks which includes all 13 eps plus extras such as deleted scenes, out takes and a short doco with Joss Wheddon and the cast.
Its a nice transfer to blu-ray although not a perfect one, but clean never the less and is in 1.78:1 widescreen format and 6ch DTS-HD audio.
Finally watched the complete second season. I think I would stick with my thoughts on the first season about inconsistent acting and something of a far fetched story line. Nevertheless it was entertaining. Didn't care much for the way they wrapped it up in the epilogue episode. I suppose that's what you get when a program doesn't get renewed for a third season and you don't want to put a lot of effort into tying up loose ends. For what it's worth, Enver Gjokaj, who played the part of Victor should have received an Emmy nod for best supporting actor. What a range!
For this show to be cut sort the producers wrapped it up perfectly. Instead of leaving you wondering what happens they gave you a reasonable conclusion. Saying that I wish there was more and you can tell there was so much potential. Even with the what it could of been thought, this season/series is absolutely phenomenal. The twist and turns this season takes will leave you jaw dropped every episode. I can honestly say there is nothing like this now or previous series. Buckle in and enjoy this Whedon masterpiece.
First off, Season Two of Dollhouse is amazing. Things move from Season One and leap down an elevator shaft with the express car rocketing towards, both on a non-stop trip to hell. Everything gets worse, and the show is better for it. Season Two is much, much darker than the previous, as we see the evil inherent to the tech and how it begins to spiral out of control.
I refuse to list spoilers, but if you liked Season One, be sure to watch this, the final season. It wraps up very nicely, if not prettily.
The sound track of the DVD is a bit wonky through a 2-channel track, specifically on Disc Three: the sound dips to a whisper then fluctuates back to an audible level several times. Through 5.1, the effect is pretty much nullified. The quality of the sound on DVD is just enough to be annoying and it is why I marked the set at 4 stars. If it were just rating the show, then it'd be 5 stars, without a doubt.