06: Top Ten Best: Dollhouse Series 1 Episodes

Did I fall asleep?
For a little while.

As you can tell (probably, hopefully--have I not made myself clear?), I am a major Joss Whedon fan. I love everything of his I've seen: the witty and terrifying Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it's spin-off Angel, short-lived but cult hit space-western Firefly, it's film follow-up Serenity, modernized Much Ado About Nothing, and third highest grossing film of all time, The Avengers. And now, something new to add to the list: the little beauty that is Dollhouse.

Years ago, I watched the first episode (not the unaired original pilot--which I still haven't gotten to), and sort of thought "meh." Bit of a dissapointment really. But with my love for Whedon re-blossoming through my first viewing of Angel, which is at war with Doctor Who for my favorite television series ever, I wanted to leap back into something Whedon-y, but fresh as well. So I opened up Netflix, forgetting I owned the series blu-ray, and dove right in.

[Spoilers abound]:

The first episode was better than remembered, but still not near Joss's best. I kept watching, and for the first five episodes, all of which were one-offs, I enjoyed certain elements: the incredibly dark and thought-provoking concept of the place, having people rent out others for their...eugh..."fantasies." Also great were the characters, as, while a lot of the mains had their personalities changed every episode (but are undoubtedly fantastic actors, don't get me wrong), I loved cold, calculated boss Adelle DeWitt, genius-who-runs-everything Topher, and man-friend Boyd. I kept thinking, if only these characters were alive in as brilliant a show as say Angel or Firefly.

Heh, I got my wish.

Come the sixth episode, the story reknowed for changing everything, I didn't expect it to change my perspective the way I did. It was exciting, funny, grim, and thought-provoking, just as the best of Whedon shows could be, and I loved it. I was super excited to watch more, and even though it was 11:30 at night on a Monday, it was utter pain to wait.

The show never died down either, with characters getting more likeable by the second, and twists around every corner. Every episode off from then, including the one-off, has been brilliant, ranging from the fun of "Echoes" to the holycrapwhatisthis of "Epitaph One." And that's why i'm here to count down my top ten favorite episodes of the admittedly short thirteen-episode season so far:

10) "True Believer"
Written by: Tim Minear
Confusion Level: 2.0
Plot: Echo is imprinted as a blind "true believer" to investigate a "cry" for help from a religuous cult run by a former felon. Ballard turns to facial-recognition software in his mission to find Caroline.
And Because?: A solid story with some good Tim Mineary-ness to go around. Echo's mission is not the most interesting possible, but the twist with the "Help" note was cool. Plus, Dr. Saunders, Victor, and Victor's "man-reaction."
Bestest Episode Quote: "There have been instances of this technology causing anuerysms and in one case, death. It's possible one good case could bring on a seizure." "Or even worse, a sneezure!" (Dr. Saunders/Topher)

09) "Gray Hour"
Written by: Sarah Fain & Elizabeth Craft
Confusion Level: 4.0
Plot: A stolen art heist for the Greek government goes awry when Echo is remotely wiped during a phone call, something Boyd suspects only Alpha could have done.
And Because?: I've always been a major fan of heist stories, and this is the best out of the first five Dollhouse episodes. It gave us another major hint at Alpha's persona, showing the genius alongside the insanity. Plus, it made me like that burglar for the fact he didn't threaten to kill Echo. Oh, and Dichen Lachman's acting (as well as Enver Gjokaj's) is fantastic.
Bestest Episode Quote: "You drop it, I shoot you. Then you don't get paid--or breathe." (Boyd)

08) "Haunted"
Written by: Jane Espenson, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Jed Whedon
Confusion Level: 3.0
Plot: An old friend of Adelle's uses the Dollhouse's technology to briefly reawaken her from her death and solve her murder. Ballard uses Mellie's prints to convince Loomis of the Dollhouse's existence.
And Because?: A dark and morbid story. What are the implications of what we've become if we can bring other back from the dead using nothing but a free body and some brain scans? Though it seems almost fairy tale in a way. Woman dies thinking family loves her. Gets brought back for a little while to find they don't then die again knowing they do. Best part of the episode though? Topher's game day with Sierra. It's so sad he only gets a friend once a year. :'(
Bestest Episode Quote: "In a world where all men are guilty until proven dead, one man stands as our only hope in the fight against..." (Topher)

07) "Briar Rose"
Written by: Jane Espenson
Confusion Level: 5.0
Plot: Ballard uses the man who built the Dollhouse, Stephen Kepler, to break in and attempt to retrieve Caroline. A body slain by Alpha is discovered in Tuscon, Arizona.
And Because?: Is Dollhouse the only Whedon series where Jane Espenson doesn't write any comedy stories? I guess I have season two to find out. Unfortunately, I knew Alan Tudyk was Alpha before watching so I knew he was pretending to be Kepler, but both his and (eugh) Alpha's acting would have totally fooled me otherwise. The "Briar Rose" parallels were a little obvious but the rest of the episode is pretty great. I've always loved cliffhangers, and this one ends with a good one.
Bestest Episode Quote: (Tie):
1) "They told me this was gonna be the new Eden." "Eden wasn't a prison." "What, are you kidding? The apples were monitored!" (Kepler/Ballard)
2) "Carrots! Medicinal carrots! Personal-use medicinal carrots that were here when I moved in and I'm holding it for a friend!" (Kepler)

06) "A Spy in the House of Love"
Written by: Andrew Chambliss
Confusion Level: 7.0
Plot: Both Echo and Sierra are implanted with secret agent imprints to uncover a spy in the Dollhouse. Through another message, Ballard discovers that Mellie is an Active.
And Because?: Has anyone else listened to the WasNotWas song with this title? Now it's in my head. I love the way this episode plays out, moving from different perspectives from different times in the same day. It humanizes Adelle (great character), reveals our inside man, and we get another heartbreak hotel when Ballard learns Mellie is really a doll. :''(
Bestest Episode Quote: (Tie)
1) "We have a spy?" "Inside the Dollhouse." "And you think *I'm* the spy?" "Not in a bad way!" (Boyd/Topher)
2) "We're pimps and killers, but in a philanthropic way. Can I go now?" (Boyd)

05) "Omega"
Written by: Tim Minear
Confusion Level: 7.0
Plot: With Echo imprinted as his girlfriend, Alpha reveals to her that she is a doll and plants Caroline's mind in another woman. Boyd and Ballard race to track down Echo.
And Because?: This is more like it, Tim Minear. A great finale to the closer-to-modern-day era Dollhouse, with the reveals of Saunders being a doll and Alpha's backstory. I wonder if Ballard working with the Dollhouse is going to be a thing now? That'd be both fun and some great character development. I also wonder what's going to happen to November/Mellie/whoever now that she's free? The questions! Must watch SEASON 2!
Bestest Episode Quote (Also Best Quote of Series): "So this is it. This is where you steal their souls." "Yeah. And then we put 'em in a glass jar with our fireflies. Why is there a tall, morally judgemental man in my imprint room besides him (Boyd)?" (Ballard/Topher)

04) "Echoes"
Written by: Sarah Fain & Elizabeth Craft
Confusion Level: 4.0
Plot: A psychotropic drug released in the college surrounding the Rossum Company has every available Active attempting to contain it. Distilled memories draw Echo to the area.
And Because?: Probably the most "fun" episode of Dollhouse released, although with enough added to the plot to make it a fully functional episode. Victor just gets the most diverse roles, with plentiful jobs and accents to make use of, and Echo gets some nice flashback-age to boot. Lots of points!
Bestest Episode Quote: "You! I am so sorry that I tried to kill you!" "It's okay." "No, it's not okay! I tried to burn you to death! Who does that?" (Dominic/Echo)

03) "Epitaph One"
Written by: Maurissa Tancharoen & Jed Whedon (story by: Joss Whedon)
Confusion Level: 9.0
Plot: Ten years into the future in 2019, a group of fighters nicknamed "Actuals" attempting to fight the Rossum Company, who've weaponized the imprint process, stumble upon the Dollhouse.
And Because?: This episode, man. This episode. It is everything I don't expect from a television show, especially one that should have logically thought it was doomed considering it aired on Fox. This is a fantastic episode, one that takes place 10 years in the future, and has tons of flashbacks to the past! Thinking about it really, this would have been a perfect finale and a glimsp at next season. This is probably the best thing Maury and Jed ever wrote....well, at war with Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog anyways. Plus...Felicia Day!
Bestest Episode Quote: "That guy sure loves the sound of his own voice." "We all love the sound of our own voices. That's why we're here. Keep our own voices." (Zone/Mag)

02) "Man on the Street"
Written by: Joss Whedon
Confusion Level: 4.0
Plot: Ballard's investigation leads him to a client's fantasy, one in which the Active is Echo. The Dollhouse takes action against Ballard's intefering.
And Because?: A major episode with extreme importance to the series. Not only did Ballard meet Echo for the first time, but we also learn Mellie is a sleeper active in the brutal scene that turns the hunter into the hunted. We also get some astounding moral quandries, as Joel Mynor's story is both heartbreaking and nasty, and we get to hear from the voice of the people about what they think of the legendary Dollhouse. And the speech the last guy made would've made the best episode quote, but this one here is just too priceless.
Bestest Episode Quote: "They'd throw the Kindle at you!" (Mynor)

Rejected Imprints:
11) "Ghost"
A story that gets better upon rewatching. It just doesn't have that Whedon magic.
Bestest Episode Quote: "You can't fight a ghost." (Echo)
12) "The Target"
A well-done episode that makes use of the overused "human hunting" trope.
Bestest Episode Quote: "'Cause I love you. Deep deep man love." (Topher)
13) "Stage Fright"
A singer who thinks her life sucks. And she's annoying too. Great. Speaking of overused tropes...
Bestest Episode Quote: "We split the atom, make a bomb. We come up with anything new, the first thing we do is destroy, manipulate, control. It's human nature." "Yeah, people are mostly crap." (Ballard/Lubov)

01) "Needs"
Written by: Tracy Bellomo
Confusion Level: 6.0
Plot: Adelle stages an attempt of escape using the original identities of four actives: Echo, Victor, Sierra, and November, in a mission to give them closure unavailable through clouded memories.
And Because?: This is actually one of my favorite TV episodes of all time. It enhances the plot, then it doesn't, then you find out in later episodes that it does. We get our first taste of the real personas of Victor, Sierra, and November, and it sets the stage for future episodes alike. It also provides some development for Caroline (even though it isn't really her....or is it? Ah, who knows), who possibly sacrifices herself to take down this terrible place.
Bestest Episode Quote: "Good morning. We're having banana pancakes for breakfast today." "I like pancakes." "We're all gonna die." (Attendant/Tango/Victor)

So, there we have it. The top ten Series 1 Dollhouse episodes. This list really came out of nowhere, I know, and delayed the upcoming Angel list, but that's coming soon, I swear!

Thanks guys, check out the show if you can. Really, anywhere from "Man on the Street" backwards is good enough though, while the first five aren't the best (except "Gray Hour"), they're worth watching to delve into the characters for the first time.

Shall I go now?
If you like.

07: Top Ten Best: Angel Series 2 Episodes

Hi, everyone.

We're back with the eighth installment of my Top Tens, technically a sequel to the third, as we're returning to the Wonderful World of Angel! This time we're taking a look at Season Two, a superior (and Season 1 was great) entry in the universe full of intriguing arcs ranging from fun (Pylea) to depressingly dark (beige Angel/Dark Avenger).

These 22 selections also get merits for introducing fantabulous new characters to the show, such as Lorne, possibly my favorite, and Fred, wonderful from the second when we first see her.

Let's dive in like an empty swimming pool!

10) "Judgement"
by David Greenwalt
Plot: Angel attempts to help a young pregnant woman when he accidentally kills her protector and warrior for a joust guaranteeing or destroying the baby's chances of protection. Meanwhile, the now human Darla attempts to adjust to the new world Wolfram & Hart brought her into.
And Because?: The series premiere that I find much better than most. Angel's struggle with the fact that he killed a good demon is quite interesting, the final battle is awesome, and any episode that introduces Lorne is a #10/10 in my lavish, quite detailed book.

09) "The Trial"
by Douglas Petrie & Tim Minear
Plot: Lorne informs Angel of a trial he can take to stop Darla from dying thanks to her disease, though it's challenges may be tougher than he expected. Originally wanting to become a vampire again, Darla learns the virtues of being human.
And Because?: Joss Whedon shows have a tendency to use over-used plot tropes and make them fresh and enjoyable ("Ariel," "Needs"). This one is no different, making you care for Darla before her eventual and terrifying re-vampification.

08) "Dead End"
by David Greenwalt
Plot: Finally recieiving a new hand from Wolfram & Hart, Lindsey becomes disturbed after it repeatedly writes KILL KILL KILL on a notepad. The Fang Gang is lost after Cordelia recieves a non-descriptive vision of a happy father stabbing himself.
And Because?: Lindsey is one of my favorite characters in any TV show ever, and this was a fitting farewell. It was disturbing (back-up body parts/suicidal father), funny (Lindsey's ending scene is just the best), and touching (Angel saying goodbye to his old foe with one last prank).

07) "Darla"
by Tim Minear
Plot: A look through Darla's timeline examines three eras: her as a dying human becoming a vampire, her with the Whirlwind as Angelus attempts to deal with his new soul, and her being held by Wolfram & Hart as Angel attempts to break her out.
And Because?: Darla is one of the most interesting characters in all of the Buffyverse, and an episode focused on her written by the Angel master just can't go awry. We also get cameos from Dru, Spike, and The Master, which could never drag anything down.

06) "There's No Place Like Plrtz Glrb"
by David Greenwalt
Plot: The disimbodied head of Lorne and Cordelia attempt to escape the castle. Angel recovers from the experience of being the demon this world dictates him to be. Wesley and Gunn lead the riot of runaway slaves against the castle.
And Because?: The best of the Pylea arc, a fitting & lighthearted end to a brooding season of Angel. We learn that Lorne lives on (yay!), the battle for the castle is cool, and it ends on a hum-dinger with Angel Investigations learning of Buffy's short-lived passing away.

05) "Guise Will Be Guise"
by Jane Espenson
Plot: As Angel is away learning his path from a swami, Wesley disguises himself as Angel and takes a job from a threatening father to protect his daughter. "Angel" may not be the only falsehood here though, as sinister forces are at work.
And Because?: Another top-tier comedy from Jane Espenson, and one of the first major signs of Wes transferring from nerdery to major class badassery (both are words). Great characters are also introduced, such as Virginia and Faker the Swami.

04) "Reprise"
by Tim Minear
Plot: With Wolfram & Hart's 75-Year Review approaching, Angel searches for a magical glove that can allow him to kill one of the visiting Senior Partners and find his way towards the Main Office. Kate's life falls apart after she's fired from the police office.
And Because?: The grimmest and darkest and least upbeat and just most depressing episode of anything I've ever seen. Ever. Holland's speech to Angel is chilling ("If there wasn't evil in every single one of those people out there, why, they wouldn't be people, they'd all be angels."), and subtly begins Series 3's Conner storyline.

03) "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?"
by Tim Minear
Plot: When Cordelia and Wesley investigate the Hyperion Hotel, a dark memory of the place resurfaces for Angel from the lonely years when he wandered Los Angeles as an ensouled vampire back in the early 1900's.
And Because?: Heads-up, these last four are all Tim Minear episodes, as he was pretty obviously the best writer on Angel, and made Season 2 one of my favorite television seasons of all time. This one is super grim as well, having Angel, angered at his betrayal from a friend at the hotel, lets the demon infesting the Hyperion do what it wants with the inhabitants.

02) "Reunion"
by Tim Minear & Shawn Ryan
Plot: Angel tracks Drusilla and the now vampire again Darla as they go on a rampage throughout Los Angeles, further descending into darkness with every step. Lindsey, Lilah, Holland, and many of Wolfram & Hart prepare for a dinner party later in the evening.
And Because?: DARKNESS! More of this madness! Angel is seriously a tortured soul, and this is the epitomy of the torture for this poor soul (literally). It parallels the decision he made in AYNOHYEB, leaving all of the Wolfram & Hart employees to be snacked on by Dru and Darla.

Top 5 Honorable Mentions:
01) "Dear Boy"
Angel learns that Darla has been ressurected by Wolfram & Hart as a human.
02) "The Shroud of Rahmon"
Angel & Gunn's conflicts get in the way of a covert operation.
03) "Redifinition"
With his crew fired, Angel prepares to take down Darla & Drucilla.
04) "The Thin Dead Line"
Undead cops begin to terrorize L.A.'s underworld.
05) "Through the Looking Glass"
Angel encounters Fred for the first time and Cordelia deals with her role as a princess.

01) "Epiphany"
by Tim Minear
Plot: Having an epiphany, Angel, with help from Lorne, learns that his friends are in danger and goes on a mission to help them, as Cordelia has been captured by Skilosh demons. Lindsey learns that Darla had sex with Angel and goes on a mission of vengeance.
And Because?: Finally, a lighter episode in the Darla arc, and also the last of it. This is the second of Cordelia's demon impregnancies (poor gal), and finally has Angel return to his awkward, friendly state of the norm. It also features the introduction of Lindsey's pick-up truck. May it, and he return someday.

There we have it folks. I know it's been a while, but the whole thing was erased, I was pissed, and it was a long restart from there. But I finally have it up now, and I hope you enjoy reading it! Seriously though, Series 2 is super amazing. The quality only has one real drop ("Happy Anniversary"), but that has a lot of Lorne, so that still racks high up there.

Off to Series 3!

Previous: "07: Top Ten Best: Batman Arkham Series Gadgets"
Next: Either "09: Top Ten Best: Angel Series 3 Episodes" or "09: Top Ten Best: Ranking the Sherlock Episodes"

F05: Fortune Cookie Saturday!

"One of the dreams you had in your early childhood will come true. You'll never guess which."

Your lucky numbers: 82 95 33 10 39 00

Plus: "06: Top Ten Best: Dollhouse Series 1 Episodes" coming soon!

F04: Fortune Cookie Sunday!

"Your paranoia will cause you to miss out on a possible favorite new television series of your's."
Your unlucky numbers: 21 22 23 24 25 69

F03: Fortune Cookie Saturday!

"Your day will be ruined by looking at the comments before watching the video."
Your unlucky numbers: 55 18 34 90 63 28

Relatively Dimensional Update: Next Top Tens

Quick update, everyone!

Loving this as I am, there are many different top ten lists coming soon on various subjects. With my first five normal entries, two of each of my sub-series released, and three weeks later, it's time for an update!

Even though this is a ten-focused blog (TEN!), I will be listing a possible next fifteen updates. Five of these will be ones I gave you on my very first post, but the rest will be (TEN!) new to thine eyes. Remember, these are possibilities that I have in order. Some may change or never come to be.

I guess ten (TEN! pun), here we go:

06) "Top Ten Best: Dollhouse Series 1 Episodes" (Fox, 2009)

07) "Top Ten Best: Angel Series 2 Episodes" (The WB, 2000)

08) "Top Ten Best: Batman: Arkham Series Gadgets" (PlayStation 3, 2009-2013)

09) "Top Ten Worst: Early SpongeBob SquarePanst Cartoons" (Nickelodeon, 1999-2002)
10) "Tenth Post Special!: Top Ten Non-Buffy Whedonverse Episodes" (Multiple, 1999-2010)
11) "Top Ten Best: Dollhouse Series 2 Episodes" (Fox, 2010)
12) "Top Ten Best: Angel Series 3 Episodes" (Fox, 2001)
13) "Top Ten Best: Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare Characters" (PlayStation 4, 2014)
14) "Top Ten Best: Arnold Schwarzeneggar Quotes" (Everywhere, all the time)
15) "Top Ten Best: Tom Baker/Fourth Doctor Who Episodes" (1974-1981)
16) "Top Ten Best: The Doctor's Doctor Who Regenerations (BBC, 1951-)
17) "Top Ten Best: Rating the Sherlock Episodes" (BBC, 2010-)
18) "Top Ten Best: Christopher Nolan's 'Dark Knight' Quotes" (Cinema, 2005-2012)
19) "Top Ten Worst: Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare Characters" (PlayStation 4, 2014)
20) "Twentieth Post Special: History with Relatively Dimensional: The Number Ten"

Bye!