This series is centred on Echo, a young woman who is in the 'fantasy fulfilment' business. Having committed certain offences, which are revealed later, she has been persuaded to give five years of her life to the Dollhouse. During this time her mind is wiped and she will live as a doll. When hired the required personality will be downloaded into her mind and she will fulfil that person's desires. Echo isn't the only doll, over the course of the series we get to know other dolls, who are both male and female, their handlers and key workers in the Dollhouse; notable Echo's handler Boyd Langton; Adelle DeWitt, head of the LA Dollhouse Adelle DeWitt; Laurence Dominic, her head of security; scientist Topher Brink and Doctor Claire Saunders. Outside the Dollhouse and its wealthy clients it is considered an urban legend but FBI Agent Paul Ballard believes in it and is determined to expose it; something that will put him in considerable danger. Early on we get many 'client of the week' stories but gradually the overarching plot takes over. Then we learn more about the Dollhouses and the shadowy corporation behind them.
As one might expect from a series created by Joss Whedon there are plenty of interesting ideas and great characters... also like some of his other series it was ended too soon. The early episodes do an impressive job of introducing key characters without telling us too much about them... there are some surprising revelations throughout the series. The nature of some of the Dolls' engagements mean it could easily have become a little sleazy but this is avoided this by giving a good mix of stories. The cast, which includes many Whedon regulars, does an impressive job. Most notable of these is Eliza Dushku who does a really fine job as Echo; Harry Lennix, as Boyd Langton; Tahmoh Penikett as Ballard; Fran Kranz, as Topher; Olivia Williams as Adelle DeWitt; Amy Acker as Dr Saunders; and Enver Gjokaj and Dichen Lachman, as dolls Victor and Sierra respectively. Most episodes include a good amount of varied action and plenty of tension. The plot obviously includes many science fiction elements but it is more about characters than technology so even if you aren't a sci-fi fan you can enjoy this. Overall I'd definitely recommend this; don't be put off by its premature ending; it does have a proper conclusion.
