The Hollywood Reporter revealed the news just after noon on November 11th. Fans expressed their shock on Whedonesque and Twitter, and a few other social internet sites. Some could not believe that Fox would not give the show another chance to build an audience. Despite disappointing ratings, many raved about the first four epsiodes, especially "Belle Chose" and "Belonging," featuring impressive performance by Dichen Lachman and Enver Gjokaj. Eliza Dushku is still front and center as Echo, the Active who is determined to be a real girl again, but her supporting cast has also turned in impressive performances in a drama like no other on TV.
Sadly, the fact that Dollhouse is so different may have worked against it. Others may say it’s due to a lack of proper promotion. The premiere pulled in more than 2.5 million viewers, plus a hefty amount of DVR usage. The fourth episode, "Belonging", attracted 2.1 million. Add the fact that reruns of Bones and House have attracted more viewers on Fridays in the past two weeks, and the fate of Dollhouse was soon sealed.
Some fans had hoped there was some hope Fox would stand behind the show. This week, two viral websites appeared. One was from Rossum, the company behind the Dollhouse. It even included a "response" to Senator Daniel Perron’s investigation into the company. That is supposed to be a major plotline to the show next month. Another may have come from the year 2019. It was called ditchthetech.com. It warned about Rossum’s true intentions, and warned people not to pick up the phone. If you saw "Epitaph One", you know why. Include efforts from a website called whyIwatch.com, and it looked like there would be hope for a comeback for Dollhouse.
Hopes were dashed after Fox’s announcement, but it was followed by good news that the rest of the 13-episode order would be shown. This means back-to-back episodes on December 4, 11 and 18, and the final three episodes in January.
Most of the comments about Fox’s decision were posted on Whedonesque, including a comment from Joss himself…
Hmm. Apparently my news is not news.
I don’t have a lot to say. I’m extremely proud of the people I’ve worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you’ll agree in the coming months. I’m grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again.
I’m off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I’ve read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you’ll know what my next project is. But for now there’s a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear.
Thank you all for your support, your patience, your excellent adverts. See you again. -j.
The show is currently producing the 11th episode, with two to go. In the meantime, fans are wondering if the show can find new life on cable TV. In a time where network TV is dominated by procedurals, spinoffs, dance contests and reality shows, some fans think that’s the way to go. It explains why Mad Men and Breaking Bad are on AMC, not ABC.
For now, fans can keep watching Dollhouse episodes, whether on iTunes or the internet, until new episodes arrive in three weeks. They are willing to support the show until the and, and that Joss Whedon will give the story some sort of closure.
Or, maybe he already has. Some point out that maybe "Epitaph One" would make an ideal series finale. However, that depends on what happens in December and January.
In the words of Echo, "We are lost, but we are not gone."
And neither is Dollhouse. Not yet.
