The Whedonverse now includes human-shaped flash drives!
Most Joss Whedon productions are filled with fairly non-stop snappy dialogue. "Dollhouse" seems to be a departure in parts, but since this first ep was re-worked by the Fox executives, the bit that rubbed me the wrong way may have been their fault. It was still worth seeing, and, according to critics, some talent from other shows I enjoy will be working on later episodes. However, the whole conceit of the show (wiping memories, implanting new ones) was driven home with a hammer, flattened by a steam-roller, and jumped up-and-down on by a pachyderm via "coincidental" conversation with an ancillary character. I think the only possible tangental reference to "memory" they left out was the card game.
However, I find myself intrigued by the possibilities this show has. One reviewer I heard thought that if they make this a showcase for the lead actress to be a new someone with every episode, we won't have someone consistent to root for. One possibility I thought of is that we might see our main character start to develop a personality/soul/whatever from the bits-n-pieces they're constructing the artificial memories from. It could be a modern-day version of the "avenging ghost story" but with a technological macguffin instead of a supernatural one.
"Terminator" also moved to Friday, and it just drove home how out of hand time-travel is getting. Apparently, the crew of the Enterprise NX-01 sent "Trip" Tucker back in time to alter the future, posing as a cop. Or maybe the Wraith named "Michael" escaped from "Stargate: Atlantis" before it was canceled. :) There was also a bathroom scene that was a nice callback to when we found out the red-headed exec is a little more mechanical than she appeared. This was a good fake-out for regular viewers, though some might think the director has an obsession with porcelain if they were new to the series.
And BSG? We got to see some "Areas of My Expertise," which was greatness.
Into the realm of sci-fi become reality: Body armor that gives the wearer a bonus to their 'dodge' skill. Granted, it's only in the patent stage, but it sounds kinda neat. However, given that it makes the wearer move via electrical impulses when a projectile is sensed, programming the sensor to deliver a set of stimuli to a programmed pattern will probably become the next military practical joke of choice. It could also be used to make some interesting synchronized moves during parades, I'd bet.
By the by, the writing project I spoke of earlier wasn't unveiled at last week's New York Comicon, and I'm told the next potential release-announcement date will be during WonderCon in San Francisco.
For your consideration:
- I'd say these would liven up any holiday, not just Valentine's day: brain-with-blood-clot cupcakes!
- Shoot some roly-polys (smileys) with Roly-Poly Cannon. Puzzles and explosive ordinance: Two great things that go great together!
- I'd gladly forgo wearing neckties if formalwear started including medieval helms and stuff.
- Doctor Who as an anime? I never thought of Jon Pertwee has having ninja moves, but what the heck?
- If you can keep your balance and enjoy running over sheep, then Crazy Orc Racing was made for you!
- I love looking at the Hammacher-Schlemmer catalog; it has an honored place in our bathroom. They're offering what seems to be a hideaway desk from 'Spaceballs'.
- Finally, something I'll be able to use to explain to doctors precisely how much pain I'm in via a a language we can all understand.
- How about closing on a dance number? this be-boppin' parrot seems to dig Ray Charles.