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Joss Whedon speculates on Dollhouse's future and teases the 13th episode
Joss Whedon, creator of Fox's sci-fi series Dollhouse, told a group of reporters that he's resigned to the show's fate and that a second-season pickup is unlikely, but said he holds out hope for a renewal. Fox has not yet announced its plans, but the show's ratings have been below expectations and it is not expected to be picked up.
"[The chances are] not very good but in limbo," Whedon said in a group interview Tuesday night in Hollywood, where he was sitting on a panel at the Paley Festival presentation for his Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. "Obviously our numbers are pretty soft, and there it is, but we live in hope. I'm really proud of the episodes that are coming out. More than that, I can't really ask."
Whedon also elaborated on the show's storied 13th episode, "Epitaph One," a post-apocalyptic story featuring his Dr. Horrible star Felicia Day, which is not part of the series that will air on Fox.
"The decision had to do with the studio saying, 'We need another episode for our package, and we can't afford one,'" Whedon said. "'Can you do a clip show? Can we show the unaired pilot?' I'm like, 'No, you can't. It wouldn't make any sense. Besides, we cannibalized it for parts. Most of it's in other episodes.' And they were like, 'Well, we really have to have 13 for foreign.' And I said, 'I'll tell you what. I'll shoot a post-apocalyptic thriller that's all on our sets in six days with a cast of four other people, then we'll pepper it with different bits from our regular cast, and we can do it all during the schedule. It'll cost you half. I can do this.' And I was so in love with the idea that I just came up with off the top of my head, and that's what it turned into. It's one of the best episodes we've ever made."
In a separate interview, Day—who revealed the existence of the episode in her Twitter feed—detailed the 13th episode. "I think Joss has said already that it's a post-apocalyptic fighter girl," Day said in an exclusive interview on the red carpet. "That set is amazing. It's a beautiful, beautiful set. I slipped on the floor a lot. That beautiful wooden floor is a little slippery."
When she realized that her comment implies that the Dollhouse set is still intact in the future, Day backtracked. "I can't say that," she said. "I did tour the set. I did visit. I don't want to spoil it. It's pretty exciting. It's the best script I've ever read. When I read it, I was like, 'Are you sure you want me to do this?' Because I was kind of blown away by the role. I think when you see this episode, you're going to really want to see more of this episode."
Dollhouse airs Friday nights at 9 p.m. on Fox.
By Uber Critic at 4:31 AM ON 04/15/09
This episode was made in order to force fans to buy the DVD set ala Firefly...if you wished to see the unaired episode(s). That is the business model here as they know that Whedon followers will buy and rent DVDs of his shows. I guessed at it several weeks ago, but Fox and Mutant Enemy were claiming that the show was safe? Well, so much for that!!! As soon as they announced this, that the 13th episode would not air on Fox, but would be placed on a DVD set, I knew the show had been cancelled.
By Uber Obsever at 5:20 AM ON 04/15/09
If they know that Whedon followers will buy and rent his shows due to vast loyalty, then why would an extra episode be made to force us to do so? I would buy it regardless of said episode, even if it had no special features whatsoever!
By Scott at 5:22 AM ON 04/15/09
He didn't say that the show had been cancelled or that it was safe.
Personally,I'm hoping for a renewal-sooner of later the networks are going to have to concede that the Neilsens aren't effective any more (not that they ever were) and that they need to accept that DVR isn't going anywhere and that they have to try to work with it. Hopefully, Dollhouse will be an example of them doing just that...
By Vano at 5:44 AM ON 04/15/09
Theys hould just scrap it and make more Firefly. It was much better!
By inlo at 6:12 AM ON 04/15/09
dollhouse is new, and unlike any thing else on tv. so of course it will be cancelled.if it is not the same old storys told with new actors over and over again america won't watch it.
By Pimenta at 6:21 AM ON 04/15/09
Last time i waste time watching a new show on Fox. They have done this enough times. No respect for the fans.
By Uber Critic at 6:30 AM ON 04/15/09
To: Uber Obsever
The extra episode is a bonus for those who have seen the show for free and may feel no interest in buying it. The reason why I bought the Firefly DVD set was because there were unaired episodes that I wanted to see, that were on the DVD. If not for that, I would not have bought the DVD set. I love Whedon, and I am glad that I got it, but Fox is well aware of this business model as it worked for Firefly, therefore, and that is clearly the reason why they are pulling it here with Dollhouse or they would air the last episode.
By Spleener at 8:09 AM ON 04/15/09
Fox Broadcasting didn't order the extra episode; Fox Studios did. They're separate business units.
By elainecleo at 8:40 AM ON 04/15/09
At the price they have listed for the DVD, there is going to have to be a LOT of extras on it, because the first 5 eps were not really that good. I have loved the eps starting with 6. Now if James Marsters had been in it, price would have not been a worry.
By PhantomsLady at 9:32 AM ON 04/15/09
Everyone keeps saying they made this extra episode to force people to buy the DVD "just like Firefly". It's not like they got canceled and then made more episodes... Fox canceled Firefly and chose not to show the remaining episodes because they wanted to start another show. This episode of Dollhouse was made to replace the pilot episode Fox didn't like, for the foreign markets. It's not some giant conspiracy to steal your money or force you to buy something.
By Blue at 9:54 AM ON 04/15/09
All this stuff about "business model" is giving fox way too much credit. The truth is much simpler: They're a bunch of idiots who don't know what they're doing. Like someone said, the ratings are bull. They're making shows to compete with over a hundred different markets now, not three, and they still don't get that for a network sci-fi show, let alone on Friday night, these ratings are fine. They killed Firefly because they didn't know what they had. But there's another problem. What are Fox's biggest shows? Idol and the Simpsons. Not exactly brain ticklers. It's a miracle Fringe is surviving considering the vast majority of the Fox audience got a bout 12 on their SATs. Sci-Fi shows are too smart for Fox, and I was sick to my stomach when Whedon agreed to return. Anywhere else, NBC, CBS, or preferably USA or Sci-Fi, both this and Terminator would definitely be back. Why? Because they're audiences are smarter.
By Hertz18360 at 10:09 AM ON 04/15/09
There are only so many times that the "Buy the DVD for the Bonus Episode" will fly. I did it for Firefly because the show rocked. I'm not sure Dollhouse will have the fan devotion that Firefly had to even come close to a break-even scenario.
Not a big fan fo Fox, but I really REALLY hope that Mr. Whedon has the rights to the show & sales so he can market it to another broadcasting affiliate. It's totally logical for anyone to bring a series to Fox, they are the Babylon of the TV industry, and big bucks await... if you can appease them. If not, they have the power to cripple you, and they know that all too well.
By Al at 11:01 AM ON 04/15/09
I'd like to see the series continue, but Fox is Fox. If Joss had managed to get this series on SciFi or USA or any number of other stations it would have had a chance.
Dollhouse and The Sarah Connor Chronicles were both underpromoted and tossed in the "death spot" on Fridays yet still managed to hold on to their ratings.
If it was promoted as much as 24 at a decent time and day there's no doubt it would have succeeded, but as it is...This is Fox!
After all this time I would hope that anyone having a show on that network would work a clause in to state that if they cancel the series within two seasons the creator of the show can retain the rights so they can look for a new home without paying Fox for the option.
But this is Fox.
By sgtstadanko at 11:06 AM ON 04/15/09
Note to Joss Whedon:
Next time you do a show, for the love of god, please find another network. Maybe cable - SciFi, Showtime, HBO. Really getting tired of
getting involved in great shows and then having the rug pulled from under my feet.
By skinna69 at 11:37 AM ON 04/15/09
Fox Fux Whedon again... why doesn't he go elsewhere??????????????????
By Solstice1221 at 12:06 PM ON 04/15/09
I wish there was someone at Fox that we can have a few words with that would keep them from canceling this show. A few words like... "There are three flowers in a vase...the third flower is green"...
By Ehran at 12:51 PM ON 04/15/09
Sarah Conners / Terminator had as much advertising as any show coming out last year. Let's face it, the show just plain sucked.
Dollhouse is an interesting concept but the first half of the season was not very good. So it's not surprising it didn't pull very good ratings.
Like it or not, new shows have a very limited amount of time to grab an audience. Shows that try to "build a story" over too long of an arc aren't going to make it on network broadcast TV.
Scifi channel (not that "other name") doesn't have the budget for shows like this. At least, not to do it right.
By sog14 at 1:25 PM ON 04/15/09
It's a shame that shows don't have a chance to grow any more. We all saw the writing on the wall, didn't we, when Joss had to re-do the pilot. He said all the right things at the time, but what else is he going to say -- "they're screwing me again"?
Dollhouse was Ok then became awesome around ep 5 but probably too late. I'd love to see this show on Showtime or HBO -- how awesome would that be?
I know it's too expensive for Sci Fi, but maybe they could scrap a few of those awful Sat. night C movies they make and put the $ into Dollhouse. "War of the Worlds 2"? Really?
By conkerlegs at 1:26 PM ON 04/15/09
F. A. O. Mr Joss Whedon.
Dear Joss, thanks for the show. Even if it is just half a full season long. It is, as Firefly was, one of the greatest shows ever to grace television. You did the right thing by staying with FOX because Eliza is tied to FOX. But make this the last time.
From the many blogs that I have been on, the song is the same. FOX has no respect. The key thing here is respect. Many alternatives have been suggested such as FX, TNT, Sci-Fi and even the BBC. Why not try one or try all of them. No network could do more to disrespect what you are trying to accomplish than FOX has.
It's not just the genius of Joss Whedon. Tim Minear, David Solomon, Steven Deknight, Jane Espenson are just a few that have made many of Joss Whedon's shows so popular and visionary. Dollhouse is unique, has great scope, a fabulous cast and FOX have somehow managed to yet again destroy another piece of artwork. As a fellow humanist, I find it more soul destroying than Illeria.
I know that others need to stay where the offers are and so can't ditch FOX. Even without support from those prevoiusly mentioned, there is still a wonderful 10 season plus beauty waiting for you Mr Whedon. You just need to find it.
Thanks again for the show Joss.
By bonzoid at 2:10 PM ON 04/15/09
Joss and company need to wake up and change their vision.
The material they produce, loved by a small minority, is NOT mainstream. They need to find a new outlet for their labors that will support their vision for the length of the project they create. Be it mini-series, limited series (Babylon 5, The Wire) and likely get by with less production money.
Fox will never do right by them as long as they are slaved to the current system.
Quit wasting our time and your creative work.
By Philemon at 2:24 PM ON 04/15/09
I honestly could not get into this show, as it seemed like a squicky rape-fantasy. It may not have been intended this way, but it was what made me, and possibly others, turn away from it. And I love Joss Whedon's other work, Firefly was genius and I'm in love with Dr. Horrible!
By E. Pyatt at 3:18 PM ON 04/15/09
I am sad, but resigned to the fact that Dollhouse. I knew it was doomed as soon as I knew it was going to be on Fox. I knew it would be interesting because they kept delaying it (as they did with New Amsterdam last season).
It is too bad, because, despite the tepid 1st episode, it really did kick into high gear starting with the 2nd episode. Even though I thought I knew where it was going, I've been surprised at how many twists the writers have thrown. it's much more corrupting than I could have imagined - icky but with interesting ideas on how one could use the service of one had the money.
It is a very interesting take on the whole nature (the inborn personality) vs nurture (the preprogrammed IDs on disk). I began rooting for Caroline, but now I've begun to root for the new gal "Echoline". I WILL be getting the DVDs.
By Kermonk at 4:01 PM ON 04/15/09
Oh enough of your rubbish. When you don't know something then SHUT UP - just because you feel something doesn't make it right, or even worth listening to.
The sales division had contracted for 13 episodes to European stations, the US Network doesn't care about that - different divisions work much like competing companies.
They'll show this episode in the UK later this year - I'm sure your dubious sources can get you a copy then.
But regarding another network, yeah, it would have been better if it had been on HBO, when we wouldn't have had a network meddling with the first many episodes and ruining the vision
By stardude at 4:24 PM ON 04/15/09
I already put Dollhouse in my Neflix queue so that I will be able to see the "Bonus" 13th Episode without having to buy the DVD.
By kristyk at 6:00 PM ON 04/15/09
Dollhouse has been a refreshing drink of water on an otherwise barren Whedon-less television landscape. It needs time to develop the characters as it is doing beautifully as the story arc comes together seamlessly as in all of the previous creative Whedon shows. Sadly Fox is know for pulling the plug. But I have enjoyed every minute and will purchase the DVD. Amazing writers, actors, crew. The whole package was top notch.
By theKRELL at 6:47 PM ON 04/15/09
The comparisons towards Firefly and Dollhouse are similar......
With the Firefly DVD, unaired shows yes, but most are stand alone episodes not a series leading up to some big revelation.
Bought Firefly, Dollhouse I will not!!!!
By Captain Jack Harkness at 7:44 PM ON 04/15/09
Sorry, much as I usually love Eliza and Joss, Dollhouse was a well-earned failure. The first 3 episodes I thought I was watching "Tru Calling" all over again, it fell into the same formula where 30 minutes into the show Echo screws up, 35 minutes into the show they grab Sierra, 40 minutes into it they send Sierra out to save Echo's butt - every single week for the first 3 weeks. Thankfully they quit doing that or I'd have stopped watching not long after because I was getting "tru-ly" sick of it.
There were a few interesting characters, like Echo, Boyd, Victor, Nellie/November, Paul, but that guy that runs the chair, is he Xander with a high IQ or what? I usually like Amy Acker but she was like the invisible woman in this show. The NSA guy they threw in the attic - well, that was well deserved, Sierra makes me want to puke for some reason. Mark Sheppard was one of the best casting choices and least used actors on the entire show - what happened there, Joss? If this is your new paradigm of how to make cutting edge television, don't bother.
By WillyQ at 11:07 PM ON 04/15/09
Even sicker when you recall that FX initially got viewers by running 4 hours a day of Buffy episodes, 2x2 hour blocks M-F, with more on the weekends.
By Ariabob at 8:08 AM ON 04/16/09
Why can't SciFi pick this show up? I mean it happened with Buffy. And SciFi needs something to replace BSG.
By mgreenhaw at 11:06 AM ON 04/16/09
Fox is NOTORIOUS for screwing it's viewers. Anyone remember the show "John Doe". Season finale cliffhanger and then ... NOTHING!
By chancefate at 4:28 PM ON 04/16/09
Friday night time slot killed this show off. There were times I know I had to catch it myself on Hulu. Though the first few eps weren't the greatest (thanks for interfering Fox) it got better fast around eps 5/6 and the boyfriend and I are hooked. We *really* hope it pulls though and gets picked up for many more entertaining seasons!
Thanks Joss and Cast!
By Jason at 6:15 PM ON 04/29/09
I have been watching the series online since I had been excited ever since it was announced. Im gonna watch it when it shows on Sci-Fi UK and contribute my viewership in the hopes that if it has strong international appeal they will commission another season, even it's only another 13 episodes. Echo has a 5 year contract wth the Dollhouse and I for one hope to see her live out that contract to the bitter end! 'Nuff said.
By Elizabeth at 5:50 PM ON 05/09/09
I think This Show is Amazing! I just love every episode and as it goes on it gets Better! I think that if you aired this show on a different Night you would have more teenage viewers! I am a teenager myself but I am always out on friday Nights and so I have to end up watching it on Hulu.com.. But I would like to see this show continue into More seasons. I also Think eliza Dushku is a wonderful actress. I loved her old show Tru Calling I also think that was an excilent show.. So take into consideration of a New day of the week and Time I can guarantee there will be more viewers!!!
By One_AV at 10:38 AM ON 07/29/09
I've been a fan of Joss since 1996. Dollhouse is better than everything else going on TV these days, but it's the worst among all Whedon's works. Cancellation of Firefly was the most stupid Fox's idea ever, not sure they can ever beat it.
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One_AV:
I've been a fan of Joss since 1996. Dollhouse is better than everything else going on TV these days, but it's the w...More »