Ray, from The Dollhouse Podcast joins in on this commentary for "Needs". In the eighth episode from season one of Dollhouse, Echo and her fellow actives mysteriously awaken to find some semblance of their original selves intact. Unfortunately, their memories are still very fuzzy, having no idea where they are or how they got there. They must band together in order to escape the Dollhouse and try to return to their former lives. Meanwhile, Paul Ballard discovers a chip in his phone that may lead him to Caroline.

Please join Paul and I as we discuss disturbing dreams, telegraphing the story, the importance of foreshadowing and the pros and cons of Dr. Saunders' "experiment". Remember to listen for my preemptive countdown before starting the episode on your DVD.

NOTE: Coincidentally, I was in the middle of editing this podcast, around noon of November 11th, 2009 when I heard the sad, yet unsurprising news that Dollhouse had been canceled.

In "Echoes", the seventh episode from Dollhouse's first season, a viral epidemic breaks out at a college campus. As Echo investigates, memories of Caroline shed more light on The Rossum Corporation. Jenn from The Dollhouse Podcast joins me for this commentary as we discuss show continuity, similarities to Buffy the Vampire Slayer's, "Band Candy" and the comedy stylings of Olivia Williams.

Please remember to listen for my preemptive countdown before starting the episode on your DVD.

The new season of Dollhouse starts this Friday, the 25th! To celebrate, I thought I'd try a little experiment. During the Central Time Zone broadcasts of the new episodes, I will be on Skype, ready to chat with fellow Dollheads, LIVE! Ideally, we'll mostly be talking during the commercial breaks, discussing the episode as it unfolds on TV. It's like an expansive Watch Party, except spread out over the internet, through voice chat. If you would like to be an Active in this Engagement, simply log in to Skype on Friday nights, on or before the time the episode goes to air and search for my user name: john.pavlich

Keep in mind, that due to Skype's capabilities with voice conferencing, space is limited and participants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If you request to be added to the call a couple minutes before the broadcast at 9pm Eastern/8pm Central, it will be easier to work out any technical difficulties that may possibly occur. I'm excited for season 2 of Dollhouse and I hope to hear from you on Friday night!

Now that the DVDs are finally here, I resume commentaries for season one of Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. In the sixth episode "Man On The Street", Paul Ballard comes face to face with Caroline for the first time, sort of. During this particular engagement, she takes on the personality of Rebecca Mynor, wife to wealthy internet mogul, Joel Mynor (played with heartbreaking sincerity by comedian, Patton Oswalt). As soon as Boyd takes Echo away, Paul and Joel have a meeting of the minds about the need to pursue a fantasy and the justification for that need.

Back at the Dollhouse, someone is abusing Sierra, sexually. An investigation leads first to Victor, but then down a more disturbing path. Meanwhile, Agent Ballard retreats back home to lick his wounds, after having come so close to rescuing Caroline, but failing to keep her within his grasp. Luckily, his friendly neighbor, Mellie (the delightful Miracle Laurie) is there as a willing consolation prize. If you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with.

Please join me for this jam-packed, game-changing episode written by Joss Whedon. I discuss obsession versus nobility, the importance of geography and physical space within a fight scene and Patton Oswalt's truthful, satisfying brand of stand-up humor. All this and more as I try to fight off drowsiness from painkillers, while recovering from Kidney Stones.

From this point on concerning Dollhouse, please listen for my preemptive countdown before starting the episode on your DVD.

After our Dollhouse Commentary for "True Believer", Tim Minear (writer/consulting producer/narcissist) keeps the party going. Please enjoy as Tim and I talk about more Dollhouse, digital downloading, listening to your public, the "cult" of Darla and war stories concerning creative credit. Also, we get a little punchy and take many lighthearted, verbal jabs at each other. It's nearly an hour of podcasting that defies the laws of thermal dynamics (probably), due to its deadly combination of astounding brilliance and sheer stupidity (mostly). BEWARE: This recording contains some mature language not necessarily suitable for younger audiences. Listener discretion is advised. 

Tim Minear (writer of this episode) joins the podcast to talk about "True Believer", the fifth installment of Dollhouse. Echo undergoes surgery to become a blind woman, while the government's ATF division uses her as a mole to infiltrate the compound of a religious cult. Meanwhile, Agent Ballard finally gets the evidence he needs to prove that Caroline does or did exist, bringing him one step closer to the Dollhouse. Please join Tim and I as we discuss breaking the "cult" story, the importance of building a solid foundation for a script, "playing blind" and how to make exposition sound natural.

NOTE: As this is not a DVD release, you are instead encouraged to view the episode either through Amazon, iTunes or Hulu. Please listen for the preemptive countdown before beginning the video on your computer or mobile device. 

In "Gray Hour", the fourth episode of Dollhouse, Echo is imprinted as a master thief. While attempting to steal a rare piece of art, a mysterious, remote mind-wipe occurs, reverting Echo back to her "blank slate". Meanwhile, Topher learns the truth about Alpha, and Agent Ballard gets a surprise visit from Victor/Lubov. Please join Lisa Tobias and I as we discuss magical cell phones, occasionally confusing subplots and Eliza's ability to command attention through her performance. Also, Lisa drops an F-bomb.

NOTE: As this is not a DVD release, you are instead encouraged to view the episode either through Amazon, iTunes or Hulu. Please listen for the preemptive countdown before beginning the video on your computer or mobile device.

In "Stage Fright", the third episode of Dollhouse, an unstable fan is getting dangerously close to his obsession, a pop star diva. Echo is brought in as a backup singer to keep an eye on things. Her engagement takes a turn when Sierra enters the picture as a contest winner. Meanwhile, we meet a new Active named Victor, and Agent Ballard gets closer to unraveling the mystery of the Dollhouse, with violent results. Please join Lisa Tobias and I as we discuss Eliza's singing ability, Paul Ballard's lonely neighbor and what to do when your third act feels like padding (the answer is hit someone with a folding chair).

NOTE: As this is not a DVD release, you are instead encouraged to view the episode either through Amazon, iTunes or Hulu. Please listen for the preemptive countdown before beginning the video on your computer or mobile device.  

In "The Target", the second episode of Dollhouse, we learn more about the facility's humble beginnings and fatal mistakes. Also, a client hires Echo for an exciting adventure in the wilderness that may end in murder. Meanwhile, Agent Ballard receives clues about Caroline and where she came from. Please join me as I discuss Matt Keeslar, big game hunting and using flashbacks to help better your story and identify your characters.

NOTE: As this is not a DVD release, you are instead encouraged to view the episode either through Amazon, iTunes or Hulu. Please listen for the preemptive countdown before beginning the video on your computer or mobile device.

Do you like Joss Whedon programming and talking about it with other fans? Do you like hearing yourself fan-gasm? Are you curious about this thing on TV called Dollhouse? The Sofa Dogs commentary for the Dollhouse pilot episode was so successful (317 downloads in just 2 weeks, and still climbing!), we're doing this every week a new episode airs, and we want you to join the fun!

Recordings for Dollhouse commentaries will occur on Saturdays at 10pm Eastern, 9pm Central. Anyone interested in co-hosting the podcast, please put in a request either through this site, or by email to sofadogs@hotmail.com. Please make sure you have a quality headset/microphone, a stable/strong internet connection and a Skype account (they're absolutely free!). Any submissions received during or after the scheduled podcast will be considered for the next available recording. Thank You.
-John Pavlich

It's the first ever (as far as we know) fan commentary for Dollhouse! This new series from Joss Whedon introduces an "active" named Echo, played by series Producer, Eliza Dushku. A top secret facility is wiping the memories and personalities of men and women, to be imprinted with new identities, so that they can carry out "engagements" offered up to high paying clients. But, what happens when Echo begins to become self aware, remembering who she really is and what she's hiding from?

Lisa Tobias and I take a look at the pilot episode, Ghost. We talk about sexuality, pacing your story, Eliza's range and untapped potential as well as how happy we are to have her, Joss and Tim Minear back on TV again!

NOTE: As this is not a DVD release, you are instead encouraged to view the episode either through Amazon, iTunes or Hulu. Please listen for the preemptive countdown before beginning the video on your computer or mobile device.