The DOLLHOUSE Is Closed

While it is worrying, there are arguments to be made that this doesn't mean the end. Such as comments that the Minear written/directed 1x12 is a more natural finale and that 1x13 is a big s2 setup episode with a weird twist that only cost HALF as much as a regular episode (sounds more like the Buffy dream analysis episode than a big sendoff). You could also argue that Fox wants to sell the hell out of that boxset and then make a decision on the show's money making/word of mouth potential (as we know, Whedonites are a bigger draw in that market than in the Nielsens).

And I know that sounds like desperation. Just offering another viewpoint.

It would certainly be cool to see a network trying that on a show but I can't see it. Too bad about the show. It was getting better.

Mind you, after Dr Horrible, I'd honestly rather see Whedon turn his hand to more internet drama anyway.

I'm not really going to miss the show, but holding back on a season/series finale for DVD is kind of a dick move.

Sepinwall is reporting that FOX considers the originally shot pilot as an episode, so 1x12 is actually 1x13. Waiting to hear more, but does this mean "1x14" was always going to be on the DVD set as potential s2 preview type deal, or is this just FOX trying to cool the fandom down with a lousy excuse?

I should be upset, but this show only had one really solid episode in the bunch. I'm sad that it would be a Whedon show killed, but frankly I'd rather see him focus on Cabin In The Woods and a show or idea he cares about more than he has Dollhouse.

It sounds like my buddies at Fox were right. I'd be fucking surprised if it didn't get cancelled.

Long story short, because this is convoluted: Fox network ordered 13 episodes of the show. Joss Whedon shot a pilot, and then the pilot was scrapped in favor of a new pilot, but for contractual purposes, that unaired pilot counted as part of the 13-episode order -- which means Fox only had 12 episodes to deal with. Eight of those have aired, and four more are still to come, all of which have been scheduled, with the last of those -- with the very finale-ish title of "Omega" -- set to air May 8.

Day's episode, called "Epitaph One," was apparently filmed by the studio independent of the agreement -- or, at least, independent of what Fox network considers to be in the agreement -- and does not seem to be tied in to the story in "Omega." In other words, if there's a cliffhanger in "Omega" (and I don't know if there is), it's not going to be resolved in "Epitaph One."

Fox network won't decide the fate of "Dollhouse" until Upfront week, near the end of May, and the decision not to air "Epitaph One" has nothing whatsoever to do with renewal. It's unclear whether "Epitaph One" will turn up as a bonus on the season one DVD, or on Hulu, or even if it might be a bonus episode for a hypothetical season two. All I know for now is that it's not going to air on Fox as part of the first season run of "Dollhouse."

Well, color me not remotely fucking surprised, although I lost the personal bet I made with myself, which was cancellation after six episodes. Can't say that I'm angry like I was with Firefly; this show just didn't have enough spark.

Oh god wheres Barry!? Has anyone heard from him? For the love of god don't tell him!!

Whedon's natural fit is direct-to-dvd movies, not internet productions, IMHO.

If this is the end of the show, which is no great shame, I hope this is the end of Whedon's relationship with network TV. I know he is a populist, but he doesn't create television for mass consumption (that is in no way saying that popular network programming can't also be very good).

Based on the relative success of Dr. Horrible, it seems like he would have a better shot than many at making a success out of original programming on the internet, but I would still like to see him go to work with premium cable broadcasters.

Regardless of whether or not the decision to not air that one episode is indicative of the shows demise, its still sure to be canceled. The only possibility a show of such low ratings could come back is if it had tremendous word of mouth, such as Arrested Development, and if I'm not mistaken the word on this show is that it flat out sucks, which sadly is close to the truth.