Not a girl, not even a person, just an empty hat

A new Joss Whedon series can be taken on faith. There's no point in hyping it, because we all know what he can do. There's no need to fear a flop, for the same reason. You can simply take it for what it is, and wait for the magic.

That is so rare on television.

In Dollhouse, a company rents out brainwashed operatives to act out scenarios for their clients, from being the perfect girlfriend for a weekend, (ie. prostitution), to being the world's greatest hostage negotiator. After every mission their minds are wiped, ready for another imprint.

In other words, they're a sort of shady Phoenix Foundation, a Section One for hire, providing the series with both a universal plot generator and plenty of arc opportunities. I like it when Joss Whedon has options. Joss Whedon should always have options.

"So, is it any good?" Wrong question. It would be the right question for, say, the next J. J. Abrams series, but not for the next Joss Whedon series. There is a time for every event under heaven. A time to be skeptical and ask if the premise really makes sense, and a time to just believe and put on your "Joss Whedon is my master now" t-shirt.

Well, okay then, for ye unbelievers: It's good.