Oh how the mighty have fallen

[lyore]

For the first time ever, I voted for a reality TV show. 8 years of resistance, and I finally weakened. This is me, propping up media juggernauts and contributing to the death of quality, scripted TV. *sigh* On the other hand, I think I've officially accepted that I'm completely addicted to So You Think You Can Dance. DON'T JUDGE ME. Acceptance is the first step towards recovery, right?

Speaking of quality scripted TV, Dollhouse is looking promising. Keeping in mind I don't normally become fannish about a show until I'm at least half way through a season (and often not until the second season), the degree to which I liked the first episode surprised me, especially since I'd been lukewarm about the concept previously.

I like the characters, all of them. We didn't get a lot of details, but saw enough glimpses to know that there is obviously a lot going on under the surface. I especially liked that we didn't have the ham-fisted character introductions that mar so many series pilots - everything and everyone felt very natural, and thankfully avoided 'As you know, Jim...' moments.

And I liked the concept that the Actives had lives before the Dollhouse, and they were on limited term contracts, for want of a better term (although one wonders how anyone enforces that, since the actives can't remember, and it isn't like there is any sort of legal oversight). I wasn't expecting that - I'm not sure what I was expecting, but not that.

The dialog was less Joss-Whedony that I was expecting, which is another good thing. It worked well in Buffy, but it would have been jarring to see all these 20-and-30 somethings talking like refugees from a Californian high school. Since he's previously noted that the Buffy characters talked like the writers, I'm pleased to see them tone it down in this show.



Overall, a promising start. Yay new show!

ETA: Also, currently addicted to Merlin AU fics. WTF, self? I don't like AUs!

Comments

[dandysora.livejournal.com]

I was pleasantly surprised by this pilot as well. From the promo pics I was going to say that if nothing else Eliza could retire and become a suit model because she looked fa-aa-aa-bulous, but for the first time I was truly convinced that Eliza Dushku can act.

Aside from that, I *liked* this pilot. I agree with all your points that I'm struggling to say anything different, but I was never bored (okay, less interested in Sgt Ballard but his introduction with the ring fight flashing during his discussion with his superiors was well done).

And on the note of dance, still trying to decide who to vote for. Or at least, if I should limit myself to one vote....

[lyore.livejournal.com]

She completely rocked that suit. Wow. I thought the introduction of the Sgt Ballard was interesting - I can't decide if I think it was too heavy-handed or not. It was certainly an interesting conceit. And now I'm reading about poor ratings, and getting all depressed. Damnit, America! Watch this show!

I think I may have covered this at your journal, but... vote for the SpaaaaceVaaaaaampires (Yeah, that won't get old for at least a couple of days). Out of curiosity, who are the other couples you'd vote for?

[dandysora.livejournal.com]

I'd vote for the space vampires, the orange asylum escapees, and the quickstep couple. That was a pretty good quickstep and I really enjoyed their performance!

Oh, I really should have included the Canberra boy in there, but it just didn't pop out at me like the others. Oh well. I'm sure the rest of Canberra will vote for him (if they're not voting for space vampires).

[lyore.livejournal.com]

I had some pangs of Canberra-loyalty, but you're right, the routine didn't really shine. Agreed about the orange escapees and the quickstep couple - I think I agree with Jason about that being the best quickstep yet on the show. I may go back and vote for them too... but I'm trying to limit my addiction to this show!

[dandysora.livejournal.com]

Heh heh heh -- I made dinner in a hurry then jumped online to get the numbers so I could vote for four couples. Shh!!

I'm really pleased by the calibre this year and the choreography's much more entertaining so far. I'm going to be playing during the results show tonight and I just know I'm not going to be concentrating on the game. It's so sad.

[lyore.livejournal.com]

I had a work dinner, so I missed it too. Oh well, that's what the internet is for!

[lotusflower85.livejournal.com]

I'm addicted to So You Think You Can Dance as well - although more for the actual dancing than the claptrap inbetween and their inability to finish the show on time :D I haven't yet voted but might be weakened as the season goes on...

[lyore.livejournal.com]

I could quite happily just watch the dancing and skip the rest. I think Ten is trying to beat Nine for the title of 'Channel most incapable of keeping to their own schedule'.