Großteils positiv, mit ein paar (verständlichen/nicht schlimmen) Abstrichen:

I think it’s fair to say that Joss Whedon fans are worried about his new series DOLLHOUSE. There have been rumors, production stoppages, a couple of pilots, delays and a few eye brow-raising interviews. But fear not, viewers, DOLLHOUSE’s first episode is mostly good and it’s something to be excited about.

Link

Bei TV Guide ist Dollhouse (neben Fillions Castle) ein Editor's Pick bei den kommenden Shows, trotz folgendem:

Why it's on our Watch List: The latest, reshot pilot still reveals some flaws — the biggest problem with Dollhouse may be what goes on inside the Dollhouse — but the missions, er, engagements are kinda cool, as Echo immerses herself in each new personality. We're going to give Team Whedon-Dushku some latitude on this one.

Sie mögen nicht, was im Dollhouse passiert? Sie mögen Adelle, Boyd, Topher nicht? Well, no problem there, sag ich.

Und hier kann mensch abstimmen über voraussichtliche Hits und Flops der Midseason. Guess what: Dollhouse führt die Hits-Wertung an und ist zweiter in der Flop-Wertung. Hilarious, oder?

Eine pure Masse an Lieblingszeilen. Hier mal eine der thematisch relevanteren:

A CAVEMAN PAINTED ON A CAVE
IT WAS A BISON, WAS A FAVE
THE OTHER CAVE-PEOPLE WOULD RAVE –
THEY DIDN’T ASK “WHY?”
WHY PAINT A BISON IF IT’S DEAD
WHEN DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLOR RED
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS IN YOUR HEAD
HE TOLD THEIR STORY
WHAT CAME BEFORE HE DIDN’T SHOW
WE’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO

HOMER’S ODYSSEY WAS SWELL
A BUNCH OF GUYS THAT WENT THROUGH HELL
HE TOLD THE TALE BUT DIDN’T TELL
THE AUDIENCE WHY
HE DIDN’T SAY, HERE’S WHAT IT MEANS
AND HERE’S A FEW DELETED SCENES
CHARYBDIS TESTED WELL WITH TEENS
HE’S NOT THE STORY
HE’S JUST A DOOR WE OPEN IF
OUR LIVES NEED LIFTING

BUT NOW WE PICK PICK
PICK PICK PICK IT APART
OPEN IT UP TO FIND THE
TICK TICK TICK OF A HEART
A HEART, BROKEN

(Joss Whedon)

Auf CBS läuft bald Freitags um 9 die zweite Staffel des Cop-Dramas Flashpoint, der vermutlich größte Dollhouse-Konkurrent was Ratiengs anbelangt. The Hollywood Reporter prognostiziert:

Analysis: Like comparing a Buick to a funnel cake. Here's CBS' modestly rated, yet seemingly nuclear-blast-proof Canadian import competing with Fox's fallen midseason angel. After trying "Moonlight" and "The Ex List" in this slot, Friday leader CBS hopes "Flashpoint" can finally fill this ratings pothole. With its other weekday slots occupied by more promising titles, Fox placed the softening sci-fi drama "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and creatively overhauled freshman series "Dollhouse" onto the Friday wall in hopes they might stick.

Likely winner: In the short term, curiosity tune-in will probably push "Dollhouse" to top the adult demo, despite having a weaker lead-in. But "Flashpoint" is almost certain to win among total viewers and will probably dominate in the demo as the season progresses.

Ich würde eher davon ausgehen, dass Dollhouse mit der Zeit zunehmen wird. Gesamtzuschauerzahl wird CBS wohl tatsächlich einsacken, aber die Demo-Zahlen (also jene für die 18 bis 49-jährigen) soll/muss/wird Dollhouse gewinnen.