Let’s face it, this isn’t that much of a surprise. The ratings have been abysmal, even with some positives from time-shifted numbers, Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” never really took off as Fox had expected, or was hoping for after giving it a year two commitment. As it turns out, maybe they should have saved “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” instead — or perhaps, it wouldn’t have mattered anyhow. Of course, it didn’t help putting the genre show on a night that has been given somber nicknames like Friday Night Death Slot and Graveyard Shift. That’s like going on a date with someone name “Body Odor Bob” and then wondering why he smells.
In any case, the official word comes from THR, who reports that the network has officially closed the door on any further adventures of Eliza Dushku and the Dollhouse gang. The network also confirms that the show will return to the airwaves with all-new episodes on December 4th as planned. It will then finish out its initial 13-episode Season 2 order before fading off into that good night.
This is actually good news for “Dollhouse” fans. Not that the show has been canceled, of course, but that the show’s fate is known while the show is still in production on its eleventh episode of the season. That gives Joss Whedon and his writers two more episodes to close out the show the way they want to, and give fans a proper series finale.
That might not be much comfort, “Dollhouse” fans, but that’s a lot more than a lot of shows get when they leave for the season with a cliffhanger, never to return again.
Update:
Joss Whedon has put out a statement about the cancellation:
Hmm. Apparently my news is not news.
I don’t have a lot to say. I’m extremely proud of the people I’ve worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you’ll agree in the coming months. I’m grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again.
I’m off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I’ve read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you’ll know what my next project is. But for now there’s a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear.
Thank you all for your support, your patience, your excellent adverts. See you again. -j.
Hey, there’s always the “Dr. Horrible” sequel, right?
Oh Thank God it was all just a dream. For a moment there I thought we were really canceled.
