Episode: “Vows” Season 2, ep.1

Original U.S. Airdate: 9/25/09

Paul’s place in the Dollhouse- as a client and now as Echo’s handler

In this season’s opener, Paul Ballard is the client using Echo to play his under-cover FBI partner to bring down an elusive arms dealer, played by BSG’s Jamie Bamber.  She is now the new Mrs. Roma Clar, but her cover is blown when Martin is given a picture of her talking to Paul.  He gives Echo a concussion and she glitches.  Paul jumps into the situation and strikes Echo to trigger a compositing event so she can draw on her physical skills of another imprint.  Together, they bring down Martin and his arms dealing days.

DeWitt honors the deal with Paul for the meantime and lines him up to become Echo’s new handler.

Echo’s composite self

Echo can recall her past engagements and previous imprints. There is a tense moment between Echo and Dr. Saunders when Echo remembers an engagement with Whiskey.  At the end of the ep, Echo asks Paul for his help to bring back everyone’s original selves and bring down the Dollhouse.

Dr. Saunders/ Whiskey evolves to find new self

Dr. Saunders attempts to deal with the realization that she is a doll.  She becomes bitter, uneasy in her own skin and taunts Topher.  Boyd attempts to comfort her and tells her that she could possibly get her scars removed like they are doing for Victor, but she likes her scars.  They belong to her.  She feels trapped in a holding pattern between who she’s programmed to be and who she was/may be.  But through a talk with Topher, she realizes that she has evolved past his imprint of her and can make choices for herself.

Dollhouse’ new enemy- Senator Perrin

Buffy/Angel alum, Alexis Denisof makes his first appearance in this ep as Senator Daniel Perrin, crusading against the Rossum Corp’s withholding medical technology that affect memory.  He had lost his mother to Alzheimer’s before she died.  He is rich and motivated.  This makes him dangerous threat to the Dollhouse.

Victor, the object of affection

DeWitt approved the use of expensive surgery to take away Victor’s scars.  This is not surprising considering her secret affection for him.  His scars are nearly all gone.  At the end of the episode, it is obvious that the connection he and Sierra have is still there and they walk away hand in hand.

What’s your excuse?

In Boyd’s conversation with Dr. Saunders, he says that everyone is imperfect and puts up excuses for dealing with their flaws, relating her situation with being human.  Everyone has excuses.  What’s yours?

[Commentary]

Amy Acker stole the show.  At different points, you can see that Dr. Saunders may snap at any moment but she’s smoldering under the pressure.

Overall, I felt that this season premiere was a little soft, but it sure sets an ominous tone for the season.

Next time on “Dollhouse”: Click here for this week’s ep synopsis, teaser, and promo pics.

Watch “Dollhouse” on Fox, Fridays 9/8 C.