What I'd Like To See In Dollhouse Season Two

Now that we fans have gotten what we only dreamed was possible - a second season of Dollhouse - I'm sure that each and every one of us are anxiously wondering "what's going to happen next?"

Apparently, one of the main factors in the show's renewal was that Joss proved he can make a show on a lower budget (with Epitaph One.)

I personally think that the lower budget will help the show, and I'm hoping that this will result in less "location filming," which usually takes place on the engagements. I like the engagements - don't get me wrong - but I think that the show would benefit from more time inside the Dollhouse. And here's why.

Joss Whedon has always explored the idea of family, especially found family. But here he has the chance to really explore the problematic aspects of family - in this case a found family standing in for the nuclear family. Using the Dollhouse as a metaphor for the family house would be a clever step, and I'd like to see these family dynamics explored in greater detail.

Let's face it - the most fascinating characters in the show are working in the Dollhouse. Adelle, Topher, Boyd, and Dr. Claire Saunders/Whiskey all have mysterious pasts, and we aren't sure just how much one knows about the other. I personally love Eliza Dushku, but I think that it would be wise to move Dollhouse in the direction of being an ensemble show, especially now that our other characters are becoming so interesting.

Adelle, in particular, has interested me from the start. I'd really like to find out why she runs the Dollhouse - how she got there, and what her personal life has been like. There's definitely a lot of vulnerability beneath the tough exterior, and we saw a bit of that in Spy in the House of Love, but I want more. It was especially interesting to me how she was able to deal with being shot by Dominic without so much as a yelp of pain. It seems like she's been through a lot.

I'd also really, really like to know why Boyd is working for the Dollhouse. I'm guessing that the story behind that is somewhat similar to Ballard's story (apparently he now works for the Dollhouse.) There were so many comparisons made between these two men in the last few episodes of season one that it seems that Boyd may also be working to bring down the Dollhouse from the inside.

Last, but definitely not least, I am interested in Claire/Whiskey. I hope that Amy Acker (despite now having her own show) becomes a main character in season two.We've just scratched the surface as far as finding out about her past. I'd love to know about the relationship between her and Topher as well.

It would be wonderful to have some flashback episodes about these characters and their beginnings - even their lives before the Dollhouse, while also focusing on the actives inside the Dollhouse in the present. If cutting the budget means less motorcycle chases and disaffected pop singers and heists, I don't think I'll be too heartbroken ;)