The biggest twist of "Haunted" is not that it deals with "life after death": that had already happened in the very first episode ("Ghost"), where one of the people who made up the whole of Echo's new identity was an abused girl who had committed suicide. The twist is that it's the first time that the person inside the doll KNOWS that this is not her body, and that she's literally living on borrowed time. This episode also has an element of Agatha Christie-type whodunit, with a member of the filthy rich getting murdered, most likely for her money, and a limited number of suspects, all of them among her close family. But the victim returns, in Echo's body, and tries to solve her own murder! The whodunit part is done really well and ends with a violent climax, but this is generally a slower, more emotional episode than the few previous ones. Olivia Williams is becoming a real treasure for this show; just one line from her at the end ("Every single moment") is enough to get you teary. And the Paul-Mellie relationship, now that he knows the truth about her, is getting creepier all the time. *** out of 4.
6 Reviews
A slower, more emotional episode with an element of whodunit
gridoon202413 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Case in point: series gets better and better
Miles-102 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
(This contains a spoiler if you consider that this story contains a murder mystery that gets solved. Should that really be a spoiler? I am declaring it just in case.) A murder mystery with quite a twist--the victim gets to solve her own murder. This episode raises some weird issues that all sci-fi stories about clones and personality downloads raise: Is the new you really you? How much does that matter since they think they are you from their viewpoint? And so on.
Eliza Dushku gives a memorable performance as an older woman returned to her family in an unrecognizable younger body so that they are either slow to recognize her for who she is or never do. She has to confront how she was seen by her loved ones, who don't mind telling a "stranger" what they really thought of her. Not only does she solve her own murder, but she is able to make one last change to her legacy. Finally, she must face the fact that her return to life is only temporary: How can she face death a second time? Can solving her own murder be enough of a consolation?
Eliza Dushku gives a memorable performance as an older woman returned to her family in an unrecognizable younger body so that they are either slow to recognize her for who she is or never do. She has to confront how she was seen by her loved ones, who don't mind telling a "stranger" what they really thought of her. Not only does she solve her own murder, but she is able to make one last change to her legacy. Finally, she must face the fact that her return to life is only temporary: How can she face death a second time? Can solving her own murder be enough of a consolation?
Haunted
cheerhick085 June 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was my favorite episode that I watched of all of them. I was so confused at first when she woke up and told Echo she was dead. I was so confused on how someone could be dead but yet still alive.. This episode made me think a lot and try to put things together so that's what I liked most about it. I hope they put up some new episodes. I cant wait to see the new ones to see where it goes. I hope they make a second season. It would be fun to see what the public really thought about The Dollhouse if it went public. CANT WAIT!! There are so many questions left unanswered!!! It sucks when you don't know the end of a story!
Echo becomes a dead woman in this standalone episode
Tweekums16 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Adelle's wealthy friend Margaret Bashford believed she was going to be murdered by somebody close to her so had her brain scanned so that in the case that she was right she could come back and expose her killer. Inevitably she does die and returns in Echo's body. Returning to her home, posing as a close friend the others hadn't met. She quickly hears some uncomfortably truths about how they felt about her but initially there is no obvious reason to suspect one of them in particular; unfortunately quite a few of them appear to have motives. Meanwhile back in the Dollhouse Topher claims he needs an Active to help him with some diagnostic problems; he gets Sierra and it soon becomes clear that he just wants to have some fun
nothing sexual; just a friend to talk to and play games with. Elsewhere Agent Ballard tries to learn more about Mellie; her fingerprints lead to a large FBI file that deletes as he looks at it.
After several episodes focused on the workings inside the Dollhouse we get another standalone episode. Having a dead client being implanted into one of the dolls was an intriguing idea which led to an interesting story. The way Margaret learns what her loved ones really thought of her was rather poignant and the way her son tries to kiss Echo, not realising she is his mother was hilarious and disturbing in equal measure. The mystery of who killed her is an effective central story with plenty of suspects to keep the viewer guessing. We have to ignore the unasked question; if she thinks she is about to be murdered why doesn't she hire security staff rather than waiting to die? Ballard's plot line progresses in an interesting way, advancing his story and making him look at his own behaviour towards Mellie. The plot involving Topher could easily have been a little creepy but actually it was rather sweet as he just wants a friend something we learn Adelle knows about and is more than willing to allow. Overall I'd say this wasn't quite as good as the previous top quality episodes but it is still pretty good.
After several episodes focused on the workings inside the Dollhouse we get another standalone episode. Having a dead client being implanted into one of the dolls was an intriguing idea which led to an interesting story. The way Margaret learns what her loved ones really thought of her was rather poignant and the way her son tries to kiss Echo, not realising she is his mother was hilarious and disturbing in equal measure. The mystery of who killed her is an effective central story with plenty of suspects to keep the viewer guessing. We have to ignore the unasked question; if she thinks she is about to be murdered why doesn't she hire security staff rather than waiting to die? Ballard's plot line progresses in an interesting way, advancing his story and making him look at his own behaviour towards Mellie. The plot involving Topher could easily have been a little creepy but actually it was rather sweet as he just wants a friend something we learn Adelle knows about and is more than willing to allow. Overall I'd say this wasn't quite as good as the previous top quality episodes but it is still pretty good.
One of my favourites
Joxerlives7 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Haunted
The good; Terrific central concept, imagine waking and being told by your friend that you've died and then getting to attend your own funeral and find out what everyone thought of you. Some lovely scenes too with Topher and Sierra and the continued humanisation of Adele. The story of this ruptured family getting back together is actually very touching especially when the drunken brother reminisces about the first night he and his sister spent in the house together and how glad he was they made up, Gatsby and Nick style, just before she died.
The bad; If Margaret and Adele were such good friends why doesn't Adele recognise Margaret's family? Exactly how did Margaret know that someone was attempting to murder her? The idea that her handwriting would be enough to prove that a note is genuine takes some swallowing.
Best line; Adele; "Loneliness leads to nothing good, just detachment" which would have been comfort to Ballard who has rough sex with Mellie even though he knows she's a Doll. Mellie; "Are you looking for a Dollhouse client?" Ballard (haunted(!), looking at himself in the mirror) "I found one". Also like Margaret/Echo; "Elmo" Jocelyn; "EMO" Margaret/Echo; "That's not a word sweetie" (her entire character summed up in that sentence)
Echo kissage;1 Echo/Margeret kissed by her son.
Kinky dinky; Incestuous vibe between Margaret and her son, his 'mother's bed' line especially. When the son says that Margaret/Echo "Checked out his body" she doesn't deny it but claims it was 'subconsciously' and she'd had 'too much wine'. He also spies on her voyeuristically through the window knowing her nightime routine and she doesn't appear at all disturbed. Adele is also a voyeur, watching Topher and Sierra. Ballard's violent sex with Mellie borders on rape fantasy. She digs it but doesn't want it all the time (a common reaction amongst most people I think). Echo in jodhpurs and riding boots, MMMMMMMMMMMM! Margaret seems a cougar, using the Dollhouse for younger men before getting her own. Sierra seems to fantasise about 'Sexy, sexy aliens' is a she a GOT-fic/Monsters and Angels/Taboo Comics fan?
Notches on the Dollhouse bedpost; does Topher have sex with Sierra? Possibly... Echo; 3 definite, 1 possible November; 1 Ballard; 1 Victor; 1 Adele; 1 Sierra 1 possible Topher; 1 possible
How'd they get away with that? The nanny story is HORRIBLE! The son murders his mother plus the incestuous subtext. Even though it's all a game and she get's into it you feel for Mellie being treated so roughly by Ballard. Question is would he have stopped if she'd wanted him to?
Addy is a bit British; Margaret says Adele would keep a 'Stiff back and stiff upper lip"
Topher is a bit geeky; Huge geekfest right down to lasertag and classic sci-fi debate.
Capt subtext; Topher fantasises about Adele and Margaret together. Margaret expresses her admiration for Echo's body and even gropes her breasts. Boyd warns of the collapse of civilisation. Ballard feels self loathing at having taken out his frustrations about the case by ravishing Mellie, even if she enjoyed it. Adele puts the mind of her old friend Margaret in Echo, the Doll she has developed an affection for. Adele indulges Topher his fantasy in the knowledge that she allowed herself her tryst with Victor. The sons jealousy of the mother's new young husband is pretty clear.
Know the face? Gregg Henry played a Sheriff in Firefly (and every other show you've ever seen! Check him out on IMDb, 132 credits in 34 years) 6 Whedon alumni-Mark Shepherd, Amy Acker, walking action figure, Eliza Dushku, Jim Piddock, Gregg Henry
Guantanamo; Rather sinisterly Sierra wants to interfere with the other sleeping Dolls and make them fight for each other's amusement. Her idea about having them perform comedy skits is a lot more reassuring. That the Dollhouse is able to remotely cyber-wipe the FBI computer is scary beyond belief.
Missing scenes; Great scene where Adele and Echo/Margaret look at Margaret's body in the coffin and she complains she doesn't like the dress she's being buried in.
Questions and observations; Adele is clearly dismayed at the thought of how people would remember her if she died, she's ashamed of the Dollhouse or just thinks people wouldn't understand? She states that 'Illusions aren't pointless. Note Topher doesn't just want a sex slave, the girl he creates for his birthday is sparky and challenging, beating him at lasertag. Call me a sap but I was really touched by the ending, despite all appearances to the contrary Margaret was loved by her brother and daughter and is able to tell them that she loved them in return from beyond the grave, the uncle and niece are reunited and are a loving family once again. Is Margaret really living on? The real Margaret died with her body, surely it's only a copy in Echo? It reminds me of Sheldon's question about the Star Trek transporter, are you really transported or does the real you die and a clone assembled at the other end? When Ballard looks up Novembers prints she seems to have multiple identities, her Dollhouse characters or was she some sort of identity thief? Is it really Eliza on the horse? Adele holds Margaret's hand as she is wiped, does she experience Margaret's life as well?
Marks out of 10; 7/10
The good; Terrific central concept, imagine waking and being told by your friend that you've died and then getting to attend your own funeral and find out what everyone thought of you. Some lovely scenes too with Topher and Sierra and the continued humanisation of Adele. The story of this ruptured family getting back together is actually very touching especially when the drunken brother reminisces about the first night he and his sister spent in the house together and how glad he was they made up, Gatsby and Nick style, just before she died.
The bad; If Margaret and Adele were such good friends why doesn't Adele recognise Margaret's family? Exactly how did Margaret know that someone was attempting to murder her? The idea that her handwriting would be enough to prove that a note is genuine takes some swallowing.
Best line; Adele; "Loneliness leads to nothing good, just detachment" which would have been comfort to Ballard who has rough sex with Mellie even though he knows she's a Doll. Mellie; "Are you looking for a Dollhouse client?" Ballard (haunted(!), looking at himself in the mirror) "I found one". Also like Margaret/Echo; "Elmo" Jocelyn; "EMO" Margaret/Echo; "That's not a word sweetie" (her entire character summed up in that sentence)
Echo kissage;1 Echo/Margeret kissed by her son.
Kinky dinky; Incestuous vibe between Margaret and her son, his 'mother's bed' line especially. When the son says that Margaret/Echo "Checked out his body" she doesn't deny it but claims it was 'subconsciously' and she'd had 'too much wine'. He also spies on her voyeuristically through the window knowing her nightime routine and she doesn't appear at all disturbed. Adele is also a voyeur, watching Topher and Sierra. Ballard's violent sex with Mellie borders on rape fantasy. She digs it but doesn't want it all the time (a common reaction amongst most people I think). Echo in jodhpurs and riding boots, MMMMMMMMMMMM! Margaret seems a cougar, using the Dollhouse for younger men before getting her own. Sierra seems to fantasise about 'Sexy, sexy aliens' is a she a GOT-fic/Monsters and Angels/Taboo Comics fan?
Notches on the Dollhouse bedpost; does Topher have sex with Sierra? Possibly... Echo; 3 definite, 1 possible November; 1 Ballard; 1 Victor; 1 Adele; 1 Sierra 1 possible Topher; 1 possible
How'd they get away with that? The nanny story is HORRIBLE! The son murders his mother plus the incestuous subtext. Even though it's all a game and she get's into it you feel for Mellie being treated so roughly by Ballard. Question is would he have stopped if she'd wanted him to?
Addy is a bit British; Margaret says Adele would keep a 'Stiff back and stiff upper lip"
Topher is a bit geeky; Huge geekfest right down to lasertag and classic sci-fi debate.
Capt subtext; Topher fantasises about Adele and Margaret together. Margaret expresses her admiration for Echo's body and even gropes her breasts. Boyd warns of the collapse of civilisation. Ballard feels self loathing at having taken out his frustrations about the case by ravishing Mellie, even if she enjoyed it. Adele puts the mind of her old friend Margaret in Echo, the Doll she has developed an affection for. Adele indulges Topher his fantasy in the knowledge that she allowed herself her tryst with Victor. The sons jealousy of the mother's new young husband is pretty clear.
Know the face? Gregg Henry played a Sheriff in Firefly (and every other show you've ever seen! Check him out on IMDb, 132 credits in 34 years) 6 Whedon alumni-Mark Shepherd, Amy Acker, walking action figure, Eliza Dushku, Jim Piddock, Gregg Henry
Guantanamo; Rather sinisterly Sierra wants to interfere with the other sleeping Dolls and make them fight for each other's amusement. Her idea about having them perform comedy skits is a lot more reassuring. That the Dollhouse is able to remotely cyber-wipe the FBI computer is scary beyond belief.
Missing scenes; Great scene where Adele and Echo/Margaret look at Margaret's body in the coffin and she complains she doesn't like the dress she's being buried in.
Questions and observations; Adele is clearly dismayed at the thought of how people would remember her if she died, she's ashamed of the Dollhouse or just thinks people wouldn't understand? She states that 'Illusions aren't pointless. Note Topher doesn't just want a sex slave, the girl he creates for his birthday is sparky and challenging, beating him at lasertag. Call me a sap but I was really touched by the ending, despite all appearances to the contrary Margaret was loved by her brother and daughter and is able to tell them that she loved them in return from beyond the grave, the uncle and niece are reunited and are a loving family once again. Is Margaret really living on? The real Margaret died with her body, surely it's only a copy in Echo? It reminds me of Sheldon's question about the Star Trek transporter, are you really transported or does the real you die and a clone assembled at the other end? When Ballard looks up Novembers prints she seems to have multiple identities, her Dollhouse characters or was she some sort of identity thief? Is it really Eliza on the horse? Adele holds Margaret's hand as she is wiped, does she experience Margaret's life as well?
Marks out of 10; 7/10
So bad that I stopped watching it after nearly 20 painful minutes
igoatabase27 April 2009
I probably over rated the previous episode because I can't resist spy fiction but this time I didn't dig the story at all. It was as boring and old as the one from True Believer. Moreover I found Eliza Dushku performance quite disappointing and Echo's new character completely mismatched. The usual geek joke was also as annoying as the previous ones. The worst thing is that I never gave up so quickly and don't even think I'll take the time to check out the other episodes. I don't mind new story arcs as long as they develop characters and bring something refreshing but this time it seems it wasn't the case. Just an empty, quick written and dirty filler. Note that I could be wrong considering as I haven't watched it completely but you can't just ask a viewer to endure 20 minutes or more. Even if I enjoyed some episodes it won't be a surprise if the show gets canceled.
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