• I just upgraded Dollhouse from "prospects brightening" to “renewed” on my Fall TV Cheat Sheet amidst news that Fox has picked up the show for a 13-episode second season. The catch? Joss Whedon agreed to a drastically reduced budget. (Note to JW: Dumping that annoying Topher dude should free up at least 15K an episode. Just a thought.) Fox will make an official announcement Monday morning prior to its upfront presentation. BTW, ABC and NBC announce their skeds on Tuesday, followed by CBS on Wednesday, and The CW on Thursday. For up-to-the-minute renewal-cancellation-pickup scuttlebutt throughout the weekend and into upfront week, stay close to both my blog (the one you’re reading now!) and Twitter feed. And for the official schedules once they’re announced, head to our Hollywood Insider blog.
• Ex-CSI sleuth Jorja Fox has closed a deal to guest star as a soccer mom with a criminal past in an episode of the new Lifetime comedy series Drop Dead Diva. Premiering July 12, DDD centers on a deceased model whose soul takes up residence in the body of a plus-sized attorney.
• Hey, Prison Break fans: What are you planning to do after tonight’s two-hour series finale? What’s that — you don’t have any plans? Now you do. Come straight here and read my postmortem with executive producer Matt Olmstead where all your burning questions will be answered. I’ve seen the episode and, trust me, you will have questions — and some of ‘em will burn!
• Desperate Housewives‘ season finale is Sunday, so there’s still time to weigh in on the big wedding mystery. Who do you think is getting hitched? And is part of you worried that Marc Cherry might make us wait all summer for a definitive answer? (I am.)
• Speaking of season finales, Gossip Girl wraps up its sophomore year on Monday. To whet your appetites, there’s a special treat waiting for you below. Enjoy!
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Still nothing on TSCC…..
Topher is the most entertaining character on Dollhouse. If they got rid of him, then there goes any comic relief, which that show needs. and yeah, nothing on TSCC? that show kicks Dollhouse’s porcelain ass!
Prison Break Rocks!
http://grittywriter.wordpress.com/
I like Topher. Dropping him is a really dumb suggestion.
I love dollhouse and josh but if i had to chose would have to chose TSCC
Aw, what’s with the Topher hate? He’s not supposed to be, like, lovable – he’s the amoral tech guy who suddenly has to confront the fact that his “creations” are more than just fancy robots. I think he’s interesting.
Topher is a highlight in Dollhouse. He’s its only tie to the beloved Whedon dorky wit we miss so much in this series (shades of Xander, Wash, etc.). I actually think Dollhouse is a good choice to follow Bones on Thursdays in fall (despite the heavy competition in that time slot). Kitchen Nightmares is an inexpensive but ongoing failure. Dollhouse legitimately stands to hold some of the Bones lead-in. Not only because of Boreanaz but because they share a geek fanbase (I say that with love) and strong female leads. I’d also say to put it with Fringe but that seems too plum a slot for a floundering series to be risked on. It will probably go to a new genre entry such as Past Life or Human Target.
That Topher character comes off as a bad ripoff of Marshal Flinkman – seeing his lame schtick in the trailer for the show was enough to make me not want to watch.
WORD x100 on getting rid of Topher. Definitely agree, Ausiello!
Gotta keep Topher! He’s cute!
What is TSCC
Yeah, right. Dump Topher just because Ausiello doesn’t like him. Good idea. NOT. Topher is surely a fan favorite, that would be a dumb thing to do.
What about Bones renewal? I’m nervous about it. Please give us some news…
Yay! I have been waiting to see Jorja again. Thanks Michael!
TSCC= The Sarah Conner Chronicles
I can’t see the video… What is TSCC!!?????
TSCC is a horrible show… who cares
TSCC = The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Hey, Topher is my favorite part of the show. Not only is he entertaining (and cute
) he presents a very good contrast to several other characters. While most characters are at best unsure about the morality of the Dollhouse and at worst completely against it, Topher is just having fun and going with the flow. His amorality and scientific outlook makes the show much more interesting and diverse. (IMNSHO)
Topher is one of my favorite. No, scratch that. He IS my favorite character in Dollhouse. Eliminate him and die. Not joking. I love him way too much. But I think Dollhouse should be more like 22 episode season. That would be much more preferable.
I think it’s pretty obvious that Dollhouse IS DEFINITELY getting renewed now (there would not be any of this coverage if it wasnt) and TSCC is dead. I ahvent heard anything about the show in weeks. I wish it weren’t true and they both could come back, but I’m glad at least one has survived. But yes, Dollhouse is definitely back next season.
Yay Dollhouse! It’s a Chrismakkuh miracle!
Loving Topher now. Didn’t you see him getting all complex ‘n stuff? This calls for an emote.
Yay that Dollhouse’s chances are brightening! But hey! I love Topher!
Michael, any idea how much of a budget reduction Fox is asking for in order to make Dollhouse season 2 happen? Also, I’ve heard elsewhere that they plan to leave the show in the Friday night death zone – true? And if so, why no consideration towards moving it to better ratings territory?
Dollhouse HAS to be pair with Fringe. Come kn FOX, make it happen!
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/05/15/upfront-preview-fox-still-has-some-bones-to-pick-plus-new-shows/
I gotta agree to keep Topher. I think in the latter half of the season did wonders for all the characters and I wouldn’t consider any of the core particularly expendable. Of course I’ll live with somebody gone if the show lives to see another day. Welcome to The Dollhouse!
Why all the Topher hate Ausiello? He’s exactly what Whedon was going for, the lovable nerd with a twinge of ev il for us girls to drool over and the nerd guys watching to relate to (and hope that nerds can be hot). Love him!
Topher is an idiotic character who does not fit in with the show. You’re going to trust a multibillion dollar venture in the arms of a twit like that? I think not.
Get rid of Topher – he destroys the show.
Dumb the lead woman on Dollhouse, she is the worst actor on the show anyways.