I’ve changed things up a bit here. As I’ve been finding it hard to post the usual list of news links on a daily basis, like I used to here, I’ve found a solution. Twitter!

From now on you’ll find all the usual fandom heavy news links I find updated on DTD’s Twitter. I’ve been doing this for most of the week, and think I’m updating more news items now!

So if you want the usual updates I used to do here, follow DTD’s Twitter. This site here will now be reserved for views, reviews, opinions and any fandom related blurting out I feel the need to do.

Twitter eh? I’m trying to embrace the future!

A long time ago, not in a galaxy far away, I posted a list of Whedon alums who are on Twitter.

Well due to the changing state of the Internet and Twitter, that list now needs a bit of an update. More people have joined and I think I’ve found a few more useful people to follow. So here’s the updated list. New people have a * by them.

Again, let me know if I’ve missed anyone out by commenting on this entry and I’ll do an update.
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As I tweeted yesterday, there’s a brand new convention coming to the UK next year – Vampire Ball. So I thought I’d take the time to do a run down of as many conventions that are happening in 2010.

These are only the ‘proper’ conventions. Be sure to check out Collectormania, London Film and Comic Con and London Expo to check out signing events that are going on nationwide.

Also for you people who are Stateside there’s the Creation Events for conventions ranging from Twilight to Stargate.

Massive Events: Chevron 7.4
Date: 29th – 31st January 2010
Venue: Hilton Metropole, Birmingham
Theme: Stargate franchise
Guests: David Hewlett, Brian J. Smith

Massive Events: Housebroken
Date: 5th – 7th February 2010
Venue: The Park Inn, Bedford
Theme: Being Human
Guests: Jason Watkins, Annabel Scholey, Dylan Brown, Sinead Keenan, Sama Goldie, Dean Lennox Kelly, Paul Kasey

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Things are starting to simmer down regarding the Dollhouse cancellation. There are still a lot of angry, confused, upset fans out there. Which is understandable. I’ve always been vocal about my apathy on Dollhouse and occassional, infrequent joy, but there have been a few things that I have been grateful to Dollhouse for. So here they are.

Supporting Cast Members

While I was initially looking forward to seeing Eliza Dushku head-up a show of her own, I was left a bit disappointed. Thankfully the supporting cast more than made up for a weak leading actress. Pre-Dollhouse airing I was really looking forward to seeing Harry Lennix. I’d previously seen him in 24 and thought he was brilliant. Sadly, I think the character he was playing didn’t give him much to do. The same goes for Tahmoh Penniket. Awesome in Battlestar Galactica, though Paul Ballard? More like dullard.

So I was surprised then to find other supporting cast members who stole the show.

Miracle Laurie, Dichen Lachman and Enver Gjokaj are the ones accused of stealing the show. Initially I was skeptical of Dichen’s role in Dollhouse. The only thing I had seen her in was an Australian soap opera called Neighbours and she was far from Kylie! But as her role of Sierra grew she clearly outshone Eliza, for me. She played her characters all very differently and they were clearly different characters. There might have been a few dodgy accents thrown in there, but those can be easily swept under the cover.

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It was breaking news as of last night, for me. Morning and afternoon and other times of the day for the rest of the world.

If you read the previous post I made (find it here) about Dollhouse and its current state, etc etc, I already posted my feelings towards it as a series. Effectively, pre-empted anything I could have said with the eventual announcement of a cancellation.

Mere days later, the cancellation has been made official by FOX. Though they have said that they will air all of the remaining episodes and the series finale is tentatively slated for January 22nd. So my theory on not seeing any Dollhouse in 2010 wasn’t quite on the mark! Close enough.

There is a lot of sadness about the cancellation. For one thing I was really warming to Dichen Lachman in the show. Thought she was among the best bits of it. Despite me having massive reservations about her, based on her appearance in Neighbours!

One reaction made me giggle. Jewel Staite tweeted this:

Just found out Dollhouse was canceled. ‘SUMMERRRRRR!!!’

I know there’s a lot of anger out there from the fans of the show. Yes it’s based on ratings, and maybe it had a crappy timeslot, but still. It wasn’t a critically acclaimed show. Ratings weren’t great. It’s a no brainer. Fair enough, there is a lot more shows out there which are probably worse than Dollhouse, but they do well for the network they’re on. It’s business! This is the cold hearted cynic talking.

So I’ll say this again. Bye Dollhouse. I won’t miss you. You were marginally amusing while you lasted.

Everyone’s talking about this at the moment. Well anyone who’s watching Dollhouse. So I feel obliged to join in.

The viral campaign for Dollhouse is going strong with some interesting things popping up. The Ditch the Tech website being the latest and most interesting. Visit for a quick gander.

Then have a look at the source code – always a good place to find any nuggets of info. This is in the meta description of the page:

Civilization will fall apart in the year 2019. The Rossum Corporation is responsible. It is already beginning at the L.A. Dollhouse right now. Don’t let them wipe the future!

And then have a look at the keywords for the page:

Rossum, evil, future, 2019, L.A. Dollhouse, end of the world, don’t pick up the phone, ditch the tech, ditchthetech, wipe, brain, mind, soul

So despite it looking like Dollhouse is moving at a face pace, head-on towards cancellation, there’s still a bit of marketing juice going into, what could be, the final few episodes.

One of my main problems with Dollhouse from the beginning was, despite it having a very unique concept, the execution of it wasn’t very memorable to me. Sure there might have been some entertaining episodes, and the last two episodes of season two that aired were brilliant, I just don’t miss the show at the moment.

Well, I guess I was never much of a super fan of Dollhouse in the first place, so there’s one reason why I don’t miss the show that much. But right now has been the only time I’ve sat down and thought about Dollhouse. I don’t umm and ahh about what’s to come. I don’t drool over new clips, news, spoilers or anything related. I’m trying to figure out why now.

Though maybe I shouldn’t try and miss this show too much as it is pretty much dead in the water. Returning on December 4th, the final 6 episodes will be dealt out in quick succession – 2 episodes a week for 3 weeks. This show isn’t going to be coming back.

I could play Devil’s Advocate and use that beautiful thing called hindsight and say, had the majority of the show’s run be like Belonging, maybe things would be different right now. That was the one episode which, I believe, showed the true morality of the Dollhouse and complex issues those who work within the Dollhouse go through. That is what I thought I was going to be getting when I sat down to watch the pilot.

It is a disappointment. You could say another failed show for Joss Whedon. And it is. Though I really can’t judge. Give me a TV show to create and I’ll end up bagpiping things up pretty well! Those die hards out there will blame FOX. Again. Barring some major miracle they’ll be no Dollhouse in 2010.

So I’ll say my goodbye to Dollhouse now. Maybe a bit pre-emptive, but we were never on great terms to begin with. I’ll catch up with you in December and see how you’re doing, but I think come the New Year, we won’t see each other again. So long.

So it’s been a few weeks since I updated this place. Can I just say a big WOOPS right now? Well WOOPS! Never my intention to neglect this place for such a long time, but with all the new TV I’m finding it hard to watch said TV and try for some witty comments on said TV here afterwards. Could also do with the fact that any feeling I had towards Dollhouse has effectively flown out of the window. Sorry. I’m going to try again with it tonight. Unashamedly, I haven’t seen any episodes since the premiere. Dollhouse episodes seemed to always be at the bottom of my list of TV shows that needed to be seen. Apparently the last couple have been good. Well, it’ll be a while until I see anymore, so I may as well do a bulk catch up, right?

What’s been keeping me away from Dollhouse? Well lots of things really! From the utterly trashy to some great TV. I’ll gloss over the fact that America’s Next Top Model new season has started over here recently and that I am, in fact, Sky+’ing that on a weekly basis. Moving on, here’s a brief run down of what I am watching, what I’m enjoying and what I’ve dropped.

The New

• Eastwick: It’s not exactly the most intelligent thing on TV at the moment, but for some reason I’m really enjoying it. Something about it keeps me watching it.
• Community: I had no plans to watch this, but I was curious. Curiosity has paid off and I’m really enjoying this. Extremely happy that it’s been given a full season. It’s funny and the characters make me laugh. Although, I’m getting tired of Chevy Chase in it. I was expecting more from him!
• Glee: Glee is probably my favourite new show. I LOVE it. Sure the when they sing it’s blatantly obvious it’s all pre-recorded studio stuff, but the show itself is so funny, witty, sometimes dark, that I can’t help but love it. The songs are the icing on the cake. If I had to choose a favourite song so far it could be the It’s My Life/Confessions Pt II mash up. Loved it! Oh and the news about Joss and him directing an episode? Sure it’s good news. I think Joss’ directed episodes of Buffy and Angel have been fantastic. But please – you hardcore Joss Whedon fans – don’t ruin this fandom for me.
• Stargate: Universe: I had no real intention on watching this. But then Sky said they were going to air new episodes mere days later than they aired in the States. So I climbed onboard and I am shocked to say that I am enjoying it. The first couple of episodes were hard to take. The typical sci-fi stuff, Stargate fandom cliches, from the characters to the storylines. It’s sometimes a bit painful to watch to see how much they’re trying to be like Battlestar Galactica, and well, not. But I like the change of pace for the Stargate universe. It’s an interesting turn.
• Flash Forward: The much hyped brand new ‘Lost’? Maybe. It’s clear that this show is a slow burner and that it will, hopefully, pay off if you stick with it. (Thank you LOST!) Sadly, it’s becoming hard for me to stick with it. The last episode was a bit better. (Last episode being Black Swan for me.) So I will stick with it. I can see it has the potential to be brilliant.
• White Collar: The pilot has just aired and I can tell this will be my kind of show. A bit light, fun, with a really good feeling to it. Can’t wait to see where they’re going to go with it.

The Returnees

• Dexter: Dexter’s back and as awesome as ever. I think that the Trinity killer might be the best killer since the Ice Truck murderer. Though someone do something about Rita.
• Grey’s Anatomy: I feel slightly ashamed that I’m still watching this. I can’t say I’m loving it, but I feel as though I should watch at least one generic hospital drama. And this will do. Nothing has shocked me, annoyed me, or made me ecstatically happy about this show so far this season. But I’m still watching. If anyone knows why, please let me know.
• How I Met Your Mother: My favourite comedy is back and it makes me laugh. While I’ve not been totally impressed with this season, there have been bits in every single episode which have either made me nearly laugh out loud or have done. But really, it’s not about Ted anymore is it?
• Mad Men: A show with a run away ride-on lawn mower is nothing more than awesome. I can’t say how much I am loving this show right now. I do wonder where this season is going though.
• Sanctuary: It’s back with it’s second season, with a death! Please tell me that they’re not going to pull the old ‘It’s sci-fi and people are never really dead’ thing! While I am sad to see Ashley gone, and annoyed at her apparent replacement – Kate, I’d like to see people who have died, actually be dead. Am I wrong? Also, someone give Tesla a spin-off!
• Supernatural: Still going so very strong. The start of this season hasn’t taken any really strange directions. Though splitting the brothers up nearly gave me a heart attack! So grateful it wasn’t for long. Just waiting to see what the long awaited war will be like and where the brothers will stand.
• Fringe: I love this show. Every little bit about it. I’m still not overly keen on Anna Torv, but she’s got a lot better since the beginning of season 1. The two main draws for this show for me are Walter and Peter Bishop. Their relationship, Walter’s sheer madness and well.. Peter just being Peter! Though I am severly disappointed at what they did with Charlie! (PS. UK Sky One pace here – don’t spoil me!)
• House: I am so glad that House is out of that mental asylum. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments in there that were brilliant. Though there’s only so much of House, himself, I could actually take. He needs to get back on that horse at the hospital.
• Lie to Me/Bones: I’ve grouped these two together because they’re both shows that I enjoy watching, but I don’t know why. Lie to Me’s getting stronger for me, while I think Bones is slipping away. It’s still a good hour of TV, just it’s no where near how good the first couple of seasons were. There I said it. Meanwhile Lie to Me has got stronger in the second season, but still needs some ongoing arc. I like my shows to be arc driven. At least a little bit. Same with Bones!

The Dropped

• Castle: I feel bad about dropping this show. I did enjoy it. But I don’t miss it now that I don’t watch it. It was dropped purely for lack of time! Sorry!
• Ugly Betty: What has happened to this show. It really did peak when it had Alan Dale in it! Betty – I really don’t like you anymore. Goodbye.
• Heroes: Right now I’m saying I’ve dropped this show. I *might* watch when it airs on the Beeb, but currently, as it stands, I don’t have the will to get into the current season. Sure there have been reviews saying it’s better, the Carnie folks are brilliant. But there are so many people on that show who just need to be dead. Characters! Not cast.

There are still a few shows which I’m sure I haven’t listed as I’ve forgotten. But that’s the gist of my TV viewing schedule. While also still trying to catch up with Burn Notice and Being Human. Oh and watching 100 movies this year. Of which, I am up to 69.

So now I feel as though I should sit down and catch up with that show called Dollhouse. I hear it’s got better!

More from Dollhouse and then there’s a good range of news links from across the board!

» Echoes of Eliza: Eliza Dushku Dishes on Dollhouse
Report on a recent press conference Eliza was a part of on her favourite and most popular subject – Dollhouse.

» How Felicia Day Recruited Millions for Her Guild
Awesome interview with Felicia Day on Wired.com on The Guild.

» Denham and Leather
2 page preview of upcoming Angel comic. I’ve lost track and I haven’t read it for the longest time, so can’t explain too much on this. Someone fill in the gaps for me?

» 7 Years After Firefly: Where are they now?
Sci Fi Wire take a look at where the cast of Firefly are now.

» Exclusive: Kristin Chenoweth Is Full of Glee
Interview with tonight’s Glee guest star – Kristin Chenoweth. I can’t wait!

So much Dollhouse news tidbits today. More reactions about the premiere and a few links to some of the cast interviews that are floating around on the Internet.

» A Conversation with Dollhouse doll Miracle Laurie
Great interview with the even more awesome Miracle Laurie.

» Dollhouse’s Eliza Dushku
Video interview with Eliza.

» Eliza Dushku on Dollhouse season 2 and open graves
Eliza’s really doing the media rounds! FearNET covers this interview with her.

» For Eliza Dushku, Life Improves in the Dollhouse
Eliza talks about her upcoming character for this week’s episode. Minor spoilers.

» Enver Gjokaj on Dollhouse
Interview with Victor from Dollhouse aka Enver Gjokaj.

» Dollhouse cast interview each other
Interviews with the principal cast of Dollhouse.

» Dollhouse Season 2 Episode 1 Review
Den of Geek takes a look at the ups and downs of the season 2 premiere.

» True Blood: Who should play Alcide
A little bit of fun – the PTB have revealed that a character from the Sookie Stackhouse novels will be coming to the third season, but who should play him?

» Three Things We Know About Lost’s Last Season
Minor spoilers on the final season of last, which can’t come soon enough and I want right now!

That’s all. Haven’t managed to write any thoughts on Supernatural but I will say that last week’s episode was predictable and sedate but I trust in Supernatural to give more soon.

Also Flash Forward aired here in the UK on TV and while it wasn’t the best pilot I have ever seen, that still belongs to Lost I think, it has got me hooked and I want more!