Dollhouse (2009 — 2010)

Created by writer and director Joss Whedon under Mutant Enemy Productions, Dollhouse (2009–2010) is an American science fiction television series. It follows the journey of Echo, a ‘doll’ or ‘Active’ for the Los Angeles ‘Dollhouse’. This facility is part of a company that provides human beings to wealthy clients for various engagements, ranging from romantic interludes to high-risk criminal enterprises. The Actives, including Echo, have their memories wiped and live in a childlike state until new memories and personalities are inserted prior to each mission. These individuals have seemingly volunteered to surrender their minds and bodies to the organization for five-year periods, during which their original personalities are saved on hard drives. In exchange, they receive vast amounts of money and solutions to any other problematic circumstances in their lives.

Echo is a unique character who has the ability to hold onto fragments of her memories, even after undergoing personality ‘wipes’. As a result, she gradually gains self-awareness and develops a distinctive personality that cannot be easily erased. This underlying concept allows for an exploration of complex themes surrounding identity and personhood within the Dollhouse. However, opinions within The House are divided on these matters. Adelle DeWitt, the director of the Dollhouse, sees her role as simply providing people with what they need. On the other hand, Topher Brink, the programmer in charge of wiping and imprinting personalities, remains strictly scientific and amoral, only showing moments of moral uncertainty. Meanwhile, Echo’s handler in The House, Boyd Langton, is an ex-cop with a mysterious past who expresses concerns about the ethical and philosophical implications of their technology. He uses his position to minimize any potential harm caused by the Dollhouse’s operations.