The premise puts a new spin on the whole “memory implants” plot line we’ve been accustomed to since Total Recall.  Attractive men and women are rented to the rich and powerful for whatever need they may have.  Say you want to throw a good bone dance at a broad- they’ll implant said lady with the desire for your same fantasies and before you know it, she suggests you find a donkey.  And the best part? She’ll get her mind erased and archived later and won’t remember how disgusted she was with you while you were plowing away.

For the purposes of this episode, Echo (Eliza Dushku) has been outfitted with the ability to help a man retrieve his kidnapped daughter.  Unfortunately, due to a combination of all the memories she has been implanted with to perform her task, she is reminded of a horrific childhood memory and it impairs her ability.  We’re also introduced to her handler, Boyd, who appears to be slightly conflicted with the line of work he’s found for himself.

My favorite aspect of this premise is that they can do almost anything with the 12 episodes they’ll shoot for the series.  I hate be an asshole, but I feel like Whedon is the spurned lover, hellbent on making a show work on a network notorious for ending a series unless it has astronomical ratings.  He continues to go back and tries to find a way to make the relationship work.  But in the end, even though Dollhouse shows promise, it may never be enough.