I can think of a lot of shows I'd rather have than Dollhouse. But unfortunately trading was never an option.

I'm still stunned by the renewal. Is this a reaction to an unpredictable market, or are DVR numbers really starting to matter to network execs? That would mean I'm being counted. Cool.

I was playing SCC on my DVR straight through every weekend to be counted more! I never bothered with Dollhouse.

I'm still stunned by the renewal. Is this a reaction to an unpredictable market, or are DVR numbers really starting to matter to network execs? That would mean I'm being counted. Cool.

I'm sure there's a number of forces at play, and that potential DVD sales, DVR and online viewings and licensing fees are all in the mix.

But I can't help but wonder if Fox's development deal with Dushku is part of the answer. I don't know all the terms of her deal, obviously, but a development deal usually infers that, if they cancel "Dollhouse," they'll be obliged to develop something else for her, and why bother with that when there's a salvageable vehicle in front of them. Especially when that will probably be more expensive overall, and that it will likely be more risky to introduce another new show into a volatile market.

So, yeah. "Dollhouse" gets another 13 episodes, which isn't exactly a full order, and Fox gets to push off ordering new pilots for a few more months, when the economic climate has hopefully improved. And if "Dollhouse" succeeds, them, well, that's awesome for everybody.

they'll be obliged to develop something else

Not with the usual development deal. It's more like they've bought her time, and she can't work for anyone else. I know people who've gotten development deals but not even a pilot.

so I gave u on SCC -- too soon? I just couldn't care about it.

beth, I thought it got better and better in the first season and then got really awesome in the second (though it was a little uneven in the beginning).

I know people who've gotten development deals but not even a pilot.

This is true. But like I said, it depends on the terms. I have a feeling they want to see a return on their investment with her. Badly.

Brian Austin Green was severely underused in season two, but other than that? good stuff.

Eliza's deal expires soon so I doubt that was a factor. You could argue ROI, but I'd argue they got that with Dollhosue. The first 9 episodes all ranked high in the Nielsen C3 charts, which is indicative it performed fine for advertisers. Until the last few episodes, where it started to drop off a cliff.

Most of the series was profitable, I'm told, all said and done for FOX (network). They didn't spend $10m on the pilot (Firefly), which radically alters the landscape in terms of profitability. Add DVD, new media, international sales (20 countries now) and licensing for the studio and it will be extremely profitable for them. That's why 20th are taking more of the financial burden for 2nd season, away from the network.

I was stunned at the time it got renewed, if I'm honest. But I since found out the 13th episode got presented as a template for how to shoot cheaper - they shot it on a budget of about 1/3rd of the usual show cost. If they can hold the audience they have left, it'll stay profitable, so it'll stay around.

By the way, the deal that has been cut includes the option to order another back 9. Premiere is fall.