Woot!! Great news for fans of Dollhouse on Fox!! The network has committed to airing all 13 of the already produced eps of the series, which has been struggling in the ratings since its season 2 premiere last month, after considering how well the show is doing in the DVR ratings. Even tho Fox has really only committed to air half of the season, it could very easily have decided to cancel the show altogether and never air the eps that have been filmed and produced. This is great news!! If the show does well in the November sweeps, the second half of the season may be ordered for production!

“Dollhouse” fans can breathe easier: Fox will air all 13 episodes. On the heels of impressive DVR data for last month’s “Dollhouse” premiere, network executives say they will run each produced hour of the show’s current order despite the Friday drama’s modest overall ratings. “We’re going to run all the episodes,” Fox scheduling chief Preston Beckman said. “We’re not saying we’re happy with those numbers, or accept them, but we don’t have to overreact. During [November] sweeps we might have to jack up the numbers a little [with other programming], but we plan on completing the order for this show.” As for ordering additional episodes, or a third season, Fox says they will make that decision after the current run. The news represents a relief to “Dollhouse” fans that the current season won’t be cut short, yet also suggests a full-season order is unlikely. Waiting until all 13 episodes have aired before making a decision generally means allowing production on the show to shut down for the season. Reached by phone, Joss Whedon (who has a terrible-sounding cold — feel better!) said he’s writing the 13th hour to give fans a degree of closure. “We’ll definitely have closure, but will leave some doors open,” said Whedon, who’s currently shooting the eighth episode. “When we got our first numbers, which were bad, the first thing [Fox president of entertainment] Kevin Reilly said was, ‘You’ll have all 13,’ which was great. They’re not going to pull the rug out from under us.” Beckman said DVR results have played a role in the show’s fate, though wasn’t surprised by today’s results. “It’s one of the reasons that we brought it back; we knew it was DVR friendly,” Beckman said. “We expected to see this, and hopefully we’ll see [the overnight ratings] increase from week to week … with some shows, you have to look at the bigger picture.” Beckman also humorously characterized deciding the show’s fate as a bit of no-win situation when it comes to dealing with Whedon’s passionate fans. “If you cancel it, you’re an asshole; if you renew it and then don’t put it back on, you’re an asshole,” he said. “I’m still paying for ‘Terminator.’ ‘Dollhouse’ has a small rabid fan base that in the world of social media seems bigger than it is. We gave them another season knowing full well we were going to burn in hell if we pulled it.”

While this is *good* news, it’s not by any means *great* news. Worst case scenario, we could end up only getting a half season which means the entire series run would be 1 1/2 seasons … not good. But, as long as the show is on the air there is hope that it will do better in the ratings. If Fox were really committed to making the show a success, they would save it from oblivion by pulling it out of Friday night and airing it on a Tuesday night. Or, if they insist on keeping the show on Friday, how about they PROMOTE the show better. Dollhouse is good … but yes, it could be much better. I hope that the powers that be will allow the show to grow … and that Joss Whedon will start bringing eps that will draw in new viewers. He’s been delivering to his faithful fans — now he’s got to take the next step.

Since we now know that Dollhouse will be on the air for a while, we can really look forward to Buffyverse alum Summer Glau’s debut on the show. As you may recall, we got our first look at Summer on Dollhouse last week — after the jump, check out a few new promo pics from Summer’s upcoming episode along with a few new promo pics of fellow Buffyverse alum Alexis Densiof on the show as well …

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Back in July we learned that Buffyverse alum Summer Glau, ex-Firefly and Serenity, would be joining the cast of Dollhouse but we’re already two eps in and we’ve not seen hide nor hair of Ms. Glau on the show or in any of the promotional materials. There have been promo photos of many of the other Dollhouse castmembers but thus far, no Summer … until now. The new issue of Entertainment Weekly features photos from set visits to various movies and TV shows and brings us our FIRST LOOK at Summer Glau in the Dollhouse:

Cult auteur Whedon continues to make Fox’s Dollhouse — starring Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) — a refuge for his former stars: On Oct. 30, Firefly’s Glau joins Dushku as a computer whiz from a rival rent-a-human agency. “They both have that make-your-eyes-pop factor,” says Whedon, adding that watching his past TV worlds collide trips him out. “I just walk around completely confused all the time.”

OMG … rival rent-a-human agencies?? I love it!! If you thought that the Dollhouse is responsible for questionable behavior, my guess is that some of these rival agencies are prolly worse. It sounds like Summer Glau’s character will be sort of a female version of the Topher character (played by Fran Kranz). Girl geeks are always cooler in my book. I can’t wait to see Summer in action on the show. Woot!!

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More big news coming out of San Diego Comic-Con this weekend … of particular interest to Joss Whedon fans of the Buffyverse. At yesterday’s panel discussion of Dollhouse, Joss dished a bit about what we can expect from season 2 and spilled the beans that two Buffyverse alums will be joining the show next season. As was previously reported, there was word that Summer Glau (ex-Firefly, Serenity) would be joining the cast since her FOX TV series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles has been canceled … at yeasterday’s panel, Joss confirmed that Summer will, indeed, be joining the cast in some capacity. BUT, in somewhat surprising news, Joss also revealed that Alexis Denisof (ex-Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) will also be joining the cast in some capacity. The Buffyverse takes care of it’s own, y’all! This is amazingly AMAZING news!!

Proof that it pays to come to Comic-Con: On Friday, rabid Joss Whedon fans got to see an unaired 13th episode of Dollhouse that takes place 10 years into the future. Positioned as a veritable road map for the fledgling series, the episode tries to address the apocalyptic outcome of the Dollhouse world – i.e., what happens when too many memories are wiped and everyone becomes, well, zombies. Shot on video for about $1 million less than what a typical episode costs, according to one source, the episode features mostly new characters discovering a deserted dollhouse, but Eliza Dushku’s beloved Echo makes a cameo appearance. Sound confusing? Well, relax — it’s not going to air and potentially upset the show’s mojo (though it will be included in the Dollhouse DVD). But Whedon did promise this to his fans at Comic-Con:

“We intend to honor what you saw here.” That’s true: Moving forward, Whedon plans to save Fox some cash by only shooting Dollhouse on video (trust us, it still looks good). Here are some other promises for season two: Angel alum Alexis Denisof and The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ Summer Glau will make appearances. And Whedon will “continue to deal with the abuse of power and what it brings out in the characters.” That prompted one fan to inquire about Whedon’s obsession with big corporations. “Have you been in America?” Whedon replied. “I consider myself a great documentarian… There is power and manipulation [everywhere]. That’s why I like this show so much.”

WOOOT! and HOLY SHIZZ!! This really is great news. Because it was a struggle just to get Dollhouse renewed for a second season (as it stand, it only got renewed for a short second season) it makes sense that Whedon would want to pull out all the stops in order to help keep the show going … but he always does things on his terms. I have the utmost confidence that Joss Whedon will take Dollhouse to new heights. The show is just good, it’s really just a matter of getting people to see it. It is my opinion that exiling the show to Friday nights is not the way to get people on board but that decision is on FOX. In any event, I am SO excited to see where season 2 of Dollhouse takes us … with Summer and Alexis making appearances on the show, it’s bound to kick all ass. Where my Buffyverse peeps at?! Isn’t this amazing news??

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Michael Ausiello from Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Summer Glau who recently starred in the just-canceled Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles may be getting a part in Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse when it returns for its second season this Fall. As you Whedonites already know, Glau was a castmember on Whedon’s ill-fated series Firefly so having her return to the fold makes absolute sense. But, says Joss, don’t count on Summer playing an Active (ie. Doll) on the show … he wants her to take on another part — one he hasn’t come up with just yet:

Question: With Sarah Connor Chronicles canceled, please tell me there is a possibility of Summer Glau making an appearance on Dollhouse! –Jenn

Ausiello: The noise you’re about to hear is the sound of the Whedonverse exploding. Joss confirms to me exclusively that, well, he’s one step head of you. “If anybody thinks [bringing Summer onto Dollhouse] hasn’t occurred to me already then they have not met me,” he says. “I mentioned it to her before [SCC] was canceled. I was like, ‘You know, we should get you in the ‘house.’ But first we have to come up with something that works.” And casting her as a doll would not work, insists Whedon. “Summer would be perfect to play an active, but she’s done that [type of role] a lot,” he says. “I’d rather see her play someone who talks too much. The most fun I have is when I get somebody who’s good and comfortable at doing something, and then I make them do something else. Summer said to me, ‘I would like to play a normal girl before I die of extreme old age.’”

Totally makes sense, I am not surprised by this news at all. I am really glad that Joss is confirming the news so soon tho. With all the craziness going around this week about the bullshizz idea for a new, Joss-less version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie, I’m glad that we can enjoy some good news in the Whedonverse. While I am very excited for the return of Dollhouse next season (and this casting news that Summer Glau may join the show), I am really worried about Amy Acker’s return to the show. She took a role on ABC’s Happy Town when it looked like Dollhouse would not get renewed … and now they have to figure out how to let her do both shows. Amy Acker was always an integral part of Dollhouse … but the development that came from the season finale totally changed her importance. SHE MUST RETURN TO DOLLHOUSE NEXT SEASON!!! Joss is a genius, he’ll figure it out. But … overall, things are lookin’ good for Dollhouse: Season 2.

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While People magazine is honoring its annual list of the Sexiest Men Alive today, GQ magazine has compiled its own list of men to honor as well. Both male and female celebs made their way out to the Chateau Marmont in LA, CA last night to enjoy GQ magazine’s 2008 Men Of The Year Party — bestowing top honors to Leonardo DiCaprio and John Malcovich. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals last night:

Actors Leonardo DiCaprio and John Malkovich walked away with top awards at this year’s GQ Men of the Year ceremony. The Body Of Lies star picked up the Leading Man Trophy, while Malkovich was named Mad Genius of the Year at the men’s magazine awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday. President-elect Barack Obama was given the nod as Game Changer of the Year, actor Jon Hamm was handed the Breakout award and Olympic champion Michael Phelps took home the ultimate accolade for Golden Boy of the Year. The glittering party attracted some of Hollywood’s brightest male stars, including DiCaprio, Zac Efron, Adam Brody and Aaron Eckhart. And although the annual celebration recognizes leading men, the ladies were out in full force too, with Megan Fox, Rosario Dawson and Elisha Cuthbert turning out for the red carpet bash. The main list of winners is as follows:

Leading Man: Leonardo DiCaprio
Game Changer: Barack Obama
Breakout: Jon Hamm
Golden Boy: Michael Phelps
Mad Genius of the Year: John Malkovich
Obsession of the Year: Megan Fox
Drama Queen of the Year: Sean Penn
Screen Idol of the Year: James Franco
Tough Guys of the Year: The Wire Writers
Mogul of the Year: Seth MacFarlane
Prick of the Year: Gordon Ramsay

While I don’t necessarily agree with this list of honorees as I did with the People magazine list, there are a few winners that I am in complete agreement with — Barack Obama, Megan Fox, James Franco. After the jump, check out a few more photos from the red carpet arrivals last night — there is more hotness to be had …

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Yesterday afternoon, members of the principal cast of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles came out for an in-store meet and greet with fans of the series at The Golden Apple comic book store in Los Angeles, CA. Because I couldn’t be there in person, I sent my boy Darion to the in-store meet and greet so that he might be able to snap some photos of the event (and castmembers Thomas Dekker, Summer Glau, Brian Austin Green, Richard T. Jones, Garret Dillahunt, Leven Rambin and THE STUNNING Shirley Manson) and write up a report on what went down. First, here are a few of Darion’s amazing pics:

OMG … looks like so much fun, I really wish I could’ve been there to show my support in person for this series but I know that Darion did that for me. After the jump, check out Darion’s report from yesterday’s in-store report …

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Here are a few new promo pics for the upcoming second season of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles which will be debuting on FOX on Monday September 8 … you will note that all the usual suspects are included — Lena Headey (as Sarah Connor), Thomas Dekker (as John Connor), Summer Glau (as a Terminator) and Brian Austin Green (as Derek Reese). Additionally, new cast member and former (current? I’m not sure if the band is still together) Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson is also included:

OMG, seriously, I cannot believe that Shirley Manson is making the move to TV. I love her in Garbage but I think I can love her on this show as well. Shirley will be playing Catherine Weaver who is described as “the high-powered CEO of a major technology company Zeira Corp” which makes it sound like she might be a bad guy … or possibly a good guy somewhere down the line. OMG … I don’t even care, I just can’t wait to see her on the show. I love her Scottish brogue … I hope she keeps it for the show. If I have to hear her speak with an American accent, I’ll poke out my ear drums. She rules and I’m so happy that she’s gonna be on my TV on a weekly basis :)

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