They’re ‘underground’, sexy and highly illegal. They’re psychological shape-shifters who can assume any persona – be it lover, assassin, corporate schemer, hostage negotiator or best friend. And they’re hired by the wealthy, powerful and well connected to do their (often highly warped) bidding. They’re the ‘Actives’, elite lead characters of Dollhouse, the series that poses the intriguing question: ‘Who do you want me to be?’ It’s the eagerly anticipated US smash-hit – and if that weren’t reason enough to make it essential viewing, here are two more: it’s the brainchild of Joss Whedon, creator of seminal cult favourites Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, Angel and Firefly, and it reunites him with fellow Buffy and Angel alumna, dark-haired stunner (and Maxim covergirl) Eliza Dushku, in the dynamic lead role. (She’s also a co-producer of the series. Is there no end to the girl’s talents?)

But what, exactly, is the eponymous Dollhouse? It’s the mysterious, highly secretive home of the‘ Actives’, operatives who’ve had their minds wiped clean so that they can be imprinted with a new persona to fulfil a client’s highly specific needs. In other words, the Actives don’t just assume a role
– in mind, body and physiology they wholly become whoever the über-rich client wants them to be.
And once a mission is accomplished, their thoughts, feelings, experience and knowledge are erased so that they can assume a totally new identity and purpose for their next mission.

Dollhouse Premieres on Sci Fi next Tuesday 19th May at 9PM