Yeah, I have similar feelings about "Epitaph One." Part of it could be that I didn't plan to watch it, so I read all the reviews. That means not only was I totally spoiled about the premise of the episode, but all the raving about it set my expectations kind of high. I was expecting "the best episode of Dollhouse yet," and while that wouldn't take much in my mind, this wasn't it.

I mostly found myself watching it and thinking, "Um, what happened to the metaphor?" Maybe someone else can explain the connection, but how does this dystopian future relate to the whole idea that the Dollhouse is a metaphor for the TV industry and popular culture? That was the thing I found most interesting about the show (since the premise as non-metaphorical scenario makes little sense to me), and I can't seem to make this piece fit the puzzle. Except possibly to say that TV will destroy the world, which... whatever.

Also, wholly agreed on the blahness of Echo/Caroline. That, coupled with Eliza's less than stellar acting, and I find myself way more interested in the minor characters. Can someone please offer Amy Acker more money and lure her away from her new show? I think she'd make an excellent centerpiece for Dollhouse.