When last we saw the Dollhouse, as you may recall, Paul Ballard had finally managed to crack it, but unfortunately let Alpha in. Higgaldy Piggaldy ensued, during which “Mellie” was freed, Paul struck a deal with the Dollhouse, Alpha escaped, Victor was sliced and diced, and we discovered that the doctor was a former doll with a fake personality.

Smallville Season 9, episode 1

This season is starting off with a confusing explosion of sight and noise. [Spoilers galore] It may well have been a spectacular episode, but I have the feeling that I may not know until I’ve seen more episodes.

Our season comes to an end that’s no less uneven in it’s finale than it was in the events leading up to it. The episode is definitely better than last week, and again perhaps guardedly above the average for this show, but still far from their peak, and farther still from what they’re capable of.

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Interestingly, the new season of Ben 10 Alien Force has gone out of its way to feel…kind of old. Ben is less mature, Kevin is a monster again, Grandpa is around, Gwen is likewise less mature, and Ben and Gwen have a slightly more adversarial relationship than they have for the last two season. Added to which, Ben has less-than-complete control of the Omnitrix, and he’s pissed off Azimuth, so he’s unlikely to get it fixed any time soon.