FOX, those sons of bitches.  First they cancelled Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles after (true, an overall lousy) first season and a spectacular second season.  Now they’ve gone ahead and cancelled Joss Whedon’s cult hit Dollhouse which stars the beautifully talented Eliza Dushku.

I am surprised FOX cancelled this series?  Honestly no, I am not.  The show did have low viewership; that’s what’s often expected when you place a show on a Friday night.  FOX gave Dollhouse a chance when it granted it (and not Terminator) another season last year.  During its first season the show garnered an averaged 14.5 million viewers.  This year it managed to capture an audience of a low 3 million (again, thanks to the move to Friday).

So here’s the plan for the remainder of season 2: The rest of the 13 episode order will air on FOX in December.  Dollhouse will skip over the November sweeps period and will air back-to-back episodes on Fridays nights for three weeks (yes, that means two-hours of Dollhouse each week!) and will complete its run in January in a series finale that the writers say will bring closure to the fans.

Creator (and overall mastermind and known genius) Joss Whedon had this to say after FOX broke the unfortunate news:

“Hmm. Apparently my news is not news.

I don’t have a lot to say. I’m extremely proud of the people I’ve worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you’ll agree in the coming months. I’m grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again.

I’m off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I’ve read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you’ll know what my next project is. But for now there’s a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear.

Thank you all for your support, your patience, your excellent adverts. See you again. -j.”

And here’s a note to you, Joss.  It seems like TV series don’t bode so well for you (minus Buffy).  As great and amazing and spectacular as they all are, I think it’s safe to say that your talents lie in the realm of the Internet.  Just take a look at the insane amount of success Dr. Horrible brought  to you and your team.  So…here’s hoping that your “next project” is indeed the sequel to Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.  I need my NHP, Nathon Fillion, Felicia Day, and Groupie fix ASAP.  Oh, and I’m totally looking forward to your directorial debut on Glee.

[Via IGN; EW; here & here]