So, Dollhouse recently started its seconde season with the episode “Vows”. The episode was enjoyable overall. However, one thing I found a little disturbing with the plot (more than the usual, I mean) was a scene where Dr. Saunders attempts to force herself on Topher. It seems like a clear case of sexual assault to me, but the montrer doesn’t present it as such. I’m guessing that despite Joss’s extreme coolness, the female character is not seen as threatening because of sexist gender role concepts.

The scene starts with Topher asleep on the floor of a computer room. Dr. Saunders, wearing...