After roller coaster ratings and hopeful DVR numbers, DollHouse has been cancelled.  The show, created by Joss Whedon and inspired (and produced) by the muse-like Eliza Dushku, told the story of Echo, a young woman who enlists in the Dollhouse, a mind control facility (and sometimes brothel) that programs their doll operatives with mission-specific skills.

More coverage after the jump.

According to Variety:

Fox's decision on "Dollhouse" isn't a surprise, as the net had already yanked the show from its Friday slot during November sweeps. Show will return to the sked on Dec. 4 and run the nine remaining episodes in its order for the season. 20th Century Fox TV at present is in production on the Eliza Dushku starrer's 11th episode.

"This gives Joss the opportunity to end in a significant way," the network said in a statement.

"Dollhouse" narrowly avoided cancellation last spring after its first season; show has struggled this fall on Fridays, however -- a night that Fox hasn't found much success over the past decade.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the cancellation and added:

"Yes. Canceled. Sad but true," tweeted Maurissa Tancharoen, a writer on "Dollhouse" who is married to Whedon's brother Jed Whedon, also a writer on the show.

After some dismal performance this fall, despite the ratings bumps "Dollhouse" got from DVR viewing, Fox benched the show for the November sweep after four episodes.

There is a lot of on-line chatter that this is yet another example of Fox screwing over Whedon.  I'm not sure that's 100% true.  They didn't air the episodes out of order (Firefly) or cancel the show during its first commercial break (Drive).  In fact, they gave the show a second season when most thought it would die.  If Fox is guilty of anything, its not getting the show.  From what I hear, Execs asked the first episode be completely reworked because it originally was too dark and complicated.  I'm curious how the show would have ended up if that original version was realized.  Personally, I can't wait to see what will come next from both Whedon and Dushku seperately or together.  I can't wait to see how they end this.  Perhaps the show will continue on in comic form (like Buffy, Angel and Serenity).

Cup of Geek spotlighted and reviewed the show earlier this year.  The first season is available at Amazon.com.  If you plan on buying it, it is available in both DVD and Blu Rayformats, and you will be supporting the site by buying it through my links.