On the set of ‘Dollhouse’

NOT YET NIRVANA: An early shot of the set being built for “Dollhouse.”  (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The set for “Dollhouse” continues to be built at the FOX Studios in Century City.  (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

‘DOLLHOUSE’ DUO: Producer and star Eliza Dushku on the set with director Tim Minear.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

DOLLHOUSE CONSTRUCTION: The set was completed in six weeks last spring.  (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

SPACE TO SPARE: Production designer Stuart Blatt, who worked on “Angel,” says the “Dollhouse” set is the largest he’s built in his 20-year career.  (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

PERSONALITY WIPER: The ‘imprint room” on the set of “Dollhouse.”  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

OVERVIEW: Joss Whedon’s show is highly anticipated, but Fox scheduled it for Friday nights, a challenging slot. It is paired with “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”   (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

READY FOR ACTION: The midcentury motif has a Japanese aesthetic, with a koi pond as the centerpiece and custom-made furniture  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)