The notion of an “active” having ‘freewill’ is an interesting point, because in what form does this ‘freewill’ exist in relation to the mind-wiping that they receive? Is it something instinctive..is it part of the Dolls (and primarily Echo’s) ‘soul’, perhaps?

I like that idea – that Echo is able to choose ‘how’ to get a job/assignment done within the parameters ‘given’ to her. So as you said, this could be where the ‘freewill’ comes into play? Interestingly Joss Whedon said something about the Dolls not acting out their new identities, but actually becoming the person who they are told to be – how does this reconcile with the freewill angle I wonder? Because if Echo, for example, is not acting or portraying a heightened version of herself in these assignments..who is she? Surely she’s not making a choice here? Hmm, it’s very interesting that’s for sure!

Good point – bravery comes from knowledge and fear..from knowingly facing adversity – if Echo didn’t have some remnant of freewill or memory then how would she be ‘brave’? I guess it comes down to whats in her heart – perhaps something inside her is fighting to become ‘free’ again? I love that idea – seeing Echo refuse a job based upon her own principles or morals would be a crucial part in her journey – as you said, it would show us that she is truly becoming self-aware..and once that happens, is there any going back?

Me neither..it should be a great show!

An ‘Active’ is not a puppet on a string. They are given implanted personalities, memories, and skills; but I think they have free will after that. Maybe this new personality only lasts so long before it degrades and an Active is complelled to go home.

When Echo is made into an assasin with the reqisite personality and skill, I think it is still Echo that gets the job done however she wants. In other words, Echo may have a little bit of free will. All within accepted paraneters of course.

Wasn’t it Joss who said Echo had a brave heart? How can you be brave if you don’t have free will? Wouldn’t it be wild if Echo refused to do a job as she begins to become more self aware? Why won’t they kill her as soon as they relaize she is different. After all a self aware active is “spectacularly unaaceptable”.

Can’t wait for Jan.