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You can be forgiven if you thought "Omega" was the final episode of "Dollhouse." It certainly does the job of a finale: all loose ends are tied up, the series pushes off in a slightly new refreshed direction (not that it needed one) and the well being of our characters is guaranteed.

As the more demented elements of Alpha's (Alan Tudyk) master plan are revealed, "Dollhouse" shows it still has some surprises left in this late stage of the season – anyone can be a Doll, even those you least expect.

Through a series of warm and glowy flashbacks depicting the origins of Alpha's psychosis, we are treated to a few interesting revelations: firstly, Dr. Saunders (Amy Acker) is a Doll. Secondly, Alpha turned jack the ripper because Whiskey was the best at what she does. Both Acker and Tudyk very quickly stole the show, making every scene so much richer through their involvement.

The opening torture sequence was brilliantly composed and concisely executed in creating a mislead that instantly sets a precedent on what to expect over the course of the episode and at no point do the insights into The Dollhouse come as anything less than fascinating. Tim Minear proves to be the expert at building false leads and makes the most of them to exact the responses he requires, whether it is a dropped jaw at a bombshell revelation or a warm and fuzzy feeling inside at the end of episode.

Forget the fight sequences – impressive though they were, that is not what "Omega" was about. This is the episode when all the puzzle pieces of the season fall into place and their significance is fully realized.

What Worked

All of the flashbacks showing Alpha as a Doll didn't seem immediately necessary, but once the identity of his partner in crime is revealed they carry a tremendous amount of weight in chart his obsession with Echo (Eliza Dushku) and also in his motivations in creating Omega. The twist that the psychopathic element was not introduced through the blending of imprints but instead a re-emerging part of the original personality. Just how many of the other Dolls are killers?

It was also very fitting to have Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett) be the one to catch Caroline's wedge, thus saving her life … even if she is in binary form. Dipping his quill in the Whedon ink well, Minear also delivers a death blow just when you least expect it.

What Didn't Work

Sidetracking Sierra (Dichen Lachman) who, after some really interesting moments at the beginning of the season, has very little to do in this episode. In much the same way, Boyd (Harry J. Lennix) trades in his chief of security pass for chauffer as he takes Ballard to where he needs to be.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Dollhouse" stars Eliza Dushku, Tahmoh Penikett, Dichen Lachman, Enver Gjokaj, Harry J. Lennix, Fran Kranz and Olivia Williams. "Briar Rose" was written and directed by Tim Minear. "Dollhouse" airs on Fox Friday at 9 p.m.