Season 1, Episode 2
Written by Steven S. DeKnight
Directed by Steven S. DeKnight
Original Airdate: 20 February 2009
“Anything for you, because I love you. Deep, deep man love.”
Topher Brink
REGULAR CAST
- Eliza Dushku as Echo
- Harry Lennix as Boyd Langton
- Fran Kranz as Topher Brink
- Tahmon Penikett as Paul Ballard
- Enver Gjokaj as Victor
- Dichen Lachman as Sierra
- Olivia Williams as Adele DeWitt
GUEST CAST
- Amy Acker as Dr. Claire Saunders
- Reed Diamond as Laurence Dominic
- Matt Keeslar as Richard Connell
- Miracle Laurie as Mellie
- Rich McDonald as Park Ranger
- Mark A. Shepherd as Agent Graham Tanaka
- Tim Conlon as Shaw
CO-STARRING
- Erin Cummings as Attendant
- Rico E. Anderson as Agent
- Kevin Sizemore as Driver
- Omar Adam as Male Active
- Karina Michel as Lubov’s Girl
- Jennifer Segal as Female Active
SYNOPSIS
The past, not that long ago: violence tears through the Dollhouse – Alpha, a rogue active, has massacred several people, leaving Echo sitting among the bodies, strangely unharmed. Dominic and his team rush to contain the situation.
In the present, Adelle explains the actives’ blank state and how they are imprinted for each engagement. She meets with a client, Richard Connell, who accepts an additional fee for his high-risk request.
Echo, programmed as “Jenny,” accompanies Richard on an outdoor adventure – whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and learning to use a bow. However, the idyllic excursion takes a dark turn when Richard reveals she is now his prey, giving her a five-minute head start before hunting her.
Jenny runs through the forest in terror, while Langton, her handler, monitors her vitals from a van. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Ballard continues investigating the Dollhouse, connecting clues to Echo’s original identity, Caroline. He receives cryptic information about Dollhouse operations. He also questions Russian Mafia Informant Lubov.
As Jenny flees, her hallucinations – induced by tainted water – cause her to see past events, including Alpha’s massacre. Richard hunts her relentlessly, injuring her. Langton intervenes but is shot by Richard. Despite her disoriented state, Jenny fights back, stabbing Richard in the throat with an arrow, killing him.
Back at the Dollhouse, Echo undergoes her memory wipe. Dominic expresses concerns about Echo’s role in past incidents, hinting at her connection to Alpha. As he watches, Echo subtly mimics Richard’s salute – a sign that perhaps her mind is not as blank as they believe.
TRIVIA
This episode was the fourth produced and was the first produced after the writers paused to look at the future of the series.
This is the only episode of the first season to not feature the entire regular cast. Sierra is absent from this episode.
CONTINUITY
Tanaka and Ballard are investigating the shoot out from Ghost. Paul also receives the picture sent at the conclusion of that episode.
Adelle assures Dominic there are measures in place to counter Paul’s investigation. She’s presumably talking about the events of Man on the Street.
Dominic begins his dislike of Echo in this episode, setting up at least two attempts to kill her and advocating for her being wiped in Stage Fright.
Topher’s reference to Doctor Saunders’ face as a jigsaw puzzle will be explained further in Omega.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
EPISODE
Ghost / Stage Fright
STORY ORDER
Ghost / Stage Fright
The Watcher's Guide 