Stage Fright (27 Feb. 2009)

Pop star Rayna is in need of protection due to death threats, so Echo is programmed as a backup singer/bodyguard for her. Sierra serves as additional protection. Paul's investigation into the Dollhouse might cost him his life.

Director:

David Solomon

Writers:

Joss Whedon (creator), Maurissa Tancharoen,

Stars:

Eliza Dushku, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Eliza Dushku	...	Echo / Jordan
Harry Lennix	...	Boyd Langton
Fran Kranz	...	Topher Brink
Tahmoh Penikett	...	Paul Ballard
Enver Gjokaj	...	Anton Lubov / Victor
Dichen Lachman	...	Sierra / Audra
Olivia Williams	...	Adelle DeWitt
Amy Acker	...	Dr. Claire Saunders
Reed Diamond	...	Laurence Dominic
Kevin Kilner	...	Joe Hearn
Jaime Lee Kirchner	...	Rayna Russell
Miracle Laurie	...	Mellie
Jim Piddock	...	Biz
Graham Norris	...	The Fan
Cloie Wyatt Taylor	...	Chantal

Storyline

Echo is programmed for her next assignment to be a backup singer to protect a wealthy pop star, Rayna Russell, from an obsessed fan out to kill her. Newcomer active Sierra is also programmed to be the Australian winner of the "Number One Fan Contest" to assist Echo to flush out the stalker. Meanwhile, Agent Ballard's investigation to find Caroline/Echo in order to link her to Dollhouse takes a turn for the worse when his Russian contact, Lubov, turns out to be an active for the Dollhouse and sets him up to be killed by Russian thugs of no relation to the matter he is investigating.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 February 2009 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mutant Enemy, 20th Century Fox Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

49 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The stalker smuggles a rifle into the concert hidden in a crutch. This is the same manner as titular character in The Day of the Jackal.

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Quotes

Boyd Langton: This Sierra's new, isn't she?
[Hearn nods]
Boyd Langton: What happened to the previous Sierra?
Hearn: She got the job done.

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #26.118 (2010)

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Soundtracks

"Superstar (Smash It)"
(uncredited)
by Kimberly Cole
Performed by Jaime Lee Kirchner

User Reviews

This is where Whedon reveals his magic.

I was holding out hope for this series to gel sooner or later. Since my 'name' shows allegiance to Mutant Enemy productions, I consider comments I make to be largely FAN-ning flames here. Yet, seeing where Echo 'winks' at Sierra in the end of this episode, I assume a thousand new fans have been created. That may not be enough for FOX to green-light another 13 episodes, but I believe profitable DVD sales are a lock. No matter how restrictive a network can be, Whedon will rise above their challenges. I could see, in the 1st episodes, how FOX dumbed down the finished product. At least a deal was struck in the back room that allowed Joss' lotuses to blossom. And HERE is the charming, 3rd ep.. So surprise, Echo can 'sing' with the best of 'em. Eliza is convincing, her magic parallels the man who blessed her with the TV role of a lifetime. Her greatest investment is in Dollhouse, as an artist AND a producer. It will reap untold reward. -PLUS, use of the word 'reap' in this ep. was most satisfying. Hooray!