Next, the scene fades to a California beach one year ago, where we see Sierra as she was before the Dollhouse: an aspiring Australian artist named Priya. Priya apparently makes her living selling novelty art pieces on the beach.
Almost immediately, however, we are introduced to another character: a man named Nolan Kinnard.
Now, I know that I have described Kinnard as a creep previously, but for someone watching this episode for the first time, he seems much different. He avoids eye contact with Priya at times, yet is always stealing glances at her; Priya and her friend comment on how often he comes to their spot on the beach, with her friend insisting that Nolan is definitely interested in her. But just how interested?
Anyway, after expressing his admiration for her art, Nolan invites Priya to agree to a private art showing at his home to get her more exposure. Priya takes his number, and eventually, she agrees.
The next scene is that very art show Nolan promised to Priya. We hear, then see a well-to-do intellectual woman showering praise on Priya and one of her works, saying something to the tune of "I can't imagine life without owning a painting like this." Priya responds appropriately: "You must have a very boring life."
Indeed, this short exchange ties with Priya's overall feelings about her circumstances. She is obviously uncomfortable in this situation, but feels compelled to stay in the interests of her art career (and possibly some sort of obligation to Nolan?).
Now the episode presents us with two parallel conversations. In one, Echo (obviously hired out by someone for the evening) approached Priya, compliments her on her luck in meeting Nolan and encourages her to stay close to him, saying that he can really take her career to new heights. This meeting between a current Doll and a future Doll might seem a bit far-fetched, but it is no coincidence.
On the other side of the room, Nolan Kinnard is talking with one of the top executives from the Rossum Corporation, the operation of the Dollhouse. It is revealed that because of Nolan's "contributions" to Rossum's work, they have helped him stage this art show as part of his elaborate seduction of Priya. Thus, Echo's encouragement to stay with Nolan - all pre-programmed into her head.
We also see that the Dollhouse has provided Victor for the evening, playing the part of an Italian art dealer. Priya and Victor seem to hit it off really well, and they try to sneak out of the building for some "privacy".
However, Nolan spots them and tries to stop Priya. He is clearly becoming frustrated with his repeated failures at wooing the young artist. Victor is quickly whisked away by his handler, and Nolan starts to become aggressive and physical.
Priya tries again and again to pull away from Nolan and leave through the door, but Nolan keeps standing in her way. Eventually, she wrenches free of his grip, slaps him in the face, and shouts, "You disgust me. Nothing in this could make me love you." And with that, she storms out of the building, presumably forever.
Or not.
The very next shows the present-day Sierra as an Active on an engagement with Nolan in his home. Nolan snaps a picture of her with Priya's old Polaroid camera, and after she leaves, tosses the photo into a drawer filled with numerous similar photos.
The backstory up until this point is tragic enough. Once it is revealed how exactly Priya and the Dollhouse staff were tricked by Nolan into creating Sierra, Nolan will become absolutely the worst person ever to grace the Dollhouse cast.
No comments:
Post a Comment