how inefficient the Alliance government was. He also wanted to show a lifestyle that was very tactile and physical, and contrast it to the lifestyle of the contemporary audience where things "fall in your lap." Production Production on the pilot episode began on March 20, 2002. The episode's beginning sequence was reshot before it did air, to provide more of the "action" that Fox wanted. The pilot reportedly cost more than $8 million. Rebecca Gayheart initially played the role of Inara Serra, but was replaced by Baccarin early in the episode's filming. In anticipation of the role being recast, Whedon shot scenes of the character interacting with the crew in singles, so the only portions that would have to be reshot would be the shots of Inara. After the Reavers are introduced, the screen goes to near black to end the act. Whedon wanted to give the audience time to "breathe" before the beginning of commercials, but a true black would automatically cue the ads, so he went with a color that was as close to black as possible without causing this. Guest cast Carlos Jacott as Lawrence Dobson, an Alliance "Fed." This is also one of Whedon's "hat tricks" for the episode: an actor that has appeared on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, as well as Firefly. Mark Sheppard as Badger, the crime boss located on Persephone. Andy Umberger as the captain of the Alliance cruiser Dortmunder. He is also a "hat trick." In Buffy, though, he wore the heavy makeup of an important recurring character, the demon D'Hoffryn, Anyanka's boss, so he's barely recognizable, as Fillion notes in the DVD commentary. Philip Sternberg as Inara's client. Eddie Adams as Bendis, one of the members of Mal and Zoe's unit in the Battle of Serenity Valley. Colin Patrick Lynch as Radio Operator. Bonnie Bartlett as Patience. References External links "Serenity" at Firefly Wiki 2002 American television episodes Firefly (TV series) episodes Television pilots within series Television episodes written by Joss Whedon Television episodes directed by Joss Whedon