THE SEEDS OF DOOM
BY ROBERT BANKS STEWART
PART ONE
6:00pm - 6:25pm
[SCENE_BREAK]
1, EXT: ANTARCTICA
(The wind blows and the snow falls in the Antarctic region. Icebergs bob up and down within the rough ocean. In blizzard-like conditions, a man with heavy-weather clothing is kneeling in the snow by a wall, digging with a small pickaxe. Another man joins him, wearing similar clothes. He kneels and communicates with his companion, necessarily shouting because of the howling wind. The two men are Charles Winlett, and Derek Moberley, workers on an Antarctic research station.)
MOBERLEY: Come on Charles, we've got enough samples, surely!
WINLETT: This isn't ice - this is something else. Have a look.
(He reaches down and extracts a small round object, frozen with ice and snow, but unrecognizable to both men.)
MOBERLEY: What is it?
WINLETT: Don't know! Let's get it back to camp.
(They both stand up ready to leave.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
2, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LABORATORY
(After an exterior shot of the research station, the round object is being examined on a table by the third member of the research team, John Stevenson. He scrapes away the excess ice to reveal a solid, rough, dark green pod or egg. Moberley and Winlett enter.)
MOBERLEY: Animal, vegetable, or mineral?
STEVENSON: Vegetable.
WINLETT: Yes, that's what we thought.
(Stevenson holds up the pod on a tray in front of them.)
STEVENSON: The cutaneous creasing is unmistakable. When it's properly thawed out I can...confirm it with a cytology test.
(Winlett is prodding the pod with a scalpel.)
WINLETT: The skin looks as hard as iron.
STEVENSON: Yes, it is a bit of a cannonball. How deep in the permafrost was it?
WINLETT: About the er... 9th layer.
MOBERLEY: And that means it's been there for ooh...20 thousand years? What do you make of it, John?
STEVENSON: Nothing at all yet.
MOBERLEY (joking): Oh, and I thought you were meant to be a botanist.
STEVENSON: I've not seen anything remotely like it.
WINLETT: It looks tropical to me, like a gourd.
MOBERLEY: Oh rubbish Charles. If it's from the late Pleistocene period, it can't be tropical. It's a few million years since this part of Antarctica was rainforest.
WINLETT: Oh that's the accepted theory. Discoveries like this have destroyed accepted theories before now. Isn't that right, John?
(Stevenson is far less casual about the situation than the others. Without even listening to Winlett, he hesitantly touches the pod a few times with his finger. Winlett tries to get his attention but he seems distracted and confused.)
WINLETT: ...John?
STEVENSON: ...hmm? Sorry.
MOBERLEY: Is something wrong?
STEVENSON: ...Don't you feel it?
MOBERLEY: Feel what?
STEVENSON: I don't know - there's something... odd...something...you don't feel it?
MOBERLEY (laughing): It must be that rice pudding you had for lunch!
(Winlett laughs, but Stevenson doesn't. He steps closer to Moberley.)
STEVENSON: I'm not joking. ... It's alive. That's it. It's alive.
MOBERLEY: Are you serious?!
STEVENSON: Yes.
WINLETT: How can you tell?
STEVENSON: I don't know - but I'm certain that this is a living organism.
(Moberley breaks the intense atmosphere.)
MOBERLEY: ...Yes well I think we should have some coffee.
WINLETT: Coffee and a game of three-handed crib. Come on!
(He takes Stevenson around the shoulders and leads him off. Stevenson doesn't relax, and he turns back to look at the pod.)
STEVENSON: I'll transmit pictures to London, they might have some idea.
WINLETT: John, come on!
[SCENE_BREAK]
3, INT: WORLD ECOLOGY BUREAU - OFFICE
(A man in a suit is getting a file from a cabinet. He is Richard Dunbar of the World Ecology Bureau.)
DUNBAR: Sir Colin insists that I show you these photographs which have just been received from my expedition.
(As the camera follows him, it shows that it is the Doctor whom Dunbar is talking to. He is sitting on Dunbar's desk and he seems more interested in his yo-yo than what Dunbar is saying.)
DUNBAR: Personally, I don't think you can help us.
DOCTOR: Don't you? Well...
(Dunbar reluctantly hands him the file. Dunbar looks around uncomfortably.)
DOCTOR: Do sit down, Mr. Dunbar.
(Unable to sit in his own chair as the Doctor would be almost on top of him, he walks all the way around the far side of the desk and sits in the chair usually provided for the visitors.)
DUNBAR: These pictures have baffled all the experts. The only reasonable explanation seems to be that the pod is from some extinct species of plant.
(The Doctor spins around to face Dunbar, he sits in Dunbar's chair and there is a bang as he rests his boots on Dunbar's desk. He doesn't look up from the file.)
DOCTOR: Have you considered an alternative explanation.
DUNBAR: Name one.
DOCTOR: Well...that it might have originated in outer space.
DUNBAR (amused): My dear Doctor, if you've seen anything like that before, you must have a very powerful telescope.
DOCTOR (unimpressed): Mr. Dunbar, how long is it since there was vegetation in Antarctica?
DUNBAR: I thought you were the expert in these matters. Well as a matter of fact, that's one of the things our expedition is trying to discover. It was found fairly deep in the permafrost; say...20-30 thousand years under the ice...
DOCTOR: Ssh. It might still be ticking.
DUNBAR: What?
(The Doctor suddenly seems interested and he stands up abruptly, walking around the desk.)
DOCTOR: A time-bomb, Mr. Dunbar, a time-bomb. Are you in contact with the expedition?
DUNBAR: My superior, Sir Colin Thackeray has a daily video link. Ten minutes of satellite time.
DOCTOR: Good. Tell them to keep a constant guard upon the pod, and not to touch it until I arrive.
DUNBAR: You're leaving immediately?
DOCTOR: Why not? I've got my toothbrush.
(He turns around and for some reason has a toothbrush in his hand. He starts to leave but ducks back in for a few more words.)
DOCTOR: Remember, no touch pod - could be dangerous.
(He shuts the door. Dunbar stares incredulously after him for a while, then turns to his desk and picks up a phone.)
DUNBAR: Sir Colin? Dunbar here. That chap you called in from UNIT - is he quite sane?!
[SCENE_BREAK]
4, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LABORATORY
(Stevenson measures the pod with a pair of pincers. He looks worried about the measurement and mutters to himself. He gets up and goes to the door.)
STEVENSON: Charles?
WINLETT (oov): Yes?
STEVENSON: Here a minute.
(Winlett enters and they walk over to the table to look at the pod.)
WINLETT: What's up?
STEVENSON: It's growing.
WINLETT: Eh?
STEVENSON: It's grown five centimetres since this morning.
WINLETT: Are you sure?
STEVENSON: Check it yourself if you don't believe me.
WINLETT: But it doesn't seem possible.
STEVENSON: I knew there was still life there - I said so didn't I?
WINLETT: But it's just a pod, I mean...no root system. How can it grow without feeding?
STEVENSON: Sunlight, Charles - ultra-violet radiation.
WINLETT: But plants need nitrogen.
STEVENSON: I believe this is fundamentally different. ... We may be cultivating something that is going to...shatter all our ideas about plant growth.
WINLETT: Yes, well er...don't get carried away John.
(He gets up and starts to leave.)
WINLETT: Remember what London said.
STEVENSON: What do you mean?
WINLETT: That we leave this thing alone.
(Stevenson looks annoyed and walks over to Winlett.)
STEVENSON: Until this Doctor character arrives, why should we? It's our pod.
WINLETT: John, we're working for the World Ecology Bureau.
STEVENSON: Oh he's probably some old crank that Thackeray's dug up out of retirement! He'd have no more idea about the pod than we have.
WINLETT: We'll soon find out, he's due in tomorrow.
STEVENSON: And who needs him. It's our discovery. The less said about it the better.
[SCENE_BREAK]
5, INT: CHASE ESTATE - NURSERY
(There is a shot of a large mansion. Inside, a butler, Hargreaves, is showing a man into a nursery. The man is Dunbar. He carries a suitcase. They approach the main part of the nursery, where a small man in a suit can be seen with his back to them. Hargreaves announces Dunbar.)
HARGREAVES: Mr. Dunbar, of the World Ecology Bureau, sir.
(Hargreaves leaves. Dunbar waits for the man to turn around. Harrison Chase, owner of the mansion, is a small eccentric man wearing a black suit and black gloves. Finally deciding to notice Dunbar, he walks towards him.)
CHASE: I don't think I've had the pleasure. And what is your bureau doing about bonsai?
DUNBAR: Bonsai, Mr. Chase?
CHASE: Mutilation and torture, Mr. Dunbar. The hideous, grotesque Japanese practice of miniaturizing shrubs and trees. What is your bureau doing about that?
DUNBAR: Well...I...
CHASE: No answer. You are concerned about the fate of the blue whale, and the natterjack toad - and the loveliest, most defenceless part of creation; the great kingdom of plant life receives no protection at all.
DUNBAR: We try to conserve all the endangered species.
CHASE: I'm delighted to hear that, Mr. Dunbar. Of course you know of my concern...my mission: to protect the plant life of Mother Earth?
DUNBAR: I do, Mr. Chase - which is why I've come to show you something. A totally new kind of plant.
(Dunbar opens his suitcase and retrieves some photographs.)
CHASE (angry): Hybrids! A crime against nature!
DUNBAR: No, not a hybrid. It's a mysterious unidentified pod recently discovered by one of our expeditions.
(He hands the suddenly interested Chase the photographs.)
CHASE (excited): Where was this found?
DUNBAR: There's a theory that it's floated through space from some other biosphere. The really important thing is, it may be still viable and able to germinate.
CHASE: Mr. Dunbar. I asked you where this pod was found.
DUNBAR: In the Antarctic. Now in our violent and uncertain world, Mr. Chase, anything could happen. Such a valuable specimen could easily disappear...for a price?
CHASE: Where in the Antarctic? I should want to know the precise location.
(Dunbar gets an envelope from his pocket and hands it to Chase. Chase walks over and picks up a column-shaped object, an intercom of some sort.)
CHASE: Hargreaves?
HARGREAVES (oov): Yes, sir?
CHASE: You and Mr. Scorby please.
HARGREAVES (oov): Certainly sir.
(He puts down the intercom. He opens the envelope as Dunbar approaches behind him.)
DUNBAR: X marks the spot.
CHASE: Forethought and initiative, Mr. Dunbar, two excellent attributes. We shall meet again very soon to discuss your...remuneration.
DUNBAR: You're very kind.
(There is a knock on the door.)
CHASE: Come.
(Hargreaves enters with a tall, tough-looking man.)
HARGREAVES: Yes, sir?
CHASE: Hargreaves, show Mr. Dunbar out.
HARGREAVES: This way, Mr. Dunbar.
(They leave.)
SCORBY: You wanted to see me, Mr. Chase?
CHASE: Yes, Scorby. I'm sending you on a little errand, and I want you to take Mr. Keeler with you.
[SCENE_BREAK]
6, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LABORATORY
(The pod sits in its place on the table. Winlett wakes up from a doze. He sips his coffee and puts the cup back down, resting his arm near the pod. He looks at it for a while, then slowly drops back to sleep. Suddenly the pod starts to crackle and it opens outwards. A long weed-like vine grows out from the pod and attaches itself to Winlett's arm! Winlett wakes up and is terrified. He struggles away from the table, seemingly in great pain, staggering and falling onto the ground.)
WINLETT: Aaah...Derek...!
[SCENE_BREAK]
7, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LIVING QUARTERS
(Stevenson hears the scream and jumps off his bunk.)
STEVENSON: Was that Charles?
MOBERLEY: What? What's happening?
(They both hurry out to find Winlett.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
8, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LABORATORY
(They find Winlett on the ground.)
STEVENSON: Charles?
(Stevenson rolls Winlett over onto his back, and alarmingly Winlett's face is now green and his skin is completely rough! His unconscious eyes stare out into nothingness.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
9, INT: WORLD ECOLOGY BUREAU - OFFICE
(In the near future, Sir Colin Thackeray talks to Dunbar.)
THACKERAY: This Telex from Stevenson, what do you make of it?
(Dunbar picks up the piece of paper and reads it.)
DUNBAR: 'Pod carries infection, Winlett seriously ill, Medicaid needed urgently.' Could have been more informative, Sir Colin.
THACKERAY: He probably doesn't know any more. I have ordered Medical Team to go to the base, but I understand the weather conditions are bad. It's bound to take at least a day or two.
DUNBAR: The people from UNIT should be arriving now, perhaps they can help.
[SCENE_BREAK]
10, EXT: RESEARCH STATION
(A helicopter begins to land near the base. A short time later, with heavy snow falling, Moberley comes out to greet the Doctor and Sarah. Moberley and Sarah are dressed heavily, while the Doctor has not changed his attire at all. Everyone has to shout over the wind and the noise of the helicopter.)
MOBERLEY: Hello! So you made it! Welcome to the loneliest spot on Earth. You must be the Doctor.
DOCTOR: Yes.
MOBERLEY: We were expecting someone much older.
DOCTOR: Well I'm only 749, used to be even younger!
MOBERLEY: Derek Moberley.
SARAH: Sarah Jane Smith. The young Doctor's assistant.
DOCTOR: How many of you live here?
MOBERLEY: Anything up to a dozen, but of course we're down to three at the moment. Let's get inside...
SARAH: Yes.
DOCTOR: Where are the others?
MOBERLEY: Out at the South Bend (?) not 60 miles away, measuring the ice caps, if they're getting this kind of weather they're welcome to it! Come on.
(Much to Sarah's relief, they finally make it inside.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
11, INT: RESEARCH STATION - CORRIDOR
(Sarah removes a glove and puts her frozen finger in her mouth to warm it up.)
SARAH: How do you stand it?
MOBERLEY: Oh, sometimes it gets quite warm. 10 degrees below freezing.
SARAH: Crikey, I feel as though I've got frostbite already!
MOBERLEY: I'll get you something hot to drink in a tick.
(He turns to the Doctor.)
MOBERLEY: Er, are you okay dressed like that, you don't seem to notice the cold.
DOCTOR: I haven't come ten thousand miles to discuss the weather, Mr. Moberley; can I see the sick man?
MOBERLEY: Yes of course, down this way.
[SCENE_BREAK]
12, INT: RESEARCH STATION - SICK BAY
(The now almost unrecognizable form of Winlett is lying on a bed. The Doctor and Stevenson stand nearby.)
STEVENSON: He seems to be conscious, but he hasn't spoken a word since last night.
DOCTOR: What's his body temperature?
STEVENSON: Well that's the amazing thing. I've been trying to keep him warm but it's dropping hourly.
DOCTOR: And the pulse rate?
STEVENSON: His body temperature is 46; his pulse rate is 18 a minute. I'm no medical expert, but on those figures he should be dead, shouldn't he?
DOCTOR: I wonder.
(The Doctor pulls back the sheet to reveal Winlett's body; no longer does he have human skin, and instead he is fully covered in green plant-like skin.)
STEVENSON: Good grief! It wasn't like that an hour ago.
DOCTOR: Then it's accelerating. How long before a medical team arrives?
STEVENSON: Well it's difficult to say in these conditions. Hopefully tomorrow.
DOCTOR: I don't think that's going to be soon enough, Mr. Stevenson.
[SCENE_BREAK]
13, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LIVING QUARTERS
(Moberley passes a cup of coffee to Sarah, who looks very cold.)
MOBERLEY: There, that ought to warm you up.
SARAH: Thanks.
(She drinks some coffee.)
MOBERLEY: Better?
SARAH: Mm. So you say you just found this pod lying there empty.
MOBERLEY: Yes, and Charles in that state. Now does that make any kind of sense to you?
(An alarm goes off nearby.)
MOBERLEY: Would you excuse me? Radio.
SARAH: Oh sure.
(He gets up.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
14, INT: RESEARCH STATION - SICK BAY
STEVENSON: Have you any idea what it could be, Doctor?
DOCTOR: Yes. That's why I came here.
STEVENSON: I thought you came here to see the pod.
DOCTOR: Exactly - before anything happened. Unfortunately it already has! Where's the lab?
STEVENSON: I'll show you.
(They leave.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
15, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LABORATORY
(Moberley is on the radio.)
MOBERLEY: Okay Mike, but try to get something moving, his condition is pretty desperate. Over.
MIKE (radio): Understood. Out.
(Stevenson and the Doctor walk in.)
MOBERLEY: Bad news, John. That was Mike Wilson at South Bend. The medical team's turned back.
STEVENSON: What about Charles? Did you tell them how bad he is?
MOBERLEY: They were in white out conditions and their Snow Cat's fallen intro a crevasse. But Mike is in touch with the Royal Marine Survival Team - they might be able to help. They'll try again as soon as the weather lifts.
STEVENSON: Well that'll be too late! He's dying! Isn't he Doctor?
DOCTOR: No.
STEVENSON: I thought you said in the sick bay...
DOCTOR: It's more serious than death, Mr. Stevenson. He's changing form.
STEVENSON: Changing form?
DOCTOR: Yes. We need a blood test.
MOBERLEY: I'm a zoologist - I could prepare a specimen slide if it'll help?
DOCTOR: Yes it would help, thank you.
MOBERLEY: Right.
(He leaves. The Doctor has only one word for Stevenson. He leans in closer and stares at him.)
DOCTOR: Pod.
STEVENSON: It's over here.
(They move over and Stevenson picks up the tray with the opened pod on it. The Doctor examines it.)
DOCTOR (quietly, but furious): Why did it open? Why?
STEVENSON: Well that...that could be my fault. It was frozen stiff when we took it out of the ice. I was certain there was still life there. I put in under a lamp and it started to expand.
DOCTOR: Mr. Stevenson, what you have done could result in the total destruction of all life on this planet.
(Stevenson stares back in disbelief.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
16, INT: RESEARCH STATION - SICK BAY
(Moberley takes the blood sample from Winlett. He puts it down and looks at the monster his friend has become. His condition is even worse than before.)
MOBERLEY: Charles? We're trying our best Charles. Help's on its way.
(He gets up sadly and with one final look back, he leaves.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
17, EXT: ANTARCTICA
(A pickaxe is digging in the ice. It is the Doctor, covered in snow. Sarah and Stevenson watch nearby.)
SARAH: Doctor? Doctor, what are we looking for?
DOCTOR: Are you sure this is the place, Stevenson?
STEVENSON: Yes, and if you told us what you were doing, perhaps we could help.
(The Doctor doesn't even bother to look up. He keeps digging until he finds something in the ice.)
DOCTOR: Yes! Just as I thought!
SARAH: Another pod!
STEVENSON: How did you...Will there be any more?
DOCTOR: No. They travel in pairs - like policeman.
SARAH: What are we going to do with it - buy it a truncheon?
DOCTOR: No. Take it into custody and keep it in the freezer.
[SCENE_BREAK]
18, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LABORATORY
(Night time, Stevenson puts the pod into a big freezer.)
STEVENSON: Well that ought to keep it cool.
SARAH: Who sold you that, an Eskimo?
STEVENSON: I know a freezer seems superfluous out here, but we do need it to keep snow sample in - until they're analysed.
MOBERLEY (oov): Doctor?
DOCTOR: Hmm?
(Moberley is looking in a microscope.)
MOBERLEY: Take a look at this blood sample.
(The Doctor goes over to look.)
DOCTOR: How's Winlett?
MOBERLEY: Winlett. He's barely recognisable. It's as if he's turning into some sort of a hideous monster.
DOCTOR: That's exactly what is happening, Moberley.
MOBERLEY: Yes but there must be an answer.
DOCTOR: You can just increase the magnification...ah...yes! Take a look at that.
(Moberley looks.)
MOBERLEY: These aren't blood platelets?
DOCTOR (to Stevenson): Do you recognise them?
(Stevenson looks. He is shocked by what he sees.)
STEVENSON: Schizophytes.
DOCTOR: Exactly.
STEVENSON: I don't believe it. It's not possible.
SARAH: Would someone mind explaining what these schizophytes are please?
STEVENSON: The smallest known living organisms. Plant bacteria.
SARAH: Plant bacteria, in someone's bloodstream?
DOCTOR: Interesting, isn't it. A human being whose blood is turning into vegetable soup.
SARAH: Listen...
(They hear the sound of engines.)
MOBERLEY: That's very low by the sound of it.
STEVENSON: It's the medical aircraft. Quick Derek, get the landing strip (?) lights on.
MOBERLEY: They won't see anything in this blizzard (?)
(They go back into the living quarters, their voices hard to hear over the engine noise.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
19, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LIVING QUARTERS
(Moberley and Stevenson are getting dressed to go outside.)
SARAH: Should we come out and help you?
MOBERLEY: No, John and I know our way around out there - it's easy to get lost.
SARAH: Okay.
MOBERLEY: You ready?
STEVENSON: Ready.
MOBERLEY: Right.
(They leave.)
SARAH: Will they be able to help that man?
DOCTOR: I don't know Sarah. He's halfway towards becoming a Krynoid.
SARAH: Krynoid?
DOCTOR: Yes. A progression of the pod.
SARAH: So you recognised it.
DOCTOR: Yes, I was fairly certain when I saw the photographs. Now I'm sure.
SARAH: Well, what is a Krynoid? I mean, what does it do?
DOCTOR: I suppose you could call it a galactic weed. Except it's deadlier than any weed you know.
SARAH: In what way?
DOCTOR: Well on most planets, the animals eat the vegetation, hmm?
SARAH: Mmhmm.
DOCTOR: On planets where the Krynoid gets established, the vegetation eats the animals.
SARAH: But that's terrifying!
DOCTOR: Yes.
SARAH: Well how did it get through space?
DOCTOR: An obvious question - I wish I knew the answer. Possibly their planet of origin is turbulent from time to time, that any internal explosions could cause surface matter to go shooting into space...
SARAH: So what do we do about Winlett?
DOCTOR: I'm thinking Sarah, I'm thinking.
[SCENE_BREAK]
20, INT: RESEARCH STATION - CORRIDOR
(From outside, Moberley and Stevenson help two other men into the shelter, directing them down to the living quarters. All four men are dressed heavily and covered in snow.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
21, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LIVING QUARTERS
(Sarah goes to help; the two new men are shown to chairs. The Doctor doesn't bother to help.)
MOBERLEY: ...into the chair.
SARAH: ...let me take that.
STEVENSON: Come on, sit yourselves down.
SARAH: Come on, sit down over here.
(The two men are not the medical team though; it is Scorby and Keeler - on their 'errand'.)
STEVENSON: Get some brandy, Derek.
MOBERLEY: Right.
DOCTOR: Is this the medical team?
STEVENSON: They were flying a private plane.
MOBERLEY: They just got themselves lost. Brandy.
(He hands the two men cups. They thank him and drink it.)
KEELER: Sorry to be such a nuisance.
SCORBY: Yeah, we were nearly out of fuel when we saw your lights.
SARAH: You were very lucky; lights are few and far between out here.
DOCTOR: I'd like to take another look at the patient.
STEVENSON: What, now?
DOCTOR: Now. Yes come on.
STEVENSON: You just relax and __?
SCORBY: Alright, thanks.
(The Doctor, Sarah, Moberley and Stevenson leave.)
KEELER: Do you think they swallowed it? If they start asking too many questions...
SCORBY: Why worry, Keeler? What can they do?
[SCENE_BREAK]
22, INT: RESEARCH STATION - SICK BAY
(The four arrive in the sick bay to find Winlett totally transformed; a big green pile in only a vague human shape.)
SARAH: That's horrible. Horrible!
DOCTOR: The process is almost complete.
MOBERLEY: And we can do nothing except just watch it happen.
DOCTOR: There is something you can do but it's drastic.
STEVENSON: Well, what?
DOCTOR: Amputate the arm.
MOBERLEY: What good what that do? Can't you see the infection's all over his body?
DOCTOR: Yes well the arm's the source of the infection - it might stop it spreading.
MOBERLEY: You say might, what you mean is you don't know!
DOCTOR: Well of course I don't know! But it would give you a breathing space while you try and find an antidote - that's a chance worth taking isn't it?
MOBERLEY: And who's going to perform this operation?
DOCTOR: Oh you are, Moberley, you're the only one who can.
MOBERLEY (horrified): But I'm not a surgeon...What about you, you're a doctor!
DOCTOR: You must help yourselves.
SARAH: He's not a doctor of medicine. Stevenson's a botanist, you're a zoologist. Ask yourself who is most qualified among us.
MOBERLEY: But, I can't operate on Winlett - it's absurd!
SARAH: Oh at least you could try. You studied physiology, you know how to handle a scalpel...
MOBERLEY: To dissect dead specimens, yes, but Charles is a human being.
SARAH: He won't be much longer if you don't operate! (to Stevenson) Look, have you got a medical kit?
STEVENSON: We have a full medical kit in the lab.
SARAH (to Moberley): Well? Well what about it? You're his last chance!
STEVENSON: Derek, we'll help you in every way we can.
(Moberley is clearly horrified at what they are asking him to do. There is a long silence while he decides.)
MOBERLEY: I'll...do my best.
DOCTOR: You're a good man, Moberley. Come on, let's get started.
SARAH: Right.
(They leave. After they have all gone, the being that was once Winlett slowly sits up. It looks around the room - only one of its eyes can be seen clearly.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
23, INT: RESEARCH STATION - LABORATORY
(Some solutions and medical instruments have been prepared. Moberley picks up the tray with the equipment on it.)
MOBERLEY: I'll take these down to the sick bay and start setting up.
DOCTOR: You'll need more lights in there.
STEVENSON: I can fix that.
DOCTOR: Winlett's still got a chance.
[SCENE_BREAK]
24, INT: RESEARCH STATION - CORRIDOR
(Moberley walks down the corridor heading for the sick bay. He sees something and stops.)
MOBERLEY: Charles.
(The creature is in the shadows, leaning against the wall. It makes a sort of screeching sound. Moberley puts down the equipment and walks towards his old friend. But the creature grabs him around the neck with tremendous power and throttles Moberley to the ground...)


THE ARMAGEDDON FACTOR
BY: BOB BAKER AND DAVE MARTIN
Part Six
Running time:25:09
[SCENE_BREAK]
DRAX: Over here, Doctor!
DRAX: Doctor, over here! Look at that.
DOCTOR: You shrank the wrong man, Drax.
DRAX: No, I was aiming at you.
DOCTOR: Why didn't you shrink the mute? The TARDIS door's open.
DRAX: Right, I've got it. Now listen. One of us creates a diversion and you fly over there and shut the door.
DRAX: Nasty. Yeah, and we can't use the dimensional stabiliser in here 'cos there's not enough room for when we get back to normal size. We'd just fill up the crack.
DOCTOR: Like putty.
DRAX: Do you mind? Yeah, you've got problems.
DOCTOR: Yes. The door's open so the Shadow can go in there and take the Key to Time. Romana can't help and the time loop must be at breaking point by now.
DOCTOR: When the countdown reaches zero, up goes Atrios, Zeos and all.
DRAX: Life presents a dismal picture, you might say.
DOCTOR: Yes, you might say that. And of course there's the Marshal.
DRAX: The Marshal? He's on our side.
DOCTOR: No.
DRAX: No. Oh well. Where's he fit in?
DOCTOR: He's in the time loop as well, making a rocket attack on Zeos. Unless, of course, Shapp and Merak get in contact with him.
DRAX: Where are they?
DOCTOR: Back on Atrios, I hope.
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHAPP: Atrios control to Marshal. Marshal? Come in, Marshal. Oh, it's useless. He either can't or won't answer. And this time loop device isn't going to hold things back for ever, is it.
MERAK: No, not unless the Doctor can find the sixth piece, and the sixth piece is somehow connected with Astra.
SHAPP: But she denies all knowledge of it?
MERAK: All conscious knowledge, yes. But if she's the only one who knows then secret, and if the knowledge is implanted, then it must have affected her, made her different in some slight way that might just show up in analysis.
SHAPP: Yes, but she's not here.
MERAK: But her records are, on your computer.
[SCENE_BREAK]
MARSHAL: Fire!
[SCENE_BREAK]
DRAX: Well, we've got one thing in our favour.
DOCTOR: Oh?
DRAX: Mobility.
DOCTOR: Mobility.
DRAX: Well, if we're only this high, we're practically invisible, aren't we?
DRAX: Except we daren't move.
DOCTOR: Yes. If the Shadow gets the five pieces from the TARDIS, which he undoubtedly will, it's up to us to get the sixth piece.
DRAX: Yeah, but you don't know what it looks like, do ya? I reckon you're banjaxed, my old son. End of the road. Finito.
DOCTOR: The Shadow said I'd already seen it. It must be Astra.
DRAX: Astra?
DOCTOR: She must have it. Let's see where this crack leads, shall we?
DRAX: It's better than getting the boot.
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHADOW: The Doctor has eluded me, but he has made his last mistake. See, the door is open! The Key to Time is mine! Enough! Bwahahahaha!
ROMANA: He thinks we're just going to stand by and let him walk away with everything we've worked for. Come on, let's get out of here.
ASTRA: In this place.
ROMANA: What?
ASTRA: My destiny is here, in this place. Not on Atrios, not on Zeos. Here.
ROMANA: Astra, listen. You're not under the Shadow's influence any more. Now, let's get out of here before he comes back.
ASTRA: No, I must stay. I am the sixth princess of the sixth dynasty of the sixth Royal House of Atrios.
ROMANA: Yes, yes, but we must get out of here before the Shadow comes back!
ASTRA: This is the time of my becoming, my transcendence.
ROMANA: What are you talking about?
ASTRA: Metamorphosis.
[SCENE_BREAK]
DRAX: Yeah, here we are. Right, now, there's the T junction. Right down to the dungeon, left onto the Shadow's lair.
DOCTOR: What? You mean there's a way in he doesn't know about?
DRAX: Well, it will be when it's finished, but a couple of midgets like us won't be much good on a pick and shovel, will we?
DOCTOR: No. No, no. no. But if we get K9 up there, we won't need a pick and shovel, will we. We can still give the Shadow a surprise.
DRAX: Well, let's normalise then, shall we?
DOCTOR: No, no, Drax, no. Small is lovely.
DRAX: Big is better, though, innit?
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHADOW: Now, the moment I have waited for! Open the door.
SHADOW: Light! Too much light! You, fetch me the Key. Hurry.
SHADOW: When the Key is mine, I shall dispel the light, and darkness and night shall reign.
SHADOW: Ah.
[SCENE_BREAK]
ASTRA: Destiny. My destiny is near.
ROMANA: Astra, remember you're the sixth princess of the sixth Royal House of the sixth dynasty.
ROMANA: And we're looking for the sixth segment of the Key to Time. Oh, you're in greater danger even than we imagined.
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHAPP: Have you found it?
MERAK: I think so, yes.
SHAPP: What is it?
MERAK: A molecular anomaly buried in the genetic structure of the Royal House of Atrios and passed from one generation to the next, until finally, Astra.
SHAPP: What's it mean?
MERAK: I imagine it means that her every living cell is part of this Key of Time, and that to save us, Astra must be destroyed. You see?
SHAPP: Hey, where are you going?
[SCENE_BREAK]
DOCTOR: Everything all right, K9?
K9: Affirmative.
DOCTOR: Control box in position?
K9: Control box in position.
DOCTOR: Batteries charged?
K9: Affirmative.
DOCTOR: Test the blaster, K9.
DRAX: Ow!
DOCTOR: Blaster working, K9?
K9: Affirmative.
DOCTOR: You all right, Drax?
DRAX: Just about. That bit gets hot.
DOCTOR: I'd sit somewhere else, if I were you. Ready, K9?
K9: Affirmative.
DOCTOR: Now remember, it's absolutely vital to convince the Shadow that you're still under his control. This whole plan depends on how well you can act. Got it?
K9: Affirmative, master.
DOCTOR: Keep it simple, K9.
K9: The Doctor and Drax have been eliminated.
DOCTOR: Okay, K9. Now forward. You're on.
K9: Master.
DOCTOR: Did you ever get to Troy, Drax? Little place in Asia Minor.
[SCENE_BREAK]
MERAK: The third planet. Show me.
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHADOW: The fulfillment of that for which I have waited since eternity began.
[SCENE_BREAK]
K9: Preparing for blasting.
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHADOW: You see, Princess, you cannot escape your destiny.
ASTRA: My destiny.
SHADOW: It is for this that you were born. The sixth child of the sixth generation of the sixth dynasty of Atrios. Born to be the sixth and final segment of the Key to Time. Come, Princess, prepare yourself.
ASTRA: I am ready.
SHADOW: Ah!
MERAK: Astra!
SHADOW: What is this?
K9: Apologies, master.
SHADOW: You mechanical idiot.
K9: But there is an intruder here.
SHADOW: I ordered her to eliminate him.
K9: It shall be done.
SHADOW: Wait. Where is the Doctor?
K9: Ahem. The Doctor and Drax have been eliminated.
SHADOW: Good. Then these two shall stay and witness my moment of glory, my apotheosis.
K9: (quietly) Master.
SHADOW: Mine at last!
K9: Now, master.
ROMANA: No, you'll break the time loop!
MERAK: Millions will die!
SHADOW: A small beginning. Bwahahahahaha!
DOCTOR: The stabiliser, Drax, now!
SHADOW: You interfering fool. No one can resist the power of darkness!
DOCTOR: Quick, back to the TARDIS! Quick!
[SCENE_BREAK]
DRAX: You go on, Doctor. I'll hold them off.
DOCTOR: How will you get back?
DRAX: The transmat shaft. See you on the TARDIS.
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHADOW: Stop him! He must be stopped! Stop him!
[SCENE_BREAK]
DOCTOR: Good.
ROMANA: Come on, Merak.
DOCTOR: Come on, Romana. Merak, get inside!
MERAK: No!
DOCTOR: Quick, get inside, man!
MERAK: No, Doctor, I'm staying here.
DOCTOR: What!
MERAK: I'm staying here to look for Astra.
ROMANA: But what about the Shadow?
MERAK: Astra! Astra!
DOCTOR: No, Romana, come on.
[SCENE_BREAK]
DOCTOR: Set the coordinates for Zeos.
ROMANA: We're murderers. First Astra and now Merak.
DOCTOR: Romana, it wasn't our idea to use the Royal House of Atrios as carriers, was it?
ROMANA: No, but what happened to Astra was our fault. We're just pawns here to do the Guardian's dirty work.
DOCTOR: I don't like it any more than you do, but it's done. Have you set those coordinates yet?
ROMANA: Is that all you can say? She was a living being, and now what is she? A component. And Merak thinks she's still alive. No power should have that right, not even the Guardians. We must do something!
DOCTOR: Well, you could start by setting the coordinates for Zeos.
ROMANA: Why?
DOCTOR: Romana, you get carried away. If you don't set those coordinates, millions of people will die and this time it really will be our fault. Have you forgotten the time loop?
ROMANA: No, I hadn't forgotten the time loop. Can't you put the new segment in?
DOCTOR: In less than a second?
[SCENE_BREAK]
DOCTOR: Quick, cutters. Cutters!
DRAX: Here, what a mess in here.
DOCTOR: Listen, Drax. Drax, don't just stand there. What colour?
DRAX: Green, I think.
DOCTOR: What?
DRAX: Well, it's a long time since I done it. Er.
ROMANA: Quickly, Drax.
DRAX: Just a minute. Don't fluster me.
ROMANA: Hurry!
DRAX: I've got a diagram somewhere.
DOCTOR: Drax!
ROMANA: Drax!
DOCTOR: Drax!
DRAX: Right.
ROMANA: Drax!
DOCTOR: Drax!
DRAX: Pyramid, green! I told you.
DRAX: Well, you didn't have to make such a mess of it all.
DOCTOR: Drax. You took your time. Where's K9?
DRAX: We found young Merak lying there dead to the world. Carrying him slowed us right down.
DOCTOR: Really. How is he?
DRAX: Well, he'll live.
ROMANA: Doctor.
DOCTOR: Yes.
ROMANA: Aren't we forgetting something?
DOCTOR: I don't think so.
ROMANA: The Marshal!
DOCTOR: What? The Marshal.
ROMANA: Come on!
DOCTOR: Quick!
[SCENE_BREAK]
MARSHAL: Fire!
MARSHAL: Taste the moment of victory. Any second now, beautiful mushrooms will blossom and burst.
MARSHAL: No! No, it's the wrong target!
[SCENE_BREAK]
SHADOW: Sire. Sire. I have failed. The Doctor has accomplished his purpose. He has the Key to Time. I have failed.
GUARDIAN: I expected no less of you, you whimpering wraith.
GUARDIAN: But your death is already encompassed in my designs, for now the Doctor shall release the Key to me, and chaos shall break upon the universe!
[SCENE_BREAK]
DOCTOR: What a shot, Marshal! Ha, ha, well shot!
ROMANA: Doctor, he hit the planet of evil and he was aiming at Zeos!
DOCTOR: Well, I can't help what he was aiming at.
ROMANA: What did you do?
DOCTOR: A mere nothing. A mere deflective forcefield set up for a millisecond set up between the Marshal and Zeos, bounced the missiles smack onto the planet of evil.
ROMANA: Is that all?
DOCTOR: Yes.
DRAX: Well, he might have told us, mightn't he, dog? We was expecting to get blasted into infinity.
K9: Affirmative.
DOCTOR: Well, I'm sorry about that. I don't know what I'm apologising for. I just saved your lives! Can I drop you somewhere, Drax?
DRAX: No thanks. I've got a contract job on down there.
DOCTOR: Contract job? No armaments, I hope.
DRAX: No. Reconstruction, war damage, scrap and that. Me and the Marshal's going fifty-fifty.
ROMANA: You and the Marshal?
DRAX: Yeah, well, he's out of a job now, isn't he. I mean, no war, no job, so I took him on.
DOCTOR: When did you arrange this?
DRAX: In about half an hour's time, I should think.
DOCTOR: I see. Fifty-fifty?
DRAX: Well, sixty-forty, know what I mean?
DOCTOR: Ah.
DRAX: And if you ever want to get rid of that thing (the complete Key) just let me know, won't you.
DOCTOR: I'll let you know. Bye, bye, Drax.
DRAX: Right then. Bye all.
ROMANA: Goodbye.
DRAX: Remember me to Gallifrey.
DOCTOR: Bye, bye, Drax.
ROMANA: Goodbye.
ROMANA: Right, I'll set the coordinates for Gallifrey, shall I?
DOCTOR: Why Gallifrey?
ROMANA: Well, that's where we're going, isn't it?
DOCTOR: We have the power to do anything we like. Absolute power over every particle in the universe. Everything that has ever existed or ever will exist. As from this moment are you listening to me, Romana?
ROMANA: Yes, of course I'm listening.
DOCTOR: Because if you're not listening I can make you listen, because I can do anything.
DOCTOR: As from this moment there's no such thing as free will in the entire universe. There's only my will, because I possess the Key to Time!
ROMANA: Doctor, are you all right?
DOCTOR: (normal) Well of course I'm all right. But supposing I wasn't all right. This thing makes me feel in such a way I'd be very worried if I felt like that about someone else feeling like this about that. Do you understand?
ROMANA: Yes.
DOCTOR: What do you understand?
ROMANA: That the sooner we hand this over to the White Guardian
BOTH: The better!
GUARDIAN (on scanner): My congratulations to you, Doctor.
DOCTOR: Oh, thank you, sir, thank you.
GUARDIAN (on scanner): You performed your task with admirable dispatch. The universe has much to thank you for.
DOCTOR: Well, it was a pleasure, sir. Wasn't it a pleasure, Romana?
ROMANA: Doctor, that's not the President.
DOCTOR: What's the President got to do with it?
GUARDIAN (on scanner): I can change my form or shape at will, my dear child. I appeared to you as the President so as not to alarm you.
DOCTOR: Just be careful who you're talking to.
ROMANA: Sorry, I
GUARDIAN (on scanner): You have the Key to Time, Doctor?
DOCTOR: Ah. Oh, I have, I have indeed, sir. Do you like it?
GUARDIAN (on scanner): Do I like it? Yes, yes, I suppose you could say that I like it.
DOCTOR: Yes, we're very proud of it, sir. Aren't we, Romana, proud of it?
ROMANA: What? Oh, yes, yes.
DOCTOR: What happens now, sir? You said, if I remember in our first conversation, that once it was assembled it would stop the entire universe and enable you to restore the natural balances of good and evil throughout the whole of the universe.
GUARDIAN (on scanner): That is correct, Doctor. So, will you release the Key to me that I may do this?
DOCTOR: Certainly, sir, yes, certainly, of course. Key to Time, I command you. Could I ask you something, sir?
GUARDIAN (on scanner): Yes, Doctor?
DOCTOR: It's just that, well, the Key is already assembled, sir. I mean, couldn't you restore the balances now?
GUARDIAN (on scanner): Yes, Doctor, but I must have the Key for safe keeping. It is an awesomely powerful key.
DOCTOR: Oh yes, sir, yes, and mustn't be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. I quite understand, sir, yes. Key to Time, I command. What about the sixth segment?
GUARDIAN (on scanner): What about it, Doctor?
DOCTOR: Well, I mean, as you know, sir, the sixth segment was in fact a human being, and I mean, if the pieces are maintained in their present pattern it means that she'll be imprisoned forever, sir.
GUARDIAN (on scanner): That is, of course, regrettable.
DOCTOR: Very regrettable.
GUARDIAN (on scanner): But with the fate of the universe at stake.
DOCTOR: Quite. You can't be too careful. I quite understand. Key to Time, I command that you stay exactly where you are!
GUARDIAN (on scanner): Doctor! You have fully activated all the TARDIS' defences!
DOCTOR: We can't be too careful, can we? And it would be a terrible tragedy for the universe if it suddenly turned out that I was colour blind.
GUARDIAN (on scanner): Doctor, release the Key to me immediately!
DOCTOR: Unable to distinguish between the White Guardian and the Black Guardian.
ROMANA: Doctor, what do you mean?
DOCTOR: Look.
DOCTOR: Don't you see? The White Guardian would never have had such a callous disregard for human life.
ROMANA: Of course. Astra, the sixth segment. He would have dispersed it immediately.
GUARDIAN (on scanner): Doctor, you shall die for this!
DOCTOR: I think not. Remember, the Key to Time is still mine, rage all you like.
GUARDIAN (on scanner): I shall destroy you for this! I will disperse every particle of your being to the furthest reaches of eternity!
DOCTOR: Ah well, I wish I could stay and watch you try, but you know how it is. Places to go, people to see, things to do. Romana?
ROMANA: Yes?
DOCTOR: When I give the signal
ROMANA: Yes?
DOCTOR: Dematerialise.
DOCTOR: Now!
[SCENE_BREAK]
ASTRA: Hello, Merak.
MERAK: Astra? Astra, where are you?
ASTRA: I'm here.
MERAK: Astra.
[SCENE_BREAK]
DOCTOR: You see? I think of everything.
ROMANA: Doctor?
DOCTOR: Hmm?
ROMANA: What exactly have you done with the Key to Time?
DOCTOR: Key to Time? Oh, well, I just scattered it round through space and time.
ROMANA: I see. So where are we going?
DOCTOR: Going? I don't know.
ROMANA: You have absolutely no sense of responsibility whatsoever.
DOCTOR: What?
ROMANA: You're capricious, arrogant, self-opinionated, irrational and you don't even know where we're going.
DOCTOR: Exactly.
ROMANA: What?
DOCTOR: Well, if I knew where I was going, there'd be a chance the Black Guardian would, too.
ROMANA: Oh.
DOCTOR: Hence this new device.
ROMANA: What is it?
DOCTOR: Well, it's called a randomiser and it's fitted to the guidance system and operates under a very complex scientific principle called pot luck.
DOCTOR: Now no one knows where we're going. Not even the Black Guardian.
ROMANA: Not even us.


Bull: I'm Dr. Jason Bull. I'm not a lawyer. I'm an expert in what's called trial science. I study the jury's behavioral patterns. I know what they're thinking before they do. Everything my team learns gets plugged into a matrix, which allows us to assemble a shadow jury that is scary in its predictive efficiency. The verdict you get depends on me. And that's no bull. Don't tell me plane crashes are bad luck. You think that Malaysia flight just disappeared? Statistically, flying is still the safest way to travel. It's a business, isn't it? They need to be held accountable. You have to trust the pilot, but... it's a leap of faith. You get on a plane without a second thought. But you have no idea who's flying it.
(thunder rumbling)
(plane rattling)
Flight attendant: Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be starting our descent into Albany in just a few moments.
(crying)
Flight attendants will be coming through the cabin to pick up any last-minute trash items. As a reminder, we're entering some rough air, so please remain in your seats with seatbelts fastened.
(plane continues rattling)
Ma'am.
(sniffles)
You really need to take your seat. I'm so sorry. This needs to be up, sweetie.
(rumbling grows louder, passengers gasping)
(passengers screaming)
Benny: It's a simple question, Mr. Stowman.
Vince: In the world history of stupid questions, that is the stupidest question.
Marissa: Our client just torpedoed jurors two and eight.
12 thinks he's a rebel. Lifelong fan, but I...
Vince: w*nk*r.
Marissa: There goes 12.
Vince: No further questions. This is after three days of witness prep. We've seen worse. Maybe once. This is getting very tiresome, Dr. Bull. Hey, hey. I totally get it. You had a monster hit, and some one-hit wonder comes out of the woodwork and says you stole the hook to his song? It's your song. That's right. And it hurts, Dr. Bull. It hurts. I know it hurts. And that's why we're gonna prove that it took you ten years to write this song. And that it comes... (hits chest) from your soul.
(quietly): I know it's about the collapse of your first marriage. And I'm sorry. But you see these people? They're the jury. They're normal, everyday folks who come home one day, open their mail, and they have a jury summons. They're like my fans? That's exactly what they are. They're the same people who throw panties on stage and cheer for you. And you got to see them like that. You got to talk to them like that.
Marissa: Bull? Rock on. Go get 'em.
Marissa: Bull. All right. Sir Vincent needs a fresh jury. Thank you guys very much. Bull.
News anchor: In the storm, Essence Airlines Flight 1372 went down approximately three miles from Albany Airport. As you can see from the wreckage behind me, all 62 passengers are presumed dead. The president of Essence Airlines is on the line. Call back.
(newscast continues)
Hamilton-Sena and the usual airline litigation firms are calling to sign us up. Crash is less than an hour old, and the vultures are already circling, huh?
Bull: Missing the runway does seem to inspire lawsuits. Sorry, I'm still the new guy, but... you handled aviation suits before? Every crash in the last ten years. And, uh, Bull's a pilot. Maybe it's because I'm a pilot. Just spoke with a former colleague from the FBI. Was it...? Wasn't terrorism. Tried to land in a storm with wind shear.
News anchor: A shocking new development, a miracle perhaps. The nose cone of the plane was severed from the fuselage upon impact. Sources tell us that one of the pilots was pulled from the cockpit alive. Never heard of a pilot surviving a crash. On a crash like this. Before we sign any client... Victim or airline... We're gonna talk to this pilot.
(sighs)
Man: Essence Airlines and supporting industries have all been named in a separate wrongful death filing.
The pilot is also being sued.
(reporters clamoring)
There are security concerns, because of death threats. What's the pilot's status? Thank you. That's all for today. If you needed any convincing lawyers are overpaid, the firm owns 18 floors of prime New York real estate. Best behavior, Dr. Bull. It's a pleasure to meet you, Capt... Captain Mathison. I'm glad you fully recovered. Dr. Bull, thank you. I can't say the last four months have been easy, but I'm here. Oscar Weber. I'm her attorney.
(chuckles): Oh! Gosh, yeah. I've heard so much about you, Oscar. Thanks for taking an interest in this case, Dr. Bull. Not sure there's a need here for what you do. Getting the truth? Winning? We may not even take this case to trial. Captain Mathison here has been charged with gross negligence. If she were to lose in court, she may be facing criminal charges.
Taylor: Dr. Bull, how did you know I was Captain Mathison and not him? Well, you don't bounce when you walk. So clearly you're former military, and you're wearing aviator sunglasses, so I figured... pilot. Plus, one look at Oscar, and... there's no way he's a pilot. All right, let's go hear this flight recording.
Taylor (over computer): Passing outer marker, ILS Approach 1-6, good to land.
Man: Radar contact, cleared to land runway 1-6. Ceiling 2-0-0. Visibility one-quarter mile, wind one-niner-zero, variable 25 gust... Tower Albany to Flight 213...
Electronic voice: Wind shear. Wind shear.
Copilot: Wind shear, loss 20 knots.
Taylor: Cross-control 0500.
(urgent chatter)
Can't... What are you doing?
Taylor: Throttle's up! On the go... got to take it around! Full power, full power... That's not protocol.
Taylor: Clean it up, full power!
Electronic voice: Terrain... Pull up. Terrain... pull up.
Taylor: Five more seconds! Brace! Brace!
(sustained beep)
Man: Tower Albany, I've lost them off-screen.
You need a minute? I'm okay. Sounds like you did the best you could in a hell of a storm. I considered flying on to Boston early on, but the storm was worse there, so... We started our descent, and... (sighs) we hit a massive wind shear.
Weber: The challenge is gonna be the NTSB report. It says... Captain Mathison failed to follow emergency protocol and lost control of the plane.
Marissa: The NTSB says 80% of crashes are caused by pilot error.
Bull: It's not exactly a fair fight when the pilots usually aren't around to defend themselves.
Weber: The flight recorder backs up the report. A jury is going to be inclined to believe it. Unless someone bothers to give them a credible alternative explanation. Her own copilot questioned her decision. And you can read the mind of a dead man? Good for you, Oscar. Do you think you lost control? I don't remember. I wish I could tell you why I did what I did that day, but it just...
Weber: To my point, the plaintiffs are gonna find that very convenient. She had six broken ribs. And a severe concussion. Memory loss does happen with head trauma. You were in the military? I flew 139 sorties over Iraq. Got over 12,000 flight hours. So what's the last thing you do remember? The wind shear alarm. Then I woke up in the hospital. They told me everyone on the flight... And there were no survivors. And you feel responsible. My plane went down and I lost 62 souls. Of course I feel responsible. I am responsible.
Weber: Taylor, no one wants to see you endure a long, difficult trial. Let me work with the airlines. We can hash out a settlement for these families. Lord knows what a jury is going to come back with. We'll know. Excuse me? We'll know what a jury's gonna come back with. We'll know because that's what we do. That's what trial science is. And something to remember, Mr. Weber. Just because Taylor feels responsible doesn't mean she's to blame. Captain Mathison, I'd like to take your case. Huh. Okay, s-so what do we do next? My team and I go to work. I didn't sleep for a week after that plane went down. I was lead mechanic on the gate that day. Couldn't help but wonder if I'd missed something. How you sleeping now? Eight hours a night. Look, I did all my preflight checks. The NTSB was all up in here and they still cleared my crew. The plane wasn't ten years old. There was barely a grease spot on the repair log. So it was okay to fly. Waxed and ready to go. Well, that report said that the pilots did their own inspection before takeoff. Why is that? They're required to do a walk-around. But it wasn't both of them that day, it was just the copilot. Is that standard procedure? It's always the copilot. She did her walk-around like she was supposed to. What do you... what do you mean "she"? There are lady copilots. Well, the lady wasn't the copilot on that flight. She was the captain. I mean... Damn.
Judge: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? Guilty of gross negligence. Verdict. Guilty. Guilty.
Marissa: We've questioned all of our mock jurors, and they've all found Captain Mathison guilty. Let me work on her image. Maybe we're sending the wrong message. I have some ideas that could balance her military edge. Worth a shot. We varied our emphasis on her military record, her stellar pilot rating, nothing's changed the outcome.
Judge: Mr. Foreman, have you reached a verdict?
Foreman: We have, Your Honor. In the case of Berman et al. v. Mathison, we find the defendant not guilty. Not guilty? That's amazing. How'd he do that? It is amazing. All we had to do was adjust one basic assumption about the case. Which one? Meet our client, Captain Taylor Mathison. Uh, ladies and gentlemen, all this case needed was a man's touch.
(clicks tongue)
Sorry. I'm just the messenger. Not the misogynist.
Benny: So, juries are finding her guilty because she's a woman.
Marissa: But the data shows that when it comes to female pilots, there is a clear gender bias. Yeah, but it's not 1977. There are women in power everywhere. Well, it's subconscious. Things people aren't even aware of, like getting the door for a woman.
Bull: Benny's always been chivalrous.
Cable: I don't get it. Is it really difficult to open a door? It's back to where women wore farthingales.
(chuckles): Farthingales. What's a farthingale? It's basically like wearing an upside-down umbrella. All right, my point is we have to dial gender bias into Taylor's defense. Which is? Which is... ...an unavoidable wall of wind tragically brought down Flight 1372, and not even the skills of a great pilot could save them. Okay. All right, I'm gonna play devil's advocate. How do we prove she didn't lose control of the plane if she can't even remember what happened? Start with the flight recorder. Yeah, about that. You're aware that it only covers the last 30 minutes before the crash?
Chunk: My phone holds 1,000 hours of music, but a black box taps out halfway through a Wayne Newton album? I tap out halfway through a Wayne Newton album. Black box is only a piece of the puzzle. Okay, Danny, I want a play-by-play in the 24 hours of Taylor's life before the crash. And, Cable, focus on the flight itself. Fill in the blanks. Danke schoen. That's a Wayne Newton reference for your benefit, Chunk.
(sighs)
Bull: Cute kids.
I take it you and your copilot were close. Yeah. Ken and I were best friends. Mary and the kids are like family to me. They miss their father. It's hard for them to understand why I came home and he didn't. And Mary's mad at me. Been sitting here over an hour, and she's barely said a word. I don't know, sometimes I think she... blames me for Ken's death. Or maybe I'm just a reminder of what happened. You know, those families, they act like I don't care about the victims, but... I think about those people every day. The void they left. The futures they don't get to have.
I just keep asking myself: did I panic? You know, did I, did I, did I take a maneuver that was too risky? Taylor, something tells me you didn't. Women drivers. We've all heard the expression. Maybe even said it in the heat of the moment, even though female drivers have a higher safety record than men. Care to watch the mock trial? No, thanks. I'm, uh, looking for my client. You know, he really should be talking about her record as an Air Force pilot. He will, but first we need to call out the bias. Once people are made aware, they tend to compensate. You did one mock trial and determined that the whole world has it in for female pilots? We did five. And it's not a conspiracy. Implicit bias literally means you don't know it's there. So, you strike all the male jurors? No, because women display as much gender bias as men do. Hmm. Can you scare me up a cup of coffee? No, it's fine. I was just about to grab myself a cup. Okay, great. Look, I know Dr. Bull has three PhDs in psychology, but he's not an attorney. And there are so many unknowns to overcome at trial. We're just getting started. By the end of this process, we will know which types of jurors we want and which to exclude. All I know is, if Taylor is smart, she will settle with the plaintiffs and make this whole thing go away.
Benny: Is a decorated Air Force fighter pilot, who flew 139 sorties over Iraq. Where's the douche? Looking for Taylor. Did you spit in this? No. But don't drink it.
Chunk: You're in the spotlight the minute you walk into the courtroom. Dr. Bull says I need to look strong, but not aggressive, confident, but not arrogant. Well, blue conveys confidence. And navy adds a sense of remorse. I like your style. Thanks. How did you end up here? I arrived via Vogue magazine. Really? Mm-hmm. Weren't you a defensive back for Georgia? Well, I was that, too, before I was this. I knew it. You almost won the Heisman. Weren't you gonna go pro? Draft didn't work out too well for me. Why isn't she in her uniform? Oh, we can do that, if you want to make this look like a military tribunal. In court, we want her to look like a human being, not a pilot. Mr. Weber, I heard you were in the office. Taylor, I know Dr. Bull has convinced you that he has some sort of magic formula that will make a jury see past the facts and exonerate you. Chunk, would you give us a second? And, uh, tell Benny I need to see him. Mm-hmm.
Weber: While Dr. Bull has been searching for biases, I've been in touch with the airline, who are negotiating a settlement with the plaintiffs. A settlement? Yes. It's a very generous offer to the victims' family, as it should be, and it protects you from any financial liability. What do you need from me? I need you to agree to the findings of the NTSB report.
Bull: The report that finds her at fault. A-And if I do that, I'll be reinstated? Well...
Bull: No. Fired. And unemployable and never able to fly again. She killed 62 people. No, Oscar. An airplane crash killed 62 people, not your client. Marissa mentioned you were pushing for a settlement. That struck her, because even though she's a woman, she's quite good with numbers. So, she had Cable, also a woman, also good with computers, do some digging. It seems that your contract with Taylor stipulates the less the airline pays the families, the more your firm makes. That seems like a conflict of interest, but then again, you have all that office space to pay for. That's why I hate lawyers. That's my... bias. So you have a financial incentive for me to settle? It's called a reverse contingency fee. It's how the airline controls damages. That, and by blaming you. Taylor. This is in your best interest. Do not let him twist this. Can I fire my attorney? Of course you can. Especially since he was supplied to you by the airline. You're relieved, Mr. Weber. See how easy that was? Dr. Bull, you're a piece of work. I like those glasses. Dr. Bull, I can't afford my own attorney. It's all right. We have someone. The best, really. Hey. What's up with Weber? Looked pissed. Captain Mathison, meet your new lawyer. Is this normal? For you to sub in for a real trial? It's been about a year since I've been inside a real courtroom. What kind of law did you practice? I was a prosecutor in the D.A.'s office. Yale Law, Supreme Court clerkship. He was a pit bull. If I were on trial, Benny's the only lawyer I'd want. Why did you leave? I got fired. Wait till you hear why.
(gavel bangs)
All right, prospective jurors have been sworn in. Mr. Dworkin, you may begin your voir dire. Thank you, Your Honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I'm going to ask all of you some questions to see if you can honestly and fairly assess this case. This trial is a suit over...
Taylor (quietly): How do you know who has this bias against female pilots? We ask them.
Marissa (over earpiece): Okay, we have six strikes left. Who's up first? The lovely Martha Plemmons. Martha Plemmons, 58. High school librarian. Crossword enthusiast.
(quietly): The key is not to let anyone know what we're screening for, so our questions have to be a little off.
Benny: Ms. Plemmons... what would someone say they didn't like about you? Your Honor, this isn't a job interview. What's the defense going for here? It's his nickel, Mr. Dworkin.
(whispers): Please. I-I guess I can be a little pushy sometimes.
(laughs)
I accessed the district's HR department. Martha's filed two complaints for equal pay against a male counterpart. I think she nailed "a little pushy."
Marissa: Yeah, and self-aware. That means she'd be open to assess her own hidden bias on gender.
Bull: Two complaints for equal pay sounds pretty aware of gender bias. She only has 47 friends. I don't think she's gonna win Miss Congeniality on this jury.
Bull: We don't need her to. She'll have an opinion and stick with it.
The question is: will her opinion help or hurt us?
Cable: I'd say help. Her last book purchase was Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In. She gave it five stars. That is key. If we can establish a gender bias against Taylor, Martha is gonna resent the airline big-time.
Bull: Yeah, I've been watching her. Every time she looks at Taylor, she has admiration. She'll be on our side. Good for the defense, Your Honor. Okay, let's do an online search together. "Three black teenagers." But if I change "black" to "white..." Your Honor, what is this? Race-baiting? Anybody surprised by this? That's just some PC nonsense.
[SCENE_BREAK]
Cable: This guy would win troll of the year for the things he posts online.
Marissa: Mr. Varni is not what I would call enlightened. He's not gonna recognize gender bias if it was full frontal in front of him. I say bounce. Strike, Your Honor. All right, let's talk about Dave Lemanski.
Marissa: Professional storm chaser. Should be respectful of the power of Mother Nature, but... also a self-described expert. Well, at least he'll understand the effects of wind shear. Yeah, uh, he may not be afraid of a Tennessee twister, but he seems to run from the opposite s*x. Surprise, storm chasing's a total sausage fest.
Bull: I'm looking at his body language. He's not a happy camper. He's antsy just sitting through voir dire. Okay, the data on Lemanski is mixed. On the plus side, he will pay attention to weather conditions during the crash, but it's unclear that he'll recognize his gender bias. Who do we have if we bounce him?
Cable: We get... "Rod the Bod," trainer-slash-model-slash-vitamin salesman.
Marissa: Uh, Rod's social media is loaded with narcissistic self-congratulatory dude speak. I saw him checking out a young lady in the gallery. The guy's here to find a date. Total lack of awareness. He's gonna be a huge problem for us. Okay. Into the storm we go. We've got ourselves a jury.
Marissa: Seven women, five men.
Benny: Good for the defense, Your Honor. I'm a high school librarian. I'm a high school librarian. I'm a single mom and teach fifth grade. I'm a single mom and I teach fifth grade. My favorite hobbies are Sudoku and model trains. My favorite hobbies are Sudoku and model trains. For every juror, we hire what we call a "mirror juror." How can they be exactly the same? Well, Marissa's created an algorithm that can track a person across 404 different variants. We put them in the courtroom for the entire trial.
Marissa: They wear biometric watches that allow us to track their emotional responses to events in the courtroom. And with an astonishing degree of accuracy, they respond just like the actual jury. Here we have a dermatologist, a Spanish teacher, and a Web designer. We've identified them as open-minded. Lemanski is impulsive, a self-described expert... Could go either way. But these four are followers. They'll go with the wind. And what about those two? That's Frederick West, infantry soldier. All about personal responsibility. But if he senses you're making excuses, we'll lose him. Orville Maynard, on the other hand... retired English professor. Didactic. Despite a history of celebrated liberal causes, his personal syllabus reads like a tribute to dead white men. And he's spent his career lecturing, not listening. (sighs) So what do we do? We learn their habits, lexicon, everything about them. And then we connect with them, with the help of our mirror jurors. One juror at a time.
Dworkin: It is tragic that the lone survivor of this crash is the only one here to speak of it. It's even more tragic that she has no memory of what she did. Of losing control of a plane, before smashing it to the ground killing all 62 passengers.
Marissa: We're getting good feedback from the biometric watches. So far, our mirror juror for number 11 is responding most favorably to opposing counsel, particularly when they mention the number of victims.
Benny: Captain Taylor Mathison is a decorated Air Force fighter pilot who flew 139 sorties over Iraq.
Bull: Juliette Lee scratched her neck after she looked at Taylor. Something's making her uncomfortable. How's her mirror looking? She is clearly liking Taylor's military service. Looks like our best in with Juliette is to keep focusing on Taylor's experience as a fighter pilot. So when Flight 1372 was hit by wind shear that slammed the plane toward the ground at 200 feet per second, not even a pilot of her caliber could save them. When a pilot encounters wind shear, one advances the power, retracts the speedbrakes and retracts the gear to reduce drag, build speed and maintain altitude. And, uh, speaking as an NTSB investigator with 20 years experience, did the defendant follow protocol?
Reynolds: No. In fact, even her copilot seemed baffled... Objection. Conjecture. Mr. Reynolds can testify in his opinion as an expert.
Reynolds: We feel that had she followed protocol... Control? There is no control in wind that strong.
Dworkin: ...18. Please, sir, if you would, walk us through. The plane was erratic, off course, not holding it's heading, weaving back and forth. It's clear she panicked, lost control.
Dworkin: Thank you. Nothing further, Your Honor. I don't think this guy's a real pilot. He's a paper pusher. I could be getting be high with one of my grad students.
Benny: Mr. Reynolds, prior to the crash, what was Captain Mathison's flight record? She had a flawless record.
Benny: And yet, your report found pilot error to be the cause of the crash. Correct. Hmm. What about... other crashes involving female pilots? This is the first to my knowledge. Wow. Really? Women must be really good pilots. Actually, there aren't very many. Well, what percentage of pilots are female? About four percent. Four out of 100. Now, that is surprising. It's a challenging lifestyle. Don't flight attendants work similar shifts?
Dworkin: Objection. Relevance. Withdrawn. Nothing further, Your Honor. Taylor may be a great pilot, but she's also woman. And beautiful. She's trouble. Tell me more about juror number four, Ms. Juliette Lee. Uh, three kids. Works from home designing Web pages. Creative, tech savvy. And all the data shows that she should be on Taylor's side. Divorced? Three years ago. Her husband left her for his secretary. Find out what color hair the secretary had. Let's bring the copilot's wife into mock court. I need to get her on the stand and play lawyer.
Bull: Your husband Ken was the copilot. Were you with him before the flight took off? We had been together just a few hours before he left. Where? We had an appointment together. An appointment? Marriage therapy? I loved my husband, but he wasn't perfect. He'd, uh... slipped before. "Slipped"? As in, had an affair? Pilots are away a lot. It's hard. We were trying to move past it. Hmm. You ever think about who the other woman was? Of course I think about it. Ken was sleeping with Taylor.
Taylor: What? Mary!
Mary: You were my friend. How could you? Ken? I would never! My God, stop lying! What's wrong with you?! He's dead! She's lost her mind. Why didn't you die, too?! Whoa. Okay, okay. You should've died instead of him! Shh, shh, it's okay. Okay, let's take a little break, all right? It's okay. Marissa's gonna take you.
(door opens)
Bull: Taylor, stop.
You think I was sleeping with Ken? That's what that stunt was about? Not me. Juror number four, Juliette Lee. Her husband left her for a woman who looks a lot like you. (sighs) I can't believe this. Of course I wasn't sleeping with him. Well, he was sleeping with someone. Look, if you're not gonna leave, can you at least turn around? You said Ken was upset. He missed his inspection, you covered for him, and you're still protecting him, and I want to know why. Dr. Bull, I... I can come back. No, I was just leaving. Listen to me. Marissa is talking to Mary right now. I had her testify in mock court so that she would blow here and not in the real trial, because if Mary accused you of sleeping with Ken in the actual court, true or not, the plaintiffs would argue that you were distracted by a lovers' quarrel in the cockpit and that is why the plane crashed. Now, I will get this jury on your side... but not unless you're honest with me. You want honesty? We're done.
(sighs): Oh.
(quietly): Women.
[SCENE_BREAK]
♪ Who's that woman? ♪ ♪ That wonderful woman... ♪
Hey. That your virtual black box? Virtually. Every bit of information from the roughly two dozen passengers using the in-flight Wi-Fi. Selfies from 22D, drink orders from 12A, oh, an epic Twitter fight between the sisters in 18B and C. How did you get all of... You know what? Forget that I asked. Um, anything that's gonna help us? Yeah, I'm getting to that. This tweet from 8C. "Woman in 8D just stomped her foot so hard she broke her heel. #FlightRage." Okay, what else? "Woman in 8D apologized. Said she just got dumped." Juicy. And sad. Dumped by who?
(typing)
"Woman in 8D pretty much threw herself at the pilot when he went to the bathroom." Who is this woman?
(typing)
Tanya Bryant. Twenty-nine. An accountant for a department store in Manhattan. I think we just found our copilot's mistress. Nice. Well done, well done. So, Tanya flew three round-trip flights on Essence Airlines in the last month leading up to the crash.
Cable: And all the flights have one thing in common. Bad food? Crying babies? Ken Fowler as copilot. So Ken and Tanya were having an airborne romance, not Ken and Taylor. So why didn't Taylor say any of this? Hmm. Hey. So Ken was having an affair with Tanya. Not you. You think maybe Ken was distracted, too distracted to help you with the wind shear? We ran Ken's affair past a mock jury. Instead of seeing Ken as questioning your decisions, they found him preoccupied, not focused on flying. And they found you not guilty. No. You know, so what if Ken might've been distracted? I was the pilot, I made all the decisions. I flew the plane, not Ken. It-it wouldn't have made a difference. Taylor, I get it. You don't want to throw your dead friend under the bus. But you know in your heart that Ken's affair had nothing to do with this crash. Right? Look, I'm taking the settlement. You can't do that. Trust me, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Maybe they're right. Maybe I panicked. Did you? I don't remember. So you just want to give up? Settle? I guess it's what a woman would do. Take the blame. Excuse me? Well, martyrdom is a classic female response to tragedy. Do you have any idea what I have been through my entire life as a pilot? Are you telling me you want to give that up? Come with me. Okay, you got me here. Now what? Well, the simulator is gonna recreate the exact conditions... Yeah, I know what a simulator does. I haven't flown since the accident. I'll be right here with you. I know this isn't easy. I promise it'll get easier if you fly again.
Man: All right, Dr. Bull, we're ready to begin the simulation.
(simulator powering up)
Bull: Okay, we're gonna pick up right after Ken got back to the cockpit.
(electronic bell chimes)
Passing outer marker.
(thunder rumbling)
ILS approach 1-6, cleared to land.
Man: Radar contact, cleared to land, runway 1-6. Ceiling 2-0-0, visibility one-quarter mile, wind one-niner-zero, variable 2-5 gust, gust to 0-4-1 wind shear all four quadrants.
(rumbling)
Bull: Wonder how many people get airsick in one of these things.
(loud rumbling)
Electronic voice: Wind shear, wind shear, wind shear.
(alarm beeping)
Bull: Wind shear. Lost 20 knots.
Cross control, 0500.
Bull: Can't... Throttle's up. What are you doing? On the go. Got to take it around.
Bull: That's against protocol. Repeat, against protocol. Clean it up. Full power.
Electronic voice: Terrain... pull up. No. Terrain... pull up. Five more seconds. Terrain... pull up. Terrain... pull up. Terrain... pull up. Terrain... pull up. Terrain... pull up. Terrain... pull up. Terrain...
(rumbling stops)
(panting)
You know what you did? I got five seconds more flight out of that plane. Five seconds is the difference between putting that plane down on an empty road or in a neighborhood filled with people. Taylor, you didn't want to relive it because you were afraid they were right... That you lost control, but you didn't. How did you know? Because you're a fighter. And a fighter pilot. And another thing I do know is that you saved more lives than your own. And the jury's never heard that. Now... (sighs) you still want to take that settlement?
Benny: Captain Mathison, what were you thinking when the plane lost power in the wind shear? Objection. That is not the NTSB's video. Your Honor, the video has been modified in one specific way, and that is to show the jury what was on the ground.
Judge: I'll allow it, but only for that reason. Watch your step, Mr. Colón. I don't remember, actually, due to head trauma from the crash.
Benny: You flew a simulation earlier that replicated the conditions. And you performed the same maneuver. Why? It was the only way to get a few more seconds flight out of the plane. But it wasn't protocol. Even your copilot asked what you were doing. It would have taken too long to explain. He was never a military pilot. Anyway, there was nothing for him to do. I was in full command of the aircraft. Why was it important for the plane to stay in the air a few extra seconds? To veer the plane to an unpopulated area. If I couldn't save the lives of the people on board, at least I could save lives on the ground.
(whispers): Yeah. Captain Mathison solidified these ten jurors today. But? But what does a twister aficionado have in common with a former infantryman? Besides flexibility? Oh... Benny's closing argument brings them both to tears.
Benny: I'm working on it. You've already tried five different versions in mock court. I know, but none of them are right. None of them got us the win. They just haven't figured out that gender plays into Taylor's case. Incredibly, their mirror jurors still think she panicked. All right, I got it. (sighs) You think he has it? Not quite. But he will. Where's Chunk? I'll find him.
Chunk: Bull says you may need a new tie. Really? Yeah. I'd stay away from stripes if you're trying to project a progressive image. I can't crack my closing argument. I thought closings were your thing. Yeah, when I was a prosecutor. But since then, I've been in mock court. You can lose 100 times and it doesn't matter, but today... only get one shot. I don't know if this helps, but when I played for Georgia, there was a rumor going around that someone on the team was gay. I remember that next practice, I tackled that quarterback so hard... he was out for a week. We lost our next game, but no one suspected that I was gay. It never occurred to them that a gay man could hit that hard. At least not until our ten-year reunion.
(chuckles softly)
Chunk. Thank you. Tell Bull I said thanks for the tie. Now, bear with me. I'm gonna show you three pictures that tell a story. Okay? Here we go. Now, as you can see, these kids are getting bullied. Then one of them fights back. Here they are in the principal's office. And here's the bully, nursing his black eye. Okay, now, as a show of hands, what was the color shirt of the kid who confronted the bully? Was it a blue shirt? Okay, well, let's take a look, see if we're right. If you all guessed blue, you were wrong. The kid who confronted the bully was wearing the red shirt. See, I never specified which kid confronted the bully. You all just assumed it was the boy. Now, come on, I admit I failed the test, too. See, it's hard to imagine a girl being the hero of the story. Just like it's hard to imagine Captain Mathison being the hero of the one in this court. But she is. She doesn't deserve to be punished for our failings. She deserves to be thanked for the lives that she saved. We need to find her not guilty.
Judge: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? We have, Your Honor.
Judge: What say you?
Foreman: As to the charge of gross negligence, we find the defendant not guilty.
(gallery murmuring)
That's one in the win column. Very nice to meet you. Hey. Oh. (chuckles) Thank you so much. Of course. Of course. Of course. Mary. Hi, guys. Hi. Come here. Thanks.
(sighs)
[SCENE_BREAK]
(lively chatter)
Bull: May I approach the bar?
Ah, yes, you may.
(chuckles): Aha. Congratulations, Dr. Bull. You, too. Showed a new speed in court today. Yeah, yeah. I picked up a few new moves here. I saw that. Well, I may start calling on you more often out there. Excuse me, Jay. Milady. Thank you. I got a sweet little gift from Vince.
(imitates Vince): "Rock on."
(laughs)
Heard the airline settled with the families. Double what they would have paid if Taylor had been found guilty. So... how's my team? Right where you want 'em. Here.


Outside the jail
Sean: Hey sight for sore eyes.
(Sean walks out and hugs Emma.)
Sean: Ah yeah.
(They kiss.)
Sean: I'm free all thanks to you.
Emma: All I did was help you get a lawyer.
Sean: You got me a hearing. You got my sentence reduced.
Emma: And two years of probation.
Sean: Whatever. I'm out. Now we can be together. The perfect girl and the guy who doesn't deserve her. Man I missed you.
(Emma kisses him.)
Emma: I missed you too. A lot.
Sean: Yeah? I also missed bacon double cheeseburgers with the works.
Emma: I see jail hasn't turned you vegetarian.
Sean: Sorry. Been dreaming about it for months.
Emma: I guess I could put my carnivorous objections aside just this once, but first it's present time.
(She hands him the picture that Spike took of them on their first date.)
Sean: Is that really us?
Emma: Six uber long years ago.
Sean: Sometimes I wish I could stop time. Go back.
Emma: To bad hair, braces and general pubescent awkwardness? No thanks.
Sean: Back to a time when you were proud of me.
(Emma runs her hand through his hair and touches his face.)
At Emma's house
Mr. Simpson: So how was the sofa? Not too lumpy?
Sean: No it was great. Thanks. I really appreciate you guys letting me crash here until I get back on my feet.
Spike: What are your plans now that you're out?
Emma: Already with the grilling?
Spike: I know you two are more than just friends Em. A mother gets to ask.
Sean: That's cool. Jay is hooking me up with his boss. Apparently they need a new mechanic.
Mr. Simpson: What about school? Have you given any thought about coming back to Degrassi?
Sean: I got expelled.
Mr. Simpson: Well maybe I could talk to her.
Sean: No. I mean no thank you. I really don't want to set foot in that place again.
Emma: Tell them about Cameron's Custom Cars.
Sean: Someday I want to open up my own shop.
Mr. Simpson: That sounds like a fine plan if you can find a bank manager who's willing to lend money to a high school dropout.
Spike: Couple that with your record.
Emma: Mom it's his first day out of jail. Can you go easy, please?
Spike: Sorry. We're really glad you're here Sean.
Mr. Simpson: And we're sure you're gonna figure it all out. Your life I mean. You've got lots of time for that. In the hallway
(Danny and Derek are running in the halls and they run right into Mr. Perino, spilling his drink and breaking his mug.)
Mr. Perino: Hey! How many times have I told you guys no running in the halls?!
Danny and Derek: Sorry Mr. Perino.
Mr. Perino: Sorry? Look at me! Look at my shoes. They're ruined.
Derek: (under his breath) So buy some new ones.
Mr. Perino: Are you sure you want to use that tone with your teacher? Believe me you don't want me to make your lives difficult.
Mr. Simpson: Guys go get the mop from the janitor. Clean this mess up, capiche? Go.
Mr. Perino: Smart asses, you know? They drive me crazy.
Mr. Simpson: Just uh try to remember they're just kids. Right Dom?
(He walks away without saying anything.)
Mr. Simpson: Dom!
At the garage
Tony: Engine runs out.
Sean: It's loose timing chain.
Tony: Shimmy in the steering. You know how to fix it?
Sean: Yeah. You machine the front rotors.
Tony: Jay was right. You know cars.
Sean: Cars are my life. You know, if you know how they work, they never let you down.
Tony: Spoken like a true mechanic. Tell you what, we got a Lexus with a faulty AC. Go to work.
Sean: You, you mean I got it? I got the job?
Tony: Yeah not for long if you don't get to work.
Sean: Yes sir. Woo! I got it man.
Jay: What'd I tell you? In Mr. Perino's class
Danny: After years of fighting, the second world war came to an end with the bombing of Hiroshima. Once the Third Rake finally surrendered, the iron curtain divided Europe-
Mr. Perino: I think it's time this presentation surrendered and by the way it's Reich, not Rake. You're done.
Danny: But you cut me off.
Mr. Perino: The assignment was to summarize an event in your own words. Not bore everyone by copying the damn thing from your textbook.
Danny: It's not my fault history's so boring.
Mr. Perino: Well it might be to you, but I'll assure you history's a fascinating discipline.
(Danny sits down behind Derek.)
Derek: He was a teacher.
Mr. Perino: Who said that? Mr. Higg you got something to say? Don't be a clown. Be a man and say it.
Derek: Okay I will. Can't you give Danny a break? I mean he's trying his best.
Mr. Perino: Tell you what instead of giving Daniel a zero for plagiarism, detention both of you and tomorrow I'll let you help him redo his presentation.
At the garage
(Emma tries to sneak up on Sean.)
Sean: Hey gorgeous.
Emma: How did you do that?
Sean: You're a lousy sneaker and every car has at least three mirrors.
(He kisses her.)
Sean: Mwah!
Emma: Based on the fact that your freshly pressed white shirt is now forgotten on the tool bench, you got the job?
Sean: Your little pep talk helped. Thanks and a big shout out to Jay! He totally went to the mat for his bud, huh? My best friend and my girlfriend. The only two people I can count on.
Jay: Girlfriend? Well I guess not even jail time can keep you two lovebirds apart, huh?
Sean: We should all hang out, huh? Catch up on old times?
Jay: Yeah Sean's not caught up on old times.
Emma: Old times are overrated.
Sean: Alright well uh, well I'm all done here. I'm gonna take my girl out for dinner.
Jay: Go have fun. I'll lock up.
Outside the school
Danny: Detention rocks. I'd take it over history class any day.
Derek: Plus we got Perino off our backs for now. Hey later.
Danny: Later.
(Danny leaves and Derek sees Mr. Perino standing by the bus stop.)
Derek: Hey Mr. Perino.
Mr. Perino: Derek.
Derek: Something wrong with your car?
Mr. Perino: Why? Did you do something to it?
Derek: No. I just thought...bus stop.
Mr. Perino: What, no funny jokes? You're not much of a comedian outside of class, are you?
Derek: I'm sorry.
Mr. Perino: Don't pull that innocent act with me.
Derek: Uh I think I'm gonna walk home.
(Derek starts to leave when Mr. Perino steps in front of him.)
Mr. Perino: Let me make myself clear. Show me some respect or we've got a serious problem, understood?
(Derek walks away.)
At Emma's house
Emma: Where is my lucky bra? The one that gives me Manny boobs.
Manny: What's the big deal? You're just going on a date with Sean.
Emma: It's not a date. It's the date. The "he's finally back in my life and everything has to be perfect" date.
Manny: And you're just trying to live up to the pedestal that he's putting you on.
Emma: There's nothing wrong with having a boyfriend who thinks you're amazing.
Manny: Unlike those shoes, nobody's perfect.
Emma: Least of all me. I went by the garage today and Jay was there.
Manny: Three's definitely not company.
Emma: Jay is Sean's best friend. How do I even begin to tell him what I did with Jay in the ravine?
Manny: You were single. It was a crazy time. What were you supposed to do, sit home and knit?
Emma: I'm not sure that Sean's gonna see it that way.
Manny: If he really loves you then he should. After hours at the Dot
Spinner: Okay I will be back in an hour to lock up. Don't break anything.
Sean: We won't. Thanks man.
(Spinner leaves Sean and Emma alone.)
Sean: It's not much, but jail does a number on a guy's savings.
Emma: The place, the candles, the tofurkey...everything is perfect.
Sean: It is perfect. You're perfect.
Emma: I've still made mistakes.
Sean: You're talking to the master of mistakes.
Emma: So you won't hold them against me?
Sean: Of course not. Why? Is there something you need to tell me about?
Emma: No. It's just...stupid.
Sean: Nothing you say is stupid Em. You're the smartest person I know.
At the garage
Sean: Hey last night I thought Emma was dropping hints. Did something happen?
Jay: No. It was probably nothing.
Sean: If there was something, you'd tell me, right?
Jay: Forget it. You're not hearing it from me.
Sean: Jay come on. After everything I've been through, I can handle it.
Jay: Fine, but I warned you. Alright while you were gone, Emma and I kind of fooled around.
Sean: You had s*x.
Jay: No. No, no, no. I mean not really. It depends how you look at it. I had more than she did.
Sean: I can't believe this. You and Emma?
Jay: Dude don't overreact. Look you'd just broken up with Ellie. You and Emma hadn't been a thing for like years. It just kind of happened. Once. You said you could take it.
Sean: Just shut up, okay? Shut up.
Jay: Man I'm sorry.
Sean: I said shut up.
(Sean walks away angry.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
At Degrassi
Emma: Sean? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?
Sean: Never mind. Did...did you and Jay have a thing last year?
Emma: Who told you that?
Sean: Wrong answer.
(Sean tries to walk away, but Emma stops him.)
Emma: Sean! It was two years ago. Right after I had a gun pointed at my face. To say I was super duper messed up would be an understatement.
Sean: How could you do that? And with Jay?! The thought of you two together makes me want to-
Emma: What happened to "I won't hold it against you"?
(Sean leaves and Peter walks by Emma.)
Peter: Lover's quarrel?
At the garage
(Sean walks by Jay without saying anything.)
Jay: Take it we're not cool?
Sean: Don't talk to me.
Tony: Jay get on the Lexus. Mr. Lane is my best customer.
Jay: Uh you wanna hand me that ratchet?
Sean: Get it yourself.
Jay: Look it was over a year ago man. Just let it go.
Sean: I'm not gonna let it go, alright? You took something that was good and you ruined it. Just like you always do.
Jay: Right, right make me the bad guy. Alright whatever helps you sleep at night.
Sean: You didn't care about Emma. You used her! You took advantage of her.
Jay: I didn't take advantage of anybody. The truth is she chased me dude. She damn near begged me to let her do it.
(Sean pushes Jay, he pushes him back and Sean tries to punch him, but misses and hits the wall.)
In science class
Science teacher: So each group is now holding a different part of the human body. I want you to explain in essay form the function of your part.
Manny: Well this should be easy.
(Emma stabs her pencil into the heart.)
Manny: Em! You're killing Johnny Carcass-man! His heart's not gonna work with a pencil in it.
Emma: I'm sorry. I was imagining it belongs to Sean, who found out about me and Jay from Jay.
Manny: Ouch. Hope you had a soft landing when you fell off that pedestal.
(Emma starts stabbing the pencil over and over again into the heart.)
Manny: Easy cuckoo bananas! This is one of the few classes that I'm not failing.
Emma: What is it with guys and their ridiculous double standards? They can do whatever they want, but a girl makes one mistake and her rep is tarnished for life!
Manny: Look I know your little visit with Jay in the ravine may not have been on the Emma Nelson highlight rail, but no guy has the right to judge you. Especially Sean.
In Mr. Perino's class
(Danny and Derek walk into the room.)
Mr. Perino: Derek can I uh talk to you a minute?
(They go into the hall.)
Mr. Perino: Look I just want to make sure there's no misunderstanding about last night.
Derek: Well what you said Mr. Perino...was kind of threatening.
Mr. Perino: Derek you're a smart kid. I hate seeing you waste your potential. I was just trying to motivate you.
Derek: More like you freaked me out.
Mr. Perino: Look what do you say we just forget it even happened?
Derek: Yeah. Yeah I guess.
Mr. Perino: Good. Look go in there and knock that presentation out of the park, okay?
At the garage
Mr. Lane: You remembered to change the oil?
Sean: There's an oil change charge on the bill, isn't there?
Mr. Lane: I've noticed a bit of pulling lately. Um how is the tire pressure?
(Sean kicks the tire.)
Sean: Seems fine to me.
Mr. Lane: Maybe I should talk to your boss.
Sean: You have a problem with my work, then you take it up with me. So do we have a problem?
Mr. Lane: I have a mechanic with an attitude.
(Sean steps up to him threateningly and he takes a step back scared.)
Jay: Hey Sean back off! Look I'm sorry sir. His problem, it's with me.
Sean: Tell Tony I quit.
(Sean leaves and kicks the tool bench over.)
In Mr. Perino's class
Derek: And in late October 1945 the United Nations was formed.
Danny: To promote human rights and prevent future world wars.
Mr. Perino: Nice job you two. Okay, who's my next victim? Jackson? You ready?
(He doesn't say anything.)
Mr. Perino: Blank stare. Figures. Did anybody not stay up all night playing video games and looking at nudie pictures on the Internet? Take the zero.
Derek: Why do you have to be like that sir?
Mr. Perino: Do you have a problem Mr. Higg?
(Derek doesn't say anything.)
Mr. Perino: I didn't think so. Alright who's gonna butcher another presentation or do I have to keep handing out zeros? Hmm?
(Derek takes his bag and walks out of the classroom.)
Mr. Perino: Hey! Where are you going?!
(Derek starts talking to Mr. Simpson in the hallway.)
At Emma's, Sean is packing
Emma: Classic Sean. When the going gets tough, the Sean gets going.
Sean: Not much to stick around for.
Emma: So the minute you find out I'm not perfect you run away?
Sean: Not perfect? I'd say!
Emma: Well what do you expect Sean? I'm a real person! In three months I'll be old enough to vote, to legally drink in Quebec. I'm not the girl you knew in grade seven anymore.
Sean: What happened to you?
Emma: I grew up! Maybe you should try it.
Sean: My parents kicked me out when I was twelve, alright? I grew up in a hurry. I needed to, to survive.
Emma: All you did was build a wall between yourself and the world, to hide behind!
Sean: You let me down. My parents let me down. The school system let me down. I'm just saving myself from more.
Emma: So all your problems are someone else's fault, right?
Sean: It's not my fault you did that to Jay.
Emma: And you'll never let me forget it, will you?
(Sean starts walking away.)
Emma: Okay little boy, I give up.
At the bus station
(Sean's ticket falls out of his pocket along with the picture Emma gave him and he watches a couple with their arms around each other.)
Outside Ms. Hatzilakos' office
(Mr. Perino leaves angrily and Mr. Simpson walks over to Derek.)
Derek: Did he get fired?
Mr. Simpson: No, but uh Ms. Hatzilakos is launching an investigation.
Derek: I should have kept my mouth shut.
Mr. Simpson: No you did the right thing Derek. Ready to give your side of the story?
Derek: Is it okay if I'm a little scared?
Mr. Simpson: Don't be. Okay I'll be in there with you. Come on.
(They go inside and Mr. Simpson looks back at Mr. Perino.)
At Emma's house
Sean: This isn't supposed to happen.
Emma: Didn't have to, but you made it.
Sean: When I came back here from Wasaga, Emma...it wasn't for school or to open a garage. It was none of that.
Emma: Funny thing is you got what you came for. Then you blew it.
Sean: Don't give up on me. Please.
Emma: I can't be perfect Sean. I can't be everything you need all the time.
Sean: Good! I want you to challenge me. I want you to call me on my crap.
Emma: Sure, but if we're gonna have a real relationship you need to save yourself from yourself sometimes.
Sean: I'll ask Tony for my job back, okay? I'll get my high school equivalency. I'll start looking for my own place.
Emma: And what about us?
(He kisses her.)
Sean: I want to get to know you again Em.
Voiceover: In 2007, the series that pushes the limits is going there again.
(A group of guys are shown walking outside. Ellie is shown with Jesse. Marco and Dylan are sitting together.)
Dylan: Oh dear.
Mia: I trusted you with my daughter!
(Manny is crying at a hospital and Sean is hugging her.)
Manny: This is my fault.
Sean: It's not.
Voiceover: Someone will return.
(Craig and Ellie are kissing and Ellie pushes him away.)
Ellie: You b*st*rd. It's all gonna be lies!
Voiceover: Someone will fall.
(Derek looks upset.)
Nic: Lakehurst has declared war on your school.
JT: You want a war? You got it.
(Emma and Sean look at each other, Manny is dancing with some guy, a party is going on, Toby is kissing Mia, Ellie is covering her mouth shocked, Toby is getting punched in the stomach, Jay is getting a drink splashed in his face, Emma is at the party, Nic is kicking someone, Craig is singing with a bloody nose, Emma looks shocked, someone is holding a knife.)
Voiceover: And someone will die.
Liberty: Somebody help!