buffy8x04
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
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TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. SUMMERS' HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 1
Most of the gang (WILLOW, KENNEDY, ANDREW, and XANDER) are
seated around the television. Kennedy and Xander seem anxious
-- Willow and Andrew less so.
On the television, a football game is in progress. Cleveland
Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. It's quite obvious that
Pittsburgh is running away with it.
Kennedy stands and kicks the couch -- it shakes and falls
back. Andrew is rattled. Makes sure to lean away from the
girl. Xander, also on the sofa, doesn't move, his head in his
hands.
XANDER
Access to a Hellmouth featuring
thousands of potential demonic
players, and they still play like
this?
WILLOW
It's all about the coaching.
Dawn enters from the kitchen. She hands a large bowl of
popcorn to Xander.
DAWN
Where's the First when you need it?
WILLOW
If you ever needed a coach who was
all talk but couldn't step on the
field, the First would be your m --
err, thing.
ANDREW
If I were them, I'd just summon a
large Yaegarian Demon to --
(off their looks)
Not that I'd ever summon a demon...
Someone SCREAMS from upstairs. A woman's scream. Everyone
turns, some more seriously than others.
ANYA (O.S.)
No! You can't wear that, you stupid
girl!
BUFFY (O.S.)
Out, out, out! Get out!!
Something SHATTERS. Anya appears, morphing out of the wall,
her arms crossed at her chest.
XANDER
It can't be that bad.
ANYA
Oh yes, it can.
KENNEDY
You're one to talk, Casper.
ANYA
Shows what you know, Slayerette.
Did Casper have such long,
beautiful legs?
There comes the sound of FOOTSTEPS on the stairs. Slowly
descending. Everyone's attention suddenly shifts -- waiting
to be amazed? To be horrified?
BUFFY appears. She wears a tight business suit, with a skirt
that's closer to her waist than her knees.
The jaws of Andrew and Xander hit the floor. Even Willow
seems impressed, causing Kennedy to raise an eyebrow.
ANYA (cont'd)
Behold slutty Giles!
BLACK OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
2 INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY 2
As before, everyone is stunned. Anya smirks. Andrew stands,
as though he's about ready to get on his knees and bow.
ANDREW
Command us, Slave Leia!
DAWN
Buffy, you are going in for an
interview at a counseling firm, right?
KENNEDY
(finishing)
And not the bordello down the
street?
BUFFY
Guys, it's not that bad!
XANDER
Who said anything about it being
bad?
KENNEDY
(sits)
New city. New look. Less clothes.
Willow stands. She crosses behind the couch and puts her hand
on Kennedy's shoulders.
WILLOW
Buffy, I thought Giles helped your
credentials.
BUFFY
He did. But a little extra couldn't
hurt, right?
WILLOW
There's a lot extra.
XANDER
I like it!
BUFFY
Xander!
ANDREW
I'd take a carbonite bath just to
see this again.
BUFFY
Andrew!
JACKSON (O.S.)
I think it's great.
BUFFY
Jackson!
(thinks)
...Jackson?
She turns. JACKSON stands in the doorway, a smile on his
face. He raises his eyebrows, as if he mockingly expected
more.
JACKSON
I did knock, you know. Twice.
BUFFY
Never do that again.
JACKSON
Knock?
BUFFY
Sneak up on me.
Jackson enters. He moves into the living room and stops
beside Andrew, who has found his way onto his knees.
Jackson looks at him quizzically, then returns his gaze to
Buffy. They're rather close now. You could cut the tension
with a knife. Everyone notices. Willow coughs, drawing their
attention.
WILLOW
So, Buffy, when's your interview?
JACKSON
Interview? You've got an interview?
Where?
BUFFY
Charleston & Smithe.
XANDER
What kind of a last name is
'Smithe?'
JACKSON
You're going to be a counselor?
Like, for good? Didn't quite
picture that as your ultimate
career path.
BUFFY
How did you picture me?
WILLOW
She was great in Sunnydale.
KENNEDY
Only seventy-four brutal teen
suicides.
Jackson looks at her strangely.
KENNEDY (cont'd)
Kidding, of course.
BUFFY
I need a drink.
CUT TO:
3 EXT. OUTSKIRTS - DAY 3
A lone biker - KANE - barrels down the road. He rides like
the wind, going full-force towards his destination -- a
massive warehouse, looming ominously in the distance.
4 INT./EXT. WAREHOUSE - DAY 4
Kane stops outside a large steel wall. Silence for a beat.
Suddenly a portion of wall begins to rise, as if controlled
by mechanical gears. The biker pulls in and follows a sharp
turn into the building. Numerous motorcycles are parked in
rows. Each painted in red or gold.
Kane slows his red Harley to a stop at the end of a row. He
kicks off and heads for a door in the other hall.
5 INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY 5
Two separate BIKER GANGS stand across from each other. Kane
enters and moves past several large boxes -- a weapon cache.
He takes up with one of the gangs. Their leader is called
SYN. He steps to the cache.
SYN
It's all here?
MERIK is the head of the opposing biker group. He smiles.
MERIK
Down to the last clip. Look for
yourself.
Syn pushes off the large wooden covering. His face is a mix
of shock and disappointment.
Inside the box are older, pointed weapons. Samurai swords and
throwing stars. Ancient weapons from centuries past.
Syn spins around in a rage.
SYN
What the hell is this crap?
MERIK
Payment.
SYN
Payment for what!?
MERIK
Lunch.
We can HEAR a LARGE SHUTTER closing outside. The auditorium
door is locked tight. Syn's gang is beginning to panic. He
draws his pistol.
Above us, a figure watches from the darkness, sitting upon
the rafters. He's strange -- almost like a three-dimensional
shadow, with a pair of clearly grinning teeth.
Syn aims his weapon at Merik, who only smiles.
MERIK (cont'd)
Do you realize how hard it is to
get a decent meal at this time of
day?
Syn FIRES. The bullet is a clear impact, exploding into
Merik's chest. He laughs, unphased.
MERIK (cont'd)
Time for an early lunch.
Merik vamps out! His face is hideous, with two long fangs
extending from his mouth. Syn freaks, as does his gang. Kane
tries to back to the door... two VAMPIRE BIKERS smile at him,
wearing sunglasses and cutting off the exit.
Merik springs out at Syn and tackles him to the floor. The
room erupts in gunfire, bright flashes illuminating the room.
Merik's gang has the clear advantage, invincible.
Faintly, we can SEE the Shadow drop into the room. He kneels
beside the cache.
Merik feasts on Syn. Burying his fangs into the man's flesh.
Blood shoots out from Syn's mouth.
The Shadow sees. He reaches into the cache and retrieves a
long samurai sword. Suddenly an IMAGE flickers and adjusts --
almost like the Shadow is creating a skin!
Quickly, he is no longer the Shadow -- he is Syn, looking on
as Merik feasts on the twin man. Syn moves out from the
cache.
Merik registers him, then does a quick double-take. What the
hell? Merik drops the dead man, then lunges at Syn -- who
reveals the glimmering sword and falls back -- and slices the
flying vampire from groin to skull.
We don't SEE all of it, but there's a distinctive DOUBLE
THUMP as the two pieces hit the ground. The room goes QUIET.
All of the vampires pause from their feasting and look at
Syn, who gives them a bloody smile.
Suddenly they charge in, as he holds the sword at the ready.
SYN
(laughs)
Time to play!
Kane crawls away, bloodied. He tries to make his way to the
door. We can HEAR the SOUNDS OF SLAUGHTER. It's obvious that
Syn is having a field day. Kane reaches for the handle -- Syn
appears behind him.
SYN (cont'd)
Nuh-uh-uh. Naughty boy.
Kane turns, pistol at the ready. Behind Syn, the two Vampire
Bikers appear. They too aim their pistols at the man. He
smirks. Kane FIRES.
We slowly FOLLOW THE BULLET as it charges at Syn. He brings
the blade up and -- quickly falling backward -- he slices the
bullet into two halves. Syn hits the ground.
The two shards fly into the Vampire Bikers, straight into
their hearts, sending them backward. Syn flips up onto his
feet and approaches Kane. With a smile, he SLICES FORWARD and
INTO THE CAMERA as we --
CUT TO:
6 EXT. SUBURBIA - DAY 6
Buffy, Willow, and Xander follow the winding sidewalk. They
lag behind, seemingly a bit confused. The trio crosses a
large sign that reads: "CHARLESTON & SMITHE."
XANDER
Guys, seriously. You want me to act
like Giles? Do I seem anything like
him?
WILLOW
Spitting image... forty years ago.
BUFFY
I need the credential, Xander.
XANDER
I thought Giles already helped your
credentials.
BUFFY
True, but this can't hurt.
WILLOW
Unless they figure out we're not
who we say we are.
(beat)
Who am I again?
BUFFY
Crises councilor Lori Tate. A nice
piece of fiction, if I do say so
myself.
They stop before the front doors. Buffy takes a deep breath.
Neither Willow nor Xander seems particularly thrilled.
XANDER
(breathes deeply)
Okay, channeling Giles...
channeling Giles... Oh God, this is
hard!
WILLOW
Just pretend the world is ending.
And it's our fault.
XANDER
That works.
Buffy rips open the door and steps inside. Exchanging a
glance, Willow and Xander follow the blonde into the fifteen
story building.
7 INT. CHARLESTON & SMITHE - LOBBY - DAY 7
BUSINESSMEN and WOMEN litter the area. All dressed in perfect
suits that make Buffy look like she's in rags. She notices.
Willow ushers Buffy forward. She addresses the SECRETARY at
the front desk.
Buffy begins to open her mouth to speak, but the Secretary
holds up her hand as if to say "one moment." Buffy pauses,
dumbfounded, as the Secretary forwards calls on a
switchboard.
Finally the Secretary puts down her phone and looks at the
trio.
SECRETARY
Can I help you?
BUFFY
I'm Buffy Summers. I have an
interview with --
SECRETARY
Mr. Hanson. I've already let him
know you're here. Please take a
seat.
(re: Willow/Jackson)
...and you two are?
Willow looks quite nervous, put on the spot.
WILLOW
Um, credentials!
XANDER
Good ones.
The Secretary eyes them in a strange fashion. Unimpressed.
She doesn't comment as another call comes in and she picks up
the phone.
SECRETARY
(into phone)
Charleston & Smithe, how may I
direct your call?
The trio exchange awkward glances. What now? Buffy turns to
the Secretary, who has already extended her arm and points to
a row of seats. They quickly take the hint and make for the
chairs. All three sit. Xander studies the place, looking
fascinated.
BUFFY
What is it?
XANDER
I spent almost my whole life in
Sunnydale. A place this big is
weird to me.
BUFFY
You'll get used to it.
XANDER
Yeah.
(beat)
And then I'll think the place is
more boring than I already think.
A man STEPS INTO FRAME. This is MR. HANSON -- mid-40s, with a
beard that's gone prematurely white.
There's something strange about him, almost as if he's pre
judged and doesn't like what he sees.
MR. HANSON
(extends hand)
Ms. Summers?
Buffy shakes his hand and smiles.
BUFFY
Hi.
He takes notice of Xander and tries to smile.
MR. HANSON
And who are you?
XANDER
(struggles)
Ru... Ru...
(beat)
So sorry for being rude. I'm
Buffy's friend. Just here to lend a
helping hand.
MR. HANSON
Oh... okay... and who's your
friend?
Willow stands quickly. Again put on the spot. Buffy pleads
with her behind Mr. Hanson's back, as though begging her to
do her part. She clearly mouths "Reference!" Willow freezes
for a moment, then awkwardly smiles.
WILLOW
I'm her perky friend who's here for
emotional support.
Mr. Hanson's obviously at a loss for words.
MR. HANSON
Oh, well...
(to Buffy)
Well, to my office then, shall we?
With a fake smile he leads her away and down another hall.
Xander and Willow look at each other for a moment, then sit
in unison, unsure of what to do now.
8 INT. HANSON'S OFFICE - DAY 8
Mr. Hanson holds the door open and Buffy moves through, into
his rather small office. A large desk and a couple chairs at
most. She takes a seat as he moves behind the desk.
MR. HANSON
Now, Buffy, I've studied your
application rather extensively, and
I have to ask -- what brings you to
our neck of the woods?
BUFFY
Well, three or four months ago, I
was feeling bored with life where I
was. Same thing every day, y'know?
So one day, I just packed it up and
came here to meet some old friends.
Mr. Hanson scribbles on a note pad. Buffy sits too far away
to read the text.
MR. HANSON
So, what did you do before you came
to Cleveland?
Buffy's eyebrows raise.
9 INT. LOBBY - DAY 9
Willow oddly watches the passers-by. Numerous CHARACTERS in
suits with briefcases. Walking past her and Xander, one by
one, second after second. It gives a new meaning to the word
monotony.
WILLOW
How does Angel keep his sanity
working in a place like this?
XANDER
He broods. You'd be surprised how
quickly that makes the day go by.
Willow rises and yawns, ignoring Xander's response. Her eyes
fall upon the hallway in which Mr. Hanson led Buffy. She
looks at the Secretary -- her back is turned, writing notes
on a pad.
WILLOW
Stay here.
Before he can respond, Willow shuffles through the lobby and
disappears into the hallway.
10 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 10
Willow arrives at Hanson's office. A few WORKERS move toand-
fro around her, paying her no notice. The blinds are open in
the office. Willow crouches low and listens in.
MR. HANSON (O.S.)
...and just from the looks of it,
I'm gonna have to say I'm sorry...
Willow's face contorts in an "Oh, no!" kind of way.
11 INT. HANSON'S OFFICE - DAY 11
Mr. Hanson looks disappointed. He holds a small file in his
hand. Buffy looks as though she's being scolded,
unresponsive.
MR. HANSON (O.S.)
Just, from the looks of it... your
references are certainly good, but
one just doesn't jump out at me.
And your accounts of your
experience? They sound more like
you're fighting your clients than
helping them!
Buffy sulks... then catches sight of Willow. As Mr. Hanson
checks the file one more time, it seems something hits Buffy.
Quickly and desperately she mouths something to Willow --
12 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 12
-- who seems to get it. She takes a moment and closes her
eyes. Thinking.
WILLOW
(whispering)
Undertegn navnet av Angelus og
Wolfram og Hart!
Willow's eyes snap open and flash white for a moment. She
rises slightly and looks into the window. Catches Buffy's
gaze and nods.
13 INT. HANSON'S OFFICE - DAY 13
Buffy takes a breath.
MR. HANSON
So I'm sorry to say, Ms. Summers,
that --
BUFFY
Mr. Hanson, you did see the
recommendation from the CEO of
Wolfram & Hart in Los Angeles,
right?
MR. HANSON
What? I saw no such thing...
Mr. Hanson takes up the file one final time and turns to a
certain block of pages.
There, set in a fine and obviously seasoned hand, is written:
"Personally recommended by Angel, CEO, Wolfram & Hart. 10940
Wilshire Boulevard - Los Angeles, CA - 90024-3915. 310-555
8282."
Mr. Hanson pauses for a moment, stunned. His eyes adjust,
checking over the recommendation again. Was that there
before...?
MR. HANSON (cont'd)
Hm. I'm sorry, Ms. Summers, I must
have missed this. It certainly is a
very impressive recommendation.
(less optimistic)
Of course, I'll have to check its
legitimacy.
Buffy shows a flare of cockiness, extremely confident.
BUFFY
Of course.
Mr. Hanson takes the phone and dials. In the brief moment she
has, Buffy gives Willow a thumbs-up and smiles. The phone
RINGS.
FEMALE SECRETARY (V.O.)
(filtered)
Wolfram & Hart, Angel's office.
This is Harmony. How can I help
you?
CUT TO:
14 INT. LOBBY - LATER 14
Buffy, Willow, and Xander move through the lobby towards the
front doors. Buffy has her suit jacket over her shoulder,
suddenly casual and very happy.
BUFFY
Buffy Summers, councilor
extraordinaire. It's got a nice
ring to it.
WILLOW
Think you'll do as good here as you
did in Sunnydale?
BUFFY
Hope not. Otherwise I'll get fired
twice.
15 EXT. CHARLESTON & SMITHE - DUSK 15
Buffy and Co. move out of the counseling building. Their
faces are still bright. They move past the paved square and
make ready to cross the street.
Parked on the street behind a large van is a gold motorcycle.
A HEAVY LEATHER BOOT sets down onto the pavement and prepares
to kick off.
CUT TO:
16 EXT. SUMMERS' HOUSE - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING 16
The house sits peacefully on the lane, back-lit by a
beautiful full moon.
ANYA (V.O.)
Oh, come on. Darth Vader is so
evil!
17 INT. SUMMERS' HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 17
Anya stands behind Andrew, watching "The Empire Strikes Back"
on the television. Luke and Vader strike their final blows
upon the Bespin platform. Surprisingly, Anya seems into it
moreso than Andrew.
ANDREW
Anya, Darth Vader is so obviously a
tortured soul crying out for help.
Does he kill Luke here? No! He begs
him to join him.
ANYA
To join the Dark Side.
ANDREW
That doesn't matter. It's a father
trying to bond with his son. More
families could use that.
ANYA
He cuts off Luke's hand!
On the television screen, Luke cradles his severed wrist.
Darth Vader approaches.
Andrew seems unimpressed.
ANDREW
He's punishing him for being so
stubborn.
(beat)
Think about it. Luke joins with
Darth.
They bring order, and in a few
years, no one dies. Whereas the way
it is, innocent Ewoks are
butchered. And don't even get me
started on the books and comics and-
ANYA
Shh, Andrew! I'm trying to watch
the movie!
The door pops open and in walk Buffy, Willow, and Xander.
Anya looks at them, but Andrew's eyes stay fixed on the film.
BUFFY
Hey. Where are the others?
ANYA
Upstairs, playing a horrible game
where they launch poor defenseless
turtles at each other.
WILLOW
How is it that Buffy just managed
to get a job, and yet we have 'Star
Wars' and 'Mario Kart?'
JACKSON (O.S.)
You'd be surprised with some of the
connections I have.
Jackson hurries down the stairs. Sees Buffy and looks quite
happy.
JACKSON (cont'd)
I was taught respect by a dinosaur.
Any luck at Charleston?
BUFFY
Yep.
(to Xander)
Hate Angel all you want, but he's
good for some things.
ANYA
And bad for others, since you two
could never have sex.
Buffy's look cuts Anya off. She takes the hint. Jackson is
positively confused, but keeps his mouth shut. Willow sits
down onto the sofa.
WILLOW
I'm beat. A long day of monotony
topped off by a mediocre spell.
XANDER
Willow, when people ask you how you
work your magic, do you take it
literally?
CUT TO:
18 EXT. SUMMERS' HOUSE - NIGHT 18
The street is quiet. Parks are lined up in orderly rows.
Somewhere an OWL calls out to the night. We DOLLY over a few
vehicles. A blue Focus... a green Escort... and a gold bike.
The familiar boots stand next to the motorcycle.
Syn looks at Buffy's home with an intense stare. His eyes are
fixed on what he wants. He moves forward and onto the road,
dead serious.
A car approaches on the street. A police cruiser. It stops.
The driver waits patiently for a moment, then rolls down his
window and looks out. OFFICER EVANS is obviously impatient.
EVANS
Buddy, could you get out of the
way, please?
Syn doesn't respond. He doesn't even seem to register.
EVANS (cont'd)
Look, pal, I'm really not in the
mood to make an arrest over this.
Get out of the way.
Again, nothing.
Evans sighs. The cruiser's red and blue lights flash. The
door pops open and Evans steps out, fully in uniform. He
approaches Syn, ready to take out his frustration. Evans
retrieves his flashlight and points.
Syn is illuminated, and yet there's still no response, his
eyes fixed on Buffy's house. Evans inches closer, now only a
foot away.
EVANS (cont'd)
Are you alright?
The officers brings the light to shine in Syn's eyes. They
don't adjust, almost catatonic. Evans sighs, unsure of what
to do --
Just as Syn's hands shoot out and twist Evans at the neck,
cracking the bone! Evans drops like a slab of dead meat. Syn
spares one last look at the Summers' residence, then glances
at his latest kill.
A thought seems to enter his mind, the hint of a smile on his
face. Syn kneels down and extends his arm over Evans' shocked
face.
Close on Syn's wrist as something moves beneath the skin.
Slender and long. It runs along the vein and manages to break
through the flesh.
We SEE only a small bit as the 'tentacle' reaches out for
Evans' face --
BLACK OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.