All commentary will be red text inside of a light gray box... kinda like this one.
I shouldn't have to say this, but... Beware of spoilers for all
of the Season 8 scripts!
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Up until this point, we'd seen Kennedy at this pretty strange place in her life. The question that I wanted to solve was… why? What happened to Kennedy and Willow? How did Kennedy end up on the other side of the battle? Though I'd tried to make her not be "evil", there was still a lot of explaining to do in terms of her motivation. That's where this episode comes from. It was also a chance to see more of Kennedy just being Kennedy. We never really got to know her in season 7, so some building had to be done.
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TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. ABANDONED HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
The scene we saw at the last episode...
We pick up with BUFFY punching KENNEDY.
KENNEDY
Go on, Buffy. Hit me again. Shut me
up. It won't change things. It won't
bring back those girls. It won't
stop them from dying, or selling
their blood to survive.
BUFFY
This isn't about them. This is about
you.
KENNEDY
Keep telling yourself that.
Buffy hits Kennedy again, harder than before.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
Feel better? Has hitting me brought
Vi back from the dead?
The name brings pain to Buffy's face as she hits Kennedy
again.
BUFFY
Shut up.
Buffy grabs Kennedy's shirt and throws her as hard as she
can. Kennedy is sent through the air, and crashes onto the
rotting, warped stairway that leads to the house's backyard
deck.
Buffy walks to her and leans over her. She punches Kennedy
again.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
I did what I had to.
Kennedy is groggy, and bleeding more now, but she still
manages to speak.
KENNEDY
You did what you wanted to.
Buffy hits Kennedy again.
2.
BUFFY
This was never about what I wanted.
This was never about me.
KENNEDY
All of this...
(coughs up blood)
All of this, and you're still alone,
aren't you?
Buffy's eyes fill with tears. She punches Kennedy again, and
then grabs her. She picks her up and throws her back down,
onto the stairs hard.
BUFFY
Where's the Scythe?
She punches Kennedy again.
BUFFY (CONT'D)
Where is it?!
She waits for Kennedy to respond, but Kennedy doesn't.
ANGLE ON : KENNEDY
Limp. Eyes closed.
Dead.
A tear rolls down Buffy's cheek as she looks at Kennedy. She
feels for a pulse. When she finds none, she takes a step
back and starts to cry harder, though she tries to hold it
back.
In her mind, she's trying to figure out what just happened.
Right now, it's just jumbled in her mind.
She wipes another tear away, and continues to back off.
Finally, she turns and walks away.
ANGLE ON : KENNEDY
Still dead, of course. Laying on the stairs in a very
uncomfortable position, her face covered in blood.
We SLOWLY MOVE IN on Kennedy.
KENNEDY
(prelap)
Hello?
(beat)
Hellooo? Mr. Hinkley?
3.
INT. FANCY TRAINING ROOM - DAY
The training room that we saw in Kennedy's dream, however
this one is without the surreal haze.
Kennedy walks into the room, dressed in her training clothes.
She's in a pretty good mood.
She looks at her watch.
KENNEDY
(to self)
And he's always telling me that I
need to learn to tell time.
WORDS APPEAR ON SCREEN : "AUGUST, 2002"
MR. HINKLEY walks into the room from a supply closet. He's
holding some hand wraps.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
Hey, you're here.
MR. HINKLEY
You didn't think I was late, did
you?
KENNEDY
You? Never.
(beat)
So, what's the plan for today?
MR. HINKLEY
I thought we might work on you hand-
to-hand skills.
KENNEDY
Okay.
Kennedy starts to walk over to a punching bag that's set up
to the side of the room.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
I'd hate to be fighting a vampire,
only to learn that my hands aren't
handy.
She throws a few warm-up punches at the bag.
MR. HINKLEY
I've asked Ronald to come and help
us. I think I've gotten too old to
keep up with you.
KENNEDY
Pssh. That's not gonna happen.
(MORE)
4.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
You'll still be jousting with me
when you're 90.
MR. HINKLEY
You obviously have more confidence
in my skills than I.
KENNEDY
Confidence? Not quite. You're just
too much of a pain in the ass to
give up that easily.
She smiles at him. They've known each other for a long time,
so he knows that she's playing around. Any other Watcher
might get upset by this, but he enjoys her personality.
Mr. Hinkley's assistant, RONALD (late 20's, British, "straight
to business" type) walks into the room. He's wearing a suit,
but takes off the jacket.
RONALD
Hello, all.
KENNEDY
(looks around)
What "all"? I'm seeing more of a
"both".
Ronald is not amused.
RONALD
(to Mr. Hinkley)
Is she always so...
KENNEDY
Watch your words, Brit-boy.
RONALD
(turns to Kennedy)
...Openly defiant?
Kennedy smiles at his selection.
MR. HINKLEY
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Mr. Hinkley gives the hand wraps to Ronald who begins to...
well, wrap his hands.
RONALD
Don't you think that's rather
dangerous? Her attitude could end up
getting her into trouble one of these
days.
5.
MR. HINKLEY
Nonsense. I believe that her moxie
will be a great asset to her. My
Kennedy here will undoubtedly live
to see a ripe old age.
Kennedy turns to Ronald and gives him a "take that" look.
CUT TO:
EXT. ABANDONED HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
Again, we SLOWLY PUSH IN on Kennedy's dead body.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF TEASER
6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. FANCY TRAINING ROOM - DAY
Kennedy and Ronald are training. Ronald is bouncing around
like a boxer, throwing jabs at her left and right.
Kennedy is easily avoiding his jabs, wondering why he's
bouncing around like an idiot.
KENNEDY
This the best you have?
RONALD
I'm just warming up.
KENNEDY
You mind if I sit down a while and
wait 'til you're warm then? This
bouncing is worse than Daddy's yacht.
Ronald throws a more purposeful punch at her. Kennedy avoids
it, but is kinda impressed.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
Ooh, looks like I struck a cord.
RONALD
Perhaps you should take your training
a little more seriously.
KENNEDY
Kinda hard when you're the one
throwing punches.
ANGLE ON : MR. HINKLEY
Watching them from a few feet away.
MR. HINKLEY
Ronald's right, Kennedy. Focus.
Kennedy stops and turns toward Mr. Hinkley.
KENNEDY
Focus on what? There's nothing here
to challenge me.
Ronald sees that she isn't paying attention and throws another
punch. Kennedy avoids it, grabs his arm and throws him to
the mat without looking away from Mr. Hinkley.
She shrugs at Mr. Hinkley, who smiles in return. He can't
help it.
7.
Mr. Hinkley starts to walk toward the mat.
MR. HINKLEY
I think we'll skip the hand-to-hand
for today. We'll try again tomorrow.
He helps Ronald up.
RONALD
Are you sure?
MR. HINKLEY
For your sake, I'm sure.
(to Kennedy)
Ten laps around the garden while we
set up.
Kennedy nods and heads out of the room. On her way out, she
smirks one last time at Ronald.
Once Kennedy's gone, Ronald turns to Mr. Hinkley.
RONALD
Might I have a word with you?
MR. HINKLEY
What about?
RONALD
Your girl, sir. I have... concerns.
EXT. KENNEDY'S HOUSE - GARDEN - DAY
This ain't your momma's garden, which takes up ten feet in
the backyard. This is a rich man's garden, which takes up
quite a lot of space on a massive estate.
Kennedy runs through the garden, taking in the beauty of the
area. It's perfectly kept, with just about every type of
flower you can imagine, and the ocean visible in the distance.
It's a very peaceful setting to be in, and Kennedy loves it
here.
She passes the GARDENER, and gives him a nice wave.
GARDENER
Working out again?
KENNEDY
You know me.
GARDENER
You should take it easy. You're too
skinny.
8.
KENNEDY
Six more laps, and then I'll take it
easy.
She smiles at him as she passes.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF TRAINING ROOM - DAY
Kennedy is sweaty now. She's on her way back to the training
room.
The house is massive and carries sound very well. As she
walks, she hears voices coming from the training room. She
stops just outside the training room door and listens.
RONALD (O.S.)
This is a serious matter. I think
you should at least consider it.
MR. HINKLEY (O.S.)
I will not. The girl has worked her
entire life. I won't have you or
anyone else taking her dreams away
from her.
RONALD (O.S.)
With all due respect, that is not
for you to decide.
MR. HINKLEY (O.S.)
I've heard quite enough of this.
(beat)
You will not mention this to Kennedy.
RONALD (O.S.)
Of course.
There's a beat, and then Ronald walks out of the training
room. When he sees her there, he pauses for a moment before
looking away and moving on.
Kennedy, meanwhile, gives him a questioning look with just a
hint of anger.
She goes into the training room
INT. FANCY TRAINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kennedy finds Mr. Hinkley sitting in a chair, looking out
the window.
KENNEDY
Hey.
Mr. Hinkley turns around.
9.
MR. HINKLEY
Ah, you're back.
KENNEDY
Yeah.
(then)
What was all of that about?
Mr. Hinkley looks down. He didn't want her to hear that.
MR. HINKLEY
It was nothing. We should continue
your training.
He stands up and faces her. She's not going to let this go.
KENNEDY
You guys were talking about me. I
think I have a right to know what it
was about.
Mr. Hinkly looks her in the eyes. This topic hurts him because
he knows it will hurt her. He hesitates, but finally gestures
for her to sit. She shakes her head.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
Just tell me.
He hesitates again, trying to find his words. Finally, he
speaks.
MR. HINKLEY
You and I have been training for
quite a while now. You were just a
girl when I first came here.
KENNEDY
Are you leaving?
MR. HINKLEY
No. Nothing like that.
(beat)
You see, the Council has seen fit-
against my wishes- to alter your
status.
KENNEDY
Meaning?
MR. HINKLEY
Meaning that they no longer view you
as a viable candidate for Slayer.
You are what they call "Past the age
of duty."
10.
KENNEDY
"Past the age..."?
(beat)
You mean I'm too old? That's bullsh--
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The age issue comes from something that always seemed odd to me in season 7. We had a house full of 15 year old girls, and Kennedy who just happened to be 19. I'm sure it was made that way so that Willow wouldn't be a huge law breaking weirdo by dating her, but it seemed out of place to me. What Slayer would be called at 19? So that's where this angle of the story came from.
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MR. HINKLEY
I couldn't agree more. You are a
talented young women who deserves
this as much as, if not more than,
anyone else.
KENNEDY
Who says that the Council gets to
pick the Slayers anyway? What do
they know?
MR. HINKLEY
They don't. Not for sure.
KENNEDY
Then what's the big deal?
MR. HINKLEY
It's simply a matter of history.
There has never been a Slayer called
past the age of seventeen. Even then,
it was incredibly rare.
KENNEDY
So, what? I get tossed aside? You
get sent to the next toddler to come
along?
MR. HINKLEY
Not at all.
Mr. Hinkley begins to pace.
MR. HINKLEY (CONT'D)
You're still an asset to the Council.
Your training and knowledge of the
demon world would still be useful to
them.
KENNEDY
But not as a Slayer.
MR. HINKLEY
No.
Kennedy thinks this over for a second. It's quite upsetting.
Tears start to form in her eyes as she looks back to Mr.
Hinkley. She's not only sad, but angry.
11.
KENNEDY
I have given my entire life to this
calling, and now they're telling me
that it's not gonna happen?
Mr. Hinkley doesn't respond. He can't even look her in the
eyes.
Kennedy shakes her head.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
No.
(beat)
No, this isn't happening. I didn't
put all of this work into being a
Slayer, just so I could be retired
to England to file reports and catalog
ancient texts. I didn't miss every
birthday party that my family has
thrown for me for the last fourteen
years, just to watch some other girl
take the job away from me. I won't
let that happen.
MR. HINKLEY
There really isn't anything that we
can do.
(beat)
I'm sorry.
Kennedy tries to think of an answer to this, but she can't.
She turns and walks out of the room.
ANGLE ON : MR. HINKLEY
He watches her go with a pained expression on his face.
Behind him, a HOODED FIGURE slowly approaches.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF TRAINING ROOM - DAY
Kennedy walks down the hall. Once she puts some space between
herself and the training room, she stops. She leans against
the wall and stares down at the ground, thinking.
RONALD (O.S.)
I suppose he told you then?
Kennedy looks up at Ronald who is walking her way with a
glass of soda.
KENNEDY
Get out of here.
Ronald stops near her and holds out the soda for her. She
doesn't take it.
12.
RONALD
I understand that this is hard on
you.
He puts the soda down on a nearby table.
KENNEDY
You must love it.
RONALD
Quite the opposite.
He leans against the wall next to her.
RONALD (CONT'D)
Do you know how one becomes a Watcher?
No reply.
RONALD (CONT'D)
Usually, it's something that's passed
along through families. My mother
was a Watcher, and her mother before
her. Before her, it was my great
grandfather. I can trace the line
back hundreds of years. We're told
about it at a young age, and we're
usually shipped off to a boarding
school for special training. We remain
there until we enter University, at
which point we're allowed to attend
a normal school.
(beat)
Of course, even then, there are
special programs for us.
KENNEDY
I really don't see why you're still
talking.
RONALD
I just want you to know how sorry I
am for you. I know how hard this
must be.
He puts a hand on her shoulder in a comforting way. She turns
and looks at him. After a beat, her sad expression turns to
a smile and then laughter.
KENNEDY
Wow. You have no idea how not my
type you are.
RONALD
Wha...? I didn't mean to--
13.
KENNEDY
Sure you didn't.
She starts to walk away.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
Seriously though, thanks for the
laugh.
EXT. KENNEDY'S HOUSE - GARDEN - NIGHT
Kennedy isn't wearing her training clothes anymore. She's
dressed in some pretty expensive street clothes. The kind
that make rich kids look like poor kids who wanna look like
rich kids.
She's deep in thought. Trying to figure out what to do with
her life.
A MAID walks out to her. She stands behind Kennedy in a very
proper manner.
MAID
Excuse me, Ma'am.
Kennedy turns.
KENNEDY
What?
MAID
Mr. Hinkley has asked to see you in
your training room at once.
Kennedy nods. The maid walks way.
Kennedy remains where she is for a moment, still deep in her
own thoughts. She finally stands up, and starts to walk out
of the garden.
INT. FANCY TRAINING ROOM - NIGHT
The room is dark now. The only light in the room is the
generous amount of moonlight that's coming through the massive
windows.
Kennedy walks into the room and looks around.
KENNEDY
Mr. Hinkley? You in here?
REVEAL Mr. Hinkley, standing behind her.
MR. HINKLEY
Hello, Kennedy.
She turns with a surprised jump.
14.
KENNEDY
If you're trying to give me a heart
attack, good job. What's with the
lights?
MR. HINKLEY
(looking around)
I didn't think them necessary.
(beat)
I've been thinking about your
situation.
Kennedy looks at the ground, upset.
KENNEDY
I'm sorry I ran off. It's not your
fault.
MR. HINKLEY
I understand. You've worked hard.
That's why neither of us should be
willing to give in so easily.
KENNEDY
Not a lot we can do, right?
He doesn't respond to her. He starts to walk around her. She
keeps her eyes on him, noticing that he is acting odd.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
What's going on here? Are you okay?
MR. HINKLEY
Fine. I've just been thinking, that's
all.
KENNEDY
About?
MR. HINKLEY
About how we might change your
destiny.
Kennedy smiles, not getting it.
KENNEDY
Do you have a map to the fountain of
youth, 'cause I don't see me getting
younger.
MR. HINKLEY
I've come up with a plan. One that
may allow you to become a Slayer.
KENNEDY
How?
15.
MR. HINKLEY
You don't need the details right
now. You only need to listen to me
and do exactly as I tell you,
understand?
Kennedy is a little confused, but she nods anyway.
WIDE ANGLE
We see them from the other side of the room, still talking.
MR. HINKLEY (CONT'D)
There's a man on his way to see you.
A Watcher. He'll ask you to go with
him.
KENNEDY
Why?
MR. HINKLEY
He'll explain that to you. Now, I
want you to go with him. Stay with
him, and do as he says until I contact
you again.
KENNEDY
Where will you be?
MR. HINKLEY
Working. Making arrangments.
(beat)
It's important that you do not tell
him, or anyone else about this plan.
Don't even let them know that you're
talking with me. They can't even
know that I'm still alive. Do you
understand me?
KENNEDY
Not even a little. What are we doing?
PAN DOWN SLOWLY.
MR. HINKLEY
I'll tell you that when the time is
right. Until then, do exactly as I
tell you.
As Mr. Hinkley says this, we continue to PAN DOWN until we
eventually see behind a desk that's set up in the back of
the room. On the floor behind this desk, Mr. Hinkley is laying
on the ground, dead.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT ONE
16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL BUILDING - DORM ROOM - DAY
Kennedy is sitting on one of the six beds in the room, staring
out the window.
ANNABELLE walks into the room and goes to her own bed. She
starts to feel under it for something. As she feels, she
looks up at Kennedy.
ANNABELLE
Training session's about to start.
Aren't you coming?
KENNEDY
Nope.
Annabelle finds a pair of sneakers and stands back up.
ANNABELLE
I don't think Mr. Kendall would like
you skipping out on it again.
KENNEDY
The way I see it, it doesn't really
matter what Mr. Kendall thinks.
ANNABELLE
But, he's our teacher. We have to do
as he says.
KENNEDY
Or what? They'll kick me out of here?
(shakes head)
I don't see it happening. Not with
the way they've kept us locked up
like prisoners for the last three
months.
ANNABELLE
We're not prisoners. We're potential
Slayers, and they're our Watchers.
We have a duty.
Kennedy looks out the window again and smiles.
KENNEDY
Yeah.
She looks back to Annabelle, turning more serious.
17.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
Don't you ever wonder what we're
doing here? I mean, I've been in
training since I was five, and I
never had to stay here before.
Suddenly we're expected to live in
England until we're called?
Annabelle sits down, turning a bit more somber herself.
ANNABELLE
I do wonder. Most of the girls do, I
suppose. The littler ones still cry
for their mothers at night. I can
hear them.
KENNEDY
Don't you think it's about time they
told us what the hell's going on?
ANNABELLE
It's not our place to demand anything.
We're not in charge.
Kennedy thinks about this for a second.
KENNEDY
No. We're not in charge.
(beat)
But why not? We're the potential
Slayers, right? Who put the Watchers
in charge of our destiny?
Kennedy stands up and starts to walk out.
ANNABELLE
Where are you going?
KENNEDY
To see about getting some answers
from Mr. Travers.
As she says that, Kennedy exits the room. Annabelle yells
after her.
ANNABELLE
But, he's in session!
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
GILES is standing in front of QUENTIN TRAVERS and several
OTHER WATCHERS, holding papers in his hands. More papers,
photographs and file folders are spread out over the entire
table.
18.
GILES
As we can clearly see from these
papers, every potential Slayer and
Watcher in the world is being
targeted. We can't simply sit around
and hope that they go away.
QUENTIN
What would you suggest we do then,
Mr. Giles?
GILES
(sarcastic)
I don't know. I thought we might
attempt to stop it at some point.
QUENTIN
Which we will do.
(beat)
I think you've spent too much time
with Buffy Summers. You're forgetting
how our job is done. These things
take time. Wars must be planned.
GILES
Time? Every day, more reports exactly
like these are flowing into our
offices.
(holds up a picture)
Roy Hinkley worked for this Council
for nearly forty years before he was
butchered.
CLOSE ON : THE PHOTOGRAGH
A black and white image of Mr. Hinkley on the floor, horribly
bloodied.
GILES (CONT'D)
I think it's about time that we took
action. We must try to stop this
from happening again.
(then)
Perhaps you're right and I have spent
too much time with Buffy, because
I've obviously picked up this
rebellious sense of logic from
somewhere and it certainly wasn't
here.
QUENTIN
Mr. Giles, I warn you. Another
outburst like that and you will be
dismissed from these chambers.
19.
Giles takes a breath and composes himself. He picks up another
photograph with his other hand (keeping Mr. Hinkley's with
him).
CLOSE ON : THE NEW PHOTOGRAPH
Another black and white image. This one is more like a still
image taken from a security camera.
GILES
This image was captured three weeks
ago, in Tokyo. Just before Donovan
Crowley was murdered, and his
potential Slayer was gutted. This
image clearly shows the face of those
responsible.
QUENTIN
Right. The- um...
(checks notes)
The Bringers.
Giles can't help but laugh at Quentin's lack of interest.
GILES
Yes, the Bringers. Also known as
agents of the First Evil.
QUENTIN
We're all well aware of these facts,
Mr. Giles.
GILES
And yet we're not devoting every
ounce of manpower to stopping it.
Why?
QUENTIN
We are working toward stopping these
killings, I assure you.
GILES
Exactly what is being done to stop
this? All I've seen is us managing
to gather a school full of potential
Slayers in one convenient place for
the First to attack.
QUENTIN
You aren't--
Quentin is about to respond with another one of his calm,
yet annoyingly snippy replies when the doors to the chamber
burst open. Kennedy rushes into the room.
20.
QUENTIN (CONT'D)
This is a private meeting, young
lady!
KENNEDY
Was.
Kennedy stops at the end of the table, near Giles.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
I want to know what's going on here.
I have a right.
QUENTIN
You have what we give you. Nothing
more.
KENNEDY
And who made you king? Last time I
checked, your job was to assist the
Slayer. Since I'm a hell of a lot
closer to being a Slayer than you, I
think it's time you filled me in on
all of this.
She looks around the table at the files and pictures.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
What's going on here? What is this?
She picks up a picture and studies it.
QUENTIN
What is your name.
GILES
This is Kennedy. She was in Roy
Hinkley's care.
QUENTIN
Another American. I'm starting to
notice a pattern here.
Kennedy is still studying the files as Giles attempts to
keep her from seeing the image of Mr. Hinkley.
KENNEDY
What are these?
(beat)
Slayers? Watchers?
QUENTIN
Return to your quarters, Miss Kennedy.
KENNEDY
Not happening.
21.
She notices that Giles is holding a picture that he's trying
to hide from her.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
What's that?
GILES
You don't need to see this one.
Kennedy stares Giles down, and then walks to him. She grabs
for the photo. While he tries to pull it back, she manages
to snatch it from him.
When she looks at it, confusion and pain fill her face. She
begins to cry. Giles puts a hand on her shoulder, but she
pulls away.
KENNEDY
What is this?
TWO SECURITY GUARDS enter the room. They grab Kennedy.
QUENTIN
(to the guards)
Escort her back to the dormitory.
Kennedy isn't strong enough to fight them. As they pull her
out of the room, Giles watches, feeling for her.
Once Kennedy's gone, Giles looks back to Quentin.
GILES
She does have a right to know.
QUENTIN
She'll know when we decide to tell
her.
Giles hears this, and then looks back toward the door,
plotting.
QUENTIN (CONT'D)
Now, as for your concerns, Mr. Giles,
rest assured that action is being
taken.
Giles turns back to Quentin.
QUENTIN (CONT'D)
We have offices in several countries
working on a plan as we speak. Once
that plan is decided upon, you will
be notified.
Giles isn't really paying attention at this point. His mind
is working on other things.
22.
GILES
Fine.
(beat)
Umm, I'm sorry, but I really must be
going now.
Giles gathers some papers, and walks out of the room. Quentin
watches him, slightly annoyed.
QUENTIN
You're dismissed.
(to the other Watchers)
Now, moving on to other matters.
I've received word from India that
the--
A FEMALE WATCHER rushes into the room. She's out of breath
and has an urgent expression on her face. When Quentin sees
her, he knows something is wrong.
QUENTIN (CONT'D)
What is it?
FEMALE WATCHER
We've been attacked, sir.
QUENTIN
Attacked? Where?
FEMALE WATCHER
Everywhere. Offices in several
countries have reported bombings,
while others have been infiltrated
and pillaged.
QUENTIN
(thoughtful beat,
then calmly)
The First.
Quentin stands and looks to the rest of the Watchers in the
room. He remains calm.
QUENTIN (CONT'D)
Contact your departments and get
their reports. We shall meet again
in six hours to discuss this further.
The others in the room are not as calm. As soon as he says
that, they rush out of the room. Quentin looks out the window,
at the view of London.
QUENTIN (CONT'D)
Well, Mr. Giles... It would seem
that you may get your war after all.
23.
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - DAY
WATCHERS are scurrying about like little tweed mice on a
sinking ship. All of them are on urgent business.
Giles walks through the hall, watching them. He doesn't yet
know what's happened.
He grabs a YOUNG WATCHER as he is passing.
GILES
What's going on here?
YOUNG WATCHER
We've come under attack, sir. Bombings
in several countries. Murders
everywhere.
(scared beat)
We're at war.
Giles lets the young man go, and takes a moment to think
about this.
GILES
Bloody hell.
Finally, Giles makes a decision. He turns around and rushes
back the way he came.
INT. WATCHERS COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS - LIBRARY - DAY
This is a massive library. More like the warehouse that the
Ark of the Covenant was put in at the end of "Raiders Of The
Lost Ark".
Giles rushes into the library, which is surprisingly empty.
He's holding a computer print-out, and is using it as his
map around this place. He takes a moment to gather his
bearings, and then rushes through the stacks, on a very
specific mission.
He comes across the section that he's looking for. After a
few seconds of quickly skimming the books, he finds the titles
that he is looking for. He grabs two books, and rushes back
out of the room.
EXT. WATCHERS COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Giles rushes from the building, which looks quite still from
out here. He is not only holding the books, but a handful of
other documents in his hands. He's very determined to get
out of this building, seeing as how he just stole important
texts from the Council.
As Giles walks away, THE BUILDING EXPLODES behind him. He
ducks and covers, and looks back in shock. He stands there
for a moment, stunned.
24.
GILES
God, help us.
After taking a moment to think, a realization comes over
him.
GILES (CONT'D)
The girls.
He once again begins to rush down the street.
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Giles is sitting in the waiting room of the hospital. Kennedy,
Annabelle and MOLLY are sitting nearby. All are very somber.
MOLLY
This can't be happening. It isn't
real.
(then, to Giles)
I just went for something to eat,
and...
GILES
I know.
Giles takes a breath and thinks for a moment.
GILES (CONT'D)
But, as upset as we are, we have to
put it behind us. We have to find a
way to move on.
ANNABELLE
How? Where will we go now? Do we
just go home?
GILES
No. You can't go home. Not yet.
(thinks)
We'll go to America. To California.
I'll inform what remains of the
Council that this is where all
potential Slayers should be directed.
KENNEDY
What's in California?
GILES
The Slayer.
ANNABELLE
Can she help us?
GILES
If anyone can, it's Buffy.
25.
KENNEDY
(not amused)
"Buffy"? We're supposed to trust our
lives to someone named "Buffy"?
GILES
I assure you, she's quite capable.
We'll head there at once.
Kennedy looks up, trying to work all of this out in her mind.
As she looks up, she sees Mr. Hinkley standing down the
hallway, near the bathroom. She looks back to see if anyone
else is looking at him, but they're not. They are all in
their own worlds.
KENNEDY
I have to go to the bathroom.
Without waiting for a reply, Kennedy stands and heads toward
the bathroom. Mr. Hinkley walks into it before her (of course,
Kennedy doesn't see that the door isn't opened for him)
INT. HOSPITAL - BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kennedy walks into the bathroom and looks at Mr. Hinkley.
She's happy, but in serious shock.
KENNEDY
You're here.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Yes.
KENNEDY
But, I saw pictures... You were dead.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
I made it seem that way.
Kennedy looks at him, and then looks away. She shakes her
head.
KENNEDY
Giles told me about something called
the First. Says it can take the form
of dead people.
Kennedy tries to touch Mr. Hinkley. HER HAND PASSES THROUGH
HIM. Kennedy looks away, upset. She's fighting back tears.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
You blew up the Council. You killed
those girls.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
This doesn't change anything.
26.
KENNEDY
"Doesn't change anything"? You're
the First Evil!
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
You might not want to yell that quite
so loudly.
Kennedy tries to punch the First, but HER FIST PASSES THROUGH
HIM.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
Did that accomplish anything, really?
KENNEDY
I hate you. I hate you. You killed
my Watcher. One person in this world
that I actually cared about, and now
he's gone and you expect me to help
you?
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Gone? Does it look like he's gone?
KENNEDY
You're not him.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
I am him. Do you think that I simply
take the form of the dead?
(beat)
I become them. I am them. Everything
that your Watcher was is part of me.
Kennedy shakes her head.
KENNEDY
He could never be part of you. He
wasn't evil.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Everyone's got a little of me in
them. How else would I remember the
time that you snuck out of the house
to go to a concert?
Kennedy can't help but feel a little bit of connection to
this memory.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
You got drunk, didn't you? You knew
that if your father found out, he
wouldn't like it.
Kennedy begins to tear up.
27.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
Who did you call, Kennedy?
Kennedy doesn't respond.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
You called me. I never told your
father, did I?
(beat)
And the time you stole your step-
mother's car and crashed it? Who
helped you?
KENNEDY
That wasn't you. That man is dead
because of you.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
It was me. Mr. Hinkley loved you.
He'd do anything for you, and that's
why he lied for you and protected
you.
(beat)
Do you think that I wasn't in there?
That I didn't give him the idea?
The First smiles.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
I remember when you were a little
girl, training with your weapons.
You could hardly hold them up, but
you were so determined.
KENNEDY
Stop it.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
I was there for you. Every day of
your life, I was there. Don't try to
pretend that I wasn't. You've felt
me.
Kennedy looks down, and then looks back up with an angry
expression.
KENNEDY
I hate you.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Hate is an under appreciated emotion.
Kennedy looks away from the First.
28.
KENNEDY
There never was a plan to help me
become a Slayer, was there? That was
you. Using me.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
That was me, but there is most
certainly a plan. One which will
benifit us both if you're still
willing to help me.
KENNEDY
I've trained my entire life to fight
you.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
And what did that get you? You're
too old to be a Slayer the natural
way. All the training in the world
can't change that.
KENNEDY
So I'm supposed to trust you? I'm
supposed to go along with your plan
and pretend that I don't know you're
evil?
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Good and evil are black and white
terms, Kennedy. Since when does the
world work in such a simple manner?
Kennedy doesn't respond.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
What I'm offering you is the chance
to fulfill your destiny. A chance to
be special.
KENNEDY
By helping you kill more people?
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
You don't have to kill anyone. You
don't have to do anything that you're
not comfortable doing.
(beat)
Like I've said, this isn't the first
time we've worked together. It's
just the first time I've spoken to
you like this.
KENNEDY
So, you'll just hand it to me? No
strings?
29.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
I'll require your help along the
way, but most of the work will be
done by others.
(beat)
There is a plan, Kennedy. One which
is larger than you can imagine, and
it includes you.
Kennedy shakes her head.
KENNEDY
I'm still not buying it.
The First is starting to get upset, but tries to hide it. It
walks closer to Kennedy, thinking of a new way to go about
this.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Do you know how the Slayer line began?
Kennedy doesn't answer. She doesn't know.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
Three men decided to put the power
into a young woman against her will.
They decided how and why a Slayer
was called.
(beat)
Do you think that's fair, Kennedy?
That a group of men could decide who
was allowed to become what they were
always meant to be?
|
Here, the First uses the same spin on the Shadow Men that Buffy got in season 7. Having heard more of the story in "Hide and Seek", we know that it wasn't as simple as it seems.
|
Kennedy doesn't respond. She's thinking about that last part.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
I won't ask you to hurt anyone. All
I need from you is to help another
girl. One with another kind of power,
but who is afraid to use it. She's a
friend of the Slayer.
KENNEDY
What do you want with her?
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Nothing more than I want from you.
I want her to be everything that she
is able to be. There's an amazing
force in this girl. All she needs is
a friend to help her realize that.
Kennedy thinks this over.
30.
KENNEDY
Mr. Giles told me that I shouldn't
trust you. You killed all of those
people.
(beat)
Why would I do this?
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Mr. Giles is part of the very Council
that would hold you back. The Slayer
was never meant to work like that.
To be ruled over by men, and taking
orders. A Slayer should be free, and
strong on her own.
(beat)
There is no good or evil in this
world, Kennedy. There is only a
difference in perspective.
Kennedy stops to think about this. She knows that it goes
against everything she's been taught, but some of it makes
sense to her. This doesn't make her any more comfortable
with this situation though.
KENNEDY
What's her name? The girl you want
me to help.
The First smiles.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT TWO
31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. ABANDONED HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
CLOSE ON : KENNEDY'S FACE
Bloody, and dead, as Buffy left it. There's a peacful quiet
over the entire area.
WILLOW
(prelap)
We did it.
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
|
I wanted to add more here. To show more of Kennedy's interaction with Willow in season 7, and how she helped to nudge Willow toward the spell in "Chosen". I even thought about explaining why everyone kicked Buffy out of the house in season 7, which seemed very out of character for them. When it came down to writing though, there simply wasn't enough time. I knew that there were other things that I had to put in, so I chose not to show things that didn't directly concern this story, or things that we'd already seen.
|
It's now just after the destruction of Sunnydale. The
schoolbus is parked nearby, and there are SLAYERS sleeping
on the ground.
BUFFY, WILLOW, XANDER, DAWN, Giles and Kennedy are sitting
around the fire. They're still in shock.
Xander and Buffy are both silent and distracted. Willow and
Kennedy are sitting next to each other, with their arms around
each other. Kennedy looks to Willow with a slight smile, but
she's not totally pleased.
KENNEDY
You did it.
Willow smiles at her.
DAWN
Well if the police ask, I didn't
have anything to do with it.
Everyone but Buffy and Xander smile at that. Giles looks to
them.
GILES
It was a day that I don't think any
of us will soon forget. Nor shall we
forget those who didn't make it.
Those who are smiling suddenly feel guilty.
DAWN
I don't think I've even processed
the fact that they're not here yet.
Dawn is starting to feel it now. She's feeling guilty for
having smiled.
DAWN (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.
32.
Dawn puts her arm around Buffy's, comforting her.
Kennedy watches the mourning carry on for a second as guilt
fills her face. Soon, she stands up.
KENNEDY
I need to stretch.
WILLOW
Want me to come with?
KENNEDY
I'm okay.
Kennedy walks off. Willow knows that something is up, but
she doesn't want to push it. She's left alone now.
GILES
I think we should try to sleep. We
have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.
Willow and Dawn start to get up. Giles also starts to ready
himself for sleep.
Buffy and Xander remain where they are.
XANDER
I think I'll just sit for a while.
BUFFY
Yeah.
Their friends are concerned for them, but they allow them to
have their sadness as they move off. Buffy and Xander are
left alone by the fire.
Soon, Buffy gets up and moves over to where Xander is sitting.
She sits next to him. Without any looks or words, she just
puts her head on his shoulder, and he puts an arm around
her. There they sit, watching the fire.
|
I did get the chance to show some reactions to the Anya and Spike deaths. Something which I'd only been able to hint at earlier. We finally see how Buffy and Xander reacted to those deaths once they got the chance to stop and let the facts sink in. And, of course, we see them comfort each other. I wanted that element of closeness to be there. To show that they're not just friends by title, but that they really do get each other and feel each other… and I mean that in the least "groping" way possible.
|
ANGLE ON : KENNEDY
Away from camp, outside the reaches of the fire. She's by
herself, staring off into the distance with a blank
expression.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (O.S.)
Congratulations.
Kennedy looks back and sees The First standing behind her.
She turns away from him.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
You're a Slayer now. I'm proud of
you.
33.
KENNEDY
Go to Hell.
The First gets a confused look, and walks to stand next to
Kennedy.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Isn't this what you wanted?
KENNEDY
To watch people suffer and die? I
never wanted that. You told me nobody
would die.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
I told you that you wouldn't kill
anyone, and you didn't. People die,
Kennedy. It's a fact of life.
KENNEDY
We still beat you though.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
It was never that simple. I am
eternal. Unbeatable.
KENNEDY
We sure put a hell of a dent in your
company though.
The First nods thoughtfully.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
You fought well. You proved that I
was right about you. You were meant
to be the Slayer.
KENNEDY
Yeah, and I got here without you.
Kennedy smiles at the First.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
She didn't cave. She didn't give
into the evil like you wanted her
to. She beat you back.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Is that how you see it? The magic
inside of your girlfriend is a
powerful force. It's only a matter
of time before it swallows her again.
KENNEDY
She's stronger than that.
|
As with most of the season, I wanted to try to make Kennedy not so much "evil" as she was easily manipulated by the First due to her own wants. She allows herself to be swayed because she is kinda greedy and spoiled. I wanted it to be a blurry line with her. Yes, she's been in talks with the First, but even after she and Ethan began working together, she helped Willow fight her dark side. She has a way of convincing herself that she's right here.
|
34.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
You've grown fond of her.
KENNEDY
And the lies stop here. It's over.
I'm telling her everything.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
How do you think she'll respond to
that? Can you imagine the look on
her face when you tell her that the
only reason you showed any interest
in her was to push her toward the
magic?
Kennedy looks away.
KENNEDY
Things are different now.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Regardless, I think you know how
she'll react.
Kennedy's mind begins to wander as she imagines Willow's
reaction.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
I think you know what you have to
do.
ANGLE ON : KENNEDY
As she ponders this last comment. Eventually, she turns to
speak to the First, but he's gone. Kennedy remains silent.
Her eyes eventually drift over to the camp. To where Willow
is. Pain and regret fill her face as she realizes what she
must do.
|
Of course, we know that Kennedy walks out on Willow. We see them deal with this a little in "23 Skidoo". Willow's anger about this is why we didn't hear Kennedy mentioned before "23 Skidoo". I knew that she was coming back, but I wanted to kinda put people in a place where they would think I'd forgotten about her.
|
EXT. KENNEDY'S HOUSE - GARDEN - DAY
Kennedy is back home, in her garden. She's in training clothes
and is sweaty. She takes a sip from a water bottle.
Ronald walks up behind her.
RONALD
You came back.
|
When we see Ronald again, he's not exactly himself. Kennedy thought that Ronald was dead, and he was. The First has just chosen a new way to speak with Kennedy.
|
Kennedy turns around and sees him. He's different now. There's
a large burn scar on the right side of his face.
KENNEDY
A few weeks ago.
(beat)
I thought you were...
35.
RONALD
Dead? I came close. The First's
attacks took out most of the Council.
I was forced into hiding.
KENNEDY
Noble.
RONALD
(ignoring the last
remark)
I've been in England since June,
helping in the rebuilding efforts.
There are a lot of Slayers, and not
many Watchers to teach them.
KENNEDY
They must be freaking out.
RONALD
You could put it that way. Most of
them don't know how to handle their
new roles in this world. Many of
them wish it never happened.
(beat)
Needless to say, my job hasn't been
easy.
Kennedy can't help but feel a little surprised at the reaction
of the other Slayers.
KENNEDY
They really hate it?
RONALD
You sound surprised.
KENNEDY
I am, a little. I guess I've never
seen it as anything that could be
bad. I mean, I've done more to help
this world since becoming a Slayer
than I could even think of doing
without it.
RONALD
But you were prepared. These other
girls weren't. They've been pulled
into a war that they don't understand.
(beat)
I suppose this is why there is usually
only one Slayer.
KENNEDY
Yeah, well that really only works
when the Slayer's not a bitch.
36.
Ronald walks to a nearby bench and sits down.
RONALD
Personally, I've always thought you'd
make an extraordinary Slayer. I see
I was right. Perhaps if you'd been
the Chosen One when this all happened,
you could have stopped it.
Kennedy looks down, still feeling the guilt of her role in
all of this. The fact that so many more lives were ruined
isn't helping.
KENNEDY
I guess there's not much we can do
about that now.
There's a long pause as the guilt builds in Kennedy.
RONALD
I have been looking into ways of
helping these other girls. A way to
make things right again.
Kennedy looks at him, confused.
KENNEDY
Take away their power?
RONALD
A power that they don't want. A power
that is better left to someone who
is capable of handling it.
(beat)
Some of these girls are still being
hunted. Their blood is being sold in
bars, their bodies being auctioned
off in pieces. They can't protect
themselves, and the demons can sense
this.
Ronald stands and looks Kennedy in the eyes.
RONALD (CONT'D)
You could be the Slayer, Kennedy.
The one and only. It's what you've
always wanted, isn't it?
KENNEDY
Yeah, but... What about the girls
who do want it?
RONALD
They are far and few between, believe
me.
(MORE)
37.
RONALD (CONT'D)
I have seen more suffering in the
last month than I care to ever see
again. If you come with me, I could
show them to you.
Kennedy thinks this over for a moment. Finally, she looks at
Ronald, still a little wary.
KENNEDY
I want to help them. What's your
plan?
Ronald is relieved, but he is all business.
RONALD
As I said, you'll need to visit these
girls, to see them face to face.
Before you do that though, we must
make immediate arrangments. Time is
of utmost importance if we are to do
this.
KENNEDY
What do we do?
RONALD
We're scheduled to meet an associate
of mine tonight. We'll have to leave
at once.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Kennedy and Ronald are waiting in the hotel room. It's a
nice place, with an amazing view of New York.
Kennedy sits on the bed and glances back at the clock.
KENNEDY
It's eight-thirty. He's late.
RONALD
I'm sure there was some sort of flight
delay. There's no need to worry.
KENNEDY
I kinda prefer people to be on time
when we're planning our missions to
change the world.
Ronald paces a little. He's starting to look a little uneasy
himself.
RONALD
I'm going to get a drink of water.
I'll be back in a moment.
38.
Ronald walks into the bathroom.
A few moments after he leaves the room, there's a KNOCK on
the door.
Kennedy looks back to see if Ronald is coming out yet, but
he's not. She goes to the door an opens it.
ANGLE ON : KENNEDY
As she sees who is on the other side. When she does, a look
of annoyance fills her face.
KENNEDY
You?
REVEAL AMY standing on the other side of the threshold. She's
no happier to see Kennedy.
|
When I was writing "Me Time", I decided that Amy would be back later on, and she would be helping Kennedy. There were some themes there that needed resolving. If you go back and look at the episode again, you will see a reference to Amy's ring. The same ring that we see her and Kennedy wear in this episode.
|
AMY
This is probably some kind of mistake.
It has to be.
KENNEDY
Damn straight it is.
Ronald returns from the bathroom.
RONALD
Amy, you're here.
Kennedy turns to Ronald.
KENNEDY
This is your associate?
Amy walks into the room.
AMY
What's she doing here?
(sees the view)
And can I just say, wow. That's a
view.
Kennedy closes the door and walks further into the room.
KENNEDY
What the hell's going on here?
RONALD
I assure you, this is no mistake.
I'm aware of your history, but I
think that our working together could
benifit us all.
Ronald leans in closer to Kennedy.
39.
RONALD (CONT'D)
(whispers)
Unless you know of another powerful
witch that would be willing to help
us, I suggest you get used to the
idea of Amy being here.
Amy turns around, smiling.
AMY
I can see the Empire State Building
from here.
RONALD
Please girls, sit down. We need to
get to business.
Reluctantly, Kennedy sits back down. She keeps a careful eye
on Amy.
RONALD (CONT'D)
Kennedy, I've explained the situation
to you. You know what must be done.
(to Amy)
Did you bring the rings?
Amy reaches into her pocket and pulls out a box. She opens
it and pulls out two rings.
RONALD (CONT'D)
Good.
(to Kennedy)
These rings are vital to the plan.
They'll link you and Amy to each
other, and link you to the past,
while linking her to the present.
AMY
Which means, I get to stay in the
past, right?
KENNEDY
Why do you want to do that?
AMY
Well, for one thing, there was the
three years I spent as a rat. Kinda
wanna make up for them.
Kennedy doesn't really understand this. She's about to respond
when Ronald speaks.
RONALD
Amy will remain in the past, learning
to harness her powers. As she learns,
she'll be able to provide us with
other vital pieces of this puzzle.
40.
KENNEDY
And those rings connect us?
RONALD
In order for Amy to remain in the
past once her initial spell is
completed, she'll need to have a
link to the present.
KENNEDY
To trick the universe into thinking
she's here.
AMY
And she managed to figure it out
without pop-up pictures. I'm
impressed.
KENNEDY
So, what's this get me?
RONALD
The beauty of this arrangment is
that while Amy experiences years in
the past, any amount of time that we
desire can pass here.
(beat)
What Amy provides you is the key to
our success.
Ronald gives Kennedy a grin that tells us that he's very
impressed with himself.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT THREE
41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. ABANDONED HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
Again, we see Kennedy laying on the stairs, dead.
EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Buffy's Bear River house.
It's a night in the past. From "Me Time", to be exact.
Amy on the side of the house, wearing her robe with the hood
on it. She's placing charms in key spots in the area.
She drops one of the charms. As she picks it up, she hits a
bush, causing it to make a noise.
WILLOW (O.S.)
Hello? Buffy, is that you?
Amy looks up, and quickly places the charm on the bush. She
straightens up and hides herself in the shadows. She takes a
breath. (of course, all of this happens in a matter of a few
seconds)
AMY
(whispered loudly)
Willow.
Amy pulls her hood over her head.
WILLOW (O.S.)
Who's there?
Soon, Willow walks around to the side of the house carrying
her bag of soda. She looks around, but doesn't see Amy in
the shadows.
She turns to walk away. As she does, Amy steps out of the
shadows, and grabs Willow's head.
AMY
(still whispering)
Hands of time, hear my plea. Take
this soul in front of me...
THUNDER ROARS. Amy's HANDS BEGIN TO GLOW.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Kennedy is pacing, staring at the ring that she now wears on
her finger (the one which scraped Buffy's face in the fight).
Ronald is standing nearby.
42.
RONALD
It should be any moment now.
KENNEDY
She better not mess this up.
THUNDER ROARS. THE RING GLOWS for a moment, and then the
glowing fades.
Kennedy stops pacing and looks up at Ronald.
KENNEDY (CONT'D)
It's done.
RONALD
We have a lot of preparations to
make. You must begin the gathering
at once.
Kennedy notices something in his voice.
KENNEDY
"You"? What about "we"? Where are
you in all of this?
RONALD
I'll be doing the same thing as you,
but there are too many Slayers and
not enough time for us to travel
together.
Kennedy thinks this over. She eventually sees the logic in
it.
KENNEDY
Fine. Tell me what to do.
RONALD
I will in a moment, but I have to
give you some information first. In
case something happens to me.
KENNEDY
What's gonna happen to you?
RONALD
I don't know that anything will. I
just think that we should be prepared
for all outcomes.
(beat)
First, you need to know that there
will be people who try to stop us
from doing this. People won't
understand, but you can't let that
alter your willingness. You are the
true Slayer, Kennedy.
(MORE)
43.
RONALD (CONT'D)
It is your job to help these other
girls, and to make sure that nobody
stands in your way.
(beat)
If I don't survive, you'll need to
find someone else to train you for
the Night of Morel Divineh. Now,
there is a man that I know of, but
he's currently being held in a
government facility. His name is
Ethan Rayne.
Kennedy is listening carefully to this.
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - CLASSROOM - NIGHT
(straight from "Me Time")
Past Willow swings with all of her might, hitting the SHADOW
DEMON. She continues to beat it. Finally, Willow is able to
help her, and begins pounding the demon with her fist.
After much beating, the SHADOW DEMON VANISHES.
The Willows look at each other. Both confused. Normal Willow
also full of deep thoughts..
PAST WILLOW
Is that it?
In a FLASH, WILLOW VANISHES.
Past Willow and JENNY look to Buffy.
BUFFY
I guess the spell's over.
AMY
Which means, I'm done here.
Amy starts to walk out. Buffy grabs her.
BUFFY
Where do you think you're going?
AMY
I got me some lost time to make up
for. I figure I'll wait a year, then
find a nice quiet town to finish
high school in.
BUFFY
If you ever come near Willow, or any
of us again--
44.
AMY
Don't worry. I'll be good. I promise.
|
Amy's little pun. She says she'll be good… and she is. She's very good at her magic when she sees them again.
|
Amy smiles and starts to walk out. Before she walks through
the door, she stops and turns around. She looks at Past
Willow and Jenny.
AMY (CONT'D)
Do the vending machines still sell
brownies?
(then)
Nevermind. I'll find out myself.
With that, she walks out of the room.
INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
Amy walks out of the classroom, into the hall. As she makes
her way down the hallway, she looks down at her ring and
smiles.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DESERT - DAY
The wind is blowing strong, causing a lot of sand to fly
around the area. The sun is bright in the sky though, making
this a very hot day.
Amy walks across the desert, carring a backpack on her back
and a map in her hands. A lot of time has passed. Her hair
is longer now, and pulled into a ponytail. Her face is covered
to keep the sand out.
She stops walking, and looks down at her map. She rolls it
up, and takes her bag off of her back. She kneels down on
the ground and puts the map into the bag. Then she pulls
three smooth stones from the bag and holds them in her hands.
AMY
(over the wind)
Spirits of the wind that guard this
temple, I beseech you! Grant me access
to this place, that I might fulfill
the purpose of that which rests
within.
The WIND CHANGES. The SAND NOW BLOWS AROUND AMY, but leaves
her in an oddly calm pocket of space.
She uncovers her face, and smiles.
AMY (CONT'D)
Thanks.
45.
She places the three stones on the ground, about a foot and
a half away from each other in a triangle, and then she draws
a line in the sand to connect them.
She sits back, and closes her eyes.
AMY (CONT'D)
Guardians of the temple of Amahtet,
founders of the order of Arali, I
come before you seeking guidance
before your presence. I come to you
seeking knowledge so that I might
excel. Appear to me, and allow me to
make my plea.
The LINE IN THE SAND BEGINS TO GLOW. From inside this
triangle, a BLUE ENERGY APPEARS, and hovers in front of Amy.
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (V.O.)
(in demon speak)
Umbrutus, egnor. Tirilet Arali amhad
incentirilum?
(translation)
Visitor, speak. Why do you summon
the order of Arali?
Amy looks into the blue energy, trying to figure out what it
just said.
AMY
Umm, right. Could you maybe speak
English... if you can? I mean, if
not, that's cool too, but--
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (V.O.)
Silence!
Amy backs off.
AMY
Sorry.
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (V.O.)
Why have you come before the order
of Arali?
AMY
I was hoping that you might help me
gain the power that I seek.
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (V.O.)
Power is not to be given without
reason. What is your reason?
A LIGHTNING BOLT shoots from the energy, hitting Amy's ring.
46.
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
And why do you walk backwards in
this world?
AMY
I'm here because of a growing threat
to both our kinds. I'm here because
of the Night of Morel Divineh.
There is a long silence.
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (V.O.)
How does a human know of such things?
AMY
Because I come from the future. I
come from a time when millions of
Slayers walk the planet, and the
Night of Morel Divineh is pretty
close to happening.
(beat)
There are challenges that must be
overcome in order to ensure that
this night is allowed to proceed as
it must.
Suddenly, a GOLDEN ENERGY rushes over Amy. She gasps, and
then looks at the ground.
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (V.O.)
What is this? Why has she been
summoned?
Amy looks back to the blue energy.
AMY
I don't know what it is, I promise
you. I just... happens.
(beat)
But it doesn't change anything. I
still need the power that you hold.
ANOTHER GOLDEN ENERGY rushes over her. Amy gets annoyed now.
AMY (CONT'D)
What the hell is that?
INT. WILLOW'S BEDROOM (CIRCA SEASON 3) - DAY
Buffy and Willow (season 3 versions) are sitting on the floor
with magic spell items sitting in front of them, along with
a certain rat that we all know. Willow's eyes are closed and
she's focusing hard.
47.
WILLOW
Diana, Hecate, I hereby license thee
to depart. Goddess of creatures great
and small, I conjure thee to withdraw.
Willow opens her eyes expectantly, and looks down at the
rat. Nothing happens. Buffy looks down at the rat too. After
a moment, Buffy reaches into her purse and pulls out a paper
bag. She hands it to Willow.
Willow opens it and pulls out a wheel for Amy's cage. She
looks up at Buffy, who gives her a sympathetic look and a
shrug.
BUFFY
Plan B.
|
Explaining why Amy couldn't be de-ratted was just fun. Since Amy was in the past in human form, Willow's efforts to perform a spell on rat Amy were redirected to the other Amy. Which explains why Amy is able to be de-ratted in season 6… because future Amy has just been returned to the future (or the present, if you're looking at it from the season 8 point of view).
|
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Where we left Amy.
AMY
I am worthy. I come from a line if
witches. I can see this through if
you'll just grant me what I'm asking
for.
There's a long silence as the blue energy thinks.
MYSTICAL ENERGY VOICE (V.O.)
What will be done with this power?
Tell us this, and we will consider
your request.
INT. HOTEL - NIGHT
Kennedy is pacing. She's starting to get impatient.
KENNEDY
(to self)
C'mon. Where the hell are you?
She looks at her watch.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (O.S.)
Your friend is rather late, isn't
he?
Kennedy turns around and sees the First behind her. She turns
away again.
KENNEDY
Get out of here.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Now, is that any way to greet an old
friend?
48.
KENNEDY
You're not a friend.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Think what you will, but just remember
who got you to this point. Without
me, you would be nothing.
Kennedy doesn't respond. The First waits a moment, then
shrugs.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST (CONT'D)
I just came to tell you that your
friend wouldn't be joining you
tonight. It would seem that he's met
a rather unfortunate fate.
Kennedy turns to the First, angry.
KENNEDY
What did you do?
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
Am I really to blame if a random
mugging should happen to turn bloody?
(beat)
Well, I suppose I am. Either way,
what's done is done.
KENNEDY
You're a liar.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
If you don't believe me, turn on the
television. See for yourself.
Kennedy thinks for a moment, and then reaches for the remote.
She turns on the TV. A news broadcast is playing. WE ONLY
HEAR what Kennedy is watching.
NEWS REPORT (V.O.)
The witness came across the body
late this afternoon as she was jogging
through the park. Police say that it
appears as though the man was stabbed
during a mugging...
Kennedy can't take this. Her mind begins to race as she
attempts to process this information.
MR. HINKLEY/THE FIRST
A shame. Killed in the prime of his
life. Or, as close as a Watcher gets
to that kind of thing.
Kennedy looks back at the First, and then walks out of the
room.
49.
Once she's gone, the First turns back to the TV, which
continues it's report.
NEWS REPORT (V.O.)
...knife wound to the chest, which
proved to be fatal. While the identity
of the man remains unknown at this
time, we're told that it appears as
though he's been dead for at least
four months. Officials are trying to
compile a list of missing persons
that fit the description of the victim
at this time. We'll have more on
this story in the next hour.
As the First listens to this, and watches the report, he
smiles.
|
Confirmation that Ronald is dead. Also confirmation that it happened long before he met with Kennedy.
|
INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Kennedy walks down the hallway, still upset. She stops
walking, and turns her head slightly, toward the room she
just left. As she does this, we can tell that her head is
full of all kinds of thoughts.
|
The part with Kennedy in the hotel hallway could have been written better. I wanted to imply that she knew that this was all a plan by the First, but it didn't come out that way… though if you did happen to read it that way than I suppose it might have.
|
INT. GOVERNMENT PRISON - CELLBLOCK - NIGHT
It's not entirely unlike the Intitiative cell that Spike was
held in. White, bright, and with one clear wall which exposes
the cell's occupant to whoever is keeping watch.
The occupant in this case is ETHAN RAYNE. He's sitting on
his bunk, staring at the ceiling.
ETHAN
Guard? Are you out there?
There's no reply.
ETHAN (CONT'D)
I know you're out there. Your superior
wouldn't leave someone like myself
unguarded, would they?
Still no reply.
ETHAN (CONT'D)
Then again, I suppose they might.
It's not as though I can let myself
out of here, is it?
The First (in Buffy form) walks into view outside of the
cell. She looks in at Ethan.
BUFFY/FIRST
You shouldn't complain, Ethan. It's
not very becoming.
50.
Ethan sits up and looks over. He sees what he believes to be
Buffy and smiles.
ETHAN
Looks like I have a visitor. I was
wondering when you'd show up.
Honestly, I thought it would have
been within the first year or two,
but you always were a little slow.
BUFFY/FIRST
Don't get excited.
The First STEPS THROUGH the glass-like wall. Ethan sees this
and is a little confused.
BUFFY/FIRST (CONT'D)
Nobody cares enough about you to pay
a visit in here.
ETHAN
How did you...? You're not Buffy.
BUFFY/FIRST
Figure that out all by yourself?
ETHAN
What are you? A ghost? A spirit?
BUFFY/FIRST
We can get into that later. Right
now, I come with a glimmer of hope
for you.
ETHAN
Hope?
BUFFY/FIRST
You can get out of here, but you
have to play along. You do what I
say and you just might get a little
bit of revenge while you're at it.
Ethan is paying attention, but he doesn't respond.
BUFFY/FIRST (CONT'D)
You'd like revenge, wouldn't you? On
ol' Ripper, or that blond ditz who
got you tossed in here?
ETHAN
For someone who looks exactly like
that blond ditz, you'd think you'd
have more respect.
The First smiles.
51.
BUFFY/FIRST
You don't really wanna get on my bad
side right now. I'm your ticket out
of this place, remember?
ETHAN
Right. And what would I have to do
in return?
BUFFY/FIRST
All I ask is that you help me. Train
my girl so she'll know what do do on
the Night of Morel Divineh. In return,
she'll get you out of here.
Ethan thinks this over. Finally, he nods.
ETHAN
Fine. Just one question.
(beat)
What's The Night of Morel Divineh?
INT. ANCIENT TEMPLE - DAY
Amy is kneeling in the center of the room, which is filled
with ancient mystical objects, and all kinds of old designs
on the walls. She is focusing her energy hard, with closed
eyes.
More time has passed by now. Amy's hair has changed once
again. It's shorter now. Aside from her ring, she also wears
a string of beads around her wrist and hand now.
A DARK WOMAN with black hair, and black clothes walks into
the room. She walks to Amy.
DARK WOMAN
You have worked hard these past
months. You are ready.
Amy doesn't move.
DARK WOMAN (CONT'D)
You have completed your training,
child. You have learned a great deal.
(beat)
Rise.
Amy finally opens her eyes. We can see that they're completely
black now.
Slowly, Amy stands up.
DARK WOMAN (CONT'D)
Dark energies are being called upon
near the Hellmouth.
52.
AMY
Is it time already?
DARK WOMAN
Four years. Four years, you've walked
this path. It is time.
Amy looks down at the ground. When she looks back up, HER
EYES ARE NORMAL.
AMY
Then let's do this.
EXT. WOODS NEAR BUFFY'S GRAVE - NIGHT
This is the night of Buffy's return from the dead.
Willow, Xander, ANYA and TARA are standing around Buffy's
grave. Xander and Tara have their lit candles, while Anya is
struggling to get hers lit.
WILLOW
Does everybody have their candles?
ANYA
I'm trying, but my lighter won't
stay lit.
WILLOW
Well, hurry. It has to--
TARA
What time is it?
Xander checks his watch.
XANDER
A minute 'til midnight.
WILLOW
C'mon, Anya. Do you have it?
Anya finally gets the candle lit.
ANYA
I got it. I got it. I got it.
WILLOW
Okay, start the circle. Now.
They all kneel, holding their candles. Willow has the Urn of
Osiris with her.
Willow pulls out the small jar of fawn's blood and pours it
into the urn.
53.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Osiris, keeper of the gate, master
of all fate, hear us.
She dips her finger into the urn and smears blood on her
forehead and both cheeks.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Before time, and after. Before knowing
and nothing.
She pours the blood out of the urn.
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Accept our offering. Know our prayer.
Willow jolts back, panting. Her arms extend to both sides,
and GASHES appear on them.
ANGLE ON : NEARBY BUSHES
From behind the bushes, Amy is watching the spell taking
place. Finally, she reaches into her backpack and pulls out
a small jar. She pours it's sand-like contents into her hand,
and kneels on the ground. She closes her eyes and mouths a
spell to herself.
ANGLE ON : AMY'S HAND
She lowers her hand to the ground, and it BEGINS TO GLOW.
WILLOW (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Osiris, here lies the warrior of the
people! Let her cross over!
When Amy opens her hand, a BALL OF ENERGY enters the ground,
and becomes a lump under it, moving toward Buffy's grave.
Amy opens her eyes and watches.
ANGLE ON : WILLOW
WILLOW (CONT'D)
Osiris, let her cross over! Ahg...
ANGLE ON : THE GROUND NEAR WILLOW
The lump that Amy sent makes it's way toward Willow. Finally,
it reaches her, and moves under her.
Willow is in a lot of pain here. She begins to make a choking
sound. WE CAN SEE LUMPS moving around under Willow's skin,
moving toward her neck.
TARA
Oh my god. Oh, my god.
54.
Willow leans forward, putting her hands on the ground and
gagging. A SNAKE HEAD APPEARS IN HER MOUTH.
ANGLE ON : WILLOW'S HANDS
Grabbing the grass tightly.
ANGLE ON : WILLOW
The snake slithers out of Willow's mouth, onto the ground.
ANGLE ON : THE SNAKE
Slithering across the ground
TARA (O.S.) (CONT'D)
It's a test. It's a test. Willow--
|
Though Xander did voice concern over the snake issue later, it was avoided by Willow and Tara. Tara says that it's a test and that Willow told her there would be tests, but that's a vague comment. One which also comes from someone who would be making excuses anyway, since I believe she knows what's to come and why it needs to happen. (another hint about my views on the Artist)
|
The snake continues to slither, leaving the Scoobies behind.
It makes it's way back to the bushes where Amy is waiting.
Amy is still kneeling on the ground. She makes a fist,
exposing her ring, and THE SNAKE SLITHERS INTO IT.
Once the snake is inside the ring, Amy holds the ring close
to her. IT GLOWS. Once the GLOWING STOPS, Amy removes the
ring. She puts it on the ground, and reaches for a nearby
rock.
She smashes the ring.
|
Amy hijacks Willow's spell to bring back Buffy. The snake was her way of using the same spell to restore Kennedy.
|
EXT. ABANDONED HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
ANGLE ON : KENNEDY
Laying on the stairs, dead and bloody. Same as always.
ANGLE ON : HER RING
THE RING GLOWS.
ANGLE ON : KENNEDY'S FACE
The WOUNDS BEGIN TO HEAL. The BLOOD VANISHES.
Her eyes shoot open, and she takes a deep breath of air.
She crawls down to the level ground and sits up, still out
of breath. Finally, she looks down at her ring (which no
longer glows). After a beat, she takes the ring off. She
puts it on the ground, and grabs a nearby log. She smashes
the ring with all of the power she can muster.
There she sits on the ground, still a little dazed.
55.
ANGLE ON : A HAND
Reaching out for Kennedy.
Kennedy looks up, and finally grabs the hand. She gets to
her feet.
REVEAL AMY standing next to Kennedy now.
AMY
Jeez, you look like death.
|
Big cliché line from Amy when she comes back and helps Kennedy up. Cliché, but somehow something that I thought Amy would say.
|
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF EPISODE
|
One thing I want to note before ending the comments on this episode, but I forgot to mention before… yes, Kennedy's Watcher is the Professor from "Gilligan's Island". But only true Gilligan fans would pick that up.
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