Highlander

Episode Transcripts

 

SEASON THREE
Episode 5: Rite of Passage

Written by Karen Harris
Directed by Mario Azzopardi
Aired: October 29, 1994
 
Transcript revised: 11-26-20

 

/ Episode Screencaps / Location photos /

 

Zzickle's Notes:

I don't own Highlander - if I did, I would've given Methos his own show! The contents of this transcript are taken directly from the episode (with the help of closed captions and the DVD script), to the best of my ability. Huge thanks to Andy Sloane and his exhaustive lists of Highlander shooting locations for assistance with my Locations List. If you have any other location-related questions, you can email him at [karateusa at hotmail dot com].

If you want to post this transcript on your site, please let me know where it is going so I can visit it. Also, please post it with my name (Zzickle) and website (http://www.zzickle.com/) on it.

You are more than welcome to use these transcripts in your fanfiction stories, no notification required.

STARRING:

Duncan MacLeod - Adrian Paul
              the Highlander

Dr. Anne Lindsey - Lisa Howard
              ER doctor

GUEST STARS:

Craig Webster - Alan Scarfe
              Michelle's father

Michelle Webster - Gabrielle Miller
              a new Immortal

Axel Whittaker - Rob Stewart
              a bad Immortal

Amanda - Elizabeth Gracen
              an Immortal thief

FEATURING:

Nancy Webster - Marie Stillin
              Michelle's mother

Sharon Collins - Alexa Gilmour
              Axel's previous victim

Mike Lundy - Robert Iseman
              paramedic / EMT

Singer - Lisha Snelgrove
              DM's date, in FB

Locations List:*
0. Scenes filmed at Virtue/Reckert Studios, 770 Pacific Blvd [49.274936,-123.111030] (no longer there)
1. Webster home - 4775 Pilot House Rd, W Vancouver [49.338899,-123.253672]
2. Mountain road, crash - unknown location (LSCR?)
3. Hospital interior - BC Children's Hospital, 4480 Oak St [49.244453,-123.126293]
4. Hospital exterior - BC Children's Hospital, 4480 Oak St [49.244318,-123.122556]
5. Alley behind dojo - next to Orpheum Theatre [49.280124,-123.120711]
6. Cemetery - North Vancouver Cemetery [49.323129,-123.018894]
7. Flashback hotel - Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St [49.279942,-123.120496]
8. Gas station - 990 Seymour St [49.278603,-123.121643] (no longer there)
9. Cape Schooner - behind 4768 Pilot House Rd, W Vancouver [49.337582,-123.253703]
* Locations are in Vancouver unless otherwise indicated.
= link to location photos
= link to episode screencaps

Eurominutes: The full version of this episode runs 48 minutes, but for the domestic (US) market, this was cut shorter for commercials. "Eurominutes" are those 4-5 minutes that European fans got to see but US fans missed out on when the episodes originally aired. (Subsequent reruns on USANetwork and SciFi/Syfy may or may not adhere to the original domestic cut.) Huge thanks to Gillian Horvath for providing the tape of the official domestic cut of this episode, as it was released by the studio for the US stations.

~Official Eurominutes are bolded.
~Reruns on USA Network* (1998) & SciFi channel (2000) match the official cut.
~Rerun on Syfy (2010) matches the official cut, with six exceptions.

* Special thanks to Debra Lindsay for the USA Network tape.

 
NOTE: For 'Final Shooting Script' scenes that are not present in the actual episode, click on the 'CUT' links throughout the transcript. (Affected transcript lines are <bracketed>.)

[Voice-over by Joe Dawson]
He is Immortal, born in the highlands of Scotland four hundred years ago. He is not alone. There are others like him -- some good, some evil. For centuries, he has battled the forces of darkness, with holy ground his only refuge. He cannot die, unless you take his head, and with it his power. In the end, there can be only one. He is Duncan MacLeod... the Highlander.

OPENING CREDITS

TEASER

Webster home 1

Craig - [walking with DM along porch] She had herself tattooed. An ankle chain. Now she doesn't come home all night. What the hell is this all about?

DM - Rebellion.

Craig - Against what? We've been too damn good to her.

DM - She's eighteen, Craig. She'll outgrow it.

Craig - When? [hears car approaching] Oh. So she comes home. [Michelle drives up and parks with a screech of brakes.] See what we have to deal with?

Michelle - [climbs porch steps] Hey, Duncan. What are you, the reinforcements?

DM - Nice car.

Michelle - Someone in this family had to join the twentieth century.

Nancy - [exits house, confronts Michelle] Where were you?

Michelle - Out.

Nancy - Why didn't you call?

Michelle - Steve didn't have a phone.

Nancy - Steve who?

Michelle - I didn't ask.

Craig - You mean you spent the night with him and you don't even know his last name?

DM - Come on. Chill, Michelle. Your parents were worried. Give them a break.

Michelle - They're not my parents.

Craig - [to DM] You see what she always does?

Nancy - [to Michelle] We don't deserve that.

Michelle - [to DM] They're not. And they won't tell me who is.

Craig - You know what? It's true. I don't know who the hell you are!

DM - Michelle, why don't we go for a walk?

Craig - She doesn't give a damn about anybody but herself.

Michelle - Like you do? You make me sick!

Craig - Don't talk to me like that!

Michelle - Yeah, right.

Craig - Get in the house!

Michelle - Go to hell.

Nancy - Stop it!

[Michelle goes back down to her car & gets in.]

DM - I'll go after her.

Craig - Forget it. If that's what she wants, let her go.

DM - What she wants is for you to stop her.

Craig - I've had it. She says I treat her like a kid. Let her find out what it's like to be out there on her own.

[Michelle reverses the car down the drive & peels out down the street.]

 

Two-lane road 2

[Michelle speeds down the road. Upset & crying, she ejects the cassette she's listening to and rummages in the glove box for another. Her car drifts into the other lane and an oncoming car honks at her. She looks up and jerks the wheel, overcompensating and sending her car plunging off the side of the road.]
 

ACT ONE

Hospital - ER 3

[Mike wheels Michelle's gurney through the ER doors.]

ER staff - [in background] Move it. Let's go. Clear the hallway. A

[A second EMT/paramedic is performing chest compressions, and a third is helping steer the gurney and administering breaths via an Ambu bag.]

EMT - Clear the deck! She's code blue!

ER staff - [in background] Did you hear what he said?

EMT - [performing chest compressions] ...three, four, five. One...

Woman on P.A. - Code Blue.

EMT - [continuing compressions] ...two, three, four, five.

Woman on P.A. - Emergency station alpha.

EMT - [continuing compressions] One, 1 two, three, four, five.

Woman on P.A. - Dr. Foster to ER, stat. Dr. Foster--

EMS worker - [continuing compressions] One, two, three, four, five.

ER staff - [as they wheel the gurney beside an ER table] Pick her up on the table.

ER staff - [in background] {Where's} Dr. Lindsey?

ER staff - [in background] She's on her way.

ER staff - All right, everybody. Come on. Let's go.

Anne - [enters room] Vitals?

EMT - {She's in} full arrest.

Anne - Okay, get her typed and crossed for six units. I want blood and gasses, stat. [takes paddles from Mike] Three hundred joules.

ER staff - [in background] Okay, people. Here.

Anne - Standby, five milligrams epi.

ER staff - [in background] Everyone stand clear.

Anne - [holds paddles ready] Clear?

ER staff - Clear. [Anne applies paddles.] CUT Nothing.

Anne - Epi! [takes syringe & injects contents into Michelle's chest] Come on. Come on. Come on, girl. Don't you die on me now. Okay, let's go again. Three hundred joules. [takes paddles back from Mike] Ready?

Mike - Ready.

Anne - Clear?

ER staff - Clear.

Anne - [jolts Michelle again] Come on. 2

 

Hospital - waiting room 3

Craig - [pacing] What's taking so long?

DM - It might be a good sign.

Craig - I should have stopped her. Why didn't I stop her?

DM - It happened. It wasn't your fault, Craig.

Craig - She was so... angry. I never should've let her drive away like that.

Woman on P.A. - Dr. Porter, call Emergency. Dr. Porter, please call Emergency.

Craig - [crosses to where Nancy is sitting, leans down] Nancy-- [stands back up as Anne enters room]

Nancy - [off Anne's expression] Noo!

 

Hospital - Exit 4

Nancy - [moving & speaking in a daze] What's the name of the caterer we used for Michelle's sweet sixteenth? If we're gonna have a house full of people and nothing to serve... I don't know if I did the dishes.

Craig - Your sister will handle all of that.

[DM opens back door of cab for Nancy.]

Nancy - [gets into cab] Thank you.

DM - [to Craig] If there's anything you need... [watches cab drive away]

 

Hospital - morgue 3

[DM opens door of drawer 11, pulls out drawer, 3 folds white sheet down off Michelle's face. Michelle gasps, opens her eyes, & sits up.]

Michelle - [confused & upset] What the... What's going on here? Where--

DM - [tosses her some blue scrubs] Put these on.

Michelle - Duncan...? Oh, God. [starts pulling scrubs on, remembering] I was in a car... I was really pissed.

DM - Just hurry.

Michelle - God... I was flying in the car... I've got a monster headache...

DM - [pacing] Michelle, come on!

Michelle - What the hell is this place?

DM - Will you get dressed?

[Michelle grabs the scrub pants, shakes them out, starts pulling them on 4.]

 

Hospital - hallway outside morgue 3

Michelle - [as DM leads her out of morgue] Whoa, hold up. Time out! That was the morgue!

DM - Will you keep your voice down?

Michelle - I was in the morgue!

DM - Keep your voice down.

Michelle - Why?

DM - Because we're trying to sneak out of here.

Michelle - No, I mean, why was I in there?

DM - Don't worry. You're not dead.

Michelle - Oh, gee, thanks. That explains it.

DM - [starts around corner & sees Anne walking toward them] Oh, no. [pulls Michelle away]

Michelle - Duncan!

DM - In there. [pushes her toward janitor's closet]

Michelle - Why do I have to?

DM - Get in there and be quiet. Not a word. [quickly moves away from closet before Anne comes around corner]

Anne - Mr. MacLeod, isn't it?

DM - [turns around as if just noticing her] Oh, hello, Doctor.

Anne - Hi. How're you holding up?

DM - Oh, better, thanks.

Anne - Good. Your friends?

DM - Well, it's not easy for them.

Anne - Yeah, I know. It never is. So, is there anything I can help you with?

DM - No, no. I'm fine. Thanks.

Anne - No, I mean, is there a reason that you're down here?

DM - Me?

Anne - Yeah.

DM - No. Well, actually, uh... I was looking for a friend.

Anne - In the morgue?

[DM smiles. Anne leaves. DM goes back to janitor's closet & drags Michelle out.]

Michelle - What the hell is going on? [DM slaps his hand over her mouth and drags her down the hallway and around a corner.]

 

Dojo 0

[Wide shot of Michelle & DM in empty dojo. 5 Close on Michelle.]

Michelle - You mean I'm never gonna turn nineteen?

DM - [shakes his head] You might get to see a thousand.

Michelle - Oh, man. Oh... You're serious. You're telling me this is for real.

DM - I think you know it is.

Michelle - How long have you known?

DM - I knew this day would come since the first day I saw you with your parents.

Michelle - [follows him to elevator] You know what? You know what? I think I knew, too.

DM - You couldn't have.

Michelle - No, no, no, no. I mean -- I mean the way you were always paying attention to me, you were always watching me. I thought something was going on.

DM - Now you know.

 

Loft above dojo 0

Michelle - [looking around] Oh, wow. Oh, this is perfect. 6 [sits on couch] So, what happens next?

DM - I'll see you through it.

Michelle - Oh, I like that. You and me, together forever.

DM - That's not how it works.

Michelle - [gets up, loops her arm around his] You do know I've always had a thing for you -- since the first day I saw you.

DM - You were eleven years old.

Michelle - I matured early.

DM - Michelle. [phone rings, he races her to it & picks up receiver] MacLeod.

Craig - [at home, into phone] Duncan... the hospital just called. They can't find Michelle's body. 1 [on phone] They lost her, for God's sake!

DM - [into phone] Well, try not to worry, Craig. She'll turn up.

Craig - [on phone] How could that happen? How could they be so incompetent?

DM - [into phone] I'm sure it wasn't intentional.

Craig - [on phone] Now they want me to come down to the morgue and look at Jane Does. Look, I -- I haven't told Nancy, and I don't want to leave her alone right now.

DM - [into phone] I'll take care of it.

Craig - [on phone] I hate to lay that on you.

DM - [into phone] It's not a problem.

Craig - [on phone] Thank you. [into phone] I'll check in with you later. 1

DM - [into phone] Right. [hangs up receiver, looks over at Michelle] What are you doing?

Michelle - [has lined up a row of his liquor bottles on the coffee table] What you're saying is I could down every bottle here, and it wouldn't kill me, right?

DM - No, but you'll wish it did.

Michelle - I mean, I could basically do whatever I wanted to: speed, smack, the whole candy store.

DM - You'll get the life you ask for.

Michelle - Yes, Duncan, but this one never ends. And there's always time to start over.

DM - It's not as simple as that, Michelle. We have to talk about this. All of it.

Michelle - Okay.

DM - When I get back.

Michelle - Where are you going?

DM - Your father asked me to go to the hospital. They discovered your body missing.

Michelle - Well, I'm right here. You don't have to go anywhere. End of story, okay?

DM - I have to go because he asked me to.

Michelle - Oh, I guess he's too broken up about it to do it himself.

DM - You can remember your parents however you want. The truth is, they loved you.

Michelle - Well, can you just come back soon?

DM - I will. Just lock the door and don't let anybody in.

Michelle - Why? Are you expecting someone?

DM - No.

Michelle - Well, then why are you being so paranoid?

DM - It wasn't an accident that I found you. Others might come looking.

Michelle - Wait a second. What others?

DM - I'll explain it later. Just stay put, okay? Stay put.

Michelle - Duncan. [He leaves & she locks the door.]

 

Hospital - morgue 3

[Morgue attendant lifts sheets from faces of three bodies laid out in the room. DM looks at each in turn & shakes his head.]

Anne - [enters, surprised to see DM] Mr. MacLeod. How did you get this job? You're not the girl's father.

DM - Guess I'm a glutton for punishment.

Anne - Well, I guess that makes two of us. [as DM starts to leave] Or maybe you're just one a hell of a good friend. [They share a look & he leaves.] 7

 

Loft above dojo 0

[Michelle dances happily to rock music through headphones. She stops suddenly as she feels a 'buzz'. She reacts to the feeling, then goes to the window & sees a man in the alley below. 5]

 

Alley behind dojo 5

Michelle - [moves nervously down the alley toward where Axel is hiding, waiting to attack] Is someone there?

Axel - [frowns, puts his sword away & steps into view. He looks at Michelle & smiles.] Lovely.

Michelle - You're like me, aren't you?

Axel - Yes, you could say that. [camera holds close as he smirks B]

ACT TWO

Michelle - This thing I'm getting from you... Whatever it is, it's weird.

Axel - You like it?

Michelle - It's like we're plugged in or something.

Axel - Or something. I like your voice.

Michelle - Michelle.

Axel - Axel. I like your freshness. It's a wonderful thing to be new.

Michelle - Yeah, right.

Axel - You know, Michelle, your world's about to change in ways you've never dreamed of.

Michelle - I can handle it.

Axel - And I can help you. With me taking care of you, Michelle, the times we could have--

Michelle - I don't need another teacher.

Axel - Duncan MacLeod.

Michelle - You're a friend of his?

Axel - We're acquainted.

Michelle - He is, like, out of control with this "taking care of me" bit.

Axel - Yes, he would be. But whatever turns you on.

Michelle - I didn't say that.

Axel - He's out? [She nods.] Good. So, where shall we go?

Michelle - No. He said to wait. I really shouldn't go anywhere until he gets back.

Axel - Oh, you're such a good little girl, Michelle. Do you do everything you're told?

Michelle - No, I don't. But I'm pretty new at this thing and he's showing me the ropes.

Axel - Yes, I'll bet he is. The choice is yours, Michelle. You can either have a daddy... or a partner.

Michelle - And why not both?

Axel - 'Cause I hate to share. When you get bored of Duncan treating you like a baby, I'll be around. [grabs her, kisses her forcefully]

Michelle - [as he leaves] How will I find you?

Axel - You'll feel me.

 

Loft above dojo 0

DM - [enters loft, doesn't sense Michelle] Damn it. [senses 'buzz' as Michelle enters] Where've you been? I thought I told you to stay put.

Michelle - You have it, too. I didn't notice at the hospital before. Everything was so messed up.

DM - Didn't notice what?

Michelle - I knew you were here. I could feel you.

DM - Works both ways, Michelle.

Michelle - You mean it's part of the deal?

DM - One of the many. Including doing what I tell you.

Michelle - Oh, come on, Duncan. Don't be mad at me, okay? I just went for a walk.

DM - Who'd you go with?

Michelle - Hmm?

DM - You said I had it "too". Who'd you meet?

Michelle - God, with the names. You sound just like... You sound just like Craig.

DM - Michelle.

Michelle - Axel. His name's Axel. We had this connection, you know? I mean, it was really bizarre.

DM - It could have gotten you killed.

Michelle - Wait a second. I thought you said we were supposed to live forever.

DM - What you felt -- what we feel -- is how we recognize other Immortals. How we prepare.

Michelle - For what?

DM - For combat... to the death.

Michelle - [shaken, tries to hide it] Been there, done that.

DM - Michelle, when another Immortal takes your pretty little head, it'll happen again -- for good this time.

Michelle - Oh, so is that what you guys do? Run around chopping each other's heads off?

DM - Until there's only one of us left alive.

Michelle - I don't think so.

DM - Michelle, I'm not your father... [suddenly spins around, pulling his sword and swinging it down to rest against her neck] And this is no fairy tale! Now you either learn the game or you die.

 

Cemetery 6

[Camera pans down from tree branches to Michelle's funeral some distance away. 8 Her parents & DM stand by the casket as a minister speaks. Michelle watches from behind the tree.]

Minister - "Some may say the dead will not be {raised ??}. If indeed this was true, {??}."

Michelle - [senses 'buzz', turns & sees Axel approaching] This is weird. I mean, I've actually had a fantasy about this before... [sighs] I dunno. Somehow, the real thing... shouldn't there be more?

Axel - Don't sweat the past. It's history.

Michelle - Right.

Axel - I'm serious, Michelle. Now the real fantasy starts. You and I can recreate ourselves, over and over again. You can be anyone you want, anytime you want. And I can show you how. I want to show you how.

Michelle - Why?

Axel - Because I want to see the world through your eyes.

 

[meanwhile]

Minister - "Can we not guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised? For just as death has come by the means of man, for just as means and men all die from their union to Adam, in the same way that we will all be raised to life because of our union with Christ."

Craig - I can't believe this is how it ends. 9

Nancy - It's not over. This is a sham. She's not there. It's an empty box. How can this be over when there's nothing to bury?

DM - It's not the body that matters, Nancy. That's not what you remember. It's her life. That's what you loved. That's what you're laying to rest. CUT [senses 'buzz', sees Axel leaning against a headstone]

 

Flashback - Boston, 1896 - hotel saloon 7

[Super: Boston 1896]

Singer - [singing "The Honeysuckle and the Bee"] CUT

"You are my honey, honeysuckle,
I am the bee.
I'd like to sip the honey sweet
From those red lips, you see.
I love you dearly, dearly,
And I want you to love me.
You are my honey, honeysuckle,
I am the bee."

[Chorus joins her.]
"You are my honey, honeysuckle,
I am the bee."
[without chorus]
"I'd like to sip the honey sweet
From those red lips, you see.
I love you dearly, dearly,
And I want you to love me.
You are my honey, honeysuckle,
I am the bee."

DM - [as maître d' leads him to small table] Oh, thank you, James. [sits, then senses 'buzz' & sees Sharon at edge of room. He stands back up as she approaches.]

Sharon - We're in a public place.

DM - I won't harm you.

Sharon - But you are... one of us.

DM - But no danger to you.

Sharon - [smiles at him] Would you buy me a drink?

DM - Uh, miss--

Sharon - [sits at his table, pulls him back to his chair] Sharon. You're very kind. Maybe I could get to know you better. We could be friends.

Singer - [in background] "You are my honey, honeysuckle, I am the bee."

DM - As you said, we're in a public place.

Sharon - I have a room upstairs. Number thirty-six.

DM - Sharon, you're very nice and you're very beautiful, but I already have a date. [nods toward Singer] And I hate to keep a lady waiting.

Singer - [in background] "I'd like to sip the honey sweet from those red lips, you see."

Sharon - What's your name?

DM - Duncan MacLeod. Now I really must be going. [stands to leave]

Singer - [in background] "I love you dearly, dearly, and I want you to love me."

Sharon - [grabs his arm] Help me... Please. [DM turns back.] Before wa-- wasn't the truth. [whispers] Please. [off DM's look, leads him away from crowd to settee by wall]

Singer - [in background] "You are my honey, honeysuckle, I am the bee."

Sharon - There's a man -- an Immortal -- and he's been following me.

DM - And?

Singer - [in background] "You are my honey, honeysuckle, I am the bee."

Sharon - I never learned how to fight. I don't even have a sword. Please. That's why I need your help. He wants to kill me. I know it.

DM - You could have asked without the games.

Singer - [in background] "I'd like to sip the honey sweet from those red lips, you see."

Sharon - I -- I didn't think you'd want to help me without getting anything in return. I guess I'm not very good at it.

DM - I'll help you, Sharon.

Singer - [in background] "I love you dearly, dearly, and I want you to love me."

Sharon - [smiles tentatively] What-- What about your date?

Singer - [in background] "You are my honey, honeysuckle."

DM - She'll understand.

Singer - [finishes song] "I am the bee." [comes down the staircase as listeners applaud]

Sharon - I'll wait for you in my room.

DM - Yeah, I'll -- I will be there as soon as I can. CUT [moves away to greet Singer, interrupting several other men talking to her] Excuse me. [kisses Singer's hand] Good evening, my dear. You look lovely. 10

 

Flashback - Boston, 1896 - Sharon's room 7

DM - [knocks on door as Sharon senses 'buzz'] Hello, Sharon. It's Duncan MacLeod.

Sharon - Come in.

<DM - [enters room to find Sharon on the bed wearing a provocative nightgown] Sharon, what is this? I told you you didn't have to do this. CUT> [suddenly senses second 'buzz', whirls & blocks Axel's sword with his katana as Axel runs from adjoining room and attacks him] Hello, Axel.

Axel - I almost had you, Duncan.

DM - But you cheated.

Axel - Well, you know what they say about love and war. [They fight.]

Sharon - [grabs DM from behind as Axel backs out of room into hall] Don't hurt him.

[DM gives her a look, enters hall. Axel is nowhere to be seen. DM climbs stairs to next floor & Axel attacks. They fight down the hallway. Axel falls over railing onto table in empty saloon below.]

Staff - [runs to table with second staff member] He doesn't look good. [looks up, sees DM & points] There!

 

Cemetery 6

(resume previous scene)

CUT

DM - You can't have her.

Axel - I think that's up to Michelle. And she's so innocent... so lovely.

DM - She has her whole life ahead of her.

Axel - Yes, I know. We'll be seeing each other again... soon. [leaves]

<[DM watches him go C, then looks back over at Minister & Michelle's parents.]

Minister - {??} "Although some have died--" {??} 11

ACT THREE

[Minister D continues.]

Minister - "Last of all, he also appeared to me. Even though I am like one who was born in a most unusual way."> CUT

DM - [finds Michelle watching the funeral from behind a tree] Not smart, Michelle.

Michelle - Haven't you ever wondered what your own funeral would be like?

DM - They could have seen you. [pulls her away] I guess everyone needs to know they'll be missed.

Michelle - Mom, maybe. Not him.

DM - [leads her to his car] I hope you live long enough to realize how wrong you really are.

Michelle - [once they are both inside] You know, I saw you and Axel. Are you guys buds or something?

DM - Or something. Michelle, I can't lock you in. All I can do is to ask you to please stay away from him.

Michelle - You know, maybe you're the one I shouldn't be trusting.

DM - That's too easy.

Michelle - Well, I'm still here, aren't I? Axel didn't cut off my head or yours.

DM - We were on holy ground.

Michelle - What's that?

DM - The only place we're safe.

Michelle - Whatever that means! All I know is I don't feel like a little girl when I'm with him!

DM - He's very clever that way.

 

Flashback - Boston, 1896 - hotel saloon 7

[DM enters busy saloon area, whistling.]

 

Flashback - Boston, 1896 - Sharon's room 7

Axel - [holding Sharon down on the bed with his sword at her throat] You were supposed to seduce him. You were supposed to bring him here and put a smile on his face.

Sharon - Don't hurt me, please.

Axel - You were supposed to separate him from his sword and leave the rest to me.

Sharon - Sorry...

Axel - I'm trying to protect you, Sharon. If I don't take his head, he'll gladly take ours. Do you understand that? [She gives him a small nod & he tosses the sword aside.] Oh, Sharon, beautiful Sharon... I'm lost without you. You were once so innocent, so lovely.

[He kisses her. She pulls him down to her on the bed. They continue to kiss. 12]

 

Flashback - Boston, 1896 - hotel saloon 7

DM - [senses buzz as Sharon approaches, pays bartender for drink] Thank you.

Sharon - I'm sorry.

DM - Apology accepted. Goodbye. [takes his drink and walks away. She follows.]

Sharon - I need your help.

DM - Haven't we done this before?

Sharon - It wasn't my idea. It was for Axel.

DM - Is that how it works? You set them up and Axel takes their heads?

Sharon - You weren't the first, but you fought him. You got away.

DM - So can you, if you want to.

Sharon - I don't think so. After I became what am, I would have gone mad if Axel hadn't found me. He showed me the world. He taught me how to be.

DM - The only thing he taught you to be is bait. There's much, much more to our lives than that. There's a boat leaving for London at three o'clock. I can get you on it.

Sharon - You'll come with me?

DM - No.

Sharon - Well, then who will protect me?

DM - You'll learn to protect yourself. I'll arrange for someone to meet you -- to teach you what you need to know.

Sharon - You really mean it?

DM - Yes.

Sharon - People drift apart. It happens. He did love me once.

DM - Is that what he calls it?

Sharon - He took care of me. He kept me alive.

DM - Don't make any excuses for him, Sharon. You don't owe him anything.

Sharon - You don't know him. CUT

DM - You're not gonna change him. <I'll come for you at two o'clock. CUT

Sharon - Fine. I'll be here. [leaves]>

 

[later]

[DM enters empty saloon as Sharon screams overhead. The lights and sounds of a Quickening begin upstairs.]

 

Flashback - Boston, 1896 - Sharon's room 7

[DM enters room, sword drawn, & finds Sharon on the floor, beheaded.]

 

Dojo, night 0

Michelle - This is too bizarre. Duncan, people running around with swords, cutting heads off, living forever -- man, this is some bad acid-trip fairy tale.

DM - It's not a fairy tale. And it won't seem so bad once you learn to look after yourself.

Michelle - Or you know someone who will.

DM - I won't always be there.

Michelle - [teasing] And who said I meant you?

DM - I'm serious.

Michelle - Well, so far this immortality thing feels like nothing but a bunch of rules.

DM - You get used to it. And first you're gonna have to learn those rules. Don't worry, you're gonna have plenty of time for everything. There's so much for you to do, for you to see. You can go to school. You can go to Tibet--

Michelle - I can get in sword fights.

DM - When you're ready, that won't seem so strange.

[Knock at dojo entrance.]

Craig - [calls from offscreen] Duncan?

Michelle - [quietly] It's my dad.

DM - Office.

Michelle - [quietly] It's my dad.

DM - [pulls her to office door & pushes her inside] Get down. [She hides. Craig enters dojo.] Hello, Craig. Come in.

Craig - I'm sorry to come so late. I needed to talk. I didn't want to bother Nancy.

DM - Hey, you know, I told you, anytime, man. Have a seat.

Craig - [sits on bench] She tells me... that it wasn't my fault. But that's a lie. And we both know it.

DM - When these things happen, Craig, people look for reasons. They look for blame. But there's no blame here. You didn't drive her over that cliff.

Craig - I didn't stop her. I always hated it when she'd ask who her real parents were. Not just because I didn't know, but because it made me feel like I wasn't enough. God knows I wasn't. Look how she hated me in the end.

DM - It wasn't about hate, it was about separation. 13

Craig - Well, I just could not get through to her, and I -- I lost it.

DM - Hey, I was there, remember? 14 Children fight with their parents all the time. That's the way it is. You weren't out of line. She deserved it.

Craig - You're not supposed to speak ill of the dead, you know.

DM - What, are we nominating Michelle for a sainthood here?

Craig - That's what she liked about you. You were honest with her. I always pushed her too damn hard.

DM - She wasn't my daughter. It was easy to stay objective.

Craig - But she was just so much. Everything she did, everything she felt, was bigger. I wanted her to do something with that, not just waste it. Now she'll never do anything. It's all just... gone. [Michelle has been listening from the office. She stands to look through window as Craig continues, his back to her.] She died not realizing how much I loved her. If I could just have her back, she could do anything she wanted.

DM - [can see Michelle behind him] Craig, I think you should go home to Nancy. She needs you.

Craig - You're right. Thank you, Duncan. Thank you for everything.

DM - I'll call you. [Craig leaves.]

Michelle - [runs from office] Daddy.

DM - [grabs her] Michelle, don't.

Michelle - [sobbing] It's not fair.

DM - It's too late.

Michelle - Duncan, all this time I was so angry at them. And it turns out that I was the one that has the -- the big secret.

DM - You didn't know.

Michelle - I know what a bitch I was.

DM - [shakes her] Stop it. Stop it!

Michelle - But look at what I've done to him, and he still loves me. Why would he?

DM - Because he's your father. He understood what was going on under there. You're bright and you're beautiful. You were the center of their universe.

Michelle - You mean that?

DM - Hey, I told you you were special. You don't think I would have hung around this long if I didn't believe that? [hugs her]

Michelle - Thank you, Duncan. Oh, God. I needed to hear that. I don't feel so scared now. [starts kissing her way up his shoulder, neck, jaw, to his mouth.]

DM - Um... [pushes her away] Michelle...

Michelle - Don't worry. I know what I'm doing.

DM - Yeah, that's what scares me. [walks away from her toward the elevator]

Michelle - [follows him] What is this? I thought you just said I was special.

DM - I'm your friend.

Michelle - It's not like I've never done it before, you know, Duncan.

DM - [enters elevator] That's not what we're about.

Michelle - [pushes him against the wall] Yes. Yes--

DM - [pushes her away] Michelle, I don't think this is a good idea.

Michelle - What?

DM - [closes grate] Me, teaching you.

 

Loft above dojo, night 0

DM - You need a better guide. Someone closer to your own perspective.

Michelle - Someone like Axel?

DM - Axel doesn't care about you.

Michelle - [opens liquor cabinet, grabs a bottle. DM takes it away from her.] Well, at least Axel doesn't treat me like a little kid. He treats me like his equal.

DM - But you're not his equal, Michelle! He may seem young and full of life, but inside he's old. He'll use you and feed off you -- off your youth and your excitement. When Paris doesn't thrill you any longer, or the pyramids don't amaze you, he'll put you out as bait.

Michelle - You're lying.

DM - No. He's done it before.

Michelle - Axel would love me.

DM - Even if he did, you need a teacher, not a lover.

Michelle - [scoffs] What do you know about what I need?

DM - I'll take you to a friend of mine. You'll really like her.

Michelle - Her?

DM - We'll leave in the morning.

Michelle - [sits on couch] You know, Duncan, that's a long time away.

DM - [turning down his bed] Don't you even think about it.

Michelle - You really are an old man.

DM - Go to sleep, Michelle.

Michelle - Okay. [gets up from couch, pulls sweater off, & sits on opposite side of bed from DM]

DM - [after a beat, stands back up] Fine. [grabs his pillow] I'll use the couch. [sits on couch & removes his boots, leaving Michelle sitting unhappily on the bed 15]

 

Gas station, next morning 8

DM - It'll work out fine.

Attendant - [as DM pulls car up to pump] Morning.

DM - You two are gonna get along great. [to attendant] Fill her up, would you?

Michelle - Oh, yeah, I bet we'll really hit it off. Me and some dried up old teacher from St. Mary's School of Swordfighting and Manners.

DM - Not exactly. Trust me, it's for the best.

Michelle - You know, Duncan, you really have a gift for taking the fun out of eternal life. [leans over & plays with his ponytail]

DM - [pulls her hand away] It'll get better.

Michelle - I sure hope so.

DM - No, I mean... your outlook.

Michelle - Oops. Almost slipped. You were gonna say "my attitude". You know what, Duncan? That is dad-speak, and you're pretty lousy at that, too. I gotta go. [gets out of car]

DM - Where?

Michelle - Do you wanna come with me?

DM - Michelle, we're not enemies.

[Michelle mutters to herself, rounds side of gas station toward the restrooms.]

Biker - [on motorcycle behind gas station] Hey, baby, if you're lookin' for someone, I'm right here. [as she turns toward him] Oh, yeah. Check this out. Wanna go for a ride? Yeah. Sounds good to me.

[DM walks toward the gas station as motorcycle drives past him. Michelle waves to him from the back as they ride away.]

DM - Michelle!

 

Establishing shot: Axel's sailboat 9
 

Cape Schooner - Axel's sailboat 9

[Michelle walks out onto the boardwalk, 16 approaches the docked boat, senses 'buzz'.]

Axel - [on boat] My turn?

[Michelle walks down ramp to boat. 17 Axel helps her aboard, kisses her. E]
 

ACT FOUR

[later]

Michelle - This is so cool. Living on a boat.

Axel - It's all yours.

Michelle - For real?

Axel - Mm-hmm. 18 Have you ever seen Paris?

Michelle - Only in the movies.

Axel - I know this great little hotel on the Seine. You wouldn't believe the view from the bedroom. And if we ever get bored of Paris, we'll sail south to Cap d'Antibes, and I'll feed you oysters and we'll make love under the stars. [kisses her]

Michelle - Oh, you're gonna spoil me.

Axel - You deserve it. And all you have to do is trust me to take care of everything.

Michelle - So, with all this traveling around, when are you going to teach me how to use a sword?

Axel - You won't need a sword. You'll have me.

Michelle - Maybe you won't always be around. I've broken up with boyfriends before, you know.

Axel - I'm not exactly your everyday boyfriend. What could you possibly want that I can't give you?

Michelle - Duncan said I needed to know how to fight, and he was gonna teach me how.

Axel - Everything in its own time.

Michelle - So you'll teach me?

Axel - All you need to know.

Michelle - Okay, because Duncan said--

Axel - Duncan's not here. I am. You're with me now. You have to say goodbye to your past. Okay? [kisses her] Okay? [kisses her again, leans her back against the cabin, continues kissing]

 

Loft above dojo 0

DM - [into phone] Where the hell are you, Michelle? 19 This is no joke.

Michelle - [on phone] Look, don't flip out on me, okay? [into phone] I just called to say I'm sorry for running out on you like that. 9

DM - [into phone] All right. You're forgiven. Come home.

Michelle - [on phone] I am home.

DM - [into phone] Whatever line it is Axel used to convince you, that's exactly what it is -- a line.

Michelle - [on phone] I don't think so.

DM - [into phone] All right, Michelle. You don't have to come back here. Just -- just don't stay with him.

Michelle - [into phone] Look, Duncan, it's my life, and I just called to say goodbye, okay? And I'm sorry I was such a bitch to you. 9 [on phone] At least I'll be out of your hair now.

DM - [into phone] Just tell me where you are.

Axel - [takes phone from Michelle, speaks into phone] Hey, Duncan. Listen, we're down at Cape Schooner. 9 [on phone] Why don't you come and say goodbye? [closes cell phone, kisses Michelle 20] 9

 

Establishing shot: Axel's sailboat 9
 

Cape Schooner - Axel's sailboat 9

Michelle - [senses DM's 'buzz', turns] Duncan. Hi. I hope you're not gonna try and talk me out of this. [as DM pulls out his sword] You came to kill me?!

DM - Don't be ridiculous.

Michelle - Well, what's that for?

Axel - [from behind her] It's for me. Get back on board, Michelle.

Michelle - [as DM takes off his coat & tosses it aside] Look, guys, you don't have to do this over me.

DM - This isn't just about you, Michelle. Did he tell you about Sharon and the others? He protected them right up until the time he killed them.

Axel - [to Michelle] You think I'd do anything to hurt you?

DM - Do you think he would ever teach you to use a sword?

<Axel - Michelle!

DM - Don't listen to him. And don't listen to me. Listen to yourself.> CUT

Michelle - [looks at Axel] I'm outta here. [walks toward DM]

Axel - I don't think so. [runs after them & attacks DM. They fight.]

DM - You cheated again, Axel. [Fight continues.]

Axel - I don't need to cheat, Duncan. [Fight continues.]

DM - [traps Axel against railing] Your move.

[Axel dumps them both over the railing into the water.]

Michelle - Duncan!

[DM stands up in the shallow water first, beheads Axel as he starts to rise, takes his Quickening. Michelle watches from the dock.]
 

TAG

Cemetery 6

[Establishing shot of Duncan and Michelle standing at Michelle's gravesite, the T-bird parked behind them. 21 Close on Michelle's headstone:
IN LOVING MEMORY
MICHELLE WEBSTER
1977-1995]

Michelle - [sighs] F So that's it. They'll never know.

DM - It could do more harm than good.

Michelle - Yeah, you're probably right. God, my parents. Why was I so angry?

DM - They're in your past now. It's time for you to move into the future.

Michelle - I was hoping to do that with you.

Amanda - [approaches them from behind] She does remind me of someone. I just can't remember who. [to Michelle] I think we'll get along just fine.

DM - That's what I'm afraid of.

Michelle - So, where are we going?

DM - It's an old abbey. You'll be safe there. It's holy ground.

Michelle - Axel promises me Paris, and you're sending me to a convent?

DM - He also didn't want to teach you how to use a sword.

Amanda - Oh, typical male sexist mind-set. <Don't worry, there'll always be Paris. CUT

DM - I think a convent's all she needs.>

Michelle - [to Amanda] So did you two ever...

DM - Uh, that's none of your business.

Michelle - [ignores DM] How was he?

Amanda - We'll talk.

DM - Uh, no you won't.

Michelle - Bye-bye, Duncan. [walks off with Amanda]

DM - [calls after them] Amanda!

 

End of "Rite of Passage"

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