Highlander

Episode Transcripts

 

SEASON THREE
Episode 10: Blackmail

Written by Morrie Ruvinsky
Directed by Paolo Barzman
Aired: December 3, 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

Joe Dawson - Jim Byrnes
              MacLeod's Watcher

GUEST STARS:

Robert Waverly - Bruce Dinsmore
              blackmailer

Barbara Waverly - Barbara Tyson
              Robert's wife

Lymon Kurlow - Anthony De Longis
              Immortal (white streak)

Johnny Sandringham - Kelly Fiddick
              DM's friend, in FB

FEATURING:

Lisa Crane - Justine Priestley
              Robert's mistress

Peter Matlin - Bill Croft
              Immortal (bald)

Lattimore - Vincent Gale
              Kurlow's victim, in FB

Jailer - P. Adrien Dorval
              in FB

Hangman - Gordon Tipple
              in FB

Locations List:*
0. Scenes filmed at Virtue/Reckert Studios, 770 Pacific Blvd [49.274936,-123.111030] (no longer there)
1. Lisa's apartment interior, Waverly's house - 6749 MacDonald St, Southlands [49.224249,-123.168977]
2. Outside Lisa's apartment - Kinghorne Mews under Granville Bridge [49.273526,-123.131452]
3. 'SIGNS' building - under Granville Bridge [49.274596,-123.130842]
4. English village - Fantasy Garden, 10800 No 5 Rd, Richmond [49.134578,-123.089624] (no longer there)
5. English countryside, hedge maze - VanDusen Garden, 5251 Oak St: countryside (exact coordinates unknown), hedge maze [49.238882,-123.136733]
6. Train tunnel - E Esplanade & St Georges Ave, N Vancouver [49.309296,-123.075783]
7. City street - unknown location
* 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.
~Rerun on Syfy (2010) matches the official cut, with five exceptions.

 
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

Lisa's bedroom, night 1

CUT

<Robert - [holding video camera, recording Lisa on the bed] Come on. Wiggle those toes. Wiggle. Wiggle. [pans camera from Lisa's bare feet up her legs] Ooh. Check out those legs. Ooh. [flips camera around to record himself] That's my favorite part. [flips back to recording Lisa] Ooh. Come on, smile for the camera, honey.

Lisa - [cajoling] Come on.

Robert - Hello.

Lisa - Come on.

Robert - I'll be right there. Mmm.

Lisa - Come on. [He blows her a kiss.] Robbie!

Robert - [turns to put camera on tripod] Coming, sweetie.

Lisa - Hurry up! Come on!

Robert - I'm coming. [adjust camera angle slightly]

Lisa - Robbie.

Robert - I'll be right there. [joins her on bed]

Lisa - [as they kiss] Ooh! Well, well.

Robert - [as they roll off bed onto pile of blankets] You're trying to kill me.

Lisa - Yeah.>

Robert - [notices clock on table] Uh-oh. Time to go.

Lisa - What?

Robert - It was wonderful as always, my love. [kisses her, gets up]

Lisa - I can't do this, Robert.

Robert - You looked really beautiful tonight. [pulls on his pants]

Lisa - Well, it's not enough anymore.

Robert - Well, look, Lisa, we've been through this. She won't give me a divorce.

Lisa - Did you ever actually ask her?

Robert - Look, we both know that she doesn't even get any of her money 'til her thirty-fifth birthday. And neither one of us does poor very well.

Lisa - Get out!

Robert - Look, okay. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll tell her that I have work this weekend and we'll get a little place at the beach.

Lisa - Get out of my house. Take that damn thing with you.

Robert - [goes over to camera, speaks into lens] Why don't you take a Prozac?

Lisa - Out!

 

Outside Lisa's apartment building, night 2

[Robert walks to his car, hears sound of swords clashing, sees two men fighting with swords across the parking lot. 3 He grabs the video camera from his bag and starts recording. One of the fighters is DM. As he beheads his opponent, DM looks up and sees Robert with the camera. 3 As the Quickening begins, Robert panics, jumps in his car & speeds off, A squealing around the roundabout and back toward the camera. 1]
 

ACT ONE

Joe's Bar, night 0

[DM enters empty bar.] B

Joe - Hey, MacLeod. Little late, isn't it?

DM - So? What the hell's going on with the cameras?

Joe - What cameras?

DM - One of your guys came at me with a video camera.

Joe - My guys? Nah. Couldn't be.

DM - I saw him. I was there. I want that tape, and I want it now!

Joe - I said it was not my people! We don't use video cameras. What exactly did this guy see?

DM - Let's just say it's not something I want on the six o'clock news.

Joe - Some guy got a beheading on tape.

DM - Oh. [mock claps in applause]

Joe - Oh, you'd better find him.

DM - No kidding.

Joe - Look, I'm going with you.

DM - What for?

Joe - I want to get a look at his face, just in case. Come on.

 

Inside Waverly's house 1

Barbara - Robert. [enters room where he is standing] <Did your club run out of scotch again?> CUT

Robert - All billable hours, sweetheart.

Barbara - <Well, I've been up all night.> CUT [watches as he finishes closing a bubble-pack envelope] What are you doing?

Robert - Nothing.

Barbara - What is that?

Robert - It's life insurance, in case anything happens.

Barbara - Hap-happens? What-- In case what happens?

Robert - [puts envelope in safe] Anything! If anything happens to me. [closes safe]

Barbara - What could possibly happen to you? Robert! [Robert removes gun from decorative pot in corner of room.] Robert! [Robert checks gun and brushes past Barbara out of the room. Barbara follows.] It's because of her, isn't it?

Robert - Oh, God, Barbara! "Her"? What the hell are you talking about? My life's on the line here!

Barbara - Yeah, from what!? A jealous boyfriend? [Robert doesn't answer, too busy peeking out the front window.] Okay, I'm done. Tomorrow, I see a lawyer.

Robert - Oh, come on, Barb. You're overreacting again.

Barbara - Oh, yeah. Am I? We never -- we never talk anymore. We never go anywhere. Why are we still married?

Robert - [raises his hands, still holding the gun] Because I love you.

Barbara - Put the gun down!

Robert - Okay. Look, I'm sorry, all right? [sets gun on table] I've been distracted. I've been working really hard. There are things at work that I didn't want to bring home.

Barbara - I'm your wife.

Robert - Look, this case that I'm working on is taking a bad turn. It's gotten dangerous.

Barbara - Oh, God, Robert. You've lost your touch. You don't even lie well any more.

Robert - Oh, you want to know why we never talk? That's why. Look, it's not me who doesn't communicate.

Barbara - Robert, you are a corporate lawyer. What could be so dangerous? Huh?

Robert - Look at me. I am scared to death.

Barbara - You really are. Is this for real?

Robert - I swear to God. I love you, Barb, and I need to count on you. [She hugs him.]

 

Outside Lisa's apartment building 2

Joe - So, he was standing right here with his camera?

DM - No, he was three miles away. I'm only here 'cause I like the neighborhood.

Joe - That's very good. Keep the sense of humor, MacLeod. You're gonna need it. You think he lives in this building?

DM - I doubt it. He was parked in the visitors' parking lot.

Joe - And we hope that he visits again. Are you going to tell me who this Immortal was?

DM - Matlin.

Joe - Peter Matlin?

DM - You know him?

Joe - Well, by reputation. He is one treacherous son of a bitch.

DM - Was.

Joe - You know, if you killed Matlin, that means that Kurlow can't be far behind.

DM - Yeah, I know. I'm counting on it.

 

Flashback - England, 1805 - street, night 4

[Super: England, 1805]

Johnny - Two years of chasing up and down the Mediterranean. If I never set foot on another boat, I'll consider meself blessed.

DM - Ah, war is all the hell it's cracked up to be, Johnny. Make no mistake.

Johnny - Aye. I buried a lot o' good men. There's times I thought I'd never get back.

DM - Ach, never doubted it. I told Molly and the boys that you were too stubborn to get yourself killed. [Both laugh.]

Johnny - Maybe I am, at that.

DM - Shh, shh, shh. [They stifle their laughter as constable strolls past.] Evening, Constable.

Constable - Mm-hmm.

Johnny - [after a moment] Molly told me how you looked in on her and made sure they got what they needed. I don't know how to thank you, Duncan.

DM - That's all right, Johnny.

Johnny - Nah. Not many men would go to the trouble for another man's kin.

DM - They are like family to me. You all are. You would have done the same thing.

Johnny - I would.

DM - Good night.

Johnny - Good night. [They part ways.]

DM - [walks off, singing] "My Bonnie lies over the ocean. My Bonnie lies over the sea."

 

Flashback - England, 1805 - riverbank, night 5

Lattimore - I do 2 thank you for your help, Mr. Matlin. CUT

Matlin - Always happy to help out a young gentleman such as yourself.

Lattimore - You've been more help than one should hope for from a stranger, and I am grateful. May I ask one more favor of you?

Matlin - Happy to oblige.

Lattimore - [holds out packet of letters] These are letters to my family. They're personal.

Matlin - [takes packet] Well, it's not uncommon for a young man these days to run off looking for adventure.

Lattimore - Even when he takes the family treasure to finance it?

Matlin - I'm sure you had your reasons.

Lattimore - Well, I'm the second son. My older brother stands to inherit everything, and I get--

Matlin - The shaft. I know. It's a terrible thing.

Lattimore - They thought I should join the army or take the cloth. I'll show them, make my own way in the Colonies.

Matlin - Well, you're off to a good start. 3

Lattimore - If you could post them for me after I'm gone?

Matlin - My pleasure.

[Behind Lattimore, Lyman Kurlow steps out from behind a tree.]

Lattimore - [reaches into his bag for some coins] For your troubles. You've more than earned it.

Matlin - Oh, no. No, that's not necessary.

Kurlow - [strangles Lattimore from behind] Didn't you mean to say, "It's not enough"?

Matlin - [tosses packet of letters aside] Goes without saying. [takes Lattimore's coin bag from his pocket]

Kurlow - [drops Lattimore's body] These mortals... they die so easily.

[CUT Kurlow drags Lattimore's body to the small boat dock and dumps it into the small skiff there. The Immortals throw their lamps into the boat, setting it on fire, and push the boat out into the current.]

Kurlow - Warms the heart.

Matlin - And the hands.

Johnny - [runs along bank toward dock] Hey, you there! Can't you see the boat's on fire? You deaf? [reaches the Immortals] You there... Are you just going to stand there? Well?

Kurlow - No. [Matlin cold-cocks Johnny from behind, knocking him unconscious.] Fortuitous. [places packet of letters inside Johnny's shirt]

 

Outside Lisa's apartment building - inside T-bird 2

Joe - They don't pay cops enough for this. [sighs] How much longer've we got to wait?

DM - Until he comes out, or I get a better idea of how to find him.

Joe - I'm tired, man.

DM - Have some coffee.

Joe - Ahh, it's cold. Besides, one more cup and I'll explode. In fact, I gotta go now.

DM - Then go.

Joe - Where am I going to find a bathroom out here?

DM - Find a tree.

Joe - Well, what if he comes out when I'm out looking for a tree?

DM - [grabs cup from dashboard] Then use a cup.

Joe - Ah, what are you, a nurse?

DM - [sees Robert's car] There he is. There. [Joe looks through binoculars as Robert gets out of car.] Do you know him?

Joe - No, I've never seen him before.

DM - You're sure?

Joe - Absolutely. [lowers binoculars] Not one of us. I'm sorry.

DM - [gets out of car] See if you can get a license plate. [heads toward Robert's car]

[Robert locks his car, starts toward apartment building, does a double take as he recognizes DM approaching. He starts walking more quickly... and DM halts, not following him.]

Joe - [watching from T-bird] Uh-- What's he up to?

 

[sometime later]

Robert - [cautiously approaches his car, doesn't see DM anywhere] Hasta la vista, pal. [unlocks car door, gets in]

DM - [pokes his head out from underneath car, stops Robert from closing car door] Let's talk. [climbs out from under car]

Robert - I didn't see anything. Look, I don't know anything.

DM - I'm not going to hurt you.

Robert - Your business is your business. Now, why should I care?

DM - I just want to talk.

Robert - Yeah, sure you do. [tries to close car door again]

DM - [stops him] Listen!

Robert - Look, we both know that your ass is mine, don't we?

DM - Excuse me?

Robert - If anything happens to me, that tape goes to the police and to the six o'clock news. Now, do you know that I know the D.A.?

DM - It's not what you think.

Robert - Oh, really? What do I think?

DM - I want that tape.

Robert - Oh, I'm sure you do. It's in a safe place.

DM - What you saw... was self-defense.

Robert - Oh, yeah. Of course. You had the guy down on his knees, and you chopped his head off. Oh, yeah, I'd take that to any jury. Look, you don't have to explain it to me. I'm sure that we can come to a reasonable settlement.

DM - How much?

Robert - I don't want your money. You want the tape, it's yours. All you have to do is perform a certain service for me, which shouldn't be too difficult for a man of your obvious talents.

DM - What would that be?

Robert - I want you to kill my wife. [looks confidently at DM C]

ACT TWO

[Camera pans down from underside of bridge.] D

Robert - I'll make it very easy for you. The door will be unlocked, the alarm system deactivated. You walk in, boom. Walk out. Finished.

DM - You think I'm the man for the job?

Robert - I have picked dozens of juries. I know people. I can feel it. You are my man. It's perfect. It's a win-win situation. I get what I want, and you get what you want. [writes on piece of paper, hands it to DM] That's where she'll be. Tonight or tomorrow, it's up to you.

DM - If there's a problem, you'll be the first to know.

Robert - I'm counting on you. [drives off as DM looks at paper: "6749 MacDonald". DM turns paper over -- it is a photo of Barbara.]

 

Flashback - England, 1805 - street near jail 4

Johnny - [in chains, being led through crowd by several guards] I'm an innocent man!

Woman in crowd - You murderer! Murderer!

Johnny - [as crowd throws things at him] Aah! Get off! [DM pushes through crowd toward him.] Duncan, I didn't do it! I'm no murderer.

DM - You do not have to tell me that.

Johnny - Aye, but somebody's got to tell them. They want to hang me.

DM - That will not happen.

Johnny - What kind of life will it be for Molly and the boys? CUT

DM - They will not hang you, I promise you that.

Johnny - I think I saw them.

DM - There was more than one?

Johnny - Aye, there were two. I only got a good look at the one. A big man... with a strip of white in his hair. On the right side. [They reach the jail.] Very white, Duncan! Very white!

DM - [as guards pull Johnny into the jail] I will find him! You can be sure of that!

 

Flashback - England, 1805 - inside jail 0

Jailer - This way. [leads DM toward Johnny's cell]

Johnny - You came.

DM - How are you?

Johnny - I've definitely felt better. The food's no worse than it was on board ship during war. I suppose I ought to be used to -- to seeing death coming.

DM - Johnny--

Johnny - No, I'm all right, Duncan. How's Molly, then? How is she faring?

DM - She told me to tell you not to worry about her... or the boys. 4 Johnny, I've been out every day.

Johnny - You can't find them.

DM - I've been to every pub, very stable, every inn up and down the river. But no one has seen this man with the strip of white hair.

Johnny - I shouldn't be surprised. They could be anywhere -- London, Manchester. Maybe even France.

DM - You do not know that.

Johnny - Looks like I'm going to keep me date with the hangman after all.

DM - They are not going to hang you.

Johnny - Tell Molly and the boys... Just tell them, Duncan.

DM - You tell them... when you are free. Look at me. When you are free. [leaves]

 

[next morning]

Jailer - [bangs on cell bars] Hey, wake up! [Johnny sits up.] No time to be sleeping. Today's your big day.

Johnny - Already?

Jailer - [cheerfully] There's no time like the present. [unlocks door] Relax, mate. I'm here to set you free. [opens door] They found the real killer.

Johnny - The man with the white in his hair?

Jailer - I don't know about no white. His name is MacLeod. Duncan MacLeod.

Johnny - No. No, not MacLeod. You've got the wrong man. There must be some mistake.

Jailer - Look, there's no mistake. He confessed. He walked in there, and he confessed.

Johnny - That's impossible. He didn't do it.

Jailer - He knew everything about it.

Johnny - Because I told him. He only knows what I told him. CUT

<Jailer - Look, what do you care-- [starts to enter cell & Johnny moves away] No, come here! What do you care who stretches, mate? As long as it's not you in front of the hangman, right? [pulls Johnny out of cell] Come on.

Johnny - You've got the wrong man.

Jailer - [to prisoner in next cell] Sit down!

Johnny - He didn't do it!>

 

Flashback - England, 1805 - street near jail 4

[Johnny walks through the crowds around the gallows. Food vendors sell sausage & other items.]

Food vendor - Fresh bread! Cheese! Sausage! Fresh bread! Cheese! Sausage!

[A pick-pocket lifts a coin purse from an apron pocket. A juggler performs. 5 Suddenly there's a yell from the crowd & everyone turns as DM is led in chains toward the gallows. They start throwing bread & dirt at him.]

Man in crowd - Evil! Evil!

Johnny - [runs forward] Duncan, you can't do this!

DM - It's done. Go home.

Johnny - This is madness.

DM - You have a wife and a family to take care of.

Johnny - You can't just switch places with me!

DM - I'm on my own. It makes sense. Good-bye, Johnny.

Johnny - No, you've got the wrong man! [as DM is led into position on the gallows] Leave him alone! He's innocent!

Hangman - Is there anything you'd like to say?

DM - Eh, no. [steps up into place]

Hangman - Smart. People get up here and just start talking. Just gets 'em scared. Smarter just to say nothing. [puts noose around DM's neck] I'll try and make sure it don't hurt.

DM - Always does. [senses 'buzz', scans the crowd]

Woman in crowd - Murderer!

[Kurlow & Matlin arrive to watch the hanging. Kurlow takes off his top hat, revealing the white streak at his temple.]

DM - [to himself] White hair. [as Hangman pulls hood over DM's head] No, wait! The killers are here!

Hangman - Sorry, mate.

DM - But they're right over there! It's a mista-- [Hangman kicks barrel out from under DM's feet, silencing him.]

 

Television monitor 1

[There is snow on the screen for a few seconds, then a view of Lisa's bed. Lisa moves into frame.]

Lisa - Come on, baby.

Robert - [off screen] Hello. I'm coming. [Lisa blows him a kiss.] Ooh.

Lisa - Come on! Come on!

Robert - [off screen] Okay, one more kiss.

 

Inside Waverly's house 1

[Barbara stands in front of the television set, watching the video.]

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Go.

Robert - [off screen, on TV] Okay.

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Hurry up!

Robert - [off screen, on TV] I'm coming.

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Come on!

Robert - [off screen, on TV] All right.

 

Television monitor 1

[Lisa poses for the camera. Robert joins her on the bed. They kiss. 6]

 

Inside Waverly's house 1

[Barbara sits on couch, still watching the TV.]

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Oh, my! [Both laugh.]

Robert - [off screen, on TV] You okay?

[DM walks through the house.]

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] It's not enough anymore.

Robert - [off screen, on TV] Lisa, look, we've been through this. She won't give me a divorce.

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Did you ever actually ask her?

[Barbara reacts with disappointment to what she is hearing.]

Robert - [off screen, on TV] Sweetheart, you know as well as I do that she doesn't even get her money 'til her thirty-fifth birthday. And neither one of us does poor very well.

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Get out!

Robert - [off screen, on TV] Okay, look, I'll tell you what. I'll tell her I have work this weekend and we'll get a little place by the beach.

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Get out of my house, and take that damn thing with you.

Robert - [off screen, on TV] Why don't you take a Prozac?

Lisa - [off screen, on TV] Out!

Robert - [off screen, on TV] I'll come by tomorrow.

[Barbara reaches for the remote to turn the tape off. There is a brief moment of static, then the sound of swords clanging. She looks up from the remote.]

 

Television monitor 3

[DM & Matlin fight in the dark parking lot.]

 

Inside Waverly's house 1

[DM hears the sounds from the TV, realizes what is playing. Barbara watches the screen intently.]

 

Television monitor 3

[DM takes Matlin down & beheads him, then looks up straight into the camera. The Quickening begins.]

 

Inside Waverly's house 1

[Barbara watches the TV with a puzzled frown. Elsewhere in the house, DM flicks a glass with his finger, making a chime that gets her attention. As the TV goes back to static, she gets up and goes to investigate. As she walks through the house, she hears a toilet flush.]

Barbara - Hello? Who's there? Is somebody there?

[DM ejects video tape from player & slips it into his coat pocket. He sneaks out of the house, then pauses. Inside, Barbara stands with a gun, terrified. She turns as DM re-enters the house.]

Barbara - What are you doing in my house?

DM - I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. [approaches, his features hidden by the frosted glass on the door between them]

Barbara - Who are you?

DM - Look, I promise I'm not going to hurt you. [slowly opens glass door]

Barbara - Oh, my God, it's you!

DM - I know this looks bad, but looks aren't everything.

Barbara - But you killed that man.

DM - Well, only sort of... I know this isn't good timing, but I've come to warn you. [takes a step forward]

Barbara - Stay away! Sta-- Stay away! [fires the gun at him, shattering a vase]

DM - [quickly leaves again] Brilliant, MacLeod.
 

ACT THREE

Joe's Bar 0

Joe - What do you mean, you went back?

DM - Well, what was I supposed to do? If he wants her killed, he's going to find someone to do it. I had to say something.

Joe - It's an awful pain in the ass when your sense of honor gets in the way of your own best interests.

DM - It happens.

Joe - Yeah, to you.

DM - He's got to be stopped.

Joe - And just how do you propose to do that, short of killing HIM?

 

Dojo office 0

DM - [into phone] I've already left three messages. [as Robert enters office] Never mind.

Robert - Let me explain this slowly. You can't go leaving messages at my office. Everything depends on nobody being able to connect us. [DM throws darts at dartboard nonchalantly.] You went to the house. That's good, it shows commitment, initiative. But you didn't finish the job.

DM - I didn't go there to kill your wife.

Robert - Oh, no. No, of course not.

DM - I went there to get the tape. Now I have it. Don't bother me again.

Robert - I may not have the tape anymore, but you're not out of this.

DM - [pushes Robert out of office] Out!

Robert - Look. [pulls gun, points it at DM] This is just in case you start thinking about ending your problem here. Okay, now I am an eyewitness. And let's say I go to my friend, the D.A., and he starts digging around. Now what do you think is gonna happen? Are you getting this or am I going too fast? [DM senses 'buzz', walks away from Robert.] Where do you think you're going?

DM - Side door. Get out, now.

Robert - I don't think you realize your position.

[DM turns, quickly punches Robert, knocking him out, drags him through side door & dumps him in the alley. He closes the door & waits in the empty dojo as Kurlow enters.]

Kurlow - Peter Matlin was my friend.

DM - Then you should have come yourself instead of sending him.

Kurlow - I'm here now.

[They face each other, swords drawn.]

 

Flashback - English countryside, 1805 5

[DM stands on path, sword drawn, senses 'buzz' as Matlin & Kurlow approach.]

Kurlow - Well, well, what have we here, then?

DM - I am Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.

Kurlow - [to Matlin] I know who he is. [to DM] I watched you hang. Lyman Kurlow.

Matlin - Peter Matlin... of the, uh, Somerset Matlins, at your service. CUT

Kurlow - Don't you think you'd better get out of town before someone sees you're alive?

DM - As soon as I have your head.

Kurlow - Oh, now, would that be my head?

Matlin - Or my head?

DM - I'm here for whichever of you is the vermin that killed the Lattimore boy and would have let my friend hang for it.

Kurlow - Then it must be me you want. You would have thought that dying once today would be enough for you.

<DM - I'm here to give you your turn. CUT

Kurlow - Oh, that's very gentlemanly of you.

DM - At least one of us it.

Kurlow - [leads DM through the trees] Does the ground suit you?

DM - Anywhere's just fine for me.

Kurlow - [holds up edge of his cape] It's a beautiful cape. You like the lining? [attacks DM, exchanges a few blows, then enters nearby hedge maze]>

[DM enters maze, looks for Kurlow. He finally 7 finds Kurlow, but Kurlow takes off & loses him again.]

DM - Show yourself, Kurlow!

[DM continues warily through the maze. Suddenly, Kurlow thrusts his sword through the hedge wall several times, trying to hit DM. DM quickly rounds the corner, but Kurlow is already gone. DM continues through the maze. Kurlow attacks him briefly, then retreats again. With a smile, Kurlow reaches the exit, where Matlin is waiting, leaving DM wandering around inside.]

DM - Kurlow! Stand and fight! You cannot run forever!

Kurlow - I'll pick the time and I'll pick the place, MacLeod! Fare thee well!

DM - Kurlow!

 

Dojo 0

(resume previous scene)

DM - There are no bushes for you to hide behind this time, Kurlow.

Kurlow - Oh, I'm a lot better now than I was then. Stick around. You might learn something.

DM - I'm counting on it.

Robert - [enters dojo, interrupting them] That was assault and battery! I could sue your ass good if I wanted to.

Kurlow - [puts away his sword] The tunnels, midnight.

DM - I'll be there.

Robert - [as Kurlow leaves] What's with you guys and the swords?

DM - Go away!

Robert - Look, there are easier ways to kill people. I've got it! Oh, okay. Look, this has nothing to do with the tape. I have an entirely new proposal.

DM - Don't you ever stop?

Robert - Look, do you know movies? "Strangers on a Train"? No? Okay, uh, there's these two guys on a train. They meet. They don't know each other, just like us. It's -- it's perfect. [laughs] We switch murders. You kill my wife--

DM - And you kill Kurlow?

Robert - Exactly. Now, there's no way to connect you to Barbara, and there's nothing to connect me to your friend. Neither one of us ever becomes a suspect. There's no motive.

DM - You're in way over your head.

Robert - Look, I'm, uh, sensing a little reluctance, here. We have a deal.

DM - We have nothing! No understanding, no deals! Nothing!

Robert - Well, I'll deliver my end.

DM - Kurlow will eat you alive.

Robert - [laughs] Let him try. I've got a nine-millimeter Sig Sauer with fifteen rounds. What's he got? A sword.

DM - Forget about what you saw. Forget about getting rid of your wife. If anything happens to her, anything at all, I'll come after you.

Robert - We'll talk later. [leaves]

 

Outside railroad/subway tunnel, night 6

[Robert pulls up, parks, gets out of car & enters tunnel.] 8

 

Inside railroad/subway tunnel 6

Kurlow - [as Robert approaches him] What the hell are you doing here?

Robert - I'm a lawyer. We met earlier today at MacLeod's.

Kurlow - MacLeod send you?

Robert - Send me? Nobody sends me.

Kurlow - Well, unless you've got business with me, you'd better get your sorry little ass out of here before you lose it.

Robert - [pulls out his gun. Kurlow laughs.] You think this is amusing?

Kurlow - First time I've ever seen a lawyer need a gun to rob someone.

Robert - Robbery? That would be wishful thinking on your part.

Kurlow - You're going to kill me?

Robert - Nothing personal, but yes.

[Kurlow holds open his coat lapels, inviting Robert to proceed. Robert shoots him in the chest, then moves closer & kneels to check for a pulse. Kurlow revives, grabs Robert by the neck, strangles him.]

Robert - [choking] Don't! I can pay you... I have a rich wife... money.

Kurlow - [finishes killing him] How nice.
 

ACT FOUR

Outside railroad/subway tunnel, night 6

[DM drives E up, parks next to Robert's car.]

 

<Inside railroad/subway tunnel 6 CUT

DM - [reaches Robert's body] I told you. [looks around, doesn't sense Kurlow anywhere nearby, leaves 9]>

 

Joe's Bar, night 0

DM - When the police find out whose body that is, they'll go to his wife. Then she'll tell them about me.

Joe - Then what?

DM - It means the end of Duncan MacLeod. It means disappearing, starting over again, as someone else... someone new.

Joe - Cutting yourself off from everyone you know... being alone... Ah, it can't be easy.

DM - It's not.

Joe - Mac, there's got to be another way.

DM - It's okay, Joe. It wouldn't be the first time.

Joe - No, no. Maybe I can help.

DM - Thanks, but I don't think you can do anything.

Joe - I'll talk to her before the cops get there.

DM - Yeah? And say what?

Joe - I don't know. But I'm good on my feet. I'll think of something.

DM - [scoffs] When she comes to the peephole, who are you gonna say it is, Mother Theresa?

Joe - Well, no, but at least it won't be you.

 

Establishing shot: City street, night 7
[Camera pans across dark skyline 10 to cars on street.]
 

Inside Dawson's car, night 0

Joe - [driving] Maybe I can say you were... rehearsing a movie?

DM - I think basically we're stuck with having to tell her the truth.

Joe - [sighs] Yeah. How much of the truth?

DM - Well, maybe if she understands that Matlin was trying to kill me... that I didn't have any other choice... Why would she believe you?

Joe - I'll make her believe me, all right?! I'm sorry.

DM - Relax. It's not my life that's in your hands. Just my life here.

Joe - Well, that takes the pressure off. It's a piece of cake now. [pulls up at Waverly's house]

DM - Doesn't look like the police are here yet. We should have a few minutes. 1

Joe - Doesn't look like anybody's here.

DM - [senses 'buzz'] Somebody is. [gets out of car]

 

Inside Waverly's house 1

CUT

<Kurlow - [holding a blindfolded Barbara tightly by the hair, senses 'buzz'] He'd better get in here soon. Well. 11 [pulls Barbara to her feet] Here he is now. [grabs Barbara by the neck as DM enters] Where were you? We were worried. [shoves Barbara at DM]

DM - It's all right. It's okay. It's okay. [removes her blindfold]> Better get out of here. It's all right. Go outside. A friend of mine will take you to the hospital.

Barbara - He killed Robert.

DM - I know. I'll take care of it. [Barbara leaves.] <You do get around.

Kurlow - You're so predictable.> CUT [They begin fighting.] Still a hero.

DM - Still a pig. [continue fighting, then Kurlow runs from the room. DM follows.] There's nowhere to run this time, Kurlow.

Kurlow - [appears behind him] No need, this time. [laughs, continues fight]

[They end up outside, by the pool. Kurlow salutes DM with his sword. DM crouches, then attacks. Kurlow backs away. 12 DM follows & they re-engage. Kurlow gets a slice in across DM's abdomen. DM manages to knock Kurlow into the pool, exchanges a few more parries, then beheads him & takes Quickening.]
 

TAG

Dojo office 0

[Joe enters with Barbara.]

DM - How are you?

Barbara - Better. Well, I'm -- I'm as good as I can be, considering.

DM - Yeah, I'm sorry about everything that happened. You should never have been dragged into it.

Barbara - The police said they found Robert... So what was he mixed up in? What was it all about?

DM - Well, knowing wouldn't make it any easier for you.

Barbara - Look, I don't know why that lunatic wanted to kill us... But I do know that if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be alive.

DM - Hey, you're giving me too much credit.

Barbara - I don't think so. 13 Well, I guess the only thing left to say is thank you. And if I can do anything for you--

DM - No.

Joe - Well, actually, uh, there is. If anybody asks you about that videotape--

Barbara - What tape?

Joe - Well, the one with--

Barbara - [feigning innocence] I don't know anything else about a tape.

Joe - If you want to hang on for a minute, I'll, uh, I'll give you a ride wherever you want to go.

Barbara - Okay.

Joe - Be right with you.

Barbara - [to DM] Thanks again for everything. [leaves office]

Joe - [points to desk] So is that it?

DM - What?

Joe - Robert's tape.

DM - Looks like it.

Joe - And you just leave it lying around? [picks up tape]

DM - Guess it must've just slipped my mind.

Joe - You know, I think this has real significance, real historical value.

DM - I thought Watchers never use cameras.

Joe - I mean, just -- since it's already here. I'd like to hang on to this for the archives.

DM - Whatever's on the tape is yours.

Joe - You erased it, didn't you? [DM smiles, shrugs.] Worth a shot. [tosses tape to DM, leaves]

[DM tosses tape into the trash.]

 

End of "Blackmail"

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