Highlander

Episode Transcripts

 

SEASON FOUR
Episode 17: The Immortal Cimoli

Story by Sophie Decroisette
Teleplay by Scott Peters
Directed by Yves Lafaye
Aired: May 5, 1996
 
Transcript revised: 12-23-20

 

/ Episode Screencaps /

 

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, the DVD script and Google translate), 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

GUEST STARS:

Amanda - Elizabeth Gracen
              an Immortal thief

Danny Cimoli - Crispin Bonham-Carter
              newly Immortal magician

Damon Case - Simon Kunz
              K'Immie (sort of)

UNCREDITED:

Molly - ??
              tavern wench in FB

FEATURING:

Lina Cimoli - Louise Vincent
              Danny's mother

Marco Mastina - Roger Lumont
              circus owner

Jean-Philippe de Lefaye III - Patrick Mille
              MacLeod's student in FB

Edward Bellamy - Stéphane Boucher
              tavern patron in FB

Annie - Véronique Baylaucq
              tavern wench in FB

Immortal - T.C./Tim Holmes
              in Vegas

Locations List:*
1. Chez Lina cafe - unknown location
2. Circus - unknown location
3. Park & Arena - Musée du Cheval / Grandes Ecuries, 7 Rue du Connétable, Chantilly: park [49.193744,2.476869], arena [49.193542,2.479033]
4. English manor - unknown location
5. Tavern interior - unknown location
6. Canal - Bassin de la Villette [48.886148,2.374098]
7. Inside barge - quay next to Pont de l'Archevêché bridge [48.851307,2.351766]
8. Tavern & church exteriors - unknown location
9. Church interior - unknown location
10. Chez Lina cafe (estab) - 35 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine [48.847510,2.352801]
11. Quay by barge / bridge - Passerelle Debilly bridge by Eiffel Tower [48.862836,2.297503]
12. Street - 29 to 25 Rue du Connétable (D924), Chantilly: [49.194467,2.475872] to [49.194453,2.476311]
13. Circus (estab) - possibly in Bois de Boulogne, exact coordinates unknown
14. Casino establishing - Dunes Hotel and Oasis Casino (now Bellagio), 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada [36.113056,-115.176389]
15. Parking garage - unknown location
16. Moscow establishing shot - St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow [55.752523,37.623087]
* Locations are in/near Paris unless otherwise indicated.
= 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 USA Network* (1998) matches the official cut, with three exceptions (bolded and bolded).
~Rerun on Syfy (2010) matches the official cut, with multiple exceptions (bolded and bolded).
~Rerun on Syfy (2013) was unfortunately only a partial recording -- the parts I have match the Syfy 2010 cut.

* 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>.)

 
TEASER

Establishing shot: Paris suburbs - Chez Lina cafe, night 1
 

Apartment above cafe - Danny's room, night 1

Danny - [to himself, in response to knocking on bedroom door] I'm not here. [Knocking continues.] I'm coming! [puts down magician's wand, goes to door]

Lina - Now who sits alone in a dark room? Pfft. [flips lightswitch] Well, I couldn't stand to look at this mess either. [The room is cluttered with stage magician paraphernalia.]

Danny - Hey, Mama. What's up?

Lina - Hmm? How'd it go today?

Danny - Can we talk about it in the morning?

Lina - Job interviews are so exhausting.

Danny - I didn't get it. They wanted someone with more experience.

Lina - Maybe they wanted somebody who would show up for the interview. You know, your Uncle Tony went to a lot of trouble to get you that interview.

Danny - I'm sorry. Mama, we've been through this a hundred times.

Lina - Oh, yes, yes, I know. [waves her hands around dramatically] You have a profession already. You are a magician. You make tricks. CUT

Danny - Mama, I told you. I can't take a regular job. I have to be available for auditions.

CUT

Lina - Oh, I hate this room. I hate it! [pulls back curtains, opens window, starts grabbing up things in the room]

Danny - What are you doing? [Lina starts yelling in Italian & throwing things out the window.]

Lina - [yelling in Italian] {??}

Danny - [offscreen] {??} Not my rubber lady!

Lina - It's for your own good. It's time you grow up.

Danny - I am grown up. You can't do this.

<Lina - [throws more stuff out the window, including a bowler hat] And this! And this!

Danny - My poor rabbit's in that hat! Stop it! Leave my stuff alone!> CUT That's it! I'm leaving! I can't take you anymore.

Lina - Me you can't take!? Me!? I'll tell you what I can't take. I can't take any of this! [tears poster off wall: ALLEZ VOIR LE COUPEUR DE TÈTES AU BRITISH CIRCUS IMPÈRATOR] And this! And this!

Danny - Oh, no!

Lina - Oh, yes! [Danny walks out of bedroom.] Where are you going? Where are you-- [grabs a rubber chicken and a red velvet bag] Danny, Danny, they're toys. [as Danny leaves apartment, yells out window] Danny, grown men don't play with toys! [throws chicken and bag out window] Oh! [leans against window frame, defeated]

 

Street outside cafe, night 1

[Danny wanders around, picking up his things.]

Lina - [leans out window] Daniele, come back upstairs. I-I've got some pretty good tiramisu. [Danny gives her a look, keeps picking up things.] Daniele, I'm sorry. [Danny walks toward a hat lying in the street. A large truck is coming down the street.] Danny! [Danny looks up as the truck honks and screeches to a stop... too late to avoid hitting him.] Danny!

[Voice-over by Joe Dawson]
He is Duncan MacLeod... the Highlander. Born in 1592 in the Highlands of Scotland, and he is still alive. He is Immortal. For four hundred years, he's been a warrior... a lover... a wanderer. Constantly facing other Immortals in combat to the death. The winner takes his enemy's head, and with it, his power. I am a Watcher -- part of a secret society of men and women who observe and record... but never interfere. We know the truth about Immortals. In the end, there can be only one. May it be Duncan MacLeod... the Highlander.

OPENING CREDITS

ACT ONE

Street outside cafe, night 1

CUT

<[Pinpoint of white light expands to 1 fill the screen, transitions to a kaleidoscope of faces with indistinct voices.]

Truck driver - I couldn't stop.

Man - Is he moving? Is he dead? A

[Image resolves into over-exposed faces of concerned bystanders.]

Woman - I don't think he's breathing.>

Truck driver - [leaning over Danny's body, jerks back in surprise] Geez, he's moving. [Danny starts to sit up.] Don't move. You're hurt.

[People in crowd murmuring.]

Woman - [quietly] Is he okay?

Lina - Danny?

Danny - Mama?

Lina - Danny? [embraces him] My God, it's a miracle. A miracle!

 

Circus grounds 2

Amanda - How can you not be excited, MacLeod? Just the smell of sawdust, popcorn, and cotton candy. This makes me feel like a kid. Oh, isn't it exciting? I mean, the sights, the sounds, the carneys...

DM - <The wonderful smell of wet fur.> CUT Low pay, long hours. Sleeping in trucks. [to bearded lady] Hi, how are you? [to Amanda] Not to mention the romance.

Amanda - You know you loved every minute of it. [They approach Marco's trailer.] Come on, MacLeod, loosen up. It's the circus. Be a kid again.

Marco - Amanda, what a magnificent surprise!

Amanda - Oh, it's so good to see you, Marco. [hugs him, kisses his cheeks] I want you to meet a good friend of mine. This is Duncan MacLeod.

Marco - Ah, let me guess -- the Great MacLeod? Come on, I smell Circus here somewhere, huh?

DM - Just plain MacLeod.

Marco - [to Amanda] Where are you working these days? Whatever they're paying you, it's not enough. [to MacLeod] She was the best highwire act I ever saw.

DM - Well, personally I like the Wallendas myself.

Amanda - Thank you. Thanks, Marco, but I'm out of the business, you know. I'm retired.

CUT

Marco - [stage whisper to MacLeod] There is something I know she can't resist.

DM - Money?

Marco - Uh-uh. Moscow. We start an Eastern tour next week. You have to play Moscow, it's every carney's dream.

Amanda - Wow, Moscow. I mean, can you imagine?

DM - Yeah. [clears throat] Bad food, bad weather. Nice Mafia...

Amanda - You're right. You're right. Marco, listen, I just came by to say hello.

Marco - [sighs] Well, as long as you're here, you might as well have some fun. [hands them a pair of tickets] Here. My newest headliner. [points to poster on side of trailer: THE IMMORTAL CIMOLI] You'll love it. Even I don't know how he does it.

Amanda - [to MacLeod] Well?

DM - Well, let's get some popcorn.

 

Circus - inside big top 2

[Several clowns are entertaining the crowd. Clown 1 pours water from a watering can into bucket held by Clown 2. Clown 2 carries bucket toward crowd, stumbles, drops bucket.]

Clown 1 - Look what you did! Everybody's laughing.

Clown 2 - Oh, yeah? We'll see who laughs.

Clown 1 - Okay. Hold it steady. [pours more water from watering can into bucket]

Clown 2 - [carries bucket over to crowd, swings bucket back and forth] One, two, three-- [heaves contents of bucket at crowd, but it's confetti instead of water]

DM - [smiling] That gag was old when we were playing Oklahoma in '26.

Amanda - Yeah, but if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Marco - [appearing in spotlight] And now, ladies and gentleman, the Magnificent Moreno Bormann Circus is proud to present an act you've never seen before. [takes gun from assistant] Thank you. 2 [to crowd] I hold in my hand a high-powered weapon. Muzzle velocity: one thousand two hundred and sixty feet per second. [Marco cocks gun, aims at target behind a pane of glass, fires gun. Pane of glass shatters.] No man on earth could survive this, except the one, the only... The Immortal Cimoli!

[Crowd applauds as Danny enters ring wearing top hat and cape. He senses 'buzz', raises a hand to his head in reaction.]

Amanda - [exchanges look with DM] He's one of us. [Assistants replace pane of glass. Danny stands behind it.] He wouldn't. [Drumroll. Marco cocks gun, aims.] No one's that crazy. [Marco fires gun, shattering glass pane. Danny falls.]

DM - Almost no one. [Shots of young children watching. After a tense, silent moment, Danny sits up. The crowd applauds, cheers.] Come on. I think we should have a little talk with Mr. Cimoli.

 

Circus - outside Danny's trailer 2

Child 1 - Can I please have your autograph? Come on, please?

Child 2 - Can I {feel the bullet}?

Child 3 - Yeah, come on.

Danny - [signing autographs, senses 'buzz'] Thanks, everyone. That's it. Even the Immortal Cimoli gets tired. [DM taps him on the shoulder. He turns.] Sorry, no more autographs. I've got a monster headache.

DM - I don't want an autograph, and that's not a headache. We need to talk about who you are.

Danny - Like the poster says. I am the Immortal Cimoli.

Amanda - Yeah.

DM - Well, the Immortal Cimoli.

Amanda - He's got that part figured out.

DM - Say, listen to me. That "headache" that you got, all of us get it. It's how we know when another one of us is around. [Amanda nods in agreement.]

Danny - Uh, look, mister, uh, I don't know what you're talking about.

DM - You died recently. A robbery or an accident or something? But you didn't stay dead, did you?

Danny - How do you know?

DM - 'Cause it happened to me... four hundred years ago.

Amanda - We should talk.

 

[later, inside trailer]

Danny - I didn't know what to think. I mean, who would? I thought God, aliens, some kind of miracle. But this... oh, man, this IS a miracle.

DM - Danny, about the act...

Danny - Forget the act. I'll expand it. Lose the revolver. I need something bigger, more spectacular. Maybe a cannon.

Amanda - I think we might be having a little communication problem here.

Danny - No, no, I get it. I mean, ever since the truck hit me, I've thought, "This can't last. One day it's going to end. Bang. I won't get up." But if it lasts forever, I can do any trick, anything, and I won't die! I'll be bigger than Houdini.

DM - Sit down. [more forcefully] Sit down. [Danny sits.] This isn't some trick for some magic act. It's not entertainment.

Danny - Entertainment? You think it's easy taking a bullet twice a night? Three shows on Saturday. You know how much that hurts?

Amanda - You do, uh, twenty-three shows a week? I mean, do you get a piece of the gross?

DM - [clears his throat, glares at Amanda] Danny, sooner or later, another Immortal's going to find you, like we did. And then they're going to try and kill you.

Danny - I can't die.

DM - Well, you can... if they cut off your head.

Danny - [laughs] You're kidding. It's a gag. He's kidding, right?

Amanda - No.

DM - Uh-uh.

Danny - Okay, so I'll get protection.

DM - Danny, it doesn't work like that. You're in the Game now. You're going to have to learn how to fight.

[Off Danny's stunned reaction. Someone knocks on trailer door.]

Lina - [offscreen] Danny? [enters trailer] Oh, figliolo mio. You were wonderful tonight. [Danny kisses her in greeting.] Even your Uncle Tony said so. [laughs, turns to DM] Hello.

Translation: figliolo mio - my son

DM - [shakes her hand] Hello. Hi.

Lina - He was wonderful, no?

DM - Yeah, he was. Hi, I'm Duncan MacLeod, sorry.

Lina - Oh, glad to meet you.

DM - Nice to meet you. Hi.

Lina - He's my son, you know.

DM - Oh, yes.

Lina - Even I don't know how he does everything.

DM - [forced laugh] That's great.

Lina - [to Danny] I'll meet you in the parking lot. You come as you are.

DM - Okay. [opens door to let her out]

Danny - [to DM] It's gonna have to wait. I've got-- Let-- [tries to follow Lina out. DM stops him.] But Mama invited half the neighborhood to tonight's show. They expect a personal appearance. Look. Okay, look. I'll think about it.

DM - Oh, you're going to do more than that if you want to stay alive. All right? Now go see Mama. [lets him leave]

Amanda - He's new. Don't you think you're being a little hard on him?

DM - No, I don't. 3

 

Paris park 3

DM - No, don't anticipate the parry. Let's do it again. [steps back from Danny] Ready. [begins attacking, calling out fencing positions] Prime! Tierce! Seconde! Quatre! [Danny blocks all but the last one.] Quatre is here. Come on. Let's do it again.

Danny - I can't. I'm sorry. I've got to run.

DM - We're not through yet! [swings suddenly at Danny, who dodges frantically, trying to block but is quickly disarmed] See? [holds blade at Danny's neck]

Danny - Hey! Take it easy!

DM - The first Immortal that comes for your head is not going to take it easy.

Danny - I've got fifty sick kids at the hospital waiting for the Immortal Cimoli. Tomorrow I'm all yours, I promise.

DM - It's your head.

Danny - [to Amanda] Would you lighten this guy up a little?

Amanda - I'll try. [Danny leaves.] Hey, the kid's got commitments. CUT

<DM - If he doesn't get his act together, he's not going to have any commitments.

Amanda - Come on, MacLeod. It's his life. Why should you care?>

 

Flashback - English manor grounds, 1795 4

DM - [engaged in training duel with another Immortal] If I didn't know any better, Jean-Philippe, I'd say you were trying to best me. [continues duel]

[Super: England 1795]

J-P - I don't have to try. [Duel continues.] How embarrassing if the student taught the master a lesson.

DM - [disarms J-P] A teacher's a teacher for a reason. [J-P picks up his sword, walks away.] Come on.

J-P - I've just seen how it's done. That is all I need. [picks up his jacket from nearby low wall]

DM - We're not finished yet.

J-P - But we are. The ladies await, my friend.

DM - Jean-Philippe, I know it's hard to believe, but I think the ladies can live without you.

J-P - But can I live without them? Remember, Duncan, I was the finest swordsman in Normandy when we met.

DM - Mortal swordsman.

J-P - And I'm ten times better now, thanks to you.

DM - Someone still killed you.

J-P - A jealous husband stabbed me in the back. I never had a chance to draw my sword.

DM - You're an Immortal now. You'll be facing men who have fought for centuries.

J-P - I am ready for anything that comes my way.

DM - Not yet, you're not. CUT

 

Flashback - England, 1795 - Black Cat Tavern 5

J-P - Oh, ma chérie, I burn hotter than fire when I look into your eyes. Oh, Annie, you little devil, you'd have been a triumph at Versailles. And Molly... you'd have been a scandal anywhere. [Both wenches giggle.]

Translation: ma chérie - my sweetheart

Edward - [from nearby table] The man could talk his way into hell, and back out again.

J-P - [stands, makes his way around the table, past another patron] Sorry. [approaches Edward] Sir, you address Jean-Philippe de Lafaye the Third. [gives a little bow]

Edward - A long name for a little man.

J-P - My friend, you look like you're due for some excitement in your otherwise dreary little life.

Edward - And you should pick your battles with more care... Or learn some manners. [draws his sword]

J-P - [draws his own sword] I am your humble student.

Edward - Perhaps then I teach you a lesson.

[They begin dueling, then J-P senses 'buzz' as Case enters tavern. J-P and Case exchange a look. Edward attacks again, turning J-P's attention back to the duel.]

J-P - [exchanges parries with Edward] Come on. Hey! [grabs Edwards sword arm, the point of his own sword against Edward's back]

Edward - Mercy... I beg you.

J-P - [releases Edward] Wise choice. Barkeep, Hennessy for my friend here. [sets his sword on the table, turns to Case with a small bow] Jean-Philippe de Lafaye the Third.

Case - [gives J-P a look] Damon Case.

J-P - Was that look meant for me, sir?

Case - [grave] The act of combat is a holy duty for us.

J-P - I give the matter sufficient weight. Perhaps you care to test me?

Case - I will not fight. Not this day.

J-P - The room is filled with men of wisdom. Whenever you wish, I am at your convenience, sir.

[Case gives him another solemn look, then leaves the tavern.]

 

Circus - inside Danny's trailer, night 2

[Danny senses 'buzz'.]

 

Circus - outside Danny's trailer, night 2

[Unknown Immortal stands in shadow, looking at "Immortal Cimoli" poster on side of trailer.]

Danny - [exits trailer, looks around cautiously] MacLeod? [sees Case] Don't tell me. Another one. Look, I already have a teacher, mister...?

Case - Damon Case. And I'm not a teacher. [looks again at poster] I see you've chosen to be very public about it, Mr. Cimoli.

Danny - Danny. Look, I'm still learning about all this Immortality stuff, and I'd love to talk to you about it, but right now I've got to get ready for a show.

Case - I want you to know, Danny, I gain no pleasure from what must be done.

Danny - What're you talking about?

Case - You must be very new. No matter. I've come to take your head.

Danny - [chuckles nervously] I'm still using it right now.

Case - I'll make it quick. You won't suffer.

Danny - Case. Hey, look, Case. Let's talk about it. We'll work something out.

Case - There is nothing to talk about. Nothing to work out. There is only this. [raises his sword]

Danny - [calls out] Hey, Charlie, Frank. You guys got a minute?

[Two clowns nearby turn, start walking toward him.]

Case - [moves away] The dome at Chantilly, at dawn.

Danny - This is insane! I don't even own a sword!

Case - You'd better get one. [walks away B]
 

ACT TWO

Establishing shot: Quay by barge 6
 

Inside barge 7

Amanda - MacLeod, are you awake? What are you thinking about?

DM - [in bed next to her] Mm, Danny.

Amanda - I must be losing my touch.

DM - No, you're not losing your touch. [kisses her shoulder] What are you thinking about? Ah?

Amanda - Moscow.

DM - [groans] I must be losing MY touch.

Amanda - No, seriously. I mean, seriously, seriously. I mean, do you think I'm nuts? [off DM's look] I mean about Marco's offer. I really just think -- you know, Moscow has the best circus audiences in the whole world.

DM - Have a nice time.

Amanda - Oh, but just think of the fun we could have together.

DM - Well, I'll see you when you get back.

Amanda - I think you need a little bit more coaxing.

DM - Be my guest.

[They are interrupted by 'buzz' and pounding at the door.]

Danny - [offscreen] MacLeod? MacLeod, open up!

Amanda - The kid's got timing. I'll give him that.

DM - [calls out] It's open. [Amanda settles back on her side of the bed.]

Danny - [enters through door by bed] This guy just showed up at my trailer. He pulled a sword. He said he's gonna take my head... [sees them in the bed] S-Sorry.

Amanda - Ah, that's okay, Danny. You're all we talk about anyway. You might as well be here in person.

DM - What's his name?

Danny - Um, he said his name was Case... Damon Case. I think he's serious.

DM - He is.

 

Establishing shot: England, 1795 - Black Cat Tavern 8
 

Flashback - England, 1795 - Black Cat Tavern 5

J-P - And here we are. Another day, my lovelies. [pours drink into cups] Just a minute. [turns from Annie & Molly, carries the two beers to Case] Damon Case, my old friend. A toast to you, sir.

Case - [looks up from his meal] I do not drink.

J-P - Really? Doesn't drink... haven't heard you curse... [looks toward the two wenches]

Molly - [whispers to Annie] He's a good man.

J-P - One of the ladies, perhaps? [off Case's look] I didn't think so. What exactly do you do, Monsieur Case?

Case - I fight. Today is a new day. Today I am prepared for you.

J-P - [amused] Indeed. Tell me, were you up all night practicing?

Case - Praying.

J-P - You're not serious. A man should spend his last hours on earth seeking pleasure.

Case - I take no pleasure from what must be done. I hope you have prepared your soul.

J-P - It is not MY soul that needs to be prepared.

Case - [stands] Come. Ours is not a battle for glory or prying eyes.

J-P - A man should die where he chooses. [turns to wenches] Don't go away. I'll be back.

Annie - B-B-But--

 

[later]

[DM rides up, ties his horse to hitching post, enters tavern.] 8

<Wench - [to another wench] Can you believe it? He was standing right there, the big, ugly brute. He was smelling like a stale corpse. CUT

DM - [to tavern owner] Has Jean-Philippe been in today?

Other wench - [off-screen] No, really.

Annie - [calls out] Oi, MacLeod.

DM - [walks over] Molly and Annie, you're still here, girls?

Annie - Hey, how about buying two pretty girls a drink while you wait for him?>

DM - Have you seen him?

Annie - He went with the quiet one.

DM - The who?

Annie - One who wouldn't fight in here or drink. Had to be private, he said. No prying eyes. I think Jean-Philippe was going to teach him a lesson.

 

Flashback - England, 1795 - outside tavern 8

[DM gets on his horse, sees Quickening in distance, rides toward it. He dismounts by J-P's horse, kneels by J-P's body.] 4

 

Flashback - England, 1795 - outside country church 8

[DM rides slowly back toward town, leading J-P's horse, with J-P's body draped over the saddle. He senses a 'buzz' as he nears a church. He walks through courtyard to church entrance.]

 

Flashback - England, 1795 - country church 9

[DM walks cautiously toward front of church. Camera pans from him C across to Case, kneeling at the altar.]

DM - Damon Case. You killed Jean-Philippe de Lafaye.

Case - [still kneeling, holding his sword point-down before him] Yes. CUT He was Immortal, as we are.

DM - That is no reason!

Case - [stands, turns to face him] It is the only reason. Our ritual combat is my purpose, my reason for being, as it is yours.

DM - [cold] Come away from holy ground.

Case - Killing is not something I take lightly. It brings me no pleasure that he is dead, but it is what must be done. What God has ordained.

DM - Then God has ordained that you will fight me.

Case - Not yet. I must give thanks to God for my survival and pray for the soul of my foe. Return in the morning. I will fight you then, if you still desire it. Before you go, will you join me in prayer for the soul of your friend?

DM - Pray for your own soul. [leaves]

[Case turns back to the altar, kneels again, bows his head.]

 

Inside barge 7

Amanda - So you never went back?

DM - Case wasn't evil. There was a sense of reverence and decency about the man. He was just playing the Game -- following the rules how he understood them.

CUT

Danny - The hell with the rules and the hell with the Game! I want out!

Amanda - Sorry, Danny, but that's not an option.

Danny - Well, then I'll run. I'll take Mama to Sicily for a couple months. Case'll get bored and go away.

DM - Then it'll be someone else.

Amanda - Or you could, you know, become a monk and live in a monastery for the rest of eternity, but somehow I don't see you in a habit.

Danny - I just started. I'm not ready for this. What am I going to do?

DM - Tonight, you go home. You forget about Case.

Amanda - Wait a minute, MacLeod. I know what you're thinking, and just... just forget it, okay?

Danny - You're going to meet him? Look, I appreciate it, but you don't have to do this. If anything happens to you--

DM - Nothing's going to happen to me. Go on.

Danny - From now on, I'll do whatever you say. [leaves]

Amanda - What the hell are you doing?

DM - He can't face Case. He can hardly pick up a sword.

Amanda - Well, that's not your problem! I mean, Case isn't after you. Why accept the challenge?

DM - I don't want to fight Case. I just want to talk to him.

Amanda - Well, what if he doesn't want to talk?
 

ACT THREE

Arena 3

[DM enters catwalk overlooking small horse arena. He goes down circular staircase, 4 walks to D arena, senses 'buzz'.]

Case - [facing away from him] I thought you might not come.

DM - I got delayed.

Case - [turns to face MacLeod] Only by about two hundred years. I waited for some time in that church. You never returned.

DM - I found I had no reason.

Case - That was wise. Where is the boy? The "Immortal Cimoli"?

DM - The boy's young and inexperienced.

Case - A challenge has been made.

DM - You have no reason to kill him.

Case - He is Immortal. That is enough.

DM - You fought in the Crusades. Did you kill every life you came across? Slaughter every defenseless innocent?

Case - Some did... but not me. God counsels mercy. CUT

DM - Then show mercy to Danny Cimoli.

Case - But ours is another fight, another test. The mercy you ask for has no place with us. Besides, what is he to you?

DM - He's defenseless. Innocent. That's enough.

Case - Not in our quest.

DM - Case, I don't want to fight you, but I will if I have to.

Case - Then you will die where you stand. And may God have mercy on your soul. [They pull out their swords. Police sirens sound outside. Multiple cars can be heard screeching to a stop.] You called the police.

DM - Someone did.

Case - Another time, then... Soon. [leaves]

 

Establishing shot: Chez Lina cafe 10
 

Chez Lina cafe 1

DM - What did you think the police would do, Danny? Even if they did arrest Case, they couldn't hold him. Maybe you had a plan.

Danny - There was no plan. I just didn't want you dying for me. I was trying to protect both of us.

DM - Our fight is outside the law. You protect yourself with a sword. Even if you did get rid of Case, what about the one after him? Or the next one?

Danny - I don't know. I'm just winging it. Look. I'm not afraid of dying. It's... I don't want to kill anybody.

DM - It's not a question of wanting to. You have no choice. The sooner you understand that, the more chance you have of staying alive.

Danny - Okay. You've got me full time.

DM - Well, it's a little late for that. Case already found you. There's no way you'll be ready in time. I know of a swordmaster that might take you on, but he lives in Okinawa.

Danny - You want me to go to Japan?

DM - Well, you're going to have to change your name and your identity soon enough. It'll buy you some time.

Danny - MacLeod, I can't do that. I got a call from my agent a few minutes ago. He got me Vegas. Main room, pay TV, everything. Danny Cimoli, bigger than David Copperfield. Can you imagine that?

<DM - CUT Yeah, Danny Cimoli -- the headless magician.>

Danny - What about Mama? I'm supposed to run out on her? Just disappear? It'll kill her. She's told everybody my father died so many times I think SHE believes it, but he didn't die. He just took a walk one night. Never came back.

DM - Danny, I know it's hard, but think about how she'd feel if she has to come to your funeral.

Danny - What you're saying is I've got no choice.

DM - [stands] I'll make the arrangements. [walks toward cafe entrance]

Lina - Oh, Mr. MacLeod. Next time you stay for dinner. And remember, I don't take "no" for an answer.

DM - Yeah, next time.

Lina - Okay. [DM leaves.] Mm, Daniele.

Danny - [kisses her cheeks] I love you, Mama.

 

Apartment above cafe - Danny's room, night 1

[Danny picks up a framed photo of himself and his mom at his college graduation. He picks up another item and a magician's wand, gathering things to pack.]

Lina - [calls from doorway] Danny?

Danny - [puts items down] Mama. What is it?

Lina - Are you okay?

Danny - Fine. Perfect.

Lina - Oh. Uh, could you come downstairs for a minute and give me a hand? I'm having trouble with that sink.

Danny - I was just going to go out for a little while.

Lina - Oh, now that you're a big shot you're too good to help your mother, huh?

Danny - No, it's not that... Okay.

 

Chez Lina cafe, night 1

Lina - Go on. [escorts him through a door]

Danny - [as she pushes him down short hallway] Mama, what's going on?

Lina - Well, go on. [pushes him through another doorway into darkened cafe]

Crowd - [as lights go on] Surprise!

Danny - What is this?

Lina - It's a surprise to celebrate, or weren't you going to tell us about Las Vegas. Huh? Huh?

Danny - You know?

Lina - Of course. Your agent called. Sounds like a very nice man. Oh, figliolo mio. Your father would have been so proud of you.

Translation: figliolo mio - my son

CUT

Danny - Mama, we have to have a little talk.

Lina - What? Ma che c'è?

Translation: Ma che c'è? - What is it?

Danny - I'm not-- I can't--

Lina - Did I do something wrong? You don't like the party?

Danny - No, I do.

Lina - Well?

Danny - Mama, I've got to go out for a little while. [leaves cafe]

 

Inside barge 7

Amanda - [pokes at logs in fireplace, senses 'buzz'.] 5

 

Establishing shot: Quay by barge 11
 

Inside barge 7

Amanda - I'm coming. [opens door] Hey, Danny.

Danny - I think I've got a problem.

Amanda - No kidding. [lets him in, closes door behind him]

Danny - No, I mean now I've really got a problem. MacLeod wants me to get out of town, change my identity -- everything.

Amanda - Well, you know, if I were you, I think I would have one question -- what's my new name?

Danny - I can't-- I can't do that.

Amanda - Listen, Danny. You know all that publicity and all the fame, all the crowds loving you? That-- That's like an addictive drug. It's like heroin or something. Only to an Immortal it is very, very deadly.

Danny - It's not just that. I can't break her heart. I can't run out on her.

Amanda - Your mom. [Danny nods.] Danny, if you put your name out there day in and day out, you're just advertising to get whacked. And honestly, I don't think you stand a chance. Maybe if you'd trained, or if you'd taken a couple of heads that would be different, but really, I don't think you'd last more than a week. CUT

<Danny - It would almost be worth it.

Amanda - Oh, no, no, no, no. You don't mean that. [takes his hand] Silly boy.>

 

Street, later 12

Amanda - I don't know. I really feel for the kid. It's like his dream is about to come true, and all of a sudden this nightmare comes along and swallows him whole. It's-- [makes a frustrated sound] You know what I mean? It's--

DM - Yeah, I do. 6

Amanda - Sometimes immortality sucks.

<DM - Maybe he can survive in Vegas for a time. CUT

Amanda - I know. I mean, I feel sorry for him, but it's his problem.

DM - Mind you, I haven't played blackjack in a while.

Amanda - Oh, well, you just can't come and take on every Immortal that comes his way.>

DM - Well, would you just stand by and watch a man beat a child?

Amanda - Danny is not a child, MacLeod.

DM - Well, for an Immortal, he is.

Amanda - Look. It isn't fair, okay? Life isn't fair. But it's not my job or your job to make it fair!

DM - I just love it when you're angry. It's great.

Amanda - Would you stop it? I'm trying to be serious.

 

Arena 3

DM - I'm glad you got my message, Case.

Case - The question is, why did you send it? Does it make you feel stronger to protect the weak?

DM - Does it make you feel stronger to kill them?

Case - I feel nothing. I merely obey the rules.

DM - I'm asking you to bend them this once.

Case - Not in ten centuries. Not now.

DM - Then one of us dies tonight.

Case - I hope you have prepared your soul. [They bow to each other & begin to fight. They circle each other in the arena, exchanging blows, until DM uses the same move he used on J-P to disarm Case.]

DM - Leave the boy alone and walk away.

Case - Not in ten centuries.

DM - Then you leave me no choice here. [beheads Case, takes his Quickening. Quickening ends. E]
 

ACT FOUR

Inside barge 7

[Amanda F is juggling three balls, fumbles them. One of them hits MacLeod.]

Amanda - Sorry. [DM gives her a look, tosses the ball toward her.] When are you going to snap out of this?

DM - There's nothing to snap out of.

Amanda - Oh. Well, then I guess I need to enroll you in a speed reading course, because you've been reading page, uh, fifty-four for the past thirty minutes. Is it Case? [DM doesn't respond.] MacLeod, talk to me or I'm going to start juggling chain-saws. <[She throws a ball at him.] CUT

DM - And I'll start juggling you if you throw another ball at me.> I think I made the wrong decision.

Amanda - Well, it's a little late for that now, don't you think? MacLeod, you were trying to protect Danny.

DM - Yeah, but Case wasn't my enemy.

Amanda - It must be difficult, having one of those.

DM - One of what?

Amanda - A conscience. Case believed that our existence alone was reason enough to fight.

DM - Yeah, but I don't.

Amanda - It's over. Let's go tell Danny.

 

Establishing shot: Traveling circus 13
 

Circus grounds 2

Marco - Amanda! Oh, I knew it! I knew it! I knew you would be back. Did you think about Moscow?

Amanda - Of course. That's why I'm here.

Marco - And?

Amanda - And I'm still thinking about it.

Marco - That's my girl. Come and hear my offer.

Amanda - Okay. MacLeod?

DM - I'll go find Danny.

 

Circus - inside big top 2

Danny - [senses 'buzz' as DM enters ring, turns] MacLeod! It's gonna take a while to get used to that. Listen. I've got a new trick I just worked out. I was trying to get ahold of you.

DM - Um, Danny, this is important.

Danny - So's this. Please? You're an old circus hand. I want to see what you think.

DM - Okay. Two minutes.

Danny - Here's how it goes. They announce me, applause, applause, the music starts. Then my routine. While I'm doing that, "Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to witness, blah, blah, blah..." While I'm doing that, I scan the front row.

DM - And you spot your partner.

Danny - Bingo. You, sir, would you mind assisting me?

DM - Danny, come on...

Danny - Come on. Don't spoil it. Please. [handcuffs DM's wrists behind his back] You'll ruin the momentum.

DM - Now what?

Danny - [pulls sword from a "sword-through-the-woman" box] Now nothing. The trick's over. I'm sorry, MacLeod. Sorry it had to be you.

DM - Think about this, Danny.

Danny - I can't run. I can't hide. I can't desert Mama. If I had the strength of Duncan MacLeod, maybe I could afford to attract a little fame.

DM - You'd kill me for that? [Danny swings the sword. DM ducks, trips Danny, swings his katana around to Danny's neck, suddenly free of the handcuffs.] Houdini was a friend of mine, and you, Danny, are no Houdini.

Danny - Please. Just make it quick.

DM - [lowers his sword] Get up. [Danny stands.] I came here to tell you that... Case is dead.

Danny - Case? Oh my God, I almost killed you... Why didn't you tell me something before?!

DM - Because I needed to know. Go to Vegas, Danny.

Danny - Look. I don't know what to say.

DM - You don't have to say anything. Just go. Get your fifteen minutes of fame. I hope it's worth it. [leaves]

Danny - [calls after him] But you'll hear about me! Everywhere!

 

Circus grounds 2

[DM joins Amanda, who is watching a balancing act.]

Amanda - It's a piece of cake. What took you so long?

DM - Danny had a new trick.

Amanda - Any good?

DM - Needs some work.

Amanda - But he's going, right?

DM - Yeah. He's going.

Amanda - Um, MacLeod... [takes his arm, clears her throat] I had a really long talk with Marco, and he made me an offer I can't refuse.

DM - Moscow.

Amanda - Not only that, but with Danny going, there's an opening for a new headliner.

DM - Congratulations. I'll miss you.

Amanda - Um, no, you won't.

DM - I won't? [Amanda smiles, shakes her head.]

 

Establishing shot: Las Vegas, Nevada - Dunes Hotel and Oasis Casino 14

[Marquee reads: THE IMMORTAL CIMOLI]
 

Las Vegas - Casino parking garage 15

[Super: Las Vegas]

Danny - [parks fancy red car, gets out while dialing cell phone] Mama? It's Danny... They loved me. I killed them. Mm. The papers say I'm the greatest ever. [holds up a "The Immortal Cimoli" poster, looks at it] Better than Houdini. [senses 'buzz', drops poster, looks around] Mama... No, I've got to go... No, no, no, I'm fine... I've got to meet somebody... I'll be careful... Mama, I love you. [ends call, turns, sees Immortal with drawn sword standing nearby. CUT "The Immortal Cimoli" poster lies on the ground as a sword whooshes and lightning flashes as the Quickening begins. G 

TAG

Establishing shot: St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow 16

[Super: Moscow]

Marco - [voice-over] At H last, {damy and} gentlemen...

Translation: damy - ladies

Inside big top 2

Marco - ...the Magnificent Moreno Bormann Circus proudly presents the most death defying act of all time! 7 For the very first time in Moscow... the Wheel of Death!

[Drumroll. Crowd cheers. DM & Amanda step into view.]

DM - I don't know how you talked me into this. CUT

<Amanda - They love us, and you look marvelous.

DM - I haven't thrown a knife in public in seventy years.

Amanda - Don't worry. I'll heal. [DM tugs on collar of her cape, trying to remove it.] Easy.

DM - [tosses her cape aside, helps her step up in front of large round board] Remember, this was your idea.

 

[moments later]

[Amanda is strapped to the board, arms and legs splayed. The board rotates as DM displays throwing knives, aims, throws one. The crowd oohs, applauds.]>

 

End of "The Immortal Cimoli"

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