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Ted October 29, 1997 (Full Pink) Written by: David Greenwalt & Joss Whedon |
| Teaser |
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EXT. STREET BY BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT BUFFY walks along the street with XANDER and WILLOW, approaching her house. Will and Xander are in the middle of a discussion. Buffy walks slightly apart, enjoying the night.
You don't know what you're talking about.
Xander, he was obviously in charge.
He was a puppet! She was using him.
He didn't seem like the type to let himself be used.
Well, that was her genius. He never even knew he was playing second fiddle. Buffy.
Huh?
Who do you think was the real power -- the Captain or Tenille?
Um... who are those people?
The Captain and Tenille! (off her blank look) Boy, somebody was raised in a culture-free environment.
I'm sorry, I was just --
Thinking?
Not thinking. Just having a lot of happy nonthoughts. I love it when things are quiet around here.
Yeah, with Spike and Drusilla out of the way we've really been riding the mellow and am I like jinxing the hell out of us by saying that?
We'll let you off this time.
So we're pretty sure there aren't any more Tarakan assassins coming our way?
Angel's sources say the contract is off.
How is Angel? Pretend I care.
He's getting better.
And you're loving playing nursemaid.
Oh yeah.
So it's better than playing naughty stewardess?
Xander... She steps onto the porch, pulls out her keys. As Xander and Willow step up behind her, Willow turns to Xander.
I'm just saying, if Tenille was in charge, she would have had the little captain hat. Buffy puts the key to the lock -- and the door swings open. She stops, perturbed.
Wait here. Xander and Willow hang back as she enters. INT. BUFFY'S FOYER - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Buffy steps in, looks around. The house is dark. She pulls a stake out, heads toward the living room. ANGLE: XANDER AND WILLOW Outside, wary. ANGLE: BUFFY Heads toward the dining room. From the kitchen comes her mom's voice:
No! And a CRASH. Buffy runs
What are you...? Don't.... oh... INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT Dark, moonlit. Buffy bursts in.
Get the hell away from my -- Buffy sees JOYCE, wrapped in a deep romantic kiss with TED BUCHANAN, handsome and athletic, a born salesman. On the counter near them, a wine bottle and one half full wine glass.
--mom? Joyce and Ted break. Joyce steps away from Ted, looks at Buffy who quickly hides the stake behind her back.
I thought I heard...
I broke a wine glass. So, you're home early... Ted smiles, comfortably at ease -- unlike Joyce.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh, uh, this is my daughter, Buffy. And Buffy, this is... this is Ted. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One |
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EXT./INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT A little later. The lights are on. In b.g. Xander and Willow watch Ted cook mini-pizzas in a pan. In f.g., out of their earshot, Joyce dumps the broken wine glass from the dust pan into the trash, Buffy next to her.
So all these late nights at the gallery, I gather you were cataloguing more than art.
Well... I've been looking for the right moment to introduce you two. He's a wonderful man. Joyce glances back at Ted, obvious affection in her eyes.
How'd you meet?
He sells computer software, he revamped my entire system at the gallery. Freed up a lot of my time.
To meet new people. And smootch them in my kitchen.
You weren't supposed to see that. ANGLE - TED, XANDER & WILLOW AT STOVE Xander devours a mini-pizza as Ted pulls more from the oven and puts them in a pan.
I like my new nine-gig hard drive...
But you don't love it, cause without the DMA upgrades your computer's really only half a rocket ship.
Yeah. But who can afford the upgrades?
You can. I get the demos for free. I don't see why I shouldn't give them to you for the same price. (hands her his card) Any friend of Buffy's... Willow's eyes light up and she makes a high squeaking sound.
What?
(mouth full of pizza) That's the sound she makes when she's speechless with geeker joy. Can I just say this is the finest pizza ever on God's green earth. What's your secret? He turns back to the pan, taking it and bringing it over to the island, dumping the pizzas on a plate.
After you bake it you fry it in herbs and olive oil. And you gotta use a cast iron skillet. No room for compromise there.
You gotta market these. I mean people would pay like two, three hundred dollars apiece. Ted smiles, dishes up another pizza, carries it to: BUFFY AND JOYCE
(to Buffy) Hungry?
No thanks. He sets the plate down.
Buffy I want to apologize. That wasn't how I wanted us to met. I wanted it to be... perfect. I'm very fond of your mother, I guess that's pretty obvious... Ted picks up a FRAMED PHOTO of Buffy and her Mom on the counter. A loving mother daughter deal, mostly headshot.
...I know you're the most important thing in her life and, well, gosh that makes you pretty important to me, too.
I really want you to be okay with this, Buffy. Ted wraps his arm around Joyce:
Beg to differ... (to Buffy) ...we really want you to be okay with this.
I'm okay.
You are?
I am. Buffy smiles. SMASH CUT TO: EXT. PARK - NIGHT A VAMPIRE Flies back and smashes into a picnic table, breaking it. BUFFY Charges. Grabbing a metal trash can lid en route. The stunned vampire puts up his hands as Buffy begins beating him over the head with the lid. ANGLE: GILES Watching Buffy's mayhem nearby. Mostly we HEAR (rather than see) the carnage she is inflicting. GILES is concerned about the level of her furor.
Uh, Buffy... I believe he's... (that must have hurt) ...ahhh... it's staking time, really. Don't you think? BUFFY Hurls the trash can lid aside, raises a stake high in the air. Stakes the vamp. She straightens up, breathing hard and Giles joins her.
(looking around) Any others?
For their sakes I certainly hope not.
What? I kill vampires, that's my job.
True, although usually you don't beat them to quite such a bloody pulp beforehand. Everything all right?
Everything's fine. (looking around) I killed one here Wednesday, why are they hanging at the park?
They're scattered, you know. Their leaders are gone and with any luck dead. In times of crisis they will always return to the easiest feeding grounds.
(grouchy) Vampires are creeps.
(duh) Yes, that's why one slays them.
People are perfectly happy, getting along, then vampires come in and they run around and they kill people and they take over your whole house and they make these stupid little pizzas and everyone's like "ooh, wow"...
Uh, Buffy, I believe the subtext here is rapidly becoming text. Are you sure there's nothing you wish to share with me?
Forget about it. I'm fine. (hopefully) You think there'll be any more vampires? I can wait... INT. SCHOOL HALL/LOUNGE - DAY As the bell rings and the hall fills, Buffy, Willow and Xander exit the classroom and head to the lounge.
Xander, if you say one more word about it, things will become dire.
Did you eve bother to taste 'em? Noooo. Well I did and I'm here to tell you, those mini pizzas have changed my life. Ted is the master chef.
So? He's a great cook. What does that tell you about a person?
Everything.
You don't like him.
I don't know him. (with disdain) I mean so far all I see is someone who apparently has a good job, seems nice and polite, my mom really likes him...
(all dramatical) What kind of monster is he!?
I'm telling you, there's just something a little too clean about this clown.
(amused) He's a clean clown! (off their looks) I have my own fun...
Buff, you're lacking evidence. I think we're maybe into Sigmund Freud territory.
He has a point. Separation anxiety, the mother figure being taken away, conflict with the father figure...
He's not my father figure!
Having issues much?
I am not! Xander points, with mock-childish dance.
You've got parental issues, you've got parental issues.
Xander...
Freud would have said the exact same thing. Except he might not have done the little dance.
I admit it's weird -- seeing my mother frenching a guy is definitely a ticket to therapyland. But it's more than that. I'm pretty good at sensing what's going on around me... Unbeknownst to Buffy, Ted is moving up behind her.
...and I know that something's wrong with this Ted.
Ted!
Yeah, Ted. Who did you think I was --
Hi, Ted! Ted who's here. Buffy spins, sees.
Hello, kids.
What are you doing here?
I'm updating the software in the guidance office -- which reminds me... He hands Willow some computer disks.
...your upgrades.
Ohh, what a day! Thank you.
Think nothing of it. Buffy, you like miniature golf?
Who doesn't?
Your mother and I were thinking, maybe this Saturday we could drag the three of you out to the course? Spend some time swinging the iron with the stuffy old people?
Well, I guess...
I'm making a picnic basic...
Mini-pizzas?
And cookies.
You know, I wish we could but Saturday we have that thing.
Oh, that thing. (to Xander) That thing.
Hey, we can do that thing anytime. I'm tired of that thing. We're on! Ted smiles. INT. COMPUTER LAB - DAY JENNY is alone, clearing up. Giles enters, hesitantly.
Hello, Jenny.
Rupert. Hi.
A couple crates of your textbooks were dropped off at the library. Do you want me to hold on to them?
Yeah, that's fine. I'll send the kids by to pick them up.
Right. Good. After an awkward beat, he starts out.
That was a pretty flimsy excuse for coming to see me.
(stops) You should hear the ones I threw out. He comes back in.
I wanted to see how were you doing.
I'm doing pretty good, actually. I've stayed out of mortal danger for three whole weeks. I could get used to it. Still don't sleep too well, though.
Of course. Well, you need time.
Or possibly space. Rupert, I know you're concerned, but having you constantly poking around making puppy dog eyes at me and wondering if I'm okay... you make me feel bad that I don't feel better. I don't want that responsibility.
I'm sorry. I certainly don't mean to make dog eyes at you. I'm just--
Worried, I know.
I shouldn't have bothered you. He leaves. Jenny looks after him, obviously unsatisfied with the whole exchange. INT. ANGEL'S APT. - NIGHT It's dark and romantic. Buffy changes the bandage on ANGEL'S wounded hand, wrapping it quickly and neatly.
So Mom's like, "Do you think Ted will like this" and, "That's Ted's favorite show," and "Ted's teaching me computers" and "Ted said the funniest thing," and I'm like, "That's great, Mom". And then she said I was being sarcastic, which I was, but I'm sorry if I don't want to talk about Ted all the time.
So you'll be talking about something else at some point?
I'm sorry. It's just, I have so much to deal with, I don't need some new guy in my life right now.
No, but maybe your mom does. Buffy looks a little sheepish, says mock-sullenly:
Oh, sure, if you're gonna use wisdom...
(smiles) Loneliness is about the scariest thing there is.
Okay, fine, so Mom needs a guy. Why does it have to be Ted?
You have somebody else in mind? There's a guy out there that would satisfy you?
Well... Dad... Okay, that's not gonna happen. Reality check. I'll give Ted a chance. I'll play mini golf. I'll smile and curtsey and be the dutiful daughter. (beat) Do I have to like him?
Kiss me.
Oh, finally something I wanna do. So she does. EXT. MINIATURE GOLF COURSE - DAY Buffy, Ted, Joyce, Xander and Willow, clubs in hand, stand before:
The dreaded par five cuckoo clock. So many came, so few conquered. Xander addresses his ball. Joyce turns to Ted.
That picnic was delicious. You know how rare it is to find a man who cooks?
I know I've been looking a long time for one. Joyce laughs. Ted winks at Buffy. Buffy smiles, trying.
So Buffy, I'm sure the boys are lined up around the block trying to get a date with you.
Not really.
Oh they are but she's only interested in... uh... her studies. Book-cracker Buffy, it's kind of her nick name. Willow moves to take her shot.
Glad to hear that. I bet that means your grades'll be picking up soon.
My grades? Ted moves to shoot. Buffy moves to Joyce.
How does he know about my grades?
I told him. He wants to know all about you. He's concerned, that's a good thing. (sees Ted shoot) Nice shot, Ted!
Thanks, Joycee. Joyce prepares to take her swing. Ted holds her arms from behind.
Steady swing, lead to the right. Buffy watches her mother and Ted hit the ball together.
Perfect.
Thanks to you. Ted chuckles. Off Buffy, not loving this guy. ANGLE - ANOTHER HOLE - LATER This is one of those holes where you hit the ball in a little castle or something and it rolls down onto a turf on a lower level not visible from the tee. Ted, Joyce, Willow and Xander watch as Buffy swings.
Eye on the ball... watch those elbows... Her ball goes wild into some bushes.
Bad luck, little lady.
We won't count it.
We won't?
Well, it's just miniature golf.
It is, but the rules are the rules. What we teach her is what she takes into the world when we're not there, whether it's at school or an unchaperoned party... Ted looks at Buffy, smiles.
I don't mean to overstep my bounds, this is between you and your mother. I just think right is right. Buffy looks to her mother.
He has a point...
(not what she wanted to hear) Yah. I'll just go hit from the rough. Buffy disappears into the bushes. ANGLE - THE BUSHES - BUFFY LOOKS AROUND No one can see her. She picks up her ball, walks to the turf, drops it near the hole and kicks it in, calling back over her shoulder:
Hey, how 'bout that, I got a hole in two.
Beg to differ. Buffy whirls around. Ted is standing right next to her.
Okay, so fine my score or whatever...
I think you're missing the point here, little lady... Ted starts tapping the golf club against his shoe. Creepy like. Although he's still the friendly salesman, we get our first glimpse into his psycho soul:
Right is right. Wrong is wrong. Why don't people see that?
It's just a game.
Right. It's just a game. Do your own thing... He takes a step closer, the golf club hitting his leg harder and faster.
Well I'm not wired that way. I'm here to tell you it is not a game and it does count and I don't stand for that kind of malarkey in my house.
Then I guess it's a good thing I'm not in your house.
Do you want me to slap that smart ass mouth of yours? Buffy reacts as Joyce, Willow, Xander come into view. And the nice guy smile comes back to Ted's face.
Who's up for dessert? I made chocolate chip cookies. Ted pulls out a big baggie of cookies.
Yum, me!
Cookies.
I made too many, so you guys are gonna have to take some home... Buffy takes a step back, watching this cobra as the people she cares for most about gather innocently around him for cookies.
Oh, you have to try one of these, Buffy, they're really good. Off Buffy. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - DAY - ESTABLISHING INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY Joyce hums a little tune to herself as she sets out juice and sticky buns. Buffy enters in a bad mood from lack of sleep and Ted terror. Avid fans may note the absence of the framed photo of Buffy and Joyce.
Good morning sunshine.
Hi.
I've got juice. I've got sticky buns. Don't they smell good? Buffy tears off a tiny piece o' bun.
Ted made them. Buffy puts the piece back down.
What?
I'd just like to eat something around here that Ted didn't make.
What kind of attitude is that?
Look, Mom, I know you think he's great and all but --
He's gone out of his way to be nice to you and you couldn't find two words to say to him on Saturday. Now I don't expect you to love him right away like I do, but I do expect you to treat him decently.
You... love him?
(beat) I don't know, that kind of slipped out... but I guess... it's not exactly like men beat down the door when you're a...
...single parent.
I would never have anything to do with anyone who didn't care about you. But he does, I don't understand why you can't see that.
He threatened me.
What?
He said he was going to slap my face. Joyce looks at her daughter, concerned, then she does an odd thing: she smiles.
He never said any such thing. Ted told me what happened. He caught you cheating, didn't he.
Yes. I kicked my ball in, so put me in jail, but he wigged--
He didn't say anything about it in front of the others, did he.
No, but--
I think that was pretty decent of him. Joyce begins eating little pieces of the sticky bun. Just a little faster than a normal person would.
Ted says we're just going to have to give you time to come around. Speaking of which, he's making dinner for us tonight, please be here promptly at six. Joyce smiles at Buffy -- just a little too similar to Ted's smile.
These are so delicious. EXT. SCHOOL - DAY - ESTABLISHING - STOCK
What do you mean, check him out? EXT. SCHOOL QUAD - DAY Buffy is with her buds. They sit and eat cookies as they talk to her.
I mean, investigate him. Find out his secrets. You can do it, Will. Hack into his... Life.
Can you say, 'over-reaction'?
Can you say, 'sucking chest wound'?
Buffy, it just seems like you want him to be corrupt or something.
The man lost his sense over mini golf.
So he's uptight. Last I heard, that wasn't a slaying offense. (off her look) Don't give me the look. I'm on your side. I'm just saying there are some things you have to accept.
And I'm saying Ted ain't one of 'em. Cordy walks by.
Hey, Cordy. Nice outfit.
(stopping) Oh, very funny.
Not really...
What are you saying?
"Nice outfit".
Why don't you just keep your mouth shut? She takes off. Xander looks after her, not mad so much as weary.
Would you guys excuse me for a second? He goes after her. Willow watches him, brow furrowed.
What's up with them? ANGLE: XANDER AND CORDELIA as he catches up to her.
What's wrong with you?
I gave you a compliment. He's unusually calm and content with her.
In front of your friends! They're gonna know!
They're gonna know what?
Please. It's too traumatic for me even to say it.
That we kissed?
Gnegh!
I'm not gonna tell them and they're not gonna know. Not your friends, not my friends. You wanna go in the utility closet and make out?
(furious) God! Is that all you ever thinking about? Beat.
Okay. They go. ANGLE: BUFFY AND WILLOW They are talking, do not see Xander and Cordy take off.
Willow, I'm not wrong here. Ted has a problem with me. He acts like I'm in the way. And Mom's totally different since he's been around.
Different like happy?
Like Stepford. Will you help me?
You know I will. What do you want me to look for?
Let's start small. Where does he work? INT. LORRIN SOFTWARE - DAY - BUFFY She enters a room. LORRIN SOFTWARE reads a large sign. BUFFY'S POV - Rows of desks separated by dividers. MEN and WOMEN sell software over the phone. [Avid fans of the show may note the remarkable similarity between this telemarketing office and our own production offices.] WE PAN A CUBICLE and see NEAL, 30 to 50, death of a salesman.
(on phone) ...it's a fantastic product, no p.c. should be without it... yes, it's a little pricey but... no, I don't think you're a feeble-minded moron... thanks for your time... He hangs up and dials another number as we PAN to the next cubicle and discover Ted, his neat desk completely bare except for a picture frame, the back of the frame toward us.
(on phone) No Mrs. Lawndale, it's not an inexpensive piece of software. As a matter of fact it's a very expensive one. Which removes the risk of crashing your whole system. Of course if you prefer something cheap I can recommend... (smiles) ...trust me, you won't be sorry. Ted hangs up and gets up. Buffy backs out of his line of sight as Ted moves to a large SALES TOTE BOARD. He adds a check beneath his name (he has ten times more sales than anyone else.)
(to no one in particular) Going to lunch. He walks out. Buffy peers around the corner, watching him go.
You're new aren't you? Buffy is a little startled by Neal, getting a cup of water nearby.
Oh, uh...
I'm Neal.
I'm Bu-linda. Just temping for the day. (re: tote board) That guy's a salesman. Guess he's the one to beat around here.
Nobody beats the machine. The guy's a genius. Pure salesman. Knows everything about computers, never loses a client, never yells at the annoying clients... not that I do...
I guess he's been doing this for a while.
He was here way before me - and he'll be here long after I'm gone. If I sound bitter, I am.
Nobody likes an overachiever. Well, maybe he's got ex-wives and family to support.
All he's got is a girlfriend. I'm amazed he let her clutter up his desk. Neal nods towards the picture on Ted's desk. Buffy looks -- CAMERA PUSHES in on the picture frame.
Thank god he's taking off for the wedding.
(evenly) The wedding?
He's got it set for two months from now. Believe me, I'm counting the days. (sees:) Uh oh, the uber-boss, back to the salt mines. He moves off. Buffy moves to Ted's desk. Looks around, casually pivots the picture so she can see it. It's the picture from the kitchen but framed differently, showing Joyce but not Buffy. Buffy picks up the frame, opens the back. Pulls out the photo which is folded in half. INSERT PHOTO - The half that shows Buffy is wrinkled and bent backwards. Buffy reacts, hurriedly puts the frame back together, gets the hell out of there. INT. BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT
...we ask that you bless this home and help those in it to be more productive, more considerate and... (makes eye contact with buffy) ...more honest. Amen.
Amen. Ted dishes pasta Alfredo onto their plates.
Another great day at work. How was school, Buffy? Did ya' learn anything?
Quite a bit.
Good for you. (re: food) Well Joycee, what do ya' think?
I think every home should have someone like you. It's fantastic. (to Buffy) Don't you think? Buffy's just pushing her fork around the plate.
It... looks pretty good.
Well, you know, little lady, it's not just for looks, it's for building strong bodies. (smiles)
(eat some) Honey... Buffy slowly brings a forkful towards her mouth. But instead of eating:
Are you guys engaged?
What? Goodness, no, what gave you that idea?
Now Joycee, let me handle this. Your mother and I are taking things one step at a time, but if things go the way I hope someday soon I just might ask her to tie the knot. How would you feel about that? Buffy looks from Ted to her mother, not wanting an answer.
It's okay to have your feelings, Buffy. And it's okay to express them.
I'd feel like killing myself.
Buffy!
No, no, I told her to be honest. (to Buffy) Sweetheart, you should try and get used to me cause you know what? I'm not going anywhere. Beat.
May I be excused?
You can go to your room, young lady, that's what you can do. Buffy gets up, heads upstairs.
Ted, I'm so embarrassed. I don't know what's wrong with her.
You don't get to be salesman of the year by giving up after a couple of rejections. She'll come around, and a little birdy's telling me it's going to be sooner rather than later. He puts a comforting hand on Joyce's forearm. She gains a little strength from his unrelenting confidence.
Where did you come from?
Straight from the factory. And we pass those savings on to you. She laughs, comforted. EXT. PARK - NIGHT Buffy sits on a swing, looking into the night. Nothing's going on. She looks behind her, around.
Vampires... ("here kitty") Here, vampires... Nothing doing. She gets up and goes. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy slips in the window. Oh yeah, it's dark and creepy in here and that's why it takes a moment for her to spot Ted leaning against her vanity.
What are you doing? As usual, Ted is his jovial good guy self.
Your mother said go to your room, Buffy. I think we both know she didn't mean climb out your window and go gallivanting about town.
First of all, this is my room. Second of all-- She stops, seeing her vanity drawers open, stakes and holy water out, along with her journal which is open next to Ted.
--have you been going through my things?
Yes, I have.
How dare you. That's my personal property. How dare you!
I don't see how it's any different than you snooping around my office. Do you? Buffy reacts. Ted picks up her journal.
What exactly is a vampire Slayer?
That's none of your business.
Beg to differ, little lady. Everything you do is nothing but my business from now on.
You better get out of here. Now. Ted moves close to her, invading her space.
Or what. You'll "slay" me? I'm real, I'm not some goblin you made up in your diary. The psychiatrists have a word for this kind of thing... (re: journal) ...delusional. From now on you are going to do what I say when I saw or I show this to your mother and you spend your best dating years behind the walls of a mental institution. Your mother and I are going to be happy. You're not getting in the way of that. Sleep tight. After a tense beat he turns to go, journal in hand. She grabs his arm.
That's mine and you're not leaving this room with it.
Take your hand off me.
No. A stand-off. Until he suddenly slaps her face!
Oh. I was so hoping you'd do that. And she hauls off and smashes him in the face. About as hard as a slayer can. He slams back into the door, knocking it open into the hall. And he comes for her, fast and vicious. He swings, hits her hard -- Arnold Schwarzeneggar hard. She's stunned. He grabs her by the hair, drags her towards the door. She knees him, preferably in the groin. Then she hits him hard, once, twice, as her mother appears in the hallway--
Buffy! Stop it! Buffy spin kicks him to the head and sends him flying out the door. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - STAIRS - NIGHT Ted caroms off the wall, loses his footing and tumbles head over heels down the stairs. His head lands at the bottom with a sharp and nasty THUNK. Buffy stands at the top of the stairs, breathing hard. Joyce tears past her down the stairs, nearly falling herself and kneels next to Ted.
Ted... Ted! She puts her hand on his chest, desperate. She puts her ear to his mouth, listening. She grabs for a pulse. There is none. Joyce looks up at her daughter.
You... you killed him. Off Buffy, BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - A HALF HOUR LATER - NIGHT ANGLE: TED As the black plastic bag is zipped over his face. EXT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT The area is filled with the usual crime scene professionals. Buffy sits on the porch, in silent shock. Joyce stands looking into the foyer, away from Buffy, as Ted's body is carried out by two morgue guys. Moving past them is DETECTIVE STEIN. He approaches Joyce.
Ma'am, I'm Detective Stein... I'm sorry but I need to ask you a few things... Your relationship with the deceased?
We were... um, seeing each other.
Can you tell me what happened? It's a beat before she answers:
He fell. Down the stairs. He fell.
I see. Did he slip, do you know what made him fall?
I hit him. She is still sitting, staring. They turn to look at her. It is suddenly very quiet in here.
I hit him. INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT The place is a bustle of activity, even this late. Joyce Summers sits on a bench by herself, waiting. Quiet. INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Detective Stein sits with Buffy. His tone is intimate and comforting, not interrogational. She speaks quietly, intensely.
He was in my room... we got into an argument...
About what?
He... um, he'd been--
Was this the first time you two had had an argument?
(after a beat) No. He threatened me. He said he would slap me...
That was tonight?
No... but he had my diary and I tried to take it back and... and then he hit me.
Where? She points to her cheek.
It doesn't look like he hit you very hard.
(staring at him) I don't bruise easily.
So you've been hit before?
Yes...
But Ted never hit you.
I told you, he--
--Before tonight. Never hit you before tonight.
(more confused than angry) What do you want? I told you what happened. I didn't mean to...
I believe you. Things got out of hand. He's a big guy. As Buffy stares off, thinking...
Are you charging her with something? INT. POLICE STATION - LATER - NIGHT He leans on his desk, Joyce standing before him.
We're not bringing anything up against your daughter right now. She says Mr. Buchanan struck her and if that's the case... anyway we're gonna examine it further. Right now I think you should just take her home and the two of you try to get some rest. Off her look-- EXT. STREET - NIGHT Joyce's car drives by. INT. CAR - NIGHT Joyce and Buffy sit side by side. Silent. Buffy almost tries to say something to her mother, but either thinks better of it or can't think of anything to say. Joyce never looks at her. INT. SCHOOL - DAY Buffy enters the hall, obviously not after a great night's sleep. She passes a whispering gaggle of girls -- who nudge each other and hush up as she passes. Further down the hall and she passes two teachers who stare at her unabashedly. She moves into: INT. LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS - DAY Where Xander and Willow accost her.
Buffy! Are you okay?
How come you're here?
I couldn't stay home... Mom won't even look at me. They sit at one of the tables.
What happened? Unless you don't want to talk about it...
We had a fight. I lost my temper, really let him have it.
The papers said he fell.
He fell. Hard.
Well, what was he?
What?
What was he? Demon? Giant bug? Some kind of dark god with the secrets of nouvelle cuisine? I mean, we are talking creature feature here, right? Buffy doesn't answer.
Oh, man...
But, I'm sure it wasn't your fault. He started it!
Yeah, that defense only works in six-year-old court, Will.
Court? Are you -- are they charging you with something?
I don't know. Not yet. But... He was a guy. He was a weird, sleazy guy but he was a person and I killed him.
Don't say that.
Why not? Everyone else is. And it's the truth.
It was an accident.
I'm the Slayer. I had no right to hit him like that.
Look, I don't know what happened exactly, but I know you. You would never hurt anyone intentionally. You know, unless--
Unless what? They're dating my Mom? (stands) I'm sorry, guys, I gotta be alone for a while. I'll, um, I'll just... She can't think of anything. Turns and goes. They watch her, distraught. INT. HALL OUTSIDE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FLUTIE'S OFFICE - DAY Buffy walks slowly down the hall At the other end, Giles emerges from the Assistant Principal's office. Sees Buffy and crosses to her, stopping her some 15 feet from the office.
Buffy. Are you all right?
Stupid question. I'm sorry. Anything you need, of course, just ask. Buffy sees the Assistant Principal (a large, stern woman) step out and signal a waiting teacher to come in. (Another teacher also waits).
What's going on?
You needn't worry about it. Buffy steps forward to look.
They were just asking questions -- your record, your behavior... ANGLE: BUFFY'S POV INTO OFFICE She sees the teacher shaking hands with Detective Stein, who motions for her to sit down. The Assistant Principal hovers nearby.
Of course I told them you were-- But she takes off, unable to deal. Giles watches her, unhappily. INT. LIBRARY - AFTER SCHOOL - DAY Giles crosses from the book cage and drops a bag of weapons on the table. Willow sits at it, firing up the computer. Cordy stands nearby, Xander pacing intensely.
Man, this is killing me! That bastard was up to something. I know it. If I could get my hands on him... earlier this week...
I thought you liked him.
(pointedly) I sometimes like things that are not good for me. Besides, no way no how does Buffy put the big hurt on an innocent man. Nice Uncle Ted was dirty.
We gotta prove that somehow. Xander, you got a pen? He goes for his back pack, digs.
If Buffy has to go to jail because of that creep, I'm gonna lose it. He's gotta be in there, Will. History of domestic violence, criminal record... ooh, cookies. He pulls them out -- they are leftovers from the golf day -- as he hands Willow the pen. She starts to copy down a web address.
I don't get it. Buffy's the Slayer, shouldn't she have...
A license to kill? He takes out a cookie. Eats.
Well, not for fun, but... I mean she's like this superman. Shouldn't there be different rules for her?
Sure, in a fascist society.
Right! Why can't we have one of those?
Whatever the authorities are planning for her can't be much worse than what she's doing to herself. She took a human life. The guilt... it's pretty hard to bear and it won't go away soon.
Wow, yeah... I guess you'd know since you helped raise that demon that got that guy killed that time.
Yes, do let's bring that up as often as possible. He retreats to the book cage.
(eating another cookie) So, Giles, you're taking over tonight?
Buffy's in no shape to patrol. The least I can do is pick up the slack. Someone has to.
Giles, you shouldn't go out there without the Slayer.
Until Buffy regains her equilibrium, I'm afraid there is no Slayer.
If you need help...
Buffy needs your help more than I. Continue investigating. Find out some more about Mr. Buchanan, if you can. He shoulders his bag and starts out.
Be careful.
I will. He's out the door. Cordy turns to Willow.
Are you sure it's a good idea for him to go out?
Ted's got no criminal record I can find. Damn! The guy's like, citizen of the year!
Don't sweat it. Everything'll be fine.
Don't sweat it? He smiles, ruffles Willow's hair.
Yeah, cute buddy, we'll work it out. No worries.
What happened to "This is killing me?"
Worrying isn't gonna solve any problems. The girls look at each other, confused by the radical tude shift. Willow looks at Xander. He puts yet another cookie in his mouth. She reaches up. Breaks off half. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Joyce is in the kitchen, putting some old pots and kitchenwares into a cardboard box. Buffy enters, tentatively.
Can I help?
It's done. I've been meaning to clean out this junk for months. A beat. Neither of them knows how to scale this well.
Do you have... homework?
I didn't mean to hurt him.
I don't want to talk about this.
Mom, you have to know --
I can't. Not yet. Please, Buffy, just go to your room. She takes the box and goes down to the cellar. Buffy waits, then turns and goes towards her room. INT. SCIENCE LAB - NIGHT Willow is in full chemist mode, beakers abubblin'. Xander hands her a solution. She puts it on a slide and looks at it through a microscope.
Okay...
What do we know?
Apparently, the secret ingredient is not love.
What is it, then?
I'm not positive, but I think it's Dematorin. It's like a tranquilizer, keeps you all mellow and compliant. And it shares a few components with ecstasy.
This is evidence. This is real evidence that Ted was some kind of crook. Buffy's cleared! Willow, you're the best human ever. I adore you. (off her slightly skeptical look) That's the cookies talking, but you rock. Cordelia enters, holding a sheet of paper.
Your search finally hit pay dirt. Got some personal records, marriage certificates, and an address.
Let's check it out. Get our Slayer back on her feet before somebody else gets hurt. EXT. PARK - NIGHT Giles waits for a sign of trouble. Someone appears near him and he spins, holds up a cross. Jenny looks at it, smiles wryly.
I get that reaction from men all the time.
Jenny! What are you doing here?
I saw your car back there... I wanted to apologize.
I don't think this is a good time to --
Please. Let me get this out. I was very harsh the other day. I know how bad you feel about putting me in danger before...
Imagine how I must feel now... He is looking behind her. She turns to see: A vampire. Big fella. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy leans on the edge of her dresser, looking at nothing in particular. Thinks she hears something, calls out softly:
Mom? But there is no reply. For a moment Buffy sinks back into her depressed reverie, then:
The hell with this. She grabs her coat, throws it on as she moves to the window. A quick glance at the hall and she tugs on the window to open it. It won't budge. She looks more closely.
She nailed it shut? CLOSE ON: BUFFY in profile, as she stares down at the window.
Well, it's official. This day can't get any worse. Ted's face comes into frame right beside her. Grinning.
Beg to differ...
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| Act Four |
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INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT - SECONDS LATER Buffy backs up, confused and horrified.
You... you died...
That's right, little lady. You killed me! Do we have something to say about that? Are we sorry? Suspicion creeps into Buffy's gaze.
What are you?
I'm a salesman! That's what you should have remembered. No matter how you put him down-- He backhands her so hard she flies halfway across the room -- slams into a wall.
--a good salesman always bounces back. EXT. PARK - NIGHT The Vampire leaps on Giles, taking him to the ground. Giles manages to hold off actual biting with his cross, but the guy won't get off him. Jenny looks around for a weapon --
My bag! She spots it on the group, several feet away. She runs to it, digs in it. Comes up with a crossbow. Giles punches the Vamp, jarring him enough to roll free. He pulls a stake from his coat but the vamp knocks it away. Jenny stands, trying to take aim... INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Ted comes at Buffy and she kicks him hard. He staggers back and she comes at him with a series of blows that would cripple a normal man. Which Ted is not, since he just smiles and grabs her by the throat.
I had to shut down for a little while to get you off my back. You should have seen the intern's face when I got up off the table. It was a hoot. Fun's over, though. His fingers tighten. EXT. PARK - NIGHT The Vampire grabs Giles, going in for the taste treat. Jenny tries to get a bead -- ANGLE: JENNY'S POV of the vampire's back. She's got a shot.
Say good night, big guy... She fires. Meanwhilst, the Vamp and Giles spins around in their struggle -- and the arrow hits Giles in the side.
AAAHHH!
Oh god! Oh no! She scrambles to find another weapon, another arrow -- The Vampire lets go of Giles -- 'cause he's laughing. With grim determination, Giles grabs the arrow (probably out of frame) and pulls in from his side.
TA-ha ha ha ha ha!!! Nice shot, lady. Giles buries the arrow in the Vamp's heart. The Vamp's eyes widen and he stops laughing for a moment. His last. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy is passing out from the pressure. Ted has her up against her dresser, is still squeezing. ANGLE: BUFFY'S HAND searches and finds a nail file. She swings and stabs his forearm. He backs off, grabbing his arm. Buffy collapses to the floor gasping and looks up to see: CLOSE UP: THE CUT It's not blood that trickles out. It looks suspiciously like motor oil. And from within, there is a spark.
That wasn't playing fair, missy. You're gonna find-- We hear and electrical short and Ted's head snaps to the right, a giant smile plastered on his face as he says:
Hell of a day! Day like this makes you feel 18 again! And his head snaps back -
...that I don't like being disobeyed. Buffy can hardly speak through the strangling. But she manages to whisper:
How do you like... being hurt...? He advances on her, pure murder in his eyes. INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Joyce comes up from the cellar with an empty box. She KICKS the door shut with her foot. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT This stops Ted. He turns and punches Buffy, knocking her unconscious.
Don't worry about me and your mom. We're going to be very happy. He leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. We hear it lock. INT. MACHINE SHOP - NIGHT The room is dark, empty, quiet. That is, until the brick smashes through the window. Xander reaches through and opens the door.
Careful! Cordy and Willow enter as he switches on the light. The room is dusty, unused -- and kind of a mess. Computer and machine parts litter the place.
Let's look around.
I'll take the back.
Check for cookies. (off her look) For evidence.
(leafing through documents) I count four marriage certificates.
Any divorce papers?
Not a one.
So either our boy was a mormon, or...
Whoah. 1957. Ted must have married young. Like preschool young. Cordy comes back in.
Nothing interesting. It doesn't look like anybody worked here, let alone lived here.
Something's missing. This doesn't seem like Ted at all.
And that rug totally doesn't go with the rest of the décor. Xander and Willow look at each other. Xander pulls the corner of the rug up. ANGLE: UNDER THE RUG is a trapdoor. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Joyce is in the kitchen, busying herself. She hears something behind her. Turns to say:
Buffy, I'm sorry, I know you-- Ted is standing in the doorway. Joyce freaks -- takes a stumbling step backwards, eyes wide, unable to speak.
Joyce...
Ted? Is it really... but you were...
I'm okay. I'm okay... He crosses to her, takes her in his arms. She lets him hold her a sec, then breaks free, looks at him.
I don't understand this. You were dead.
They said I must have been dead for six minutes. They said any longer and there would have been brain damage.
Why didn't anyone tell us?
Nobody knew! They took me to the morgue and I was unconscious for almost a day! An intern found me. It's a miracle, Joyce. A miracle.
Oh, Ted...
I know...
Oh my god, Buffy... Ted, I swear she never meant to hurt you, you have to believe me.
You don't have to worry about Buffy. You don't have to worry about anything. Daddy's here. INT. TED'S BASEMENT - NIGHT The trapdoor opens, our three coming down concrete steps. What they find inside is a time capsule -- a perfect kitschy 50's home set up inside a concrete bunker. There are even windows that look out onto concrete wall. It's spotless. It's creepy. ANGLE: A RECORD PLAYER As one innocuous 50's Jackie and Roy type album finishes and another drops down on top of it, starts PLAYING.
Feels just like home, if it's the 50's and you're a psycho. The three look around. Xander finds a closet door behind a chest of drawers.
Whatdya got in the closet, Ted? He moves the chest and opens the door. ANGLE: XANDER FROM INSIDE CLOSET He goes very still. Steely horror narrows his gaze and he slams the door shut. He starts out.
Let's go.
We need evidence --
We got it.
What's in there?
His first four wives. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
You know what brought me back, Joyce? It was you. I couldn't go into that light -- I had to come back for you. I'm gonna make you so happy...
You should sit down...
I feel fine. Never better.
Ted, I think I should talk to Buffy first, before she sees you. I know she'll want to--
(a little strident) Do we have to worry about Buffy right now? How about worrying about Teddy, he's the one that died.
I'm sorry, I'm just... I don't know what to do.
(softly, taking her hands) Don't I always tell you what to do? I'm gonna make this right, and then you and I-- A sparking SOUND and his head whips to the side again--
--want a little gravy with that? -- And he's back --
--can go away where no one will bother us again. Okay, now Joyce is starting to get weirded.
Ted, I think you might want to rest for a while...
I think you might want to stop telling me what to do. I don't take orders from women. I'm not wired that way. INT. BUFFY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Buffy begins to stir. Turns, moaning, and coughs. EXT. PARK - NIGHT Jenny is kneeling, holding Giles.
Oh, god, I'm so sorry...
I think I'm all right.
You're just in shock--
No, really. It didn't go in that deep. The advantages of layers of tweed, I guess. Better than kevlar.
We've still got to get you to a hospital.
Yes. They start to move --
OW! Ow. Let's move slowly, shall we? Still crazed by the whole deal, Jenny actually starts laughing.
What is it?
Some night, huh? You sure know how to woo a girl back, don't you.
(cracks up too) Heh heh--owwwwww.
Hospital. INT. BUFFY'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT Joyce is walking into the dining room, Ted behind her. She is pretending nothing's wrong. She is not the great pretender.
I think I could use a drink. To celebrate.
We should probably be hitting the road.
Hitting the road?
You're gonna love the house. It's furnished just the way you like it. I spent a lot of -- (spark) --telling me what to do! (normal) --time decorating. There is the NOISE from upstairs of Buffy putting her shoulder to her locked door.
Well, then, I'd probably better pack.
I already have your clothes. They're your size, they're always your size. You left me once but I keep bringing you back. Husband and wife is forever. Forever. INT. UPSTAIRS HALL - NIGHT As the lock FLIES off the door, a still dazed Buffy pulling the door open and stumbling out. INT. BUFFY'S DINING ROOM/FOYER/HALL/KITCHEN - NIGHT Ted heard that. He grabs Joyce.
Let's go. She tries to break free --
Ted, please, let go! Get OFF ME! --and succeeds, which kind of displeases him. He slams her into wall, knocking her unconscious.
Fine, then. I'll have to carry you. A CREAK from the foyer makes him stop. He crosses into there -- no one about. He moves quietly down the hall into the kitchen. Turns to go in the dining room.
Come out, Buffy. I don't stand for this kind of malarkey in my house. Buffy steps up behind him with a large cast iron skillet. When she speaks, it is still a hoarse whisper.
Uncle Teddy... He turns and she homeruns his face. He flies back, lands hard.
This house is mine. CLOSE ON: TED As he sits back up, enough of his face ripped away to reveal the robot beneath. He stands, Buffy taking a moment to register the creepiness of his new face.
Buffy... He's sparking badly, moving like a zombie, his voice now low and mechanical -- --Buffy brings the skillet back --
How about a nice game or Parcheesi? --and she takes him out. He falls hard, for the last time. Off her look, DISSOLVE TO: INT. FRONT PORCH - DAY Joyce and Buffy are shelling peas on the porch.
You want to rent a movie tonight?
That'd be fun.
Just nothing with horror in it. Or romance. Or men.
Sound like we're Themla and Louising it again.
Good call. (beat) I still think he's gonna jump out at me. Especially after what the police found in his house, it's too horrible...
He's not coming back, Mom.
I wish I could be so sure.
Trust me. He's on the scrap heap. (covering) ...of life. INT. SCHOOL - DAY The four kids walk towards the library.
So I'm Ted the sickly loser, I'm dying and my wife dumps me. I build a better Ted. He brings her back. She dies in his little love bunker and so he keeps bringing her back over and over. That's creepy on a level I hardly knew existed.
And the sad thing is, the real Ted must have been a genius. There were design features in that robot that predate--
Willow. Tell me you didn't keep any parts.
(guilty) Not any big ones...
Oh, Will, you're supposed to use your powers for good!
I just wanna learn stuff.
Like how to build your own serial killer?
Well, it's hard to rent one nowadays.
Can't we just drop the subject?
Absolutely. The whole incident is just something I plan to forget. I want to pick up right where we left off -- As she says it, she opens the door to the library, starts in -- and stops. She closes the door (we don't see what's in there, though the kids do) and turns to go, in high dudgeon.
That's it. I give up. Do I have to sound an air horn every time I enter a room. She storms off, the others in tow. The camera tracks forward, to see through the little window:
I mean, what is it with grown ups these days? Giles and Jenny, standing in the middle of the library. Necking. BLACK OUT.
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