TEASER
FADE IN:
CLOSE ON a COMPUTER MONITOR as a MARSHALL FROST rants from
behind a desk. Frost is in his late 30's, rumpled with wild
hair and a decisively 'fuck you' attitude.
FROST
I have documentation confirming Eric Danbury's involvement in not one, but two multinational companies that profited from the current 'conflict' in the Middle East.
Frost's eyes burn with intensity as he rants in front of a video camera. His engineer, PHIL, checks the camera, then steps back into the adjoining room which is separated by a large picture window.
FROST
You're monitoring the Evening Frost, the first truly independent political webcast of the people, by the people, and for the people. I'm Marshall Frost and we're talking about my favorite subject, the raping of the American ideal.
Frost wipes the sweat from his brow.
FROST
It's not too late to take this country back from the power hungry, right wing conservatives who stole it. Fight back. Make the ultimate sacrifice. Blood for blood. Life for life. Let's take an email.
Frost checks his monitor.
Phil has typed in; CAROL FROM BRIDGEWATER.
FROST
Carol from Bridgewater asks, 'What kind of American are you?'(laughs). Uh-oh. I'm in trouble now. (reading) 'If you don't like livin' in this country, why don't you get the hell out! Go to Iraq! You make me sick!'(beat) Ouch.
We see Frost as he appears on the computer screen on Phil's desk.
FROST (amused)
Is she still online, Phil? She's gone? Did she post her picture on the website? No? Too bad, she sounds kind'a hot. (Wolf howl sound-effect) Hear that, Carol, honey-baby-sweetie? That's the wolf. And you, my misinformed little love slave, are one of the sheep!
As Frost gets revved up.
FROST
When are we gonna kick this 'love it or leave it' mind set and realize the answer is self sacrifice? I'm talkin' blood and guts. Takin' one or givin' one for the cause. Which brings me back to my good friend, Vice President Danbury. Seems old Danny boy is also under investigation for embezzlement,
bribery and forgery. I've been pretty tough on this guy the past few months and I intend to keep it up. Eric Danbury is exactly the enemy our founding fathers were trying to protect us from... a tyrant driven
by arrogance, ego and greed.
Phil begins to gesture at him through the window that he has
a phone call. He gets on his computer and begins typing.
FROST (continues his rant)
I'm tellin' ya somethin', if this was a Third World country, this
criminal would be takin' out and shot! And I'd be first in line to
pull the trigger. God, if it were only that easy.
Frost notices something on his monitor. 'The Wolf is on line three.'
FROST (back to camera)
Let's take one last break. This is the Evening Frost.
Frost is quickly up and out of his chair as he lights a smoke and grabs the phone.
FROST
Marshall Frost.
WOLF
A wisp of knowledge can be an infinitely slippery slope.
FROST
Mister Wolf. It's been almost a week. You said you'd have more dirt
on Danbury.
WOLF
This will be the last time we speak for awhile.
FROST
Why? I've honored our agreement. I never mentioned you as my source.
WOLF
Powerful feathers have been ruffled. It's no longer safe.
FROST
Safe? I'm the guy with his neck stuck out! Look, I'm trying to help
you here, but I can't do it alone. (silence) Hello?
WOLF
Danbury is the tip of the iceberg. I'll contact you when it's safe.
FROST
Wait. What should I... (CLICK) Sonofabitch.
Frost snubs out his smoke and opens the door leading into
the other room.
FROST
Goddamn it, Phil.
Taking a mindless step backwards, he stumbles over something
and goes down. NEW ANGLE - FROST ON THE GROUND
gathering himself, he raises a palm into view and realizes
it's covered in blood. His eyes dart left... REVEALING - PHIL
Dead. His eyes wide, a single bullet wound in the center of
his forehead. Frost can barely breath, when a SOUND steals his focus; he looks back, just as the butt of a pistol swings through connecting with a sickening THUD. Frost collapses; unconscious.
As the UNIDENTIFIED ASSAILANT steps to the computer and logs
in, then sends an email message. He writes, THE FIRST STONE
HAS BEEN CAST. WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION.
A GLOVED HAND hits SEND. REFLECTION IN MIRROR
Even though it's dark, we get the faintest glimpse of a FIGURE WEARING A DARK SKI MASK.
BRUCE (V.O.)
Hand me the modem cable.
SMITH HOUSE - KITCHEN : a debris field of computer packing material; Styrofoam, plastic wrap, wire ties, empty cardboard boxes. We FIND JOHNNY holding up a tangle of peripheral cables. Finally, Bruce reaches over and takes the correct cable from him...
Crossing to a fancy desktop system taking shape on the table.
JOHNNY
You're just mad because I got a brand new computer. For free!
BRUCE
What's that all about anyway? You win the grand prize in a magazine
sweepstakes you don't even remember entering?
JOHNNY
What can I say, I'm a lucky guy.
BRUCE
You're lucky I was still here to help put it together. Because I
catch a plane out in one hour.
JOHNNY
Mom must be excited to have her little boy home for her birthday.
BRUCE
She'd be even more excited if you came with me.
JOHNNY
I've got that thing with J.J., besides I want to hang out and surf the net on my free computer. Did I mention that this thing was... free?
BRUCE
On second thought, I'm glad you're not coming. Okay, let's fire it up.
He hits the power button, as the computer whirs to life,
then it suddenly emits an audible warning; the cost effective
equivalent to You've got mail!
BRUCE
That's strange.
JOHNNY
What?
BRUCE
You've got an email message, but we haven't set up your address yet.
JOHNNY
It's probably some come on from the company...
Johnny double clicks as the message appears...
THE FIRST STONE HAS BEEN CAST. WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION.
Johnny touches the mouse again, WHOOSH!VISION: We are sucked into the modem line, transformed into electricalcurrent; pure energy zooming at breakneck speed across an endless maze of circuitry. FLASH! Another computer terminal. ON SCREEN the final words of the cryptic message are typed out. The pointer moves; MAIL SENT.REVEAL THE SENDER Observer Johnny watches as the ASSAILANT, dressed all in black; gloved and wearing a ski mask steps silently out of the darkness, as PHIL sits at his monitor.Frost is visible through the portal on the phone...ASSAILANTHey.PHILWhat are you doing here?Thwack! One precision shot fired into the forehead, as Phil tumbles forward out of his chair. The Shooter sits at the terminal and types, THE FIRST STONE HAS BEEN CAST. WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION. Then hits SEND. WHOOSH!
BRUCE
What's wrong?
JOHNNY (bothered)
I think my luck just ran out.
FADE OUT. END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
INDUSTRIAL PARK - EVENING
A desolate landscape of identical concrete structures; virtually abandoned at this hour. A powerful beam of light dances across the facades...
WALT (O.S.)
According to the license, the webcast is generated from this industrial complex. Seems Frost is a major paranoid, moves the broadcast every couple months.
Walt drives, using his free hand to operate the spotlight.
JOHNNY
What else do you know about him?
WALT
Fancies himself some kind of a gonzo journalist. Drugs and guns. Lately he's been in the papers for his oneman crusade against Vice President Danbury.
The light suddenly finds a FIGURE walking in the shadows. He looks back and we see it's Marshall Frost. He seems confused and terrified.
WALT
Speak of the devil.
JOHNNY
And the devil appears.
WALT
This is Sheriff Bannerman! Stay where you are!
Frost hesitates, then takes off up a small passage between two buildings. Walt drops the hand mic.
WALT
Don't run. Hang on.
He punches the gas as the cruiser tears around the corner and roars towards the far side of the complex. Walt's car fishtails around the far end of the building, as Frost dashes out from between buildings. As he runs, glancing back over his shoulder. He's obviously in a panic. As Walt uses the car to cut Frost off, then he jumps out of the car and backs him into a corner, his flash light in
Frost's eyes.
FROST
Don't kill me! I didn't see anything! Phil. They killed my engineer.
STUDIO - MOMENTS LATER : Walt, Johnny and Frost as they approach the outer door.
FROST
I tripped over something and that's when I found his body. He'd been shot through the head.
JOHNNY
That's the way I saw it.
FROST
You saw it? Who the hell are you?
WALT
Nevermind. Both of you just stay behind me.
Walt draws his gun and ENTERS the building.
ENGINEERING BOOTH - MOMENTS LATER
Walt flips on the lights. The floor is spotless. No Phil. No blood. No sign of anything.
WALT
You sure this is where he was?
FROST
Yeah, I'm sure. The body was right here. There was blood. It was all
over my hand.
He shows his open palms; clean.
FROST
They must have cleaned it off. After I was knocked out.
Walt and Johnny exchange a look, as...
FROST
I'm not crazy.
WALT
Relax. We believe you.
FROST
I can take a Goddamn lie detect... You believe me?
JOHNNY
The shooter came in through here. He was dressed in dark fatigues and wore a black ski mask. It was quick, professional.
FROST
Who the hell are you?
WALT
His name is John Smith.
FROST
Smith. The psychic who was stalking Greg Stillson?
Johnny ignores the comment.
JOHNNY
The killer could have shot you, but he didn't. Any idea why?
FROST
No.
WALT
What was your engineer's last name. I need to talk to his family.
FROST
He didn't have any family. No friends I know of. He was a fan, just showed up one day about a year ago and never left. He was a good guy.
WALT
I'll get CSU to sweep the place. If there's anything here, we'll find
it.
FROST
What about me?
WALT
Go home. I'll be in touch.
FROST
Sure.
Frost stumbles slightly. He's too drunk and too woozy to drive.
JOHNNY
I'll drive him home.
FROST
No offense, but I'd prefer the guy with the big gun.
WALT
Wait in the car.
Frost drops his car keys in Walt's hand and walks away.
WALT
I can have a deputy take him.
JOHNNY
Something isn't right here. I'll see what I can pick up, then catch a
cab home.
Johnny walks away, as Walt looks around...
Johnny and Frost step up to the front door.
FROST
Listen, why don't you go in first.
JOHNNY
I doubt they'd let you live, just to kill you again a few hours later.
FROST
That makes sense. Go first anyway.
Johnny shakes his head and ENTERS the trailer. The inside is as unsavory as the exterior. Endless stacks of books and papers occupy the cramped space. A spattering of spent liquor bottles and beer cans.
JOHNNY
All clear. Can you think of anybody...
FROST
Shhh! They might be listening.
He switches on the stereo and blasts MUSIC. He digs into a stack of papers and looks back.
FROST
You can go now!
Johnny turns the MUSIC OFF.
JOHNNY
Tell me about Mister Wolf?
FROST
How do you know...? You're psychic. Frost relents, making himself a drink. He first called the show about four months ago. Said he had sensitive information concerning Vice President Danbury. I thought he was just another whack job.
JOHNNY
He wasn't?
FROST
Next day, I found a package on the front seat of my car. Danbury's CIA file. Names, dates, the whole enchilada. Documentation linking
him to a half dozen illegal or, at the very least, unethical situations.
I was going to have copies made and sent to every major newspaper.
JOHNNY
You didn't?
FROST
The file vanished. I had it long enough to read and then it was gone.
JOHNNY
That's when you went after the Vice President on your show?
FROST
Wolf started calling me once a week. Dropping information about Danbury's personal and political life. I have an obligation to my audience. People need to know they have a criminal in the White House.
JOHNNY
How can you be sure it's all true?
FROST
Because of the silence.
JOHNNY
The silence?
FROST
Four months I've been pounding Danbury on the web, in all that time do you
know how many denials have been issued? Zero! Nada! Zilch!
JOHNNY
Maybe he just doesn't want to give you any credibility?
FROST
Yeah, maybe. Or maybe I'm right on the money.
JOHNNY
Who do you think he is? Wolf.
FROST
I've narrowed it down to two possibilities... State Department or NSA. Wherever he is, he's got his nose in deep.
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
How am I supposed to sleep with all this noise?
Johnny and Frost both TURN towards the bedroom door, REVEALING... KENDRA CROWE
a statuesque blonde in nothing but an open silk robe, bra and panties. She's in tremendous physical condition. She takes a deep drag off her cigarette, pursing lips painted in cherry red lipstick.
FROST
What are you doing here?
KENDRA
My neighbors are having a party and I needed someplace quiet to crash. Who's your friend?
FROST
John Smith. Kendra Crowe. Kendra was just leaving.
KENDRA
Hello.
JOHNNY (uncomfortable)
Hi.
She slides up to Frost and runs her hand across his chest.
KENDRA
Baby, you seem wired. Did you take your medicine?
FROST
I'm in no mood. I need to think. (to Johnny) That means both of you.
Kendra snuffs out her cigarette in a nearby ashtray.
KENDRA
Fine.
She disappears into the bedroom.
FROST
The front door!
KENDRA (O.S.)
I'm getting my stuff!
Johnny pulls out his cell phone and dials. Frost reacts, horrified; knocking it away.
FROST
What the hell do you think you're doing?
JOHNNY
Calling a cab.
FROST
Not from here you aren't. Microwaves are traceable. Don't you know anything?
Before Johnny can respond, a partially dressed Kendra
reappears looking for her shoes.
KENDRA
I need to have my head examined. I come all the way out to this dump and for what? To get the cold shoulder from a computer geek.
JOHNNY
I hate to bother you, but would you mind...
She reads his question.
KENDRA
Come on.
Frost grabs her and kisses her.
FROST
I ever tell you how sexy you are when you're angry?
KENDRA
Screw you!
She blows out the front door. Johnny exits. Kendra drives. Johnny tries to inconspicuously study her.
KENDRA
Go ahead and ask. What's a girl that looks like me doing with a guy like Marshall Frost?
JOHNNY
It is a little curious.
KENDRA
We have a... business arrangement.
JOHNNY
Oh. (suddenly gets it) Oh!
KENDRA
It's not like that. I mean, I don't sleep with him or anything. Mitch hates being alone, especially since his wife left him.
JOHNNY
When was that?
KENDRA
Almost a year. Took his little girl. Nearly destroyed him. Mostly I listen to him rant about the world.
JOHNNY
Do you think he's dangerous?
She seems taken aback by the question,
KENDRA
I think Mitch Frost believes everything he says.
JOHNNY
This is me on the corner.
She pulls over. Johnny opens his door and steps out.
KENDRA
Yes.
JOHNNY
Excuse me?
KENDRA
You asked me if I thought Frost is dangerous. The answer is yes.
The late model sports car tears away up the street.
SMITH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM
He walks in and clicks the television ON. WHOOSH!As the NATIONAL NEWS is on.NEWS ANCHORTonight, a nation mourns, as theWhite House has now confirmed reportsthat Vice President Eric Danbury isdead.Johnny freezes; stunned.NEWS ANCHORAs reported, it appears that a lonegunman was able to breach securityand shoot the Vice President once inthe head. Details remain extremelysketchy.A photo of ERIC DANBURY: July 11, 1955 - August, 26, 2006.NEWS ANCHOR (O.S.)Once again, Vice President EricDanbury, dead at the age of fiftyone.
JOHNNY (to himself)
August 26. Day after tomorrow.
ACT TWO
FADE IN: SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
WALT
I made a call to the Secret Service and they took the information.
JOHNNY
That's it? A phone call?
WALT
Do you have any idea how many death threats the White House gets every year?
JOHNNY
It isn't a threat. The Vice President is going to be assassinated some time in the next 48 hours.
WALT
Where? How? By who?
JOHNNY
I don't know.
WALT
That's the problem. Truth is, I'm not exactly high on the FBI's credibility list. Not after what happened out at that commune.
JOHNNY
That wasn't your fault.
ROSCOE approaches, presenting Walt with a manila folder.
ROSCOE
Forensics report from the Webcast studio.
Walt takes the folder, scanning the contents.
WALT
CSU didn't find anything. Not a hair, not a trace of blood.
John, I believe you. But if we want anybody else to take it seriously, we're going to need something solid to give them.
Johnny considers the challenge, then heads for the door.
WALT
Where are you going?
JOHNNY
To find Frost.
WALT
John, there's something you should know about him before you go.
Johnny stops at the door and looks back.
FROST'S TRAILER - SHORT TIME LATER
Frost is asleep on the couch, as someone grabs the blanket and yanks it, spilling him hard onto the floor.
FROST
What the fu....
He looks up to FIND Johnny staring down at him.
JOHNNY (angry)
Why didn't you tell me you were stalking Eric Danbury?
Frost struggles to his feet.
FROST
What are you talking about?
JOHNNY
Don't play stupid with me, I saw
copies of the police reports. You
crashed your car through the front
gate of his house. The police found
a 38-caliber pistol under the front
seat of your car. Shall I continue?
FROST
Whatever floats your boat.
JOHNNY
You spent 6 months in a psychiatric hospital. 2 months in isolation under a suicide watch.
FROST
I had issues and I dealt with them. Why does all this matter so much to you anyway?
JOHNNY (blurts it out)
It matters because in the next 36 hours someone is going to kill Vice President Danbury!
Frost seems stunned, then begins to laugh.
FROST
And they think I'm crazy! You're serious? What? You think it's me?
Frost begins searching for a cigarette.
JOHNNY
You've got the resumé.
FROST
Look, I've made some mistakes and I paid for them. I lost my wife and my daughter, both of which I'm trying to get back. If you think I'd do anything to jeopardize that, you need to take another look into your crystal ball or whatever it is you do.
Johnny can tell he's sincere. Frost fingers an empty pack of cigarettes.
FROST
You don't have a cigarette, do you?
JOHNNY
I don't smoke.
He continues searching, as Johnny notices the partially smoked cigarette that Kendra snuffed out the night before.
JOHNNY
Here.
Johnny picks up the cigarette smeared with lipstick. WHOOSH! VISION - OFFICE BUILDING - Occupied Jimmy Choo stilettos's gliding across polishedmarble. We TRAVEL UP a pair of shapely legs, to REVEAL...KENDRA CROWEnow a completely different animal; sporting a tailoredpantsuit, her hair pulled neatly back, carrying a leatherattaché. Moving with purpose through an ornate corridor,right past Observer Johnny as she lashes her credentials toa GUARD.Cleared, she continues on, drawing the leering stares of adelegation of JAPANESE BUSINESSMAN.KENDRA(effortless Japanese)Sohwa naranai desho.Snubbed, the businessmen react. Kendra grins withsatisfaction, slipping through a doorway. Observer Johnnycomes up from behind, pausing to read the door placard:COALITION FOR A BETTER AMERICA.26 INT. COALITION OUTER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 26A SECRETARY looks up from her desk, acknowledging Kendra.KENDRAIs the man available?SECRETARYHe's expecting you.Reaching beneath her desk...INSERT - UNDERNEATH THE DESKShe presses a hidden button; unlocking the door. Buzz!BACK TO SCENE - ON KENDRApassing through a substantial door marked: PRIVATE. WHOOSH!
JOHNNY
How did you meet Kendra Crowe?
FROST
What?
JOHNNY
Crowe. How did you meet her?
FROST
She was recommended.
JOHNNY
By who?
FROST (thinking)
Phil. Phil recommended her.
Something continues to gnaw at Johnny.
JOHNNY
Do you know where she lives?
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - LATER
Frost leads Johnny past numbered apartment doors.
FROST
No offense, Smith, but your radar's on the fritz. Kendra may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she isn't a liar.
JOHNNY
She dates strange men for money. I think she's whoever she needs to be.
They WALK PAST an open utility closet where an elderly looking MAINTENANCE MAN is working. There's a huge key ring full of keys sticking out of the door knob of the open closet door.
FROST
This is it.
Frost KNOCKS... he KNOCKS again. Johnny steps quietly up to the open closet door, retrieves the key ring and steps back to where Frost is standing. He finds the labeled key and unlocks the apartment door.
KENDRA'S APARTMENT
Johnny and Frost ENTER. The apartment is fully furnished; casual country. Dirty plates in the sink, fresh cut flowers, and open newspapers give it a comfy, lived-in feel.
FROST
What are we looking for anyway?
JOHNNY
I'm not sure.
Johnny begins touching things, then he picks up a half glass of water off the breakfast table, WHOOSH! Someone fills the glass with water, but it's not Kendra.Instead it's a MAN (#1) in a dark blue phone jumpsuit; apartially concealed earpiece visible. He sets the glass onthe table. Observer Johnny watches curiously...Another, almost identical MAN (#2), passes by with a stackof newspapers; spreading them out to appear read. A thirdMAN (#3) carries a box through FRAME; Johnny follows...31 BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS 31The man unloads the box under Johnny's gaze; a worn toothbrushgoes on the counter, prescription bottles into the medicinecabinet, a depleted shampoo bottle into the shower and evena few loose strands of hair in the drain. No detailoverlooked in this elaborate set dressing. WHOOSH!
Johnny flashes out of the vision, surveying his faux surroundings with a fresh perspective.
JOHNNY
It's a set-up.
FROST
What?
JOHNNY
The apartment. It's been created to simulate reality.
FROST
That's crazy. I know this girl. We've spent quality time together. Here.
He crosses to an armoire covered with framed photographs.
FROST
Pictures of her family. This is her father, Hank.
He picks up a framed picture. A middle-age man in a wheelchair.
FROST (O.S.)
He was injured in Vietnam. A great guy.
Johnny takes the frame, WHOOSH!
JOHNNY
You've met him?
FROST
Uh, no, not in person.
Johnny turns the frame over and opens it from the back. He slips out the picture, which we now realize is actually a page cut out of a magazine. He unfolds the page as we see
that the picture is actually part of a national advertisement for electric wheelchairs. The man is simply an actor/spokesman for the product.
FROST (stunned)
I don't understand.
Frost grabs a few other pictures and tears them out of their frames. They're all fake. Magazine ads meant to fool. The phone suddenly RINGS. They share a look. Frost slowly
lifts the receiver to his ear...
FROST
Hello? -- Uh-huh. Yeah. Okay.
He offers the phone to Johnny.
FROST
It's for you.
He hands the phone to over to Johnny...
WOLF
This is truly an honor, Mister Smith.
JOHNNY
Who is this?
WOLF
You can call me The Wolf.
JOHNNY
What do you want?
WOLF
We need to talk. Go to Anderson Park. Bring Mister Frost with you.
JOHNNY
How will I know you?
WOLF
Go to the water fountain. If you're as good as they say, you'll find me.
Click. Dial tone.
ANDERSON PARK - DAY
A filthy HOMELESS MAN washes himself in a public water fountain; his hair, his face, his neck. Johnny and Frost wait behind him, finally Frost has had enough.
FROST
Ok, this is a drinking fountain, not a bath house!
He grabs the guy and pushes him aside.
HOMELESS MAN
Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
Frost pulls out a few dollars and sticks them in the guy's top pocket.
FROST
Yeah? Here, buy yourself some after shave and you're on your way to Heaven!
The guy ambles away, as Johnny steps up to the fountain,
WHOOSH! Into a high-speed collage of a dozen or so PEDESTRIANS sippingfrom the fountain. The final individual is a man, latethirties with chiseled features and a military haircut;wearing a black and gray jogging suit -- this is WOLF.WOLFMister Smith.
Johnny flashes out of the vision and scans the park.
JOHNNY
He's here.
FROST
Where?
Johnny heads off across the park with Frost quickly following.
SHADE TREE - WOLF
Preparing for a run. He never looks directly at them.
WOLF
Sit on the bench. Don't turn around. Don't make eye contact.
Johnny and Frost sit.
JOHNNY
How did you know we were at Crowe's apartment? How did you know her phone number?
WOLF
It's in my best interest to know a great many things.
JOHNNY
Who is she really?
WOLF
A puppet. A pawn on a chess board.
FROST
Why was she sent to me?
WOLF
You're both missing the big picture.
JOHNNY
The Vice President.
A YOUNG COUPLE pushing a baby stroller moves past them, then...
WOLF
It's deeper than one man.
JOHNNY
Who's behind it?
WOLF
Let's just say it involves political and industrial elements.
JOHNNY
Big business.
WOLF
If you consider formulating foreign policy, controlling global currency and unleashing the American war machine as big business, then you've got some idea of what's at stake.
FROST
Rich white guys trying to rule the world through chaos.
WOLF
On the contrary, these individuals operate through precision and efficiency. Everything is a means to an end. Even a seemingly insignificant magazine sweepstakes.
Johnny can't help but glance back at him for a second, then...
JOHNNY
You're saying some evil organization of power hungry billionaires sent me a home computer?
WOLF
There are no coincidences. Everyone plays a role. You, of all people, should realize that.
The idea strikes Johnny hard.
JOHNNY
What about the Vice President? What's his role?
WOLF
Every crusade needs a martyr.
FROST
We talking about the Bible now?
WOLF
Only in terms of scope and consequence. These people believe that out of chaos comes order, catastrophe is salvation and only through annihilation can there be
rebirth.
JOHNNY (hushed disbelief)
Armageddon.
WOLF
Now you understand.
JOHNNY
How do we stop it?
WOLF
I'm not here to stop it. I'm here to put it on the record. To place it in proper historical context. Nobody can stop it.
His attention suddenly shifts... WALT AND ROSCOE. Approaching from the far side of the park.
WOLF
The first stone has been cast. The revolution is underway.
He takes off.
JOHNNY
Through the crowded park, as Wolf is suddenly blind-sided by a dark-haired WOMAN; the impact jarring both of them. Wolf shakes it off and sprints away, as the Woman vanishes into the crowd. Wolf suddenly slows, his gait growing strained, until he STOPS, TURNS to face Johnny and COLLAPSES.
Johnny rushes to where he's lying and kneels. Wolf's eyes are slightly open as he struggles to breath.
JOHNNY
Who did this? Please, before it's too late.
Wolf, clearly dying, grabs Johnny by the arm. WHOOSH! VISION: A portion of the chase replayed from FIRST-PERSON PERSPECTIVE.Johnny is Wolf as he COLLIDES WITH THE DARK-HAIRED WOMAN,everything slows. Johnny/Wolf looks down, and WINCES as...E.C.U. - SLOW MOTION - THE WOMAN'S HANDcovertly jabbing a pressurized syringe into his side.JOHNNY/WOLFAs he looks back up at the woman and realizes it's actuallyKendra Crowe wearing a dark wig. She MOVES AWAY through thecrowd of people... WHOOSH!
Johnny flashes out of the vision as Walt, Roscoe and Frost arrive.
JOHNNY
He's dead. They killed him.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
41 INT. MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE - MORGUE - SEVERAL HOURS 41
LATER
Walt and Johnny talk with the medical examiner, DR. WENTZ.
WENTZ
Preliminary tests indicate the victim
had a high concentration of serotonin
in the brain stem.
JOHNNY
From the injection?
WENTZ
Normally, I'd say it could be a
combination of serotonergic
medications... but not in this case.
The initial ToxScreen came back
negative across the board.
WALT
So how did he die?
WENTZ
Off the record. I'd say his brain
was turned off.
(beat)
The only problem is there's nothing
I'm aware of that could do that to a
human being in such a short period
of time. At least nothing anyone is
supposed to know about.
WALT
Meaning?
WENTZ
(uneasy)
I've read about tests conducted by
the military. Experimental chemical
agents meant for use on the
battlefield.
JOHNNY
You think that's what killed this
man?
WENTZ
Let me show you something...
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 31.
41 CONTINUED: 41
The Medical Examiner pulls open a particular drawer... Empty!
Wolf's body is gone.
42 MAIN OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER - THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE 42
Walt, Johnny and the Medical Examiner stand over the desk of
a young, female LAB TECH.
LAB TECH
(nervous)
There were two men. They said they
were from the FBI and that they were
supposed to pick up the body.
WALT
They showed you proper ID?
LAB TECH
Yes sir.
She presents the paperwork. Walt scans the document.
JOHNNY
These guys really clean up after
themselves.
WALT
And we've got nothing again.
WENTZ
That's not completely true.
He retrieves an envelope and hands it to Walt.
WENTZ
I always do a set of polaroids, just
in case. I'll be in my office when
you're finished.
Wentz and his Assistant exit, leaving Johnny and Walt alone
to go over the pictures. Walt flips through the photos.
JOHNNY
First they kill Frost's engineer and
now Wolf, and they do it right in
front of us. Why?
WALT
I've seen this before.
Walt hands him one particular picture.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 32.
42 CONTINUED: 42
WALT
That tattoo. I've seen that design
before.
INSERT PHOTO
A CLOSE-UP of an elaborate tattoo covering the inside of
Wolf's forearm; an ornate dragon, wrapped around a sword.
WALT
I think it's military. I'll make a
few calls.
(beat)
John, if this Wolf character was
telling the truth, we could all be
in danger.
JOHNNY
They could have killed me anytime
they wanted, but they haven't. I
know this sounds crazy, but I think
they want us to know. It's like
they're daring us to stop them.
As Walt considers the thought...
43 EXT. MORGUE - MOMENTS LATER 43
Frost paces, clearly on edge. Johnny steps outside.
FROST
Where the hell have you been?
JOHNNY
There were... complications.
FROST
Complications? What does... Forget
it. I don't even want to know. In
fact, I don't want to know anything.
JOHNNY
Giving up?
FROST
You saw what they did to Phil. To
that poor sonofabitch in the park.
What are we supposed to do?
JOHNNY
We're supposed to fight back. Isn't
that what you're always telling
people?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 33.
43 CONTINUED: 43
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
The little guy can make a difference.Our voices will be heard. Was that
real, or was it just part of the
show?
FROST
There was a time...
(beat)
It's every man for himself. See ya'
in the history books.
He walks away, leaving Johnny on his own.
44 INT. FROST'S TRAILER - LATER 44
The door flies open. A clearly intoxicated Frost, half bottle
of booze in hand, and another tucked under his arm as he
stumbles in.
FROST
Honey, I'm home!
(beat)
That's right, they're all gone.
Off balance, he barely makes it to the kitchen as he flips
on the light and heads for the refrigerator.
FROST
Ice cubes. I need many, many ice
cubes.
He grabs a bag of ice from the freezer, TURNS and FREEZES.
FROST
Hello.
He awkwardly dumps the bottles and the ice into the sink and
MOVES to the far counter, REVEALING...
RIFLE ON THE COUNTER
A high-powered M-24 SNIPER RIFLE.
Frost curiously studies the weapon, then picks it up. A
beat of uncertainty before raising the scope to his eye...
FROST'S P.O.V. - THROUGH THE SCOPE
moving across the trailer's furnishings; the crosshairs
dancing over the refrigerator, the television, the couch...
then everything goes DARK.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 34.
44 CONTINUED: 44
RESUME SCENE
Frost lifts his eye from the scope and SEES...
A MASKED COMMANDO
A SOLDIER, cloaked in black commando gear and a black ski
mask standing directly in front of him.
FROST
(even drunk he knows
this is bad, low)
Damn.
As ANOTHER SOLDIER, grabs Frost around the neck from behind
and quickly chokes him unconscious. The Soldier in front
takes the weapon from him as he drops to the floor.
A THIRD SOLDIER helps lift and carry Frost's body away.
Soldier 1, wearing gloves, carefully bags the sniper rifle
leaving no prints and not disturbing the ones left by Frost.
And then he's gone.
45 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - SAME TIME 45
Johnny ENTERS, as Walt meets him. Walt seems edgier than
usual.
JOHNNY
What was so important we couldn't
talk on the phone?
WALT
Let's go in my office.
46 WALT'S OFFICE 46
Walt locks the door behind him and lowers the shade.
WALT
I talked to a friend of mine. We
were in the Marines together, then
he went to work in Washington for
the Army.
JOHNNY
And?
WALT
I sent him a picture of the tattoo.
And he sent me something back. This
is classified.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 35.
46 CONTINUED: 46
WALT (CONT'D)
I only got it because I saved this
guy's ass once, and I swore that I'd
burn it after I was done.
JOHNNY
What is it?
Walt slides a b/w, 8x10 photograph across the desk.
WALT
Turns out I was right. The tattoo
was the symbol for a low profile
Ranger unit. The team officially
disbanded in 1997 after some secret
missions in Afghanistan. Our dead
man in the park is front left.
INSERT - PHOTOGRAPH
About ten soldiers in full camouflage and carrying numerous
weapons and instruments of destruction. We ZOOM TIGHT on
the man front left, as we recognize him as The Wolf. He's a
bit younger, but it's definitely the same man.
RESUME JOHNNY AND WALT
Walt is clearly uneasy.
JOHNNY
What kind of unit was this?
WALT
The kind nobody talks about.
JOHNNY
If Wolf was just a soldier, how could
he know the things he told Frost?
He had to be getting information
from....
Suddenly Johnny's expression shifts as he stops speaking.
JOHNNY
(low, ominous)
My God.
WALT
What?
JOHNNY
I recognize a few more faces here.
Johnny lays the photo between them on the desk.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 36.
46 CONTINUED: (2) 46
INSERT PHOTOGRAPH
E.C. MOVING across the faces, left to right as we HOLD TIGHT
on the lone FEMALE in the unit. It's Kendra Crowe.
JOHNNY (O.S.)
The female, front center. That's
Crowe, the woman I met at Frost's
trailer. The one who killed Wolf.
WALT (O.S.)
Who else?
JOHNNY (O.S.)
The guy at the far end. Frost's
dead engineer.
The SHOT MOVES ACROSS as we SEE PHIL, the dead computer tech.
WALT (O.S.)
Just when you thought you were
confused.
RESUME WALT AND JOHNNY
The power of the revelations heavy on their faces.
JOHNNY
It gets worse. The man in the very
back. The one holding the hunting
knife.
INSERT PHOTOGRAPH
The CAMERA MOVES UP across the faces and settles on the unit's
commanding officer, MALCOLM JANUS. He holds a large hunting
knife in his hand and wears a creepy grin.
JOHNNY (V.O.)
His name is Malcolm Janus. He's
Greg Stillson's top advisor.
RESUME JOHNNY AND WALT
Johnny turns away to gather his thoughts,
WALT
Stillson? You don't think he's
involved in this thing, do you?
Johnny suddenly grabs his jacket off the couch and heads for
the door.
WALT
Where are you going?
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 37.
46 CONTINUED: (3) 46
JOHNNY
I think I know where to find Janus.
I'll call you later.
Johnny exits. Walt picks up the photo, lights a match and
sets the photograph on fire. Once it's burning, he drops it
into the waste can.
INSERT PHOTOGRAPH
CLOSE-UP as the fire burns away the FACES of CROWE, PHIL and
WOLF. The SHOT PUSHES TIGHTER on JANUS' face as the flames
eventually burn away his image.
DISSOLVE TO:
47 EXT. BOSTON - DAY - ESTABLISHING 47
A seemingly tranquil day in New England.
48 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - CONTINUOUS - MOVING WITH 48
Johnny, as he powers through the same marble hallway seen in
his earlier Kendra Crowe vision.
He slips past a distracted SECURITY GUARD, passing through
the doorway marked: COALITION FOR A BETTER AMERICA.
49 INT. COALITION OUTER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 49
The now familiar secretary looks up from her computer.
SECRETARY
Can I help you?
JOHNNY
I want to see Janus.
SECRETARY
There's no one here by that name.
JOHNNY
Lady, I don't have time for this.
Johnny reaches over and activates the door release buzzer.
He blows through the inner office door...
SECRETARY
(on the phone)
Security.
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 38.
50 INT. BOARD ROOM - SAME TIME 50
Johnny bursts into the empty conference room. He quickly
closes the door and locks it.
Johnny MOVES CAUTIOUSLY around the conference table, trailing
his hand along the backs of the lush leather chairs, ending
at the head position. As he touches the back of the chair,
WHOOSH!51 MATCH, MOVE, MORPH 51Bodies materialize around him, filling the empty chairs; 4or 5 older MEN in suits. Distinguished. Severe. This isthe BOARD MEETING that's not on anyone's day planner.Across the expanse of the table, GREG STILLSON occupies thechair directly in front of Johnny.STILLSONI'm not sure I'm comfortable withthis idea.The chair at the far end of the table swivels slowly aroundto REVEAL MALCOLM JANUS. He carries no knife, but he's justseems just as deadly...JANUSNot comfortable? We've invested agreat deal of money and effort intoyou Congressman. Tremendoussacrifices have been made and willcontinue to be made in order for youto realize your place in history.STILLSON(with politician ease)I appreciate everything you've done.Concerning my father and... my wife.JANUSYou're appreciation is neitherexpected or required. Your commitmentis all we ask, all we've everrequired.(beat, lost in himself)There's a storm coming. The windsof change are howling. And whenthey strike, our great nation willascend from the rubble and once againbecome the beacon of power and dignityby which all other civilizationswill be judged.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 39.
51 CONTINUED: 51
JANUS (CONT'D)The question is are you the man tostand above the rest? The voicethat will lead us from the darknessinto the light? Are you? Can yoube? Can you?An eerie silence hangs over the room; tension palpable.Everything Stillson has ever dreamed about is at his feetfor the taking. The door opens and the secretary enters...SECRETARY(to Janus)Excuse me, sir, the Vice Presidentialparty has left Andrews. We expectwheels on the ground in less than anhour.JANUSIt's time, Congressman. What willit be?Stillson seems slightly uneasy under the scrutiny of thosegathered, as he finally rises from his chair.STILLSONThis is for my country. My people.SECRETARYRight this way, Congressman.Stillson follows the woman to the door.JANUSHappy hunting, sir.Janus watches as Stillson walks out. WHOOSH!
52 RESUME SCENE - INT. BOARD ROOM - ON JOHNNY 52
as the puzzle picture begins to take shape, TWO SECURITY
GUARDS suddenly bust the doors OPEN. As they rush in and
grab Johnny, the Secretary comes in behind them.
JOHNNY
Wait! You don't understand what's
happening!
SECRETARY
Remove him from the building.
The Guards strong arm Johnny out of the room.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT THREE - 8/9/05 - PINK 40.
52 CONTINUED: 52
JOHNNY
You won't get away with this! I
know what you're doing!
SECRETARY
(cold as ice)
Good-bye, Mister Smith.
She gives him that creepy smile, as Johnny realize just how
deep and twisted this thing really is...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
53 EXT. TRAILER PARK - DAY - ESTABLISHING 53
Johnny's Ranger Rover parked out front.
JOHNNY (O.S.)
(intense)
Frost?! Open the Goddamn door!
54 INT. FROST'S TRAILER - CONTINUOUS 54
Johnny opens the door and ENTERS. There's nobody here. He
disappears into the bedroom, then returns. He checks out
the kitchen.
THE KITCHEN
Johnny notices the mostly melted bag of ice and whiskey
bottles in the sink. He reaches down and picks up the half
full bottle, as WHOOSH!
55 VISION - INT. FROST'S TRAILER - EARLIER 55Frost holds the sniper rifle to his eye, aiming it. ObserverJohnny circles around him, taking in the startling image.Then Frost is assaulted and carried out of the trailer. Therifle wrapped and taken away. WHOOSH!
56 RESUME SCENE 56
Johnny flashes out as he HEARS someone at the front door...
INSERT - THE DOORKNOB
slowly turning.
BACK TO JOHNNY
reacting; ducking down below the counter. Johnny slides
open a kitchen drawer and takes out a steak knife. He knows
if Janus wants him dead, he'll have to fight.
Then approaching FOOTSTEPS; closer and closer until they are
right over him. He takes a deep breath then rises quickly,
the knife poised to attack, as we REVEAL...
WALT
his pistol drawn and ready to fire.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 42.
56 CONTINUED: 56
WALT
(startled)
Jesus! I almost blew your damn head
off! I've been trying to call you
for the past 2 hours.
JOHNNY
I went to Boston and forgot my phone.
WALT
Where's Frost?
JOHNNY
They took him.
WALT
Who?
JOHNNY
Some guys in military uniforms.
What are you doing here?
WALT
Feds got an anonymous tip that Frost
was planning to shoot the Vice
President.
JOHNNY
What?
WALT
The Secret Service issued a warrant
for his arrest.
JOHNNY
(realizes)
Janus. I tracked him to an office
building in Boston. Organization
called 'The Coalition For A BetterAmerica'.
WALT
Catchy name.
JOHNNY
I managed to get into their conference
room and I had a vision of Janus and
Greg Stillson. It was clear something
was going down involving the Vice
President.
WALT
Where does Frost fit in to all of
this?
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 43.
56 CONTINUED: (2) 56
PUSHING TIGHT on Johnny's face as he struggles to put things
together in his head...
57 MEMORY FLASH - EXT. ANDERSON PARK - DAY 57
Johnny's conversation with Wolf.
WOLF
Nothing is random. Every piece is
connected. Everyone plays a role.
You, of all people, should know that.
58 OMITTED 58
59 MEMORY FLASHES - VARIOUS LOCATIONS 59
JOHNNY
...you crashed your car through the
front gate of his house. The police
found a 38-caliber pistol under the
front seat of your car.
59A FLASH! 59A
JOHNNY
6 months in a psychiatric hospital.
2 months in isolation under a suicide
watch.
59B FLASH! FROST'S KITCHEN 59B
As Frost holds the sniper rifle in the shooting position.
59C FLASH! 59C
As the Masked Soldier carefully bags the rifle.
60 RESUME JOHNNY 60
As he finally realizes what's actually happening.
JOHNNY
Frost is the patsy. It's Oswald all
over again.
WALT
Oswald?
JOHNNY
Don't you see?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 44.
60 CONTINUED: 60
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
They found the guy to fit the crime
and then built the conspiracy around
him. They knew Frost had already
threatened Danbury. That he had a
history of mental illness. All they
needed to do was connect the dots.
WALT
They must have known you'd see all
this eventually?
Johnny FLASHES BACK to help put it together in his mind.
61 MEMORY FLASH! 61
WOLF
Everything is a means to an end...
Even a seemingly insignificant
magazine sweepstakes.
62 RESUME JOHNNY 62
Realizing he's been played from the very beginning.
JOHNNY
They brought me here as a witness.
Why not? They knew I couldn't prove
anything.
(beat)
It's a coup d'etat and it starts
with killing the Vice President.
Walt's cell phone RINGS, as he answers...
WALT
Bannerman. -- You sure? No, keep
this line open.
(hangs up)
Air Force Two landed in Bangor 4
hours ago.
JOHNNY
Danbury is here?
WALT
Briar Hill for an unscheduled hunting
trip.
Johnny can hardly believe what he's hearing, as...
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 45.
63 MEMORY FLASH! JANUS' LAST WORDS TO GREG STILLSON 63JANUSHappy hunting, sir.
64 RESUME JOHNNY AND WALT 64
Everything fits.
JOHNNY
They're going to kill Danbury in the
woods.
WALT
I'll drive.
They take off.
65 EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - LATER 65
Walt's cruiser, lights flashing, races along the two-lane
backwoods highway; kicking up a cloud of debris...
66 INT. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT - OUTER OFFICE - ON ROSCOE 66
Talking over the shortwave radio...
ROSCOE
I tried everyone... FBI, State Police,
even the National Guard. Lines are
blocked and everything's locked down.
Something big is happening up there.
INTERCUTTING WITH:
67 INT. WALT'S CRUISER - SAME TIME 67
Walt on his radio.
WALT
Keep trying. The second you get
anyone on the phone, I wanna' know.
He replaces the handset and looks over at Johnny in the
passenger seat, staring off; preoccupied.
JOHNNY
Everything that's happened to me for
the past five years has led to this.
WALT
We're gonna' stop them, John.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 46.
67 CONTINUED: 67
WALT (CONT'D)
Whoever these people are, they made
a big mistake when they decided to
come to Maine.
JOHNNY
(staring off)
That's just it. These people don't
make mistakes. Not ever.
The implication hangs in the air, as they HEAR the tremendous
ROAR above them.
JOHNNY'S POV - MILITARY CHOPPER
As a large military chopper soars past them heading from the
mountains.
RESUME JOHNNY AND WALT
As a convoy of BLACK SUBURBANS race past them on the road
heading in the opposite direction.
JOHNNY
We're too late. It's done.
68 EXT. BRIAR HILL HUNTING LODGE - AERIAL SHOT - ESTABLISHING 68
The area is besieged with ambulances, FBI sedans, media vans,
National Guard trucks; a virtual war zone teaming with an
army of EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL.
69 EXT. CRIME SCENE PERIMETER/INT. CRUISER - CONTINUOUS 69
Johnny and Walt snake their way (in the cruiser) through a
gathering of REPORTERS and CAMERAMEN clamoring for position
behind crowd control barriers. Walt stops a CAMERAMAN...
WALT
What's going on?
CAMERAMAN
Some nut shot the Vice President.
They airlifted him out a few minutes
ago.
JOHNNY
What was his condition?
CAMERAMAN
I don't know. He took one in the
head. It's Kennedy all over again.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 47.
69 CONTINUED: 69
WALT
Anybody else hurt?
CAMERAMAN
Stillson. They say he got shot and
then killed the bad guy.
JOHNNY
Any idea who the shooter was?
CAMERAMAN
Beats me. This place is about to
become a zoo.
The guy takes off, as Walt looks at Johnny. They both know
in their hearts who the alleged killer is.
WALT
We should go back. Contact the FBI
and tell them everything.
JOHNNY
Without evidence. They'd throw us
out.
(determined)
I'm staying here. I need to know.
I need to see it for myself.
Johnny quickly OPENS the car door.
WALT
John, wait!
It's too late. He's already disappeared into the crowd.
70 EXT. STAGING AREA - SHORT TIME LATER 70
An ambulance sits unattended. Johnny emerges from the rear,
now wearing an EMT jump suit and a baseball cap; carrying a
silver tank of oxygen. He keeps his head down as he
approaches a young National Guardsman, the last line of
defense between him and the truth.
GUARDSMAN
Nobody goes in!
JOHNNY
They just radioed up that they need
another tank of oxygen for Congressman
Stillson.
GUARDSMAN
I have orders.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 48.
70 CONTINUED: 70
JOHNNY
(thinking on his feet)
I don't know what your name is, but
if a United States Congressman dies
because you didn't let me do my job,
I promise you that everybody in the
world will know it by dinner tonight.
The young Guardsman folds under the pressure.
GUARDSMAN
Okay, go.
Johnny heads inside the crime scene perimeter. Investigators
everywhere. Dogs. Secret Service. FBI. Utter chaos.
NEW ANGLE
A team of PARAMEDICS appear, guiding an occupied gurney
towards Johnny... it's Stillson; bloodied and bandaged, an
IV in his arm.
JOHNNY
They said you guys might need another
tank.
PARAMEDIC
What we need is two more hands.
JOHNNY
I'm your man.
Johnny falls in line, taking hold of one of the guide rails.
Stillson, barely conscious, suddenly recognizes Johnny.
He's been given morphine for pain and is a bit out of it.
STILLSON
(groggy)
I got him, Smith. I shot the bastard.
Johnny touches his arm... WHOOSH!
71 VISION - EXT. WOODS - DAY 71
An entourage of men dressed in plaid gear, all carryinghunting rifles, navigate the lush vegetation. Danbury is upfront, flanked by two SECRET SERVICE AGENTS. They are dressedto fit in, but their dark sunglasses and earpieces give themaway. Stillson brings up the rear.Observer Johnny paces the group. Danbury looks back...
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 49.
71 CONTINUED: 71
DANBURYGreg, get on up here. Can't get inthe action if you're not on the frontline.Stillson obliges, falling in next to him.STILLSONThank you, sir.DANBURYCall me Doc.STILLSONYes, sir. I mean, Doc.We can read Stillson's nervousness.DANBURYFirst time in the big woods?STILLSONNo, sir. I used to hunt with myfather when I was a boy.DANBURYBear? Elk?STILLSONSquirrels.Danbury hesitates then begins to laugh.DANBURYSquirrels. You boys hear that? Wegot us an honest-to-God squirrelhunter!The other men laugh, as Stillson musters a smile, clearlyuncomfortable and nervous. If Stillson had any reservationsabout this man dying, it all went away when he was laughedat.STILLSONShame about Senator Jennings missingthe trip.
DANBURY
That'll teach the old coot to orderhis steaks rare. Besides, if hehadn't got sick, you wouldn't behere, right?STILLSONRight.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/9/05 - PINK 50.
71 CONTINUED: (2) 71
A sudden STIRRING in the bushes draws their attention.DANBURYLook alive, boys.The assembled level their rifles, aiming at the roost.STILLSONraises the sight to his eye. A glint of light assaults hisperipheral, drawing his gaze hard right...WHOOSH PAN to reveal a lone FIGURE one hundred yards off,standing in a clearing pointing a sniper rifle our way.Stillson, as scripted, reacts.STILLSONMr. Vice President!SLOW MOTIONBANG! A high velocity projectile tears through the neck ofa secret service agent, traveling straight through him...striking Danbury in the head, splattering Stillson with ahailstorm of blood.BANG! A 2nd SHOT grazes Stillson's left shoulder. Herecoils, but doesn't go down.NEW ANGLE - STILLSONUsing his remaining strength, he shifts his rifle intoposition, aims at the assailant and fires! WHOOSH!
72 BACK TO REALITY - JOHNNY 72
Releases his grip as Stillson closes his eyes. Johnny steps
away from the gurney as Stillson is loaded into the ambulance.
Rattled, Johnny TURNS and notices another gurney; this one
occupied by a full body bag.
BACK TO JOHNNY
stepping over the body. Reaching out, slowly unzipping the
bag to REVEAL... Marshall Frost!
Johnny reacts, wounded; stung by his failure to protect.
CLOSE ON HIS TREMBLING HAND
moving to Frost's chest. WHOOSH!
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/15/05 - GREEN 51.
73 VISION - SNIPER'S POV - THROUGH A SCOPE 73The hunting party preparing to ambush the wild turkeys. Thecrosshairs dance across faces... Stillson, then Danbury; aclean head shot obscured by a Secret Service Agent. Thesolution, shoot through him. BANG!THE SNIPERIt's Johnny, wearing military camouflage and his face paintedin black streaks. He shifts the rifle, aims, and fires again.BANG!SNIPER JOHNNY'S P.O.V. - THROUGH THE SCOPEStillson, wounded, his rifle pointed our way. BANG!SLOW MOTION - CLOSE ON THE ROUNDmid-flight, displacing air... the SHOT sails high and wide,missing completely.RESUME ON SNIPER JOHNNYdropping to the ground. He crawls quickly behind some coverand throws back some branches to REVEAL MARSHALL FROST.He's already dead from what appears to be a gaping chestwound.Johnny, wearing gloves, quickly slips the rifle into Frost'shand, then...He straddles the body, a beat to review his handiwork; perhapssomething more. He slowly leans in and kisses Frost on theforehead as he pulls back, we now SEE the sniper's trueidentity is KENDRA CROWE.Observer Johnny now watches helplessly as she scrambles awayinto the thick forest, leaving Frost behind as the perfectpatsy. An army of Secret Service Men descend on the area, asFRANTIC VOICES echo through the tree tops. WHOOSH!
74 BACK TO REALITY 74
Johnny stares down at Frost's lifeless body; verging on an
emotional break as he FLASHES BACK on...
75 MEMORY FLASH! 75
Frost looks back at Johnny.
FROST
It's every man for himself. See you
in the history books. *
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/15/05 - GREEN 52.
76 RESUME JOHNNY 76
He zips up the bag, and walks away, blending into the residual
madness of the crime scene.
77 INT. SMITH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - THAT EVENING 77
Johnny enters; exhausted. Defeated. He eases himself onto
the couch, remotely turning on the television...
78 ON TELEVISION 78
A MALE/FEMALE NEWS TEAM delivers the tragic news...
MALE NEWS ANCHOR
The White House has now confirmed
that surgeons were unable to revive
Vice President Danbury. The official
time of death 3:47PM.
A photo of STILLSON comes up...
FEMALE NEWS ANCHOR
The condition of Maine Congressman
Greg Stillson, wounded in the attack, *
has now been raised to stable. The
President is calling Stillson an
American hero as the charismatic
young leader returned fire in defense
of the Vice President, killing the
lone gunman with a single shot. The
assassin has been officially *
identified as controversial media
personality, Marshall Frost. Frost,
who had a history of mental health
problems, often attacked the Vice *
President on his weekly webcast.
It's too early to speculate, but
early word out of Washington pegs
Stillson as a likely candidate to
fill the now vacant Vice Presidency.
Johnny can hardly believe what he's hearing.
MALE NEWS ANCHOR
Like you said, Julie, it's too early
to know which way the political winds
may blow, but if there was an election
held tomorrow, I do believe Greg
Stillson might be elected President.
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/15/05 - GREEN 53.
78 CONTINUED: 78
CLICK! The television goes BLACK.
79 JOHNNY 79
His face wrought with emotion. He closes his eyes...
JANUS'S VOICE
From his lips to God's ear.
Janus steps out of the darkness like a phantom.
JOHNNY
You did this. You murdered the Vice
President.
JANUS
I prefer to see it as a liberation.
The freedom to usher in new *
perspectives of leadership. *
JOHNNY
You're insane.
JANUS
Again, I believe we'll have to agree
to disagree.
JOHNNY
Why let me in on it? You knew I'd *
see the truth. *
JANUS
I thought I made that clear in our
last conversation.
JOHNNY
(remembering)
The third ruler in the Kingdom.
JANUS
Technically, you'd be number two,
but everything's negotiable.
JOHNNY
Those people that you killed, they
were your soldiers. Did you offer
them a chance to negotiate their *
lives?
The question seems to strike a nerve with Janus.
JANUS
Their mission was to serve the greater
good of the unit.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
DEAD ZONE: "The Hunting Party" - ACT FOUR - 8/15/05 - GREEN 54.
79 CONTINUED: 79
JANUS (CONT'D)
In that respect, they died heroes.
We should all be thankful to pass
with such dignity.
JOHNNY
Dignity? Is that what it took to
poison Miranda Ellis on her wedding
day? Or was she just more collateral
damage on your way to the White House?
JANUS
We have philosophical differences, I
accept that, but at the core we both
desire the same things. A safe and
powerful land in which to raise our
children and build our future. You've
seen what we can accomplish without
you, imagine the things we could do
together.
JOHNNY
Are you suggesting this was all some
kind of audition for my benefit?
JANUS
Not an audition. A preview. The
opening act of the greatest drama
ever conceived by a man. An epic
tale born of victory and penned in
blood. You simply need to decide on
which side of the curtain you'll
stand.
JOHNNY
And if I turn away?
JANUS
(cold)
You won't need psychic powers to see
that future. There won't be one.
(stepping to the door)
Think it over, John, it's almost
show time.
Janus vanishes into the darkness. As Johnny is left to ponder *
the implication of his threat.
FADE OUT.
THE END
