|
Halloween (August 28, 1997) Written by: Carl Ellsworth |
| Teaser |
|
FADE IN: EXT. PUMPKIN PATCH - NIGHT We move through a pick-em yourself patch to a wooden sign on a post: POP'S PUMPKIN PATCH - ONLY 2 DAYS TILL HALLOWEEN! (5, 4 & 3 DAYS ARE ALREADY CROSSED OUT.) We TILT DOWN to reveal a jack-o'-lantern, its candle flickering when: SLAM! A body falls on the jack-o'-lantern, CRUSHING it. A beat. Then the fallen person moves and we see that it's BUFFY, covered in jack-o-muck. She's breathing hard - in battle mode. She rolls, grabs a baby pumpkin - HURLS it at the VAMPIRE descending on her. The pumpkin hits the vamp in the face, momentarily throwing him off his game. CLOSE ON VAMP Who starts to recover when - BAM! Another baby pumpkin gets him square between the eyes. He stumbles back. BUFFY Whips out a stake and FIRES it at the vamp, who manages to sidestep and CATCH IT. Buffy notes this with interest, if not dire concern.
Hmmn. The vamp SNAPS the stake in half and moves in. Buffy takes a defensive posture as the vamp performs a few moves on her. Two SIDEARM blows and LOWER KICK send Buffy to the ground. VIDEO CAMERA P.O.V. - THE FIGHT Through the VIEWFINDER of a HOME VIDEO CAMERA - we see the fight in progress. BACK ON PUMPKIN PATCH A man we can't quite make out is lurking. VIDEOTAPING Buffy and the vamp from behind the cashier's booth a safe distance away. VIDEO CAMERA P.O.V. - THE FIGHT We see Buffy getting a few more hits in. Two hard UPPERCUTS and a JUMPKING KICK that catches the vamp in the jaw. The LOW BATTERY indicator flashes in the corner of the viewfinder. We hear a frustrated GRUNT. The IMAGE SHAKES, refocuses on BUFFY, who's now gained the upper hand. A vicious HEAD BUTT and a swift KICK to the vamp's CHEST send him headlong into a pile of pumpkins. Buffy BREAKS THE WOODEN SIGN that advertises the pumpkin patch at the base, then uses the jagged end of the post as a STAKE. She drives it deep into the VAMP'S HEART. VAMP DUST. There is a FLASH of STATIC on the video image. Buffy gets to her feet. Walks away. The VIDEO IMAGE goes to snow. BACK ON PUMPKIN PATCH The man who was lurking steps out of the shadows, still holding the video camera to his eye. The RED RECORD LIGHT goes out. The man comes forward and lowers the video camera to reveal: the face of a VAMPIRE. He smiles, pleased with his efforts as he watches Buffy walk away. Then he too disappears into the night. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act One |
|
INT. THE BRONZE - NIGHT Another night at the Bronze. We move through the crowd until we land on ANGEL, sitting at a table alone. Looking a little bored, impatient. A voice snaps him out of his brooding.
I know. Is the Bronze not-happening, or what? Angel looks up to see CORDELIA standing over him. Looking amazing, as usual. And knowing it, as usual.
Um, hi. I'm waiting for Buffy.
Great. Cordy sits down. Makes herself comfortable.
I'm supposed to be meeting Devon, but he's nowhere to be seen. It's like he thinks being in a band gives him an obligation to be a flake. Well, his loss is your incredible gain... She drones on. Angel isn't thrilled, smiles thinly. ON BUFFY Who enters, looking a little sheepish. She's worked from the pumpkin patch episode. Runs her fingers through her hair, pulling seeds and bits of pumpkin muck from it. She sees - ANGEL & CORDELIA At the table. Cordelia says something. Laughs. Angel shakes his head - finally laughs, too. Maybe at her. Maybe not. Cordelia looks radiant - in full flirt mode. ON BUFFY Who looks at herself. At the mess that is Buffy. She hesitates. Then starts to turn away. ON ANGEL Who sees her. Gets up despite the fact that Cordelia is chattering away-
...So then I told Devon - you call that a leather interior? My Barbie Dream Car had nicer seats-
Buffy? He gets up. Leaves a befuddled Cordy mid-rant. He moves to BUFFY Who, caught, tries to put on her game face.
Oh. Hi. I'm...
Late.
Rough day at the office. Angel smiles - notices something in her hair. He pulls a piece of straw from her locks. Hands it to her.
So I see.
(humiliated) Hey. It's a look. A... seasonal... look. Cordelia passes. Smirks to Buffy.
Buffy. Love your hair. It just screams street urchin. That's it. Buffy gives.
You know what? I need to go... put a bag over my head.
Don't listen to her. You look fine.
You're sweet. (then) A terrible liar. But sweet. She turns to go. Angel stops her.
I thought we had... you know. Buffy turns back - vents.
A date? So did I. But who am I kidding? Dates are things normal girls have. Girls who have time to think about nail polish and facials and stuff. You know what I think about? Ambush tactics. Beheading. (then) Not exactly the stuff dreams are made of. She goes. Angel is at a loss. Cordelia glides up with two coffee cups in hand, triumphant.
(to Angel) Cappuccino? INT. SUNNYDALE HIGH/HALL - DAY The hall, decorated for Halloween, is buzzing with students moving to and from class. A long table has been set up with signs that announce "VOLUNTEERS ARE WINNERS" and "SAFE AND SANE HALLOWEEN". A few kids sit behind the table with sign up sheets. CLOSE ON PRINCIPAL SNYDER Who grabs an unsuspecting young girl.
Hey!
You're volunteering.
But I have to get to class- He steers the reluctant kid to the sign-up table. ON BUFFY, WILLOW & XANDER Who wander past, curious.
Snyder must be in charge of the volunteer safety program for Halloween this year.
Note his interesting take on the "volunteer" concept.
What's the deal?
A bunch of little kids need people to take them trick-or-treating. Sign up and you get your very own pack of sugar hyped runts for the night-
Yikes. I'll stick to vampires- A hand falls on her shoulder. Snyder.
Ms. Summers. Just the juvenile delinquent I've been looking for.
Principal Snyder-
Halloween must be a big night for you, huh? Tossing eggs. Keying cars. Bobbing for apples. One pathetic cry for help after another. Well. Not this year, missy. He walks her to the table. Willow and Xander follow.
Gosh, I'd love to volunteer, but I recently developed... carpal tunnel syndrome and, tragically, I can no longer hold a flash light- Snyder hands her a pen.
The program starts at four and the children have to be home by six thirty. Now Snyder turns his attention to Xander and Willow. Hands THEM both pens. INT. SCHOOL LOUNGE - DAY Buffy, Willow, & Xander enter. Looking dejected.
I can't believe this. We have to dress up and the whole deal?
Snyder said costumes were "mandatory."
Great. I was going to stay in and veg. It's the one night a year that things are supposed to be quiet for me.
Halloween quiet? I figured it would be a big old vamp "scare-a-palooza".
Not according to Giles. He swears that tomorrow night is, like, dead for the un-dead. They stay in.
Those wacky vampires. That's what I love about 'em. They just keep you guessing. Buffy and Willow move ahead as Xander stops at the drinks machine. He puts in change, but nothing comes out. Xander is approached by LARRY, a large, ill-tempered jock. He slams a MEATY HAND on him.
Harris.
Larry. Looking very cro mag, as usual. What can I do for you? Larry glances at BUFFY and WILLOW, who are sitting and talking on one of the couches, oblivious to them. Then-
You and Buffy - you're just friends, right?
I like to think of it less as a friendship and more as a solid foundation for future bliss- Larry is getting impatient.
So she's not your girlfriend?
Alas, no.
You think she'd go out with me?
Well, Lar, that's a hard question to... no. Not a chance.
Why not? I heard some guys say she was fast. Xander suddenly loses his sense of humor.
I hope you mean in the "like the wind" sense.
(leering) You know what I mean. That's it. Xander grabs Larry by the lapels. Furious.
That's my friend you're talking about. Larry is simultaneously amused and pumped up by Xander's outburst. He pulls himself up to his full hugeness.
Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it?
I'm going to do what any man would do about it. Something... damn manly. Xander tries to SHOVE Larry into the soda machine, but Larry barely budges. Larry draws his fist back - about to PUMMEL our friend. Xander grimaces but is ready to take it. CLOSE ON LARRY'S HAND As another hand grabs his FIST, snapping it back from Xander's face. ON BUFFY Who holds LARRY'S FIST. In a flash, she SPINS him around, PINS his ARMS behind his back and SLAMS him into the SODA MACHINE. Naturally, the impact causes the machine to dispense a free drink.
(to Larry) Get gone. Larry doesn't wait to be asked twice. He scurries. Without missing a beat, Buffy takes the fallen soda from the machine - pleased.
Ooh. Diet. Xander just stands there. Aghast.
Do you know what you just did?
Saved a dollar?
Larry was about to pummel me. Buffy waves off what she thinks is gratitude.
Oh, that. Forget about it.
(fuming) I will. Maybe fifteen, twenty years from now. When my rep for being a sissy-man finally fades.
Xander -
A black eye heals, Buffy. But cowardice has a nearly unlimited shelf-life. (then) But thanks. Thanks for your help. He stomps off. Willow and Buffy share a look.
I think I just violated the guy code. Big time.
Poor Xander. Boys are so fragile. They move back to the couches. Sit.
Speaking of - how was your date last night?
Misfire. I was late due to unscheduled slayage. Showed up looking trashed.
Was he mad?
Actually, he seemed pretty un-mad. Which may have had to do with the fact that Cordelia was drooling in his cappuccino.
Buffy, Angel would never fall for her act.
(worried) Sure. Why would he want a stunning, totally turned-out babe fawning all over him when he could have me - Miss Spin Cycle '97?
You know what I mean. She's not his type.
But how do we know? I mean, what his type is? Or even what his turn-ons and turn-offs are? I've known him for less than a year and, if you haven't noticed, he's not one to over-share.
(innocent) True. It's too bad we can't sneak a look at the watcher diaries and read up on Angel. I'm sure it's full of fun facts to know and tell. They both know this is the answer.
Yeah. Too bad. That stuff is private.
Also, Giles keeps them in his personal files. In his office, which he never leaves.
Most importantly, it would be wrong. INT. LIBRARY - DAY Buffy enters the library, Willow staying by the door (which remains open). Buffy creeps toward the office, not noticing Giles emerging from the book cage behind her.
Buffy. Excellent.
(spinning) Nothing! Hi.
I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow night. As it should be calm, I thought we might work on new battle techniques-
You know, Giles, you're scaring me now. You need to have some fun. She deliberately moves to the table so that his back is to his office - and motions for Willow to enter the office. Willow gives a WHO ME? Look and then starts a-creepin'.
There's this amazing place you can go and sit down in the dark - and there are these moving pictures. And the pictures tell a story -
Ha, ha. Very droll. I'll have you know I have many relaxing hobbies.
Such as? Giles is struggling to come up with something.
Well. I'm very fond of cross-referencing. Buffy just shakes her head.
Do you stuff your own shirts or do you send them out? Giles closes his book and moves to go to the office. Willow freezes.
(turning him back) So, how come Halloween is such a yawner? Do the demons just hate how commercial it's become?
Well, it's interesting - Willow nears the office -
But not, I suspect, to you. What is it you're after? Willow stops. Are they busted?
Well, of course it's of interest! I'm the Slayer! I need to know this stuff! You can't keep me in the dark anymore! (as he almost turns to the office) Look at me when I talk to you!
Buffy, I don't have time to play games -
Ms. Calendar said you were a babe! This stops him. He does face her, intrigued and a little thrown. Behind him, Willow makes a "shame on you that's so low" face.
She said what? Willow slips into the office, starts getting the diaries.
She said, you know, that you were hot. A hunka hunka burning... something or other. So. What do you think of that?
I, well, um, I don't - a burning hunk of what?
You know, gross as it is for me to contemplate you grown-ups having smootchies, I think you should go for it. Willow slips out with the diaries, moves silently to the door.
Buffy, I appreciate your interest, but -
I've overstepped my bounds! It's none of my business. My God, what was I thinking? Shame. SHAME. Gotta go. And she's gone. Giles looks after her, brows furrowed. After a beat...
A babe? (smiles) I can live with that. INT. WOMEN'S RESTROOM - DAY Buffy and Willow sit on the bathroom floor, pouring over the watcher diaries. Buffy sees something in the book.
Man - look at her. CLOSE ON BOOK There is a detailed DRAWING of a beautiful woman with long, dark hair. She wears a flowing 18th century gown. ON BUFFY & WILLOW
Who is she?
It doesn't say. But the entry is dated 1775.
Angel was 18. And still human.
So this was the kind of girl he hung around. She's pretty... coifed.
She looks like a noblewoman or something, which means being beautiful was sort of her job.
And, clearly, this girl was a workaholic. Willow - I'll never be like this...
(at a loss) Come on. She's not that pretty. She's got a funny... waist. See how tiny it is?
Now I feel better. Thanks.
No really. She's like a freak. A circus freak. Yuck.
(ignoring her) It must have been wonderful. To put on some fantabulous gown and go to a ball, like a princess... have servants and horses and yet more gowns...
Yeah. (then) Still, I think I prefer being able to vote... or I will, when I can... The bathroom door opens and CORDELIA steps in. She goes to the mirror. Checks her look.
So, Buffy, you ran off and left poor Angel by his lonesome last night. I did everything I could to comfort him.
I bet.
What's his story, anyway? I mean, I never see him around.
Not during the day, anyway.
Please don't tell me he still lives at home. Like he has to wait until his dad gets home to take the car?
I think his parents have been dead for, um, a couple hundred years.
Oh, good. I mean- (then) What?
He's a vampire, Cordelia. I thought you knew. A beat as Cordy takes this in. Then she smiles.
Oh. He's a vampire. Of course. But the cuddly kind. Like a Care Bear with fangs.
It's true.
You know what I think? You're rying to scare me off because you're afraid of the competition. (then) Look Buffy, you may be hot-stuff when it comes to demonology or whatever, but when it comes to dating - I'm the Slayer. Cordelia closes her purse. Flounces off. Buffy watcher her leave - stinging a little. INT. ETHAN'S CUSTOME SHOP - DAY A musty, run-down shop, stocked with every kind of costume imaginable. The place is packed with kids. Buffy moves through the store - searching unenthusiastically for something to dress up as. Willow approaches.
What did you find?
A time honored classic. Willow pulls a costume out of her bag. CLOSE ON COSTUME The package shows a person covered with a large white GHOST sheet - complete with eye holes, a ghostly smile and the word BOO stenciled on it. ON BUFFY AND WILLOW
Willow. Can I give you a little friendly advice?
It's not spooky enough?
It's just, you're never going to get noticed if you keep hiding. You're missing the whole point of Halloween.
Free candy?
It's come as you aren't night. The perfect chance for a girl to get sexy and wild with no repercussions.
I don't get wild. Wild on me equals "spaz."
You've got it in you, Will. You're just scared- Xander walks over, still a little sore at Buffy. Willow seizes the opportunity to change the subject.
Hey Xander. What did you get? He opens his shopping bag - pulls out a cheesy orange PLASTIC MACHINE GUN.
That's not a costume.
I've got some fatigues from the Army surplus at home. Call me the two dollar costume king, baby.
Hey, Xander, about this morning. I'm really sorry-
Do you mind, Buffy? I'm trying to repress.
I promise I'll let you get pummeled from now on. A beat. Xander can't stay mad. No way.
Thank you. Okay. Actually, I think I could have- He stops - noticing that Buffy's attention has completely wandered.
Hello? That was our touching reconciliation you just left.
Sorry... It's just, look at that. They all turn their attention to what Buffy is looking at- AN 18TH CENTURY GOWN Draped over a mannequin in the back of the store. It looks almost exactly like the one in the picture from the watcher diaries. BUFFY Moves to it, mesmerized. Willow and Xander follow.
It's... amazing.
Too bulky. I prefer my women in spandex. Buffy is about to touch it when ETHAN RAYNE, the shop owner, approaches. He has a devilish glint in his eye and speaks with just a hint of a British accent.
Please. Let me.
It's -
Magnificent. I know. He takes it off the mannequin. Holds it up to her.
My. Meet the hidden princess. ON BUFFY IN THE MIRROR With the dress in front of her - she is indeed transformed. ON ETHAN
I think we've made a match, don't you?
I'm sorry. There's no way I can afford this.
Nonsense. I feel quite... moved... to make you a deal you can't refuse. Buffy turns back to her image in the mirror - a goner. Ethan smiles. INT. THE FACTORY - NIGHT Moving through the dark hallway, we hear voices.
Here it comes- INT. FACTORY - NIGHT The room is awash in BLUE LIGHT that emits from a bank of televisions lining one wall. SPIKE and the VAMP VIDEOGRAPHER are watching as an image flickers to life on the screens. It's BUFFY'S FIGHT IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH. Spike watches the tape with single minded concentration. ON THE TELEVISION Buffy falls on the pumpkin. Then gets up and BEANS her attacker with a baby pumpkin. ON SPIKE
Rewind that. I want to see it again. Spike paces, wired.
She's tricky. Baby likes to play. The video plays again. This time Spike points to the part where she BREAKS THE SIGN AND STAKES THE VAMP WITH IT.
(intense) See that? Where she stakes him with that thing? That's what you call resourceful. (then) Rewind again.
Miss Edith needs her tea. Spike turns to see Drusilla, who has wandered in with one of her dolls. She is pouty, dreamy as usual. Spike welcomes her - but his attention stays on the video of Buffy.
Come here, poodle. She wafts him. He puts his arms around her.
Do you love my insides? The parts you can't see?
Eyeballs to entrails, my sweet. That's why I have to study this slayer. Once I know her, I can kill her. And once I kill her, you can have your run of Sunnyhell and get strong again.
Don't worry. Everything's switching. Outside to inside. It makes her weak. This gets his attention.
Really. Did my pet have a vision?
Do you know what I miss? Leeches.
Talk to daddy. This thing that makes the slayer weak. When is it?
Tomorrow.
But tomorrow is Halloween. Nothing happens on Halloween.
Someone's come to change it all. Someone new. INT. ETHAN'S COSTUME SHOP - NIGHT We move through the shop until we see a figure moving into a back room wearing a HOODED BLACK ROBE. INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - NIGHT CLOSE ON A HAND as it lights a number of BLACK CANDLES that circle some sort of altar. We WIDEN to see- ETHAN In the black robe. Before him, in the center of the circle there is a STATUE of a woman. Her features are placid, beautiful. Kneeling before it, Ethan speaks as he squeezes his hands tightly closed. He reopens them, revealing bleeding STIGMATA-like wounds in each palm.
The world that denies thee, thou inhabit. The peace that ignores thee, thou corrupt. Ethan dabs his blood on his eyelids. Crosses it on his forehead.
Chaos. As ever, I am your faithful, degenerate son. CLOSE ON STATUE As the camera comes around it, revealing on the back a HIDEOUS, MALE VISAGE. A mask of pure EVIL. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Two |
|
INT. BUFFY'S ROOM - DAY Buffy stands in front of her mirror in her costume - the gown from Ethan's costume shop. She also has a brunette wig on, the hair elegantly piled up. She looks absolutely stunning. Then we hear Willow call from the bathroom -
Where are you meeting Angel?
Here. After trick-or-treating. Mom's gonna be out.
Does he know about your costume?
Nope. Call it a blast from his past. I'll show him I can coif with the best of 'em. (then) Come on out, Will. You can't stay in there all night.
Okay. But don't laugh. Buffy turns around.
I won't- She stops dead when she sees WILLOW, who emerges from the bathroom in the costume Buffy picked out for her. Total rocker babe - black halter top, leather mini-skirt, boots. She looks drop dead gorgeous - and totally uncomfortable.
Wow. Willow grabs her GHOST SHEET and immediately turns back for the bathroom - but Buffy stops her.
Will. You're a dish! I mean, really-
But this just isn't me.
That's the point! Halloween is the night that's not you, is you, but not you, you know? Willow is trying to find a response when The DOORBELL RINGS.
That's Xander. You ready?
Yeah. Okay. Willow smiles. But her eyes tell another story. A deer caught in the headlights. Terror supreme.
Cool! I can't wait to watch the boys go non-verbal when they see you. INT. FOYER - MOMENTS LATER - DAY Buffy opens the door. XANDER enters, dressed in a low-rent army costume. Ripped camouflage pants and jacket, a tank tee, aviator sunglasses and his plastic gun. He salutes.
Private Harris. Reporting for- He stops. Stunned by her. He drops to one knee.
Buffy. My Lady of Buffdom. The duchess of Buffonia. I am in awe. I completely renounce spandex.
Thank you, kind sir. But wait till you see -
Hi... Xander and Buffy turn at her voice, expectant. WILLOW is once again covered in her GHOST SHEET.
--Casper.
Hey, Will. That's- (re: "BOO" on sheet) --a fine "BOO" you have there. Buffy looks at her, disappointed. Willow just hangs her head. EXT. SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL - COURTYARD - AFTERNOON Kids are being dropped off, heading inside in their costumes. INT. SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS - AFTERNOON Kids everywhere - lots of little DEMONS & GOBLINS running around with trick-or-treat bags. ON XANDER As LARRY descends on him. Larry is dressed as a PIRATE - and his costume is even less imaginative than Xander's. A t-shirt, pair of baggy shorts, an eye patch. He brandishes a plastic sword as he approaches.
Where's your bodyguard, Harris? Curling her hair? Xander glares at him. Larry makes a sudden jerking move at Xander, who flinches. Laughing, Larry moves off. Xander takes aim at him with his plastic machine gun - almost "fires" - but stops himself. A plastic pacifist. ON BUFFY AND SNYDER As Snyder leads a couple of children over to her. One of them is dressed like a VAMPIRE, of course.
Here's your group, Summers. No need to speak to them - the last thing they need is your influence. Just bring them back in one piece and I won't expel you. Off Buffy's reaction. ANGLE ON: OZ Standing at his locker, his guitar with him. He is accosted by Cordelia, who wears a typical cat outfit - tightfitting leotard, ears and draw on whiskers.
Oz. OZ. He turns, assesses her.
Cordelia. You're like a great big cat.
That's my costume. Are you guys playing tonight?
At the shelter club.
Is mister "I'm the lead singer I'm so great I don't have to show up for a date or even call" gonna be there?
Yeah. You know, he's just going by "Devon" now.
Well, you can tell him that I don't care, and that I didn't even mention it and I didn't even see you so that's just fine.
So what do I tell him?
NOTHING! Jeez, get with the program. She stalks off. Oz watches her a moment, unimpressed and unperturbed.
Why can't I meet a nice girl like that? He turns and bumps into WILLOW, still in her sheet. Takes a moment untangling himself.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Sorry. She moves on. He watches her a moment, then heads out. ON XANDER Who has a group of three little costumed munchkins.
Okay. On sleazing extra candy. Tears are key. Tears'll usually get you a double-bagger. You can also try the old "you missed me" routine - but it's risky. Only go there for chocolate. Understood? The kids all nod.
Good. Troops... Let's move out. FADE TO: EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK - NIGHT Excited Trick-or-treaters race from house to house. ON BUFFY AND HER GROUP Her kids return from a house, looking really dejected.
What'd Mrs. Davis give you? The kids all open their hands, revealing BRAND NEW TOOTHBRUSHES. Buffy feels for them.
She must be stopped. (brightly) Let's hit one more house. We still have a few minutes before we've got to get back. The kids perk up. Run off. INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT BLACK CANDLES are lit. ETHAN RAYNE kneels before the statue, hood covering his face, as he speaks his LATIN PRAYER.
(in latin) and show us your truth.> EXT. MRS. PARKER'S PORCH - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT CLOSE ON A front door as it opens, revealing the smiling FACE of MRS. PARKER, a kind lady in her 50's. Before her stands Willow's group, Willow waiting behind near the sidewalk.
Trick or treat!
Oh my goodness. Aren't you adorable! INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Ethan picks up the statue, his hands making BLOODY prints-
(in Latin) holy presence. Janus, this night is yours!> EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT BUFFY ushers her kids down the block. A gust of WIND sends a CHILL down her back. She stops, sensing something not quite right. EXT. MRS. PARKER'S PORCH - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Mrs. Parker looks in the plastic pumpkin she holds - a look of concern crossing her features.
Oh, dear. Am I all out? I could have sworn I had some candy left - INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT All the candles SUDDENLY BLOW OUT. The only light now issues from the statue which GLOWS sickly GREEN. CLOSE ON ETHAN Who lowers his hood, showing his face as A SATISFIED GRIN spreads across it.
Show time. EXT. MRS. PARKER'S PORCH - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT MRS. PARKER leans to the unmoving GARGOYLE - apologetic.
I'm sorry, Mr. Monster. Maybe I- CLOSE ON MRS. PARKER As her words are SILENCED by the DEATH GRIP of a HORRIBLE SLIMY GREEN HAND. In a FLASH, the hand PULLS MRS. PARKER FORWARD, revealing that it is attached to A REAL AND HIDEOUS GARGOYLE, who has suddenly taken the place of the costumed TIM. ON WILLOW
Let her go! Willow MOVES TO HELP. But she is BLOCKED by another member of her trick-or-treat group - who has now turned into a DEMONIC HORNED CREATURE. Now the DEMON turns and ATTACKS the GARGOYLE. A vicious FIGHT ENSUES, giving MRS. PARKER a chance to SCRAMBLE to the safety of her house. She SLAMS the door. ON WILLOW Who can't believe her eyes. She backs off the porch.
What- What's- She stumbles. GASPING FOR BREATH. Eyes wide and full of terror. Suddenly falls to the ground. Then - no more breath at all. Her body goes limp, LIFELESS. EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD - CONT. - NIGHT The SOUNDS OF CHAOS have begun. SCREAMS. CAR ALARMS. CLOSE ON XANDER Who reacts as panics KIDS AND ADULTS run for cover. Instinctively, he de-shoulders his plastic machine gun, moves it OUT OF FRAME. Then something hits him - he looks dizzy for a moment. Then he clears. His posture becoming ramrod straight. He raises the gun back up - and IT'S A FULLY FUNCTIONAL M-16 MACHINE GUN. We'd expect this to surprise him - but he's got the demeanor of a career military man now. EXT. SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF MRS. PARKER'S HOUSE - CONT. - NIGHT ON WILLOW'S SHEET-CLAD FORM As the "ghost" Willow, dressed in her rocker babe outfit, sits up - emerging from her "dead" body, which remains unmoving on the ground.
Oh. Oh my God... She stands, sees her BOOTS submerged in the sheet.
I'm a... I'm a real ghost - THE SOUND OF MACHINE GUN FIRE turns her head and she sees - XANDER Backing across the street, looking around him in silent panic.
Xander! She RUNS - EXT. ACROSS THE STREET - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Overjoyed to see him. But she stops when he WHIPS AROUND and points the GUN RIGHT AT HER.
Xander, it's me. Willow!
XANDER I don't know any Willow.
Quit messing around, Xander. This is no time for jokes.
What the Hell is going on here?
You don't know me?
Lady, I suggest you find cover. He starts to move past her. She -
No, wait! --steps in front of him. But instead of stopping him - he PASSES RIGHT THROUGH HER. CLOSE ON WILLOW Emerging on the other side of Xander. Some kind of PLEASUREABLE PHYSICAL RUSH moving through her. She shudders.
Oooh. XANDER Spins, freaking. Raises the gun on her again.
What are you?! Willow snaps out of her reverie.
Xander. Listen to me. I'm on your side, I swear. Something crazy is happening. I was dressed as a ghost for Halloween and now I am a ghost. You were supposed to be a soldier, and now, I guess you're a real soldier-
And you expect me to believe that? A little vampire emerges from the bushes, growling. Xander aims at it.
No! No guns. That's still a little kid in there-
But-
No GUNS. That's an order. Let's just get - Willow stops. Seeing something down the street.
Buffy! WHAT WILLOW SEES Buffy, in her gown, stumbling unsteadily toward them. WILLOW Races to Buffy. Xander follows.
Buffy, are you okay? As they approach her, they hear another roar. The vampire has been joined by a grown-up sized demon, and they head for our bunch. ANGLE: OUR THREE Buffy stands between the two and a bit behind as they turn to face the new menace.
This could be a situation.
Buffy, what do we do? In answer, Buffy FAINTS right out of frame. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Three |
|
EXT. STREET - NIGHT Xander hoists his rifle and fires above the demon's heads. They take off. He turns to Buffy as Willow kneels before her. Buffy is just waking up.
Buffy! Are you all right?
What?
Are you hurt?
Buffy, are you hurt?
Buffy?
(to Xander, fears confirmed) She's not Buffy.
Who's Buffy?
Oh, this is fun. (to Buffy) What year is this?
Seventeen seventy five... I believe... I don't understand. Who are you? They help her up.
We're friends.
Friends of whom? Your dress is... everything is strange... (panic rising) How did I come to be here?
Okay, breathe, okay? You're gonna faint again. (to Xander) How are we supposed to get through this without the Slayer?
What's a Slayer? A Demon jumps Buffy from behind. She screams and bats at it. It pulls her wig - which is now her real hair, coming loose about her head. Xander butts the demon with his rifle and it runs off.
I suggest we get inside before we run into any other - CLOSE ON: BUFFY Screaming!
Demon! A demon! ANGLE: A CAR Driving toward them. Buffy shrinks into Xander's arms, hides her face.
It's not a demon. It's a car.
What does it want?
(to Willow) Is this woman insane?
She's never seen a car.
She's never seen a car.
She's from the past.
And you're a ghost?
Yes. Now let's get inside.
I just want you to know I'm taking a lot on faith here. Where do we go?
(thinks) Where's the closest - Uh, we can go to a friend's house. INT. BUFFY'S KITCHEN/DINING ROOM/FOYER - NIGHT The back door opens and the girls are rushed in, Xander following. He shuts the door and looks out the window. Buffy is entirely confused by the kitchen and its appliances.
I think we're clear.
(calls out) Hello! Mrs. Summers? (no response) Good. She's gone.
Where are we?
Your place. Now we just need to - A violent POUNDING on the front door startles them all. Xander starts for the front, Willow right behind and Buffy trailing last.
Don't open it!
It could be a civilian.
Or a mini-demon. The pounding stops. They wait, Xander looking out the windows. ANGLE: BUFFY Has stayed in the dining room as the other two approached the door. Her attention is caught by something. She approaches the mantle to see: A PICTURE Of her. She picks it up, deeply puzzled. Willow approaches her.
This... this could be me...
It is you. Buffy, can't you remember at all?
No, I... I don't understand any of this, and I... (re: picture) This is some other girl, I would never wear this... this low apparel and I don't like this place and I don't like you and I just want to go home!
You are home! The POUNDING starts again. Buffy, who has begun to cry, shrieks.
You couldn't have dressed up like Xena... Xander looks out the window in the door again - and a demonic hand SMASHES through, grabbing at him. He jumps back.
Not a civilian.
Affirmative. He sticks his gun out the window -
Hey! What'd we say? He fires up, a short burst. We HEAR the demon scamper away.
Big noise scare monster. Remember?
Got it. From far off, a SCREAM. Xander looks out the window again.
Dammit. Xander exits. Buffy comes abreast of Willow, eyes on the door, worried.
Surely he'll not desert us?
(just had enough) Whatever... EXT. BUFFY'S SREET - CONTINUOUS The scream was Cordelia's. She runs down the street, her costume torn, her hair a mess. Scratches on her face. Several yards behind her lopes something hairy. Xander heads across the street toward her. There is a car sitting diagonally in the middle of the road, the door open and the driver long gone. Figures run by in the distance - still chaosville. Xander intercepts her, grabbing her shoulders. She screams! Then realizes -
Xander?
Come inside. He rushes her toward the house. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS Xander brings Cordelia in, slamming the door behind them.
Cordelia!
What's going on?
Okay - your name is Cordelia, you're not a cat, you're in high school, we're your friends - well, sort of -
That's nice, Willow, and you went mental when?
You know us?
Yeah, lucky me. What's with the name game?
A lot's going on.
No kidding. I was just attacked by Jo-Jo the dogfaced boy. Look at my costume! Think Party-Town's gonna give me my deposit back? Not on the likely. She notices a particularly big rip up the side. Xander notices too, and takes off his jacket, puts it around her. Over the following, both Willow and Cordy notice Xander's pumped, tattoo covered biceps.
Here.
Thanks.
Okay. You three stay here while I get help. If something tries to get in, just fight it off.
It's not our place to fight. Surely some men will come and protect us?
What's that riff?
It's like amnesia, okay? They don't know who they are. Just sit tight. She takes off. She passes Cordelia, who remarks to the others -
Who died and made her the boss? --just as Willow PASSES THROUGH THE WALL behind her. EXT. STREET - NIGHT A couple of little demons run by SPIKE. His eyes wide - a child on Christmas morning.
Well, this is just... neat. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT Xander is pushing the table against the window. He checks the smaller ones, making sure they're locked. Buffy follows him around, not wanting to be alone.
Surely there's somewhere we can go? Some safe haven?
The lady said stay put. (to Cordy) Check upstairs. Make sure everything's locked.
(to Xander, genuinely confused) You would take orders from a woman? Are you feeble in some way?
Ma'am, in the army we have a saying. Sit down and shut the - whoah. He has happened on a picture as well. Picks it up. ANGLE ON: THE PICTURE This one is all three of them: Xander, Willow, and Buffy.
She must be right. We must have some kind of amnesia.
I don't know what that is but I'm sure I don't have it. I bathe quite often.
(re: picture) How do you explain this?
I don't! I was brought up as a proper lady. I'm not meant to understand things. I'm just meant to look good and then someone nice will marry me. Possibly a baron.
This isn't a tea party, princess. Sooner or later, you're going to have to fight.
Fight? These low creatures? I'd sooner die.
Then you'll die.
Oh, good. You guys are all right. They turn to see Angel entering from the kitchen.
It's total chaos out there.
Who are you? INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Giles is working on the book catalog. Cross-referencing, no doubt. He hears something, gets up. Was it a growl? He gets up, starts slowly for the door. WILLOW COMES RUNNING THROUGH THE WALL.
GNYEHAHH! He jumps, books flying. Willow stops. Holds up her hand.
Hi. INT. BUFFY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Okay, does somebody want to fill me in?
Do you live here?
No! You know that. Buffy... I'm lost here. You... (suddenly peering) What's up with your hair?
(entering) They don't know who they are, everyone's become a monster, it's a whole big thing. How are you? There is suddenly pounding all around them - and THE LIGHTS GO OUT. Buffy shrieks and grabs Cordelia.
Do you mind?
(to Angel) Take the princess here and secure the kitchen. Catwoman, you're with me. Cordelia hands Buffy over to Angel and follows Xander into the living room (which we do not see).
But, I don't want to go with you - I like the man with the musket.
Come on.
Do you have a musket? They enter the kitchen. The back door is open.
I didn't leave that open. He moves cautiously toward the door. Buffy watches, frightened. She is standing right next to the door to the cellar. Silently, it opens behind her and a full-sized VAMPIRE starts moving from the shadows toward her. Angel shuts the door. Turns.
Look out! Buffy spins - the vampire grabs at her - and she actually does something useful: she grabs the door and slams it on its arms. But the vamp is much more powerful than she. It flings the door wide, sending her sprawling on the floor. Angel dive-tackles it, taking it out of Buffy's view and into the dining room. Buffy gets up, looks about her for a weapon. She grabs a big knife, peers timidly into the room and sees ANGLE: ANGEL On top of the vamp, his back to her. Struggling to hold it down.
A stake!
What? He turns -
Get me a stake! And she sees his VAMPIRE FACE. She screams. Turns and runs out the back.
Buffy, no! But the vamp takes the moment to throw him off, coming around on top of him. INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT Giles and Willow are surrounded by books, looking for something - anything. Willow looks up, frustrated.
I don't even know what to look for. Plus I can't turn the page.
Right. Okay, then, let's review. At sundown, everyone became whatever they were masquerading as-
Right. Xander was a soldier and Buffy was an 18th century girl. Giles stares at her outfit. A non-sexual stare. Of course.
And - your costume?
I'm a ghost.
Yes, but a ghost of what, exactly?
(embarrassed) This is nothing. You should have seen what Cordelia was wearing. A unitard. And these little cat things. Ears and stuff.
Good heavens. Cordelia became an actual feline?
(realizing) No. She was still just the same old Cordelia, just in a cat costume.
She didn't change.
No. Hold on... Party Town. She told us she got her outfit from Party Town-
And everybody who changed, where did they acquire their costumes?
We all got ours at this new place. Ethan's. Off their realization. EXT. STREET - NIGHT Xander, Cordy and the human-looking Angel come out of the shrubs.
You're sure she came this way?
No.
She'll be okay.
BUFFY would be okay. Whoever she is now, she's helpless. Come on. They take off and as we pan with them we pick up SPIKE, standing in the shadows. A small demon and a small vampire clustered by him.
Do you hear that, my friends? Somewhere out here is the tenderest meat you've ever tasted. And all we have to do... EXT. STREET - NIGHT Buffy wanders, lost, alone, terrified.
... is find her first. BLACK OUT.
|
| Act Four |
|
EXT. INDUSTRIAL AREA - NIGHT BUFFY musters in her 18th Century SHOES, ripped stockings, TORN and MUDDIED GOWN. She looks around her, terrified. Keeps walking - and bumps into: LARRY Once a bully and pseudo-PIRATE. Now the real thing. He smiles. A lascivious, BLACK-TOOTHED grin. INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Giles and Willow enter, step inside.
Hello? Is anyone in? They move through the room and into- INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT Where Willow sees ETHAN'S ALTAR WITH THE GOLDEN STATUE.
Giles. Giles turns. Sees the statue.
That's Janus, a Roman mystical God.
What does it mean?
Primarily, it represents the division of self. Male and female. Light and dark-
Chunky and creamy style. No, sorry. That's peanut butter. ETHAN Steps from a shadow, smiling at Giles. As Giles makes him out, his SHOCK is obvious. He steps in front of Willow, never taking his eyes off Ethan.
Willow. Get out of here. Now.
But -
NOW, Willow. Willow knows this tone from Giles can only mean business. She BOLTS. Ethan and Giles face off.
Hello, Ethan.
Hello, Ripper. EXT. INDUSTRIAL AREA - NIGHT ON BUFFY As she HITS THE GROUND, whimpering. She moves to crawl away but LARRY lifts her to her feet again.
(weakly) No... No... He GRABS BUFFY'S FACE, HARD. Opens his mouth and runs his TONGUE ALONG BLACK TEETH. He moves in for a KISS when - XANDER Comes out of nowhere - gives the PIRATE a FLYING TACKLE. Buffy scrambles away as Xander and Larry go at it. BUFFY Runs right into Cordelia.
Buffy? Are you okay? Buffy throws herself into Cordy's arms. Trembling, Cordelia isn't quite sure what to do with this. XANDER AND LARRY Do battle. The pirate is strong, but in this incarnation, XANDER IS STRONGER. Larry tries to reach for his sword, but Xander knocks it away. ANGEL arrives on the scene. Buffy SCREAMS and grips Cordelia even tighter.
(to Buffy) What is your deal? Take a pill!
(re: Angel) He's... he's a vampire! Cordelia rolls her eyes - looks to Angel like, "what a ditz".
(to Angel) She's got this thing where she thinks - ah, forget it. (humoring her) It's okay. Angel is... a good vampire. He'd never hurt you.
He - really?
Absolutely. Angel is our friend. Buffy looks timidly at Angel, who crosses to Xander. XANDER Finishes LARRY off with a HEADBUTT and a couple of SWIFT PUNCHES. The pirate goes DOWN - out cold.
(to Angel) It's a strange, but... beating up that pirate gave me a strange sense of closure. Willow arrives at a dead (I'm so funny) run.
Guys!
Willow!
You guys gotta get inside. She points. They turn. They see: ANGLE: SPIKE Walking toward them, flanked by four child-sized and two grown-up sized monsters.
We need to triage.
This way.
Ladies... we're on the move. They BOLT, but Buffy is having trouble keeping up. Angel SWEEPS her into his arms, carries her. ON BUFFY Afraid - but giving into his protection. INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - NIGHT Ethan and Giles are squared off. Ethan's manner is light. He clearly gets off on pathos.
What, no hug? Aren't you happy to see your old mate?
I'm surprised I didn't guess it was you. This Halloween stunt stinks of Ethan Rayne.
(proud) It does, doesn't it? Not to blow my own horn, but - it's genius. The very embodiment of "be careful what you wish for."
It's sick. And brutal. It harms the innocent-
(wry) Oh, and we all know that you are the champion of innocence and all things pure and good, Rupert. (then) This is quite an act you've got going here, old man.
It's no act. It's who I am.
It's who you are? The Watcher? Sniveling tweed-clad guardian of the Slayer and her kin? I think not. I know who you are. And I know what you're capable of. (then/realizing) But they don't do they? They have no idea where you come from. Giles is clearly threatened by Ethan's attack - but responds with a POWERFUL ANGER instead of bluster. This, indeed, is a Giles we do not know.
Break the spell, Ethan. Then leave this place and never come back.
Why should I? What do I get in the bargain?
You get to live.
Ooooh. You're scaring- But before he can finish, GILES DROPS Ethan with a VICIOUS PUNCH. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Xander, Cordelia and Angel, still with Buffy in his arms, round the corner. Angel leads them to a warehouse door.
Over here! They SLIDE the door open and dash inside, just as SPIKE and his minions appear. They manage to SHUT the door with only seconds to spare. INT. WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT There are some old crates and furniture against one wall. Xander immediately starts moving the stuff against the door so it won't slide, calls to ANGEL.
Check and see if there are any other ways in! Angel tries to put Buffy down.
Just stay here. He hands her off to CORDELIA as he moves off. Buffy FALLS into Cordelia's arms again. Cordelia rolls her eyes.
Faboo. More clinging. XANDER Starts as SOMETHING JERKS the WAREHOUSE DOOR. DEMONIC hands start to PUNCH through it, TEAR IT APART. The door jerks again and then starts to SLIDE OPEN, sending the barricade everywhere. Xander and Angel step back, retreating as the WAREHOUSE DOOR SLIDES COMPLETELY OPEN and SPIKE steps inside, followed by his LOYAL MINIONS. INT. ETHAN'S BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT CLOSE ON ETHAN Face plastered to the floor and badly bloodied. BUT SMILING.
And you said "Rupert the Ripper" was long gone... GILES stands over him.
How do I stop the spell?
Say pretty ple- GILES KICKS HIM. Not holding back.
Janus. Break the statue. Giles grabs the statue. THROWS IT AGAINST THE WALL. CLOSE ON STATUE SLO MO as the statue HITS AND SHATTERS. ON GILES Who turns to ETHAN, but Ethan is gone. Disappeared. Off Giles' reaction. INT. WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT ANGEL & XANDER are pinned or held at bay by the minions, who keep them from SPIKE Who moves to BUFFY, speaking to her softly, kindly.
Look at you. Shaking, terrified. Alone. Lost little lamb. Buffy fights her tears. Totally petrified. Spike smiles. SLAPS HER HARD ACROSS THE FACE.
I love it.
Buffy! ANGEL Tries to break free of his guards, but to no avail. ON SPIKE As he GRIPS BUFFY'S HAIR with one hand and her arm with the other. Starts to LEAN IN. Xander breaks free, grabs his rifle and stands WILLOW comes up to Xander, watching Spike.
Now THAT guy, you can shoot. XANDER Raises his MACHINE GUN and AIMS IT AT SPIKE. But when he squeezes the trigger - nothing happens. He realizes that his GUN HAS RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL PLASTIC FORM.
What the - ? ON SPIKE & BUFFY As he looks around him to see that his MINIONS are all SCARED LITTLE TRICK-OR-TREATERS (and two high school students). The realization sinks in - and he looks at his hand. It's still holding Buffy's wig, but her head isn't in it. He looks back at Buffy. She's smiling.
Hi Honey. I'm home. And she LETS LOOSE on him. All the pent-up rage and frustration from her last defenseless hours comes pouring out. A series of BRUTAL KICKS and PUNCHES send him to the ground. She lifts him back to his feet-
You know what? It's good to be me. She PUMMELS HIM, until he hits the wall and scampers out of the building. BACK ON BUFFY, XANDER, CORDELIA & ANGEL As they all move together - stunned but alive.
Hey, Buff. Welcome back.
Yeah. You too.
You guys remember what happened?
It was way creepy. Like I was there - but I couldn't get out.
(to Angel) I know the feeling. This outfit is totally skin-tight- But ANGEL isn't listening. He's focused on Buffy.
You okay?
Yeah. He takes her by the arm, they move off. CORDELIA and XANDER watch them. Cordy wears an expression of disbelief.
Hello? It felt like I was talking. My lips were moving-
Give it up, Cordy. You're never going to get between those two. Believe me. I know. Cordelia turns - looks at all the dazed trick-or-treaters.
I guess we should get them back to their parents.
Yeah. It seems like everybody is- (then/realizing) Where's Willow. EXT. MRS. PARKER'S YARD - NIGHT Willow's SHEET COVERED corpse stirs. A beat. Then Willow stands up, ALIVE and in one-piece. She considers the sheet. Contemplating whether to put it back on or not. A beat. She tosses it. Walks off, looking a little bolder than we've seen her before. EXT. STREET - NIGHT OZ'S VAN stops at an intersection. Oz STARES as Willow passes. Totally enchanted.
Who IS that girl? INT. BUFFY'S ROOM - NIGHT Angel sits on Buffy's bed, lost in thought. Buffy comes out of her bathroom - now in boxers and a big t-shirt. Her face is scrubbed clean and her hair hangs loose around her face.
Taa daa. Just little old 20th century me. She sits next to Angel.
Are you sure you're okay?
I'll live. A beat.
I don't get it Buffy. Why did you think I'd like you better dressed that way?
I - I just wanted to be a real girl, for once. The kind of fancy girl you liked when you were my age. Angel smiles. Shakes his head.
What?
I hated the girls back then. Especially the noblewomen.
You did?
They were just incredibly Dull. Simpering morons, the lot of them. I always wished I could meet someone... exciting. Interesting.
Really. Interesting - like how? Angel smiles. She's baiting him and he knows it.
You know how.
Still, I've had a hard day and you should tell me. They move closer together.
I should.
Oh - definitely... And he does. Non verbally. Smootchie city. FADE TO: INT. ETHAN'S COSTUME SHOP - DAY Giles enters. The place is empty - everything packed and gone. He walks around a bit, till he finds a card on the counter. Picks it up. ANGLE: THE CARD On it is written only three words. "Be seeing you" Giles stares at it, stares ahead. His thoughts unreadable. BLACK OUT.
|