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ROSWELL: WHAT
MIGHT HAVE BEEN - "Take Me To Your Leader" - ACT IV - 09/28/05
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ACT IV
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| 54 |
EXT. LIZ PARKER'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
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Max and Liz are still sitting on her lounge, facing each other.
MAX
Anyway, why don't we test my theory.
LIZ
(intrigued)
An experiment?
MAX
Exactly. I'll try first. You just relax and wait, but don't hold my
picture or concentrate on being with me. If I fail I'll call you and
you can try without my help.
LIZ
And if--no make that when I fail I'll call you and we can try together.
Cut to:
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| 55 |
INT. WHITMAN'S GALAXY STUDIO - DARK ROOM - CONTINUOUS
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Isabel is holding Ed's picture.
ALEX
Are you sure you want to do this without the others?
ISABEL
(nodding)
Maybe I couldn't get in alone before because we were using a drawing
instead of a picture. I just need to know.
Isabel closes her eyes and concentrates. We can see the frustration
building as it becomes clearer that she is not succeeding. With a
heavy sigh, she opens her eyes.
ALEX
No luck?
ISABEL
(shaking her head)
I wasn't even close. It was as if I was being deliberately blocked.
(looks up at Alex with concern)
Do you think he's getting wise to us?
ALEX
It's hard to tell, since we don't know the extent of his powers.
ISABEL
Right. Maybe I just need help, like last time. I'll ask Max tonight to
try with me, and if we can't do it, maybe Liz can help.
(at Alex's confused look)
Max seems to think Liz helped with the last one, instead of just
hitching a ride.
ALEX
(amazed)
How!?
ISABEL
(shrugs)
Who knows what might have happened when he healed her.
Alex looks concerned at what that might mean for Liz, then his attention turns back to Isabel.
ALEX
(pointing to Ed's picture)
And who knows what might happen if you get in. Are you sure you want to do this?
ISABEL
(with determination)
Yes, it's something I have to do.
Cut to:
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| 56 |
INT. LIZ PARKER'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
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Liz is lying in her bed, relaxed, waiting. Her phone rings and she
answers.
LIZ
Hi.
MAX (VO)
No go. Your turn.
LIZ
OK.
She hangs up the phone and picks up a framed picture of Max from her
night stand, then she sits up in her bed, cross-legged, still holding
the picture. She closes her eyes and concentrates. Nothing
happens. She sighs, opens her eyes and reaches for the phone.
Cut to:
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| 57 |
INT. MAX EVANS'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
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Max picks up his ringing phone.
MAX
Hi.
LIZ (VO)
(with a smile in her voice)
Contrary to popular belief, I don't appear to have alien powers.
Max chuckles, hangs up the phone, picks up his picture of Liz and starts
concentrating.
Cut to:
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| 58 |
INT. CRASHDOWN - MAIN DINING AREA - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
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Max observes Dream Liz and Dream Maria serving customers; Dream Max
and Dream Michael are in their usual booth. Max turns to see Liz join
him to observe the dream scene. She holds out her hand and he takes it
in his.
MAX
(teasing)
Who doesn't have alien powers?
LIZ
(pleased)
I guess it takes both of us.
(beat, curious)
But I still don't understand how?
MAX
Some humans are thought to have telepathic powers. Maybe yours were
dormant until I healed you.
LIZ
Maybe.
Liz steps closer to Max. Their bodies are touching, her face is raised
to his, their lips tantalizingly close.
LIZ (cont'd)
Or maybe we are just so in sync with one another that we enhance each others
abilities. It's really your power, but I give it a boost.
Max smiles liking that idea.
Cut to:
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| 59 |
INT. EVANS HOME - LIVING ROOM - SAME
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Diane has fallen asleep on the couch. The TV is still on. An old cops and robbers type movie is playing. Several gun shots are fired.
Cut to:
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| 60 |
INT. CRASHDOWN - MAIN DINING AREA - (DREAM SEQUENCE) CONTINUOUS
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MALE VOICE
I was here for the money today. Not tomorrow.
The scene has suddenly changed back to that fateful day in
September. Max and Liz turn and see the two men from that day (the
Pilot) struggling over a gun. In shock they look at the other end of
the Crashdown where Dream Liz is standing in the line of fire, like a
deer caught in headlights. The gun goes off and she falls. Dream Max
rushes to her aid and heals her.
DREAM MAX
(to Dream Liz)
You're all right now. You're all right.
Dream Max senses he's being watched and looks around. He sees his parents
emerge from the shadows. They look stunned, wary, and unnerved. Dream Max
stands up.
DREAM MAX
Mom, Dad. It's all right. I can explain ...
Suddenly there's a flash of light and Dream Max shapeshifts into Hank,
then Desert Man, then back to himself.
Diane and Phillip back away from him.
DREAM MAX (cont'd)
Please.
Diane and Phillip continue to back away from him in horror.
Cut to:
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| 61 |
INT. MAX EVANS'S BEDROOM - LATER
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Max is lying on his back in bed, awake. He seems troubled and deep in
thought. There is a knock on the window. Max glances towards the
sound, but decides not to respond. There is a second knock on the
window. Max resignedly gets out of bed and heads for the window,
talking as he walks.
MAX
Michael, I'm not really in the mood--
Max stops short when he moves the curtain and sees that it is Liz. His
mood softens, but he still sounds troubled.
MAX
Oh, sorry ... I assumed it was Michael.
He opens the window.
LIZ
I figured you might want to talk.
Max helps her through the window and they walk over and sit on the
edge of his bed.
LIZ
I think we established one thing--these were your thoughts, not
mine. Maria told me what happened after I was shot but I couldn't have
known what it looked like that day. What I looked like ...
MAX
I'm so sorry. If I had known this could happen, that you would see
... my nightmares ... I shouldn't have made you relive that day.
LIZ
Max, you don't need to apologize. I know you'd never do anything to
hurt me.
(pause)
Have you had this nightmare before?
MAX
No ... at least not that exact one.
LIZ
Oh.
(pause then hesitantly)
Max, I know you can't tell your parents the truth but if you did--
MAX
(shutting down)
No. I can't.
LIZ
(carefully)
I don't think it would be that way. Like in the dream. I know I was
scared at first when you told me but I didn't really know you. Your
parents do. They love you, Max.
MAX
(deliberately matter-of-factly)
My parents love Max the human.
LIZ
(forcefully)
Your parents love Max.
Liz puts her arms around Max. Max relaxes; we can see the pain in his
eyes. Liz reaches up to touch his face; their embrace turns into a
sweet kiss, then back into an embrace. They hold each other closely. A
soft knock on the door interrupts them.
ISABEL (OS)
(stage whisper)
Max, are you awake?
Max and Liz disentangle themselves, but remain seated on the bed
together.
MAX
Come in.
Isabel enters and is surprised to see Liz there. She glances towards
the open window, then at the rumpled spread on the bed. She cocks an
eyebrow at them both.
MAX
(innocently)
We were just talking.
ISABEL
(half smile)
Of course you were.
LIZ
I was just about to leave.
ISABEL
No, stay. We might need your help.
Liz looks at her quizzically. Isabel holds out a picture of Ed.
ISABEL (cont'd)
(frustrated)
I tried to dreamwalk him myself, but I couldn't. The three of us did
it before, so ...
Liz looks anxiously at Max; Max gives her a quick look of
reassurance. Liz and Max both nod their agreement. Liz moves to the
middle of the bed, facing the edge, sitting cross-legged. Isabel moves
to take Liz's previous position on the edge of the bed beside Max. She
speaks as she walks and sits.
ISABEL (cont'd)
I have to be honest with you though. It felt like I was being
deliberately blocked. After what we saw last time, are you two sure
you want to do this?
Liz has a moment of unease, but then nods with assurance; Max does the
same. He takes a hold of the picture with one hand, staring at Ed's face intently, then places his free hand on top of Isabel's, which she has on the bed. Liz puts her hand on top of Max's. Isabel indicates that Liz should also hold the
picture, which she does. They all close their eyes and concentrate.
Cut to:
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| 62 |
EXT. WEST ROSWELL HIGHSCHOOL - FRONT ENTRANCE - MORNING
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Tess is on the sidewalk about to head into school. Michael, who is
leaning against the wall by the front entrance sees her and
approaches, blocking her way. Tess sees him and reaches out to shake
his hand.
TESS
Hello, my name is Tess Harding--
Instead of reciprocating, Michael folds his arms across his chest.
MICHAEL
I know who you are. That's why I'm here.
Tess lets her hand fall by her side. She looks at him quizzically, as
if she senses something about him.
TESS
(eagerly)
Who do you think I am?
MICHAEL
Someone I've been looking for, for the last ten years.
Cut to:
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| 63 |
INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - ERASER ROOM - CONTINUOUS
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Michael and Tess have just entered the eraser room and Michael is
locking the door behind them.
MICHAEL
We can talk more freely now.
Tess tries to reach out and touch Michael but he avoids her hand as he
walks into the center of the room. Tess hugs her arms; it's obvious
she is wary of Michael's motives.
MICHAEL
Isabel says you are like us ... and that you can introduce us to Nasedo.
TESS
(surprised and excited)
That's right! Has she decided she wants to meet him?
MICHAEL
No.
The disappointment clearly shows on Tess's face.
MICHAEL (cont'd)
But that doesn't mean we won't. I'd like you to bring Nasedo to my
apartment this afternoon, after school.
TESS
(pulling out her cell phone)
Why not right now. I can have him here in minutes.
MICHAEL
I need time to convince the others.
TESS
(hopefully)
Others? There's more than you and Isabel?
MICHAEL
Yes, Max. He'll be the hardest to convince, but I promise we'll all
be there.
TESS
So, we'll see you when; 3:00, 4:00?
MICHAEL
I'll call you as soon as I know what time we'll be there.
Cut to:
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| 64 |
INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - LATER
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Michael is walking down a hallway from one direction and Max and Liz
are coming from the opposite direction. They meet in the middle.
LIZ
Michael, we're letting everyone know to meet in the eraser room after
second period, to discuss the latest dreamwalk.
MICHAEL
Look I've got some stuff I have to take care of first. Can you just
tell the others to meet at my place after school today?
MAX
Sure.
Michael takes off and Max watches him leave with a puzzled look.
MAX (cont'd)
There's something I never thought I'd see.
LIZ
What?
MAX
Michael exhibiting patience.
Cut to:
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| 65 |
EXT. ROSWELL STREET - MAIN STREET - CONTINUOUS
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Larry is on a payphone.
LARRY
I've given it some thought and I think, even though he was drunk, you
might be interested in what he has to say.
Cut to:
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| 66 |
INT. ROSWELL SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT - FRONT DESK - CONTINUOUS
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Deputy Green is on the phone.
GREEN
What who has to say?
LARRY (VO)
This private I met at Scotty's the other night.
Cut to:
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| 67 |
INT. MICHAEL GUERIN'S APARTMENT - DAY
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The gang is all there discussing the new dreamwalk. We join them in
mid-conversation.
MAX
It was just different than before. I mean I still sensed his
alienness, but if felt more like he has a troubled soul, not a
tortured one.
Isabel and Liz nod their agreement.
ISABEL
It's possible they aren't even the same person. I mean, I got a
totally different vibe and I didn't see any of the same memories.
Max and Liz nod their agreement.
MAX
(to Liz, who seems very quiet)
What did you feel?
LIZ
(sighs)
I don't know ... it's hard to explain. It wasn't something tangible,
just a gut feeling ...
MICHAEL
So, what was your gut telling you?
LIZ
That he wasn't my friend ...
(at Max's, Michael's, and Isabel's distressed looks she quickly adds)
But that doesn't mean he won't be yours.
ISABEL
(frustrated)
Do you think we can trust him or not?
LIZ
I'm not sure. I just know I don't ... yet.
(beat)
ISABEL
I think I do. I know what we found in the trash was inconclusive and
we don't really know that much more about them, but my gut instinct
says it's safe. I think we should meet with them.
MICHAEL
I'm glad you feel that way, because I've already invited them.
MAX
You did what!?
MICHAEL
What's your problem? We came to the same conclusion; I just came to it
and acted on it sooner.
MAX
Keywords being "acted on".
(sarcastically)
What happened to us being a democracy?
MICHAEL
Look, your tactics may keep us safe, but mine are what's gonna get us the answers we've been searching for.
MAX
Your "tactics" almost got you killed--or are you conveniently
forgetting that?
MICHAEL
That could have happened to any of us.
MAX
Any of us that dive in head first. Michael, you can't keep "acting on"
rash decisions--
MICHAEL
(interrupting)
You're not the boss of me--I can do what I want.
MAX
Not when it affects all of us.
MICHAEL
Look who's talking!
The others have been standing back, letting them work this out of
their system, but now Isabel steps in, before things get out of hand.
ISABEL
Will you two chill out! Have you forgotten that now, of all times, we
need to have a united front?
(Michael and Max both look chastened)
Now let's discuss this calmly.
There is a knock on the door.
MICHAEL
Guess it's gonna have to wait till later.
Michael opens the door to find Tess and Ed standing there.
TESS
(excited)
This is--
She stops abruptly when she sees Maria, Liz, and Alex. Tess and Ed
enter the apartment.
TESS (cont'd)
This is my father, Ed Harding. Dad,
(indicating Liz)
you've met Liz, sort of, and this is
(pointing at each in turn)
Michael, Isabel, Maria ...
(stops when she gets to Max and Alex)
ISABEL
(finishing the introduction)
Max and Alex.
Assorted awkward "hi"s.
ED
I think it's important to meet my daughter's new friends. I know I'm
old-fashioned, but Tess puts up with me.
(smiles at Tess.)
TESS
(smiles back)
Dad.
The gang exchanges glances as though wondering when they stepped
through the looking glass.
(pause)
MICHAEL
What is this crap?
MAX
Michael!
ISABEL
It's okay, Tess. Liz, Maria, and Alex know the truth about us.
ED
Truth? Have we walked in on a meeting of a secret club.
He smiles again.
MICHAEL
Sure, the I Know an Alien club.
ED
(shocked, but refusing to let down his guard)
Of course. This is Roswell. It's natural that you'd have an interest in UFOs.
(pause)
MAX
No, our friends know that Michael, Isabel, and I are aliens. And that--
Max stops talking at the anger and horror on Ed's face; the fear on
Tess's.
LIZ
We would never say anything. Anything that might hurt anyone.
At the sound of Liz's voice, the anger resonating from Ed seems to
grow so as to fill the room.
ISABEL
It's safe, really. We can trust them; they've proved it over and over.
She turns slightly to Alex and takes his arm.
ED
(with a forced laugh)
Very funny. Is this a game that you play with all newcomers to Roswell?
Michael, exasperated, raises his hand and uses his power to knock a
pile of books off the kitchen counter.
All but Michael jump at the noise. Isabel, Liz, and Alex, almost as
surprised as Ed and Tess, stare at the books then turn to Michael with
a "what the hell" look. Michael turns and aims at a drawing pad at the
other end of the counter. Maria grabs his arm, stopping him.
MARIA
(softly)
I think you made your point.
MICHAEL
(to Tess and Ed)
Everyone here knows we're aliens. Get it?
ED
Yes, I get it. It's apparent you were not raised properly.
ISABEL
(indignant)
The Evanses are wonderful parents. They a--
ED
(interrupting)
You have no parents.
MICHAEL
What!?
ED
You have no parents.
ALEX
Maybe someone should start from the beginning.
ED
(not acknowledging Alex)
I will explain what you need to know and you will tell me about your
lives in Roswell.
They all react to this statement with varying degrees of anticipation,
curiosity, and suspicion.
ED (cont'd)
When they ...
(nodding toward Liz, Maria, and Alex)
... leave.
MAX
No.
(pause)
It's not necessary.
Ed says nothing. Liz glances at Alex and Maria as if asking a
question. They both nod slightly.
LIZ
Max, it's okay. We'll go.
MAX
You don't have to do this.
LIZ
It's your chance to get answers to questions you've had forever. We ...
(glancing at Maria and Alex again)
... don't want to get in the way of that.
MAX
You're not.
LIZ
We'll see you later.
Liz leans toward Max and gives him a quick kiss. Alex and Isabel kiss,
also briefly. Michael, glancing at Ed to make sure he's watching, in
defiance kisses Maria as if he won't see her for days, then checks to
make sure she is OK. Tess seems confused and hurt when she sees Max
kissing Liz and Michael kissing Maria. Ed appears displeased.
MICHAEL
(to Maria)
I'll talk to you soon.
MARIA
(whispers)
Be careful, please.
Maria, Alex, and Liz leave.
LIZ (VO)
Answers. We seek them out even when we are not sure we want to know
what they are.
Tess visibly relaxes when the door closes behind them. Max, Michael,
and Isabel look wary. Both groups are being cautious, sizing each
other up.
Cut to:
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| 68 |
INT. WHITE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
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The private Larry met in Scotty's bar is alone in a room that is all
white-white tiled walls, white tiled floors, white tiled ceiling, and
no clear indication of where the exit is located. He is feeling along
the walls, trying to find the door. He looks scared to death.
LIZ (VO)
They can open doors, but what's behind that door? The lady or the
tiger?
Cut to:
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| 69 |
EXT. LIZ PARKER'S BALCONY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
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Liz is on her balcony, sitting in her lounge chair, writing in her
journal.
LIZ (VO)
And sometimes answers can create more questions. As much as I wanted
this, wanted Max to learn who he is and why he is here, I can't help
wondering "Now what? What does this mean for Max and me? ... For all of us?"
Fade out.
END OF ACT IV
Roll Credits
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Roswell: What Might Have Been