The Evil That Men Do (aka Evil Leaper Part II: Return)

Thanks to R. Joy Helvie & TVNewsCam

Teaser

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Quantum Leap
The Evil That Men Do
October 9, 1957

Written by:  Richard C. Okie

Executive Producer:  Donald P. Bellisario

Co-Executive Producer:
Deborah Pratt
Chas. Floyd Johnson

Supervising Producers:
Tommy Thompson
Harker Wade
Richard C. Okie

Producer:  Robin Jill Bernheim

Production #68124
Written:  January 8, 1993
Revised:  January 12, 1993 &  January 13, 1993

TEASER

QUANTUM LEAP IN

EXT. BACK ROAD - QUARRY AREA - DAY

The Quantum blue light congeals and we are....

ON SAM

He's spread-eagled on the hood of a '49 Dodge Coupe, speeding at sixty m.p.h. plus, clinging to the windshield wipers for dear life, dressed in a black T-shirt, black peggers, and old-fashioned black high-top Connies.  Oddly enough, the outfit is topped off with a red hood which covers the top half of his face, and a red cape that whips around him in the wind.

SAM
Ohhhhhh.....

HIGH ANGLE - THE DODGE AND A '57 CHEVY CONVERTIBLE

The cars are playing "chicken," fast approaching a spot where the road gives out.  He is indeed clinging prone to one of their hoods.

SAM
Boooyyyyyyy....

SMASH CUT TO MAIN TITLES

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN

EXT. QUARRY - RACING AREA - DAY - CONTINUOUS

The cars continue down their ill-fated course toward a makeshift chalk line near a cliff, Sam still riding the hood.  Half a dozen college guys dressed in distinctive fraternity garb react as they watch.

INT. DODGE - ON JERRY DAVIES, THE DRIVER

A baby faced college kid, he stares at Sam's face through the windshield.  He's finally computing the reality of Sam's presence.  He panics and hits the brakes.

WIDE ON SCENE

Fortunately for Sam, the soft dirt slows the car's deceleration as the car begins to spin out.  Sam hangs on as the car fishtails and slows down, finally spilling him off the hood and into the bushes.  The Chevy slows to a more controlled stop.  The fraternity guys sprint up, trailed by their ladies.

ON THE BUSHES

Sam climbs out, bleary-eyed and bruised, scratched and dirty but otherwise unharmed.  He finds himself grabbed and thrown toward the car by the Chevy's driver, the leader of the fraternity brothers, MIKE HAMMOND:  cocky, athletic, and handsome.

MIKE
Just what the hell kind of stunt
was that?

SAM
I'm...not sure....

FRANK PABST, Hammond's second-in-command jeers....

FRANK
Must've landed on his head.  Lucky
it's empty.

SAM
You were...chicken-racing.

MIKE
(mocking)
Duuhhhhhh....

JERRY
You better leave him alone.

ANGLE TO INCLUDE JERRY

He climbs from the diver's seat.

MIKE
Shut up, pledge.

JERRY
Don't you get it?
(to Sam)
You're the Midnight Marauder,
right?

SAM
I am?
(then)
I am.

JERRY
You better let us go.

MIKE
(to Sam)
You're not going anywhere, Arnold.

Mike reaches off and pulls off Sam's mask before Sam can stop him.

SAM
How do you know my name?

MIKE
Everyone knows your name, weenie.
And you just screwed up a Chi Kappa
initiation.

JERRY
He was trying to save my life.

SAM
That's right.  He could have been
killed.

MIKE
We've been hazing pledges since
before you were born, spazz, and we
haven't lost one yet.

SAM
There's a first time for
everything.

MIKE
Yeah, well here's a first for you.

Mike rears back to take a big swing at Sam and....

WIDE ANGLE - THE FIGHT

Mike gets in the first punch, then Jerry jumps to Sam's aid and the battle is on.  Jerry's glasses get knocked off and trampled.  Sam surprises the attackers with a couple of powerful punches but before the fight can get rocking, a siren burps from nearby and....

OFFICER MILLER'S VOICE
(bullhorn)
Enough of that, alla'ya!  Let's
break it up!

NEW ANGLE - NORTH FALLS, N.Y. POLICE CRUISER - OFCR. MIKE MILLER

A grizzled cop of Irish descent, he climbs from his car slapping a billy club into the palm of one huge hand.  The college kids grudgingly break off.

OFFICER MILLER
Shame on all of you.  Now who
wants to explain what's going on?

The frat guys grumble and say nothing.  Sam bravely steps forward.  Miller takes in Sam's outfit.

OFFICER MILLER
And you are you?  A refugee from
Joe McCarthy?

SAM
It was a fraternity initiation.  A
hazing.  They were having a
chicken....

MIKE
(cuts him off)
...picnic!  A fried chicken box
social.  Right everyone?

Ad-lib agreement from all the bystanders.  Miller doesn't buy it.

OFFICER MILLER
Well you can thank God I didn't
catch you racing these crates or
you'd all be bunking in jail
tonight.  As it is, I'll need your
names for your Dean of Discipline.
(to Sam)
So let's start with you, Superman.

SAM
Ahhh, my name's Arnold.

OFFICER MILLER
Arnold What?

Sam is at a loss.  What is his name?

SAM
Arnold...The Midnight Marauder.
(off Mike)
Everyone knows me...I guess.

MIKE
He's Arnold Watkins.
W-A-T-K-I-N-S.

As the frat boys snicker, we....

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. CAMPUS - EASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY - DAY - STOCK

A pretty New England-style college, with grassy quads.  Late sun turns the sugar maples to fire.

SAM'S VOICE OVER
College is wasted on the young.  I
mean, think of it.  A four year
license to learn and have fun,
without the pressures of work and
family.
(beat)
So how do most kids manage to mess
it up?

INT. DORM ROOM - NIGHT

Keys rattle in the lock, then the door opens and Sam tumbles in.  The dorm is a typical Freshman mess.  He slams the door behind him and leans on it.  Peace at last.  Not!

OBSERVER'S VOICE
It's you.

ADJUST TO INCLUDE AL

Sam jumps, then gazes at his hologram.

SAM
Of course it's me.

OBSERVER
No, I mean the cape.  It's you.

Embarrassed, Sam remembers and pulls off the cape.  He puts it on a bunk.

SAM
You sure took your time.

OBSERVER
Hey, it took me a while to calm
down your compadre in the Waiting
Room.  He's really something.

SAM
I bet.

OBSERVER
'The Midnight Marauder.'  Devender
of the Faith, Protector of the
Innocent, El Whacko Complete-O.

SAM
Leave me alone so I can get some
sleep.

OBSERVER
You may not have time.  In the
original history, Arnold and Jerry
both died when Arnold tried to stop
the chicken race.  You saved them
both.  So hold onto your hat.  Er,
hood.  Er, cape.  Whatever.

SAM
But if that was the whole problem,
why didn't I leap as soon as the
race ended?

OBSERVER
Good question.

SAM
Or at least when the cop showed up
to keep everything under control.

OBSERVER
You're just full of good
questions today.

SAM
Al.  Please.  I'm so beat, even
my hair hurts.  Would you have
Ziggy speed things up so I can
either get out of here or get some
sleep?

OBSERVER
Okay, okay, sorry, you're
absolutely right.  I'm out of here.

But before he can leave....

THE DOOR OPENS

and in strides JACK SWENSON, Arnold's roommate.  He's handsome and headstrong, and he has a few books under his well-dressed arm, along with a new issue of "Playboy-type" magazine.

SAM
Oh.  Uh.  Hi.

Jack doesn't answer.  He drops his books, flips to the centerfold and opens it out.  Al leans over for a peek and sighs.

JACK
So where've you been?

SAM
Me?  Oh.  Uh....

Al gestures "no," to Sam.

OBSERVER
Shhh!  He's pledging the
fraternity you just...annoyed.

SAM
Uh...I was at the library.

He checks out Sam's dusty outfit.

JACK
Library closed an hour ago.

SAM
(nervous chuckle)
Of course.  And so, I
went...jogging.

JACK
What's that?

SAM
Jogging.  You know, running.
(dusts himself)
I tripped.

JACK
Right.

OBSERVER
Wrong.

Jack crosses to the bunk.  He grabs Sam's cape and unfurls it.  Sam looks sheepish.

JACK
And what would this be?

OBSERVER
That's his blankie.

JACK
Chi Kappa Delta was out at Road's
End tonight.  They were initiating
a couple of new pledges.  Word's
all over campus you broke it up,
Mister Midnight.

TIGHTER ANGLE

Jack has moved in on Sam, who's holding his ground.

SAM
Okay.  I was there.

JACK
No kidding.

He looks as though he's going to shove Sam up against the wall.  Instead, he turns and paces angrily.

JACK
Mike Hammond called me ten minutes
ago.  He said they weren't sure
they wanted to pledge anyone with
such a monumental jerk for a
roommate.

SAM
Why would youwant to pledge a
fraternity full of total idiots?

JACK
(irritated)
Full of what?

Al winces, checks the handlink.

OBSERVER
Oooooh, wrong thing to say, Sam.
His dad was a Chi Kappa Delta
idiot.
(they back up further)
And his granddad....
(further still)
...and his great granddad was a
founding idiot.

JACK
Look, Arnold.  At first it was
funny, you prancing around in this
cape and playing Erroll Flynn.  You
were a joke.  We all laughed.
(beat)
But it's not funny anymore.  And if
you don't stop pulling these loony
stunts, you're gonna get yourself
hurt.  Or worse.

Jack turns and slams out the door.  Sam releases a sigh of tension and drops into an old overstuffed armchair.

OBSERVER
Well, you showed him a thing or
two.

SAM
I blew it.

OBSERVER
No, you didn't.  Jack has been
bullying Arnold all semester.
Copying his assignments, making him
do his laundry...Jack's mother
won't even do Jack's laundry.

SAM
Is that why I'm here?  To make
Jack learn how to fluff and fold?

OBSERVER
We're not sure.  But try not to
lift your leg on his family tree
again.

SAM
Why should I worry about him?  I'm
the infamous 'Midnight Marauder.'

OBSERVER
Are you kidding?  Take a look.

Al points to the back of the door, where a mirror is mounted.  Sam rises and moves to it to see....

MIRROR SHOT - SAM SEES ARNOLD WATKINS

Seventeen, pimply, all of a hundred forty-five pounds.  Definitely not the super hero type.  Arnold's lips move as Sam says....

SAM/ARNOLD
That's the Midnight Marauder?

OBSERVER
Yup.  PeeWee Herman in a cape.

SAM
Oh brother....

Sam growls, turns away and we....

RESUME SCENE

Sam moves around the room, checking the place.  Arnold's desk is buried in books and papers.

OBSERVER
Scholarship student, taking a
double load of credits....

SAM
...favorite subject Astronomy....

OBSERVER
(stops)
How'd you know?

Sam grins and holds up a sprial notebook scrawled with formulae.

SAM
Because The Midnight Marauder sees
all.

OBSERVER
Oh, no....

SAM
What?

OBSERVER
Your mind has psycho-syndergized
with the Midnight's Avenger's.

SAM
No, it hasn't.  I'm fine.
(beat)
Marauder.

OBSERVER
See!

SAM
Al!

OBSERVER
Look, for whatever reason, this kidd
likes to put on tights and run
around all night pulling crazy
stunts as Captain Do-Good.

SAM
After today's little stunt, I'm
surprised he hasn't gotten killed.

OBSERVER
That's what's so amazing.  Arnold's
like some kind of a walking
miracle.  Last week on a rainy
night he ran in front of a
speeding car....

SAM
...and saved a fetching young co-ed
from certain death!

OBSERVER
Quit that!
(beat)
The driver swore he hit him.  But
when he ran back, there was Arnold,
comforting the girl and giving the
guy hell fo driving so fast.
There wasn't a scratch on him.

Sam takes this in.

SAM
Well I hope his luck holds up.
'Cause now I've got a whole
fraternity with hot rods gunning
for him.

On Al's reaction....

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. CAMPUS - NEXT MORNING - STOCK

The sun filters down on students dressed for fall weather.

JERRY'S VOICE
(calls)
Hey Arnold!  Arnold Watkins!

EXT. CLASSROOM BUILDING - CONTINUOUS - DAY

Sam is just rounding the corner of the Astronomy building.  He turns at the sound of Jerry's call.  Jerry runs up, his glasses taped together at the ear piece.

JERRY
I just wanted to thank you again.

SAM
Forget it.

TRACK WITH THEM

as they walk toawrd the steps, Jerry following Sam eagerly.

JERRY
I can't.  I did a lot of thinking
last night.  I don't even kwow why
I wanted to pledge Chi Kappa.  I
withdrew my application.

SAM
Smart move.

Jerry smiles.

JERRY
I also made sure you got the credit
you deserve.

SAM
Look, Jerry, Arn...I don't want
credit.  That's why I wear the
mask.
(beat)
I just did what anybody would have
done.

JERRY
Juping on the hood of a car at the
start of a race?  You did what
nobody had the guts to do.  And
I'm alive to prove it.
(beat)
I'm really grateful.

It's a nice moment.  Hold it, then hear....

MIKE'S VOICE
Hey fruit loop, where's your
tights?

Sam and Jerry look off to....

MIKE HAMMOND AND FRANK PABST

Dressed in their frat jackets, they menacingly block the path before Sam and Jerry.  Lurking in the b.g. off to the side, are two coeds, apparently their girlfriends.  Sam musters his bravado.  To Mike....

SAM
Excuse us.  We're going to be late
for class.

MIKE
Awwwwww.....

Sam starts to walk past but Mike slides into his way.  Sam steps back.  Mike throws a copy of the caumpus newspaper toward Sam, who catches it and opens it.

MIKE
Read it and weep, Spazz.

INTERCUT INSERT - THE "EASTERN STATE SENTINEL" CAMPUS NEWSPAPER

The mainheadline reads:  "Midnight Marauder Saves Life of Undergrad!"  The subhead legibly reads:  "Campus Places Chi Kappa Delta on Probation."  Beside the column of text is an artist's sketch of The Midnight Marauder in costume, with a body more reminiscent of Arnold Schwartznegger than Arnold Watkins.

RESUME SCENE

Jerry nudges Sam, sotto....

JERRY
'Course I don't get a buline since
I'm only first-year....

MIKE
(overrides, to Sam)
Our whole fraternity is on
probation because of you, Arnold.
I am not happy.

SAM
You earned it.

MIKE
Yeah?  You earned something too.

He starts to advance on Sam to fight.  But this time, Frank holds him back.

FRANK
Save it, Mike.

MIKE
Let me go!

FRANK
Cool it!  We can't.  Dean Sakmar
finds out you popped this toad and
Chi Kappa Delta will be off campus.

As Mike considers the wisdom of Frank's words, we hear....

DAWN'S VOICE
I never met a real super hero
before....

All turn to look at....

DAWN TAYLOR - MIKE'S GIRLFRIEND

She saunters up to join the conversation, a tall, brunette version of Homecoming Queen sexuality in a tight sweater and skirt of the period.  She passes Mike and extends her hand to Sam.

ALIA
I'm Dawn Taylor.

SAM'S VOICE OVER
(impressed)
Arnold Watkins....

TWO SHOT

As they shake hands.  Does a slight current pass between them?

RESUME MASTER

They break their handshake and Sam looks sheepish.  Mike looks pissed.  Dawn looks interested.

DAWN
Just how fast was that speeding car
going...?

And, at that moment....

SFX - ALIA'S LEAP

A ripple of red Quantum light passes through Dawn and blots out the frame.  When it subsides, we are looking at none other than Alia, the Evil Leaper, Sam's nemesis from "Deliver Us From Evil."

ON SAM

His broad smile indicates to us that he has no perception of what has just happened.  Likewise, Mike, Frank, and Jerry pay no attention to the change.

SAM
Oh, uh, actually, the car was still
stopped when I jumped.
(off Alia)
Are you all right?

Alia is reacting, covering the fact that these are new surroundings.  She focuses on Sam and seems to get her bearings.  Mike jumps in.

MIKE
Her only problem is she can smell
your dirty socks, Arnold.  Right,
baby?

ALIA
(vamping)
Ahhhh, right.
(to Sam)
What were you saying, Arnold?

RESUME FULL ANGLE

Apparently, Alia doesn't see Sam either.  Sam smiles a self-effacing farewell.

SAM
Nothing at all.  Uhh, nice to meet
you.

ALIA
Nice to meet you, too.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

EXT. CAMPUS QUAD - DAY - CONTINUOUS

Sam and Alia continue to gaze at one another.  Mike finally calms down to the point where Frank lets him go.

DAWN
(to Sam)
You're so modest.  It's cute.

Mike moves in.

MIKE
Cute?  He's a twerp.  Look at his
clothes.
(to Sam)
You got wheels, Arrrnold?

Again, Jerry comes to the rescue.

JERRY
Sure, he does.
(to Sam)
A Studebaker, right?

Hoots from Mike and Frank.

SAM
Look, I hate to break this off,
but Jerry and I have to go the
class.

MIKE
So go.  No one's stopping you.

Sam starts to go, but Mike steps into his way, cutting him off.

MIKE
But keep something in your twisted
little mind.  I'm holding you
personally responsible for getting
us in trouble with the Dean.

SAM
Yeah?  Well twist this.  If you
want to see who's responsible, look
in the mirror.

Sam heads off with Jerry.  Stay with....

MIKE, FRANK AND DAWN

watching him go.

MIKE
I'm gonna kill him.  I swear to
God I'm gonna kill him.

FRANK
Cool it, Mike.  If anything happens
to little Arnold, we'll get our
butts kicked out of here faster
than you can say 'expelled.'

MIKE
Are we supposed to let him get away
with all this?

NEW ANGLE - SFX

A rippling waterfall fills the screen and out steps Zoey, Alia's hologram.

ZOEY
Where are we, darling?  I thought
we were dealing with some Woody
Allen type.
(giggles, re Woody)
What a job you did on him....

FRANK
The Dean, remember?

Zoey's sizing up the college men.

ZOEY
Ooooh, frat boys.  My favorite
college subject.

FRANK
(to Mike)
There's nothing else we can do.

ALIA
Yes there is....

They turn and look at "Dawn."

MIKE
Yeah, like what?  Hire a hit man?

ALIA
How do you think the Midnight
Marauder would feel if he suddenly
became 'very special friends' with
the Homecoming Queen?

Zoey gets right in Mike's ear.

ZOEY
Personally, I prefer Mister
Varsity here.  He can slam dunk me
anytime.

MIKE
(to Alia)
Go on....

ALIA
...and then the Homecoming Queen
tells the Nerd it was all a big
joke.

MIKE
Where?

ALIA
Someplace public.  Like a
homecoming rally.  Where the whole
college can see....

FRANK
If he doesn't jump out a window,
he'll at least drop out.

ZOEY
I opt for the window.

Mike puts his arm around Alia.

MIKE
I love the way you think....

CUT TO

TIGHT ON A STACK OF BOOKS

as it's slammed onto a desk in....

INT. CAMPUS LIBRARY

Sam sits down behind an intimidating pile of science texts.

SAM'S VOICE OVER
Al hadn't gotten back to me, but it
was pretty clear why I hadn't leapt
yet.  I had a suspicion that a slap
on the wrists from the Dean wasn't
going to be enough to keep Mike
Hammond and his frat brothers from
killing themselves or somebody
else.

He opens a book, blows dust from the pages.

SAM'S VOICE OVER
I know there had to be a way to get
through to them....

NEW ANGLE - ALIA

She's walking toward him with some books, looking for a place to sit down.

SAM'S VOICE OVER
...and I think maybe I just found
it.

Sam gestures to Alia.

SAM
This seat isn't taken.

ALIA
Really?  Thanks.

He stands up and holds her chair.  She's impressed.  They sit for a moment, awkward, unsure of what to say.  Then, sotto....

ALIA
I'm really sorry Mike was such a
jerk today.

SAM
It wasn't your fault.

ALIA
Most of the time he's really sweet.
He only gets really macho when it
comes to his fraternity.

SAM
'Macho?'

Alia realizes she's used a "future" word.  She covers quickly.

ALIA
I learned it last summer in Spain.
You know...manly, masculine....
(mimes)
'Macho.'

Sam cracks up at her demonstration.  She laughs too.

SAM
He seems pretty 'macho' about
playing chicken with his buddies,
too.

ALIA
You're not kidding.

SAM
Haven't you ever tried to talk him
out of it?

ALIA
He doesn't listen to me.  I'm
just his 'girl.'

SAM
That's right, it's the fifties.

At that, Alia looks at Sam a little strangely.  He covers.

SAM
What I mean is...I'm sure that some
day, men will be much
more...receptive...to what women
have to say.  Some day.

ALIA
That's nice.  I'm glad somebody
thinks that.
(beat)
Mike is so mean to you.  Why would
you care about him?

Sam looks sad.

SAM
(winks)
The Midnight Marauder cares about
everybody.

ALIA
You mean Arnold Watkins really
cares about people.

SAM
Right.
(darkly)
Everyone is worth caring about.

She closes her book.

ALIA
You remind me of someone.

SAM
Clark Kent?

ALIA
(laughs)
Don't sell yourself short.
(beat)
I can't place it.  But I think it's
wonderful you help people.

SAM
Thanks.

ALIA
(off books)
I wish someone would rescue me from
my Biology midterm.  It's not
exactly a job for the Midnight
Marauder....

SAM
Maybe it is.  I'm pretty good at
science.

ALIA
Really?

SAM
Tell you what.  You promise me
you'll talk to Mike, and I'll help
you with your Biology.  Deal?

ALIA
(smiles)
Seven tonight, my dorm?
(Sam hesitates)
I won't bite.

SAM
It's a date.

Now they both smile.

TIGHTER ANGLE - THEIR HANDS

She reaches out a hand for him to shake.  As he reaches out to take it, before they touch, he knocks over his books with a bang on the floor.  Students' heads pop up.  Guffaws and scattered applause from the tables around them.

SAM
Sorry, I....

ALIA
Forget it.  See ya at seven.

And she leaves.  Hold Sam's face and hear....

ARNOLD'S VOICE
Deeds like that must not go
unpunished!

CUT TO

INT. WAITING ROOM - LIMBO TIME

Arnold Watkins and Al are talking at "the table."  The body suit is a little big on the scrawny college kid, but he speaks with a quiet fire that makes us forget his mild appearance.

OBSERVER
It was no big deal.  He just
dropped some books.

ARNOLD
Not him!  I'm talking about Michael
of the Chi Kappas!

OBSERVER
Well, don't worry about it, he's
being taken care of.

ARNOLD
I believe you.  You have the light
of truth in your eyes.

OBSERVER
That's not what my wives said.

Arnold hops off the table and starts to pace, growing more heated.

ARNOLD
It makes me furious!  Hammond is
only one of a million villains who
victimize the weak and the
innocent.

OBSERVER
Here we go.  The Midnight Marauder.

ARNOLD
(stops, smiles)
So you understand my mission.

Al shakes his head.

OBSERVER
Arnold, you're a college student.
Your 'mission' is to get good
grades, swallow some goldfish, and
learn how much you can drink
without barfing.

ARNOLD
Maybe that's true for the others.
(beat)
But not for The Midnight Marauder.

OBSERVER
What makes you so special?

Hold Arnold's intense gaze at Al; then....

MATCH CUT TO

ARNOLD'S INTENSE GAZE - TIGHT CLOSE-UP (MIRROR SHOT)

He concentrates fiercely, trying to perfect the knot on a stubborn bow tie.

JACK'S VOICE
Well, don't you look special.

Jack's reflection appears behind Arnold and reaches over to help.  The tie pops off and lands on the floor.  Pan around to reveal....

INT. DORM ROOM - NIGHT

"Arnold" is really Sam.  Jack retrieves the tie.

JACK
It's a clip-on.

SAM
It's the only one I had.

JACK
I'll lend you one of mine.

He goes to his dresser and pulles out a real bow tie.  He ties it for Arnold.

JACK
So where're you going?

SAM
To study.

JACK
You're wearing a tie to study?

SAM
I have a date.

JACK
Ooooohhhh....

SAM
A study date.

Jack finishes the tie.  Then he too, starts to change, peeling off his shirt and putting on a fresh one as they talk.

JACK
So who's the lucky girl?
(beat)
It is a girl, right?

SAM
Oh, it's a girl all right.

JACK
Lemme guess.  That six foot bean
pole with the Brillo Pad hair....

SAM
You can guess all night and you'll
never get it.

Sam notices Jack getting dressed.

SAM
Say, where are you....
(remembers)
Tonight's your initiation!

JACK
That's what I love about you,
Arnold.  Always on top of things.

SAM
In Chi Kappa Delta!  You're not
going racing?

JACK
Well, they never tell the pledges,
but....
(smiles)
How do I look?

SAM
Like a dead man!  Jack, don't do
it!

JACK
(heads for the door)
You say that like I have a choice.

SAM
Of course you have a choice.

JACK
Right.  I have the choice of
telling my Dad and Granddad I
couldn't join Chi Kappa 'cause I
wimped out of the initiation
ritual.  I think I'd rather go
chicken racing.

And he's gone, leaving Sam very worried.  In the b.g., we hear the sound of the Chamber Door, and....

ADJUST TO INCLUDE AL

He sizes up Sam's wardrobe.

OBSERVER
Oooh, don't you look...adorable.

Sam starts ripping off the bow tie.

SAM
Don't you start.  Al, have Ziggy
calculate the odds I'm here to stop
the chicken races.

He scurries about the room as Al checks the handlink.

OBSERVER
Mmmm, sixty-four point two
percent.

SAM
Oh, come on, it's gotta be higher
than that.  That's why I'm here!

OBSERVER
Don't be so sure.
(off Sam's look)
It's Arnold, Sam.

SAM
What about him?

OBSERVER
He's had an incredible run of
luck.  But Ziggy says the odds are
overwhelming that that he'll still
get killed or crippled if he keeps
on playing the Midnight Marauder.

SAM
But Arnold's with you.  What can I
do about this?

OBSERVER
You can put your bow tie back on
and sit on your...cape.

Sam paces around, dissatisfied.

SAM
I can't.

OBSERVER
Can too.

SAM
Okay, let's assume you are right.
It sounds like you and Doctor Beeks
better profile Arnold and find out
what makes him tick.  otherwise,
when I leap, he'll just start in
marauding again.

OBSERVER
We agree.

SAM
Good.

Sam re-dons his Marauder outfit.  Al is flabbergasted.

OBSERVER
Now what are you doing?

Sam turns back to him with a grin.

SAM
My mission, remember?

OBSERVER
What about the odds?

SAM
The Midnight Marauder scoffs at
odds.

He starts out the window.

OBSERVER
Sam!

Sam turns back.

OBSERVER
At least use the door.

Sam considers it, smiles, then steps out the window.  Off Al's utter frustration....

EXT. DORM - NIGHT - TIGHT

Sam climbs onto a ledge, leaving Al flummoxed.

CUT TO

INT. WOMEN'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT - ALIA AND ZOEY

Alia is putting on make-up as Zoey paces angrily.

ZOEY
Where the hell is he?

ALIA
He'll be here.

ZOEY
Nerds are nothing if not punctual.

INTERCUT - MIRROR SHOT - ALIA AND DAWN

Alia finishes with her make-up with the gorgeous Dawn gazing back at her.  She crosses to her bed and plops down with her Biology test.

ALIA
Would you relax?  In five minutes,
I guarantee I'll have Arnold's
slide-rule fully extended.

ZOEY
That's my girl.

Just then, Zoey's handlink goes beserk.  She reads it and frowns.

ZOEY
Darling, you won't believe it.
Your dream date is back at Road's
End messing things up again.

Zoey and Alia trade looks, and Alia is in motion instantly as Zoey pops out.

CUT TO

EXT. RACING AREA - NIGHT

Headlights illuminate the quarry road where Sam leapt in.  Mike Hammond is surrounded by the Chi Kappa brothers, bearing torches.  He plays the crowd and gives Jack Swensen instructions.

MIKE
We're lucky tonight, brothers.  Our
pledge is a third generation Chi
Kappa Delta.

Mixed ooohs and guffaws from the crowd.  Mike waves them to silence.

MIKE
He'll be racing against brother
Frank Pabst....

ANGLE TO INCLUDE A NASTY '51 MERCURY HOT ROD

with Frank at the wheel.  He waves and guns the engine.  Mike turns back to Jack.

MIKE
Frank's our champion, so you don't
have to beat him, you just have
to....

SAM'S VOICE
(interrupts)
You don't even have to race him.

All heads whip around and see....

SAM

Hands on hips, his Midnight Marauder cape ripples out behind him.  Al pops in right next to him.

OBSERVER
I hate this.  I hate this, I....

RESUME SCENE

Jack looks totally embarrassed.  Mike and company look furious.

JACK
Arnold!

SAM
Risking your life for a foolish
reason is a crime against nature!

Al holds his head.

OBSERVER
Ziggy, he's out of control.

MIKE
(to Sam, re Jack)
You're calling him foolish?

Al gets right in Sam's face.

OBSERVER
Boy, is he right!

Sam wavers.

SAM
What are you saying?

OBSERVER
You're not supposed to be out
here!  Jack lives!

MIKE
I'm saying you're insane, Watkins,
for even dreaming of coming out
here and challenging us.

SAM
(to Al)
Oh boy....

A VINTAGE '55 FAIRLANE

It skids up to the racing site and Alia climbs out.  She runs up to the scene, and stands in the crowd, where Zoey already stands, watching.

ZOEY
I love it.  I smell blood here.

They quietly move in closer.

ON SAM AND AL AND THE FRAT BOYS

The fraternity boys are forming a circle around Sam.  Sam continues to talk to his hologram, sotto voce.

SAM
(to Al)
You mean...Jack's not in any
danger?

MIKE
The only one in danger is you,
Bozo.

SAM
Why didn't you warn me before?

OBSERVER
I did!  But you were too busy
dressing up like Peter Pan.

SAM
(sotto)
Al Calavicci, you figure me a way
out of this, fast!

ON ALIA AND ZOEY

They both react.  Zoey checks her handlink.

ZOEY
Did I hear that right?

MIKE
(to his brothers)
Dig it.  He's praying for mercy.

ALIA
It couldn't be.

ZOEY
He said 'Calavicci!"  Lothos!

Her handlink responds with a flurry of sounds.  Zoey looks like a kid on Christmas.

ZOEY
It's him.

ALIA
It can't be.

ZOEY
Ohhhh, but it can, darling.
(beat)
Arnold the Dweezil is none other
than Doctor Samuel Beckett.

As they continue to watch....

RESUME SAM AND AL

As the circle of Frat Men tightens.

SAM
What do we do?

OBSERVER
What do you mean 'we?'  I'm not
here, kimosabe.

SAM
Al!

OBSERVER
(off handlink)
Hit the bushes if you know what's
good for you.

And with that, Sam turns and dives into the brush, just ahead of the charging college men.

SFX

The frat brothers run through Al, one after another in pursuit of Sam, and we go to....

ALIA AND ZOEY

unobserved, still watching in disbelief.

ZOEY
Ohhhhhhh, darling.  This is so
delicious.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

EXT. CAMPUS - NIGHT - STOCK

Moonlight ripples through the leaves.

OBSERVER'S VOICE
Sam?  You can come out now.

EXT. CAMPUS COLONNADE - NIGHT

Slowly, from the shadows, Sam emerges.

SAM
Where'd they go?

OBSERVER
They figured you headed back to the
dorm.
(off handlink)
So, you're safe.  For the moment.

They begin to walk and talk.

SAM
Only I can't go back to my room.

OBSERVER
I told you to stay there, but
noooo....

SAM
What you told me didn't make any
sense.  I couldn't just sit and do
nothing.

OBSERVER
Yes, you could!  Arnold says you
have a Bio Midterm in the morning.

Sam stops.

SAM
Oh Jeez...what time is it?

OBSERVER
Twelve oh four...why?

SAM
I had a study date.

OBSERVER
Dawn?  She'll still be up.  And
she'll probably be happy to shelter
a homeless Marauder for one night.
You lucky dog.

SAM
No, no, no...the girl's dorm is
closed to men after midnight.

Sam holds his forehead.

SAM
How did I know that?

OBSEVER
See!  I told you.  Psycho-synergy.
You've absorbed pieces of Arnold.

Sam snaps out of it.

SAM
Speaking of Arnold, how are you
doing with him?

OBSERVER
We had a talk.  But the way you're
both acting, I better put Doctor
Beeks on overtime.

CUT TO

INT. DAWN'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT

Alia and Zoey move around like a pair of caged animals.

ZOEY
You-know-who is not pleased with
your prior performance regarding
Doctor Beckett.

ALIA
Then why did He send me here?

NEW ANGLE

Zoey settles where she can read her handlink better.  She smiles.

ZOEY
Amazing.  This is as much of a
surprise to Lothos as it is to us.

ALIA
He's supposed to know everything.

ZOEY
He does.  But Doctor Beckett's
appearance follow random event
theory.  This is just a fantastic
stroke of luck.  Or it could be a
little test to see if you've
improved.

Alia turns away.

ALIA
Just tell me my mission.

Zoey studies her partner.

ZOEY
Don't tell me.  After all you've
been through, you stil....

Alia spins back, very emotional.

ALIA
Just tell me!  I kill him, right?
I blow his brains out....

ZOEY
(off handlink)
Afraid not, darling.  You didn't do
so well with a gun last time.
Perhaps a grenade or a
flamethrower....

ALIA
Zoey!

ZOEY
Lothos hasn't decided yet.  But
whatever happens, we don't want
him to know we're here.  So you
may not touch him!
(beat)
Pity.

As Alia weighs this....

CUT TO

INT. WAITING ROOM - LIMBO TIME - ON ARNOLD

He sits on the table waiting, bored.

OBSERVER'S VOICE
I have to talk to you again, kid.

Arnold perks up.

REVERSE ANGLE - INCLUDE THE OBSERVER

Al walks soberly up to Arnold, handlink in his hand.  Arnold smiles.

ARNOLD
Am I free to return now?

OBSERVER
Not yet.

Al hesitates, then off handlink....

OBSERVER
I had Doctor Beeks do a little
computer research on you.

ARNOLD
(off handlink)
That's Doctor Beeks?

OBSERVER
No, no.  She's a psychologist.
She works here.

Arnold remains fascinated with the handlink.

ARNOLD
So that's a computer?

OBSERVER
Well...it's a terminal, yeah.

ARNOLD
Amazing.  The computer at the
college takes up rooms and
rooms....

OBSERVER
We checked out your past, Arnold.

Arnold is uncomfortable.

ARNOLD
(beat)
The Midnight Marauder has no past.

OBSERVER
Not according to Ziggy.
(beat, gently)
She says we need to talk about your
parents.

ON ARNOLD

He darkens.  Al gets closer.

ARNOLD
They died when I was seven.

OBSERVER
I know that.  I also know how
they died.

Arnold shakes his head, a little too hard.

ARNOLD
I was too young to remember.

OBSERVER
I think you do remember, son.

ARNOLD
No, I don't.

OBSERVER
Or maybe you don't want to
remember?

Arnold paces silently.

OBSERVER
But it's the reason you've been
doing everything ever since.  All
this Midnight Marauder stuff....

ARNOLD
(falls back on rhetoric)
Someone has to defend the
innocent....

OBSERVER
Your parents were the innocent,
weren't they.

PUSH IN ON AL

as he tells the story.

OBSERVER
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, nineteen
forty-four.  Rinker's Diner on Main
Street.
(smiles)
It was probably one of those
old-fashioned places where they
have pies behind the counter with
mirrors so you can see them
top-on....

Arnold's eyes stare into a past we cannot see.

OBSERVER
His name was Leon Kanowski.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. CAMPUS - DAY - ESTABLISHING - STOCK

All the little birds go tweet tweet tweet.

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

Alia emerges from the shelves with some periodicals.  She passes Mike Hammond and Frank Pabst, who are goofing around, pretending to study.

MIKE
Hey, baby.

Alia ignores him and keeps looking for a place to sit.  Mike grabs her arm.

MIKE
Right here.

ALIA
Let me go.

She pulls free.  Mike looks surprised.

MIKE
What's wrong with you?

ALIA
(at him, sarcastic)
Nothing.

Before she can move off....

MIKE
Where'd you disappear to last
night?  I tried to call you.

ALIA
I had a a study date.  Or did you
forget?

MIKE
I didn't forget.  But that was
before your 'date' tried to bust
up our initiation.

ALIA
I know.  I was there.

Alia smiles.

ALIA
It was halarious watching you all
plowing through the bushes looking
for him....
(so all can hear)
....with Arnold safely curled up in
my back seat.

WIDER

A quiet falls over the adjacent tables.  Alia starts to move on to another table.  Again, Mike grabs her arm.  Again, she pulls away.

ALIA
Get your hands off me.

MIKE
This is me, baby.  Mike.  Your guy.

ALIA
(loud and clear)
My ex-guy.

Now she's free of him and finds another seat.  Mike is dumbfounded.  He calls across the room.

MIKE
Don't tell me you're hot for that
wimp.

ALIA
You'd be amazed, Mike.  A man's
performance on the basket ball
court has nothing to do with his
performance in bed.

Now the room is hushed.  At that very moment....

ANGLE AT THE DOOR - SAM ENTERS

For an instant, he's innocently unaware of the dead silence in the room.  Then slowly, he turns and sees....

SAM'S POV - THE LIBRARY

Every student in the room is looking at him, including Mike, Frank, and Alia.  Mike is moving up to Sam with calculated grace.

MIKE
Congratulations, stud.

SAM
(uneasily)
What did I do now?

MIKE
I don't know.
(beat)
Just what did you do?

SAM
Nothing!

MIKE
Right.

Alia crosses to Sam and gazes into his eyes.

ALIA
Don't be so modest, Arnie.

MIKE
'Arnie?'

Sam turns to Mike.

SAM
I give you my word of honor, I've
never laid a hand on her.

MIKE
It's not your hand I'm worried
about.

ALIA
You are so sweet, Arnie.  But I'm
not ashamed of what we did.  I love
you.

ON MIKE

He can't believe what he's hearing.

MIKE
That does it!

He grabs Sam by the collar.

MIKE
I want you, Dweeb-o.  Today.  At
the quarry.

SAM
This is all a misunderstanding.

MIKE
Bring your wheels.

SAM
They're in the shop.

ON SAM

He looks over at Alia, who's watching him expectantly.

SAM
This is so stupid.

MIKE
No, you're stupid.  It's all a
scam, Nerd.  Tell him, Dawn.

A beat while she doesn't confirm this.

MIKE
She never slept with you!
(to Dawn)
Did you?

INTERCUT ALIA

enjoying Mike's pain, leaving him hanging.

SAM
Of course she didn't.

ALIA
Don't, Arnold.  It's better if he
knows the truth.  He's not half the
man you are.

This is all Mike can take.  He gets inches from Sam.

MIKE
The quarry.  An hour

He spins and exits.  Sam watches him go, then whirls on Alia.

SAM
Dawn, what's going on?

He reaches to grab her by the arms.  She tries to retreat but she's not fast enough.

SFX - SAM AND ALIA

A huge jolt of quasi-electricity blasts through both Leapers, morphing them into their alter-egos, then back to their normal forms.  They stare at one another as though seeing each other for the first time.

SAM
Oh, my God....

She quickly moves out of his reach.

SAM
Alia....

ALIA
No!

She darts back into the library.  Sam follows.

TIGHT ANGLE - IN THE LIBRARY STACKS

Alia quickly runs out of room.  She spins to face combatively.  He stops, close to her.  They stare at each other.

SAM
I can't believe it's really you....

ALIA
Let me go, Sam.

She tries to leave but he stops her.

SAM
I was sure you died.  I saw you
die.

ALIA
It wasn't death, Sam.  It was
worse.  Please don't put me
through it again.

SAM
All I tried to do was help you.

ALIA
And you see the good it did.  Sl
let me go.

SAM
No.

Again, he blocks her path.  Again, she struggles to get past him.  This time she winds up in his arms.  They kiss.  Her resistance crumbles.  When they break....

ALIA
I can't do this.

SAM
Why are you here?
(beat)
It's Arnold, isn't it.
(beat)
Isn't it?

ALIA
Yes.
(realizes)
You saved him, didn't you?  He was
supposed to die.

SAM
And you're here to make sure he
dies again?

ALIA
Sam, if Lothos finds out I'm
talking to you....
(sudden thought)
My God, he could know already....

Her face tells us how bad her punishment was.  Sam swallows.

SAM
I'm not letting you go this time.

ALIA
You don't have a choice.

SAM
I do, Alia.  And so do you.

ALIA
You said that before....

He silences her with another kiss.

SAM
You're the reason I'm here.  I kept
wondering why I wouldn't leap,
wouldn't leave.
(beat)
Now I know.  I'm taking you with
me.

ALIA
They'll know.

SAM
They won't know!  How are you
supposed to destroy me?

ALIA
Up at the chicken races.  Zoey
won't tell me exactly how.  She
hasn't trusted me since....

SAM
Never mind that.  Just play along
with me, until Al...Admiral
Calavicci....can wrap up something
he's working on.  And then when I
go...we go together.

ALIA
Sam, I can't.  I can't risk the
pain....

SAM
Are you in pain now?
(beat)
Are you?

She looks into his eyes.  And kisses him again.  They finally break.

SAM
Trust me, Alia.

She nods.  They head out together.  Camera lingers on one of the bookshelves and picks up....

ZOEY'S EYES

looking through, watching them go.  Then she strolls into view and punches data into her handlink.

ZOEY
The little slut can't control
herself, Lothos.
(beat)
So now we can kill them both.

Off her look....

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN

INT. DORM ROOM - DAY

Sam, sans cape and hood, finishes donning a pair of leather driving gloves and looks in the closet.  He comes out with a leather jacket...obviously Jack's, not his.  As he puts it on, we hear the Chamber Door and....

ADJUST TO INCLUDE AL

He observes Sam's "new look."

OBSERVER
Whoa, from 'Revenge of the Nerds'
to 'Rebel Without a Cause?'  What's
happening, Sam?

SAM
(covering)
You tell me.

OBSERVER
I wish I knew.  I had a session
with Arnold, I thought I was really
getting through to him.  The kid's
had a tough row.

SAM
How tough?

OBSERVER
His parents were....

He frowns at Sam's tough outfit.

OBSERVER
Now come on.  Why are you dressing
up like James Dean?

SAM
(hot)
Why aren't you in the Waiting Room
giving Arnold the help he needs?

OBSERVER
What's got you so touchy?

Sam doesn't want to blow his cover.

SAM
Nothing.  Look, I have to show up
at the chicken races today.  But
see?  I'm not going as the Midnight
Avenger

OBSERVER
Marauder.

SAM
Right.

OBS ERVER
Sam, you're hiding something.

SAM
(laughs)
Like what?

OBSERVER
I've known you too long, Sam.
What's going on?

TIGHTER

Should Sam tell him?

SAM
I've known you a long time too, Al.
Just trust me, okay?

OBSERVER
No, I won't....

SAM
Al, look, I'm just biding time here
till you get Arnold squared away.
And as soon as you do, I can leap.
Right?

He gestures at the handlink.  Al asks it, confirms....

OBSERVER
Seventy-nine point five.

SAM
So go, go....

OBSERVER
Sam....

SAM
Go!

Al reluctantly hits the buttons.

SFX

The Chamber Door opens behind him.  Al steps in.

OBSERVER
But I don't buy this...and I'll be
back.

Whoosh!  The door closes, and we....

CUT TO

EXT. QUARRY RACING AREA - DAY

Chi Kappa's hot rods are strewn in their usual fashion.  Mike sits on the hood of his Bel Air.

FRANK
Think he'll show up?

MIKE
If he doesn't, we'll go get him.

FRANK
Aren't you worried about the Dean?

MIKE
Shut up.

They're interrupted by the sound of a gunning engine and a splash of gravel and....

DAWN'S FAIRLANE

slides into frame with Alia at the wheel.  She continues to gun the motor in a challenging fashion.  Mike walks over.  He's still angry.

MIKE
Get lost.

ALIA
(so all can hear)
Afraid to get beaten by a 'girl?'

This elicits a response from the gathered hot-rodders.  Alia revs her engine again and climbs out of the car, midriff bare and hair teased:  the ultimate greaser's babe.  The frat boys are clearly impressed.

ANGLE ON ZOEY

She stands nearby, taking in the action.

ZOEY
Good shot, darling.  Below the
belt.
(eyes Mike)
Not a bad place to hit.  But
where's the real target?  Where's
Beckett?

ALIA
Trust me.  He fell for everything.

Off Zoey's apparent satisfaction...

CUT TO

INT. WAITING ROOM - LIMBO TIME - AL AND ARNOLD

Arnold sits, looking down, shaking his head.  Widen to reveal Al pacing behind him, like a prosecutor.  Or a loving therapist.

OBSERVER
Leon Kanowski.  That was his name,
Arnold.

ARNOLD
It doesnt' ring a bell.

OBSERVER
He was a police officer with nine
kids who got fired from his job and
couldn't take the strain.

A little drop of spittle is forming at the corner of Arnold's mouth.

ARNOLD
Why are you doing this to me?

OBSERVER
To save my friend...
(beat)
And so that when you go back,
you'll be safe.  So you'll quit
taking crazy chances trying to get
yourself killed.

ARNOLD
(repeats obsessively)
I protect the innocent.

OBSERVER
You couldn't protect your parents
when Kanowski opened fire.

Arnold winces.  He's back there.  A tear streaks his cheek.

OBSERVER
You were nine years old.  You'd
gone back to the car to get your
jacket when you heard the shots.
(beat)
You came back just in time to see
Kanowki use the last bullet on
himself.

Now Arnold is crying.

ARNOLD
I should have died too.

OBSERVER
No.

ARNOLD
I should have died too....

OBSERVER
No.

TIGHTER

Al moves so that he and Arnold can see each other.  He almost laughs at the irony.

OBSERVER
Arnold, you've been trying to make
that death wish come true with
those dumbell stunts of yours.
But if your time ahd come, believe
me son, you'd have been gone long
ago.

ARNOLD
But The Marauder lives....

OBSERVER
Arnold lives.
(off Arnold's denial)
Arnold lives.
(beat)
And maybe you're supposed to stick
around for a while and find out why.

Arnold looks up at Al.  Al pats him on the shoulder.

OBSERVER
If you remember anything when you
go back...remember this.

Hold Arnold.  He gets it.  And we....

CUT TO

EXT. QUARRY - DAY

Alia continues to prowl for challengers.

ALIA
Big fat cat fraternity brothers...
and not one of you has the guts
to take me on...

Her steps take her past Zoey, who reacts.

ZOEY
Really!  This is the fifties.
Where's John Wayne?  Where's James
Dean?  I'll settle for Sal Mineo!

SAM'S VOICE
I have the guts....

All turn and see....

SAM

moving into frame, looking as tough as Arnold Watkins can look.  The frat boys react with a murmur.  Alia smiles, daring Mike.

ALIA
Well...at last a challenge with
some guts.

ZOEY
And no brains.

Alia moves right up to Sam.  To his surprise, she plants a kiss on his lips.  Mike is infuriated.

MIKE
That's enough!  I have the guts!
(beat, to Alia)
And I want you.

ALIA
You got me, pea brain.

Ooohs from teh Fraternity as Sam and Alia head for her car.

FAVOR SAM AND ALIA

Both look concerned.  Sotto....

ALIA
I thought I was supposed to race
you!

SAM
Me too.

He thinks fast, then calls to Mike....

ALIA
We'll both race you together!

Grumbles from the frat community.  But Mike silences them.

MIKE
That works for me.  I get rid of
two pains at once.

ALIA
(sotto to Sam)
What the hell are you doing?

SAM
(sotto, back)
We have to make it look good....

Now Mike is close to them.  He grabs Alia by the chin.

MIKE
I always figured we'd go all the
way, Dawn.  I just never figured it
would be like this.

He tosses her loose and slams his way into his Bel Air and cranks the key.  He floors his pedal and spits gravel up to the starting line.

ON SAM AND ALIA

Alia looks to Sam.

ALIA
Tell me this how you planned it....

SAM
(lies)
Sure it is.  Exactly.
(beat)
Give me your keys.

She does.  They start toward Alia's Fairlane.  But Alia finds her path blocked by....

ZOEY

Zoey stares at Alia authoritatively.  Alia stops.  Sam notices her change but keeps his mouth shut.

ZOEY
Enjoy the ride, darling.

Alia bucks past her and climbs into the passenger seat.  She looks at Sam, preparing to drive for his life, and wondering where the hell Al is.

ZOEY
Bon voyage, Doctor Beckett.

As Sam climbs in, we go to a....

NEW ANGLE - ON MIKE'S BEL AIR

Mike is revving his engine and waiting.  Frank leans in.

FRANK
You can't let her drive that
heap....

MIKE
I'm not 'letting' her anything.  Or
didn't you notice.

FRANK
She needs a brake job, man!  You
told me yourself.

MIKE
I told her too.  She should have
thought of that before she decided
to screw around with us.

Frank is shaken.

WIDE ANGLE

Sam pulls the Fairlane up beisde the Bel Air.

THROUGH THE FAIRLANE

Across Sam and Alia, to Mike.  Alia looks terrified.

ALIA
Sam it won't work....

SAM
It has to work....

ALIA
I can't do it.

SAM
You told me yourself...if you back
out, they'll know we're in contact
with each other....

MIKE
(calls over)
Is this a tea party, or a race?

He revs his engine.  Zoey bends into frame, leaning in Alia's window.

ZOEY
What's the problem, dear?  Make
sure he drives past the chalk line
and over the cliff.  Lothos will
leap you out at the last second.

With that....

WIDE ANGLE

Mike floors the Bel Air and peels out in a spray of gravel.  A beat later, Sam is right behind, the Fairlane's mill struggling to keep up.

IN THE CHEVY

Mike floors the pedal and....

INSERT - THE SPEEDOMETER

Forty...sixty....

IN THE FAIRLANE

Sam is trying to keep up.

ALIA
What do we do now?

And just then we hear the Chamber door and....

AJUST TO INCLUDE AL

sitting calmly in the back seat.

OBSERVER
Sam, I feel so good, Doctor Beeks
helped me get right to the heart of
Arnold's problem and....

Now he notices where he is and panics!

OBSERVER
Sam, no!

He notices that Sam's passenger is no other than Alia.

OBSERVER
Auuuugh!  Sam, that's Alia!  The
Evil Leaper!

SAM
We're saving her, Al.

OBSERVER
You're killing you both.

ALIA
It's the Admiral, Right?

Sam nods, continues to al....

SAM
Not this time.  She's leaping with
me.  And if our power isn't
stronger than hers, then I'm
not....

OBSERVER
Look out!

Sam jerks the wheel as....

WIDE ANGLE - THE CARS

They've reached a slight curve in the road and Sam barely makes it.

RESUME MIKE

With a slight lead now, a smile curls his lips.

RESUME INT. FAIRLANE - SAM, AL, AND ALIA

Al is beside himself in the back seat.

OBSERVER
See?  See!  She's out to kill you!

SAM
No way!  We're her only hope.

ALIA
He doesn't trust me....

SAM
Sure he does....

OBSERVER
(off handlink)
Not!  Sam, this car has no brakes!
She's set you up!

Sam looks at Alia, who looks as scared as he is.

INSERT - THE BRAKE PEDAL

Sam pushes it down...and right to the floor.  No dice.

INTERCUT ZOEY

watching with the frat boys.  She sees the brake lights...and no deceleration.  She smiles.

ZOEY
Ahhhhh.  A month's vacation in Las
Vegas.
(beat)
Pre-AIDS.

INT. FAIRLANE - ON SAM

panicking, pumping the pedal.  Al and Alia look on.

SAM
We don't have brakes!

ALIA
What do we do?

OBSERVER
Bail out, Sam!

SAM
Not without Alia!

OBSERVER
Bail out!

And with that Sam yanks the wheel to one side and....

EXT. RACEWAY - ON THE FAIRLANE

It fishtails to one side, then rolls over and over and over.

INT. CHEVY - MIKE

His face responds in horror as his opponents' demise.  He taps his own brakes and....

WIDE

The Chevy slides to a stop ahead of the wounded Ford.

TIGHT ON THE FAIRLANE - UPSIDE DOWN

Sam climbs out, then reaches back inside to pull Alia from the wreck.  Both tumble free, coughing and hurting, but alive.  Mike runs up.

MIKE
You're alive....
(beat)
Are you all right?

SAM
(spitting dust)
Like you care....

MIKE
I do care!
(beat)
Dawn?

He reaches out a hand for Alia, but before she can respond....

ZOEY

steps in the way, seething at Alia

ZOEY
Don't you dare, you insolent
traitor!

SAM
(to Alia)
Zoey?

ALIA
(nodding)
Go to hell!

MIKE
Dawn, I just....

SAM
Not you, Mike.  You're
fine...you're okay.

Alia turns to Sam

ALIA
I believed in you!  I trusted you!

SAM
We'll still get out!  Al!

INCLUDE AL

looking dapper.  Crashes don't bother holograms.

OBSERVER
I warned you....

SAM
Al!

ZOEY
(to her handlink)
He's calling Calavicci.  Leap Alia
out.  Now!

Alia grabs Sam.

ALIA
They're taking me!  Sam!

SAM
Al, we've got to go!  Is Arnold
okay?

OBSERVER
(checking link)
He's all right.  And so is Mike!
You reached him, Sam....

SFX

Alia beigins to flicker with red light.  Sam clings to her.  Soon both are engulfed in the shimmering red we associate with the dark side.

ON AL AND ZOEY

Zoey laughs.  Al cries....

OBSERVER
Sam...fight back!

RESUME SFX

The red still dominates but fingers of blue begin to shake through the red.

RESUME HOLOGRAMS

Now Al looks happy, and Zoey is distressed.

OBSERVER
Keep it up!

ZOEY
You have no choice, you stupid
wench!

RESUME THE LIGHT SHOW

Is it red?  Is it blue?  The colors take turns dominating and mixing.  Play the effects for every cent we can afford until the blue takes over.  Sam's will has prevailed and we....

LEAP OUT

INTO THE NEXT

HALF OF THE

TWO-PARTER!

END OF ACT FOUR

Conclude this episode with the script For REVENGE: Evil Leaper Part III. Click here.