Washington Black (2025) s01e01 Episode Script

1
[gentle upbeat music playing]
[bell ringing]
[Medwin Harris]
Welcome to Halifax.
Last stop on the Underground Railroad.
Everybody step off with they own story.
And, boy, do I got one for you.
It's about family lost and family found.
A story about a young man
and the boy he used to be.
The story of a boy
brave enough to change the world,
unless it eat him up
like it tries to do all of us,
kill our hopes and spirits,
everything we got.
But if he can beat it,
maybe we can too.
That's why this just ain't his story,
it's our story.
Alright.
[gentle music playing]
[Medwin] Hey, Jack.
[music stops]
[people chattering and laughing outside]
Damn, man.
You got another thing
you trying to kill me with
so you ain't gotta pay rent?
Come on, we late.
-I'm so sorry, Medwin.
-It ain't nothin'.
You're not like some of the others
under this roof,
think the boarding house pay for itself.
-[chuckles]
-So, what's it this time?
It's a machine I want to build.
I need to vary the weight
and test the ballast
so I can get a sense of how it affects
the flight characteristics.
-Okay.
-Then, I'll calculate the variables
Ah, ah, ah, ah. English.
[laughing] I'm going to fly
change the way people travel the world.
[laughing]
Then that's what you gon' do.
Hm.
So, uh, about the rent.
-Mm.
-I I might be late, too.
What you do with all that coin you made
down at the docks last week?
Inventions don't pay for themselves, so
-Is that so? Thank you.
-[Jack laughing]
-[bell ringing]
-Ferry coming in.
-Okay.
-Come on, island boy.
-Get outta here.
-Alright.
-Get outta here!
-[chuckles]
[people chattering]
Drink after work?
It's on me.
[gentle upbeat music playing]
[people chattering]
This is beautiful, Father.
Well, it's certainly different.
More importantly, it's not London.
You have our arrangements in hand?
Upon arrival,
transport will take us to the lodgings
your benefactor has provided.
He's quite the admirer of your work.
He's a true friend of the sciences.
-It'll all be different here.
-[sea birds calling]
[bell ringing]
[captain] Halifax, next.
All ashore for Halifax.
[sailors shouting]
[gentle music playing]
[people chattering]
I'll see to our luggage.
Tell me what's yours.
I'll make sure I tend to it first.
That kind of favoritism
might make it hard to keep your job.
But it will help you in yours.
And your employers would be grateful.
[laughing]
My employers?
I'm not a servant.
I meant no offense.
[Mr. Goff] Tanna.
Coming, Father.
[people chattering]
[gentle music playing]
[epic music playing]
[Tanna Goff]
The adventure that awaits us here.
Do you we'll find a specimen
of the mustela macrodon for the new book?
Even the RSL doesn't have one
in their collection.
Could put you back
in their good graces, Father.
That or or winning the gold.
-The World Science Expo?
-[chuckles]
Ah, it's wishful thinking.
It's a remarkable place, Nova Scotia.
Did you know escaped slaves from
the former colonies make their way here?
One might call it a a beacon of freedom.
I have read that.
I dare say, some of those fellows
from the luggage area in the ferry
could tell firsthand.
Father.
Waves begin small, Tanna,
a a breath of wind.
But those same waves can grow
large enough to drown us both.
And there goes our fresh start.
What would you have me do?
You cannot keep denying
the other half of who I am.
You look so much
like your mother in this light.
But you're not her, my dear,
you are a child of England,
a child of empire.
And that is the skin
that you must inhabit for both of us.
Why can't I be more?
[horses grunting]
[Mr. Goff] Well, tomorrow,
we'll finally meet Mr. McGee.
[coachman] Hup. Easy, boy.
-[birds chirping]
-[horses nickering]
[Miss Angie]
The devil. [laughing]
-Hey, Jack.
-Hello, Miss Angie.
[Miss Angie]
Lucy, bring Jack the regular, please.
[Lucy] Alright now.
Did my application come yet, Miss Angie?
What the people name again?
-Royal Science League.
-Royal Science League.
Let me see hmm.
Nope.
Nothing from them.
[sighs]
-What this one for?
-I'm going to fly it
over and across the ocean
to London,
and win the RSL's World Expo.
With the wings God never give you?
[laughing]
It's not about God, Miss Angie.
It's about science.
Observe, record, and engineer.
You and your fancy ideas.
[chuckles]
You try with that.
-Swordfish and bacon.
-Thank you.
I have faith in you.
I'll go tell you when the application
from the people come.
-[insects chirping]
-[waves lapping]
[sea birds calling]
[people chattering]
[gentle music playing]
[birds chirping]
[indistinct chatter]
-[people chattering]
-[Mr. Goff] Ah.
-G.M. Goff.
-How do you do?
[classical music playing]
[laughter]
[laughter and chatter continue]
I'm Mr Mr. Goff, from earlier.
From London.
[attendee] Pleasure to meet you, sir.
[William "Billy" McGee]
What do you think?
[Tanna] Well, even in their contrasts,
they speak with one voice.
An artist wrestling
with change, perhaps.
Nobody's ever noticed that before.
-You're familiar with the artwork?
-Well, I should be.
After all, I did buy them.
M
Mr. William McGee, I presume.
-I fear I've been rude.
-Not in the least.
My mother always said
I had a horrible taste in art.
But God bless her soul, I miss her.
Based on the words and the calligraphy
in your correspondence,
I expected a businessman
of my father's age, perhaps beyond.
[scoffs]
Well, I'm afraid us colonials
are not nearly as modern
as our London counterparts.
-I've overstepped again.
-On the contrary.
I thoroughly enjoy your willingness
to share your unabashed opinions.
I wonder if you had
any expectations of me.
-[McGee clearing throat]
-[Mr. Goff chuckles]
Father, may I introduce
Mr. William McGee.
Mr. McGee.
What a pleasure.
Our accommodations and journey,
both superb, thanks to you.
Mr. Goff, she is even more enchanting
than you promised.
Apparently, the the feeling is mutual.
[chuckles]
I'm so glad he's to your liking, my dear.
We've decided that you shall marry.
[laughing]
[door swings open]
Tanna!
Come back inside at once.
Why didn't you tell me?
We crossed the Atlantic Ocean together,
and and you knew the entire time.
Th-This is my obligation,
Tanna, as a father.
Mr. McGee is a fine suitor.
Handsome, wealthy.
And he has the resources
to keep you safe.
It was not easy finding a match
outside of London
after you told the world
who you really are.
-But I did.
-I thought we were here
for a fresh start,
to work together on the book,
-like you and
-Your mother was the one
who wanted you away
from the Solomon Islands.
That was her dying wish,
for you to have the the kind of life
that I could provide for you in London.
In fact, this marriage is exactly
what she would've wanted for you.
You would use the ghost of my mother
to strong-arm me into marriage.
Yet when I want to see an image of her,
or hear stories,
or play the piano,
or go to the Solomon Islands
to see my family, that's off limits.
You erased every bit of her
from our lives.
You might as well
have killed her all over again.
-You're going too far, young lady.
-Did you even love her?
No good comes from love.
Like me?
You say you love me, Father.
Then love all of me.
Let me be what I want.
Let me be with whom I want.
[scoffs]
Ahh. Tanna
[groaning]
Tanna!
[people chattering]
[lively music playing]
[all shouting indistinctly]
[music and chatter continues]
Ahh.
[music and chatter continues]
[playful shrieking]
Angie. Should've told me
you were comin' tonight.
You didn't have to leave your girlfriend
on account of me, ya know.
Ah, that nothin' serious.
Just some fun.
You ever goin' to get serious?
Not easy finding someone
who can keep up with me.
Maybe they're already far ahead of you.
-[people laughing]
-[music continues playing]
[cheering and applause]
[Medwin]
Hey!
Why you stuck in this chair?
Just just thinking.
Thinkin', huh?
More like lost in one
of them dreams again.
Hey, we dreamin' or we drinkin'?
Come on.
-[cups clanking]
-Ah.
Oh, the white folks don't kill you,
this'll definitely do the job.
[grunting]
Oh, hey, John.
[grunting] Hey, Jack, can you please
buy me a little bit of rum,
put a little fire up in my belly?
-[Jack] I'm sorry, I
-You stay away from him.
-Medwin.
-Get the hell outta here, right now.
-Don't have to be so hard on John.
-Um
I heard somethin' earlier today.
Big fella come in on the ferry
lookin' for a Black man
named George Washington Black.
[dramatic music playing]
[machetes thwacking]
[horse whinnying]
[workers panting]
[Big Kit]
Wash, keep working.
[grunting]
[horse grunting]
[worker] He's coming,
Master Wilde is coming.
[horse neighing]
[dramatic music playing]
There, there.
[overseer whistling]
[tools clattering]
[groaning]
Mm.
[flies buzzing]
[bird cawing]
[Erasmus Wilde]
Yes, it's Joseph.
Jumped from the cliffs.
And he is but the latest
to commit this crime.
So, tell me, why have you
been killing yourselves?
Killing yourself is a crime against me,
as surely as though you
steal my horse and slit his throat.
He is mine, you are mine,
through life and death.
[ominous music playing]
I am your master.
Do you understand?
[all]
Yes, Master.
-Good.
-[fly buzzing]
[smacks, grunts]
If any here transgress this command,
I will peel the skin from those
kinfolk you leave behind,
mother, child, whomever.
And they will not die quickly, if ever.
Of this, I assure you.
[clicking tongue]
Hup.
Hup.
[Medwin]
Jack.
Jack!
Pull yourself together.
-[percussion music playing]
-[feet stomping]
Hey!
[people shushing, murmuring]
To the Lost.
And curse the white bastards
that took 'em.
[people murmuring agreement]
May they right hand shrivel
and their peckers fall off.
-To the Lost.
-[all] To the Lost!
[softly]
To the Lost.
[dramatic music playing]
[insects chirping]
[footsteps thudding]
[dramatic music playing]
-[music stops abruptly]
-[metal clinking]
[sighs]
[echoed machetes thwacking]
[people chattering]
Kit, I do not want to die.
Death can't frighten us.
Joseph chose his death
so he can be free.
We close our eyes here
and they open again
back home in Dahomey.
Free.
[soft music playing]
Reborn.
[chuckles softly]
Imagine this, boy
to run and jump in the green.
Say the words.
For him that go ahead of us.
[clapping]
[all]
Ogun, Yemoja.
Carry him to peaceful grass
and cool water.
Carry him home.
[hands clapping]
Ogun
Yemoja
[workers grunting]
[engine revving]
-[worker 1] What is that sound?
-[worker 2] It's Master Titch.
[steam hissing]
[engine rumbling]
[upbeat music playing]
-[steam hissing]
-[wheels creaking]
Come on.
[steam sputtering]
Come on!
-[engine rattling]
-[Titch groaning, muttering]
Now, you betray me.
[sighing]
Most days, she's rather more cooperative.
[chuckles]
-[grunting]
-[valve cranking]
[Titch groaning]
Ow.
[sighs]
-[insects buzzing]
-[horse neighing]
-Do you mind fetching me some water?
-Yes, sir.
Get water.
-The steam turns the wheels.
-Shh.
What did you say?
[insect buzzing]
[chuckles softly]
You're a godsend,
my good fellow, thank you.
Alright, stand back, everyone!
In the event she's truly vexed
with me and explodes.
It's only happened once before.
[water trickling,
steam hissing]
[winces]
[crank rattling]
-[car engine revving]
-Aha!
Capital!
Alright, uh, you, you,
you, you, and you,
follow me.
[engine revving]
[laughing]
[gentle upbeat music playing]
[ominous music playing]
Hey, no, no, no, no, no.
Not here.
That machinery
will go in my quarters.
You.
Come here.
Well, don't be shy.
[horses grunting]
Tell me your name.
George Washington Black, sir.
George Washington Black.
[laughing]
Is that so?
A peculiar sense of humor,
my old uncle possessed.
Quite the etymological weight
he placed on your head, no?
Very well, George Washington Black,
how much do you weigh?
Sir?
Oh, right, of course.
Stand still.
[grunting]
Mm.
About six stone.
That'll do.
-Master Wilde!
-Gaius.
[Gaius]
Welcome back to the island, sir.
Your brother requests
your presence forthwith.
Yes, right, of course.
Wouldn't want to keep
the old boy waiting, would we?
[laughing]
Well met, George Washington Black.
May you one day cross your own Delaware
with dignity and aplomb.
I hope the boy was not a bother, sir.
He's a clever one, isn't he?
Can see it in the eyes.
Bit of a dreamer, is he?
Well, I keep the boy well grounded, sir.
Well, there's no harm in dreaming.
[overseer] [in distance]
Here boy, you, yeah.
[Christopher "Titch" Wilde]
Could you bring him by for lunch?
Christopher Wilde
on these Barbados shores,
I cannot wait to hear
the real reason that you're here.
Can't a man simply miss his dear brother?
Well, that's no crime.
Unless, of course
that man were also rushing to leave London
before the constabulary requested a word
on behalf of certain irate parties,
looking to recover
misbegotten investments
made in the name of science.
There was no swindling,
I simply asked that they invest in my
Your latest unreliable gadgetry?
-[scoffs]
-[Erasmus] Mm.
-[utensil clatters]
-And now, you run to me.
I need shelter, a place to work,
and some small degree of capital
to realize my new undertaking.
Yes, I saw them haul that
monstrosity into your quarters.
[Titch] [scoffs]
That is no monstrosity, Erasmus.
That is how I will fly.
And the materials
are of considerable weight,
so I will also require a certain
um, physical element only you can provide.
You mean slaves?
[snickering]
The abolitionist requires a slave.
[Erasmus laughing]
Oh, the hypocrisy
washes down well with the wine.
-Erasmus, please.
-Christopher, enough.
You are my brother.
I will help you.
[smacking lips]
[snapping]
This one that you had me summon,
he seems rather ill-suited
for materials of considerable weight.
Well, I have other tasks
for young George Washington Black.
-[glass clanking]
-Ohh!
-[grunting]
-[gasps]
[Erasmus]
For God's sake!
God.
Ugh!
[utensil clattering]
No, leave her be.
Leave her be.
[tense music playing]
-Here.
-[gasps]
It's fine. Please.
[softly] Please.
[Big Kit winces]
[Erasmus sighing]
Do you think this display of charity,
this performance of care
offsets your hypocrisy?
Your guilt, hm?
Christopher.
[Erasmus scoffs]
What is more important?
Hm? Your charity towards them
and your idealist pride?
Or the help
that you seek from me, hm?
[snapping]
Come on.
I'll give you the little one's leash,
but you can't ever turn your back on them.
They're not to be trusted.
[utensil clatters]
-[machetes thwacking]
-[workers chattering]
Don't worry your head on me.
You Big Kit. Iron.
Cannot break.
I break like anything else do, boy.
Why they want him?
Best regard this
as an opportunity, Katherine.
Now, Washington has a chance
for safe harbor.
He will not survive in these fields,
not much longer.
But this way, perhaps,
there's a chance he may live.
[gentle music playing]
Master brother want you.
[workers chattering]
[gentle music continues]
[inhales sharply]
[exhales deeply]
[mechanical gears winding]
[sighs]
It's a bit of a mouthful, your name.
What do they normally call you?
Wash, sir.
Ah, then Wash it is.
Are you afraid, Wash?
No. No, sir.
I assure you that the abhorrent conduct
you witnessed at supper
is not part of my own make-up.
I hold different beliefs.
I'm a scientist, you see?
With the Royal Science League.
Well, my father is the true accredited.
Actually, come with me.
Now, look in there.
[gentle music playing]
And that, young Wash,
is the real magic.
The moon,
seen with the true eye of science
and not the limited vision of man.
It's alright to smile.
Capital.
And, uh, please, call me Titch.
My father's name is "sir."
[chuckles softly]
It's a bit too far, is it?
Well, in time.
Do you have parents, Wash?
No, only Kit.
One of our elders.
She watched me in the fields.
Well, I suppose I shall be
doing that going forward.
You're going to be working
with me from here on out.
-No more cane fields?
-[chuckles softly]
No, Wash. Not for you.
[gentle upbeat music playing]
Shall I tell you what's in there?
[whispering]
Magic.
-Magic?
-Well, not really.
It's, uh, science and engineering
and a bit of pain and dreams,
heartbreak and hosannas.
It is power enough to change lives.
On second thought,
I think we can call it magic.
[Titch chuckles]
Come on, Wash!
-[steam hissing]
-All aboard the iron horse.
Huh?
Hold on tight.
[engine revving]
You'll, uh, have to make
certain markings as part of our work.
I'll show you the sort
of markings I'll need.
Before we engineer our work,
we must record our observations.
Wash, this is all sanctioned.
You're protected.
Capital.
[birds chirping]
[Wash softly gasps]
You wish to try your hand at that?
Use this to rest on. Here.
[pencil scribbling]
[gentle upbeat music playing]
[chuckles softly]
[Titch]
Well, this is extraordinary.
Observe, record, engineer.
I was never much good
at the middle part.
Not like this.
You and I will travel far,
George Washington Black.
[gentle upbeat music playing]
[Titch]
Brother, what a surprise.
[Philip Wilde] The sentiment is shared.
I wasn't expecting to see you.
-Journey was mild, I trust?
-Journey was famishing.
Between the godforsaken Maroons
terrorizing Jamaica
and the pirates along the way here,
I haven't sat
for a decent meal in weeks.
[Titch]
Quite the adventurer, aren't you?
Yes.
Father would be proud.
And what is this shadow
you've acquired?
I'll tip the driver.
No doubt you've been
your usual generous self.
[coins jingling]
[horse nickering]
And what might you be, shadow?
A toy for him?
A scientific curiosity?
-George Washington
-I did not tell you to address me.
[Titch]
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
Wonderful fellow, our Titch.
[chuckles softly]
Loves his little toys
until he breaks them.
[shushing]
-Come, let's get you settled.
-Indeed.
[coachman] Hup, hup.
[tense music playing]
[door opens]
Oh, careful, brother.
You stare at him long enough,
you may turn into him.
[Titch laughing]
Our father, a lion in his youth.
Erasmus inherited all the cruelty,
none of the science aptitude.
You've got a poor man's version
of that aptitude.
-Some measure of selfishness.
-[Titch chuckles]
And I I have neither.
Thus father's disinterest.
[sighs] This is your melancholia
speaking, brother.
I do think the island air
will serve you better.
I suppose.
[clicking tongue]
It's too damnably hot.
[sighs]
But a sight better than being
locked up in a London asylum.
Father only had the best
of intentions for you.
You were silent
when I needed my brother.
-[pen scribbling]
-What have you got there?
Do you recall Father's Cloud Cutter?
It was his idea
for a flying machine, wasn't it?
The very one.
Well, I have figured out a way
how to improve upon the thing
and actually build it, hm?
Make a bit of history.
Are you chasing Father's approval alone?
I may have found a good
young assistant here, as it goes.
-Not the slave boy.
-Indeed.
We've only just met,
but, uh, there's a light in his eyes,
an interest in the world.
I don't recall ever being invited
to participate
in one of your experiments,
even as children.
-Then you misremember, Philip, surely.
-No, no.
My memory is perfectly intact.
Such a joy to have you here, Philip.
[footsteps thudding]
[ominous music plays]
[gentle music playing]
[birds chirping]
[knocking]
What are you doing here?
-I live here.
-[both laughing]
What are you doing here?
Well, I, uh
Oh, my packages, wonderful.
Arrived at the dock
this morning from London.
The Royal Science League, sir.
You are familiar with the RSL?
[Tanna] He works on the docks, Father,
I'm sure many packages
Well, a friend was a member.
Ah.
Well, his [clearing throat]
his father was the true accredited.
Well, uh, well bring 'em
around to my study.
It's just around the corner.
Fancy seeing you again.
Hello, lady of the house
who is clearly not a servant.
[laughing]
[Mr. Goff]
Tanna, send the boy around.
[sighs]
Looks like you'll have to charm me
some other time.
[sighs deeply]
[chuckles]
Do come in.
-Put it there.
-Okay.
[softly] Oh.
[gentle music playing]
[chuckles softly]
A lionfish.
Yes.
Pterois volitans.
Caught on behalf of the RSL?
[Mr. Goff] In fact, yes.
Have you seen one before?
Not in the flesh, so to speak.
It's so pale.
Well, you should have seen it before
I plucked it out of the Solomon Sea.
The the Titians and coppers,
the tangerines and the burgundies.
I tried with with watercolors and oils
to capture her.
But [scoffs]
How do you convey the beauty
of what I saw in that moment before death?
It's just gone, like
like trying to hold onto air.
Perhaps, sir, you shouldn't kill it.
Well, you have to keep it alive
to see the truth of it.
[dramatic music playing]
[all grunting]
This is perfect.
[laughing]
Now, try these.
Here.
You see the city better, yes?
You see the ships in the port?
Laden with sugar.
The ill-gotten the fruit of your labor,
the engine of it all.
Look out at the world,
George Washington Black.
Does the world look back, Titch?
[Titch chuckles]
You know, every time I dare believe
I have you pegged
We shall launch
to the heavens from here, Wash.
-[workers chattering]
-[machetes thwacking]
Titch not like the rest.
[sucking teeth]
[Big Kit]
He's exactly like the rest.
-[people chattering]
-[goats bleating]
See, Kit?
I take your face with me,
even when I'm with him.
Wash, if the chance comes
for you to leave this place, go.
[George Washington "Wash" Black]
Not without you.
[dramatic music playing]
[people chattering]
[tools clanging]
[Titch]
Yes, yes, yes.
We're nearly there, Wash.
We are nearly there.
Yes, Titch.
Ah, you see, Philip?
-[Philip panting]
-The great venture awaits.
Blasted fool venture.
[exhales sharply]
[Titch]
Well, no one forced you to come.
[people chattering]
So, this is the new toy.
-Will it break?
-Oh, no, thief of joy.
You shall not ply your wicked arts today.
[sighs]
Pay attention.
Perhaps we will expand
your gloomy horizons.
Thank you.
This is the frame from
which the canvas will drape over.
It's magnificent, isn't it?
Like the skeleton of some
ancient flying beast.
[Philip]
Fascinating.
These ladies are putting
the final touches on our gondola.
Thank you.
And the pièce de résistance,
the machine that will fire us afloat.
My electrolyser.
Pay attention, Wash.
You're going to need to know this.
Enjoy the sight of science
in progress, brother.
[Philip]
Well, aren't you important?
Do not under any circumstances
cross this blast area,
as I must test-fire the hydrogen emitters.
Observe the impeccable design, brother.
It is mine, not Father's.
"But what is designed
without function," I hear you ask.
Note thank you
the introduction
of one natural element
water, will soon result
in the manufacturer of another.
[grunting]
Behold
-[flame whooshing]
-Fire.
[laughing] Capital.
[Philip]
I'm hungry, boy.
Is there food?
Yes, Mr. Philip.
Then what are you waiting for?
[flames crackling]
That blasted thing
will never work, boy.
Go fetch me my food!
[steam hissing]
[gauge rattling]
[hissing, clanking]
[hissing intensifying]
[loud popping,
hissing continues]
Wash!
[explosion booms]
-[body thuds]
-[people screaming]
-[concerned murmuring]
-[Titch] Wash!
[panting]
[voice muffled]
Wash!
[Titch]
What the hell were you thinking?
You've scarred the boy for life.
You could have killed him.
I did no such thing.
I think there is little you wouldn't do
to douse this darkness inside of you.
And if maiming someone
I cared about sufficed, then so be it.
-All these years, Titch, I've tried.
-[Titch scoffs]
But it's always been
just you and Erasmus.
I am nothing but an insect
as far as this family's concerned.
Sent away, an unhinged disgrace
to the Wilde name.
Perhaps Father wasn't so mistaken
having you locked up.
At least it kept others from harm's way.
[footsteps receding]
[breathing shakily]
It says, "Get well
so we can fly. Titch."
-[insects chirping]
-[owl hooting]
What's this word?
[gentle upbeat music playing]
Fly.
[device rattling]
[sighs]
Come on.
Why can't I get you to work,
you blasted thing.
[machine churring]
Nothing.
[groaning]
[chuckles softly]
Can I try?
Please, be my guest.
[laughing]
[gentle music playing]
[Titch chuckles]
[device clicking and cranking]
[Wash]
I see a piece out of place.
[pieces clicking]
[crank whirring]
How did you do that?
-I saw it in my head.
-[Titch] Incredible.
How is it possible
when you've never seen anything
like this machine before?
Come here, let me look at you.
Your burn, does it pain you as much?
Well, I too was, um, was hurt as a child.
Not much older than you are.
And there were no parents around either.
Certainly not my father.
[chuckles]
Though I suppose that's not a proper thing
for a British man to dwell on, is it?
Sentiment and all that.
[Titch sighs]
The Cloud Cutter fly high enough
he see you.
Maybe you see him.
[gentle music playing]
Why me, Titch?
Well, I mean, uh,
you're still the right weight
to be my ballast,
George Washington Black.
You'll help balance the balloon.
Come on, we'll be late for supper.
Oh, and by the way,
you just fixed my battery.
Now, we're ready to fly.
[water lapping]
[Mr. Goff] You are a child of England,
a child of empire.
That is the skin
that you must inhabit.
[Tanna exhales]
[soft music playing]
[Janessa humming melody]
[humming echoing]
No matter where you journey,
my child,
find the ocean,
and you'll be home.
[sea birds calling]
The day will come when others
will push and pull at you, Tanna.
Hold true to yourself.
[singing lullaby "Rorogwela" in Baegu]
[all singing in Baegu]
[sea birds calling]
[piano playing]
♪♪
Why do I have to leave?
I want to stay here.
It's what your mother wanted.
But why?
He'll be here soon.
Oh, my sweet Tanna.
[gentle music playing]
[waves lapping]
[sea birds calling]
[waves crashing]
[Jack Crawford]
Hello again.
It's you.
-Hello.
-Hi.
I suppose it's time
for a proper introduction.
-I'm Tanna.
-Ah, sorry. [chuckles]
Jack.
Jack Crawford.
Um
[chuckles]
Uh
Swimming here is
it's rather brave.
The currents can get tricky.
Oh, I was a fish in another life.
[laughs]
Comes from being an islander, I suppose.
-What island?
-Solomon Islands.
I grew up there with my mother.
The water takes me back.
Back home.
-Um
-So, what are you doing here?
[laughing]
Uh, it's a bit of a science experiment.
I'll show you.
Uh [muttering]
[grunting]
-[Tanna] Did you build this?
-Yes, I did.
If you'd just hold on to this,
-by the edges.
-Yes.
Just Uh, okay.
-[grunting] You ready?
-Yes.
[laughing]
[metal squeaking]
[air hissing]
-[air continues hissing]
-[canvas rustling]
Oh, gosh.
-That's brilliant.
-[Jack laughing]
This is part of a flying machine.
It is a matter of convection where the
Sorry, you
you probably don't want to hear this. I
-Why do you think that?
-A friend of mine, he
he says I stopped speaking English,
and it's boring.
Not at all, I'd love to hear.
Alright.
[chuckles]
Alright, so it's a matter of convection.
-Yes.
-Where the warm parts, they rise, and
The cold parts sink.
[laughing]
Exactly.
[waves gently crashing]
[gentle music playing]
[softly chuckles]
Uh
[chuckles]
Dear me, the day's getting on, isn't it?
I should probably make my way back home.
Uh, yes.
Yeah, yeah, no, likewise.
Likewise for me. Um
[clearing throat]
Well, goodbye for now
-[Jack chuckles]
-Jack Crawford.
Bye for now,
my lady of the house,
who is clearly not a servant. [chuckles]
Oh, you're not going to let me
forget that one, are you?
Well, only if you promise
to see me again.
Oh, was I was I too forward?
I-I'm so sorry, I-I didn't mean to.
[slightly chuckles]
Um
[Tanna]
Show me another time.
[Jack]
Bye.
-Hey, Mary.
-[Mary] Oh, well how are you?
Mornin'.
-[thunder rumbling]
-[rain pattering]
I met this girl.
Uh-huh.
[sighs]
But she's too
Hey, the next word out your mouth
best not be "good."
She's too fancy for me.
Fancy.
[sighs]
What do girls even like, Miss Angie?
[Miss Angie laughing]
Girls like different things.
Some like money,
some want a good kiss.
Most just want to see your heart.
-[Jack] Hmm.
-[footsteps approaching]
[floor boards creaking]
[thunder rumbling]
[Miss Angie]
Can I help you?
I'm looking for someone.
Calls himself
George Washington Black.
[dramatic music playing]
Hang it up.
Good money for information.
You won't find troubled types in Halifax.
Maybe up north.
You.
How old?
[in Southern accent]
Don't quite reckon I know.
[thunder rumbling]
-What do you go by, boy?
-Jack.
[sniffling]
Jack Crawford, sir.
I don't know nothin' about no trouble.
Fifty dollars, you say?
Maybe you're right.
I'll just hang it up.
[dramatic music playing]
[Philip] [voice echoing]
Let us take a little walk.
[normal] Let us take a little walk,
George Washington Black.
[tense music playing]
Erasmus spoke of a belief you lot possess.
[gun cocking]
[echoing gunshot]
[whimsical music playing]
♪♪
[music fades out]
[fanfare playing]
-[thunder claps]
-Hold on, Wash.
Hold on!
♪♪
You're one of us now.
The only one to get away.
Why all that coin for a runaway?
♪♪
Think how far we've come
for yet another adventure, Wash.
What's to stop us now?
♪♪
Whoo!
Your marriage to McGee is vital.
[Wash]
She breathes life into me.
You do know what you're risking?
Move away from that lady!
♪♪
[Wash]
I'm going to travel the world.
Soon, the heavens.
♪♪
I protect my people.
-[blade slices]
-[gun cocks]
♪♪
[Willard]
I will find you, Mr. Washington!
♪♪