The Dead Zone s05e01 Episode Script

Forbidden Fruit

I had a perfect life.
I have been in coma for 6 years.
When I woke up, I found my fiancee married to an other man And they're raising my son.
Everything has changed Including me.
One touch, and I can see things Things that happenned, things that will happen You should see what I see Previously on "The Dead Zone" Congressman Stillson, I'd like you to meet senator Harlan Ellis.
Miranda darling, I'd like you to meet a friend of the family.
Daddy.
This is Greg Stillson, a young man with a very bright future.
It's a quantum leap up the social ladder for somebody like Stillson.
Beauty, brains and a gambler's heart.
Lethal combination.
What do you want? A union between the two of you could help take him to the top.
And you with him? And if I refuse? People will die.
Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I will.
It must have been so hard on you losing him.
I didn't lose him.
I killed my father.
There was an accident.
Say it.
- You told her.
- What does that have to do with anything? You may assure the congressman that he has a loyal subscriber.
- I already have.
- Take a good look at me right now.
I am afraid of him.
I want your blessing to break off this relationship.
We finally meet, Mr.
Smith.
Now, if thou canst read the writing They shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
The choice is yours, Mr.
Smith.
Local law reinforcement remain on high alert today after an article on the Boston Telegraph published the entire White House list of US location the most vulnerable for terrorist attack.
Maine's Durham point oil refinery is among the sites listed.
Not for breakfast.
up to the point that I was making but I What do you think of the article in today's paper concerning Homeland Security? I thinks it's obvious that this country needs to redirect its resources and attention inward in respect to Global terrorism, but this isn't the way to do it.
Whoever leaked that report needs to be brought to face federal charges.
Switching gears just a bit, how are your wedding plans coming? Well, you know, I'm a politician, so I don't have any problem delegating authority.
I've left the important of the big decisions to my better half.
I guess it's safe to say, this would be the happiest day of my life.
This is really going to happen.
You help me in the front? Francesca, I think we need to take it in another inch, don't you? I think it looks perfect.
What are you doing here? I came to see you.
You can't be here.
I'm getting married in less than 36 hours.
Yeah, I saw your future husband on television.
He's almost as good an actor as you are.
Miss Ellis? Yeah, just a minute! You have to go.
- Say it.
- Say what? Tell me that you love Greg Stillson.
Say those words and I'll walk away.
Johnny, please What are you afraid of? It's just the two us.
You can be honest.
I love Greg Stillson.
I was wrong.
You're a much better actor.
You don't understand I saw you make that deal to protect me.
Then, why are you doing this to me? You know I would not be responsible for your death.
And it's not just for you.
It's for me, for my father.
So, you just go along with the charade, pretending that you're happy about marrying a man you don't love? Does Stillson know about the deal? I don't know.
He has never mentioned it.
But I do know is that these people are not playing games.
What if I could figure a way out of this.
What are you talking about? The man that offered you the deal, do you know who he is? I never saw his face.
Why? Because he broke into my house the day that you came back.
- He left me a message.
- What kind of message? I still haven't figured that out yet.
But I think he's Stillson's top advisor.
I also think he's connected to Purdy in some way.
I don't see how this changes anything.
Whoever he is, he lives in the shadows.
In the dark.
If I can figure out some way to draw him into the light.
Then, maybe, we could make our own deal.
I don't know.
You can't give up without a fight.
Miss Ellis? I'll figure this out, I promise you.
He was just holding her wedding dress and crying? That's what I saw.
That could mean anything.
Maybe she called it off and the old man lost his ticket to the White House.
Maybe.
I don't intend to leave it to chance.
I'm telling you, it's all connected to this mystery man.
I can feel it in my bones.
I've been going over the Bible passage he left for you.
It's from the book of Daniel.
"The third ruler of the kingdom.
" It sounds to me like he considers you an equal.
Like he's reaching out, - trying to make a deal.
- A deal? Come on.
He has to know that I'd never do anything to help him or Stillson.
Maybe he's trying to scare you.
Listen, Sarah's out of town and I'm supposed to pick up J.
J.
at school.
Would you mind get him for me? - No problem.
- Thanks.
Where are you going? To put my own scare into somebody.
This is a sample table setting, this china is one hundred years old.
- Is this the official guest list? - Is there a problem? I don't even recognize half of these names.
I got the list from Congressman Stillson's Chief of Staff.
Why is there a camera crew listed? Because the ceremony is going to be televised.
Televised? On the Faith Heritage Network.
Greg and I thought it would be a good idea to reach out to the people, - make them feel like part of the family.
- Dad, I don't want you turn this into a media circus.
What is it? A wedding or a political fundraiser? Both, if you we do it right.
Honey, a lot of people have a vested interest in Greg Stillson.
When they look at him, they see the future of this country.
And the future looks fantastic! These are my absolute favorites.
So delicate and unspoiled.
There's my girl right there! We're really going to do this, aren't we? It's gonna be the social event of the season.
The guest list reads like a Who's Who of beltway power brokers.
I hope we can leave some standing room for family and friends.
I see here you invited Congressman Kelly? It's tradition for a Junior Congressman to invite his Senior counterpart.
Tradition? His tradition blocked every piece of legislation I've created.
Now I have to feed the fat bastard? If you don't, people will think that.
I'm afraid.
Yeah, well, I'm not afraid.
Like my daddy used to say, you keep your friends close and your enemies a little bit closer.
Let's put Congressman Kelly and his lovely wife at table one.
Is that okay, baby? You know what? I'm not feeling so good.
I think I'll lie down for a few minutes.
You want some company? No.
No.
I'm just gonna rest, that's all.
You do look a little pale.
Did you see Dr.
Knox? I'm fine, daddy.
Excuse me.
Doctor Knox? He's treated her since she was a child.
Saved her life.
Is that right? Miranda suffered from rheumatic fever when she was a little girl.
The illness damaged her heart.
She has never mentioned that to me.
She wouldn't.
I was wondering if we could talk about something, Gene.
The door is always open to a friend.
We are friends, aren't we? I mean, if you were in trouble, you could confide in me, right? Of course.
What's on your mind? I understand that your subscriptions have tripled since you started broadcasting on satellite? We're blessed to be able to take God's message to many people in need.
I logged on to the ministry's website and downloaded some information.
It seems that people think that you could performed miracles.
Johnny, I don't understand where this is going.
You've made some great strides in the past ten months, Gene.
And it all seemed to begin when you made the jump to satellite.
This picture was taken on the day you dedicated the ministry's new broadcast facility.
Everyone in that picture was identified, except for one person.
Can you tell me his name? His name is Janus.
Malcolm Janus.
What's his connection to Faith Heritage? He's a supporter.
In fact, he was the first person to suggest taking the ministry global.
Where would I find Mister Janus? We usually meet here.
Or at my home.
- Doesn't he have an office? - I'm sure he does, I've just never been there.
What can you tell me about him personally? He's a businessman.
He owns, or runs several International companies.
Owns or runs, Gene? I'm not sure.
You don't know much about this man, do you? I know that he offered me the opportunity to spread God's word.
To send His message and His teachings to many people who might otherwise be overlooked.
In many ways, he's made my dreams for Faith Heritage come true.
And what did he ask for in return? Nothing.
He's asked for nothing.
It's important that we get out in front of this thing.
It might be smart to restate our position on Homeland Security.
I don't know about Homeland Security But this office could certainly use some tightening up.
Apparently, they'll let anybody in.
Greg, my boy.
You know my door's always open to an eager student of the game.
You know Mike Scannell, my chief aide.
Of course, I do.
I hear you're considering a run for Mayor? I'm weighing my options.
My congratulations on your upcoming wedding.
Thank you very much.
I appreciate that.
It was about time, I earned the national scene.
How's that? Polls seem to indicate all I need is a wife and family to swing the Southern states.
Are we talking about Pennsylvania Avenue? If we are, you didn't hear it from me.
I'll make sure these notes get incorporate into the text.
Congressman.
Can I fix you a drink? No.
No.
You might need one though.
How's that? The press must be barkin' at your heels over this newspaper article.
Seeing how you're committing chairman for Homeland Security.
Any idea where the leak came from? My people are looking into it.
I'm certainly sorry about that, it's got to be embarrassing, considering how hard you fought for that appointment? You know, Greg, your arrogance is one of the big reasons you're not further along in your career.
Is that right? People will put up with an unlikable leader as long as they don't feel like they're being sold down the river.
Your desperate ambition for higher office scares the average voter.
Makes them feel like you don't respect their needs.
I, on the other hand, have no ambition beyond the office I presently represent.
Let's cut to the chase.
You've buched about every move I've made and quite frankly I'm tired of it.
I just would like for it to stop.
Or else? I can either help you through this messy situation, or I can step aside and just watch you to get run over over.
And that choice is yours.
You don't scare me, son.
Neither does that cold-blooded phantom that's pulling your strings.
People around here don't like outsiders.
So what I suggest, go on back and tell your master that I said to go straight to The Hell.
Well, sir Donna and I look forward to the wedding! You take care.
Sanctimonious sonofabitch! He wouldn't even consider a deal.
That's unfortunate.
Now we'll have to do it the hard way.
I don't care how you get it done, just make sure that old man out of my way.
It's already in the works.
I've run Janus backwards and forwards and I get nothing.
Either that's not his name, or the guy, he really is a ghost.
He's real.
By the way Purdy reacted, he's also dangerous.
Miranda Ellis, please.
She's not back yet? I realize she's getting married tomorrow.
No, there's no message.
Thank you.
Maybe Walt can help? The White House raised the terrorist alert because of the article in the paper.
He's out at the oil refinery, helping with security.
Hello.
I'm thinking about our conversation we had earlier.
I made some inquiries and came up with an address.
It might help you to answer some questions.
Do you have a pen? Ok, I've got it.
It appears someone has their hand in the cookie jar.
Hello? I can explain.
The situation is crystal clear from where I'm standing.
You're out of those shortbread cookies I enjoy so much.
I'll have Mrs.
Campion bake you up a batch.
I need your assistance on a matter of great importance.
You want my help? As you may know, Congressman Stillson and I have grown quite close since the unexpected death of his father.
I wasn't aware.
In many ways he looks upon me as a surrogate parent.
An advisor in matters of both professional and personal regard.
I see.
The Congressman is, at his core, a simple man.
From humble beginnings.
So that, he feels himself inadequate in expressing certain communications.
Matters of the heart, for instance.
Matters of the heart? The Congressman has approached me, in extreme confidence, and asked that I put into words some unexpressed feelings relating to his bride-to-be.
Expressions that he would have you recite at the appropriate time.
Are we talking about wedding vows? Vows? Oh, no No.
A testimonial.
A public attestation of emotion.
At the Congressman's request, the envelope should remain sealed until the appropriate time.
I understand.
It's crucial that each of us understand our roles in the turbulents days ahead that we weigh the consequence of our actions.
Don't you agree? I do.
I do indeed.
'Til death do us part, Reverend.
Words we can all live by.
You sure this is the address that Purdy gave you? This is it.
Looks like another Janus dead end.
Like the hotel room where Stillson killed his father.
I swear to God.
Twenty eight dollars, I work in and just sit here doing nothing.
It's actually pretty boring.
It was a front.
A front? There wasn't any business here, it was just supposed to look that way.
What about Janus? I believe the public has a fundamental right to know if they're being adequately protected from terrorism.
I don't need to remind you what's at stake here for you personally? How this might affect your career? I appreciate your concern for national security, but if I were you, I'd worry more about your own.
Your career.
The safety of your family.
These are all very fragile things That's a wise decision.
I'll expect to see the story in Tuesday's edition.
It was Janus.
He's the one who leaked the security information to the newspaper.
Of course he was.
I hear him on the phone about it.
He'd circled the name of a Boston Telegraph reporter.
The same reporter that broke the story in today's paper.
If you can prove Janus was the source of the leak, you can bring him down.
And save Miranda.
You'll have to convince the reporter to go public with his name.
Yeah, and we don't have much time.
Roger, I can't do it.
Because I can't reveal a source.
That's nice.
Do you kiss your mother with that mouth? - Excuse me - Yeah, just a second Ok.
Go.
I want to talk you about an article you wrote? Jeremy, there's like a thousand phone messages here from all over the country.
- Everybody wants - Me to reveal the name of my source.
Tell them it is not going to happen.
Tell them if Bob Woodward can keep Deep Throat a secret for thirty years, I can protect my source for at least the weekend.
I can talk to you for a minute? I'd love to, but I've got a lot to do before I go to jail.
So, you're not going to reveal your source to the Grand Jury? - I know you.
You're - Johnny Smith.
The psychic! It's right! I spent three months tryin' to get an exclusive with you.
You never returned my calls.
- I've been busy.
- Oh, right.
Hey, I'm a jerk.
What they do? They send you here to see if you could find out my source? Actually, I know who it is.
Oh, yeah.
.
You do? Yeah, I do.
Unfortunately, it doesn't do me any good unless the name goes public.
It's a long story.
People have a right to know the truth, John.
And people have the same right to their privacy.
And you'd rather go to jail? It's a complicated world.
It's my home number.
Use it in case you change your mind about that interview.
How about we do it right now? You've had an exciting career.
If you like lousy food and crappy hotel rooms.
A beautiful wife.
Karen.
So when's the baby due? So, let me take a couple of photo of you first? I'aint come here to do the interview.
You're wasting my time.
Look, I know you're angry, you're frustrated.
But there's a lot of things that you don't know.
There's events that are in motion that need to be stopped.
What kind of events? Jer, we're out of topsoil.
Can you I'm sorry.
I didn't realize you had company.
John Smith, this is my wife, Karen.
John was just leaving.
Time is running out.
Please, I beg you to reconsider.
I'm sorry.
I can't.
God.
You scared me.
What are you doing? What's it look like I'm doing? I can't.
We can't sleep together the night before our wedding.
It's bad luck.
You can't be serious? Ok, Miranda, what's wrong? I saw the way you looked at that girl today.
You're angry because I looked at a girl? Oh Baby, c'mon, that's what men do.
We're looking girl.
You do more than just look.
Ok, What do want from me?! I want to be able to trust you! You can trust me! I'm telling you the truth! Ok, you know what, when I told you about my father I don't want to talk about that.
Would you just hear me out, please.
Look, I know I'm not what you're used to.
Allright, I didn't come from a big, rich family I grew up dirt poor.
Everything I have, I had to scratch and had to claw for it.
Maybe I've done some things that I am not proud of and it might have scarred me in places the eyes can't see.
I don't know, but baby I'm determined to make a new life for us And I know I can I would never hurt you, I love you.
Trust me.
I love you.
And in the end, I am gonna go.
If I knew love was going to be so lonely, I would have bought a dog.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Son of a bitch.
Miranda.
I had to see you.
Are you allright? I can't do it.
I thought I could, but I can't.
Hey We'll figure it out.
I even don't know what I'm doing.
It's okay.
I understand.
Come on, I'll fix us some coffee.
His name is Janus.
Malcolm Janus.
What else did you find out about him? Not much, but I'm sure that he's the source behind the article in the newspaper.
I tried to convince the reporter to reveal his source, but he refused.
That means we don't have any leverage.
No way to force Janus to back off from his threat.
I haven't given up yet.
Maybe it's just as well.
What would I tell everyone? Tell them the truth.
Tell them that you don't love Stillson and this was all a big mistake.
I really felt for Greg earlier.
He seemed so sincere.
This guy kills his own father.
Don't you forget that.
You have to remember what he's capable of.
Yeah.
Sun's coming up, I better go.
Hey, don't give up yet.
No.
You have to let this go, John.
For me.
I can't keep going back and forth like this.
You have to promise me that you won't keep trying to find me.
Good-bye.
A little early for gardening, isn't it? It's cooler before the sun gets high.
I'm going to go up the street to the bakery, get some bagels.
If the phone rings, don't pick it up, it's just people wanting comments about the trial later today.
See? What? You ever get the feeling you were doing the wrong thing for all the right reasons? Let's check the carrots.
You don't know about carrots? Oh, you're going to love them.
You've reached Jeremy and Karen.
Leave a message.
We'll get back to you.
Jeremy, this is John Smith.
keep your wife out of the garden.
A little early for gardening, isn't it? It's cooler before the sun gets high.
I'm going to go up the street to the bakery, get some bagels.
If the phone rings, don't pick it up, it's just people wanting comments about the trial later today.
- See? - Come on, answer the damn phone You've reached Jeremy and Karen.
Leave a message Let's check the carrots.
What? You don't know about carrots? Karen, back up! Mister Janus.
I've never grasped the notion of running until one's lungs explode as an endorsement for healthy living.
What's on your mind? The future.
More to the point, yours, both personal and professional.
If this is about Miranda, I had a long heart-to-heart with her last night.
She's, uh she's not going to be a problem.
That's excellent news.
I'm curious, did this heart-to-heart happen before or after she went to Johnny Smith's house? What are you talking about? They spent several hours inside the house.
She got home just before daylight.
I don't understand, why did she Perhaps, if you spoke to her again? Speak to her? What would you suggest I speak to her about? Johnny Smith? It seems like that's the only thing we have in common anymore.
This This is just going to go on and on How would you suggest I handle the situation? I'll leave that decision up to you.
This is a turning point for us, Malcolm.
Don't disappoint me.
Are you okay? I didn't see it.
How did you know it was there? It's a long story.
So, it can't kill anyone now? Not for a few hours.
Not until it has a chance to produce more venom.
It'll make you sick as a dog.
This particular venom affects the heart.
Mind if I ask what you need it for? Somebody wants to send a message.
How much for the venom? I can't sell that to you.
Just a pin prick of this stuff can kill a person.
I guess I'll just have to take it then.
Karen! What happened? Okay.
Two hours and counting.
That's all? I didn't realize it was so late.
Are you okay? Yeah, just over-excited.
Because, you know, I could pull the car around back, and you and I could be in Canada by the time they cut the cake.
Canada? It was a joke.
Yeah.
Hey.
I'd like to speak to Miranda, if I could.
Um, right now? It's all right, Katy.
Could you get me some water? I'll be right back.
I don't think she likes me too much.
She doesn't know you.
I just wanted to see you one last time.
You know, before before we get married.
I meant everything I said last night.
I don't think I've ever bared my soul like that to anyone.
I love you, Miranda.
I just wanted to tell you that.
That's all.
I think it was meant as a warning.
A warning? Somebody wanted to scare you.
Somebody who's afraid you might talk.
That thing could have killed my wife my child.
People get nervous.
You know, lives are on the line.
The question now is, what are you gonna do to protect yourself? Andy, it's Jeremy.
How fast can you get a press conference together? Congressman, can we ask you a few questions? - Is this being broadcast live? - On the Faith Heritage network.
Stillson loves the camera time.
Congressman, given your stormy history with Greg Stillson, are you surprised to be here today? Congressman Stillson and I disagree about how best to run this State.
But today is about family.
On that subject I think we're both in agreement.
Excuse me.
It's a good thing you kept that business card.
The important thing is we get Janus' name on the record as the source of the security leak.
Miranda's set to go down the aisle in less than an hour.
Here we go.
Thank you for coming on such short notice.
I believe in the power of the press.
I've dedicated my life to it.
But my family hasn't.
There's a threat to our liberty, but it's not from foreign aggressors.
It comes from within.
It saddens me to reveal a source I've sworn to protect, but whom I feel has violated that trust.
My source's name is Michael Scannell, Congressman Pat Kelly's chief of staff.
Did he say Scannell? What have I done? Janus wasn't blackmailing Jeremy Tomlin.
It was Scannell.
How? He must have set him up or dug some dirt up on him, something to get him to go along with the idea.
I'm sure Scannell never knew who he was dealing with, Janus.
He used the snake to put the fear of God into Tomlin, because he knew that he'd name Scannell and bring down Stillson's biggest political obstacle.
It's actually brilliant.
And I helped him every step of the way.
What you need it for? Somebody wants to send a message.
How much for the venom? - The venom.
- The what? In my vision, Janus' security guy took the snake and a vial of venom.
What would you need snake venom for? Just a pin prick of this stuff can kill a person.
Miranda.
It has to be Miranda.
Hold on! I hope you're not contemplating a jump? Where's Katy? I believe she had an emergency phone call.
A family matter.
I don't believe we've formally been introduced.
I know who you are.
I'd appreciate it if you'd leave.
Weddings are one of those ancient rituals I've never understood.
Did you know that very few members of the animal kingdom actually mate for life? You'd be the expert on animal behavior.
There's a tribe in Africa where the bride's entire family enters the sleeping hut the morning after the wedding.
If there's no blood found in the marriage bed, the woman is dragged to the center of the village and stoned to death.
It's considered a sign of betrayal.
It's fortunate that civilization has come so far, wouldn't you agree? Why are you here? I bring a peace offering from the groom.
The Congressman had planned to present them to you sooner, but as fortune would have it, he misplaced one of them.
I know how much it would mean to him to have you wear them today.
Stunning.
Truly, stunning.
Congressman Kelly, what's your reaction to Jeremy Tomlin's statement indicating your office as the source of leaked information concerning Homeland Security? What are you talking about? Tomlin just finished a press conference in which he claimed to have documentation and recordings of your top aide passing security documents.
No comment! Let's go! It's Miranda! She's not breathing! Almost 2 days after the news of Miranda Ellis' tragic death, and still her friends and family remain numb It seems unfathomable that such a young, energetic woman could be gone so suddenly.
As her family, including grieving fiancé Congressman Greg Stillson, honored her last wishes to have her ashes spread on the ocean she loved so much.
Miss Ellis suffered from a heart condition as the result of a childhood illness.
Unfortunately, that heart proved too weak to realize what should have been the happiest day of her young life.
Miranda Ellis was 24 years old.
You can't sit here all day.
You see this? Congressman Kelly resigned today.
They did it, Bruce.
They did it all.
Television says that Miranda had a heart condition.
Her father confirmed it in the newspaper.
She was poisoned.
Why do you think she was cremated so quickly? You should have gone to the police.
With what? Visions? These people don't leave loose ends.
Did you see this article? It's about how Stillson is seen as the grieving fiancé.
About how that translates into votes.
You think they didn't know that?! Oh, man, I'm not even here.
I owe you an apology.
What are you talking about, Gene? Malcolm Janus came to see me a few days ago.
He gave me this envelope and told me not to open it until the proper time.
He said he'd written it for Greg Stillson.
Something concerning Miranda.
Janus wrote something about Miranda? It's not even his handwriting, I checked.
He'd just deny it.
There's no way on earth to prove that this came from him.
I assumed that it was something to do with the wedding ceremony.
After Miranda collapsed, I opened it and read it.
What's in the envelope, Gene? It's her eulogy.
The son of a bitch wrote her eulogy the day before she died.

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