The Grimm Variations (2024) s01e02 Episode Script

1
[horses snorting]
Say, dear brother Jacob.
If you don't mind, do you think
you could tell me that story again?
- The one you told me the other day?
- Oh, Little Red Riding Hood?
- Yes!
- It seems you're very fond of that story.
I love the part where the girl heads to
her grandma's place with bread and wine.
And also when she plays around
in the flower field on the way.
I see. But doesn't the wolf frighten you?
Mmm, not at all!
'Cause the girl and her grandma combine
their strength and fight him together!
That mean wolf
didn't stand a chance in the end.
I'm not scared in the slightest!
Huh. Seems our little sister
is a real brave one, indeed.
- [Charlotte] But
- Hmm?
I bet that wolf isn't the only one.
I'm sure there are more around.
There must be.
- [Wilhelm laughs]
- [gasps]
[chuckles]
No, there's only one bad wolf.
So there's no need to worry about it,
okay, Charlotte?
[sighs]
Okay. I'm happy to hear that.
[lively jazz playing]
[lively waltz playing]
[murmur of voices]
Hmm?
[sighs]
Hello there, ma'am.
May I please see your ticket?
- [liquid sloshing]
- [chiming sound]
Does that suffice?
Right this way, ma'am.
[jazz band playing inside]
[applause]
[tinkling sound]
[music fading]
- [liquid sloshing]
- [chiming sound]
Hot damn!
Uh [chuckles]
[waiter] What can I get you?
[bleeping]
This. Champagne for me.
[whirring]
Ah!
- [whirring]
- Uh
Uh Oh.
If you don't mind, this one's my treat.
Uh thanks.
[woman singing slow jazz ballad]
- [man] That red dress of yours
- [gasps]
It's becoming of you.
Oh thank you.
I, uh really appreciate it.
Your fine quality tuxedo
is very becoming of you.
[man] May I get you another?
I'm told the drinks at this place
are rather decent for the Reality.
Sure.
Yummy. I love it! It's not bitter,
and it has such a wonderful aroma to it.
[man] I hear that getting the scent
just right is quite difficult.
And your voice. I love the sound of it.
- Is it
- What do you think?
Real. Maybe.
[laughs]
[man] If you want to find out,
why don't we go to the back?
The back?
Well, you aren't exactly
ready to leave yet, are you?
- [chiming]
- [man] We can have even more fun.
[woman] Okay. Let's go.
[chuckles]
- [splashing]
- [chiming]
- [gasping]
- [zapping sounds]
- [gentle piano music playing]
- [glass tinkling]
Are we still inside the area?
Of course.
[gasps]
[sighs]
[laughing]
Oh gosh! [giggling]
I haven't laughed like this
in a good while!
Oh!
Me neither.
Can you help?
[man] I'm fond of this color.
It feels lovely to the touch.
- [woman] You think so?
- [man] Yes.
- And what about your dress?
- [woman giggles] Go ahead.
[chuckles]
That tickles!
Does it really, now?
It's because your lips
are so soft and all.
I see.
It's not something
I've ever thought about.
- You are gorgeous.
- Even in the Reality?
All I know is right now,
there's no mistaking it.
Well, I guess I'll take that.
[man] I'm sure
it's all for my enjoyment, right?
You're being a little too aggressive
for me. Back off.
What's that? You want me to stop?
You want to just run off?
Scamper away, back to your small,
dark, and miserable little home?
[woman gasps] Huh?
I can see myself reflected in your eyes.
So I'm sure you can see yourself as well.
A slightly scared
and very sweet Little Red Riding Hood.
What? Okay, I've had enough.
You're seriously creeping me out.
[gasps] What the hell is this?
This isn't supposed to happen!
[whooshing]
- [gasps] The fuck?
- ["In the Hall of the Mountain King"]
[man] In this world, the line between
authentic and fake is completely blurred.
In fact, one could even say
trying to differentiate
between the two of them
is a pointless and pitiable endeavor, no?
People have buried death
and transcended time and space.
In such a fluid world,
what can even be considered real?
- Does real mean anything?
- [whimpers]
Unhand me, you charlatan!
I can't believe I let you trick me!
Now, that's not true.
You had the chance to refuse me.
- You accepted my invitation.
- You bastard!
Even that's adorable
when it comes out of this mouth
- Mmm. Mmm.
- [woman whimpering]
[muffled cries]
- [man growls]
- [woman squeals]
[laughing]
[whimpering]
[screaming]
Ah it's so red.
No denying this, at least, is real.
[woman gasping and sobbing]
Please! Please, help help me!
- Help me, somebody!
- I hope that someone answers you.
But I wonder if your sweet little voice
will reach their ears.
[woman hyperventilating]
- [snarls]
- [woman screams]
Ah, and what pretty ears you have!
- [music ends]
- [gentle splashing sound]
[whimpering]
- Pull yourself together, Rose.
- [somber music playing]
This is but the beginning of our fun.
Keep entertaining me.
Delicate arms.
[slurps]
Slender, willowy legs
- [grunting]
- [screams]
[man groans]
Ah!
There's no doubt
your precious little heart is authentic.
Can you hear it,
bravely continuing to beat in defiance?
[sloshing]
Hmm?
[sighs]
Those pretty eyes of yours
should only see beautiful things.
[inhales deeply]
[exhales]
[sighs] And so it ends.
[whirring]
[birdsong]
[jaunty version
of "Morning Mood" playing]
Hello there, everybody.
I wonder if any of you remember me.
[chuckles]
I recently moved my spiritual residence
to Betty, the supercomputer
and pride of InProgress, Incorporated.
Now I'm living a comfortable,
immortal life safe from death or diseases.
And this is AR Ökumene,
an amazing new technology
developed entirely by InProgress.
It truly sets us apart.
You see, in this community, living people
can use a nanomachine called Eye Drop,
allowing them
to interact with those residing here
regardless of their situation.
So, what do you think?
If you're interested
in our immortality service or residency,
then contact us today!
[resonant chiming]
[low humming]
[frequency increasing]
[thinks] The precious scent of blood is
going to be washed down the drain
The scent of real blood
[moans softly]
There's somebody here to see you.
- Oh?
- A Mr. Brown, sir.
Ah. He's a friend of mine.
Please show him in.
Yes, sir?
It's bizarre to see a female secretary
in this day and age.
[whirring]
Is this more to your liking, then?
[man] It honestly
doesn't really change much.
[whirring]
[roars]
[male voice]
I could also use my truest form.
Hmm.
Then allow me to continue as my real self.
If your preference changes at any time,
please let me know.
I will be making the necessary
adjustments to your Eye Drop.
[whirring]
[Brown] Hello, Grey.
It's rather unusual for you
to come all the way here to see me.
It's not every day
you get your hands on authentic wine.
This here's the real deal!
[Grey] Well, congratulations.
As per usual,
there's very little that you crave.
[Grey] I wouldn't say that.
[Brown] So, tell me how it went.
The Wolf's Night was a success, wasn't it?
Did you watch?
Well, of course.
How was your experience?
- Smooth, thanks to you.
- [inhales]
[exhales]
There aren't many people
who can complete it on the first attempt.
In fact, the club members were in shock
at what you were able to accomplish
in that time.
[Grey] Is that so?
[Brown] Indeed.
Some members get themselves
backed up into a corner,
and then come crying and begging for help.
Especially the new faces
who have just joined the club.
Not me. Finishing up
is the best part, in my opinion.
[chuckles] You sure are something.
The spirit of the Wolf's Club is rooted
in truth. It's the most important thing.
The moment one starts expansion
or transplant of personalities
or physiques,
they lose their membership qualification.
At least, that's what we say
on a very superficial level.
[slurping]
[swallows] Mmm.
A subdued scent
that reminds me of forest moss.
The dusty aroma
of cobblestones after a first rain.
Perhaps the nape
of a voluptuous woman's neck.
I think we simply enjoy
living as our most genuine selves.
Right Firmness of raw meat
you can't experience in the Reality.
The sensation of a blade
cutting through flesh.
[placid music playing]
And the rich taste of blood,
so warm and metallic.
You're no different
from a real wolf, are you?
No matter how
a nanomachine may adjust the Reality
and stimulate our synapses,
it will never compare to the real.
[Grey] Oh! [gasps]
[sighs shakily]
[gasping, shuddering in ecstasy]
Your sweet little protests,
your breath so warm and fragrant,
each gorgeous feature of your face
[grunts]
What a shame
that your true self disappears
the moment I sink my claws into you.
[gasps]
[snarling]
[somber chamber music playing]
And so it ends again. It's already over.
[grunting]
Mmm.
[Brown] Poor White,
he's become a total laughingstock.
But you can't make that many mistakes
and walk scot-free.
It took a lot of work
to clean up after him,
so it's not like anyone was going
to hold his hand and console him.
He'll be questioned
in the court of inquiry
at the end of the year
for disgracing the club.
Unfortunately,
that's the price you have to pay.
Are you sure
you're okay eating that little?
It is true that the dishes here
use fake meat, but they do smell good.
[swallows]
I'm fine without it.
You want to stick
to only the authentic ones. I get it.
Well, you always have been a stoic man.
- Brown.
- I wasn't making fun of you, Grey.
It's only natural for someone older
to care for someone younger, is all.
Then I am grateful.
[squeaking]
[squeals]
- [Grey grunting]
- [screaming]
[Grey growls]
[whimpering]
Ah
[gasps]
[yells]
[Brown] That's overkill.
What we always aim to achieve here
is a noble, elegant and beautiful hunt.
Certainly not this unsightly slaughter.
You must be more prudent.
- Be more prudent.
- [Brown] Yes.
The influence of our members' financial
powers and privileges isn't infinite.
We might not be able to protect you.
And it would be a shame to lose a friend
so young, passionate and brilliant.
I do understand
your obsession with authenticity.
But if you take it too far,
it will destroy you.
Please consider paying this place a visit.
[giggles]
Vile
- Now, this is
- Move it!
What did you say?
Hey, man,
you're not from around here, are you?
A naïve asshole
wandering in out of curiosity, huh?
No more junketeering for you.
Just leave all your valuables
on the ground and get the hell out!
- [woman] Knock it off.
- [both] Hmm?
[man] Mama!
If you're gonna keep
causing trouble like this around here,
then go find someone else
to sell you Eye Drop.
Ah, come on!
I was just giving him a little warning.
- Get outta here. Go on!
- [whimpers]
[woman] Don't you dare show your face
till I call for you.
[sighs]
- And what do you want?
- I'm guessing you are the Madam.
That depends. What's it to you?
I have a request.
[somber music playing]
Come in.
Are these all real?
That's right. Every single one of 'em.
Unbelievable.
Sure, you can see them with Eye Drop,
but no one
can get ahold of the real thing.
- [squawks]
- [gasps]
- [madam] So?
- Hmm?
If you ventured out all this way
to come and see me in person,
then you certainly must have
a compelling reason.
[chirps]
I want a Wolf's Night. I want to hunt.
Pair me with a Little Red Riding Hood.
You sure are a greedy one, aren't you?
What about the other members?
Are they aware you're here?
- Or are you going behind their backs?
- [sighs]
Well, I guess that answers that.
[sighs] You wolves are insatiable animals.
Just know it's gonna cost you.
It doesn't matter the price.
Money is no object.
Even so, you'd be in big trouble
if your friends found out, yeah?
I don't care.
I crave the authentic.
The real and intense.
[madam] You poor thing.
What does that mean?
Never mind.
Nothing you need to worry about.
Anyway, I'll be selecting
your Little Red Riding Hood.
Just know it's your responsibility
to tie up loose ends
and clean up after yourself.
I am aware.
[madam] Let's see.
It should take somewhere in the ballpark
of a week to ten days to arrange.
No cancellation.
Good.
[chirping]
Huh
[whirring]
One of those, huh?
I'm no stranger to this type of man.
They get drunk on blood.
There's nothing more
intoxicating than blood
How the deal ends is up to the Wolf
No it's up to the Little Red Riding Hood.
Hmm.
[man 1] Regarding the server's expansion,
we've had a plethora
of residency applications.
Might you consider
increasing the scale of it?
[man 2] What are your thoughts? Mr. Grey?
Hmm?
Yes, that sounds fine. Your choice.
[tinkling sound]
[yawns]
- [secretary] A package for you.
- Huh?
[whirring]
[shudders in ecstasy]
[inhales deeply]
[madam] The name
of your target is Scarlet.
You'll find her in District A38.
She says she won't go out
to the rich people's area.
Thank you for your cooperation.
I'm sure you won't have
any complaints about the location,
as long as you've got the girl.
[loud electronic music playing]
[cheering]
[raucous laughter]
Wait! Hey! You leavin', Scarlet?
- Yup.
- I'll take you home.
- No, thanks.
- But why?
- I don't need a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- [grunts]
[scoffs]
Didn't you hear me
when I said "No, thanks"?
Why you gotta talk to me like that?
[Scarlet] Stop it!
God, you are so damn annoying.
Get lost, asshole.
Come on.
Don't you want some Eye Drop, though?
- It's premium quality. Hmm?
- Mmm?
I have a pretty sweet hookup.
And it's none of that fake shit.
It's the real deal.
It can make you anything you want.
An elegant lady, even a princess.
Yeah, right. Liar.
I'm tellin' the truth! Come on,
you're special, so you should know.
Look here, the eyes don't lie!
Come on, babe!
Either way, you do know
you're no match for me, don't you?
You're smarter than that, right?
So just be a good girl and do what I say.
- [spits]
- [gasps]
[grunts]
Guess you're the type
that needs to have it beaten into 'em.
You're nothin' but trash.
Even if you have your way with me,
you're still gonna be
just a lowlife dumbass loser.
- Quiet, bitch!
- [yelps]
[both grunt]
The hell?
Fuck off!
If you don't want to get cut up, get lost!
Next time, I won't
[Scarlet panting]
Mm.
You're bleeding.
[laughing]
What are you laughing at?
Come on, where exactly
do you think you are right now? [laughing]
There's not a single guy around here
who has a damn handkerchief in his pocket.
- [laughing]
- [sighs]
If you're here just for kicks, you'd
better go back to where you came from.
What's up?
You haven't thanked me
for helping you yet.
'Cause I didn't ask you for your help.
So you're saying
it was none of my business, then.
Yeah, I am.
I could have handled that guy
all on my own.
[Grey] I see.
But still Thank you. I guess.
[chuckles] You sure are something else.
Oh really?
You're just so beautiful.
I get that a lot.
[Grey] I would like
to get to know you more.
Mm?
[chuckles]
Okay. Wanna come to my place?
[chuckles]
[somber piano music playing]
- [bleeps]
- [clicks]
Is something the matter?
Why don't you come on in?
[bottle shatters]
[grunts] Man, it stings. That dumb idiot.
He slugged me with all his strength.
You okay? Not gonna drink?
Oh
[coughing]
This isn't like anything
I've ever had before.
Oh yeah? Never had the real thing?
Everything here is real, actually.
The city, this room, this drink, and me.
We exist outside
of the Reality created by Eye Drop.
That's the whole reason you came here,
isn't it?
[exhales] Can you tell me
a little bit about yourself?
Like what?
[Grey] Your hopes and dreams.
The kinds of things you like.
[Scarlet, chuckling] Dreams, huh?
I don't know
I've never even thought about it. You?
[Grey] I want to learn all I can.
[laughs] For real?
If I'm being honest, you don't really
strike me as a serious person.
What I mean is, I want to verify
more of what this world has to offer.
[Scarlet] What do you mean, "verify"?
Well simply feeling joy,
anger, pain, even pleasure
Not the fabricated kind, but
but real, raw, authentic emotions.
How do you determine that what
you're feeling is authentic?
And for that matter,
you don't even have proof that I am.
- I've no doubt about you.
- Oh really?
You seem to be authentic.
You're right. This is the real me.
- [Eye Drop falls]
- Mm [gasps]
[Scarlet] That's a relief.
I was nervous that I could be wrong.
Who are you, really?
I'm Scarlet, but what is it to you, huh?
It's your scent.
It's exactly the same as mine.
Maybe.
Your heart sure is beating away in there.
Such cute,
almost desperate little motions.
[gasps]
[groans]
[gasping shakily]
[groans]
[coughing]
- [bottle shatters]
- Sh!
[Grey wheezing]
Oh, your mouth!
It looks so very big and powerful.
I bet that strong jaw
could bite through anything.
But it won't be doing any more of that.
[Grey groans and screams]
[whimpering]
[blow thuds]
[groans]
Oh what big hands you have.
They're so strong.
With thick fingers.
Why are they so magnificent?
[trembling]
[Grey] Stop!
[yelps]
[screaming]
[Scarlet] Oh, and your eyes.
They're so big and sharp.
They seem like they could
see through anything,
no matter how small or distant.
What are they looking at now?
- [muffled] No! Please! Don't! [groans]
- [Scarlet] Don't?
Hold on. If you want money
[Scarlet] But then it wouldn't be a hunt
anymore, would it?
- [squelching]
- [Grey screaming]
[rock version of "In the Hall
of the Mountain King" playing]
[Scarlet] Say, that magnificent body
of yours. What's it for?
You know the answer, right?
To "verify the world" with?
For example, one person might ask another
for an introduction
to a certain individual.
A lone, gray wolf walks in. Blindly.
Completely unaware that
he's entering someone else's territory.
Soon, he spots the prey,
in the midst of trying
to escape a wild boar, running away.
After driving the boar away,
the wolf thinks he's won. She's alone.
But what he doesn't know
is that the prey pretended to be weak.
She got herself injured,
and bled on purpose,
so that she could lure him
into her own territory.
It turns out the prey was
nothing like she seemed.
[Grey] So this was all
just a setup from the start?
[Scarlet scoffs] A setup means
there was calculation.
I'm just going along with what happens.
That's how this hunt works.
You didn't even know that much,
and you still came all the way out here?
[chuckles] What, did you never have
any kind of mentor teach you?
Identifying who your prey is? The way
you need to listen to their every breath?
Don't tell me you thought
that only wolves like hunting?
That story about the young and brave wolf
You know it, right?
Do you happen to remember how it ends?
What becomes of that wolf, stalking
his prey while he waits in the forest?
[slicing flesh]
He gets his belly stuffed with rocks.
Then, he gets tossed down into the well
and he dies.
And, with his hunger satisfied at last,
he smiles.
[somber version of "In the Hall
of the Mountain King" playing]
Really? Is that what happened?
Don't you worry about it.
It's not so rare that one gets
drunk on blood and never comes back.
[telephone rings]
I'm listening.
Oh, it's you. What is it?
It's unfortunate, Brown.
But I'm afraid, since
the request didn't come through the club,
I'm not obligated to tell you.
I would suggest looking for a new member.
Really, now? I'm surprised you've decided
to go with the immortality service.
That might be the best option.
The real has far too many temptations.
I guess this is goodbye.
I don't have any well-wishes.
- [hangs up]
- [chirping]
I'm not sad about it.
In my years,
I've seen a great many people off.
Little Red Riding Hoods, countless wolves,
and other creatures as well.
[knocking at door]
Come in.
Oh, If it isn't Scarlet.
The sparrow
Oh, that? It'll be just fine.
Are you someone
seeking out the real as well?
Mmm.
Blood, real and crimson.
Whether it's my own or someone else's,
it doesn't matter much to me.
Is that so? You sure are clever.
Once it has been shed,
blood is all the same, after all.
[laughs]
[rock version of "In the Hall
of the Mountain King" playing]
[music stops]