The Lottery (2014) s01e01 Episode Script

Pilot

_ Five years and counting and still remaining that tragic mystery.
Why have women stop having babies? _ All may be contributing factors.
_ Maybe infertility isn't caused by the disease.
Maybe infertility is the disease.
_ _ _ Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.
My fellow Americans, we have endured a period of hopelessness without parallel in human history.
The Global Fertility Crisis has devastated our most fundamental dreams.
Our maternity wards here and around the world are now empty.
We've spent these last five years searching for causes and solutions, while living with the possibility of human extinction.
Our efforts to solve this mystery have been relentless and comprehensive And unsuccessful.
Until today.
This is the first step on our journey to restore our future The future of all humanity.
There are still many hurdles ahead, but let us stop and appreciate this moment.
Let this be a night we will never forget.
_ _ Buy you a drink? No, thanks.
The bar bed is open.
They've got a good one.
I don't do bar beds.
You know, I fathered a daughter nine years ago.
I have her picture.
I'm sorry.
It's a pass.
I'd like a dirty Martini.
It's last call.
Then you better hurry.
How's your night? I don't know yet.
Just started.
You know everything's closing, right? Sometimes you just want to skip to the end of the movie and get to the good part.
Put it on my tab.
You said you like it dirty.
I was very clear about that.
My name is Bryan.
Bryan.
I thought your name was Gregor.
No.
That's Gregor.
Thanks, Gregor.
I'm really surprised how this turned out.
Yeah.
Me too.
I mean, I don't usually get picked up by women.
Women look for the wrong things.
I happen to like your premature hair loss.
It indicates a high level of testosterone.
And your features show Somalian blood.
Somalia used to have the highest fertility rate in the world.
Wait, how did how did you know I had Somalian blood? Lucky guess.
No, you knew.
How'd you know? Room's paid for.
Enjoy it.
_ Ow! Say, Elvis, is somebody picking on you at school? - No.
- Well, what, then? Everybody is bigger than me.
They're older than you, but you're gonna catch up.
I get scared.
And the mask helps? Look, Elvis, if it were up to me, I'd let you wear it, but your school's got a no-superhero policy.
Why? Probably because they don't want the kids to have more power than the teachers.
Do you ever get scared? Yeah.
That's normal.
Blood sugar's low, Superman.
Go grab a juice.
Can I sit in the front seat? No.
That's the last time, okay? Come on.
Morning, Elvis.
- Is that her? - Yeah.
Yeah? Hey, don't forget you have after care today, right? Why? Well, because I got a job outside the city.
I'll take you for a burger tonight? Big Shot Bob's? Big Shot Bob's, yes.
Hey, you're Jaden's mom.
I'm Molly.
It's Kyle, right? Right, yeah.
Elvis tells me you comb his hair.
Elvis is such a lovely boy.
He doesn't like getting his hair combed.
Oh.
He didn't say anything.
Well, that's 'cause he's 6 years old.
I'm sorry.
Kyle, no one means any harm.
We know his mother's gone, and it can't be easy being a single dad.
I mean, he's one of the Last Six.
He means so much to us.
We're happy to help with Elvis Watch him, feed him, anything.
Yeah.
Look, Molly.
He's not a pet, he's a kid, and he just wants to be normal, so leave him alone.
_ _ _ Sounds good.
This is Vanessa.
What? So he's at the hospital, not the police station? Okay, I-I'll be there as soon as I can.
Officer: Stay back! Protest's over.
We have a constitutional right! They can't take my eggs without my permission! I'm tired of the government treating me like an animal! Ma'am, stop moving forward Go to hell! And put your hands above your head.
Hey! Hey! This is a legal assembly.
These people have Okay, you know what? Gun! No! It's a badge.
It's a badge.
I work for the White House.
I'm the Chief of Staff.
Sorry about that.
Dr.
Freeman, call extension 2235.
Dr.
Freeman, please call extension 2235.
Officer Lopez.
I'm Vanessa Keller.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
Sorry about all of this.
It's not your fault, believe me.
He got aggressive when I tried to take him in, so I had to get aggressive back.
Doctor said he's okay, just needed some stitches.
Just so you know, I have a friend at BPD.
He called me and told me what happened.
Right.
How long have you been on the job? - Five years.
- It's great training.
In fact, a good friend of mine is with the FBI, assistant director.
- He started as a cop.
- Oh, really? I actually applied to the FBI last month.
Oh.
Well, if there's anything I can do to help.
Counterfeit fertility drugs? Really? Do you have any idea I didn't know that they were fake.
Shut up, Nick.
Just shut your damn mouth and stop lying for once.
Look, V.
, the real pills, they weren't working, either, so what the hell's the difference? You are exploiting desperate women.
Selling lies.
I'm selling hope.
What's so horrible about that? You don't stop, do you? For 50 bucks, those women, they went home feeling better about themselves.
Like they had a chance at winning something big, hitting the jackpot.
That's all an Average Joe wants A chance at something great.
This is a fertility crime.
Do you know what could have happened to you? Could have? Ah, so that means that, uh Yes, he is not filing charges, but this is the last time, Nick.
I'm not doing this for you anymore.
Do this for me? Let's be real, V.
You did this for you.
I mean, Chief of Staff's brother doing time? That's bad for business.
Might tarnish that blue-collar, rags-to-riches image you work so hard to cultivate.
I'm Kyle.
Dr.
Sue referred me.
Great.
I just started ovulating.
What about the antral follicle counts? Normal levels, and there's no indication of the typical disease patterns.
Rachael, you might want to record this.
Behold The first viable human embryo In six years.
- Holy shit.
- Yeah.
We did it.
We need to go through the storage protocol.
The environment has to be perfect.
Dr.
Lennon? Mr.
Hayes? I wasn't told you were coming.
I came to see a miracle.
Each vial contains one viable human embryo.
How many eggs have you fertilized? That's unbelievable.
Remarkable.
Every other lab in the world has failed.
How did you do it? We lowered the PH and dropped the oxygen to a hypoxic level.
In essence, we've re-created the environment of healthy, pre-crisis uterus.
But it only worked on these eggs? So far.
Is there anything special about this particular batch? Not that I know of.
Can you fertilize more? I have no idea.
We need to do more tests and find surrogates.
That won't be necessary, Dr.
Lennon.
Excuse me? I appreciate your diligence, but we'll be taking the lead from this point going forward.
Oh, what do you mean? This is my lab.
This lab is financed by the United States government.
Yes, but this is my A new team of scientists will be here within the hour.
I-I don't have time for them.
I've been working on this project for five years.
I'm not gonna turn over to a new team I've never met.
You make a good point, Dr.
Lennon.
I appreciate your honesty.
You have six new voice messages.
Hey, dad.
I'm kinda sick.
Will you come and get me? Message sent at 11:06 A.
M.
Shit.
Elvis?! Doors close at 3:15.
I know, man.
Look, I got held up in traffic.
My my son's inside.
- Is that Mr.
Walker? - Yeah.
Let him in.
Thank you.
I just want what's right for Elvis.
Mr.
Walker, we're from the department of humanity.
Look, I-I had a job, and it was in the mountains, a-and I didn't have any reception.
- This has never happened before.
- Noted.
Now can I see him, please? We need to update the file before your son can be released.
I'm sorry.
Released? I-is Elvis okay? A mild stomach virus Vomiting, headache That sort thing.
You mean he has the flu? It seems so.
It's going around.
- Man, he scared me the crap out of me.
- When they couldn't reach you, called us.
We just want to take this opportunity to update your file.
Yeah, all right.
Are you still making a living as computer technician? Yeah.
And you are still raising Elvis alone? His mother left five years ago.
Any communication with her? She's a drug addict.
I have no idea if she's even still alive.
When was the last time you took a drink? How do you know this? When the state collected your sperm for research, they took a blood sample.
It's in the file.
I've been sober for four years.
Where is Elvis? He fine.
He's being evaluated.
I-I know that you guys are just trying to do your jobs here, but you don't know Elvis.
He has these episodes where he gets scared, and he feels really alone, and I'm the only one at can get him through that.
No, no, that's not what I'm saying.
I'm saying that he needs to be with his father.
Mr.
Walker, there are only six 6-year-olds inhe country.
I'm sure you can understand the state's compelli intest in Elvis's health and well-being.
I take good care of my son.
Are you aware of the child safety belt laws? You got to be kidding me.
A child must be 8 years old and over 60 pounds to ride in the front passenger seat.
Were you aware of the law? I think we're done with these questions.
- Mr.
Walker, we'd like to update - You tell me where my son is! Dr.
Lennon? Please have a seat.
Do you recall the conditions of your confidentiality agreement? Uh, pretty standard.
Except for the penalties for breaching this agreement.
They are not standard at all.
They are quite extraordiny.
I recommend you re-read it.
Now, I will need your access key to the lab and computer passwords.
Sir? The transition team will help you move any personal belongings.
We will need you to clear the premises within the hour.
W-we're not finished.
As you may be consulted in the future, you will continue to receive your full salary.
You can't do this.
The decision has been made.
Dr.
Lennon, again, on behalf of the country I want to thank you for your service.
- Allison! - James.
I pulled a list of women who donated the viable eggs.
I'm gonna find out who the sperm donors were.
Al, I just need to talk to you for a second.
They asked me to stay on.
And you said yes.
Al.
I mean, come on.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I dedicated my career to this, too, all right? I just want to see it through to the end.
Yeah, you mean be a lapdog for the bureaucrats.
Look, if you want me to, I'll talk to Darius, I'll see if maybe he can Look at you Already on a first-name basis with the director of the Fertility Commission.
It sucks that you got fired.
I get it.
But you can't expect me to fall on my sword.
- My sword.
- It's my sword, James.
That's why you got fired, Al.
You don't know how to play well with others.
A Scientist is supposed to think for himself, not play well with others.
That's your specialty, and by the way It's a turn-off.
You want to know what's a turn Hey! You want to know what's a turn-off? My boss using confidential sperm donor lists to find sexual partners.
And no, I didn't tell them.
Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back.
Wow.
That's quite a statement.
You said I had two minutes to get over here.
You look ridiculous.
So, what's this urgent meeting? Fertility breakthrough That's all I know.
Are you certain about this? I was there, sir.
I saw it with my own eyes.
This is amazing.
This is what we've been waiting for.
The next step, Mr.
President, is to officially engage the army to oversee the operation.
We'll use military hospitals and doctors and female soldiers as surrogates.
We need to control the entire process and ensure complete secrecy.
Deputy secretary? Sounds like a reasonable strategy, sir.
Given the state of international affairs, the less our global partners know about our success, the better.
Vanessa, what do you think? I think we do the exact opposite.
What do you mean? Keeping this a secret is a mistake.
Let's shout our success from the rooftops.
To publicize this discovery would be reckless.
Sir, we don't have the luxury of being discreet.
We're on the verge of getting blown out.
What are you talking about? The opposition is gaining momentum.
They have the votes for a recall, and they will win.
If we want to stay in office, we need to announce a game-changing event, which means letting the people enjoy this victory.
Victory? We don't even know if it's going to work yet.
You really want to sell the American people a lie? I want to sell hope.
That's what this country needs right now.
Look at what's going on out there The protests, the anger.
You saw what happened in Austin last week.
Like it or not, we are at the tipping point.
These embryos could be our Moon Landing A triumph of science, but also a triumph of the American spirit.
One giant leap for mankind.
What do you suggest? What's the best way of moving forward? A lottery.
A lottery? Mr.
President, we need a serious plan.
I want to hear this.
Keep talking.
Let's share the victory with the nation.
Let every woman out there feel like she has a chance to hit the jackpot.
That's all the Average Joe wants, right? A shot at something great? So, this is our Moon Landing? Who is our Neil Armstrong? _ Hi.
I'm Allison Lennon.
I work with the Fertility Commission.
Your facility sent 100 eggs to our lab.
We've sent thousands of eggs in the last few years.
You sent them on April I need an access code.
If you make me go back to my office to create an official request, I will request every single donor profile of every egg ever stored here.
Transfer the list.
This program was created by morons.
There's all kinds of bugs.
I need those names.
There's 100 donors under 100 separate files.
It'll take forever.
Send me one single file.
One donor.
Brooke Ashton.
Send me her file.
I don't know how to send files.
Is there an address? - Is there another way out of here? - Through there.
Oh, I figured it out.
It was easy.
You dismissed the Scientist who fertilized the egg? She was a security risk.
So what? She's a public-relations gold mine.
Always thinking about the next move.
Isn't that what you taught me? That's all you.
I didn't teach you to manipulate.
- I saved his job.
- Bullshit.
The opposition doesn't have the votes for a recall.
Look, Vanessa, I know you're thinking about making a run one day and looking for a defining moment.
You think this is it.
Well, you're wrong.
The lottery is a mistake.
You heard the President.
We're moving forward With or without your blessing.
Are you on board? Yes or no? Can I help you? Brooke Ashton? The clinic opened when I was a sophomore.
They had notes on the dorms.
I was desperate for cash.
Considered stripping.
Had the body for it, but turns out, you can get a lot more for your eggs than for your boobs.
Did you undergo any special treatments, any special vitamins or drugs? Not that I know of.
Why are you here? We were able to fertilize some eggs from the Georgetown clinic.
We're not exactly sure why it worked.
You fertilized human eggs? Yes.
Yours was one of them.
Wait.
M-my eggs were fertilized? One of them.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
I'm thi this is the most incredible news.
I-I don't I don't even know what to say.
Uh I knew it.
What do you mean? I've been having these really vivid dreams.
There's always this girl, and she looks just like me.
She's even got my hair.
She says she's my daughter.
* Now, I-I know that it sounds wacky, but I'm telling you Children really do visit their mothers before they're born.
I bet your mother dreamt about you, too.
I wouldn't know.
- I was adopted.
- So was I.
That is why I've always wanted to have a child of my own.
Something always felt like it was missing.
I just wanted to be connected to my own bloodline.
You know how it is.
Always wondering where you came from.
Yeah.
So, how do I get my egg back? Do I need to call a lawyer? Do I have to sign something? It's it's not gonna be easy.
You actually signed away your rights.
No, I know, but That egg came from me.
That child would be my child.
Al.
Where have you been? You know, people are looking for you.
Someone from White House called six times.
Al? James, I met one of the egg donors Brooke Ashton.
She's 31, and she's viable.
And what is it you think I can do? You still have access to the lab.
I have a mini Cryogenic unit.
It can preserve an embryo for six months.
Wait a second.
You want me to steal her fertilized egg, which happens to be one of the most valuable things - on the planet.
- I know, but will you do it? It's her egg.
She's the perfect surrogate.
No.
I can't.
Al, the whole lab's locked down.
They've already got some big plan in motion.
At this point, I'm basically just a glorified lab assistant.
This is the part where you get to say, "I told you so".
Do you have any booze? Since when do you drink during the day? Since I got fired.
You know what? I've got a really nice Tequila.
- That'll work.
- All right.
Are you going back to the lab? Uh, no, they sent everybody home early to watch the President's speech.
Hey, uh, why don't you stay? I can order some food.
We can watch it here.
We did make a little history.
We did well together, Al.
We are a good team.
That is good.
Mm-hmm.
But, um I have to take a rain check.
Where you going? I just saw the time.
I have to be someplace.
Hold on a second.
Wait, wait, wait, wait.
I just I feel bad how it all went down.
How can I make it up to you? I'll think of something.
I know.
Since when is being late to pick up your child a crime, right? I mean, they have no right to take him from me.
I'm his father.
No, no, no.
They said he's at some hospital under observation.
They won't tell me which one, though.
How much of a retainer? Look, I'm gonna be honest with you.
I don't have that kind of money.
Couldn't you take my case because it's the right thing to do? Hello? Hi, it's Brooke.
I just wanted to let you know that I found a lawyer, and he's gonna help me get my egg back.
There was a new law.
It was passed last year.
He's gonna help all of the donors, too.
He wants to hold a press conference tomorrow.
Brooke, slow down.
We don't need a lawyer.
I can help you.
Just sit tight, and I'll be over soon.
It's my egg.
It's my child.
I know.
I'm going to help you.
That's my lawyer.
I got to go.
I'll call you back.
Wait! Brooke! Brooke Ashton? Yes.
I'm with the Fertility Commission.
May I talk to you for a moment? My fellow Americans, we have endured a period of hopelessness without parallel in human history.
The Global Fertility Crisis has devastated our most fundamental dreams.
Our maternity wards here and around the world are now empty.
- Excuse me.
- We've spent these last five years Excuse me, ma'am, hi.
Hi.
I'm looking for Walker, Elvis Walker.
I'm his father, Kyle Walker.
He has diabetes.
I'm showing restricted access.
So he is here? I don't see your name on the visitor list.
Until today.
Through the efforts of American scientists, 100 human eggs have been successfully fertilized.
100 potential children who will require as the vanguard of the next generation.
Whoa.
Did you hear that? Therefore, by executive decree, I have declared a national Lottery to determine surrogate mothers to carry these embryos.
Why a lottery? Because this country was founded on the principles It's a baby lottery.
- Of equal representation.
- Crazy.
All women Excuse me! You're not allowed to be up here.
Uh, yeah, sorry.
Let me just get my pass.
Dad? Mm.
Come here.
Where were you? It was a mistake, and they took you away.
But I'm never gonna let that happen again, I promise.
Now, you have to do exactly as I say.
I'm scared.
I thought about that.
Now, you and me are gonna fly out of here together.
Yeah? Come on.
Unfortunately, the selection must reflect the diversity of the American population.
Why are you here? Dr.
Lennon, stop! I'm Vanessa Keller, white house Chief of Staff.
It's an honor to meet you.
You're a national hero.
The President is hosting a cocktail party at the White House.
The press is there.
He'd like you to come and share your story with the world.
I just got fired.
That's my story.
I'm sure we can work something out.
That'd be great.
We can talk about it tomorrow.
No, actually, if you come with us now, we can sort it all out.
At the White House.
I-I can't.
I'm sorry.
I-I just I can't.
Dr.
Lennon! The selection will be fair and transparent, and while few will be chosen, every single American will feel like they are participating in the process.
The 100 women selected by the lottery will represent each and every one of us.
They will carry the torch of promise into a brighter future.
This is the first step on our journey to restore our future The future of all humanity.
There are still many hurdles ahead, but let us stop and appreciate this moment.
Let this be a night we will never forget.
Watch it! Stand clear of the doors.
Hey! Watch out.
What you doing, man? Hey! Move, move, move, move, move! The doors are now locked.
The train is leaving the station.
The most fundamental human need is hope.
We are wired for it.
We cannot survive without it, and today, we have found it.
Today, we are truly one family.
Thank you.
And may God bless the United States of America.
I heard it was suicide.
God.
She was so young.
What was her name again? Brooke Ashton.
James.
Your back door was open.
What are you doing here? Well, you know, for starters, I was kind of hoping to get my Lab Pass back.
I didn't have a choice, James.
I didn't mean to put you in a bad position.
Bad position? I'm an accessory to the theft of a human embryo.
I'm sorry.
You have any idea what the penalties are? There's too much at stake.
Al, where's the embryo? I'm not giving it back.
There's something going on here, James.
- These people are dangerous.
- Come on.
What are you talking about? Brooke is dead.
The police said it was a suicide, but For God's sake, Al, what the hell are you getting yourself into? Did you get that information I requested? Yes or no? Yeah.
Here you go.
This is the guy who fertilized Brooke's egg.
And in breaking news now, we have just received word of a kidnapping.
It seems that Elvis Walker, one of the so-called "Last Six" was taken from a local hospital last night.
Police suspect his father, Kyle Walker.
Anyone with information on this is asked to contact their local authorities.
Of course, you can keep it right here for the very latest on this breaking news story.
No mask? I'm not scared.
Yeah.
We took care of the Brooke Ashton situation.
- Suicide? - Yes.
And the coroner will confirm? Yes, he will.
N Let go of me! No!
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