Xena: Warrior Princess s05e18 Episode Script

Antony & Cleopatra

[ Woman .]
Speak.
[ Sighs .]
Cleopatra, Rome is on the brink of an all-out civil war.
And why should that interrupt my bath? You command the greatest navy in the world-- a strategic prize, if your name happens to be Brutus or Antony.
Whichever one of them gets control of your navy will rule the empire.
Well, it sounds like they'll both be courting me then.
Doesn't it? Or trying to eliminate you.
There are those that say, with you out of the way, the Egyptian navy will go to the highest bidder.
You worry too much.
I have always known how to protect Egypt, my people and myself.
I will keep the Romans at bay.
See that my chief admiral receives those orders.
Hmm.
Is it just me, Shiana, or do crises only happen when I'm naked? [ Footsteps Approaching .]
[ Whispers, Indistinct .]
Cleopatra, an urgent message from Rome.
Hmm.
[ Snaps Fingers .]
[ Hissing .]
Oh, the queen! - [ Woman .]
Help her! - [ Exhales .]
Shiana-- [ Breathing Heavily .]
My queen.
[ Moans .]
Shiana, take this to Xena.
I will, my queen.
[ Gasps .]
dddd [ Man Singing In Foreign Language .]
[ Hissing .]
[ Gabrielle .]
Are we really going to do this? Yes.
We're really going to do this.
I feel that I owe it to Cleopatra.
I wish Eve could see this.
No.
She's better off in Alexandria with my mother.
Do you have a plan? First we become Egypt, and then we take on Rome.
There's a rumor that Brutus is in Egypt.
I hope it's true, Canidius.
It'll save me the trouble of having to find him.
If he gets control of Cleopatra's fleet, we may not want to find him.
There is no reason to believe that he is any closer to that than we are.
[ Door Opens .]
Sir! Queen Cleopatra bids you welcome and has sent you a gift.
Queen Cleopatra has sent me a gift.
Bring it in.
Sir! Yes, sir! Bring it in.
It's a carpet, sir.
Dismissed.
"Will Rome enter Egypt?" I am Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, slave of Rome.
[ Man Narrating .]
In a time of ancient gods-- [ Xena Yells .]
warlords and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero.
She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle.
The power.
The passion.
-The danger.
- [ Kiaiing .]
Her courage will change the world.
[ Chain Links Clinking .]
- Cat got your tongue? - [ Chuckles .]
Queen Cleopatra.
Your reputation for not wasting time-- 'tis well deserved.
[ Links Clinking .]
Egypt is yours, Antony.
Won't you free me? Is that what you want? Surely this is about you capturingme.
If that was my plan, I would have dressed for the occasion.
- [ Gasps .]
- [ Links Clattering .]
[ Clattering Continues .]
[ Lock Snaps .]
[ Chains Hit Ground .]
[ Chuckles .]
Now I am free.
And you? Let's just say your conquest is not yet complete.
Well, of course not.
And who could expect the great Antony to surrender easily? I simply thought that you might be the type to enjoy surprises.
Your guessing serves you well, Queen.
But I came here to form an alliance with you-- one based on trust and openness.
I think we got the openness covered.
And as for trust, well, I really couldn't have come here in a more vulnerable state, now, could I? [ Chuckles .]
So, perhaps you should trustme.
Come to my palace.
I think I can find a bed for you.
[ Man .]
I must speak with Cleopatra at once.
Brutus, is she expecting you? No.
She's not, but I fear for her safety.
What does Cleopatra have to be afraid of, Brutus? Gabrielle.
I'm alive.
I'll handle this.
You survived the crucifixion.
You should have been there.
What are you doing here? I'm paying a visit to an old friend.
Where's Xena? She's with Cleopatra.
Well, then I'll see them both.
It's not a good time, Brutus.
I'll relay your concerns about her safety.
I'd just as soon do that in person.
Come on, then.
I won't bite.
Ah, why don't you wait there while I slip into something less comfortable? Brutus is here to see Cleopatra.
Ah.
Great idea, Shiana.
I'm sure Rome would love a tour of Egypt's palace.
Gabrielle, this is ridiculous.
I have information that could save Cleopatra's life.
I insist on seeing her.
You're in no position to make demands.
Ave, Brutus.
You know you're in a queen's bedchamber.
I have come to warn Cleopatra, there are people plotting against her.
Under no circumstances should she trust either Antony or Octavius.
They both want her dead.
Octavius? Caesar's adopted son? He claims to be the rightful heir to Rome.
He's just a murdering opportunist.
Well, I'll be sure and tell her.
I know she'll appreciate your concern.
I would like to see her myself.
She's busy.
I'm glad you and Gabrielle are well.
[ Grunts .]
- What should I do with Antony? - The bath.
If Brutus is right, Xena, Antony may try to kill you.
I think he has some business to conclude with me first.
[ Footsteps .]
Welcome, Antony.
Ah, this is my companion, Iris.
If I were your hands, Iris, I would be fortunate indeed.
- Leave us.
-No.
I have matters to attend to.
Besides, I have supped full of pleasures this night.
Perhaps by morning we can put this issue of trust behind us and move on.
God, Xena.
[ Chuckling .]
I thought he was going to accept your invitation.
How did you know he wouldn't? I didn't.
[ Yelling .]
Are you Cleopatra? Are you my assassin? No.
I was coming to see you.
We have a front door for that.
But-- but this was the only way.
Believe me.
Go! [ Grunting .]
[ Screaming .]
[ Continues Screaming .]
Help me! [ Grunts, Coughing .]
Get up.
Get up! [ Antony .]
Cleopatra! [ Man .]
Fire in the queen's bedchamber! Ah! Where do you think you're going? Away from him.
[ Man .]
Get water, quick! He wants me dead.
Those assassins were after me.
Oh, well aren't you the center of attention.
Isn't it more likely they were after me? It was my bedroom they torched.
That's why we must ally.
They want us both dead.
And who are you? Octavius.
Queen Cleopatra, may I introduce the grandnephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar? - And a traitor.
- I'm a traitor? What would Caesar think of his closest friend denying me his throne? Uncle Julius was too busy to realize just how ill-equipped you are.
It's not that I love Caesar less.
I love Rome more.
- [ Gasps .]
- [ Quietly .]
Antony.
Cleopatra, please.
He'll kill me! Silence.
Take him away.
I'll deal with him later.
[ Man .]
Come on, traitor! How do I know that you weren't somehow involved in this? I came here to put out the fire.
We have unfinished business, you and I.
[ Sighs .]
Yes? I'm losing sight of your plan, Xena.
Are you going to flirt him to death? I'm getting him to trust me, so I can do what I want with him.
Be careful.
He's your type.
You think? What's this "unfinished business"? He's going to try to seduce me into letting him use Cleopatra's navy.
And then? And then I'll have him on his knees-- figuratively speaking, of course.
Of course.
dddd [ Rock .]
dddd [ Continues .]
[ Female Singer .]
dd Have I been blind dd dd Blind dd dd Have I been lost dd dd Lost dd dd Have I been wrong dd dd Have I been wrong dd dd Have I been wise dd dd Have I been wise dd dd Have I been strong dd dd Have I been hypnotized, mesmerized dd dd By what my eyes have found dd dd By what my eyes have found dd dd In that great street dd dd Carnival dd dd Have I been blind dd dd Blind dd dd Have I been lost dd dd Lost Have I been dd dd Have I been wrong dd dd Have I been wrong dd dd Have I been wise dd dd Have I been wise dd dd Have I been strong dd dd Have I been hypnotized, mesmerized dd dd By what my eyes have found dd dd By what my eyes have found dd dd In that dd dd Great street dd dd Carnival dd dd In that carnival dddd [ Exhales, Clears Throat .]
Queen Cleopatra, don't forget your meeting with your advisors.
Ah, my advisors.
Yes.
They're such busybodies.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
[ Imitates Purr .]
[ Sighs .]
What do you think you were doing? I was in complete control.
How far were you going to let that go, Xena? Until he begged for my navel.
- Your "navy"? - I know what I'm doing.
Xena, what happens if he's the one who killed Cleopatra? Then he's the one I'll kill if I have to.
I have no real feelings for him, Gabrielle.
Believe me.
This is from Antony.
Really? He invites you to meet him tomorrow night under the pyramids.
Tell him I'll be there.
Got him right where I want him.
Our time in this world is brief.
Kingdoms-- they're mere clay.
Will Rome surpass their majesty? [ Quietly .]
I don't know.
In a place like this, a man is truly small.
Why did you come to Egypt? My navy.
Yes.
But that has changed.
Changed how? I don't want you to give me your navy.
You would always suspect that that is all I wanted from you.
So, whatdoyou want from me? Your love.
My love won't help you in a fight against Brutus.
The first time I saw you, I knew a man would give up a kingdom for such a woman.
There is nothing that I have learned since that would change my mind.
Nothing? Nothing.
[ Footsteps Approaching .]
Antony! [ Body Hits Ground .]
One of Brutus's? No.
Wait, Antony.
He could be useful to us.
[ Man Groaning .]
Tell Brutus he missed.
Tell him Antony and Cleopatra are alive, well and together.
[ Grunts .]
[ Footsteps Running .]
[ Footsteps Approaching .]
Do you think I tried to kill Cleopatra? I don't know.
Tears are for boys.
I know some men who could use a good cry.
I need to put them behind me and think of my people.
The people of Rome? And all who are under its protection.
My uncle exploited the peoples of the world for his ambition.
I want to correct that, to bring them Roman peace-- Pax Romana.
Do you think I'm foolish? No.
I don't.
[ Wolf Howling, Distant .]
Xena? You were right, Gabrielle.
I do have a soft spot for bad boys.
Even worse is a bad boy who loves like a fool.
What happened? He wouldn't take Cleopatra's navy.
He says he wants my love instead.
I think he means it.
Maybe you can enlist him as an ally.
Well, what will happen when he finds out that I'm not Cleopatra-- that I've duped him all this time? What are you going to do? I can't let him get control of the empire.
There's plenty of blood on those hands of his.
He's not afraid to shed it.
I know that.
And what about Octavius? He's idealistic.
His heart's in the right place, Xena.
I wonder if he and Antony can work together? - Making travel plans? - [ Chuckles .]
[ Sheathes Sword .]
I'm trying to outguess Brutus.
And if you defeat him, what will you do? I will execute him and all his men.
All of them? Even the common soldier? There must be consequences for opposing Mark Antony: death, executions.
It is the Roman way, and I am Roman.
Yes.
I see.
And what about Octavius? I hear he's a good man.
He may be a good boy, but I cannot let him live to be a good man.
Antony, take my navy.
[ No Audible Dialogue .]
No.
I insist.
This gesture of yours is very sweet, but I get the point.
I know that you love me.
I've had reports that Brutus's fleet is approaching the mouth of the Nile.
Draw him into battle there.
At the appropriate time I will reinforce you.
Brutus will be crushed.
Rome is eternally grateful.
[ Brutus .]
Queen Cleopatra.
Approach, Roman.
- Boo.
- Xena.
That's right.
I've been playing the part of Cleopatra because you killed her.
You have to understand.
I needed that navy.
And I knew I could never compete with Antony for the affections of a beautiful woman.
Now I thought if she were gone, I had a chance to negotiate with her admirals.
That's your justification for murder? When I killed Caesar, I crossed the Rubicon of blood.
Why have you called me here? It seems we have a common enemy-- Mark Antony.
You see what a dangerous man he is.
Oh, yes.
I do.
His fleet is moving toward the mouth of the Nile.
You meet him there, and I'll reinforce.
- Together we'll chop him into little pieces.
- Why should I trust you? - I'll go with you.
- I can't ask for a better guarantee than that.
You won't regret this.
I won't regret this.
The trap's been set.
Perhaps you won't have to-- Kill Antony? Perhaps, when we have dealt with Brutus, a journey on the scented waters of the Nile-- [ Man, Distant .]
Steady as she goes.
[ Shouts Orders, Indistinct .]
on a golden barge with oars of silver which we'll keep stroked to the tune of flutes and make the waters which they beat to follow faster as though amorous of each stroke.
[ Breathing Heavily .]
Antony, we're about to go into a major sea battle.
[ Chuckles .]
With Egypt's navy, we cannot lose.
[ Man Shouting Orders, Distant .]
Once we engage Antony, you'll give Xena the signal? Yes.
Then we'll see who will become Rome.
[ Chuckles .]
You've become an ambitious man, Brutus.
People change, Gabrielle.
[ Man .]
Higher! Higher! I remember when you spoke only of peace, and now you're a warrior.
And you're a murderer.
I killed Cleopatra for the good of Rome.
How many people have to die for the good of Rome? [ Shouted Orders Continue, Distant .]
Nervous? Terrified.
How about you? Definitely nervous.
Why are you here, Shiana? I promised my mistress I'd see her murderers brought to justice.
I can't believe Cleopatra's gone.
Death has no respect for rank.
You're about to step onto the stage of history, Octavius.
Are you ready? Yes.
I feel I was born for this moment.
I realize now it's my destiny to rule Rome.
Never has a battle been so one-sided.
Ship ahoy! It's Brutus's flagship.
We're gonna be rammed.
[ Men Chattering .]
- Make the signal! - There! Time to launch the Egyptian fleet on both Antony and Brutus.
Prepare for battle! - [ Man .]
Come on.
Give me one! - Here.
Take them! Pass it along! [ Men Shouting, Screaming .]
[ Man .]
For the glory of Brutus! [ Man #2 .]
For Imperial Rome! [ Man #3 .]
Free Rome from tyranny! [ Stabs .]
[ Man .]
Long live Antony! The Egyptians are attacking our fleet! What? [ Projectiles Whistling .]
You knew.
[ Yells .]
[ Grunts .]
- [ Yells .]
- [ Yells .]
[ Exhales .]
[ Grunts .]
[ Yelling .]
Xena-a-a! [ Brutus Yelling Continues .]
[ Gurgles, Stops .]
Cleopatra's navy is attacking both Roman fleets from the rear.
Both Roman fleets? [ Sword Strikes .]
Xena.
You win my trust-- my love-- and then you betray everything.
[ Breathing Heavily .]
Antony.
[ Yelling .]
[ Both Yelling .]
[ Stabs .]
[ Gasps .]
I did love you.
[ Groaning, Straining .]
[ Octavius .]
Xena, Rome owes you a debt of gratitude.
Rome owes me nothing.
Octavius, you'll soon be the new leader.
It is you who must recognize and support this new alliance forged between Egypt and Rome.
It cost Cleopatra her life.
Make sure it was worth it.
Cleopatra always put the well-being of her kingdom ahead of her own.
Respect this.
She died in the hope that the Egyptian people might for the first time choose their next great leader.
She was Egypt.

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