105
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
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TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. MIDTOWN HIGH - FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT
The bright Friday night lights shine overhead, illuminating
the field, and revealing the Midtown Football logo - a
Panther - painted at midfield. The bleachers are filled with
a hundred or so spectators, awaiting the start of the game.
Our focus drifts to the chain-link fence which separates the
field from the stands. Gathered around the entrance to the
field are PETER, MARY JANE, GWEN, and EDDIE.
From the coaches bench, a nervous ROBBIE approaches.
PETER
Ready for the big night?
ROBBIE
As ready as I'll ever be. This is
worse than lunch with Jonah.
MARY JANE
You'll do great, Robbie.
EDDIE
Yeah, this stuff's in your blood.
ROBBIE
It's a different animal, Ed. I'd
kill to be out there myself. Guess
this is as close as I'm gonna get.
PETER
You never know. Life's full of
surprises.
Robbie grins at the irony of Peter's words.
GWEN
Who knows, you could be coaching in
the Super Bowl one day.
ROBBIE
(grins)
One step at a time now.
FLASH (O.S.)
Just be glad you're not running the
offense tonight, coach.
FLASH THOMPSON and KENNY MCFARLANE approach from the field.
They're wearing their uniforms, minus the helmets.
KENNY
Seriously. The Rhino is gonna own
our o-line tonight.
ROBBIE
Nice to see you supporting your
teammates, Kenny.
FLASH
I hate to say it, but he's right
coach. The dude's a beast!
MARY JANE
"The rhino?"
GWEN
Alex Sytesvich. All-American nose
tackle for Empire. Broke the state
record for sacks in a single season
his freshman year. The guy's had
college scouts drooling over him
for the last three years.
Stunned looks all around.
GWEN
(shrugs)
Rent-a-dad's big on football.
EDDIE
(mesmerized)
Marry me...
ALEX (O.S.)
Roulette Robinson! I thought you'd
be on your way to the NFL by now!
The group turns as ALEX SYTESVICH approaches.
Alex is the definition of an athlete. Tall, well-built, and
has a confident - scratch that - cocky attitude about him.
ROBBIE
Wow. The man himself decides to
grace us with his presence. Must be
a special occasion.
ALEX
You never know, records get broken
every night.
You should know that, coach. I was
there the night you broke the pick
record. Place was going nuts. Guess
things change.
Robbie doesn't respond, but is clearly annoyed.
ROBBIE
I've got some plays to go over. See
you guys later.
Robbie walks away, followed by Flash and Kenny. Alex turns
his attention to Gwen, grinning and giving her a once over.
ALEX
I'll tell you what, you Panthers
always did have the better scenery.
What do you say you and I check out
the victory party later? MVP's get
special treatment, you know.
Gwen laughs sarcastically.
GWEN
You wish. This MVP's getting no...
EDDIE
You know what, why don't you quit
running your mouth before I shut it
for you!
ALEX
Oh, is that how it is? I didn't
realize I was encroaching on your
territory, bro.
EDDIE
How about I encroach my foot on
your ass!
Eddie starts to jump the fence, but Gwen grabs his arm.
GWEN
Eddie, stop!
Eddie stops, looks over at Alex, then back at Gwen.
GWEN
Screw him. Lets go.
Eddie gives Alex one last dirty look, then backs off.
GWEN
Oh, and for the record...
(glares at Alex)
I'm no ones territory.
Gwen grabs Eddie by the arm, and pulls him away.
Alex laughs, then turns his attention toward Mary Jane.
She slides over next to Peter, grabbing his arm, placing her
hand in his, and fakes a smile.
Alex gives the two a once over, then walks off.
Meanwhile, Peter is beet red.
MARY JANE
(backs away, smiles)
Sorry. Guy's a jerk.
Peter can only nod his head awkwardly in agreement.
EXT. MIDTOWN HIGH - FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT - LATER
The game has started. "The Arrival" by Atmosphere begins as the
EMPIRE KICKER boots the ball high into the air.
MONTAGE
1) The MIDTOWN QUARTERBACK throws a deep pass, complete near
the Empire endzone. The receiver is pushed out of bounds.
2) The MIDTOWN RUNNING BACK receives a handoff, but is
STUFFED at the line of scrimmage by Alex.
3) A MIDTOWN DEFENDER intercepts a pass. Along the sidelines,
Robbie cheers the result of the play.
4) The EMPIRE RUNNING BACK breaks a tackle, and runs for a
LONG TOUCHDOWN into the Midtown endzone. Along the sidelines,
Robbie shakes his head in disgust.
5) The Midtown quarterback drops back to pass. Alex comes
bursting through the line, and quickly rushes toward him. The
quarterback scrambles away, buying time for his running back
to DIVE into Alex's mid-section, attempting a block.
Alex hits the ground, and hits it awkwardly.
He flips head over heels, with his upper body and neck taking
the brunt of the impact. The Quarterback finally throws the
pass - incomplete and out of bounds as the music fades.
But nobody notices. All eyes are focused on Alex, who lies
motionless near midfield. Several of his teammates approach
to check on him, as well as a few Midtown players.
ALONG THE MIDTOWN SIDELINE
Robbie, COACH MANSFIELD and other coaches look on in concern.
ALONG THE EMPIRE SIDELINE
The EMPIRE COACH looks on, even more concerned.
BACK TO SCENE
The crowd is dead quiet. The game has stopped, and the
players stand in stunned silence.
Paramedics rush the field as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL - ALEX'S ROOM
All the familiar surroundings you'd expect in a hospital.
Beds, IV tubes, various equipment, and a TV. Alex lies in his
bed, staring up at the ceiling.
He wears a neck brace, and is wide awake.
BRYAN (O.S.)
Visiting hours over?
Alex doesn't respond. His brother, BRYAN, walks into view. He
wears a brown jacket, jeans and carries a small white box.
BRYAN
Come on, Alex, I know you. You'll
lay around here feeling sorry for
yourself until someone comes along
and snaps you out of it.
ALEX
Feel sorry for myself? What in the
hell do I have to feel good about?
BRYAN
Maybe more than you realize. If dad
was here, he'd tell you the same
thing.
ALEX
Well he's not, okay? I'll be lucky
to walk again, forget playing
football. You know what that means?
No scholarship, no college, no NFL.
(beat)
No future.
Bryan opens the white box, and pulls out a small vial. Inside
is a familiar green liquid.
BRYAN
Maybe not.
ALEX
What's that?
BRYAN
This comes straight from the top.
ALEX
What's it do?
BRYAN
Honestly, I'm not sure. I know what
it's supposed to do, and if it even
comes close to that, you'll be
playing at Southern Cal in no time.
Bryan walks closer to Alex, and fastens his IV to the vial.
The liquid is quickly absorbed into the tubes.
ALEX
If they catch you doing this...
BRYAN
Don't worry.
Bryan quickly returns the IV to its original state, and backs
away, pocketing the vial.
ALEX
I don't feel any different.
BRYAN
Give it time.
ALEX
Like I have a choice.
BRYAN
Trust me. Look, I gotta run. I'll
stop by later and check on you.
Bryan turns and we CLOSE ON his jacket...
And the logo of FISK ENTERPRISES.
FADE TO:
INT. MIDTOWN HIGH - HALLWAYS
As usual, students crowd the hallways. Peter and Mary Jane
walk together down the hall. We join them mid-conversation.
MARY JANE
I just don't get it. Liz is...
well, she's Liz. Why would she want
to join the cheerleading squad?!
PETER
Uh-huh.
MARY JANE
She's just not the type. You know
what I mean?
PETER
Sure, I guess.
Mary Jane stops. Peter as well.
MARY JANE
You okay?
PETER
What? Yeah, I'm fine.
MARY JANE
You're so quiet today.
(beat)
Hey, look, about the other night.
PETER
The other night?
MARY JANE
You know what I mean. At the
game... I didn't mean to make you
uncomfortable. I know I probably
weirded you out big time there.
That guy was such a jerk though.
It's horrible what happened to him,
but it's the truth.
PETER
It's fine, I wasn't uncomfortable.
MARY JANE
Uh-huh.
PETER
No, seriously. I wasn't.
Mary Jane just grins at him.
MARY JANE
If you say so.
PETER
I didn't... I mean, I wasn't...
MARY JANE
You're cute when you're nervous.
Peter blushes, looks away to hide it.
MARY JANE
What's with Eddie today?
Mary Jane nods across the hallway at Gwen and Eddie.
PETER
He has been acting weird. It's not
like him to be so quiet.
MARY JANE
Maybe we should talk to him.
PETER
Think we should pry?
MARY JANE
Maybe you're right.
INDY (O.S.)
Hey, Peter! MJ!
INDIRA DAIMONJI (aka INDY) comes running up to them, bursting
at the seams to get something off her chest.
MARY JANE
Hey, Indy. What's going on?
INDY
Did you two hook-up at the game?
PETER
What?!
MARY JANE
What?!
INDY
(shrugs)
It's the word.
Peter cringes at this news.
MARY JANE
Well, it's not true. We didn't... I
mean, we're just friends.
Indy raises an eyebrow, flashing a coy smile at Peter.
INDY
Oh, I see...
PETER
You came all the way over just to
ask us that?
INDY
What? Oh, no! Remember that Alex
guy? The one at the game?
PETER
What about him?
Indy takes out a copy of the newspaper.
INDY
He was released today.
PETER
Released? I Thought they said...
INDY
Months of rehab, I know. The
doctors are calling it a medical
miracle. Crazy, huh?
Indy looks over toward Gwen and Eddie.
INDY
Did they hook up at the game?
Peter and Mary Jane stare at Indy, who shrugs.
EXT. EMPIRE HIGH - PRACTICE FIELDS - AFTERNOON
The practice fields of the Empire High Avengers, filled just
as you would expect, with the team. In charge of the practice
is the Empire Coach, who blows his whistle frantically.
EMPIRE COACH
Jordan, what are you doing son? If
this had been a real game, we just
gave up a touchdown!
The Coach continues to look over his playbook as the team
moves back into their positions. They stop as they notice
something in the distance.
EMPIRE COACH
What are you standing around for?
Get in position!
He turns to see what all the fuss is about. Walking toward
him is Alex, in full practice gear.
ALEX
Sorry I'm late, Coach.
EMPIRE COACH
What are you doing here, Alex?
ALEX
I'm here for practice.
EMPIRE COACH
I thought they said...
ALEX
Old news. I'm good to go,
seriously.
EMPIRE COACH
I can't let you practice in your
condition.
ALEX
There's no condition. I'm fine.
Better than fine. Perfect.
EMPIRE COACH
But...
ALEX
Coach, the scouts from USC are
coming Friday night. I gotta play!
EMPIRE COACH
You can't play hurt, son.
ALEX
I'm not hurt! Can't you see that?!
The Coach is taken back by Alex's shouting.
EMPIRE COACH
We'll have the doctors look at
you... if you're really good to go,
you can play against Avondale.
ALEX
Avondale?! That's in three weeks! I
have to play THIS FRIDAY!
EMPIRE COACH
I'm sorry, Alex. I can't.
Alex has had enough. In a rage, he grabs the Coach by his
collar and lifts him off the ground, face-to-face with him.
ALEX
I said I'm FINE!
Alex THROWS the Coach back, where he hits the turf hard. The
rest of the team rush to his side, looking at Alex in shock.
Alex shakes his head in disgust, then turns and walks away.
FADE TO:
EXT. MIDTOWN FOOTBALL FIELD - BLEACHERS - MORNING
Looking out onto the field, we see the team in the middle of
early-morning practice. Eddie sits, his backpack beside him.
He stares out onto the field, clearly lost in thought.
GWEN (O.S.)
Thinking of joining up?
Gwen takes a seat beside him.
EDDIE
No, just thinking.
GWEN
I missed having you to walk with.
EDDIE
Sorry.
GWEN
Everything okay?
EDDIE
Sure.
GWEN
Really? You seem kinda... well,
just not yourself lately.
EDDIE
It's nothing.
GWEN
Boy, that sure sounds familiar.
EDDIE
I don't want to talk about it. It's
really no big deal.
GWEN
You don't have to tell me. Just...
if there's anything I can do.
EDDIE
Thanks. I'm good, but thanks.
An awkward silence. Finally, Eddie looks over at Gwen and:
EDDIE
Ever think about what you're gonna
do after school?
GWEN
After?
EDDIE
Yeah, like after you graduate. What
your life's gonna be like.
GWEN
All the time. Especially... you
know, lately.
EDDIE
What do you see?
GWEN
Heh, it's weird. I used to have all
these big plans. Medical school,
husband, family, all that stuff.
EDDIE
Used to?
GWEN
Yeah, ever since... you know, I
just started seeing things
differently, I guess.
EDDIE
What do you mean?
GWEN
I don't know... you ever just feel
like you're supposed to be unhappy?
I mean like - no matter what -
that's how it's supposed to be?
Eddie looks her in the eye, but she looks away.
GWEN
God, I am such a head case!
EDDIE
That makes two of us then.
Gwen looks back up at him with a slight grin.
EDDIE
That actually makes sense. Maybe a
lot more than it should.
GWEN
What about you? What do you see?
Eddie hesitates.
EDDIE
I don't know anymore.
Gwen smiles sadly, and puts her arm around him.
GWEN
Sure you don't wanna talk about it?
Eddie looks over at her, and seems to relax a little.
EDDIE
I'm fine, really. It's just
something I gotta work out.
Gwen smiles, then glances down at her watch.
GWEN
Wow. Three whole minutes without
one bad pickup line.
EDDIE
You gotta give me time to write
this stuff.
GWEN
Ah, is that it?
(then)
Or is this the real Eddie Brock?
Eddie gives her a faint smile.
EDDIE
Maybe someday you'll find out.
EXT. MIDTOWN HIGH - FOOTBALL FIELD - MORNING
On the field, the team is in the middle of post-practice
stretching exercises. The coaches watch over them, including
Robbie, who is looking over a playbook.
Suddenly, there is a commotion among the players. Robbie
glances up as Alex approaches. He's wearing a Midtown
Panthers t-shirt and carrying some paperwork.
ROBBIE
What are you doing here?
ALEX
Weird, I know. Believe me, I never
saw this coming either.
ROBBIE
I heard you were released, but...
ALEX
(rubbing his neck)
Better than ever. Walking medical
miracle and all that.
Robbie is as confused as ever when Coach Mansfield
approaches, with questions of his own.
MANSFIELD
What's going on here, Robbie?
Alex hands Mansfield the paperwork.
ALEX
You're looking at the newest
student at Midtown High. I'm here
to join the team.
Robbie is shocked. Clearly, this is the last thing he
expected. Mansfield is surprised as well, but smiles.
MANSFIELD
Right this way, son. Right this
way...
Mansfield leads Alex onto the practice field, and we hear him
announcing the news to the team. They cheer wildly, and slap
hand with Alex, who glances over at Robbie with a grin.
Robbie looks on in stunned silence.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. DARK ROOM
We can't see much, but we can tell that the room is
completely empty. Empty with the exception of a man tied to a
chair in the middle of the room.
A door opens, and a sharp beam of light can be seen for a
moment. The sound of footsteps can be heard approaching the
man, who we now recognize as Bryan Sytesvich.
BRYAN
What's this about?
From behind, THREE MEN approach. One steps into view. There's
no mistaking WILSON FISK as he begins his interrogation.
FISK
I think you know what this is
about, Bryan. I think you know very
well as a matter of fact.
BRYAN
I don't know what you're talking
about.
FISK
I don't appreciate being lied to. I
despise it almost as much as I do
being stolen from by my employees.
BRYAN
I didn't take anything from you.
One of the THUGS standing behind Bryan strikes him hard
across the back of the head. Bryan screams in pain.
FISK
You know, this is the easy way.
There are other methods that I use
only in the most... extreme
circumstances. I don't imagine
you'd be very fond of those.
Bryan looks up nervously.
FISK
Where is the sample?
BRYAN
Sample?
The other Thug punches him HARD across the face. Blood begins
to flow from his nose.
FISK
I don't enjoy these games, Bryan.
The first Thug pulls out a pistol and cocks it.
BRYAN
(jumps nervously)
Please!
FISK
Where?
BRYAN
(hesitates)
I don't have it...
The Thug pressed the gun to the back of his head.
BRYAN
Anymore! I don't have it anymore!
Fisk bends down, face-to-face with Bryan.
FISK
Where is it?
BRYAN
My brother... at the hospital.
Fisk realizes.
FISK
That was very foolish of you.
(beat)
I heard about that unfortunate
accident on the field. He was being
heavily recruited from what I hear.
BRYAN
Please, leave him out of this. He
doesn't know anything.
FISK
Now why on Earth would I want to
hurt him?
Bryan is uneasy, but appears at least a little relieved.
FISK
He's much more valuable to me
alive.
Bryan is irate. He begins to struggle to get free, but with
little success. Fisk stands and begins walking away.
BRYAN (O.S.)
Leave him out of this! FISK!
Fisk continues walking, a smirk on his face.
A GUN SHOT rings out and we:
SMASH CUT TO:
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.