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BoshTalk
President Emeritus
USA
830 Posts |
 Posted - 06/06/2007 : 13:37:02
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Here is a copy of a revised first draft of the Heroes Finale. Significantly different than what we ended up with. Some stuff is better IMHO...but they removed some pretty bad lines, which is good.
Heroes: How to Stop an Exploding Man
First Draft
Revised Draft: 2/12/2007
by
Tim Kring
FADE IN:
SERIES OF SHOTS
(This series shows several few second clips from each of the
main character arcs.)
MOHINDER (O.S.)
What makes someone a hero? Their
abilities? Their genes? No. We
are all made of the substance...
the same material. Billions of
nucleotides swirl within each of
our cells, creating what is
essentially us. We are all bound
by these similarities. Our care
for one another... or for
ourselves... Our ability for good.
Our ability for evil...
ACT ONE
1 INT . KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING, NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT 1
(Recap of the finale of Episode 22, begins with Niki hugging
DL in Linderman’s office.)
A CHIRON says, “Kirby Plaza Building, New York City.”
LINDERMAN
You don’t love him.
NIKI
Everything I’ve done, I’ve did for
them.
In a flash, Linderman DRAWS a handgun and FIRES into Niki.
DL quickly dives into the path of the bullet and they both
scream.
LINDERMAN
You should’ve taken the money.
We see a portrait of Linderman’s HEAD, and DL’s HAND reaches
INTO FRAME from the side and phases into the old man’s head.
Linderman briefly looks horrified before falling forward to
the ground. We see DL holding Linderman’s brain and a large,
gaping wound in the back of Linderman’s head.
DL collapses in pain as Niki goes to comfort him.
NIKI
Why’d you take that bullet? You
coulda let it phase right through
you!
DL falls back into her arms.
NIKI (CONT'D)
It’s OK.
We hear guards KNOCKING furiously on the office DOOR.
DL
Go... Forget about me.
Save Micah.
The KNOCKING becomes louder and fiercer.
NIKI
You can get us out of here. You
can walk us through this wall.
DL
I don’t know if I can...
They both get up with difficulty. The GUARDS break open the
door as we hear the sound of Niki and DL phasing through the
wall.
2 INT. KIRBY BUILDING, MEDICAL OFFICES - NIGHT 2
(Recap of the finale of Episode 22. Begins with Thompson
watching a static video screen of Parkman and Bennet coming
out of an elevator.)
A CHIRON says, “Kirby Building, Medical Offices, New York
City.”
THOMPSON
Surveillance picked them up in the
elevator.
Thompson COCKS a handgun.
MOHINDER
What does he want?
THOMPSON
Molly.
CUT TO:
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 2.
PARKMAN looks cautiously around a hall corner as Thompson
sneaks around behind him, training the gun on his head.
THOMPSON (CONT'D)
What am I thinking now, Parkman?
BENNET comes INTO FRAME and aims a gun at Thompson’s head.
BENNET
Your last thought.
Bennet FIRES a bullet into Thompson’s brain.
CUT TO:
Parkman and Bennet enter a medical room, and Bennet pulls
open a curtain to reveal --
MOLLY, cowering in fear beside her bed.
A gun comes INTO FRAME and knocks out Parkman with a blow to
the head. Parkman slumps to the ground and we see that the
culprit is MOHINDER. Mohinder and Bennet raise their guns to
each other.
MOHINDER
Lower your gun.
Bennet does so, but is still on edge.
BENNET
My daughter will never be safe
while she’s still alive. None of
them will.
MOHINDER
You’d murder an innocent girl in
cold blood?
BENNET
If I have to... To protect the
people I love. What about you, Dr.
Suresh? Would you even shoot an
armed man to save yourself?
Bennet slowly raises his gun toward Mohinder with a resolve
and stoicism the terrifies him.
MOHINDER
Drop it! Now!
Parkman gains consciousness and Molly recognizes him from
under the bed.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 3.
MOLLY
Officer Parkman?
Both Mohinder and Bennet are now distracted as Parkman stands
up with difficulty.
PARKMAN
Molly?
MOHINDER
You know this man?
MOLLY
I told you he was coming. He
promised to keep me safe.
Parkman rubs the back of his head in pain.
PARKMAN
That’s right. And no one... (He
throws Bennet a look) is gonna hurt
you.
3 EXT. JITTETSU ARMS, NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT 3
HIRO hastily runs out of Jittetsu Arms as his father, KAITO
NAKAMURA, slowly follows. The HORNS of light traffic and
police SIRENS quietly penetrate the background.
The CHIRON reads, “Jittetsu Arms, New York City.”
Hiro searches frantically for his friend, Ando, while his
father stands calmly by the door holding the now repaired
Kensei sword. (The following conversation is in Japanese
with English subtitles.)
HIRO
Ando must have thought that I would
give up. He took a sword and went
after Sylar! He’ll die!
NAKAMURA
Yes. It is certain. That was very
foolish of him.
HIRO
I must go after him.
NAKAMURA
(furious)
Hiro! That is not your concern.
Remember your destiny!
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 4.
HIRO
I will not let my friend die. Not
when I have the power to stop it.
NAKAMURA
Don’t you understand, Hiro? It is
Ando’s destiny to die. Your path
lies elsewhere. You have no more
power to stop this than you do
against the current of a raging
river.
Hiro smiles broadly.
HIRO
I am the only one alive who can
stop the current.
Hiro’s father FROWNS in disapproval.
HIRO (CONT'D)
Someday I hope to earn your respect
father.
He takes a few steps back, preparing to teleport --
HIRO (CONT'D)
But not today.
And closes his eyes in concentration.
NAKAMURA
Hiro!
Hiro delays his focus momentarily.
NAKAMURA (CONT’D)
Someday you will have the wisdom to
know that in this world there are
some things you cannot change...
He holds out the Kensei sword.
NAKAMURA (CONT'D)
But not today.
Hiro smiles, takes the sword from his father, and gives a
slight, respectful Japanese bow before vanishing.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 5.
4 INT. ISAAC MENDEZ’S LOFT - NEW YORK CITY 4
Sylar stands in Mendez’s loft surrounded by a circle of
completed PAINTINGS. A BLANK CANVAS sits in front of him.
CLOSE of his EYES as they turn a dull shade of white.
He imagines colors and shapes swirling within the canvas
until they organize themselves into a coherent picture. The
content eventually becomes clear and shows Peter and Syar
facing each other in front of Kirby Plaza.
SYLAR
(angry)
Petrelli!
Sylar TKs the portrait that shows Peter flying. It slices
into two pieces, as if cut by a sword.
5 INT. NATHAN PATRELLI’S OFFICE, NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT 5
We see NATHAN speaking in front of an American flag and
behind a large group of microphones.
NATHAN
I challenge everyone here tonight
to inspire by example, to fight the
battle no matter the cost. Because
the world is sick, spinning out of
control, but we can heal it.
WIDEN to show that it’s only a television screen. Nathan and
his mother, MRS. PETRELLI stand in a cold and dark office.
Nathan looks as though something is troubling him, but is
afraid to say it. He must stay strong in front of his
mother.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Heidi and the boys should be
landing any minute. Choppers gonna
meet us up on the roof in an hour.
(long pause) What is it ma?
MRS. PETRELLI
It’s Linderman. He’s dead.
NATHAN
How?
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 6.
MRS. PETRELLI
Someone got to him in his office.
He was murdered. This is a
terrible tragedy, Nathan.
She walks up behind him and rests her hands on his back.
NATHAN
Yes it is.
MRS. PETRELLI
But this doesn’t change anything,
the plan wasn’t just his. You know
that, congressman.
NATHAN
Yeah... After the explosion this
city is gonna need me, ma.
America’s gonna need me... the
world. This changes nothing.
6 INT. KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING - CONTINUOUS 6
A set of ELEVATOR DOORS open and DL and Niki hobble out.
NIKI
Forty two, Micah’s on this floor.
They rest against a wall for a moment.
DL
Go on, I’m only gonna slow you
down.
NIKI
I’m not leaving you, you’ll die if
I do.
DL
(wincing in pain)
I can’t go with you Niki, you’re
gonna have to do this alone. You
have to find Micah.
NIKI
(helpless, desperate)
I can’t.
DL
You can. You’re strong enough, you
always have been.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 7.
She kisses him gently --
NIKI
I’m coming back for you.
-- Then RUNS down the hallway to look for Micah.
NIKI (CONT'D)
You stay right there, you
understand me?!
7 INT. KIRBY BUILDING, MEDICAL OFFICES 7
We follow Bennet and Mohinder as they drag DRAG Thompson’s
body, which is now wrapped in a bed sheet, towards an EMPTY
BIN in one of the medical offices.
BENNET
Linderman’s guards will be all over
us if they find Thompson’s body.
MOHINDER
You should have thought of that
before you shot him.
BENNET
It was self defense!
MOHINDER
And Molly Walker? What’s your
excuse for wanting to shoot her?
BENNET
She’s dangerous. I guarantee that
someday we’ll both regret keeping
her alive.
They open the bin and TOSS Thompson’s body inside. Bennet
SLAMS it shut.
MOHINDER
I would never let Molly be used to
hurt anyone.
BENNET
You don’t understand. The
organization I used to work for
once stood for something, used to
mean something, but now they’re
corrupt.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 8.
MOHINDER
So what?
BENNET
Molly was created for a very
specific purpose, and that’s why
these people will stop at nothing
to find her.
MOHINDER
Created?!
Bennet is taken aback. He realizes he’s said something he
shouldn’t have.
BENNET
It doesn’t matter. The only thing
I care about now is protecting my
family.
Parkman PEEKS his head through the door.
PARKMAN
There’s something wrong with Molly.
Mohinder quickly glances at Bennet before RUNNING out the
door to check on Molly.
Bennet’s phone RINGS. He answers it.
BENNET
Hello?
8 INT. PETER’S CAR - NIGHT 8
Peter drives while Claire speaks to her father over the
phone.
CLAIRE
Dad!
9 INTERCUT BETWEEN CLAIRE AND BENNET 9
BENNET
Claire? Where are you?
CLAIRE
Still in New York. I’m with Peter.
But there’s a problem... Ted
Sprague’s dead. Sylar killed him.
(long pause) Dad?
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 9.
BENNET
Put Peter on the phone please.
Claire hands Peter the phone.
CLAIRE
He wants to talk to you.
Peter puts the phone to his ear.
PETER
Hello?
BENNET
When you came in contact with Ted,
you absorbed his power?
PETER
That’s right.
BENNET
Well now Sylar’s absorbed it too.
I think you may be the only one who
can stop him.
PETER
Now all we have to do is find him.
Any idea where to start?
BENNET
There’s a tracking system here.
We’re trying to fix it now. As
soon as we do, we’ll find him.
PETER
And if you don’t?
BENNET
Just stay close to Claire’s phone,
okay? I’ll contact you as soon as
we have a location... But whatever
you do, you keep Claire safe, you
understand?
Peter gives Claire a concerned look.
PETER
Always.
He hangs up and drives into a parking garage.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 10.
10 INT. PARKING GARAGE - CONTINUOUS 10
Peter and Claire pull into the parking garage. The place is
eerily empty and quiet. Nathan stands patiently waiting for
them. Peter motions to Nathan to wait a few moments as Claire
becomes furious upon the sight of her father.
CLAIRE
(angry)
I actually believed you! You lied
to me, you said you weren’t gonna
call him.
PETER
(remains calm)
No, but think about it Claire, we
can’t do this alone.
CLAIRE
No, you think about it. We can’t
trust him.
PETER
Yes, we can trust him. Nathan’s
never let me down.
CLAIRE
Nathan doesn’t care about you! He
doesn’t care about anyone! He
doesn’t care about me and I’m his
own daughter. We do NOT NEED HIM.
PETER
Yes, we do.
CLAIRE
Why?
PETER
Now that he’s a congressman maybe
he can call in backup... or the
military or something and...
Peter’s rambling is interrupted by Claire’s thoughts.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
(thought)
You lied to me, Peter... I trusted
you...
PETER
I’m sorry.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 11.
Peter brushes strands of hair back behind her ear
affectionately, but it doesn’t seem to help.
PETER (CONT'D)
It’ll be alright. Please, don’t be
upset.
He feels genuinely guilty, buts she’s still upset.
PETER (CONT'D)
Listen, no matter what happens
tonight, I’ll always be here for
you... No matter what.
Peter leaves Claire to sulk and walks toward Nathan.
NATHAN
What’s the emergency?
PETER
The bomb. It’s not me, it’s Sylar.
NATHAN
Sylar?
There’s something about the way Nathan speaks. A bit too
nonchalant, too disinterested.
PETER
He killed Ted Sprague, which means
he’s radioactive, and if he
explodes... Look, I know this is a
lot to process, but it is real, I
swear, and I don’t have a lot of
time to find him.
NATHAN
What do you want me to do?
PETER
I don’t know, just... help me.
NATHAN
Okay.
Nathan puts his arm around Peter and leads him further away
from the car.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Look, if what you’re saying is
real, then there’s no reason to
involve Claire, it’s just too
dangerous.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 12.
PETER
No, she has to stay with me.
NATHAN
She’s just a kid, Pete.
PETER
If I find Sylar, and I’m able to
stop him, then she’s the only one
who can stop me if something goes
wrong.
NATHAN
It’ll be fine.
Peter shoots Nathan a confused look. In anger, Claire steps
out of the CAR and runs away.
PETER
How do you know?
NATHAN
You told me, you could
regenerate... you could survive.
Peter HEARS Nathan’s thoughts.
NATHAN (V.O.) (CONT'D)
(thought)
There’s nothing you can do to stop
it Peter. They’re all gonna die.
Peter backs away in shock.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
What is it?
PETER
Claire was right about you.
CUT TO:
Claire RUNS up a set of stairs and encounters Mrs. Petrelli.
CUT TO:
Peter and Nathan talking.
NATHAN
What are you talking about?
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 13.
PETER
You want the bomb to explode. You
want everyone to die.
Nathan realizes that Peter somehow knows. Stranger things
have happened in the past few months.
NATHAN
I don’t want any of this, Peter.
This will be a horrific tragedy,
but it’s too late to stop it.
PETER
(furious, almost
heartbroken)
I can’t believe this! Why are you
doing this? For power? For fame?
NATHAN
Now that I’m a congressman, I have
to make the hard choices. Trust me
Peter, it’s for the best.
PETER
You’re just a puppet in her game,
Nathan. You have been the entire
time. Why don’t you see it?
Nathan rolls his eyes, then gives a concerned look to his
confused and bewildered brother.
NATHAN
Come with us.
Peter looks at him in contempt.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
You’ll be safe. Think about it.
The world could need someone like
you, Peter. You could be my right
hand man.
Peter considers his options.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Together, we could lead the new
world into a bigger and brighter
future.
PETER
I don’t wanna hear your acceptance
speech.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 14.
NATHAN
(frustrated)
Come on, Peter. What do you want?
A secure future? A place in the
world? Don’t you at least want to
be with your family? What do I
need to do to make you leave with
me? Do you care about anything at
all?!
Peter thinks for a moment, then turns around and faces the
CAR, expecting to find Claire. He sees that it’s EMPTY.
PETER
Claire?
He runs to the car in FULL PANIC MODE.
PETER (CONT'D)
Claire?!
NATHAN
Peter!
He looks up at Nathan.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Don’t worry. She’ll be safe.
Peter CRIES out furiously and HOVERS several inches off the *
ground. Like a torpedo, he flies forward and his feet *
collide with Nathan’s chest. Nathan FALLS and SKIDS backward *
on the cement for several yards. *
NATHAN (CONT'D)
This is childish.
Nathan stands up and dusts himself off.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
My suit’s all dirty now.
PETER
Where’s Claire?!
NATHAN
Be smart, Peter. Our family could
be together. Instead you choose to
brood and whine like a fourteen
year old girl. Nothing seems to
have changed since we were kids.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 15.
PETER
For once, I agree.
Peter FLIES himself into Nathan again, but Nathan is prepared
for it. He simply RAISES himself ten feet above the ground
and lets Peter fly underneath him, like a matador with a
bull. Peter skids to a halt. Nathan remains calm.
NATHAN
Still trying to emulate your older
brother, huh Peter? You’ve always
been jealous of me. Jealous that
mom’s chosen me to lead the new
world.
PETER
You’re crazy.
NATHAN
Am I? I’ve always been stronger
than you Pete. Now that Claire’s
with me, she might have a positive
influence in her life. She might
turn out to be somebody.
PETER
No!
Peter marches over to Nathan, but his hands begin to GLOW
uncontrollably. He STARES at them in horror.
Nathan takes several steps back in confusion and fear.
PETER (CONT'D)
No! No, no, no, this isn’t
happening! No!
Nathan takes a few more steps backward but relaxes when he
sees Peter BLACK OUT and fall to the ground. The glow of his
hands slowly fades away.
Nathan looks at his brother in contempt for a moment, then
leaves the parking garage.
ACT TWO
11 INT. KIRBY BUILDING, MEDICAL OFFICES - NIGHT 11
Mohinder, Parkman, and Bennet surround Molly, who is
connected to an IV and unconscious on the bed.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 16.
BENNET
How much longer before she’s up and
running?
PARKMAN
(offended)
She’s not a machine.
MOHINDER
I just gave her the transfusion,
it’ll take some time.
BENNET
It’ll take too much time and the
city will pay for it. Sylar’s out
there.
Molly WAKES, but looks tired.
MOLLY
You mean the boogeyman?
MOHINDER
No, no, don’t try to get up.
Parkman and Mohinder CROUCH down beside Molly.
MOLLY
I can do it. I can tell you where
he is.
PARKMAN
Okay, so... How do we do this?
MOLLY
I just... I think about him in my
mind, and I point to him, on the
map there. I need a pushpin.
PARKMAN
So you can find anyone in the
world? You just need to think
about them?
MOLLY
Almost anyone.
PARKMAN
Almost?
MOLLY
There’s only one that I can’t.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 17.
PARKMAN
Who’s that?
Molly doesn’t respond.
PARKMAN (CONT'D)
Is it someone bad, Molly, like the
boogeyman?
MOLLY
No... he’s a lot worse.
PARKMAN
Why don’t you want to find him?
MOLLY
‘Cause when I think about him... he
can see me...
Parkman and Mohinder exchange glances.
BENNET
Molly... can you think about Sylar
now?
Molly nods her head and focuses on the BOOK OF MAPS in front
of her. Her left hand steadily turns the pages and her right
hovers straight out and vibrates like the needle of a
polygraph. She clinches her face in concentration. When she
stops turning pages, flashes of Sylar appear in her head.
Finally, she PINS the needle into the map and becomes
relaxed.
MOLLY
He’s there.
PARKMAN
That’s lower east side. He’s
somewhere around Reed street.
BENNET
Isaac’s loft.
MOHINDER
Isaac Mendez? The Painter?
PARKMAN
Who?
BENNET
I’ve gotta call Peter.
Off Bennet pulling a cell phone out of his jacket.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 18.
12 INT. PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT 12
Mrs. Petrelli and Nathan walk on either side of Claire as
they head toward Nathan’s office. Claire’s phone rings.
MRS. PETRELLI
Why don’t you let me answer that
for you?
Claire grudgingly hands her the phone.
MRS. PETRELLI (CONT'D)
Hello?
INTERCUT BETWEEN PETRELLI AND BENNET
BENNET
Claire?
MRS. PETRELLI
No, this is her grandmother.
BENNET
Where is she?
MRS. PETRELLI
Where she belongs, with her family.
Claire calls out to him.
CLAIRE
Dad!
BENNET
I’m her family!
MRS. PETRELLI
No, you’re the man we gave her to
to look after, to keep her safe. A
job you haven’t done particularly
well.
BENNET
What are you gonna do with her?
MRS. PETRELLI
Taking her someplace far enough to
keep her out of harm’s way. I
suggest you do the same. There
isn’t much time.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 19.
BENNET
Let me say goodbye to her.
Mrs. Petrelli hands the phone to Claire.
CLAIRE
Dad.
BENNET
Claire? Are you okay?
CLAIRE
Yeah, just trying to get away from
these people.
BENNET
No... no. You’re better off going
with them.
CLAIRE
What?
BENNET
She’s right. You shouldn’t be
here. But as soon as you’re safely
out of the city, you try and get
away, understand?
CLAIRE
Yeah.
BENNET
I need to find Peter. Where is he?
CLAIRE
I don’t know, they won’t tell me.
Mrs. Petrelli walks up to Claire and motions for the phone.
MRS. PETRELLI
That’s long enough, dear.
CLAIRE
Tell me you have a plan, dad.
BENNET
(reassuring)
I have a plan... I love you,
Claire.
CLAIRE
I love you, too.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 20.
13 INT. KIRBY BUILDING, MEDICAL OFFICES - CONTINUOUS 13
Bennet hangs up the phone as Parkman enters the medical
office.
BENNET
We have a new priority. Peter
Petrelli, we have to find him.
PARKMAN
What for?
Parkman COCKS a gun.
PARKMAN (CONT'D)
We know where Sylar is, we can go
after him.
BENNET
No! Not without Petrelli, he’s the
only one that can stop him.
PARKMAN
I’ve traveled three thousand miles
and left my pregnant wife at home,
he’s a bad guy, I’m a cop. I’m
going after him.
BENNET
Then he will kill you.
PARKMAN
Yeah... we’ll see.
Off Parkman hastily walking out of the office.
14 INT. PARKING GARAGE - NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT 14
We are back in the parking garage. Peter’s body lies
unconscious in the distance. CLOSE of Peter’s unconscious
face. Suddenly, his eyes open, and when he stands up we find
that we are --
15 INT. PETRELLI RESIDENCE - 20 YEARS AGO 15
Peter walks around in the BACKYARD of his OLD HOUSE. It is
an incredibly large, Victorian house, and the backyard is
several square acres of lush, green grass. Mrs. Petrelli
sits at a small ROUND TABLE drinking out of a delicate COFFEE
CUP on the patio.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 21.
A large, black, man, CHARLES, sits in a wheelchair beside
her. Charles exudes wisdom, but also a sternness that only
appears after a lifetime of hardship. The two boys, YOUNG
NATHAN and YOUNG PETER, are playing in the backyard. Peter
walks up to the boys, who are unaware of him.
Young Peter, now only six, crawls through the grass on all
fours, inspecting for bugs or other living things. He holds a
GLASS JAR in one hand. Young Nathan, 10, crawls beside him
doing the same thing, but does not hold a glass jar.
YOUNG NATHAN
Got one!
Young Nathan proudly holds a large BEETLE up in the air. As
many kids do at that age, he then throws it on the ground and
stops it into oblivion, then inspects and prods the corpse.
YOUNG NATHAN (CONT'D)
Cool...
Young Peter doesn’t pay any attention to him. After a few *
more seconds he discovers a coal black COCKROACH. CLOSE on *
the cockroach as he inspects it and lets it crawl up and down *
his hand and arm. *
YOUNG NATHAN (CONT'D)
Eww... I hate those things.
Peter places the cockroach inside his large glass jar. *
YOUNG NATHAN (CONT'D)
I don’t know why you do that.
They’ll just die in there too.
YOUNG PETER
(angry)
No, they won’t!
YOUNG NATHAN
They will someday.
Young Peter frowns and inspects his jar. Several different
BUGS crawl around on the LEAVES and DEBRIS that he left
inside.
Older Peter walks away from the boys and toward the patio and
his mother. He overhears the conversation that she is having
with Charles.
MRS. PETRELLI
Linderman feels that one of the
boys is best suited for the job.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 22.
CHARLES
Yes, but which one?
MRS. PETRELLI
Nathan. Even now it is obvious.
He is a born leader.
CHARLES
Peter, in time, will become far
more powerful.
MRS. PETRELLI
Peter is weak.
Charles motions to the two boys.
CHARLES
Look at them... Look at Peter.
Peter continues to slowly and meticulously looks for bugs.
CHARLES (CONT'D)
Patience, care. Every move he
makes is deliberate and calm. Now
watch Nathan.
Nathan squashes another bug.
CHARLES (CONT'D)
You understand?
MRS. PETRELLI
Oh, they’re just kids. I know them
better than anyone. Trust me, I’m
their own mother.
CHARLES
Sort of...
They watch the boys for a few seconds more. Nathan, now
bored, moves toward Peter and takes the glass jar.
YOUNG PETER
Hey! Give it back!
CHARLES
This is, of course, your choice to
make, but do not take it lightly.
The boys begin to wrestle. They tumble and fight over the
jar until Young Peter finally takes it and throws it up in
the air. The jar crashes down on top of a ROCK and BREAKS
OPEN.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 23.
Off the bugs escaping from the jar.
16 INT. ISAAC MENDEZ’S LOFT - NIGHT 16
The door to Isaac’s loft CREAKS opens and ANDO slowly CREEPS
through, sword poised. The lights are dim, and at first he
is curious about the prophetic paintings that surround him.
He moves from portrait to portrait, until he stops at one.
CLOSE on his expression, which quickly turns from curiosity
to horror. The camera PANS around to show the content of the
painting. It shows Ando pinned against the wall of Isaac’s
loft, and his lower body drenched in red paint. It is clear
he is dead.
Ando drops the sword in terror and it CLANGS to the ground.
Sylar CREEPS up behind him silently.
SYLAR
Boo.
Sylar throws out his hand and Ando flies backward and SLAMS
into the back wall of the loft. Sylar bends down slowly and
picks up the samurai sword. He’s in control.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
You’re the second Asian who’s tried
to kill me with a sword recently.
I’m guessing there’s a connection.
Sylar tries a few, clumsy ninja moves with the sword for fun.
Ando struggles to breath.
ANDO
You can’t... take my brain.
SYLAR
Oh, please. What would I learn
from your brain? What happened to
your friend?
ANDO
Hiro is going... to kill you.
SYLAR
You should have seen him try it
last time. He could barely stand,
he was trembling so hard...
Sylar gives a hearty laugh.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 24.
SYLAR (CONT’D)
No, tonight no one will stand in my
way. Including you...
Sylar points the sword at Ando and an invisible razor begins
to cut him, starting from the top of his shoulder. Ando
screams in agony.
Suddenly, Hiro teleports into the middle of the loft. Sylar
is distracted and the cutting stops. Ando is only slightly
injured.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
Speak of the devil. I think your
friend here had given up on you.
HIRO
He knows better. I would never
give up.
Ando smiles faintly.
ANDO
(in Japanese)
I’m sorry, Hiro. Please, forget
about me. Kill him.
HIRO
Let him go.
SYLAR
No, I don’t think I’ll be doing
that. Really, all you have to do
is stop time before I cut him in
half.
ANDO
(in Japanese)
Hiro... I’m sorry... Kill him...
Please.
HIRO
(in Japanese)
You do not need to be sorry. You
have shown me true bravery, friend.
SYLAR
How about it? Can you do your
trick before I can do...
Hiro flinches and time FREEZES. Sylar’s mouth is frozen in
mid sentence as Hiro smiles broadly and walks past Sylar
toward Ando. CLOSE on Sylar’s eyes as they dart to the side.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 25.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
... mine?
Sylar furiously turns around and SWIPES the sword in a
diagonal thrust. It touches only air, but a huge gash
appears in Ando’s chest. Ando, frozen in time, does not
react to it. Immediately after, Sylar thrusts out his other
hand and throws Hiro to the wall. Sylar is PISSED.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
Don’t you get it yet!?
Hiro is MORTIFIED. Sylar takes a PAINTBRUSH from a table,
holds it above his head, then releases it. At first, it
seems that the brush is frozen in mid air.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
You can’t stop time.
It is clear that the brush is slowly falling toward the
ground.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
You can only slow it down. That
trick won’t work on me.
Suddenly, a SECOND HIRO appears in the middle of the room.
Sylar, although surprised, throws the second Hiro against an
adjacent wall. A few seconds later, the first Hiro vanishes,
and both Ando and the paintbrush fall to the ground at normal
speed. A large pool of blood gathers around Ando, and it is
obvious he is dead.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
Woah... (long pause) You are a
very special person, Hiro, but I
won’t bother trying to kill you.
Your little act is too quick. *
HIRO
(in disbelief)
You... You killed him.
SYLAR
It was self defense, he was
attacking me.
Hiro remains frozen in disbelief.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
How about a truce, Hiro? *
He doesn’t respond.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 26.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
We are two of the most special
people in the world. Do you know
how much good we could do for it?
How many people we can help? We
could be heroes! They would
worship us!
HIRO
You are not a hero, Sylar.
SYLAR
Why are you trying to stop me,
Hiro? We both have the power to
see the future. Look around you!
All of these paintings... These
things are destined to happen!
Hiro stares and inspects one of the paintings with great
curiosity. We only see the back of it.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
Who are we to try and stop it? You
couldn’t stop your friend’s death
anymore than you can stop me. I
understand that better than anyone.
I was born to understand these
things better than anyone... even
the most complex...
He stares at the same painting that Hiro is looking at, lost
in thought.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
That is my gift.
Hiro’s ambivalent expression slowly turns to rage, and he
disappears.
A fraction of a second later Sylar throws out his hand. The
wall behind where Hiro once was explodes in a hurricane of
brick and mortar.
17 INT. KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING - NIGHT 17
Niki runs through the building, checking every door for her
son.
NIKI
Micah!
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 27.
She finds a CRACKED DOOR across the hallway and cautiously
PEEKS inside. As the door CREAKS open, we see JESSICA
(actually Candice Wilmer throwing an illusion) sitting
casually on a sofa.
NIKI (CONT'D)
How...?
Niki walks in with fear and apprehension in her eyes.
NIKI (CONT'D)
You can’t be here.
JESSICA
Look what you did.
Jessica looks off to her side and we PAN to see Micah lying
facedown, dead on the floor.
NIKI
Oh my God! Micah...
Jessica stands up and saunters over to Niki.
JESSICA
It’s all your fault, Niki. DL, now
Micah. They’re both gone. Because
you were weak.
NIKI
Micah, please.
JESSICA
The wrong sister died, should’ve
been you. Face it Niki, you’re
nothing. I’m the one they needed.
Jessica smashes her foot into Niki’s face, and Niki falls to
the ground.
Off Jessica laughing.
INT. NATHAN PATRELLI’S OFFICE - NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT
Nathan is alone in his very dark office. He gathers a few
papers and places them in his briefcase before snapping it
shut. Suddenly, he feels a presence in the room.
NATHAN
Hello?
A dark figure moves in the shadows.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 28.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Who’s there?
HIRO
Hello, Flying Man.
Nathan squints into the darkness.
NATHAN
(confused)
Hiro?
HIRO
Yes.
Hiro slowly steps out of the shadows. Rather than greeting
Nathan with the usual awkward smile and energetic wave, he
exudes a quiet anger. Nathan is unsure of what is going on,
and is very afraid. He FLIES for the door.
Hiro freezes time, enough so that we can still see Nathan
slowly heading toward the exit. Hiro walks up calmly,
roundhouse kicks him to the chest, and unfreezes time.
Nathan SLAMS against the wall with a THUD and slumps to the
floor. Hiro crouches down next to him.
HIRO (CONT'D)
I didn’t come here to kill you,
Nathan Petrelli.
Nathan stares up at him groggily. *
NATHAN
Why are you here?
HIRO
You are the only person that can
change things. You can stop this. *
NATHAN
I’ve already been given this talk.
HIRO
Do you remember the warning that
Hiro gave Peter? *
Nathan rolls his eyes.
NATHAN
Save the cheerleader...
HIRO
...Save the world.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 29.
NATHAN
Peter took care of that several
months ago.
HIRO
No, he didn’t. I see Sylar kill
her. She will die without
someone’s help.
Hiro is referencing events that have not yet happened. We
should be slightly confused.
NATHAN
Claire will be with us when the
bomb goes off. She’ll be safe...
She’ll be saved.
HIRO
No... she won’t.
Hiro gets up and walks toward the center of the room.
NATHAN
Why don’t you do it, Hiro? *
HIRO
I can’t save anyone, no matter how
hard I try. I have only one thing
left to do now.
Hiro vanishes. Claire and Mrs. Petrelli walk into the office
to find a bewildered Nathan.
MRS. PETRELLI
Are you alright?
NATHAN
I’m fine.
18 INT. ISAAC MENDEZ’S LOFT - NIGHT 18
Parkman quietly enters the loft, gun drawn. He notices the
many portraits that have been painted over the past few
months, and his eyes rest on the painting that portrays Peter
and Sylar in a standoff. The words “Kirby Plaza” are hastily
sketched onto the painting.
20 INT. KIRBY BUILDING, MEDICAL OFFICES - NIGHT 20
Mohinder is in a panic. He’s packing every small knick knack
he can find into a small bag. Molly is sitting on the bed.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 30.
MOHINDER
Molly, we need to go now.
Molly stands up and walks toward Mohinder.
MOLLY
Where are we going?
MOHINDER
Officer Parkman called. He
believes that Sylar... he believes
the boogeyman is on his way.
MOLLY
No... he’s not on his way... he’s
already here.
Off Mohinder’s panicked expression.
21 INT. NATHAN PATRELLI’S OFFICE - NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT 21
Nathan quickly and diligently flips through important files
to decide whether they’re worth keeping as Claire and Mrs.
Petrelli watch on. Nathan points to an expensive coat on a
chair next to the door.
NATHAN
Can you hand me my coat there? I’m
not planning on coming back.
Mrs. Petrelli grabs the coat and hands it to Nathan as she
tries to reassure Claire.
MRS. PETRELLI
The helicopter’s picking us up from
the roof in ten minutes. When it
lands tomorrow morning you’ll be
safe.
CLAIRE
But everyone else will be dead.
Nathan CLICKS his briefcase open and places important
documents inside.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
How can you let this happen?
MRS. PETRELLI
It’s inevitable, dear. There’s
nothing anyone can do about it.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 31.
CLAIRE
That’s insane! Nothing is
inevitable. We have the power to
change things.
Nathan stares at a FRAMED PICTURE of himself and Peter in his
hand.
NATHAN
I’m afraid we don’t.
CLAIRE
If everything is so inevitable,
then why has she been trying to
keep us apart for all these years?!
Nathan throws his mother a look.
MRS. PETRELLI
There are things that you simply
aren’t mature enough to understand
yet.
CLAIRE
Yeah... like how you can let your
own son die like this.
She turns to Nathan.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Your own brother.
NATHAN
He’s not gonna die.
MRS. PETRELLI
Thanks to you, Peter has the
ability to survive.
CLAIRE
So he lives, and kills millions of
people. How can you let him be
responsible for something like
that, and how can you live with
yourself if he is?
Nathan CLICKS his briefcase shut and walks over to Claire.
NATHAN
Claire, I know it’s hard for you to
trust me right now, but this is all
gonna make sense very soon, I
promise.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 32.
MRS. PETRELLI
We’re offering you everything
you’ve ever wanted Claire. A place
to belong... a family.
Claire walks into Nathan’s arms. Nathan feels that he may be
sharing a moment with her for the first time.
CLAIRE
I already have a family.
Claire suddenly SPRINTS away from Nathan and JUMPS out of the
window. The window CRASHES and she falls for several seconds
towards the asphalt below and lands with a sickening THUD.
After a few moments she gets up and walks off.
MRS. PETRELLI
I know what you’re thinking Nathan.
Let her go, you understand?
22 INT. KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING - NIGHT 22
The fight between Niki and Jessica continues. Jessica lifts
Niki off the ground and BITCH SLAPS her into a mirror. The
mirror BREAKS and lies in shards around her feet.
JESSICA
How many times have I saved your
ass? I’m the only reason that
you’re still alive.
Niki peers into one of the larger shards of glass and finds
the REAL JESSICA.
REAL JESSICA
Niki, that’s not me. Stop her.
Find Micah.
NIKI
What?
REAL JESSICA
I said, stop her. That’s not me.
NIKI
I’m not strong enough.
JESSICA
Who the hell are you talking to?
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 33.
Niki stands up with confidence and PUNCHES fake Jessica in
the chest. She flies backward into the back wall and SLUMPS
to the floor. Niki stares at her hands as though she’s just
killed someone.
Suddenly, the image of Jessica MORPHS into Candice Wilmer,
but rather than the skinny and attractive brunette that we’ve
seen in previous episodes, she appears as a rather plain and
obese woman. The illusion of Micah also disappears. The
real Micah CALLS OUT from a LOCKED CLOSET.
MICAH (O.S.)
Mom?
NIKI
Micah!
MICAH
Mom! I’m in here! It’s locked!
Niki rushes over to the source of his voice and RIPS the
handle off the door.
MICAH (CONT'D)
Mom! Is it really you?
She checks her reflection in the closet mirror and smiles.
NIKI
It’s me, baby.
She hugs Micah.
NIKI (CONT'D)
Just me...
ACT THREE
23 INT. KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING - HALLWAY - NIGHT 23
Mohinder and Molly hurry down a hallway of the plaza
building. As they PEEK around the corner, they both spot a
bloody DL. Mohinder covers Molly’s eyes and they both hide
behind the corner. Mohinder starts back toward DL but Molly
interrupts him.
MOLLY
Wait! He could be a bad guy.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 34.
MOHINDER
He needs my help.
They both CROUCH down next to DL.
MOHINDER (CONT'D)
We need to get him out of here.
Molly walks toward the elevator and pushes the CALL BUTTON.
MOLLY
It’s not working.
MOHINDER
They must have shut it down. Okay,
I need you to look out, can you do
that? Stand over here and keep an
eye out. If anyone comes, tell me
straight away.
24 EXT. PARKING GARAGE - NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT 24
Bennet is crouching beside Peter who remains unconscious.
BENNET
Peter... Peter!
Peter wakes up.
PETER
I must have blacked out. How did
you find me?
BENNET
I told you. We have a tracking
system.
PETER
And where’s Claire?
BENNET
She’s safe. She’s with your
mother.
PETER
My mother?
BENNET
Yeah, they’re on the way out of the
city right now.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 35.
PETER *
Okay... then you need to leave too. *
There’s no one left to help me. My *
family has deserted the city, *
they’ve deserted me. They know *
what’s going to happen. *
BENNET
No, I’m staying with you. You
saved my daughter’s life, I told
you I owed you for that. Consider
this payback.
PETER
Yeah, but if I can’t stop Sylar, if
I lose it, I could...
Bennet pulls out a large handgun.
BENNET
Then I’ll put you down myself.
Don’t worry... I’m a pretty good
shot.
NATHAN
Thank you, Mr. Bennet.
BENNET
Call me Noah.
They both walk down the empty street.
25 INT. KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING - HALLWAY - NIGHT 25
Mohinder tends to DL’s wounds while Molly is on the lookout.
MOLLY
The guards are coming.
Micah and Niki come into the hallway.
MICAH
Dad!
DL can barely speak.
DL
Micah...
MOHINDER
We have to go!
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 36.
Niki uses her strength to pull the handle out of the door.
Molly and Micah run to the elevator.
MOLLY
It won’t work.
MICAH
Yes it will.
Micah places his hand over the elevator BUTTON. Electrical
circuits BUZZ and WHIR until the elevator reaches their
floor. Micah gives Molly a smile.
All five of the group run into the elevator. Just as the
GUARDS BURST through the door and run to the elevator--
We see that the elevator doors have just barely closed.
26 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA - NIGHT 26
Kirby Plaza is eerily quiet as Peter and Bennet arrive. The
Kirby Plaza building lies on one side of the acre of cement.
A large modern statue of two spiraling staircases sits in the
middle, and a parking lot sits on the opposite side.
PETER
Are you sure he’s here? There’s
not many places to hide.
BENNET
Positive.
PETER
In that case, he’ll be in plain
sight.
We see Sylar standing behind Bennet. As Bennet reaches for
his gun, Sylar throws him several dozen yards away and he
SMASHES into the side of Kirby Plaza building.
SYLAR
Didn’t I kill you already?
PETER
Didn’t take.
Both Peter and Sylar throw their hands out, but Sylar seems
to be stronger. Peter GRASPS at his own throat as Sylar
SQUEEZES the life out of him. Sylar laughs in delight.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 37.
SYLAR
There’s nothing you can do, Peter!
There’s nothing anyone can do!
Parkman comes out of nowhere and fires four bullets at Sylar.
Sylar stops all four a few feet in front of him and FIRES
them back into Parkman’s chest. Parkman SLUMPS to the ground
and is (OK, fine) hopefully dead. *
DL, Micah, Molly, Niki, and Mohinder run out of Kirby Plaza
Building. Upon seeing Peter in trouble, Niki sets DL to the
ground and runs to the nearest PARKING METER.
Niki rips the meter from its hinges, and hurls it at Sylar
like a javelin. Her form and aim are perfect, but before the
meter impales Sylar, he freezes it in midair without looking
back. Sylar turns around to face the assailant and releases
Peter.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
Quite an arm she’s got.
Peter gasps for air on all fours while staring at Niki, who
is leading Micah and DL into the plaza parking lot. Despite
the pain, Peter slowly cracks a smile.
Sylar grabs the meter with his mind, and swings it around
like a baseball bat in an attempt to crush Peter’s head.
Peter grabs the meter from Sylar with relative ease and
SMASHES Sylar in the back with it. Sylar FLIES a several
yards away before landing in a slump on the ground.
27 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA PARKING LOT -NIGHT 27
Niki leads Micah and DL to a fairly nice luxury car. Niki
SMASHES the driver’s side window and unlocks the doors. All
three enter the car. Micah, who sits on the passenger side,
places his hand on the KEY SLOT to the ignition and starts
the car.
NIKI
We need to find the nearest
hospital.
MICAH
I got it.
Micah places his hand on the dashboard. A GPS navigation
system pops out of the dash and states the nearest hospital’s
name, then gives them the first direction.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 38.
28 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA - NIGHT 28
Peter walks toward an injured Sylar, meter in hand, but Sylar
unexpectedly throws his arm out, and the meter melts into a
pile of liquid goo in Peter’s hands.
SYLAR
A valiant effort, Peter.
The ground beneath Peter begins to freeze. Sylar gets up
with great difficulty. As he gets up, Peter’s FEET become
frozen to the ground. Peter struggles futilely. Sylar
stands up higher, and Peter’s LEGS become frozen. Higher,
and his WAIST. Sylar smiles widely.
Peter throws out his hands and Sylar sails through the air
for several dozen yards. Peter is now frozen from the
stomach down, and he can do nothing against it.
Sylar groans loudly and blood drips from his mouth. Claire
runs into the plaza, unknowingly coming within twenty yards
of Sylar. Sylar opens his eyes and recognizes her.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
You!
PETER
Claire! Move!
Peter becomes hysterical.
PETER (CONT'D)
CLAIRE!
Claire tries to run away, but Sylar grabs her and brings her
within a few yards. Sylar looks at her in fascination. She
is terrified
SYLAR
You were my only obstacle toward
immortality. Toward becoming a
God.
Sylar begins to cut her forehead. She screams horribly.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
I truly am sorry, Claire. You
really are a very special girl.
This is just the way it has to be.
Peter screams Claire’s name hysterically.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 39.
PETER
CLAIRE!
CLAIRE
PETER!
His hands grow hot. Soon his entire body is glowing with
radiation. Sylar looks back at Peter.
SYLAR
Uh oh... I think someone’s getting
angry.
The ice melts around Peter’s feet. Peter is FURIOUS as he
walks toward Sylar, but after only a few steps, he falls to
the ground. He glows very, very bright and CRIES OUT in
pain.
29 EXT. ROOF OF NATHAN PATRELLI’S OFFICE BUILDING - CONTINUOUS29
Nathan and his mother wait for the helicopter on top of the
roof of the building. The night is cold, and they are both
growing impatient.
MRS. PETRELLI
That damn thing should have been
here ten minutes ago.
Nathan walks over to the edge of the building. He can barely
see Kirby Plaza a few blocks away. A distinct orange light
is clearly visible.
NATHAN
Ma!
Nathan motions for his mother to come. She looks out over
the edge of the building and looks slightly nervous.
MRS. PETRELLI
There’s still plenty of time.
30 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA - CONTINUOUS 30
Sylar becomes frustrated. While he is making progress, the
cut is continuously heals itself. Sylar doubles his efforts,
and Claire CRIES twice as loud.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 40.
31 EXT. ROOF OF NATHAN PATRELLI’S OFFICE BUILDING 31
Claire’s CRY is clearly heard by both Nathan and his mother
over the silent night. Nathan looks concerned.
MRS. PETRELLI
I know it’s tragic, Nathan... but
this is her part to play.
Nathan talks quickly in a PANIC.
NATHAN
I could be back in a few minutes,
if the chopper leaves I’ll just
catch up to you...
MRS. PETRELLI
(furious)
Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare!
You are obligated to stay here.
There’s nothing you can do!
NATHAN
Obligated?
Nathan chuckles a bit and starts to realize the weight of the
word.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Obligated... Obligated...
32 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING 32
Suddenly Hiro, slightly confused, teleports himself within
thirty yards of Sylar, but sees Claire and understands what
is going on within a few seconds.
He teleports to a dying Claire, but as soon as he touches
her, Sylar throws him as far away as he can.
Hiro disappears before being smashed against the building
wall.
33 INT. NATHAN PATRELLI’S OFFICE - HOURS EARLIER 33
Nathan is alone in a very dark office. He gathers a few
papers and places them in his briefcase before snapping it
shut. Suddenly, he feels a presence in the room.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 41.
NATHAN
Hello?
A dark figure moves in the shadows.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Who’s there?
HIRO
Hello, Flying Man.
The confusion is cleared up.
34 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA BUILDING 34
Peter continues to WRITHE in pain and anger as the glowing
intensifies.
CLAIRE
Dad!
This CALL, which lasts for several seconds, causes Bennet to
spring up.
35 EXT. ROOF OF NATHAN PATRELLI’S OFFICE BUILDING - CONTINUOUS35
The word, Dad, still ECHOES, loud and clear, in the night
wind. It echoes in Nathan’s mind for far longer. He takes
off his overcoat and tie.
MRS. PETRELLI
Nathan!
Nathan runs for the edge of the roof. His mother shrieks in
desperation.
MRS. PETRELLI (CONT'D)
Nathan!
Nathan turns back for a moment.
NATHAN
Some things are more important, ma.
He runs and dives over the edge of the roof, as if into a
lake.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 42.
36 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA - CONTINUOUS 36
Nathan lands in Kirby Plaza. Sylar stands in between Bennet
and Nathan.
Even though he realizes it’s useless, Bennet takes his gun
and FIRES a single bullet at Sylar’s head.
As expected, the bullet FREEZES inches in front of Sylar and
he sends it STRAIT BACK to Bennet.
Nathan moves LIGHTNING QUICK and CRASHES into Bennet.
Bennet’s gun FLIES away from his hand and both men TUMBLE
together until they stop. Bennet looks at Nathan bewildered.
Nathan OPENS his hand to show Bennet the bullet.
NATHAN
I guess everyone has to be a hero
sometimes.
He looks to Claire with grief and regret. A missed
opportunity in his life...
Nathan fires STRAIGHT UP then SWOOPS DOWN into Sylar. He
moves so fast that Sylar doesn’t have time to react. Like a
pendulum, he grabs Sylar then SWOOPS BACK UP into the night
sky. The camera can’t follow them...
Everything is silent for a few moments...
Claire’s cut heals and she wipes the blood away from her
forehead. She’s shaken but seems fine.
Nathan has nearly lost consciousness. The blazing glow fades
in and out with every breath that he takes.
Suddenly, a DOT appears in the night sky. Then a second one.
Both dots fall for several seconds, becoming bigger and
bigger until they can be easily recognized as Nathan and
Sylar. Nathan falls and crashes into the asphalt with a loud
and SICKENING THUD. A large pool of blood gathers around
him.
A few seconds later Sylar falls out of the sky with both
hands out. As he gets closer to the ground, chunks of cement
FLY OUT all around where he is about to land. He pushes
against the ground with his mind as hard as he can. His
landing is relatively soft. He glances at Claire for a
moment, but then turns around and faces Peter. He decides
that there are more important things to be done.
He dusts himself off and walks up to Peter.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 43.
SYLAR
Hey Peter!
Peter’s slowly lifts his head up.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
Looks like I’m the hero. You’re
the villain.
He laughs.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
People will be telling my story for
centuries to come... How Sylar
Stopped the Exploding Man.
Hiro teleports ten yards away, sword held to his side. He
exudes a confidence and resolve that we’ve never seen before.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
You again.
Hiro calmly walks toward Sylar. Sylar laughs heartily at
Hiro’s demeanor. As Sylar throws out his hand, a SECOND HIRO
appears at Sylar’s side. The Second Hiro swings his sword
efficiently, but Sylar is quick enough to dodge the blow.
The first Hiro disappears. Then the second.
Sylar stands dazed for a few moments.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
Oh shi-
Hiro APPEARS behind Sylar’s back and STABS at him. Sylar
dodges the blow with an inhuman speed.
A SECOND HIRO appears. A THIRD. A FOURTH. Sylar is now
dodging blows nearly quicker than the eye can see. Sylar
takes a SWORD from one of the Hiros and begins to BLOCK,
PARRY, and THRUST. His technique is poor, but his speed more
than makes up for it. Hiros are teleporting in and out in
random fashion. Sylar has a hard time keeping up.
CUT TO:
Claire sees Peter from across the Plaza and notices Bennet’s
gun near the Plaza Building. She runs towards it, grabs it,
and runs toward Peter.
CLAIRE
Peter!
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 44.
Peter’s head lifts up. He becomes more attentive, and gets
up shakily. The light emanating from him is blinding. The
BOOMS and CRACKLE of a RADIOACTIVE THUNDERSTORM can be heard.
Claire has the gun trained on him.
PETER
Claire... Claire. Do it.
Claire’s eyes tear up.
CLAIRE
There has to be another way.
PETER
There is no other way. Everyone is
going to die. Do it!
CLAIRE
I can’t... I can’t.
CUT TO:
On the other side of the plaza Team Hiro continues to battle
Sylar. Sylar must now BLOCK several attacks every second.
CLOSE on one Hiro as he teleports out of the battle.
That Hiro now stands in a quieter Kirby Plaza. Although he
is confused at first, he notices Sylar ten yards away impaled
upon another Hiro’s sword. The first Hiro looks on smugly
and teleports out.
Hiro appears in the middle of battle again. The sword fight
continues, but it is clear that Sylar is becoming exhausted.
The number of Hiros is slowly decreasing.
THREE Hiros -- TWO Hiros -- ONE Hiro --
Eventually all Hiros have disappeared. Sylar stands alone,
hunched over with his EYES CLOSED, trying to regain his
breath. He drops the sword and it CLANGS to the ground.
SYLAR
This is... impossible.
A sense of deep sadness and grief overcome Sylar.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
I don’t understand...
Hiro APPEARS directly in front of Sylar and quickly IMPALES
him through the heart. In the background we see a SECOND
HIRO looking smug before teleporting out.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 45.
SYLAR (CONT'D)
I can’t... understand... *
Sylar drops to the ground, dead. Hiro grasps his sword in
both hands and continuously stabs into Sylar, screaming
‘Yatta!’ after every thrust. *
Hiro drops the sword and smiles broadly. His happiness is
short lived, however, and his expression quickly turns to
HORROR. BLOOD seeps from his mouth, even though he is
unscathed, and he begins to fall over.
CLOSE on his eyes. They are fearful, but something is
different. His eyes slowly separate into two different sets.
As this happens, a BOOMING RIP is heard, like the sound of a
giant zipper. As he collapses, he splits into two separate
Hiros, and they both fall over in slightly different
directions. Strange things will happen when you push
boundaries of space-time too far...
CUT TO:
On the other side, Claire keeps the gun trained on Peter.
PETER
(tired, hopeless)
Claire. You have to. I don’t care
anymore, Claire. It has to be
done.
CLAIRE
No...
Claire drops the gun.
PETER
What, what are you doing?!
CLAIRE
I can’t...
PETER
We are all GOING TO DIE!
Claire realizes her stupidity, her desperation, but still
can’t bring herself to pick up the gun.
CLAIRE *
We’ll be fine. We’ll be fine... *
She speaks desperately, trying to believe the words that come *
out of her mouth. *
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 46.
A few seconds pass, and Peter is barely conscious now, almost *
delirious. *
PETER *
I thought you were dead. *
CLAIRE *
I’m fine. Your brother, he came *
out of nowhere. Flew Sylar away. *
Claire walks close to Peter... *
CLAIRE (CONT'D) *
He really does love you Peter. We *
all do. *
PETER *
That’s good... I’m happy. *
Radioactive lightning bolts burst out of Peter and CRACKLE in *
the night sky. *
They hug tightly, and Peter kisses Claire on the forehead, *
like a brother to a younger sister. *
These things that Peter feels -- *
His GRIEF that his family had abandoned him -- *
His HELPLESSNESS in stopping that which is seemingly *
inevitable -- *
His RAGE at the thought that one of the only people he cares *
about would be brutally murdered-- *
All these feelings melt away in Claire’s arms, as does the *
blinding glow from Peter’s body. *
The glow ebbs, becomes lighter and lighter, until he soon *
returns to a normal state. His eyes roll back into his head *
and he BLACKS OUT onto the concrete. *
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
37 EXT. KIRBY PLAZA - NIGHT 37
It’s been at twenty minutes since Peter lost consciousness.
It is nearly morning. EMERGENCY CARS have crowded Park
Plaza. DOZENS OF PEOPLE hurriedly run from one place to
another.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 47.
Someone in a HOODED SWEATSHIRT watches the two identical *
corpses of Hiro in confusion and horror as they are raised
into beds. *
CLOSE on hooded sweatshirt man’s face. We see that it is *
another Hiro. *
HIRO
Great Scott...
Hiro walks away slowly with his head down, so he’s not seen.
CUT TO:
Mohinder inaudibly talks to police officers as they jot down
notes. Molly is close by.
Mohinder and Molly notice Parkman being ROLLED into an
EMERGENCY VEHICLE. Mohinder looks at Molly and notices that
her eyes have welled up.
CUT TO:
Claire and Peter huddle together on the ground in a blanket.
No one seems to notice.
CLAIRE
So what now?
PETER
I don’t know... I guess everyone
lays low for awhile, let this mess
die down.
CLAIRE
I could definitely use a little of
that.
PETER
Me too...
They stare at the chaos for a few moments.
*
She looks at his hands.
CLAIRE *
Will it go off again someday?
Peter stares at his HANDS intently. CLOSE on hands. They *
give off a LIGHT GLOW that quickly fades away. *
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 48.
PETER *
I don’t think it will. *
Bennet walks over to the two and gives a disapproving look.
CLAIRE
I’ve found us a ride, Claire. We
need to get out of here before
people start asking questions.
Claire avoids eye contact with her dad and stands up, as does
Peter.
PETER
Looks like we did it, Noah.
BENNET
Yeah, yeah we did good... We did
good.
They reach out and shake each other’s hand.
PETER
Thank you... For everything.
Noah nods and puts his arm around Claire’s shoulder. Both
groups head off in opposite directions.
PETER (CONT'D)
Claire!
Claire turns around momentarily.
PETER (CONT'D)
You’re totally my hero.
Claire smiles affectionately as Peter turns invisible and
disappears into the crowd.
BENNET
Let’s go home.
CLAIRE
Home where? Our house burned down.
BENNET
Home is anywhere our family is
together.
They share a moment and walk off. *
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 49.
38 INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT 38
Niki holds Micah in her arms. A DOCTOR approaches as Niki
WIPES A TEAR from her face. The camera WIDENS and we can’t
hear the conversation they have. Upon hearing what the
doctor said Niki begins CRYING uncontrollably and holds Micah
tightly.
40 INT. ISAAC MENDEZ’S LOFT - NIGHT 40
A few POLICE OFFICERS enter the loft and are followed by
Molly and Mohinder. The officers immediately spot Ando’s
body and RUSH over to him. Mohinder and Molly walk into the
center of the circle of portraits. Mohinder walks from
painting to painting. The content of the paintings all make
sense. Except for one...
Mohinder stops and inspects it closely, then looks to Molly.
CLOSE on the painting. Sylar is in the middle of a healthy
New York City. Thousands of people are worshipping at his
feet.
41 INT. HOSPITAL BATHROOM- NIGHT 41
Niki walks into the woman’s bathroom and starts to CRY
uncontrollably. She blindly reaches for paper towels and
dries off her eyes and nose. She looks into the mirror only
to find --
DL
Hello, Niki.
Niki jumps back in fear.
NIKI
No... no.
DL
Listen to me Niki. I love you.
You have to be strong now, for
Micah.
NIKI
No, no, no. This isn’t happening,
you’re dead.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 50.
DL
I might be dead, but this is
happening. Please, Niki, just
listen to me.
NIKI
No! No, no, NO!
Niki SMASHES the bathroom glass with her fist and it falls
into SHARDS around her. She becomes hysterical and begins to
cry uncontrollably again. She stumbles and is about to fall
into a stall door until...
She PHASES through the door, and her head collides with the
toilet. She lies unconscious on the floor.
42 INT. HOSPITAL MORGUE - NIGHT 42
We follow behind a hospital ORDERLY and a DOCTOR walking down
the hall toward the morgue.
ORDERLY
Looks like we’ve got half a dozen
deaths at Kirby Plaza that need
post mortem examination.
DOCTOR
Yes, that seems right.
The voice sounds familiar.
ORDERLY
Most seem to have died under the
most bizarre circumstances... sword
wounds... identical twins.
They are standing in front of the MORGUE DOORS.
DOCTOR
Yes. Excuse me, but could you run
to Jan and tell her that she can
have the rest of the night? I’ll
probably be down here all tonight
and into the next morning.
ORDERLY
Of course, doctor.
The orderly walks off as the doctor OPENS the morgue doors.
The six bodies lie in two rows of three. Sylar, DL, Parkman,
Nathan, and the Hiro twins. The doctor LOCKS the door behind
him.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 51.
DOCTOR
Well then.
CLOSE on the doctor’s face. It’s Linderman.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Let’s get to work.
FADE OUT.
HEROES S1E23 "How to Stop an Exploding Man" 2/12/2007 52. |
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Heroes
