Highlander

Episode Transcripts

 

SEASON FOUR
Episode 18: Through a Glass, Darkly

Written by Alan Swayze
Directed by Dennis Berry
Aired: May 12, 1996
 
Transcript revised: 12-24-20

 

/ Episode Screencaps /

 

Zzickle's Notes:

I don't own Highlander - if I did, I would've given Methos his own show! The contents of this transcript are taken directly from the episode (with the help of closed captions and the DVD script), to the best of my ability. Huge thanks to Andy Sloane and his exhaustive lists of Highlander shooting locations for assistance with my Locations List. If you have any other location-related questions, you can email him at [karateusa at hotmail dot com].

If you want to post this transcript on your site, please let me know where it is going so I can visit it. Also, please post it with my name (Zzickle) and website (http://www.zzickle.com/) on it.

You are more than welcome to use these transcripts in your fanfiction stories, no notification required.

STARRING:

Duncan MacLeod - Adrian Paul
              the Highlander

GUEST STARS:

Adam Pierson / Methos - Peter Wingfield
              Watcher / 5,000 y.o. Immortal

Warren Goddard/Cochrane - Dougray Scott
              Scottish Immortal

Andrew Donnelly - Gresby Nash
              Cochrane's student

Bonnie Prince Charlie - Struan Rodger
              in flashbacks

FEATURING:

Nancy Goddard - Laura Marine
              Cochrane's wife

Inspector Deon - Luc Bernard
              at police station

Innkeeper - F. Braun McAsh
              in flashback

Sarah - Shannon Finnegan
              Cochrane's wife in FB

James - George Salmon
              Sarah's teenage son

Locations List:*
1. Cemetery - Tour César, Provins (north side, looking SE) [48.561581,3.290140]
2. Deserted building - Hopital du Saint Esprit/Le Caveau du St. Esprit, 34 Rue de Jouy, Provins [48.564828,3.284633]
3. Battlefields, woods, etc - Château du Vivier, Fontenay-Tresigny [48.685825,2.849197], woods exact location unknown
4. Alley/street near cemetery - 30 Rue Allard, Saint-Mandé [48.840458,2.414214]
5. Police station - unknown location
6. Scotland - unknown location, possibly near Château du Vivier
7. French inn - Abbaye de Royaumont, Asnieres-sur-Oise [49.147803,2.382597] & Escalier Saint Gabriel, in the Refectory of the Lay Brothers [49.147386,2.381519]
8. Shakespeare & Company bookstore - 37 Rue de la Bûcherie [48.852555,2.347168]
9. Bookstore cellar - Hôtel-Dieu de Provins / Les Souterrains, 3 Rue Saint-Thibault, Provins [48.561072,3.295022]
10. Cochrane's house (estab) - unknown location
11. Cochrane's house - somewhere at Abbaye de Royaumont, Asnieres-sur-Oise
12. Snowy street - 5 Place Lucien Delahaye, Saint-Mandé: SE corner of Eglise Notre-Dame [48.839407,2.417284], parked car [48.839341,2.416944]
13. Inn (establishing) - unknown location
* Locations are in/near Paris unless otherwise indicated.
= link to episode screencaps

Eurominutes: The full version of this episode runs 48 minutes, but for the domestic (US) market, this was cut shorter for commercials. "Eurominutes" are those 4-5 minutes that European fans got to see but US fans missed out on when the episodes originally aired. (Subsequent reruns on USANetwork and SciFi/Syfy may or may not adhere to the original domestic cut.) Huge thanks to Gillian Horvath for providing the tape of the official domestic cut of this episode, as it was released by the studio for the US stations.

~Official Eurominutes are bolded.
~Reruns on USA Network* (1998) & SciFi channel (1999) match the official cut, with three exceptions.
~Rerun on Syfy (2010) matches the official cut, with two exceptions.
~Rerun on Syfy (2013) matches the Syfy 2010 cut, with multiple additional exceptions.

* Special thanks to Debra Lindsay for the USA Network tape.

 
NOTE: For 'Final Shooting Script' scenes that are not present in the actual episode, click on the 'CUT' links throughout the transcript. (Affected transcript lines are <bracketed>.)

 
TEASER

Cemetery 1

[Headstone reads: ALEXA BOND - BELOVED]

Methos - She loved Greece... Santorini especially.

DM - Well, she would never have seen it if you hadn't taken her.

Methos - I think she might've liked to have been buried there, but... I didn't want her to be so far away.

DM - Come on. I'll drive you home.

Methos - [as they walk together] You know, I knew Alexa was dying. Every moment we were together, everywhere we went, I knew. And yet, when she finally closed her eyes, I was surprised.

DM - You know, the Navajo have a saying: "The spirit lives as long as someone who lives remembers you."

Methos - Aren't you a little young to be so smart? CUT <[Both sense 'buzz'. DM starts walking down side path.] MacLeod.

DM - Just looking.

 

Inside deserted building 2

[DM enters, walks through large, dimly lit room, hears a noise, whips out his sword.]

DM - I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.

Cochrane - Leave me alone. Stay away from me!

DM - Cochrane?

 

Flashback - Eriskay Island, Scotland, 1745 - battlefield 3

Cochrane - [stabs a soldier] For Charlie!

 

Inside deserted building 2

[Cochrane & DM look at each other.]

 

Flashback - Eriskay Island, Scotland, 1745 - battlefield 3

Cochrane - [stabs a soldier] For Charlie!

[Super: Eriskay Island, Scotland 1745]

[DM & Cochrane are in the midst of a battle, Scots against Redcoats.]

Cochrane - [stabs an English soldier] Bastard! [Fight continues.] Die, ya bastards!

DM - Come on!

 

Inside deserted building 2

(resume previous scene)

DM - Cochrane?

Cochrane - [runs away] Help! Help! Somebody's trying to kill me!

DM - Warren!>

[Voice-over by Joe Dawson]
He is Duncan MacLeod... the Highlander. Born in 1592 in the Highlands of Scotland, and he is still alive. He is Immortal. For four hundred years, he's been a warrior... a lover... a wanderer. Constantly facing other Immortals in combat to the death. The winner takes his enemy's head, and with it, his power. I am a Watcher -- part of a secret society of men and women who observe and record... but never interfere. We know the truth about Immortals. In the end, there can be only one. May it be Duncan MacLeod... the Highlander.

OPENING CREDITS

ACT ONE

Alley near cemetery 4

DM - I don't understand. It was as if he didn't know who I was, who he was, or what was going on.

Methos - You should be more paranoid.

DM - What are you talking about?

Methos - Hey, look. CUT Cochrane runs out screaming bloody murder. How do you react? You're confused, you're off balance, distracted. Maybe that's what he wants.

DM - You don't trust anybody, do you?

Methos - I find it safer not to make a habit of it, no. Present company excepted, of course.

DM - Look, he was my friend.

Methos - Yeah, WAS.

DM - If he wanted to face me, one of us would be dead. Warren Cochrane never walked away from a fight in his life.

 

Flashback - Eriskay Island, Scotland, 1745 - battlefield, night 3

CUT

<[Super: Eriskay Island, Scotland 1745]

[Cochrane walks through field of dead soldiers to where his fellow Scotsmen sit.]

Cochrane - [to DM] Did you see the Claremonts, eh? Father and son taking on the free English like two fiends, two glorious fiends.>

DM - Aye, I saw them fight... and I saw them die.

Cochrane - Aye, but it was a glorious death, Duncan. You know, sometimes I think I would-- [looks around, leans closer] I'd give up my immortality to have a son. [looks around again] Look at them. Look at the men. I mean, look at them. They're ready for anything.

DM - Aye. If bravery was all we needed, then England would be ours by now.

Cochrane - She will be. She will be. And Bonnie Prince Charlie at her head, eh?

DM - I'll be content with Scotland, if our luck holds.

Cochrane - Luck? What's that got to do with it? I mean, what could stop us?

DM - A well-trained English army. I hear the prince wants to attack Derby.

Cochrane - Really?

DM - Aye.

Cochrane - Oh, that's our Charlie... right down the English throat! It's bloody brilliant!

DM - Is it? First Edinburgh, then Prestonpans... Derby won't be a stroll in the heather. It's too much, too soon.

Cochrane - Trust your prince. Do you know, when we're done, Charlie will sit on the royal throne of Scotland. The one true king... and us at his side, eh?

DM - [chuckles] I'll drink to that. [holds up flask] To victory, and to Scotland. [drinks]

Cochrane - To Charlie.

DM & Cochrane - [turn toward men, call out together] To Charlie!

Men - [raise their drinks in reply] To Charlie! To Charlie!

 

Street near cemetery 4

Methos - All I'm saying is don't take anything for granted.

Man on P.A. - [as police car screeches to a halt by them] You! This is the police! Stay where you are!

DM - [to Methos] Leave. [Methos leaves.]

Deon - [gets out of police car] Excuse me, sir.

DM - Yeah?

Deon - Inspector Deon. Are you Duncan MacLeod?

DM - Yes, I am.

Deon - Can you tell me where you've been the last few hours?

DM - Why? Is there a problem?

Deon - We have a man who swears you attacked him with a sword.

DM - [chuckles] What would I be doing with a sword?

Deon - Would you mind coming with me?

DM - No.

Deon - Please.

DM - [clarifies] I wouldn't.

 

Inside police station bull pen 5

Deon - The guy's got no I.D., no idea who he is. I think he's a little confused.

DM - Uh, well, maybe I can identify him anyway.

Policeman - [hands Deon a folder] Inspector.

Deon - [takes folder] Thanks. [looks at folder contents] Mm. Did you send for his wife?

Policeman - Yes, sir.

Deon - [to DM] The missing persons match came through while I was out. His wife should be on her way down. Looks like you can go home.

DM - Well, maybe I could talk to him. I might be able to help.

Policeman - [leading Cochrane into bull pen] Sit there. [Cochrane sits.]

Deon - Then you know Mr. Goddard? [DM & Cochrane sense each other's 'buzz'.] Mr. Warren Goddard?

DM - [looking at Cochrane] Yeah, we're old friends.

Deon - But you didn't see him this morning?

[Cochrane continues to react to 'buzz'.]

DM - Well, as you said, he must've been a little confused.

Cochrane - [looks up, sees DM] That's him! That's the man!

Deon - [approaches Cochrane] Mr. Goddard, this man says he's your friend.

Cochrane - I don't know him. And I don't know any Goddard.

DM - Warren, listen. Listen to me. Think. Think Helensburgh, near Dumbarton, where you were born. That little inn by the Clyde where the mistress of the house served you blueberries in clotted cream, and you drank that disgusting dark rum that you liked.

Cochrane - And her daughter served you something better.

Deon - Mr. Goddard, you know this man.

Cochrane - [suddenly flinches away] No! No! I don't know ye!

DM - [grabs him in a hug] You do know me. We were the best of friends.

 

Flashback - Scotland, 1746 - before the battle of Culloden 6

[Super: Scotland 1746 / Before The Battle of Culloden]

Scottish soldier - [looks at bodies of dead Scots and Englishmen] Ahh. The English bastards know we're coming.

DM - Not these ones. Cochrane saw to that.

Scottish soldier - And now he's dead... before the battle's even joined.

DM - Aye, but he died fightin' like a man, fightin' for his prince and his country! We'll do no less tomorrow. Take them, meet the others. I've a friend to see. Go. [Scotsmen leave. DM kneels by Cochrane's body, pulls knife from his chest. Cochrane gasps, then sits up suddenly, grabbing at DM.] No, no. Warren, it's me.

<Cochrane - Did I get them? Did I get them? Did I get them? Bastards! There was thirty of them... CUT

DM - Aye. You got them. [helps Cochrane to his feet]

Cochrane - Waitin' for us.

DM - [motions toward dead bodies] He died well.

Cochrane - It was English trickery cost us this battle.>

DM - Trickery be damned. We were out-flanked, out-maneuvered. We weren't ready for them!

Cochrane - What are you saying? You blame Charlie for losing?

DM - I'm with Charlie to the death, but I see what I see. Open your eyes, man. He may be the one true prince and the man that Scotland needs to believe in... but he's no' the man to lead us in war.

Cochrane - You disloyal bastard. [punches DM]

DM - No man on earth can call me that.

Cochrane - Duncan, forgive me, eh? You're my best friend, it's just... being stuck by that English pig must've done it. Forget I said it, eh?

DM - Aye. [hits Cochrane] This time.

Cochrane - Come on. The boys need every arm for the fight.

DM - [stops him] They saw you dead, a blade through your heart. You know what that means. You have to leave.

Cochrane - But I've lived for this. This is our moment, MacLeod! The prince is ready, the men are ready, the enemy's waiting. The glory time's here!

DM - Aye, and we'll give them our best. But you'll not be there.

Cochrane - Then you'll have to fight for us both. [They lock arms.] Be strong, for me... and for Charlie.

DM - For all of us.

Cochrane - Bring us glory on Culloden Moor, MacLeod. You will not lose. You cannot lose!

[DM nods, turns away.]

 

Inside police station bull pen 5

(resume previous scene)

DM - Is there anything you can remember? Anything at all? Anything about us?

 

<Flashback - outside abandoned French inn 7 CUT

Cochrane - This is what I've brought you to see, Andrew. Two hundred and fifty years ago, on this very spot, Bonnie Prince Charlie met me to fight for a free Scotland. And she will be free, even if it takes both our Immortal lives to do it.

Andrew - I've heard it before, Warren. Give it a rest.>

 

Inside police station bull pen 5

(resume previous scene)

Cochrane - Nothing that makes any sense. [Flash of a raised sword.] 7 A sword... [Flash of a Quickening.] 7 Lightning...

DM - [to Deon] Would you give us a moment, please?

Nancy - [enters] Warren. [kisses Cochrane] Thank God they found you. What happened? Where did you go?

Cochrane - I -- I don't know. I don't know you. [to DM] Do I know her?

DM - That's your wife. [to Nancy] Did the police tell you?

Nancy - Yes, they told me. I guess I just didn't realize... [turns to DM] Nancy Goddard.

DM - I'm Duncan MacLeod. I'm an old friend of Warren's. Um, did he, uh, talk about his past, about us?

Nancy - I don't think he ever mentioned you. Warren never talks much about himself.

DM - But where has he been? When was the last time you saw him? Anything.

Nancy - He left on Friday to do some research in Normandy. He was only supposed to be gone a couple of days. I think I'd better get him home. [to Cochrane] Come on, Warren. Let's go.

DM - Uh, can I talk to him for a couple of minutes?

Nancy - Thanks... we'll be all right. [to Cochrane] Come on. [escorts Cochrane out]

 

<Establishing shot: Shakespeare & Company bookshop 8 CUT

DM - [voice-over] Methos?

Methos - [voice-over] I'm down here in the cellar. There's a fake wall on your right.>

 

Cellar 9

Methos - [as DM enters] Been storing stuff down here for years. Apparently Paris is prone to flooding in the winter. [adds wet page to line of drying pages strung around the room]

DM - Well, just be thankful you don't own a barge. It's not that bad.

Methos - You can read them at least. That's the main thing. How's your Latin?

DM - Well, it's either rusty or I'm looking at a recipe for sea anemones.

Methos - Apicius. Everyone's favorite early Roman cook. What he could do with lentils and chestnuts. Mmm! Looked like road tar, but tasted--! I'll cook it for you sometime.

DM - [without enthusiasm] Great.

Methos - Okay. You didn't come here to exchange recipes.

DM - Look, I saw Cochrane. He doesn't remember me. He doesn't remember his wife. He doesn't remember his life, anything. It's-- I just didn't think Immortals got amnesia.

Methos - Well, it can't be physical. IF he's not faking it, he must've had one hell of an emotional shock. How did he react when you told him what he is?

DM - I didn't get the chance. <Look, I need some information from you.

Methos - Oh, no, no, no, no. I've got to keep a low profile.

DM - Come on, Methos. This is important to me.

Methos - [relents] Okay.

DM - Thanks.> CUT

Methos - What would it be like, do you think?

DM - What, to forget everything?

Methos - To start fresh. Maybe it's a blessing.

DM - Until someone comes and takes your head. A
 

ACT TWO

Establishing shot: Cochrane's house 10
 

Inside Cochrane's house 11

[Cochrane stares at sword on wall.]

[Flashes of Eriskay Island battle.
Cochrane - Die, ya bastards!]
3

[Cochrane raises his hands to his temples.] B

[More flashes of Eriskay Island battle.] 3

[Nancy enters room.]

<Nancy - Don't you remember, Warren? You were born in Killiecrankie in 1964.> CUT

Cochrane - Are, uh, these things mine?

Nancy - You've collected them for years. You said you liked to imagine Scotland as she once was.

[More flashes of Eriskay Island battle.] 3

Cochrane - You, uh-- You said I was a writer?

Nancy - You write travel books. That's where you went last week -- on a research trip. Can you remember that?

 

<Inside abandoned French inn, night 7 CUT

Andrew - The next time you want to visit a museum, do it during daylight hours.

Cochrane - This is the place. [Flash of Cochrane & DM with Charlie in the inn.] He stood right here. Bonnie Prince Charlie himself. [Flash of Cochrane & DM with Charlie in the inn.] This is where it happened.

Andrew - [scoffs] You mean where it almost happened.

Cochrane - That's right. If MacLeod hadn't lost his nerve, Charlie would've joined me.

Andrew - And the English would've squashed your army like so many bugs.

Cochrane - You can't know that.

Andrew - No? I read the history, Warren. And not just the crap that you've been drumming into my skull. There'd have been ten thousand more dead Scots, and nothing would've changed.

Cochrane - Shut up! You think I took you in so you can piss away your birthright? You have an obligation.

Andrew - No, I don't have squat!

Cochrane - If anything happens to me, you'll be the one -- you'll carry on my dream.>

 

Inside Cochrane's house 11

(resume previous scene)

Cochrane - I... remember, um... marching. The clans joining together... I can feel a sword in my hand, and I can smell the gun powder. I turn and I strike, and I can hear the screams of dying men. What's happening to me?

 

Snowy street 12

Methos - [as DM approaches] Okay, I'm telling you, you getting involved with this guy is a mistake.

DM - Look, he was my friend and he's in trouble. What do you want me to do, walk away?

Methos - I would.

DM - Put it like this: If he doesn't know who he is, then he's a danger to all of us.

Methos - So lure him outside and take his head. Problem solved.

DM - You know, I never know when you're kidding.

Methos - Part of my charm. [reaches into car, removes folder] Okay. I pulled his file. CUT He's been using this Goddard identity for about fifteen years. He writes travel books -- uh, 'Historical England,' 'Historical Scotland,' that sort of thing.

DM - [looking through file] His wife said he was on a research trip when he disappeared. Any idea where?

Methos - [scoffs] I think you overestimate the efficiency of the Watcher network.

<DM - Really? [tosses page from folder on the ground] Oops.

Methos - [lunges after paper] MacLeod!

DM - [tosses another page on the ground] Oops.> CUT

Methos - No, look, I'll do what I can, okay?

DM - Good. [hands folder back to him] I'll talk to you later.

Methos - [under his breath] Boy Scout.

DM - [turns back] What did you say?

Methos - Nothing.

DM - Didn't think so.

 

Establishing shot: Cochrane's house 10
 

Inside Cochrane's house 11

Cochrane - This is insane. You're crazier than I am! [laughs] Immortals living forever? Oh, yeah.

DM - Just tell me what you remember.

Cochrane - Nothing! C My name is Warren Goddard. I was born in Killecrankie in 1964. My parents were killed in a car crash when I was sixteen.

DM - You're not Warren Goddard. You're Warren Cochrane, born in Helensburgh near Strathclyde in 1485. Your parents were killed by the English in Flodden Field in 1513, and so were you!

Cochrane - You're mad.

DM - No! I'm an Immortal like you.

Cochrane - Stop it, stop it, stop it! Leave me alone!

DM - What are you hiding from?

Cochrane - I don't-- I don't know! I -- I -- I don't remember!

DM - [grabs him] You have to remember!

Cochrane - Get off me.

DM - Damn you! [stabs Cochrane's hand with a letter opener] Now look at it. Look! Look at it! [Cochrane watches the wound close.] It's true, Warren. We've known each other for over three hundred years.

[Cochrane looks back at his hand, completely healed.] 1 (this is NOT in the DVD version!)

 

Flashback - The coast of Normandy, 1786 - campfire by stream 3

[Super: The Coast of Normandy 1786]

James - Warren, are we really going to see Bonnie Prince Charlie?

Cochrane - Aye, James. The Bonnie Prince himself. Come to France all the way from Italy just to meet us.

James - What's he like?

Cochrane - Oh, he's a -- he's a great man. A great leader. You know, without Charlie, there's no Scotland. But with him, I can raise an army of ten thousand men.

James - Ten thousand men?

Cochrane - Aye. Inside a week. [hears horse whinny nearby, grabs his sword, senses 'buzz' as DM rides up] MacLeod! Ha! You're just in time for supper.

DM - [dismounts] Are you mad, man? The English could have followed us from across the Channel!

Cochrane - The English? Not Warren Cochrane. [DM stomps out their campfire.] What are you doing? You've ruined our supper for nothing!

DM - We'll be in danger all the way. Send Sarah and James back to Scotland. No offense, Sarah.

Cochrane - What, and have them miss the chance for the great man? Not to be there, when he claims his throne?

DM - Warren, send them back while you can.

Cochrane - You've too high an opinion of the English, MacLeod. Maybe you've lived with them too long, eh?

[A gunshot rings out nearby.]

DM - Go! Go! [Another gunshot.]

Cochrane - Down, down, down!

DM - [looking out from behind a tree] I make it two of them. [Another gunshot.] If we keep low, we can get away.

Cochrane - What, and miss our one chance with Charlie? Cold day in hell. [to Sarah and James] Stay down.

DM - Warren. Warren, come back here. [Another gunshot as Warren takes off toward the gunmen.] Damn you, man. [Another gunshot.] James, stay with your mother. For God's sake, stay low. [grabs pistol from horse's saddlebag, takes off after Warren, follows him across footbridge] Warren.

 

[meanwhile]

[James runs over to grab nearby musket.]

Sarah - [hushed] James! [Gunman shoots James.] No! [stands, moves toward James, is shot by gunman]

Cochrane - [comes up behind gunmen as they are reloading their muskets] Gentlemen! [Man #1 attacks him. Man #2 tries to shoot him, but his musket doesn't fire.]

DM - Oh, keep your powder dry. [Cochrane laughs. Man #2 charges at DM, who shoots him with the pistol. Man #1 attacks Cochrane with a knife. Cochrane stabs him with it.] <Ach, Cochrane. I dunna believe you, Cochrane.

Cochrane - What?

DM - What? What do you mean, "what"?

Cochrane - What?

DM - [heads back to the campfire with Cochrane] Who do you think you're playing at, Rob Roy McGregor himself?

Cochrane - Nah, nah, nah.> CUT Will you stop? If there was others, they'd be here by now.

DM - Oh, aye, you should know. It was your smoke that brought them.

Cochrane - Shut up. Anyway, all's well that ends well, eh? [tosses knife in the air & catches it] I've an English knife for James' keepsake. [Both freeze as they see Sarah and James' bodies.] No. No! 2

 

Inside Cochrane's house 11

(resume previous scene)

Cochrane - No! No more!

DM - Sorry. Something's making you forget, Warren. What is it? What happened last weekend?

 

<Inside abandoned French inn, night 7 CUT

Cochrane - Shut up! You think I took you in so you can piss away your birthright? [Andrew rolls his eyes.] D You have an obligation.

Andrew - No, I don't have squat!

Cochrane - If anything happens to me, you'll be the one -- you'll carry on my dream.

Andrew - And spend another three hundred years on a lost cause? No, thanks. You see this, Warren? [holds up broken stair railing] It's dead. As dead as all the history you live for. As dead as that old fat fool Charlie.

Cochrane - Don't... say that. Don't.

Andrew - Charlie was nothing! He had nothing! Face it, Warren!

Cochrane - No!

Andrew - And your whole bloody life has been for nothing!>

 

Inside Cochrane's house 11

(resume previous scene)

DM - Warren. Warren. [holds up metal goblet] Remember Picardy, 1786?

Cochrane - [takes goblet from him] Bonnie Prince Charlie.

DM - Yeah. Bonnie Prince Charlie.

 

Establishing shot: Auberge aux Arts (?Inn of Arts?), evening 13

[Super: Auberge aux Arts / Normandy 1786]

Flashback - Normandy, 1786 - inside French inn, evening 7

CUT

Cochrane - We're about to change the course of history, MacLeod. [as Charlie comes down staircase to meet them] Even weary from his journey, he's still a man amongst men. [bows to Charlie]

Charlie - Oh, stay. We're not at court here.

Cochrane - Your Highness. Warren Cochrane, your loyal servant.

Charlie - [to DM] You seem familiar. You are...?

DM - Duncan MacLeod, Your Majesty, of the Clan MacLeod.

Charlie - The MacLeods. The MacLeods were with me at Culloden. That most terrible of days. But great fighters you were.

Cochrane - Your Highness, you only have to give the word, and I can raise an army of ten thousand men. [DM gives him a look, a bit surprised by his claim.]

Charlie - Indeed? You have the resources?

Cochrane - More than enough.

Charlie - CUT Mr. Cochrane, my thanks to you.

Cochrane - Then your answer's yes? You'll join us?

Innkeeper - [clears his throat behind them] Gentlemen, dinner is served.

Charlie - Join me for dinner, gentlemen. We have much to talk about.

DM - [as they follow Charlie] Ten thousand? You'll not raise ten men with that man at the head!

Cochrane - The devil take your life. You heard the prince. The time's right!

DM - If it was, he would nae know it.

Cochrane - This is a sacred mission, MacLeod. It's your duty!

DM - I did my duty thirty years ago. I followed him, and the clans followed me to the slaughter. I'll nae do it again.

Cochrane - We need you. Charlie needs you.

DM - Look at the man. He'll lead them to destruction. And this time we'll not recover. 'Twas a fool's errand.

Cochrane - CUT You're a traitor! [pulls his sword. DM pulls his in response. The rest of the room falls silent.] If you won't join me, you won't stop me. [They begin to fight.]

Charlie - Gentlemen! [They stop fighting and resheath their swords.] If you, my most stalwart of supporters, cannot agree upon my fitness to rule, how may then the ten thousand? I'm afraid this will never work.

Cochrane - Please, my liege. Please stay.

Charlie - I'm sorry, Mr. Cochrane. I seem to have been mistaken. I cannot lead your campaign. [leaves]

Cochrane - You've done this, MacLeod -- soiled a holy cause. I'll never forgive you for this. Never. [leaves]

 

<Inside Cochrane's house 11 CUT

(resume previous scene)

Cochrane - It was you.

DM - What?

Cochrane - It's because of you we failed. Because of you.

DM - That's not the way it was.

Cochrane - [grabs sword from table] Traitor!

DM - What are you doing?

Cochrane - You destroyed our cause. It was you who wouldn't follow Charlie.

DM - No.

Cochrane - You betrayed your prince, and you betrayed Scotland.

DM - No, I didn't. That's not the way it was. [backs away, dodging Warren's swings] Warren, that's not the way it was! That's not what happened, Warren! Try to remember!>

 

Flashback - Normandy, 1786 - inside French inn, evening 7 CUT

Cochrane - We're about to change the course of history, MacLeod. [Charlie appears at top of stairs. Cochrane & DM turn to face him. E Charlie stumbles down staircase toward them.] Even weary from his journey, he's still a man amongst men.

Charlie - [slurring] Ach, innkeeper! Fetch a man to see to these stairs. [to himself] Place is a hovel. [as Cochrane bows] Stay, man. We're not at court here.

Cochrane - Your Highness. Warren Cochrane, your loyal servant.

Charlie - Oh, yes. Cochrane. Of course, yes, yes. Yeah. I'm not meant to be here. Men everywhere. Yeah. [taps his nose] Trust no one. No one, 'specially the French. [squints at DM] You look familiar. You-- You are...?

DM - Duncan MacLeod, Your Majesty, of the Clan MacLeod.

Charlie - Ah, yes. The MacLeods. The MacLeods were with me at Culloden. Yeah, it was bad luck we had that day. Yeah. Bad luck.

DM - [to Cochrane] We're wasting our time.

Cochrane - Majesty.

Charlie - Hmm?

Cochrane - You only have to say the word, and I can raise an army of ten thousand men.

Charlie - Well, do you have the resources?

Cochrane - Oh, aye. More than enough.

Charlie - It takes money to run a court. Yes. Have to have money. I mean, exile... banquets... and the ladies.

DM - Your Majesty, we've come to talk about the army.

Charlie - Oh, yes. Of course. Of course, man. Yes. My army. Yes, of course. Yes, the army.

<Innkeeper - [clears his throat behind them] Gentlemen, dinner is served. CUT

Charlie - Oh, join me for dinner, gentlemen, eh? We have much to talk about. [stumbles drunkenly past them]

DM - [as they follow Charlie] Ten thousand men? You'll not raise ten men with that man at the head!

Cochrane - The devil you say. You heard the prince. The time's right!

DM - If it was, he would nae know it.

Cochrane - This is a sacred mission, MacLeod. It's your duty!

DM - I did my duty forty years ago. I followed him, and the clans that followed me went to the slaughter.

Cochrane - Yeah, but we need you. Charlie needs you.

DM - It's hopeless. He's hopeless. The game's over.>

[Charlie stumbles on his way to a table.]

Cochrane - Don't say that. I mean, all we have to do is dry him out and clean him up. He can still lead us.

DM - He couldn't lead a pig around the barn.

Cochrane - He'll be a figurehead. He'll be a symbol. He'll be someone that all men can rally behind and they can lay down their lives for.

DM - Aye, and if they do, they'll be wasting their lives. If Scotland's to be free, it's not with Charlie. We're twenty years too late, Warren. Come on. Let it go. It's over.

Cochrane - Don't say that. Don't say that! [pushes at DM, runs over to where Charlie has collapsed on the floor] Come on. [tries to help him up] Get up.

Charlie - I can't. I'm sorry. [sobs] I'm sorry. I can't.

Patron - [off-screen] He's lying at his feet like a dog.

DM - [shakes his head sadly] Warren, I'm sorry, but... It hurts me as much as it hurts you to see him this way -- but I'll not ask men to die for him. Not anymore. [leaves]

 

<Inside Cochrane's house 11 CUT

(resume previous scene)

Cochrane - [stumbles away from DM, walks to corner of room and leans against wall] F Charlie. Charlie.>
 

ACT THREE

Cellar 9

DM - [enters cellar, still strung with dried papers] Is this the look you're going for?

Methos - No, I got distracted. I found some texts on first-century Chinese apothecaries. Couldn't put them down.

DM - Yeah, well, at this rate it'll take you ten years to put these all away.

<Methos - You say that like it's a bad thing. CUT

DM - Methos.

Methos - [picks up Watcher folder] You and this guy Cochrane have quite some history.

DM - Yeah, I know.

Methos - Does he remember any of this?

DM - He remembers Picardy, when we went to see Bonnie Prince Charlie, but then he doesn't. It's-- His memories are all different. It was HIM that press-ganged ME into going after Charlie. Then when we got there...

 

Flashback - Normandy, 1786 - inside French inn, evening 7

DM - [voice-over] ...we found Charlie all right... the man we'd pinned our dreams on, the last hope of Scotland. He was a hopeless sot who could barely stay on his own two feet. [Charlie stumbles down the staircase.]

Cochrane - Your Highness.

DM - [voice-over] But Cochrane didn't want to see that. Maybe he couldn't see it. He'd built up this myth, this legend in his mind, and he wouldn't see it destroyed.

Charlie - [squints at DM] You look familiar. You-- You are...?

DM - Duncan MacLeod, Your Majesty, of the Clan MacLeod.

Charlie - [sober] The MacLeods. The MacLeods were with me at Culloden. That most terrible of days. [slurring] Yeah, it was bad luck we had that day.

Cochrane - You only have to give the word, and I can raise an army of ten thousand men.

Charlie - [sober] You have the resources?

Cochrane - More than enough.

Charlie - [slurring] Oh, that's well, man. My thanks to you, Mr. Cochrane.

Cochrane - Then your answer's yes? You'll join us?

Charlie - [sober] We have much to talk about. [sobbing, on the floor] I can't!

Cochrane - [trying to help Charlie to his feet in the dining room] You've got to get up, Your Majesty.

Charlie - [sobbing] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I can't.>

 

Cellar 9

(resume previous scene)

DM - The memories he's getting back are all wrong.

Methos - It's a human trait. Remembering things the way we wish they'd been. We rewrite history so we can live with it. You ask the Russians -- or come to that, ask the Americans or the British.

DM - Or the Scots -- turned a loser into a Bonnie Prince, because they needed a hero.

Methos - Does it matter what he was really like? Surely it's the legend that really matters?

DM - Right now, the truth is what matters.

Methos - Maybe Cochrane can't face the truth.

DM - You found something else.

Methos - Cochrane left Paris on Friday with a kid named Andrew Donnelly. His Watcher didn't go with him because his sister was getting married. Figured he'd pick them up on Sunday when they got back. [DM huffs.] What do you expect, the Watchers are the Immortal FBI? We've got lives to live, okay?

DM - Who's Andrew Donnelly?

<Methos - His student, probably. Cochrane met him in Aberdeen a couple of years ago. He has no parents. He was on the streets. CUT Told him about his immortality and recruited him to his cause.>

DM - Where is he now?

Methos - That is the sixty-four-thousand dollar question.

 

Inside Cochrane's house - entryway 11

Nancy - [opens door] Warren's not here, Mr. MacLeod. [lets DM inside] He went out. I couldn't stop him.

DM - Do you know a guy called Andrew Donnelly?

Nancy - He does some work for Warren. Errands, driving, stuff around the house.

DM - You don't like him much?

Nancy - Not particularly, no. He was an orphan. Warren felt sorry for him. He treated him more like a son than an employee. Andrew doesn't always appreciate it.

DM - Where can I find him?

[They are interrupted by a knock on the door. Nancy goes back to answer it. DM hides around a corner.]

Deon - [as Nancy opens door] Mrs. Goddard... Inspector Deon. Is your husband home?

Nancy - Why?

Deon - There's a young man named Andrew Donnelly who worked for him?

Nancy - Is there a problem?

Deon - For Donnelly, there is. He was found in an abandoned inn in Normandy.

Nancy - Found?

Deon - He was dead. Someone cut off his head.

Nancy - Oh, my God.

[DM, who has been eavesdropping, quietly sneaks away. Nancy reacts to what Deon said. G]
 

ACT FOUR

Establishing shot: Auberge aux Arts (?Inn of Arts?), night H 13
 

Inside abandoned inn 7

[DM enters, walks past staircase Charlie descended/stumbled down in flashback, through entrance to dining room.]

Cochrane - [kneeling in middle of dining room, senses 'buzz'] Who is it? Who's there?

DM - [moves forward, points his flashlight up onto his face] It's me, Warren. It's MacLeod. What happened here?

Cochrane - I don't know.

DM - You were here with Andrew, your student. You were here and Andrew died. What happened?

Cochrane - [sniffles] I don't know.

 

<[a week ago] CUT

Andrew - Charlie was nothing! He had nothing! Face it, Warren.

Cochrane - No!

Andrew - And your whole bloody life has been for nothing!

Cochrane - What did you say?

Andrew - He was a bum when he lived and he's a bum now that he's dead! Dead, DEAD, DEAD!

Cochrane - Shut up! [swings his sword in violent reaction. Andrew's body falls to the floor.] Oh, my God. Oh, my God, no. Andrew. Andrew. God, no. Andrew. No, no, no. [as Quickening begins] No, no, no. No, no! No! Get off me! No, no! Leave me alone! [Lightning pins Cochrane to board wall, starts fires around him. Cut to side angle as Quickening contines. I Close on Cochrane's face as lightning hits him. Cut to wider shot as lightning flashes, starts fires, then cut to same side angle again. Back to close on Cochrane's face as he screams. J Camera pulls back from Cochrane's face as lighning tapers off and Quickening ends. Cochrane runs off.]>

 

[resume current scene]

Cochrane - Andrew, he was, uh... he was like a son.

DM - And you killed him. You killed your own student!

Cochrane - I know, I know, I know. I know what you're thinking -- that only a monster could, uh, could do such a thing. That-- that Cochrane, me, is such a monster. Well, if I'm a monster, then slay me. [DM doesn't respond.] What thing on Earth could be more evil than me? Could be more deserving of death? You should have left it alone, MacLeod. You should have let me forget. [starts toward DM]

DM - [pulls his sword in defense] I don't want to fight you.

Cochrane - Why not?! [attacks twice, and twice more. DM jumps back from Cochrane's next swing, parries twice. K DM ducks Cochrane's next two swings, then Cochrane punches him.]

DM - [backs away, Cochrane following him] Don't do this. [Cochrane attacks again. Cut to side view of fight, then camera circles around behind broken piece of furniture. L Back to side view of fight. DM spins, swinging katana. Cochrane spins away. DM backs away again.] I'm warning you.

[Cochrane attacks again. DM fends him off, punches him, leads him back toward entryway. DM pushes Cochrane, runs through doorway. Close on flashlight as DM sets it down. Cochrane comes through doorway, sees flashlight, looks around -- where is DM? He searches the entryway, turns, sees DM behind him. DM attacks, stabs Cochrane, bringing him to his knees.]

Cochrane - End it, MacLeod. End it now.

DM - [lowers his sword] I won't take your life.

Cochrane - Please. I can't live with this. [looks up at DM]

DM - [blinks at Cochrane, searching for a response] M You're gonna have to. CUT <[leaves]

 

Flashback - Normandy, 1786 - inside French inn, evening 7

Charlie - [voice-over] Mr. Cochrane.

[Scottish folk song - "Will ye no come back again"

Bonnie Charlie's noo awa]

Cochrane - [voice-over] Your Highness. Is it really you?

[Safely o'er the friendly main;
Many a heart will break in two]

Charlie - Stay. We're not at court here.

[Should he ne'er come back again]

Charlie - These wretched years in exile, waiting to claim my throne. I'd almost lost hope.

[Will ye no' come back again?]

Charlie - Mr. Cochrane, my thanks to you.

[Will ye no' come back again?]

Cochrane - Then your answer's yes? You'll join us?

Charlie - I'm sorry, Mr. Cochrane.

[Better loved ye canna be]

Charlie - I cannot lead your campaign.

[Will ye no' come back again?]

 

Inside abandoned inn 7

(resume previous scene)

[Cochrane finishes remembering, lowers his eyes in sad N resignation. O]>
 

TAG

Snowy street 12

DM - Two weeks ago he had a wife, a house, a family... Now he's a fugitive. He's got nothing.

Methos - He's alive.

DM - I still can't believe he'd kill his own student.

Methos - Come on, MacLeod. It's not the first time it's happened.

DM - Well, maybe I should have left him alone. Maybe he was better off not knowing. I mean, it's a terrible thing to have to live with.

Methos - We all have things in our pasts we wish we hadn't done. I know I do.

DM - So, if you had a chance to forget everything and live life over again, would you?

Methos - No, I wouldn't. Who'd remember Alexa then?

 

End of "Through a Glass, Darkly"

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