MacGyver (1985–1992): Season 4, Episode 12 - The Challenge - full transcript
Ray, an ex-gang member gets into some trouble with the police and a local shop owner. With the help of MacGyver, he unravels a racist community in the neighborhood surrounding the challenger's club.
( Theme song playing )
MacGyver: I'd been
doing volunteer work
at the challengers
club for years,
dropping by whenever I could.
The club began with a
dream and an empty building.
With some hard
work and imagination,
it had survived for 15 years.
When something was needed,
it was usually
donated or scrounged.
I'd added some stuff
to the weight machine.
I knew the kids would
be thrilled with the results.
It'll never fly, man.
I knew you could
do it, MacGyver.
Well, give it a try.
Man: You invented it. Go ahead.
Come on, rico. Get on there.
No way.
I'm too young and
good looking to die.
( Chuckling )
No sweat.
Can't be that bad.
Come on, slim, move it.
Woman: Booker!
The city council
meeting is in two hours.
Don't worry. Plenty of time.
If the council doesn't
approve our funds,
The challengers club's 15th
anniversary may be its last.
We have to get ready.
Hey, you never told
me things were so bad.
If I did, you'd worry.
And worrying is Cynthia's thing.
She does it better
than anybody I know.
( Kisses )
It's a dirty job, but
somebody has to do it.
I'll tell you what.
I'll worry about the money,
Cynthia can worry
about the time,
and, MacGyver,
You can worry
about the plumbing.
Huh?
Kitchen sink's busted.
Ah.
Hey!
Get the hell out of there!
What?
He's stealing the truck!
Hey!
Come on.
Get out of there, kid.
Come on out of the truck, boy.
( Engine struggling )
Hey! Get out of there!
- You ain't going nowhere!
- ( Engine starts )
( Tires screeching )
You've had it now!
Get in the car
and get after him!
Don't worry, we'll get him.
( Tires screeching )
Officer! Over here!
A kid just stole my Van.
I think I know where he went.
Get in.
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
How many n's in the
word "anniversary"?
Good question.
How many d's in
the word "dictionary"?
Ray, what's going on?
Cynthia: Stop.
Get out of here, now!
All right boys, slow it down.
Out of the way.
This isn't your fight.
Well, there isn't going to
be any kind of a fight at all.
That's the kid.
Arrest him.
What are the charges?
Mr. Larson is saying
that this kid stole his truck.
Oh, man, he's lying.
Larson: Are you
gonna believe him
or three witnesses?
I'm afraid you have
to come with me, son.
Tell me the truth,
ray, I want to help you.
Yeah, by turning
me over to the cops?
What happened, Larson?
One of your kids
got caught in the act,
and you can't cover
for him this time.
I've had it with you people.
Booker: Larson's been
lobbying city council
To have the challengers
club shut down.
Says we attract gang
members and drug addicts.
Doesn't he know you
run an anti-drug program?
He knows it. He
just doesn't care.
So far we've been able
to convince city council
we're a positive influence.
So far.
This thing with ray couldn't
have happened at a worse time.
Jenkins, you got a minute?
So what's going
to happen to him?
He'll be detained under 602
of the welfare
and institution code
Until he gets a date
to appear in court.
Well, it sounds like all
those years helping booker
study for his law
exams didn't go to waste.
( Chuckles )
Sometimes I wish he had
gone on to practice law.
But you know what he says.
"By the time a kid
needs a lawyer..."
It's already too late?
Mm-hmm.
Ray's a repeater, booker.
He's been running with a
gang since he was ten years old.
Booker: Used to run.
He's been doing great
at the challengers club.
His mother's in the hospital.
I can't release him if there's
no one to release him to.
What about Cynthia and I?
I know what you're gonna say,
but you and Cynthia already got
half a dozen kids
in your custody.
Unless you find somebody
else, Ray's going to jail.
Where can I possibly
find somebody who could...
What?
Hey, I don't even know the kid.
Kids like you once
they get to know you.
MacGyver's qualified.
He used to work full time
at the challengers club.
That was years ago, booker.
Okay.
If it's gonna be
a burden to you...
I didn't say it was
gonna be a burden.
Oh, man...
Good luck.
Hi.
Name's MacGyver.
I'm told kids like me
Once they get to know me.
Yeah, well, I'm no kid.
And I don't like you.
And I sure as hell don't
want to get to know you.
Okay, well I guess we're
off on the wrong foot.
I hate when that happens.
Why don't we start over?
Hi. Name's MacGyver.
And I'm going to be on
you like green on grass
Till booker gets out
of that council meeting.
Put on your seat belt.
( Engine starts )
They got temporary custody.
But if the kid runs,
booker's gonna look worse
than if the kid was in jail.
So you just make
sure the kid runs
and keeps on running.
Let's go.
Ray...
Ray, instead of
busting this bag open,
Why don't you just
tell me what happened?
'Cause you wouldn't understand.
Why wouldn't I understand?
'Cause you ain't black.
So what you're telling
me is I can't understand
Because we're
not the same color?
No, I'm saying you're white.
And that means you play by
a whole different set of rules.
All right, I'll
bite. What rules?
White rules.
Like when a white man says
something, people believe him.
White rules say
when a white man walks
down the street after dark,
the police wave hello.
They don't Jack him
up and shake him down.
You really believe
that, don't you?
I live it.
Where are you going?
Where you ain't in my face.
I can't let you do that.
Oh, is this more of your rules?
Not my rules. Booker's.
I ain't going nowhere.
Just to shoot some hoops.
Or maybe you
don't trust me either?
He's on him tight.
Trying to get a
shot to the basket...
( Grunting )
Uh, I don't want any trouble.
We don't like your
kind around here.
Be better all 'round
if you just disappear.
Or your nappy head
is gonna look like this.
( Hissing )
Keep on running, boy!
That's it, run!
You can stop when
you reach Africa!
I don't know where he is.
Ray can deal with his
own problems, man.
There are a lot of people
looking for an excuse
to shut this place down.
If I don't find ray,
he may give it to 'em.
Boxers don't make the
Olympics training in the streets.
You need this place, rico.
I know where Ray's
old gang hangs.
Maybe he's getting
down with them.
That's good. That's real good.
Just sell the crack.
Don't smoke it.
Understand?
Long time, ray.
Thought you were on
booker's college program.
Come here...
What's up?
I need a shooter.
You need a gun to
get into college now?
You got a piece or not?
You move some crack
for me and you got it.
I don't deal crack.
Take the piece.
We'll deal later.
Ray?
You with the man.
You all alone.
Man, what are you doing here?
What do you need a gun for?
Revenge?
I didn't come here for no gun.
Just came here to
shoot some balls.
You ain't cool here.
Why? Because I'm white?
Segregation is over, ray.
I'll believe it when I see it.
What's it gonna take
to get you off my case?
How about a game of eight ball?
If I win, you tell me what
happened with Larson.
I lose...
I'll leave you alone.
Rack 'em and say good-bye.
Item number five on the agenda.
Funding request for
the challengers club.
Mr. Wilson?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman...
Council members.
You all have
copies of my report.
So I'm sure you're familiar
With the numbers...
The statistics...
The amount of
money we're asking for.
I came prepared to
talk about that today...
But I won't.
I'm going to talk about kids.
Because that's what
challengers club is all about.
There are people here
today who are going to tell you
we have some
bad kids at the club.
Well, I'm going to
tell you how bad.
Kids who come from bad homes,
Broken homes, no homes at all.
Hungry kids... cold...
Beaten and broken kid.
Kids who fix and
use drugs for kicks.
They're mad.
Mad at you, mad at me...
Mad at the world they see.
A world without opportunity.
Ray: Didn't leave you much.
Oh, you left enough.
Gotta learn to look
at all the angles, ray.
I got a couple of shots here.
( Snorts )
Four ball, bank, back here.
That was luck.
No, that was physics.
For every action, there's an
equal and opposite reaction.
Say what?
If you go gunning for somebody,
they're gonna come
gunning for you.
All kinds of kids
come to our door.
But when they do, that
door better be open.
Because if it's not, if
that door is locked...
Then we've not just turned
them away from a hot meal
or a training program,
we've locked them
out of our hearts...
Out of our society, and
slammed the door in their faces.
That is the door you
can leave open today.
The door of opportunity...
For kids who have no other.
That is your choice.
Ray: Okay, MacGyver, good luck.
That leaves me in
pretty good shape, ray.
All I see is the six ball.
Yeah, that's the obvious shot,
but I'm looking at
the not so obvious.
Combination three
ball in the side.
That leaves me in
shape for the five...
Gotta play position, ray.
I don't need no play-by-play.
I see what you're doing.
Look for the openings.
Not what's in
front of your face.
Check out what's down the road.
What my friend, Mr. Wilson,
sees is not what I see.
He sees kids
who are troubled.
I see kids who cause trouble.
He sees an abused kid.
I see a kid who abuses.
He sees a neglected, hungry kid.
What I see is a kid who would
rather buy drugs than breakfast.
He calls it a shelter.
I call it a hangout.
He calls it the answer.
I call it the cause.
Mr. Wilson
represents a minority.
I represent the majority...
The honest working man,
who is sick and tired of
these people coming in
and destroying
our neighborhoods,
our businesses,
our properties.
These people don't pay taxes!
Mr. Chairman! What do
you mean, "these people"?
The neighborhood is
made up of all races.
Then why is it no white
children go to your club?
Gentlemen, please.
Don't you call me racist!
The people in my
neighborhood are afraid.
They're afraid of the drugs,
the junkies and the gangs
Who murder on our doorsteps...
Who steal from me,
and hide in his club.
He's making blanket
statements on the basis of color!
You make a commitment,
You got to follow through.
Eight ball...
Right back here.
Oh!
Whoo!
You gonna talk, or walk?
Talking ain't gonna
change nothing!
People like Larson
are always gonna
hate people like me.
Just because we're black.
So you hate him back.
Ray, the hate has
got to stop somewhere.
It has got to stop!
That ain't gonna change nothing.
Every action has a reaction.
You have got to believe that.
Larson: This community
is sick and tired
of the drugs and violence.
Drugs and violence are
part of society everywhere.
The challengers club
works with ex-drug addicts,
And ex-gang members
to offer an alternative!
Larson: There are
other alternatives...
Like jail
or reform school
or closing the club.
I like that one.
This club has been a cancer
in this community for too long.
And I have a petition here,
signed by concerned
members of the community,
who want that place shut down.
There's one of his
"innocent kids" from the club.
That boy stole a truck from
me, and tried to run me down.
Then he tried to find somebody
who would cover for him.
I think you should let ray talk.
That's not a good idea,
MacGyver, not now.
Larson: And where did he run to?
Where did he go for sanctuary?
The challengers club.
Mr. Wilson doesn't
offer opportunity,
He offers protection.
Who else is he covering for?
Drug dealers?
Killers?
Chairman: Mr. Larson, thank you.
We'll take your petition
into consideration.
As there are no other
speakers, I'll ask council to...
Mr. Chairman... Excuse me.
This boy is in the
challengers club program.
I think we should hear
what he has to say.
We'll allow a few brief remarks.
Give it your best shot.
I used to run with a gang.
Would you state
your name, please?
Raymond Collins, junior,
And I used to run with a gang.
Until booker caught me
breaking into the challengers club.
Instead of turning
me in to the cops,
he made me work at the club...
And put me on a
job training program.
And it's a good thing, too.
Because, when my mama was
sick, I needed to look for work.
This morning, I went to
Mr. Larson's print shop
looking for a job.
This boy is lying
through his teeth.
He came looking
to steal my truck.
( Gavel pounding )
Mr. Larson, he has equal time.
There was a sign in the window.
Said "help wanted."
So I went in and asked
for a job application form.
He said he didn't have any.
So I asked if I could
leave my name.
One thing booker taught
us was never to give up easy.
Not to be...
Not to be intimidated.
So I told him I knew booker,
and I was on his program.
That's when he said he might
be interested in me after all.
He asked me if I could drive.
I said "yes," so he
gave me some keys
and told me there
was a Van out front.
So I went to drive it around
the back, just like he asked.
I turned my back
and he stole the keys.
As soon as I got in the Van,
Mr. Larson and his friends
came out to the street
waving baseball bats and
yelling that I'm stealing his truck!
Larson: I don't believe this!
This is nothing but a
boy lying to save his skin.
Ray: That's what happened.
I took his truck...
But I was afraid they
were gonna kill me
If I didn't get out
of there quick.
I'm sorry if this
messes up the club.
You may not believe
me, but that's the truth.
That took guts, ray.
This is garbage. That's
not what happened.
Are you people
gonna fall for that?
Didn't any of you
hear what I said?
He fabricated that whole story.
Chairman: As there are no other
representations on this matter,
I'll ask council now to vote
on the appropriation of funds.
They don't believe me.
How about that for a reaction?
They believed you.
They did, didn't they?
You did it!
( Laughter )
- What happened?
- What happened, smiley?
They brought that
punk kid in you were
supposed to run off, and had
him up in front of the council
calling me a liar to my face.
And that bunch of trash
bought every word
that little spade said.
I'll take care of the kid.
The kid ain't the problem.
It's booker.
He looks good and he talks good,
And he's got everybody thinking
he and that club are clean.
Well...
It's time we took
care of Mr. Clean.
It's not too bad. Anybody hurt?
Not yet.
What's going on here?
Just a little
accident, that's all.
Hold it!
Put him on the floor!
( Tires squeal )
Did you find something?
Yeah, it's pretty interesting.
Elementary physics?
That's good stuff.
( Chuckles )
Hey, I never realized it was
a manual for shooting pool.
Listen, all that stuff I said
About you not understanding
because you're white...
I'm sorry.
Just goes to show you,
You can't judge
a book by its color.
Oh, man, I hope they
ain't here because of me.
Oh, my god!
Let's check it out.
He'd call and tell me if
something happened.
He always calls.
Detective: Are you sure
that booker was driving?
Yes, he... he just went
to pick up some
things for the dinner.
What happened?
The police found booker's
car, but booker's gone.
He was involved in
some kind of accident.
No sign of booker
at all? No witnesses?
Can we talk in your office?
( sighs ): We found some glass
from broken headlights.
And chips of blue paint from
whoever hit him from behind.
Have you any idea what this
would be doing
under his front seat?
It's crack. Rocket brand.
Booker would never let anybody
with drugs in his car. Never.
I hope for booker's sake
the gangs aren't after him.
The gangs? Why?
Maybe they don't like him
pulling their
members off the street;
maybe they don't like
his anti-drug programs.
No. The gangs
stay clear of booker.
Crack makes 'em do
crazy things... there's been
three gang murders in
the last month around here,
all crack related.
Listen...
If you hear from
him, let me know.
What does rocket brand mean?
Crack dealers put
brand names on their stuff
so the customers will come back.
Do you know anybody
that sells that brand?
I could scope it out.
Yeah. Find out if whoever
sells it saw booker tonight.
And... be careful.
Right.
First you tell me
you want a gun,
But you don't want no product.
Now you tell me you
don't want no gun,
But you want some product.
I told you, booker's in trouble.
What goes around comes around.
That's all booker
ever gave me: Trouble.
You know something
about where booker is?
I ain't seen booker, man.
Forget him.
Come on back and
earn some of this.
Make more than any
college man makes.
Get yourself a degree...
In pharmacology.
Hey!
Stand off, ray!
I used to be tight with you!
Like my own brother!
Used to be!
Now you tight with booker.
That's right.
I asked booker for help,
and he gave it to me.
Now I'm free of this! Free!
'Cause this ain't
nothing but more slavery!
Now, you can stay on
this cocaine plantation
till you die, if you want to.
But not me, 'cause
I'm gonna be free.
Now, I want to know
who deals rocket brand!
You gonna help me or not?
There's no need for that.
Well,
let's hear one of your
slick speeches now.
Killing me won't close
the challengers club.
You can't murder an idea.
You're smart, and
you got a slick tongue,
but you're not gonna make
any more pretty speeches.
( Panting )
Come on.
Rico: We've been talking
to everything that moves.
Again, nothing.
Nobody's heard or seen a thing.
We gonna keep this up all night?
Whatever it takes.
MacGyver!
I found out who's been
dealing rocket brand.
A gang called the demons.
But there's something
weird going down.
The demons haven't
been dealing rocket brand
for the past couple of weeks.
Anybody else sell that brand?
No, none of that crack's
been on the street
since the demons'
supplier got busted.
And the really weird
part is that booker
never had a run-in
with the demons.
The whole thing's a setup.
What do you mean, it's a setup?
Well, somebody's
working hard to make it look
like the demons
did this... Too hard.
Right.
Where's their turf?
Come on, where do we go?
( Door creaking )
( Door creaking )
( Quietly ): Booker?
Booker.
( Gasping ): Oh... booker!
God!
No!
( Sobbing )
Why? Why...
( Sobbing ): Oh, why! Why!
( Quietly ): Oh, no, no, no...
( Sobbing )
Oh... my god!
My god!
Oh, god, baby...
Come on.
Booker!
That's my husband.
Booker?
Booker!
Oh, ray... ray...
( Sobbing )
Detective: You found the body?
Would you come with me, please?
So you didn't touch anything
except the door on the outside?
That's right.
Looks like a drug execution.
That doesn't make any sense.
Well, you tell me when it does.
When they cut a
man's throat that way,
they call it a
"Colombian necktie."
It's a message not
To mess with their gangs.
I'm telling you... The
demons didn't do this.
How do you explain this?
His pockets were filled with it.
Same bags were found in his car.
Yeah, so? What
are you trying to say?
Maybe he was trying to
raise a little quick cash.
Not a chance!
Somebody's trying
to make it look
like booker was
murdered by the demons.
Well, they're doing
a good job so far.
It's a setup!
Can you prove it?
Can I have the
label off that bag?
Sure...
If it helps.
Keep it.
Listen, uh, I'm sorry.
I-I know a lot of people
used to respect booker.
Still do.
Demons came through.
And, you know, they
knew you were here.
They swear they're being framed,
and they haven't sold
rocket brand for two weeks.
Where do the demons
get their labels printed?
They don't.
They do it themselves
on a copy machine
so it can't be traced.
Grab the first
aid kit, will you?
It's between the seats.
Hey!
How'd they know I was here?
It's their turf.
They got spotters everywhere.
Uh... labels look the same.
This is the one from the demons.
Printed on a copy machine.
Nothing comes off.
This one they took off booker.
It came off.
Different printing methods.
This one uses ink.
Probably from an offset
press... Like a printer would use.
Larson.
He set booker up,
just like he set me up!
Contact the police.
Tell them to meet me
at Larson's print shop.
That's on broad street?
Yeah.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Make sure you burn them.
It's evidence.
Do it.
MacGyver: Hey, remember me?
( Screaming )
Is that what's it all about?
Spreading hate?
Just tapping a
vein, you might say.
You should read it.
I'd flush it.
( Weak chuckle )
But this will tell the truth.
I got a feeling
We'll find the ink that matches
this label somewhere in here.
You murdered booker.
But the police are gonna
think the demons did it.
Same as they'll
believe I shot you
protecting my property
When you broke in here.
( Gunshot )
Why?
Why did you kill him?!
( Panting )
Because he's black.
Because he talked too much.
I hate niggers
who talk too much.
You know what you should
do with colored people?
Drown 'em when
they're first born,
save everybody a lot of trouble.
- No!!
- MacGyver!
Get him out of my sight.
I loved booker, too, MacGyver.
MacGyver!
MacGyver: Put it
right there, guys.
I'll need some
help to set it up.
I thought you weren't
coming in till next week.
Hey, I was just in
the neighborhood.
Oh, yeah.
Well, what's all this?
Come here.
The Phoenix foundation
has donated a physics
demonstration lab.
Voila!
A pool table!
The kids are gonna
love it, MacGyver.
Yeah, I think so.
So where's ray?
I think it's time
for another lesson.
Oh, he's around here somewhere.
There he is.
How ya doin'?
I guess a little bit of booker
is always gonna be here.
Yeah. I think so.
MacGyver: I'd been
doing volunteer work
at the challengers
club for years,
dropping by whenever I could.
The club began with a
dream and an empty building.
With some hard
work and imagination,
it had survived for 15 years.
When something was needed,
it was usually
donated or scrounged.
I'd added some stuff
to the weight machine.
I knew the kids would
be thrilled with the results.
It'll never fly, man.
I knew you could
do it, MacGyver.
Well, give it a try.
Man: You invented it. Go ahead.
Come on, rico. Get on there.
No way.
I'm too young and
good looking to die.
( Chuckling )
No sweat.
Can't be that bad.
Come on, slim, move it.
Woman: Booker!
The city council
meeting is in two hours.
Don't worry. Plenty of time.
If the council doesn't
approve our funds,
The challengers club's 15th
anniversary may be its last.
We have to get ready.
Hey, you never told
me things were so bad.
If I did, you'd worry.
And worrying is Cynthia's thing.
She does it better
than anybody I know.
( Kisses )
It's a dirty job, but
somebody has to do it.
I'll tell you what.
I'll worry about the money,
Cynthia can worry
about the time,
and, MacGyver,
You can worry
about the plumbing.
Huh?
Kitchen sink's busted.
Ah.
Hey!
Get the hell out of there!
What?
He's stealing the truck!
Hey!
Come on.
Get out of there, kid.
Come on out of the truck, boy.
( Engine struggling )
Hey! Get out of there!
- You ain't going nowhere!
- ( Engine starts )
( Tires screeching )
You've had it now!
Get in the car
and get after him!
Don't worry, we'll get him.
( Tires screeching )
Officer! Over here!
A kid just stole my Van.
I think I know where he went.
Get in.
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
( Tires screeching )
How many n's in the
word "anniversary"?
Good question.
How many d's in
the word "dictionary"?
Ray, what's going on?
Cynthia: Stop.
Get out of here, now!
All right boys, slow it down.
Out of the way.
This isn't your fight.
Well, there isn't going to
be any kind of a fight at all.
That's the kid.
Arrest him.
What are the charges?
Mr. Larson is saying
that this kid stole his truck.
Oh, man, he's lying.
Larson: Are you
gonna believe him
or three witnesses?
I'm afraid you have
to come with me, son.
Tell me the truth,
ray, I want to help you.
Yeah, by turning
me over to the cops?
What happened, Larson?
One of your kids
got caught in the act,
and you can't cover
for him this time.
I've had it with you people.
Booker: Larson's been
lobbying city council
To have the challengers
club shut down.
Says we attract gang
members and drug addicts.
Doesn't he know you
run an anti-drug program?
He knows it. He
just doesn't care.
So far we've been able
to convince city council
we're a positive influence.
So far.
This thing with ray couldn't
have happened at a worse time.
Jenkins, you got a minute?
So what's going
to happen to him?
He'll be detained under 602
of the welfare
and institution code
Until he gets a date
to appear in court.
Well, it sounds like all
those years helping booker
study for his law
exams didn't go to waste.
( Chuckles )
Sometimes I wish he had
gone on to practice law.
But you know what he says.
"By the time a kid
needs a lawyer..."
It's already too late?
Mm-hmm.
Ray's a repeater, booker.
He's been running with a
gang since he was ten years old.
Booker: Used to run.
He's been doing great
at the challengers club.
His mother's in the hospital.
I can't release him if there's
no one to release him to.
What about Cynthia and I?
I know what you're gonna say,
but you and Cynthia already got
half a dozen kids
in your custody.
Unless you find somebody
else, Ray's going to jail.
Where can I possibly
find somebody who could...
What?
Hey, I don't even know the kid.
Kids like you once
they get to know you.
MacGyver's qualified.
He used to work full time
at the challengers club.
That was years ago, booker.
Okay.
If it's gonna be
a burden to you...
I didn't say it was
gonna be a burden.
Oh, man...
Good luck.
Hi.
Name's MacGyver.
I'm told kids like me
Once they get to know me.
Yeah, well, I'm no kid.
And I don't like you.
And I sure as hell don't
want to get to know you.
Okay, well I guess we're
off on the wrong foot.
I hate when that happens.
Why don't we start over?
Hi. Name's MacGyver.
And I'm going to be on
you like green on grass
Till booker gets out
of that council meeting.
Put on your seat belt.
( Engine starts )
They got temporary custody.
But if the kid runs,
booker's gonna look worse
than if the kid was in jail.
So you just make
sure the kid runs
and keeps on running.
Let's go.
Ray...
Ray, instead of
busting this bag open,
Why don't you just
tell me what happened?
'Cause you wouldn't understand.
Why wouldn't I understand?
'Cause you ain't black.
So what you're telling
me is I can't understand
Because we're
not the same color?
No, I'm saying you're white.
And that means you play by
a whole different set of rules.
All right, I'll
bite. What rules?
White rules.
Like when a white man says
something, people believe him.
White rules say
when a white man walks
down the street after dark,
the police wave hello.
They don't Jack him
up and shake him down.
You really believe
that, don't you?
I live it.
Where are you going?
Where you ain't in my face.
I can't let you do that.
Oh, is this more of your rules?
Not my rules. Booker's.
I ain't going nowhere.
Just to shoot some hoops.
Or maybe you
don't trust me either?
He's on him tight.
Trying to get a
shot to the basket...
( Grunting )
Uh, I don't want any trouble.
We don't like your
kind around here.
Be better all 'round
if you just disappear.
Or your nappy head
is gonna look like this.
( Hissing )
Keep on running, boy!
That's it, run!
You can stop when
you reach Africa!
I don't know where he is.
Ray can deal with his
own problems, man.
There are a lot of people
looking for an excuse
to shut this place down.
If I don't find ray,
he may give it to 'em.
Boxers don't make the
Olympics training in the streets.
You need this place, rico.
I know where Ray's
old gang hangs.
Maybe he's getting
down with them.
That's good. That's real good.
Just sell the crack.
Don't smoke it.
Understand?
Long time, ray.
Thought you were on
booker's college program.
Come here...
What's up?
I need a shooter.
You need a gun to
get into college now?
You got a piece or not?
You move some crack
for me and you got it.
I don't deal crack.
Take the piece.
We'll deal later.
Ray?
You with the man.
You all alone.
Man, what are you doing here?
What do you need a gun for?
Revenge?
I didn't come here for no gun.
Just came here to
shoot some balls.
You ain't cool here.
Why? Because I'm white?
Segregation is over, ray.
I'll believe it when I see it.
What's it gonna take
to get you off my case?
How about a game of eight ball?
If I win, you tell me what
happened with Larson.
I lose...
I'll leave you alone.
Rack 'em and say good-bye.
Item number five on the agenda.
Funding request for
the challengers club.
Mr. Wilson?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman...
Council members.
You all have
copies of my report.
So I'm sure you're familiar
With the numbers...
The statistics...
The amount of
money we're asking for.
I came prepared to
talk about that today...
But I won't.
I'm going to talk about kids.
Because that's what
challengers club is all about.
There are people here
today who are going to tell you
we have some
bad kids at the club.
Well, I'm going to
tell you how bad.
Kids who come from bad homes,
Broken homes, no homes at all.
Hungry kids... cold...
Beaten and broken kid.
Kids who fix and
use drugs for kicks.
They're mad.
Mad at you, mad at me...
Mad at the world they see.
A world without opportunity.
Ray: Didn't leave you much.
Oh, you left enough.
Gotta learn to look
at all the angles, ray.
I got a couple of shots here.
( Snorts )
Four ball, bank, back here.
That was luck.
No, that was physics.
For every action, there's an
equal and opposite reaction.
Say what?
If you go gunning for somebody,
they're gonna come
gunning for you.
All kinds of kids
come to our door.
But when they do, that
door better be open.
Because if it's not, if
that door is locked...
Then we've not just turned
them away from a hot meal
or a training program,
we've locked them
out of our hearts...
Out of our society, and
slammed the door in their faces.
That is the door you
can leave open today.
The door of opportunity...
For kids who have no other.
That is your choice.
Ray: Okay, MacGyver, good luck.
That leaves me in
pretty good shape, ray.
All I see is the six ball.
Yeah, that's the obvious shot,
but I'm looking at
the not so obvious.
Combination three
ball in the side.
That leaves me in
shape for the five...
Gotta play position, ray.
I don't need no play-by-play.
I see what you're doing.
Look for the openings.
Not what's in
front of your face.
Check out what's down the road.
What my friend, Mr. Wilson,
sees is not what I see.
He sees kids
who are troubled.
I see kids who cause trouble.
He sees an abused kid.
I see a kid who abuses.
He sees a neglected, hungry kid.
What I see is a kid who would
rather buy drugs than breakfast.
He calls it a shelter.
I call it a hangout.
He calls it the answer.
I call it the cause.
Mr. Wilson
represents a minority.
I represent the majority...
The honest working man,
who is sick and tired of
these people coming in
and destroying
our neighborhoods,
our businesses,
our properties.
These people don't pay taxes!
Mr. Chairman! What do
you mean, "these people"?
The neighborhood is
made up of all races.
Then why is it no white
children go to your club?
Gentlemen, please.
Don't you call me racist!
The people in my
neighborhood are afraid.
They're afraid of the drugs,
the junkies and the gangs
Who murder on our doorsteps...
Who steal from me,
and hide in his club.
He's making blanket
statements on the basis of color!
You make a commitment,
You got to follow through.
Eight ball...
Right back here.
Oh!
Whoo!
You gonna talk, or walk?
Talking ain't gonna
change nothing!
People like Larson
are always gonna
hate people like me.
Just because we're black.
So you hate him back.
Ray, the hate has
got to stop somewhere.
It has got to stop!
That ain't gonna change nothing.
Every action has a reaction.
You have got to believe that.
Larson: This community
is sick and tired
of the drugs and violence.
Drugs and violence are
part of society everywhere.
The challengers club
works with ex-drug addicts,
And ex-gang members
to offer an alternative!
Larson: There are
other alternatives...
Like jail
or reform school
or closing the club.
I like that one.
This club has been a cancer
in this community for too long.
And I have a petition here,
signed by concerned
members of the community,
who want that place shut down.
There's one of his
"innocent kids" from the club.
That boy stole a truck from
me, and tried to run me down.
Then he tried to find somebody
who would cover for him.
I think you should let ray talk.
That's not a good idea,
MacGyver, not now.
Larson: And where did he run to?
Where did he go for sanctuary?
The challengers club.
Mr. Wilson doesn't
offer opportunity,
He offers protection.
Who else is he covering for?
Drug dealers?
Killers?
Chairman: Mr. Larson, thank you.
We'll take your petition
into consideration.
As there are no other
speakers, I'll ask council to...
Mr. Chairman... Excuse me.
This boy is in the
challengers club program.
I think we should hear
what he has to say.
We'll allow a few brief remarks.
Give it your best shot.
I used to run with a gang.
Would you state
your name, please?
Raymond Collins, junior,
And I used to run with a gang.
Until booker caught me
breaking into the challengers club.
Instead of turning
me in to the cops,
he made me work at the club...
And put me on a
job training program.
And it's a good thing, too.
Because, when my mama was
sick, I needed to look for work.
This morning, I went to
Mr. Larson's print shop
looking for a job.
This boy is lying
through his teeth.
He came looking
to steal my truck.
( Gavel pounding )
Mr. Larson, he has equal time.
There was a sign in the window.
Said "help wanted."
So I went in and asked
for a job application form.
He said he didn't have any.
So I asked if I could
leave my name.
One thing booker taught
us was never to give up easy.
Not to be...
Not to be intimidated.
So I told him I knew booker,
and I was on his program.
That's when he said he might
be interested in me after all.
He asked me if I could drive.
I said "yes," so he
gave me some keys
and told me there
was a Van out front.
So I went to drive it around
the back, just like he asked.
I turned my back
and he stole the keys.
As soon as I got in the Van,
Mr. Larson and his friends
came out to the street
waving baseball bats and
yelling that I'm stealing his truck!
Larson: I don't believe this!
This is nothing but a
boy lying to save his skin.
Ray: That's what happened.
I took his truck...
But I was afraid they
were gonna kill me
If I didn't get out
of there quick.
I'm sorry if this
messes up the club.
You may not believe
me, but that's the truth.
That took guts, ray.
This is garbage. That's
not what happened.
Are you people
gonna fall for that?
Didn't any of you
hear what I said?
He fabricated that whole story.
Chairman: As there are no other
representations on this matter,
I'll ask council now to vote
on the appropriation of funds.
They don't believe me.
How about that for a reaction?
They believed you.
They did, didn't they?
You did it!
( Laughter )
- What happened?
- What happened, smiley?
They brought that
punk kid in you were
supposed to run off, and had
him up in front of the council
calling me a liar to my face.
And that bunch of trash
bought every word
that little spade said.
I'll take care of the kid.
The kid ain't the problem.
It's booker.
He looks good and he talks good,
And he's got everybody thinking
he and that club are clean.
Well...
It's time we took
care of Mr. Clean.
It's not too bad. Anybody hurt?
Not yet.
What's going on here?
Just a little
accident, that's all.
Hold it!
Put him on the floor!
( Tires squeal )
Did you find something?
Yeah, it's pretty interesting.
Elementary physics?
That's good stuff.
( Chuckles )
Hey, I never realized it was
a manual for shooting pool.
Listen, all that stuff I said
About you not understanding
because you're white...
I'm sorry.
Just goes to show you,
You can't judge
a book by its color.
Oh, man, I hope they
ain't here because of me.
Oh, my god!
Let's check it out.
He'd call and tell me if
something happened.
He always calls.
Detective: Are you sure
that booker was driving?
Yes, he... he just went
to pick up some
things for the dinner.
What happened?
The police found booker's
car, but booker's gone.
He was involved in
some kind of accident.
No sign of booker
at all? No witnesses?
Can we talk in your office?
( sighs ): We found some glass
from broken headlights.
And chips of blue paint from
whoever hit him from behind.
Have you any idea what this
would be doing
under his front seat?
It's crack. Rocket brand.
Booker would never let anybody
with drugs in his car. Never.
I hope for booker's sake
the gangs aren't after him.
The gangs? Why?
Maybe they don't like him
pulling their
members off the street;
maybe they don't like
his anti-drug programs.
No. The gangs
stay clear of booker.
Crack makes 'em do
crazy things... there's been
three gang murders in
the last month around here,
all crack related.
Listen...
If you hear from
him, let me know.
What does rocket brand mean?
Crack dealers put
brand names on their stuff
so the customers will come back.
Do you know anybody
that sells that brand?
I could scope it out.
Yeah. Find out if whoever
sells it saw booker tonight.
And... be careful.
Right.
First you tell me
you want a gun,
But you don't want no product.
Now you tell me you
don't want no gun,
But you want some product.
I told you, booker's in trouble.
What goes around comes around.
That's all booker
ever gave me: Trouble.
You know something
about where booker is?
I ain't seen booker, man.
Forget him.
Come on back and
earn some of this.
Make more than any
college man makes.
Get yourself a degree...
In pharmacology.
Hey!
Stand off, ray!
I used to be tight with you!
Like my own brother!
Used to be!
Now you tight with booker.
That's right.
I asked booker for help,
and he gave it to me.
Now I'm free of this! Free!
'Cause this ain't
nothing but more slavery!
Now, you can stay on
this cocaine plantation
till you die, if you want to.
But not me, 'cause
I'm gonna be free.
Now, I want to know
who deals rocket brand!
You gonna help me or not?
There's no need for that.
Well,
let's hear one of your
slick speeches now.
Killing me won't close
the challengers club.
You can't murder an idea.
You're smart, and
you got a slick tongue,
but you're not gonna make
any more pretty speeches.
( Panting )
Come on.
Rico: We've been talking
to everything that moves.
Again, nothing.
Nobody's heard or seen a thing.
We gonna keep this up all night?
Whatever it takes.
MacGyver!
I found out who's been
dealing rocket brand.
A gang called the demons.
But there's something
weird going down.
The demons haven't
been dealing rocket brand
for the past couple of weeks.
Anybody else sell that brand?
No, none of that crack's
been on the street
since the demons'
supplier got busted.
And the really weird
part is that booker
never had a run-in
with the demons.
The whole thing's a setup.
What do you mean, it's a setup?
Well, somebody's
working hard to make it look
like the demons
did this... Too hard.
Right.
Where's their turf?
Come on, where do we go?
( Door creaking )
( Door creaking )
( Quietly ): Booker?
Booker.
( Gasping ): Oh... booker!
God!
No!
( Sobbing )
Why? Why...
( Sobbing ): Oh, why! Why!
( Quietly ): Oh, no, no, no...
( Sobbing )
Oh... my god!
My god!
Oh, god, baby...
Come on.
Booker!
That's my husband.
Booker?
Booker!
Oh, ray... ray...
( Sobbing )
Detective: You found the body?
Would you come with me, please?
So you didn't touch anything
except the door on the outside?
That's right.
Looks like a drug execution.
That doesn't make any sense.
Well, you tell me when it does.
When they cut a
man's throat that way,
they call it a
"Colombian necktie."
It's a message not
To mess with their gangs.
I'm telling you... The
demons didn't do this.
How do you explain this?
His pockets were filled with it.
Same bags were found in his car.
Yeah, so? What
are you trying to say?
Maybe he was trying to
raise a little quick cash.
Not a chance!
Somebody's trying
to make it look
like booker was
murdered by the demons.
Well, they're doing
a good job so far.
It's a setup!
Can you prove it?
Can I have the
label off that bag?
Sure...
If it helps.
Keep it.
Listen, uh, I'm sorry.
I-I know a lot of people
used to respect booker.
Still do.
Demons came through.
And, you know, they
knew you were here.
They swear they're being framed,
and they haven't sold
rocket brand for two weeks.
Where do the demons
get their labels printed?
They don't.
They do it themselves
on a copy machine
so it can't be traced.
Grab the first
aid kit, will you?
It's between the seats.
Hey!
How'd they know I was here?
It's their turf.
They got spotters everywhere.
Uh... labels look the same.
This is the one from the demons.
Printed on a copy machine.
Nothing comes off.
This one they took off booker.
It came off.
Different printing methods.
This one uses ink.
Probably from an offset
press... Like a printer would use.
Larson.
He set booker up,
just like he set me up!
Contact the police.
Tell them to meet me
at Larson's print shop.
That's on broad street?
Yeah.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Make sure you burn them.
It's evidence.
Do it.
MacGyver: Hey, remember me?
( Screaming )
Is that what's it all about?
Spreading hate?
Just tapping a
vein, you might say.
You should read it.
I'd flush it.
( Weak chuckle )
But this will tell the truth.
I got a feeling
We'll find the ink that matches
this label somewhere in here.
You murdered booker.
But the police are gonna
think the demons did it.
Same as they'll
believe I shot you
protecting my property
When you broke in here.
( Gunshot )
Why?
Why did you kill him?!
( Panting )
Because he's black.
Because he talked too much.
I hate niggers
who talk too much.
You know what you should
do with colored people?
Drown 'em when
they're first born,
save everybody a lot of trouble.
- No!!
- MacGyver!
Get him out of my sight.
I loved booker, too, MacGyver.
MacGyver!
MacGyver: Put it
right there, guys.
I'll need some
help to set it up.
I thought you weren't
coming in till next week.
Hey, I was just in
the neighborhood.
Oh, yeah.
Well, what's all this?
Come here.
The Phoenix foundation
has donated a physics
demonstration lab.
Voila!
A pool table!
The kids are gonna
love it, MacGyver.
Yeah, I think so.
So where's ray?
I think it's time
for another lesson.
Oh, he's around here somewhere.
There he is.
How ya doin'?
I guess a little bit of booker
is always gonna be here.
Yeah. I think so.