The Equalizer (1985–1989): Season 2, Episode 3 - A Community of Civilized Men - full transcript

- What do you want me to do now?
- Pay up or hand over the business.

Why would somebody want to kill
my mother? I don't understand !

I don't have to talk to you.

Consider it in you best interest.

Of course you didn't killed your mother,
but I had to find you, right ?

Robert, I need the list.

I need Zan.

Lots of people.

So quiet.

Reminds me a church.

Curch of the frozen *.



That's weird.

We're getting paid
to do a job.

Let's get it on.

Cooper will love it.

Amen, brother.

You own me.

Your husband borrowed 50,000 bucks.

*

You ran a lot of trouble, lady.

Hey, *, look... I've come
here to make some kind of deal.

Did you bring some cash?

Because the only way we're going to
work this out, Mrs. Jacobs... Julia...

- Is if you bring me cash.
- I have no cash.

Yes, yes, yes.



That's the only way and I want you
to go out and I want you to find it.

I have no cash.

Then find some cash.

Look, I learned the hard way. You don't
think that I just fell into all of this,

do you ? You gotta pay your debts ?

I don't have the money.

Do you know that yhat is exactly

what your late husband said to me,
when he came in here to borrow it ?

And then scroll his
name on a note.

Now, we made a deal.

It wasn't a very
good deal, not for him,

not for you.

- But a deal is a deal.
- That was five years ago.

What do you want me to do now?

Pay up or hand over the business.

Oh, look. I wish there was
another way.

Apply a little heat
and you get results.

- I always say.
- All right !

Thank you guys.

Keep in touch.

I've already payed three
times of my husband originally *.

How can I stop this ?

Thank you.

- Well, it should be no problem.
- Really ?

You want this. Mr. Cooper up your back.

I think I might be
able to help you.

Simple as that ?

How much is it going to cost me ?

It's no cost.

Nothing is free in this world.

Perhaps you don't
think so at the moment.

Everybody has this price.

- No, not everyone.
- Got to be a catch somewhere.

If it's not the money, than
it has to be something else.

My name is not Cooper, not
everything has causes attached to it.

Oh, and by the way, with me, you
won't have to sign a bit of paper.

That's it ?

I'll call you.

Bye.

- IRS keeping you busy?
- Giving new meaning

to the words Uncle Sam wants you.

You've got some channels for this.

You know we've got forms and procedures
that accomplish the same thing.

Which will give give the man
time to get things straight.

Here we are.

These people don't like surprises.

- Excuse me.
- You can't come in here. I don't know you.

Thank you.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Well, that about does it.

These books seem to be in order.

Oh, yeah. I tried tell you that.

Now we just need the real ones.

- I beg your pardon ?
- Come on. Mr. Cooper !

You're dealing with United
States government here.

We are thorough, if nothing else.

I checked your bank deposits over the
last couple of years upon perusal

some interesting patterns emerge,

regular weekly deposits of 9999
dollars in your personal bank account.

Obviously, you're
aware of the law,

which requires banks to report
deposits in excess of 10,000 dollars.

What people forget is that we can
subpoena any bank record we care too.

Heidi Brahms.
Name strike a bell ?

Yeah, she's my niece.

She informed an associate of mine that
you recently loaned her, some money.

Thirty thousand dollars. Cash.
Quite generous, I might add.

All of this is quite
interesting,

considering your records show the business
operating at a loss for the past six months.

Just how do you
explain that, Mr. Cooper ?

Julia Jacobs. You have been to the
well too many times, Mr. Cooper.

You have been squeezing these
time somebody to the same to you.

Now about this ABC Corporation ?

Let's get serious here.

The oil change...

That's how he spotted the Andy
Warhol in Cooper's living room.

I can't believe it's over !

Well, he won't bother you again.

I can assure you of that.

Mr Cooper's greed for money is
exceeded only by his fear of losing it.

Yeah, I was just wondering.

How is it that a man like you
gets into this line of work ?

He just sinks into it.

Certainly doesn't pay the bills.

Tell me, what do you get out of it ?

That is a long story.

I got plenty of time.

Unless you have to go off
and rescue some other person.

There's always another person to rescue.

You're avoiding my question.

Yes, I am.

All right, is time to make a stand.

I beg your pardon ?

You can't do something for me and
expect me not to do anything.

- I can't ?
- No, you can't.

So I suggest that you and
I have dinner together.

- Diner ?
- Yes.

You and me, eat some food,
get to know each other better.

And I'm a fabulous cook.

Of course, if you'd rather go out.

But the bill is homemade.

You got any plans for tomorrow night ?

No.

I do know this little Japanese place
that serves shabu shabu and ice Tasaki.

It's pretty horrible,
but if you care to join...

You sure?

Yes, I'm sure.

I think. Sure.

I'll loved to.

Good.

Are you really sure about this ?

Yes, I'm absolutely sure.

Can I pick you up your place ?

You don't have to this, you know.

I know I don't have to do it.

I really would like to take you
out to dinner tomorrow night, Julia.

Thank you very much.

- In that case, I'll be waiting.
- Fine.

- What do you say ? 8:30 ?
- 8:30 is fine.

I'll see you then.

- You're sure ?
- Yeah, I am sure !

Watch yourself !
Watch yourself !

Never mind.

Damn !

It's okay.
Thank you, thank you.

Hello.

I'm fine !
Thank you very much.

****

People with a sense of humour.

- I need to...
- ***

You couldn't possibly know
what I was about to say.

Genesis.

Years of observation.

The couple with the fact
that this is the third

time you've asked me for
the names on that list.

- Yeah, well, you were there.
- Nine years ago.

This is our first chance
to go back in, Robert.

Control...

I don't want to know about this.

I'm not part of it anymore.

Don't try to shake it, Robert.

It's like a second skin.

Sectors change.

So do the players.

Yeah, but not the rules.

Bloody ridiculous !

The lady will wait.

Years of observation.

That's a new cologne.

Look, Control, just leave
me out this. All right ?

I can't.

- Oh ? How hot is it ?
- I can't tell you that.

You're considered persona
non grata. Hands off.

This is hands off as off gets.

How about the list?

- I'll think about it.
- Robert !

Don't push me.

I wasn't pushy.

I don't have to talk to you.

Consider it in your best interest.

My best interest ?

You are anything but
in my best interest.

What do you want from me ?

You really think that I'm crazy enough
to kill Julia because she dried up ?

Are you ?

I had nothing to do with it.

Which is what I told the
cops and they were satisfied.

Well, I am not satisfied.

All right, all right.

I was tied to my desk all day yesterday

because of that stuff
shirt just dumped on me.

The IRS poke.

Here ! Look ! I got enough forms and
papers here to recycle a forest.

You had to take a break
sometime, didn't you ?

Do you ever know one
of those guys to eat ?

I think they just go in for a loot job

and then a change of parts
every couple of months.

You could have hired somebody.

I didn't kill Julia !

I'm going to double cheque your story.

Be my guest.

Look, I'm sorry that Julia is dead.

She was okay.

It wasn't her fault that
husband got in over his head.

So you were close to the lady.

Can't you see it's over and done ?

Mom ! Where are you ?

Mom !

Who are you?

A friend of your mother's.

Where is she?

What's happening here ?

- All right ?
- Yeah.

So why do they want to know
where I am all the time ?

Well, they may just want to ask

you some more questions, that's why.

You seem to reason
there with the police.

Yes, well, our parts
have crossed occasionally.

That doesn't explain much.

Nobody is explaining anything.

Why would somebody
want to kill my mother ?

I don't understand.

Do you know how it's like to have
the police take you to the morgue,

to identify someone ?

Yes, more times than I care to remember.

When I was little, my mother told me

the police were people that
come to when things were bad.

But not lile this.

This isn't same.

I don't know where to start.

I mean, I don't know about ***
funeral and everything.

Don't worry about that.

I'll handle that for you.

I don't even know you.

- Who are you, anyway ?
- I told you.

Come.

I know *** a friend

What kind of friend ?

Trying to help people who need help.

My mother needed help and
she didn't get it.

I'm sorry. That wasn't very fair.

What is it ?

Come on, keep walking.

- What's wrong ? What's happening ?
- Just keep walking.

Watch it there!
Watch it !

What are you doing ?

Look, you're very kind and all that,
but I really am going to be fine.

I just want you to be careful, too.

You said someone was following me. Why?

I don't know, yet.

- I didn't see anyone.
- It never does.

That's the idea.

Tell me, what is this all
equipment ? What is it ?

I'm a film student at NYU.

I was out on the island shooting some
stuff after I saw my mother yesterday.

- You saw your mother yesterday ?
- I stopped by.

I borrowed her car.

She gave me the keys, and I was
bringing them back this morning, when...

So you only saw her for a few moments ?

Yeah, just long enough for her to give me
a hard time about the hat I was wearing.

You know how mothers and daughters are.

So she took mine and gave me one of her.

So when you left her, you
were wearing your mother's hat.

Where are you ? Mom !

- And you left yours behind ?
- Yes.

Now, tell me exactly what
you were doing yesterday.

I told you. I was shooting
footage for my video.

- Pictures !
- What ?

Pack a bag.

You're leaving !
Do as you're told !

Listen to me, all right ?

A man who killed your
mother was desperately

looking for something
that he thought she had.

She didn't.

So now he is coming after you.

So now we are leaving. Go !

I still don't understand what my video
has to do with what happened to my mother.

Whoever did it ransacked
your mother's office

looking, I think, for a videotape.

And you were shooting footage just
before you stopped off to see your mother.

She was killed, obviously,
very shortly after.

You're saying that the killer
thought my mother was me.

Well, I won't believe that.

What about that guy Cooper ?

No, he had nothing to do
with it Valerie, believe me.

I like to believe you, but I don't
know who you are or what you do.

What I'm doing at the moment is
to try and keep you out of danger.

Well, if that means keep me
cooped up here, you'd forget it.

Valerie, come here.

Come on.

Come and sit down.

Now, why don't you take
me through this videotape ?

Perhaps we can then find
out why you're in danger.

What were you shooting just
before you saw your mother ?

It's just after this.

See, my video was short, so
I went out and shot

some extra footage of people on the street,
just going about their business.

Nothing in particular.
Just backdrop stuff.

Street performers, flamethrowers.
Things like that.

- Hold it ! Roll back.
- How far?

Freeze it !

- That's the Deerfield building, isn't it?
- Yes.

You look like you've just seen a ghost.

I have.

Yeah ?

Valerie Jacobs ?

Who wants to know ?

Police officers.

Ma'am, we'd like you to come to
the precincts for a few questions.

You know, anyone can get one of those ?

Look lady, you told the Lieutenant
you would be holed up here.

If you don't believe me, why
don't you give them a call ?

The names are Webster and Cook.

Sorry. I'm a little jumpy.

I'm going to go get my back.

I'll be right back.

I'm telling you is responsible.

How about the word that he's been
very dead for some time ?

1962, Tunisia.

14 Greek scholars kidnapped by a
terrorist group led by a man called Zahm.

Ransom paid right in the middle of a
gauntlet of police and National Guard.

In the ensuing firefight,
14 persons killed and Zahn gone.

1972, West Germany.

A bus full of children is blasted
by a terrorist called Zahn.

He threatens the remaining
children unless a ransom is paid

and certain Lebanese
criminals are released.

Result: ransom paid,
criminals released and Zahn gone.

Robert, what are you fishing for?

Your support.

Friend of mine crossed his
path with a video camera.

He now wants to add her
to his statistics.

The latest of which would
appear to be this building.

And how many of your
people were inside ?

You know damn well how many ! Three.

All blown to Kingdom come,
including two innocent workers

who happened to be there at the time.

And, your crossover.
Was he there ?

He's still under ***.
He was delayed.

Which means that Zahn is going
to have to try again, doesn't it ?

- You don't know is Zahn.
- I do.

Look at the tape !

- Maybe.
- Analyse it !

- Robert, I need the list.
- And I need Zahn.

Just tell me something out of interest.

You know, for my future edification.

What would constitute
proof of his existence ?

His scalp would be nice.

I can't believe this.

It's the problem with anonymous tips.

For everyone that hands out,
we get another ten wackos.

Yeah, but what is this have
to do... When is this going to end ?

Isn't it enough that she's dead ?

Ms. Jacobs, I am truly sorry.

We offer you a ride back.

No, i'm gonna... I can use
the fresh air. Take a walk.

Thanks.

All right, but be careful, ma'am !

Of course you didn't kill your mother.
But I had to find you, right ?

It's a shame that they have to
run down every tip that they get.

I believe you have something I want.

Valerie ?

Isn't she a pretty girl ?

Like mother, like daughter.

You've got till 11:00
if you want to see her again.

Bbring the tape to her mother's studio.

It'll be like old Homewick, Robert.

I need a video tape back again.

- I don't have the tape.
- Get it.

Here's the list you wanted. Genesis.

I can't get the tape.

Control, Zahn is alive.

That tape is the proof.

But he can't let anyone see it.

So unless I deliver it, the girl who
shot the footage is going to be killed.

The tape has gone up the ladder.

I can't help you.

Are you telling me the
company is protecting Zahn ?

You know I don't have
the answer to that.

- Even if I did, i...
- Quite. I do understand.

- Thank you.
- Robert...

Isn't she a pretty girl ?

Like mother like daughter.

You've got 'till 11:00 if
you want to see her again.

Bring the tape to her mother studio.

It'll be like old Homewick, Robert.

Isn't she a pretty girl?

Like mother, like daughter.

You've got till 11:00 if
you want to see her again.

Bring the tape to her mother's studio.

Haven't you forgotten something ?

Where's the girl ?

Where's the tape ?

I have no animosity towards you.

- I just want to protect my privacy.
- Why?

Because there are so many people
who'd like to see you dead ?

A successful businessman steps
on a lot of toes on the way up.

What's the matter, McCall ?

Disgusted, huh?

We're cut from the same cloth.

Where is she ?

oh, she's s around.

She's tied to a bomb.

I'm glad you were punctual.

You haven't got much time.

Release her.

Be real.

Release her and you'll have the tape.

There are no copies.

Give me the tape and I'll release her.

Then you'd kill us both.

I told you I have no
animosity toward you.

Only respect.

Admiration.

I work hard.

I pay a high price.

I am a civilised man.

We are civilised menu and I.

There are a lot of innocent people
dead because of your civilised actions.

Innocent people are my stock and trade.

You say there are no
other copies of the tape.

I have to trust you.

And you have to trust me.

So, you tell me where the tape is,

I tell you how to disarm the bomb.

We part friends.

Fair enough ?

Whatever I was, whatever I
have done in the past, is past.

We understand each other, don't we ?

We understand each other ?

Tape is in the elevator.

Pull the red wire.
You've got three minutes.

I saw the bomb, McCall.

Just stay still.

It's gonna be all right.

Just breathe normaly.

No sudden movements.

All right.

Now, keep very still.

Very still.

You'll gonna be all right.

Here we are.

He's going to get away.

No, he isn't.

Now...

Breathe slowly

We're both going to be here tomorrow.

Very, very gentle.

Breathe.

Yeah, like that.

That's it, Good girl.

He said the red one !

He lied.

Well, you saved my life.

I'm very greateful.

So is it true what he said ?

That the two of you are
more or less the same ?

I don't know.

Well, you didn't tell me the truth.

I always tell the truth.

I just didn't tell you all of it.

You didn't tell me any of it.

It was my life at stake.

Didn't I have a right to know

who you are and what you do ?

Did my mother know ?

Who are you ?

Good night.

The more things change,
the more they stay the same.

Oh...

Genesis.

You remember Pamplona ?

Gerhard Reichman.

I mean, after that.

That's why you left, didn't you ?

Well, I had the most miraculous
five days you ever heard of.

Susan joined me and we
went to see the Bulls run.

And I forgot who I was, Robert.

I forgot what I was really there for.

I almost signed up for matador school.

I thought I could run
away from all of it.

And Susan ran away from me.

Two days later, I was back in
Berlin chasing phantoms again.

I never could watch another bullfight.

I guess I haven't missed anything.

We missed everything.

I know, Robert.

Transcribed by Adr1an