The Lottery (2014): Season 1, Episode 1 - Pilot - full transcript

Five years and counting and still remaining

that tragic mystery. Why
have women stop having babies?

All may be contributing factors.

Maybe infertility
isn't caused by the disease.

Maybe infertility is the disease.

Ladies and gentlemen, the
President of the United States.

My fellow Americans, we have
endured a period of hopelessness

without parallel in human history.

The Global Fertility Crisis has
devastated our most fundamental dreams.

Our maternity wards here and
around the world are now empty.

We've spent these last five years
searching for causes and solutions,



while living with the
possibility of human extinction.

Our efforts to solve this mystery have
been relentless and comprehensive...

And unsuccessful.

Until today.

This is the first step on our
journey to restore our future...

The future of all humanity.

There are still many hurdles ahead,

but let us stop and appreciate this moment.

Let this be a night we will never forget.

Buy you a drink?

No, thanks.

The bar bed is open.

They've got a good one.

I don't do bar beds.



You know, I fathered a
daughter nine years ago.

I have her picture.

I'm sorry. It's a pass.

I'd like a dirty Martini.

It's last call.

Then you better hurry.

How's your night?

I don't know yet. Just started.

You know everything's closing, right?

Sometimes you just want to
skip to the end of the movie

and get to the good part.

Put it on my tab.

You said you like it dirty.

I was very clear about that.

My name is Bryan.

Bryan.

I thought your name was Gregor.

No. That's Gregor.

Thanks, Gregor.

I'm really surprised how this turned out.

Yeah. Me too.

I mean, I don't usually
get picked up by women.

Women look for the wrong things.

I happen to like your premature hair loss.

It indicates a high level of testosterone.

And your features show Somalian blood.

Somalia used to have the highest
fertility rate in the world.

Wait, how did... how did you
know I had Somalian blood?

Lucky guess.

No, you knew. How'd you know?

Room's paid for. Enjoy it.

Ow!

Say, Elvis, is somebody
picking on you at school?

- No.
- Well, what, then?

Everybody is bigger than me.

They're older than you,
but you're gonna catch up.

I get scared.

And the mask helps?

Look, Elvis, if it were up
to me, I'd let you wear it,

but your school's got
a no-superhero policy.

Why?

Probably because they don't want

the kids to have more
power than the teachers.

Do you ever get scared?

Yeah.

That's normal.

Blood sugar's low, Superman.

Go grab a juice.

Can I sit in the front seat?

No.

That's the last time, okay?

Come on.

Morning, Elvis.

- Is that her?
- Yeah.

Yeah?

Hey, don't forget... you
have after care today, right?

Why?

Well, because I got a job outside the city.

I'll take you for a burger tonight?

Big Shot Bob's?

Big Shot Bob's, yes.

Hey, you're Jaden's mom.

I'm Molly. It's Kyle, right?

Right, yeah. Elvis tells
me you comb his hair.

Elvis is such a lovely boy.

He doesn't like getting his hair combed.

Oh.

He didn't say anything.

Well, that's 'cause he's 6 years old.

I'm sorry.

Kyle, no one means any harm.

We know his mother's gone, and it
can't be easy being a single dad.

I mean, he's one of the Last Six.

He means so much to us.

We're happy to help with Elvis...

Watch him, feed him, anything. Yeah.

Look, Molly.

He's not a pet, he's a kid,

and he just wants to be
normal, so leave him alone.

Sounds good.

This is Vanessa.

What?

So he's at the hospital,
not the police station?

Okay, I-I'll be there as soon as I can.

Officer: Stay back!

Protest's over. We have
a constitutional right!

They can't take my eggs
without my permission!

I'm tired of the government
treating me like an animal!

Ma'am, stop moving forward...

Go to hell! And put your
hands above your head.

Hey! Hey! This is a legal assembly.

These people have... Okay, you know what?

Gun! No!

It's a badge. It's a badge.

I work for the White House.
I'm the Chief of Staff.

Sorry about that.

Dr.
Freeman, call extension 2235.

Dr. Freeman, please call extension 2235.

Officer Lopez.

I'm Vanessa Keller.

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Sorry about all of this.

It's not your fault, believe me.

He got aggressive when
I tried to take him in,

so... I had to get aggressive back.

Doctor said he's okay,
just needed some stitches.

Just so you know, I have a friend at BPD.

He called me and told me what happened.

Right.

How long have you been on the job?

- Five years.
- It's great training.

In fact, a good friend
of mine is with the FBI,

assistant director.

- He started as a cop.
- Oh, really?

I actually applied to the FBI last month.

Oh.

Well, if there's anything I can do to help.

Counterfeit fertility drugs?

Really?

Do you have any idea...

I didn't know that they were fake.

Shut up, Nick.

Just shut your damn mouth
and stop lying... for once.

Look, V., the real pills,
they weren't working, either,

so what the hell's the difference?

You are exploiting desperate women.

Selling lies.

I'm selling hope.

What's so horrible about that?

You don't stop, do you?

For 50 bucks, those women, they went
home feeling better about themselves.

Like they had a chance at winning
something big, hitting the jackpot.

That's all an Average Joe wants...

A chance at something great.

This is a fertility crime.

Do you know what could
have happened to you?

Could have?

Ah, so that means that, uh...

Yes, he is not filing charges,
but this is the last time, Nick.

I'm not doing this for you anymore.

Do this for me?

Let's be real, V. You did this for you.

I mean, Chief of Staff's
brother doing time?

That's bad for business.

Might tarnish that blue-collar,
rags-to-riches image

you work so hard to cultivate.

I'm Kyle. Dr. Sue referred me.

Great. I just started ovulating.

What about the
antral follicle counts?

Normal levels, and there's no indication
of the typical disease patterns.

Rachael, you might want to record this.

Behold... The first viable human embryo...

In six years.

- Holy shit.
- Yeah.

We did it.

We need to go
through the storage protocol.

The environment has to be perfect.

Dr. Lennon?

Mr. Hayes?

I wasn't told you were coming.

I came to see a miracle.

Each vial contains one viable human embryo.

How many eggs have you fertilized?

100.

That's unbelievable.

Remarkable.

Every other lab in the world has failed.

How did you do it?

We lowered the PH and dropped
the oxygen to a hypoxic level.

In essence, we've re-created the
environment of healthy, pre-crisis uterus.

But it only worked on these eggs?

So far.

Is there anything special
about this particular batch?

Not that I know of.

Can you fertilize more?

I have no idea.

We need to do more tests
and find surrogates.

That won't be necessary, Dr. Lennon.

Excuse me?

I appreciate your diligence,
but we'll be taking the lead

from this point going forward.

Oh, what do you mean? This is my lab.

This lab is financed by the
United States government.

Yes, but this is my...

A new team of scientists
will be here within the hour.

I-I don't have time for them.

I've been working on this
project for five years.

I'm not gonna turn over to
a new team I've never met.

You make a good point, Dr. Lennon.

I appreciate your honesty.

You have six new voice messages.

Hey, dad. I'm kinda sick.

Will you come and get me?

Message sent at 11:06 A.M.

Shit.

Elvis?!

Doors close at 3:15.

I know, man. Look, I
got held up in traffic.

My... my son's inside.

- Is that Mr. Walker?
- Yeah.

Let him in.

Thank you.

I just want what's right for Elvis.

Mr. Walker, we're from
the department of humanity.

Look, I-I had a job,
and it was in the mountains,

a-and I didn't have any reception.

- This has never happened before.
- Noted.

Now can I see him, please?

We need to update the file
before your son can be released.

I'm sorry. Released? I-is Elvis okay?

A mild stomach virus...

Vomiting, headache... That sort thing.

You mean he has the flu?

It seems so. It's going around.

- Man, he scared me the crap out of me.
- When they couldn't reach you, called us.

We just want to take this
opportunity to update your file.

Yeah, all right.

Are you still making a
living as computer technician?

Yeah.

And you are still raising Elvis alone?

His mother left five years ago.

Any communication with her?

She's a drug addict. I have no
idea if she's even still alive.

When was the last time you took a drink?

How do you know this?

When the state collected
your sperm for research,

they took a blood sample.

It's in the file.

I've been sober for four years.

Where is Elvis?

He fine.

He's being evaluated.

I-I know that you guys are just
trying to do your jobs here,

but you don't know Elvis.

He has these episodes where he gets
scared, and he feels really alone,

and I'm the only one at
can get him through that.

No, no, that's not what I'm saying.

I'm saying that he needs
to be with his father.

Mr. Walker, there are only
six 6-year-olds inhe country.

I'm sure you can understand
the state's compelli intest

in Elvis's health and well-being.

I take good care of my son.

Are you aware of the
child safety belt laws?

You got to be kidding me.

A child must be 8 years
old and over 60 pounds

to ride in the front passenger seat.

Were you aware of the law?

I think we're done with these questions.

- Mr. Walker, we'd like to update...
- You tell me where my son is!

Dr. Lennon?

Please have a seat.

Do you recall the conditions of
your confidentiality agreement?

Uh, pretty standard.

Except for the penalties
for breaching this agreement.

They are not standard at all.

They are quite extraordiny.

I recommend you re-read it.

Now, I will need your access key to
the lab and computer passwords. Sir?

The transition team will help
you move any personal belongings.

We will need you to clear
the premises within the hour.

W-we're not finished.

As you may be consulted in the future,

you will continue to
receive your full salary.

You can't do this.

The decision has been made.

Dr. Lennon, again, on
behalf of the country...

I want to thank you for your service.

- Allison!
- James.

I pulled a list of women
who donated the viable eggs.

I'm gonna find out who
the sperm donors were.

Al, I just need to talk
to you for a second.

They asked me to stay on.

And you said yes.

Al.

I mean, come on. This is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I dedicated my career
to this, too, all right?

I just want to see it through to the end.

Yeah, you mean be a
lapdog for the bureaucrats.

Look, if you want me
to, I'll talk to Darius,

I'll see if maybe he can...

Look at you... Already
on a first-name basis

with the director of
the Fertility Commission.

It sucks that you got fired. I get it.

But you can't expect
me to fall on my sword.

- My sword.
- It's my sword, James.

That's why you got fired, Al.

You don't know how to
play well with others.

A Scientist is supposed
to think for himself,

not play well with others.

That's your specialty, and by the way...

It's a turn-off.

You want to know what's a turn...

Hey! You want to know what's a turn-off?

My boss using confidential sperm
donor lists to find sexual partners.

And no, I didn't tell them.

Don't break your arm
patting yourself on the back.

Wow. That's quite a statement.

You said I had two
minutes to get over here.

You look ridiculous.

So, what's this urgent meeting?

Fertility breakthrough...
That's all I know.

Are you certain about this?

I was there, sir.

I saw it with my own eyes.

100 viable human embryos.

This is amazing.

This is what we've been waiting for.

The next step, Mr. President,

is to officially engage the
army to oversee the operation.

We'll use military hospitals and doctors
and female soldiers as surrogates.

We need to control the entire
process and ensure complete secrecy.

Deputy secretary?

Sounds like a reasonable strategy, sir.

Given the state of international affairs,

the less our global partners know
about our success, the better.

Vanessa, what do you think?

I think we do the exact opposite.

What do you mean?

Keeping this a secret is a mistake.

Let's shout our success from the rooftops.

To publicize this
discovery would be reckless.

Sir, we don't have the
luxury of being discreet.

We're on the verge
of getting blown out.

What are you talking about?

The opposition is gaining momentum.

They have the votes for
a recall, and they will win.

If we want to stay in office, we need
to announce a game-changing event,

which means letting the
people enjoy this victory.

Victory? We don't even know
if it's going to work yet.

You really want to sell
the American people a lie?

I want to sell hope.

That's what this country needs right now.

Look at what's going on out there...

The protests, the anger.

You saw what happened in Austin last week.

Like it or not, we are
at the tipping point.

These embryos could be our Moon Landing...

A triumph of science, but also
a triumph of the American spirit.

One giant leap for mankind.

What do you suggest?

What's the best way of moving forward?

A lottery.

A lottery?

Mr. President, we need a serious plan.

I want to hear this.

Keep talking.

Let's share the victory with the nation.

Let every woman out there feel like
she has a chance to hit the jackpot.

That's all the Average Joe wants, right?

A shot at something great?

So, this is our Moon Landing?

Who is our Neil Armstrong?

Hi. I'm Allison Lennon.

I work with the Fertility Commission.

Your facility sent 100 eggs to our lab.

We've sent thousands of
eggs in the last few years.

You sent them on April
29th. I need that donor list.

I need an access code.

If you make me go back to my office
to create an official request,

I will request every single donor
profile of every egg ever stored here.

Transfer the list.

This program was created by morons.

There's all kinds of bugs.

I need those names.

There's 100 donors
under 100 separate files.

It'll take forever.

Send me one single file. One donor.

Brooke Ashton.

Send me her file.

I don't know how to send files.

Is there an address?

66 Fleeta Street, D.C.

- Is there another way out of here?
- Through there.

Oh, I figured it out. It was easy.

You dismissed the Scientist
who fertilized the egg?

She was a security risk.

So what? She's a
public-relations gold mine.

Always thinking about the next move.

Isn't that what you taught me?

That's all you.

I didn't teach you to manipulate.

- I saved his job.
- Bullshit.

The opposition doesn't
have the votes for a recall.

Look, Vanessa, I know you're thinking about

making a run one day and
looking for a defining moment.

You think this is it. Well, you're wrong.

The lottery is a mistake.

You heard the President.

We're moving forward...

With or without your blessing.

Are you on board?

Yes or no?

100%.

Can I help you?

Brooke Ashton?

The clinic opened when I was a sophomore.

They had notes on the dorms.

I was desperate for cash.

Considered stripping.

Had the body for it, but turns out,

you can get a lot more for
your eggs than for your boobs.

Did you undergo any special treatments,
any special vitamins or drugs?

Not that I know of.

Why are you here?

We were able to fertilize some
eggs from the Georgetown clinic.

We're not exactly sure why it worked.

You fertilized human eggs?

Yes.

Yours was one of them.

Wait.

M-my eggs were fertilized?

One of them.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

I'm... thi... this is
the most incredible news.

I-I don't... I don't
even know what to say.

Uh... I knew it.

What do you mean?

I've been having these really vivid dreams.

There's always this girl,
and she looks just like me.

She's even got my hair.
She says she's my daughter.*

Now, I-I know that it sounds
wacky, but I'm telling you...

Children really do visit their
mothers before they're born.

I bet your mother dreamt about you, too.

I wouldn't know.

- I was adopted.
- So was I.

That is why I've always
wanted to have a child of my own.

Something always felt like it was missing.

I just wanted to be
connected to my own bloodline.

You know how it is.

Always wondering where you came from.

Yeah.

So, how do I get my egg back?

Do I need to call a lawyer?

Do I have to sign something?

It's... it's not gonna be easy.

You actually signed away your rights.

No, I know, but...

That egg came from me.

That child would be my child.

Al.

Where have you been?

You know, people are looking for you.

Someone from White House called six times.

Al?

James, I met one of the
egg donors... Brooke Ashton.

She's 31, and she's viable.

And what is it you think I can do?

You still have access to the
lab. I have a mini Cryogenic unit.

It can preserve an embryo for six months.

Wait a second. You want me
to steal her fertilized egg,

which happens to be one
of the most valuable things

- on the planet.
- I know, but will you do it?

It's her egg. She's the perfect surrogate.

No. I can't.

Al, the whole lab's locked down.

They've already got
some big plan in motion.

At this point, I'm basically
just a glorified lab assistant.

This is the part where you
get to say, "I told you so".

Do you have any booze?

Since when do you drink during the day?

Since I got fired.

You know what? I've got
a really nice Tequila.

- That'll work.
- All right.

Are you going back to the lab?

Uh, no, they sent everybody home
early to watch the President's speech.

Hey, uh, why don't you stay?

I can order some food.
We can watch it here.

We did make a little history.

We did well together, Al.

We are a good team.

That is good. Mm-hmm.

But, um... I have to take a rain check.

Where you going?

I just saw the time.

I have to be someplace.

Hold on a second. Wait, wait, wait, wait.

I just... I feel bad how it all went down.

How can I make it up to you?

I'll think of something.

I know. Since when is being late
to pick up your child a crime, right?

I mean, they have no
right to take him from me.

I'm his father.

No, no, no.

They said he's at some
hospital under observation.

They won't tell me which one, though.

How much of a retainer?

Look, I'm gonna be honest with you.

I don't have that kind of money.

Couldn't you take my case because
it's the right thing to do?

Hello?

Hi, it's Brooke.

I just wanted to let you
know that I found a lawyer,

and he's gonna help me get my egg back.

There was a new law.
It was passed last year.

He's gonna help all of the donors, too.

He wants to hold a press
conference tomorrow.

Brooke, slow down.

We don't need a lawyer. I can help you.

Just sit tight, and I'll be over soon.

It's my egg. It's my child.

I know. I'm going to help you.

That's my lawyer. I got
to go. I'll call you back.

Wait!

Brooke!

Brooke Ashton?

Yes.

I'm with the Fertility Commission.

May I talk to you for a moment?

My fellow Americans, we have
endured a period of hopelessness

without parallel in human history.

The Global Fertility Crisis has
devastated our most fundamental dreams.

Our maternity wards here and
around the world are now empty.

- Excuse me.
- We've spent these last five years...

Excuse me, ma'am, hi. Hi.

I'm looking for Walker, Elvis Walker.

I'm his father, Kyle Walker.

He has diabetes.

I'm showing restricted access.

So he is here?

I don't see your name on the visitor list.

Until today.

Through the efforts of American scientists,

100 human eggs have been
successfully fertilized.

100 potential children who will require
100 women to mother them to maturity

as the vanguard of the next generation.

Whoa. Did you hear that?

Therefore, by executive decree,

I have declared a national
Lottery to determine

surrogate mothers to carry these embryos.

Why a lottery?

Because this country was
founded on the principles...

It's a baby lottery.

- Of equal representation.
- Crazy.

All women...

Excuse me!

You're not allowed to be up here.

Uh, yeah, sorry.

Let me just get my pass.

Dad?

Mm.

Come here.

Where were you?

It was a mistake, and they took you away.

But I'm never gonna let
that happen again, I promise.

Now, you have to do exactly as I say.

I'm scared.

I thought about that.

Now, you and me are gonna
fly out of here together.

Yeah? Come on.

Unfortunately, the selection must reflect
the diversity of the American population.

Why are you here?

Dr. Lennon, stop!

I'm Vanessa Keller, white
house Chief of Staff.

It's an honor to meet you.

You're a national hero.

The President is hosting a
cocktail party at the White House.

The press is there.

He'd like you to come and
share your story with the world.

I just got fired. That's my story.

I'm sure we can work something out.

That'd be great. We can...
talk about it tomorrow.

No, actually, if you come with
us now, we can sort it all out.

At the White House.

I-I can't. I'm sorry.

I-I just... I can't.

Dr. Lennon!

The selection will be fair and transparent,

and while few will be chosen,

every single American

will feel like they are
participating in the process.

The 100 women selected by the lottery
will represent each and every one of us.

They will carry the torch of
promise into a brighter future.

This is the first step on our journey

to restore our future...

The future of all humanity.

There are still many hurdles ahead,

but let us stop and appreciate this moment.

Let this be a night we will never forget.

Watch it!

Stand clear of the doors.

Hey!

Watch out. What you doing, man?

Hey! Move, move, move, move, move!

The doors are now locked.

The train is leaving the station.

The most fundamental human need is hope.

We are wired for it.

We cannot survive without it,
and today, we have found it.

Today, we are truly one family.

Thank you.

And may God bless the
United States of America.

I heard it was suicide.

God. She was so young.

What was her name again?

Brooke Ashton.

James.

Your back door was open.

What are you doing here?

Well, you know, for starters,

I was kind of hoping
to get my Lab Pass back.

I didn't have a choice, James.

I didn't mean to put you in a bad position.

Bad position? I'm an accessory
to the theft of a human embryo.

I'm sorry.

You have any idea what the penalties are?

There's too much at stake.

Al, where's the embryo?

I'm not giving it back.

There's something going on here, James.

- These people are dangerous.
- Come on. What are you talking about?

Brooke is dead.

The police said it was a suicide, but...

For God's sake, Al, what the hell
are you getting yourself into?

Did you get that information I requested?

Yes or no?

Yeah.

Here you go.

This is the guy who
fertilized Brooke's egg.

And in breaking news now,
we have just received word of a kidnapping.

It seems that Elvis Walker,
one of the so-called "Last Six"

was taken from a local hospital last night.

Police suspect his father, Kyle Walker.

Anyone with information on this is
asked to contact their local authorities.

Of course, you can keep it
right here for the very latest

on this breaking news story.

No mask?

I'm not scared.

Yeah.

We took care of the
Brooke Ashton situation.

- Suicide?
- Yes.

And the coroner will confirm?

Yes, he will.

N...

Let go of me!

No!