Underground (2016–2017): Season 1, Episode 1 - The Macon 7 - full transcript
In 1857, a group of slaves on a Georgia plantation make the dangerous decision to journey 600 miles north for the promise of freedom.
(music playing)
(dogs barking)
♪ so follow me up 'cause
this about to go down
(barking)
♪ I'm doing 500,
I'm out of control now
♪ but there's nowhere
to go now
♪ and there's no way
to slow down
♪ if I knew what
I knew in the past
♪ I would have been
blacked out on your ass
(dog snarling)
♪ come on, homie,
what happened?
♪ you...Ain't breathing,
you gasping
(dog whimpering)
♪ these...Ain't
ready for action...
(rhythmic panting)
♪
(rhythmic panting)
♪
(woman humming)
(panting)
Boy: Miss rosalee!
Boy, what you doing?
You can't be on
this here porch.
I'm sorry, miss rosalee,
but it done come early.
Go get my mama
from the cookhouse!
(woman screaming)
What happened?
(screaming)
We's was out in the field,
and she just fell
holding her stomach.
Shh, you gonna be all right.
Just, just put your leg...
(woman screams)
Should there be
that much blood?
(continues screaming)
Come on, come on.
Rosalee.
(sobbing) it hurts.
Zeke, where you
keep your clothes?
(woman crying)
Miss ernestine.
Ain't nothing about
child birth polite, zeke.
You ain't gonna
be no help
If you stand around
slack-jawed at every turn.
Go on outside
and wait.
(crying)
Shh...
It hurts!
(screams)
It's all right.
I know it hurts,
but listen to me.
You got to stop pushing.
Mama, what's wrong?
Baby's turned about.
Got to come out
head first,
Or neither of them
gon' make it.
No, no, no, no, no!
Shh!
(sighs) put something
in her mouth.
No, no, no,
no, no, no...
(screams)
no, no...
Miss suzanna gonna
throw a fit,
She hear all that noise coming
up at the big house.
(muffled screaming continues)
(shushing)
(muffled) it hurts, it hurts,
it hurts, it hurts.
(screaming stops)
(baby crying)
It's a boy.
Oh...
(baby crying)
(laughing)
♪ you're paralyzed
♪ another dark night
♪ but, oh, I'm not alone...
My name's john hawkes.
And I stand
before you today
Because the future
of our country
Is being decided
inside this courtroom.
Dred scott, by law, is not
allowed a legal defense.
He's not even allowed
to defend himself.
So someone should
speak for him.
This nation was founded
by those fleeing
Religious oppression
from across the atlantic.
Escaping those who would deny
them their freedom.
I ask you,
is not the plight
Of every runaway slave,
but a noble extension
Of that same
manifest destiny?
(indistinct conversations)
There are three
Legal questions in
front of this court.
The first is about
jurisdiction.
Man: All right, let's,
uh, give it a read.
(sighs) "mr. Pullman,
thank you for your
prompt payment
"of charlotte's bills
for the last quarter.
"she's made great
steps forward,
"but she takes one or two
backwards from time to time.
"her latest,
injuring one of our
orderlies at lights out.
"we have not included costs
for his medical bills,
"but moving her to a more
secure ward has increased
"the cost of her treatment,
which is at a critical stage.
"we have nothing
but high hopes for her future.
"and you are an important
part of that.
"sincerely,
washington hospital."
(sighs) I have to say,
It's the third time
they've asked for more money.
Best hospital
in the country.
Send one as well.
Dear charlotte.
Hope you are well.
Getting well.
Ben, jay and I...
...We all miss you.
Your loving husband.
(dog barking)
(dogs continue barking)
(bell jingles softly)
August.
Man: Whoo-wee!
Got us another one, jim!
(laughs)
Saw his bitch with him.
She gonna be
close still.
Eh, we'll get her.
Yep.
Hang him up.
All right.
(indistinct chatter)
Mama
looking for you.
Eat your green beans.
They're ready for
the next course.
Liddy, eve, rosalee,
let's move.
(laughing)
Ernestine:
Here, let me fix your hair.
I wanted to stay with the baby
till seraphina woke up.
I covered for you, but
there ain't no excuse
for not being here
When dinner's on that table.
And you should know,
There's some trouble going on
with one of the field slaves.
It's got the white folks
on edge, so you mind yourself.
Suzanna: Why don't we
just invite all the slaves?
Seeing as we're already
inviting everybody else.
Tom: Darling,
don't be ridiculous,
we're not inviting everybody.
Just the
important bodies.
Suzanna: Please explain
to me how the willowsets
are important.
Carver willowset
is about to become
the next bishop of atlanta.
You can't get elected
in this state without
kissing the lord's ring.
Doesn't anybody care
that this is my birthday.
Not some campaign rally
for daddy to be mayor.
Senator, sweetie pie.
This has turned
into a circus.
I'm exhausted
just thinking about it.
Well, the last
thing I want is to exhaust
my beautiful, pregnant wife.
That's why I'm having avery
send over his house niggers.
As if the slaves can
do anything without my
constant instruction.
(exhales)
Can I offer
a hand?
Thanks.
No problem.
Mr. Hawkes.
That was a thought-provoking
speech you gave earlier.
Oh. Good to know at least
one person was listening,
Mister...
Still.
William still.
I've heard of you.
About what you do.
Through discreet
circles, I hope.
What I do is why I've
sought you and your
horses out this evening.
And are you in need
for a lawyer or a nag?
A home.
Yours, in particular.
Its location along
the ohio river
Could be very
advantageous to the cause.
Afraid I don't follow.
I believe you do.
You spoke with passion about
the rights of all men today,
But your words fell
on deaf ears.
Did that sit well with you?
Words aside,
What actions would you
be willing to take
to back them up?
I admire what you
do, mr. Still.
And in another life,
I'd like to think that
I could be a man
that would help your cause.
But not
in this one?
(horse neighs in distance)
(exhales)
(horse whinnies)
(birds chirping)
About a quarter mile
down the road,
You got three slave catchers
making their way towards here.
They got
your friend...
...And they got dogs.
Where you headed?
All right, then...
...Good luck to you.
We's tried following
the drinkin' gourd.
You did a fair job
at that, but...
...You wound up
on the wrong side
of the city of atlanta.
You got
two routes north...
Chelsea savannah
and the ohio river.
This time of year,
your best bet's the ohio.
She's low
and easy to cross.
And when you get there...
...There are far more people
willing to help you
along the way.
How you
know so much?
I made the journey
a few times myself.
At night...
When the hiding's easier.
Now, you'll have
a straight shot to the river
If you just follow
the blue ridge mountains,
But only way to them
is back through town.
Ain't no way
I's gonna make it without
someone seeing me.
(man whistles)
(dogs barking)
(breathing heavily)
(man shouting)
You will if I hide you
in the wagon.
Now, I want you
to wipe your hands hard
on that tree over there...
...Get all your sweat
and stank off on them.
Then walk your footprints
back into the stream there.
Got to throw off the
scent for the dogs.
Make sure you step
in your same footprints.
No new ones.
(man shouting in distance)
(dogs barking)
(barking continues)
Search 'em out.
Search 'em out.
Good boy!
Search 'em out.
She took to the stream!
Pete: Come on, boys.
Jim: Hold up.
Hell of a random place
for you to stop to water
your mule, August.
Last place for
water till home.
You seen any runaways
around here?
You know I wouldn't
tell you if I had.
I don't want
any trouble.
I'm just gonna be
on my way.
Yeah...
Not before I take
a look in your wagon.
(yells)
(groans)
You want a hole in you,
too, jim?
(grunts)
(gun cocks)
♪ it's a long way down
♪ when your head
is in the clouds
(yells)
♪ and all around sirens play
over there.
♪ don't get in my way...
Like I said,
I'll just be
on my way.
♪
John: Elizabeth?
(distant banging)
(crashing)
Elizabeth?
Elizabeth.
(grunts)
John. (chuckles)
you're home early.
I thought you're not
due to arrive until
just before the train.
Would the house
still be standing if I had?
(chuckles)
mmm.
Now, I know this all
looks unpleasant,
but once my intentions
For the space
are fully realized...
Oh.
You see, I woke up
this morning, and I thought
The baby
should have light.
More light than
it could stand.
And I came to the conclusion
the nursery should
have french doors.
French doors? And...
Yeah.
Over there?
Is a...Veranda?
No. That was
an unfortunate mishap.
(shouts)
(grunting)
The sledgehammer
is quite heavy.
What do you think
about curtains?
I think they should
cover the windows,
Keep the light out.
You're a tease.
I meant colors.
Of course,
It's difficult to decide
without knowing
If it's gonna be
a boy or a girl,
so I was thinking...
...Maybe yellow.
Man: It's not that uncommon.
There's nothing
to be ashamed of.
The human body is like
a garden, and some gardens,
Unfortunately, well,
they lack a certain...
John: Yellow's
a lovely color.
(exhales)
Tell me how your trip went.
It was great.
It was, uh...It was good.
People were listening.
Just not
the right people.
I've heard the case is not
likely to go mr. Scott's way.
He did everything right.
He followed
The law to the letter, yet he
still finds himself in chains.
What's a man supposed to do
when he feels so powerless?
Well...
I don't pretend
to know anything
about the ways of men.
But as a dainty
little lady like me,
Why, I pick up a
sledgehammer...
(grunts)
...Pray for the best,
and hope that
god is listening.
(chuckles)
Harold: Let's go! Move!
Get!
(shivering)
Harold: Go! Move!
Let's go, let's go.
Move it. Settle in.
You'll be going back
to your masters soon.
Now y'all stay put
and stay quiet!
Come on, jim.
(lock rattles)
(clattering)
(shuddering breaths)
(coughing)
Miss suzanna wants
her bath early.
You gonna have to take
james out to your brother.
And when you get back, warm
up some milk for miss mary.
(crickets chirping)
You can let
go of me now.
(indistinct chattering)
(owl hooting)
Miss rosalee,
We don't get to see
your pretty face
enough around here.
Pearly mae,
It's time for our
evening prayers.
(humming softly)
Is that for me, sam?
(chuckles)
When it's finished.
Wait till
t.R. Sees it.
Listen now,
This ain't for playin' with
in no big house.
It stays here or you can't
have it, you hear me?
Hand-carved like that.
Better than any
of them toys t.R. Has.
Mama sent
some dinner.
Mmm-hmm.
Scraps off of
massa's table.
It might be good enough
for you, but I ain't no dog.
(shouting)
Man: Get on in the house!
Where is he?
Rosalee:
Why they hurtin' henry?
They been askin'
about noah.
Massa sent him on some
work down the way...
...Was due back
this morning.
(blows landing)
How'd they
get you?
(men talking in distance)
I wasn't runnin'.
Yet here you are.
They sicced them dogs on me
before I could show
'em my pass.
You might've fooled them,
But I can see that fire
you trying to snuff out.
Freedom burning
behind those eyes.
You want to
know something?
I made it.
I made it to that river.
Came out a free man.
Until...
(grunting)
(gasping and inhaling deeply)
I had it.
The map to freedom.
Ain't no such thing
as a "map to freedom."
Word for word,
It showed me the way.
I carved it out
on the wall.
(grunting)
You ought
to rest now.
You listen to me.
You got to have faith.
You run...
...You follow that map,
And you a free man.
I seen the devil's grin,
But I missed
the angel's light.
(softly) you be ready
when you get to that river.
(grunting)
(woman muttering)
(sobbing)
Seraphina?
Seraphina. Come on now.
You should be restin'.
Let's go.
(sobbing) I washed him
clean of the sins of this
life. Of the pain.
I couldn't have him
growin' up like this.
Oh, not like this.
And he free now.
(gasping)
(panting)
(gasping)
(panting)
(screams)
(sobbing)
(birds chirping)
I can guess where
your head's at,
But you got to
bring it back here.
Right here
on these cakes,
'cause we using all
the eggs we got.
I just can't understand
How someone could do that
to their own baby.
I can.
Fear is something
powerful.
From a young age,
we think we know it.
But I ain't never
truly felt fear,
Real fear, until I had you
and your brothers.
From the minute
y'all were born,
I was afraid
of losing you.
That y'all be
sold or kilt.
That your brothers would be
worked and beat to the bone.
And that you'd
be too purty.
There ain't no fear like
that you have for your child.
Make it so you
can't see straight.
You can't change
what you saw last night.
Focus on what's
in front of you.
Lose yourself
in the work.
(exhales)
(sizzling)
Stand up.
Tom: I put my trust
in you, noah.
You were supposed
to take that wagon
To the ludlow plantation,
drop off that anvil,
come right on back.
I sorry, massa.
That's what I intended to do.
Don't lie to me, noah.
They said they found
you outside of atlanta.
That's two
counties over.
Yes, massa, I got lost.
Bullshit.
Yo' ass was runnin'.
No, no, massa, massa,
It was dark
and I was scared
And they sicced them dogs
on me before I could
show 'em my pass.
You wasn't lost!
I was lost.
You made that trip...
...Six times now.
And I always
come back.
I always come back, massa.
(sobbing)
I always come back.
I'm sorry, massa.
I swear. I swear.
Bill,
How many miles you reckon
between my plantation
And the north?
Hell,
More than I can count.
Well, my guess,
at least 600.
On foot, there is not a man
on earth who could make that.
Especially not being hunted
by those whose sole aim
Is to drag him back in chains,
dead or alive.
(chuckles) add to that,
there isn't anywhere to hide
As a nigger in a white man's
world, and you got yourself
An impossible feat.
Almost as impossible
as getting off my plantation.
Got the yellow river
on one side,
Stone mountain
the other.
300 acres of thicket
and swamp everywhere else.
I do, I swear,
on the fourth day,
The lord our god
blessed me with a fortress.
20 years I've been the master
of this plantation...
(gasping)
...And I have not had
One runaway.
(softly) not one.
(panting)
And he ain't the first.
Only takes one bad nigger
to spoil 'em all.
He can barely stand.
He ain't runnin'
any time soon.
Tom: You and bill
keep an eye on him
all the same.
I'm gonna send someone down
here to tend to that leg.
And then you get
back in that shop.
There's still work
to be done today.
Thank you, massa.
Oh.
I had to pay those
slave catchers $5
Because of your terrible
sense of direction.
A lash for each dollar
seems fair.
(sneers)
Whoa. Whoa, mule.
Whoa, mule.
(grunting)
We've made it
to the other side of the city.
It's safe
to get out now.
Why you do this?
Help people like me.
I got a boy.
Name is ben.
Coming up
on 12 years old.
He don't yet
know the world's
A harsh
and unfair place.
And I'm afraid there
ain't no changin' that.
Not in my life,
anyway.
So, I suppose
When it comes down to it,
I'm just...
...Thinking of
his future.
Thank you.
(horse huffs)
Get up, so she
can look at that leg.
You gonna have
to take off your shirt.
(gasping in pain)
Seems I...
I need some help,
If you don't mind.
(horse neighs in distance)
(panting)
It's rose, right?
(stammers) rosalee.
I'm noah.
I know your brother.
I don't think we
ever spoke before.
You don't leave
the big house much.
(gasping)
I always wonder what
it must be like up there,
Sleeping in them
nice comfy beds.
(breathing shakily)
We still slaves,
don't matter where you sleep.
(exhales)
(shudders)
(gasping)
This ain't that bad.
It ain't?
Then hell, I guess I should
put this to better use.
Why is you's
pretending?
We all pretendin'
in some way.
It's nice to meet
you properly,
Miss rose.
(train whistle blows)
(panting)
(train whistle blows)
(moaning, panting)
(grunting)
wait. Wait, hold it.
No, wait.
Laney briss told me
If you put a pillow
under my bottom...
Wait, you're talking
to your friends about this?
(panting)
which amendment is it?
The one which prevents
incriminating oneself?
(laughs)
(grunts)
Wait, wait, wait.
(exhales)
(exhales)
(sighs) I'm sorry.
(exhales)
I can't seem to get
out of my own head.
Oh, don't apologize.
You're not
the only one.
(train wheels clacking)
(sighs)
A man came to see me
at the capital.
Mmm-hmm?
A william still. Pennsylvania.
The one that aids
the runaway slaves?
He asked about
using our house.
To do what?
To...Help people.
You mean to
harbor fugitives?
I mean both,
I suppose.
I told him that...
...We couldn't be
of any help to him.
But what if we did?
We could make
a real difference.
Well, it's a
noble cause and...
...Somebody has to do it.
But it doesn't
have to be us.
We could be
thrown in jail.
You know it's
breaking the law.
Yeah, that same law
allows people
To own other people.
It's not enough for me to just
speak about this anymore,
Elizabeth...
But...But you're talking
About risking
our future.
Risk?
Most runaways are
either recaptured or killed.
I've heard
horrible things.
Yeah, as have I,
From my friends,
about angry negroes
Who kill the owners
of safe houses
And then make away
with their possessions.
What if...
...On our way back
we stop over in pennsylvania
And we just hear
what he has to say.
Absolutely not.
(stammers) why?
Absolutely not.
This is our home, and you need
to think about our family.
What family, elizabeth?
(exhales)
(train whistle blowing)
(crickets chirping)
(exhaling)
(panting)
How many?
200. Every night.
600 since you left.
Add 50 more.
You said you'd be
back before they knew
You's was gone.
I ran into
some trouble.
I didn't make it to the city
like I planned.
Come here.
You all right?
Good.
What about you? That limp.
Oh, I got
To let them think I'm weak,
that I ain't no threat.
So they can stop
watching me so close.
(panting)
I think I found it.
The way to
the promised land.
Look.
Now, this here,
this was carved on
the jailhouse wall.
Now, I don't know much,
But I know that there
says "freedom."
We gots to find somebody
to read this to us.
No, we got to do
way more than that.
That jailhouse was filled
with poor souls
Being dragged back
in chains.
You know what
they all had in common?
They was all alone.
It ain't enough to just
find which way to go...
...We got to get
a group of us together.
Yeah.
Be clever about it.
Find a strength in numbers,
'cause, look, when we run...
...When we run...
...Ain't no white man
gonna be able to stop us.
Daddy, you
like my hair?
It's beautiful,
sweetie pie.
There. All done.
We'll pull the back out
right before the party.
All curled up, you look like
a princess in them
picture books.
My hair, my dress,
my party...
...Everything's
gonna be perfect.
And it's all thanks
to you, stine.
(ernestine chuckles)
James is sure getting
big these days.
How old is
he now, eight?
Gonna be seven
this year.
We get him
Out in that field,
get him strong,
I'll bet he'd fetch us
a good price on the block.
What do you say
to that, tom?
Finally make some money
off one of these niggers.
Tom: Mmm.
Noah: Paddy rollers
always move in twos.
There were three of them
catchers that got me.
Means we need at least two
more on the run with us.
Henry: Seems like more people
are just gonna slow us down.
No, it ain't about speed.
We ain't gonna get off
this plantation
by just running,
And we ain't gonna get
600 miles north without help.
So who you thinkin'?
Moses.
Henry: The preacher man?
The one that's saying
every Sunday that
God said to obey thy massa?
You said it yourself,
We need somebody
who can read.
You see how that holy spirit
catch him on Sunday.
Them words
ain't comin' from god.
They comin' from that book
he keep hidin'.
I guess having god on our side
wouldn't hurt none, neither.
(clearing throat) oh,
if he's picked a side,
It ain't ours.
(sniffles)
how about sam?
He's smart.
Clever building things,
he could come in handy.
Noah: No, he save up
what little they give
him in the shop.
Fool thinks the massa gonna
let him buy his freedom.
He play
by the rules...
...Might not be
able to trust him.
Nah, we go for zeke.
He big as a house.
Henry:
I once saw him
Near kill a man who tried
to have his way
with seraphina.
He'd destroy anything
in our way.
Noah: Now he
ain't got nothin' left,
Save for a wife
who killed his baby.
Everybody be paying
their respects tonight
When they put that baby
in the ground.
That's gonna be
our only chance...
How's that leg?
It's doing
all right, mr. Cato.
I appreciate you asking.
They find your wagon,
they know you ain't
been to the ludlow's.
Know you was on
the wrong side of atlanta.
It ain't my wagon,
it's the massa's.
It's been out
there for days.
All them bandits...
...You really think there's
anything left to find?
You think
you smart, huh?
No, sir.
"no, sir."
Please, massa, please,
I just a big ol' dumb nigger.
Please don't punish me!
You might've fooled them,
but I see you.
You a troublemaker,
and you got the itch.
That about right,
ain't it?
You think you smarter
than the rest of us.
You think
you a free man.
You have yourself
a nice day, now, mr. Cato.
Well, you ain't as smart
as you think, so I'm-a
give you some advice, boy!
Don't you play
big nigger with me!
(chuckles softly)
Y'all have
a nice day, now.
I'll keep my eye out
for that wagon.
(scoffs)
We got to do
this right,
Or we's dead before we step
one foot off this plantation.
(horse neighing)
(neighs)
Best keep her away.
For her own good.
They all gone
sick, pa.
What is it?
Milk poison,
best I could tell.
(neighing)
(clicking)
What are
y'all gonna do?
(neighing)
Do you know what?
Come here.
You know,
I almost forgot...
I got you something
from up north.
What is it?
That there is called
a "baseball."
Whole new sport was invented
a couple of years back.
Some regulars in a yankee
tavern were going on
about it. And this...
...Is for catching the ball.
Go ahead, put your hand
in there. Like that.
You know how we got to break
this leather in, right?
Like on a saddle?
So that it works right.
Some fella in the tavern
was suggesting that you tuck
The ball on
in there so that...
(horse whining)
...They get to know
each other a little better.
Why don't you go up
to the house and do
that now, ben, hmm?
(weak neighing)
(cocks gun)
(hammering)
Sam. Sam.
Tonight at the funeral,
we need to talk.
(neighing)
(grunts, groans)
Aw, damn it!
You see what you done?
Rosalee, go down
there and tell my son
to come inside.
I'll go, miss suzanna.
Quickly now, rosalee.
Bill: Look what you done!
You got 'em all dirty!
Them things worth more than
Your life, boy!
(stammers) mr. Bill?
Get your hands out.
Put 'em out!
Mr... Mr. Bill, uh,
miss suzanna
Wants, uh, mr. T.R.
...And james to go back up
on that porch with her.
This boy's gonna pay
for wasting my time.
Hold 'em out!
(james crying quietly)
It's my fault.
It's my fault, mr. Bill,
it's my fault.
I gave 'em the sugar...
That's got 'em running wild.
If anybody gonna be punished,
it's gonna be me.
(sobbing) please...
So that's how they do it up
in the big house, is it?
You just talk to me
Any way you want?
No... No, sir.
Come down here and tell me
how it's gonna be?
No, no, sir.
He a little boy, sir.
He's a little boy.
(yells)
(shudders)
(gasps)
(cries)
(gasps)
(rosalee crying)
(whip strikes)
(rosalee groans)
(sobbing)
(whip strikes)
(gasps)
(sobbing)
(whip strikes)
(rosalee gasps)
(whip cracks)
Massa?
Guests are coming
up the drive.
(whip strikes)
(rosalee gasps)
Bill!
That's enough.
She's gonna need those hands
To serve
at the party tonight.
(sobbing)
(sighs)
Tom: Can the handsome devil
standing before me
Really be my brother?
(chuckles)
(grunts)
hey, tom.
It's been too long.
Lizzy.
Mmm.
What have
you been feeding him?
♪ I got a robe...
♪ you got a robe...
All:
♪ all god's children got
♪ a robe
♪ when I get
to heaven, gonna
♪ put on my robe
♪ shout all over god's
♪ heaven, heaven
♪ heaven
♪ I got wings
♪ you got wings
All:
♪ all god's children got wings
♪ when I get to heaven,
gonna put on my wings
♪ I'm gonna fly
all over god's heaven
♪ everybody talkin'
'bout heaven
♪ ain't goin' there
♪ heaven, heaven
♪ I'm gonna fly
all over god's heaven ♪
♪ oh, oh, la,
oh, la, la mar
♪ que bonita,
paranavigar
♪ I got those icies
♪ I got that zoom, zoom,
you want to wife me
♪ I know you do,
I'm on that gravy train
♪ I bet you're making waves
♪ got too much cash flow
♪ I'm pouring money
down the drain
♪ oh, oh, la, oh, la,
la mar... ♪
♪ heaven, I'm gonna
♪ play all over
god's heaven ♪
(music fades)
(indistinct chatter)
(grunting)
(softly)
you must be crazy.
You tryin' to get us killed.
Moses: The lord saw fit
To show you
mercy after you was
Dragged back here,
and now you talkin'
Like this.
I wasn't tryin' to run.
I was just tryin'
to get into the city.
Find a connection
to the freedom train.
All right, I need you
to tell me what this say.
Now I know you crazy.
Massa see you with somethin'
With words on it,
he gonna have
your back peeled.
I don't know who told you's
I could read,
But they's mistaken.
I thought god ain't take
kindly to tellin' lies.
(grunts)
I ain't
gonna tell nobody.
Now, this is the
map to freedom.
I'm trustin'
you with it.
You got to
trust me, too.
Okay, we all got to trust
each other. This whole thing,
It don't work
no other way.
Oh, no. It don't work
any which way.
That's what they want you to
think, but we do this right,
We do this together,
We can stand
as free men.
Ugly death.
That's the only thing
we gonna find we stay here.
(stammers) slip it to me.
I see what it say
back at my cabin.
You're not doing
much talking tonight.
Having a hard time
opening up a conversation
With your fellow
slave owners.
Tom: Well, it's all the more
reason I appreciate you
making the trip.
Mary's birthday isn't
a matter of politics.
It's a matter
of family.
I, uh, couldn't help
but notice you and the wife
Weren't doing much
talking either.
You ever say something
so reprehensible
That you can't
possibly take it back?
(chuckles) why do you think
I own so many acres of land?
More places to hide.
(chuckles)
I love that accent
you've adopted, by the way.
(chuckles)
mmm. Mmm-hmm.
I'm just trying
to embrace the culture.
Is that part of it?
The bid for senator?
Show 'em that
you're one of them?
They know
I ain't one of 'em.
That's why the democrats
approached me.
They think I can speak
the language of the north.
I hope I still can.
Who's your
campaign manager?
Smartest guy I know.
Good. What's his name?
John hawkes.
(indistinct chatter)
(chuckles)
You have outdone yourself
tonight, suzanna.
They're gonna be
talking about this one
for the rest of the year.
It's not
a competition.
Oh...
Says the woman
who always wins.
(chuckling)
Bernadette:
Elizabeth, tell us about
the weather up north.
Do y'all get anything
like this heat?
Elizabeth.
Bernadette was asking
about the weather up north.
Right. Um, yeah,
it does, it does get hot.
But nothing
like this.
It's a bit, um...
Oppressive.
Is your husband a planter
like his brother?
No, no. John operates
a law practice in the city.
He's also
quite the activist.
Oh, that's wonderful.
For what cause?
Rights for niggers.
I try not to talk politics
at social occasions.
That's amusing,
because I feel like all you
northerners do is talk.
We're the ones down here
doing all the work
To keep the
economy going.
(chuckles)
This cake is delicious.
Did you
make it yourself?
I guess it's easy to be
a woman of ideals,
given your...Condition.
And I promise you this.
You and john will both
feel differently on the matter
If you ever
have children.
Now, I simply
must show you ladies
where the nursery will be.
Oh...
Come. This way.
(indistinct chatter)
(owl hooting)
(exhales)
(sniffles)
(exhales)
(sniffles)
That was...Was real
good of you
To take them lashes
for your brother.
You says
we all pretendin'.
What'd you mean?
We's all know we
supposed to be free.
I ain't been more
than two steps off this
plantation in my life.
Can't even imagine
what being free would be like.
All them cities up north,
they all built of
iron and steel.
A free man, say with
the skills I got,
Oh, he could live
like a king.
Go anywhere
his heart desires.
Live a life is his own
and no one else's.
Except his wife,
when he finds her.
And they children?
They ain't never gonna
have to think about runnin'.
(footsteps approaching)
Did you have a chance
to taste the peacock?
(chuckles)
No, I have had a scotch
in my hand
Since we stepped off
the stagecoach.
I didn't drink nearly enough
to forget what I said to you.
You're right.
I need to start putting
our family first.
Tom asked me
to manage his campaign.
If I want to make
a difference, a real one,
Then having the ears
of a senator could help.
We'd have to
move down here.
But I'd be home
more and we'd be
surrounded by family...
...For when
we have our own.
It's me.
I'm the reason that
we can't have children.
(softly) oh.
They had a little
boy up in a swing,
And he was...
...Fanning us in the parlor
like he was just another
piece of the furniture.
And no one cared.
This...
...This isn't the kind
of world that I want to
bring children into.
We have to
change that.
That's five dollars
from the macon plantation.
And here's $50 for the one
from alabama way.
Hold on now.
The notice says $100,
dead or alive.
That's for the pair.
Male and female.
That bitch?
We done chased her
over a cliff. She fell.
Must've been 50 feet.
Is that so?
I reckon it
could've been 75.
Ain't no way to
get that body.
(chuckles)
well, the good lord must have
been looking out for her,
'cause she ended up in here
without a scratch on her.
Rest of this money goes
to the slave catcher
who brought her in.
Jim:
And who's that, exactly?
That'd be me, jim.
Jim: You stole her
right from under us.
Constable: Y'all ain't
the only ones tricked.
He walked her right in here
with his coat over her head.
I swear I heard
her call him a saint.
That true?
Not at all.
She called me an angel.
♪ but if you do decide
that you gonna play
that hand and try
♪ just think before you act
because your actions
♪ don't rewind
Hey, boy.
Mr. Macon wants to see you
up at the big house. Now.
We left off
john 15:13.
I got somethin' else
I want you to read me tonight.
Where'd you
get this?
Noah.
He think I'm the
one that can read.
It's a song.
My mama used to sing it to me
when I was no older than boo.
Some of the
words are different.
Yeah. Noah reckons
that that's the
way to freedom.
Sing it to me, ma.
♪ I've seen death
♪ but the moss
stays the same
♪ the sun is shinin'
♪ through the blue haze
♪ the drinking gourd
♪ the wolf yells its name
♪ the devil grins
♪ when he shows
you the grave
♪ the river jordan
♪ rises on high
(bell jingling)
♪ pulls you closer
♪ to the angel's light
♪ and if you fall
♪ get back up again
♪ 'cause freedom's fruit
♪ heals all your sin
♪ waiting to see
♪ heaven's door
(door opens)
(door closes)
Y'all wait here.
This can go one
of two ways.
I tell the massa
where I found your wagon.
We see if that slick tongue
of yours can talk yourself
out of a hangin'.
You don't know nothin'.
I know enough to know
You plannin' something.
See, I think you runnin'
and you gonna take
that boy with you.
The way I sees you's watchin'
everybody, talking in hushes,
Maybe you gonna take
some others, too.
A thing you
ain't consider,
You get caught or not,
It's gonna be
the slaves left behind
that's gonna pay the price.
Don't act like you care
'bout nobody else.
You only care
about yourself.
You right.
That's why I don't mean
to be left behind.
Ain't no
chance in hell.
Let's go.
Guess we gonna find out
who the big nigger is now.
(rhythmic panting)
Tom: It's been a long day.
What couldn't wait?
Well, massa, we just wanted
to say we found your wagon.
(rhythmic panting)
You did?
Good. Where was it?
♪ heaven
♪ what's up? What's up
♪ what's up? What's up?
Take off the handcuffs
♪ heaven
♪ we gonna be somebody
♪ we gonna be somebody
♪ heaven
♪ we gonna be somebody,
we gonna be somebody
♪ what's up? What's up?
Take off the handcuffs
♪ what's up? What's up?
Take off the handcuffs
♪ what's up? What's up?
♪ heaven
♪ we gonna be somebody, yeah
♪ heaven
(dogs barking)
♪ so follow me up 'cause
this about to go down
(barking)
♪ I'm doing 500,
I'm out of control now
♪ but there's nowhere
to go now
♪ and there's no way
to slow down
♪ if I knew what
I knew in the past
♪ I would have been
blacked out on your ass
(dog snarling)
♪ come on, homie,
what happened?
♪ you...Ain't breathing,
you gasping
(dog whimpering)
♪ these...Ain't
ready for action...
(rhythmic panting)
♪
(rhythmic panting)
♪
(woman humming)
(panting)
Boy: Miss rosalee!
Boy, what you doing?
You can't be on
this here porch.
I'm sorry, miss rosalee,
but it done come early.
Go get my mama
from the cookhouse!
(woman screaming)
What happened?
(screaming)
We's was out in the field,
and she just fell
holding her stomach.
Shh, you gonna be all right.
Just, just put your leg...
(woman screams)
Should there be
that much blood?
(continues screaming)
Come on, come on.
Rosalee.
(sobbing) it hurts.
Zeke, where you
keep your clothes?
(woman crying)
Miss ernestine.
Ain't nothing about
child birth polite, zeke.
You ain't gonna
be no help
If you stand around
slack-jawed at every turn.
Go on outside
and wait.
(crying)
Shh...
It hurts!
(screams)
It's all right.
I know it hurts,
but listen to me.
You got to stop pushing.
Mama, what's wrong?
Baby's turned about.
Got to come out
head first,
Or neither of them
gon' make it.
No, no, no, no, no!
Shh!
(sighs) put something
in her mouth.
No, no, no,
no, no, no...
(screams)
no, no...
Miss suzanna gonna
throw a fit,
She hear all that noise coming
up at the big house.
(muffled screaming continues)
(shushing)
(muffled) it hurts, it hurts,
it hurts, it hurts.
(screaming stops)
(baby crying)
It's a boy.
Oh...
(baby crying)
(laughing)
♪ you're paralyzed
♪ another dark night
♪ but, oh, I'm not alone...
My name's john hawkes.
And I stand
before you today
Because the future
of our country
Is being decided
inside this courtroom.
Dred scott, by law, is not
allowed a legal defense.
He's not even allowed
to defend himself.
So someone should
speak for him.
This nation was founded
by those fleeing
Religious oppression
from across the atlantic.
Escaping those who would deny
them their freedom.
I ask you,
is not the plight
Of every runaway slave,
but a noble extension
Of that same
manifest destiny?
(indistinct conversations)
There are three
Legal questions in
front of this court.
The first is about
jurisdiction.
Man: All right, let's,
uh, give it a read.
(sighs) "mr. Pullman,
thank you for your
prompt payment
"of charlotte's bills
for the last quarter.
"she's made great
steps forward,
"but she takes one or two
backwards from time to time.
"her latest,
injuring one of our
orderlies at lights out.
"we have not included costs
for his medical bills,
"but moving her to a more
secure ward has increased
"the cost of her treatment,
which is at a critical stage.
"we have nothing
but high hopes for her future.
"and you are an important
part of that.
"sincerely,
washington hospital."
(sighs) I have to say,
It's the third time
they've asked for more money.
Best hospital
in the country.
Send one as well.
Dear charlotte.
Hope you are well.
Getting well.
Ben, jay and I...
...We all miss you.
Your loving husband.
(dog barking)
(dogs continue barking)
(bell jingles softly)
August.
Man: Whoo-wee!
Got us another one, jim!
(laughs)
Saw his bitch with him.
She gonna be
close still.
Eh, we'll get her.
Yep.
Hang him up.
All right.
(indistinct chatter)
Mama
looking for you.
Eat your green beans.
They're ready for
the next course.
Liddy, eve, rosalee,
let's move.
(laughing)
Ernestine:
Here, let me fix your hair.
I wanted to stay with the baby
till seraphina woke up.
I covered for you, but
there ain't no excuse
for not being here
When dinner's on that table.
And you should know,
There's some trouble going on
with one of the field slaves.
It's got the white folks
on edge, so you mind yourself.
Suzanna: Why don't we
just invite all the slaves?
Seeing as we're already
inviting everybody else.
Tom: Darling,
don't be ridiculous,
we're not inviting everybody.
Just the
important bodies.
Suzanna: Please explain
to me how the willowsets
are important.
Carver willowset
is about to become
the next bishop of atlanta.
You can't get elected
in this state without
kissing the lord's ring.
Doesn't anybody care
that this is my birthday.
Not some campaign rally
for daddy to be mayor.
Senator, sweetie pie.
This has turned
into a circus.
I'm exhausted
just thinking about it.
Well, the last
thing I want is to exhaust
my beautiful, pregnant wife.
That's why I'm having avery
send over his house niggers.
As if the slaves can
do anything without my
constant instruction.
(exhales)
Can I offer
a hand?
Thanks.
No problem.
Mr. Hawkes.
That was a thought-provoking
speech you gave earlier.
Oh. Good to know at least
one person was listening,
Mister...
Still.
William still.
I've heard of you.
About what you do.
Through discreet
circles, I hope.
What I do is why I've
sought you and your
horses out this evening.
And are you in need
for a lawyer or a nag?
A home.
Yours, in particular.
Its location along
the ohio river
Could be very
advantageous to the cause.
Afraid I don't follow.
I believe you do.
You spoke with passion about
the rights of all men today,
But your words fell
on deaf ears.
Did that sit well with you?
Words aside,
What actions would you
be willing to take
to back them up?
I admire what you
do, mr. Still.
And in another life,
I'd like to think that
I could be a man
that would help your cause.
But not
in this one?
(horse neighs in distance)
(exhales)
(horse whinnies)
(birds chirping)
About a quarter mile
down the road,
You got three slave catchers
making their way towards here.
They got
your friend...
...And they got dogs.
Where you headed?
All right, then...
...Good luck to you.
We's tried following
the drinkin' gourd.
You did a fair job
at that, but...
...You wound up
on the wrong side
of the city of atlanta.
You got
two routes north...
Chelsea savannah
and the ohio river.
This time of year,
your best bet's the ohio.
She's low
and easy to cross.
And when you get there...
...There are far more people
willing to help you
along the way.
How you
know so much?
I made the journey
a few times myself.
At night...
When the hiding's easier.
Now, you'll have
a straight shot to the river
If you just follow
the blue ridge mountains,
But only way to them
is back through town.
Ain't no way
I's gonna make it without
someone seeing me.
(man whistles)
(dogs barking)
(breathing heavily)
(man shouting)
You will if I hide you
in the wagon.
Now, I want you
to wipe your hands hard
on that tree over there...
...Get all your sweat
and stank off on them.
Then walk your footprints
back into the stream there.
Got to throw off the
scent for the dogs.
Make sure you step
in your same footprints.
No new ones.
(man shouting in distance)
(dogs barking)
(barking continues)
Search 'em out.
Search 'em out.
Good boy!
Search 'em out.
She took to the stream!
Pete: Come on, boys.
Jim: Hold up.
Hell of a random place
for you to stop to water
your mule, August.
Last place for
water till home.
You seen any runaways
around here?
You know I wouldn't
tell you if I had.
I don't want
any trouble.
I'm just gonna be
on my way.
Yeah...
Not before I take
a look in your wagon.
(yells)
(groans)
You want a hole in you,
too, jim?
(grunts)
(gun cocks)
♪ it's a long way down
♪ when your head
is in the clouds
(yells)
♪ and all around sirens play
over there.
♪ don't get in my way...
Like I said,
I'll just be
on my way.
♪
John: Elizabeth?
(distant banging)
(crashing)
Elizabeth?
Elizabeth.
(grunts)
John. (chuckles)
you're home early.
I thought you're not
due to arrive until
just before the train.
Would the house
still be standing if I had?
(chuckles)
mmm.
Now, I know this all
looks unpleasant,
but once my intentions
For the space
are fully realized...
Oh.
You see, I woke up
this morning, and I thought
The baby
should have light.
More light than
it could stand.
And I came to the conclusion
the nursery should
have french doors.
French doors? And...
Yeah.
Over there?
Is a...Veranda?
No. That was
an unfortunate mishap.
(shouts)
(grunting)
The sledgehammer
is quite heavy.
What do you think
about curtains?
I think they should
cover the windows,
Keep the light out.
You're a tease.
I meant colors.
Of course,
It's difficult to decide
without knowing
If it's gonna be
a boy or a girl,
so I was thinking...
...Maybe yellow.
Man: It's not that uncommon.
There's nothing
to be ashamed of.
The human body is like
a garden, and some gardens,
Unfortunately, well,
they lack a certain...
John: Yellow's
a lovely color.
(exhales)
Tell me how your trip went.
It was great.
It was, uh...It was good.
People were listening.
Just not
the right people.
I've heard the case is not
likely to go mr. Scott's way.
He did everything right.
He followed
The law to the letter, yet he
still finds himself in chains.
What's a man supposed to do
when he feels so powerless?
Well...
I don't pretend
to know anything
about the ways of men.
But as a dainty
little lady like me,
Why, I pick up a
sledgehammer...
(grunts)
...Pray for the best,
and hope that
god is listening.
(chuckles)
Harold: Let's go! Move!
Get!
(shivering)
Harold: Go! Move!
Let's go, let's go.
Move it. Settle in.
You'll be going back
to your masters soon.
Now y'all stay put
and stay quiet!
Come on, jim.
(lock rattles)
(clattering)
(shuddering breaths)
(coughing)
Miss suzanna wants
her bath early.
You gonna have to take
james out to your brother.
And when you get back, warm
up some milk for miss mary.
(crickets chirping)
You can let
go of me now.
(indistinct chattering)
(owl hooting)
Miss rosalee,
We don't get to see
your pretty face
enough around here.
Pearly mae,
It's time for our
evening prayers.
(humming softly)
Is that for me, sam?
(chuckles)
When it's finished.
Wait till
t.R. Sees it.
Listen now,
This ain't for playin' with
in no big house.
It stays here or you can't
have it, you hear me?
Hand-carved like that.
Better than any
of them toys t.R. Has.
Mama sent
some dinner.
Mmm-hmm.
Scraps off of
massa's table.
It might be good enough
for you, but I ain't no dog.
(shouting)
Man: Get on in the house!
Where is he?
Rosalee:
Why they hurtin' henry?
They been askin'
about noah.
Massa sent him on some
work down the way...
...Was due back
this morning.
(blows landing)
How'd they
get you?
(men talking in distance)
I wasn't runnin'.
Yet here you are.
They sicced them dogs on me
before I could show
'em my pass.
You might've fooled them,
But I can see that fire
you trying to snuff out.
Freedom burning
behind those eyes.
You want to
know something?
I made it.
I made it to that river.
Came out a free man.
Until...
(grunting)
(gasping and inhaling deeply)
I had it.
The map to freedom.
Ain't no such thing
as a "map to freedom."
Word for word,
It showed me the way.
I carved it out
on the wall.
(grunting)
You ought
to rest now.
You listen to me.
You got to have faith.
You run...
...You follow that map,
And you a free man.
I seen the devil's grin,
But I missed
the angel's light.
(softly) you be ready
when you get to that river.
(grunting)
(woman muttering)
(sobbing)
Seraphina?
Seraphina. Come on now.
You should be restin'.
Let's go.
(sobbing) I washed him
clean of the sins of this
life. Of the pain.
I couldn't have him
growin' up like this.
Oh, not like this.
And he free now.
(gasping)
(panting)
(gasping)
(panting)
(screams)
(sobbing)
(birds chirping)
I can guess where
your head's at,
But you got to
bring it back here.
Right here
on these cakes,
'cause we using all
the eggs we got.
I just can't understand
How someone could do that
to their own baby.
I can.
Fear is something
powerful.
From a young age,
we think we know it.
But I ain't never
truly felt fear,
Real fear, until I had you
and your brothers.
From the minute
y'all were born,
I was afraid
of losing you.
That y'all be
sold or kilt.
That your brothers would be
worked and beat to the bone.
And that you'd
be too purty.
There ain't no fear like
that you have for your child.
Make it so you
can't see straight.
You can't change
what you saw last night.
Focus on what's
in front of you.
Lose yourself
in the work.
(exhales)
(sizzling)
Stand up.
Tom: I put my trust
in you, noah.
You were supposed
to take that wagon
To the ludlow plantation,
drop off that anvil,
come right on back.
I sorry, massa.
That's what I intended to do.
Don't lie to me, noah.
They said they found
you outside of atlanta.
That's two
counties over.
Yes, massa, I got lost.
Bullshit.
Yo' ass was runnin'.
No, no, massa, massa,
It was dark
and I was scared
And they sicced them dogs
on me before I could
show 'em my pass.
You wasn't lost!
I was lost.
You made that trip...
...Six times now.
And I always
come back.
I always come back, massa.
(sobbing)
I always come back.
I'm sorry, massa.
I swear. I swear.
Bill,
How many miles you reckon
between my plantation
And the north?
Hell,
More than I can count.
Well, my guess,
at least 600.
On foot, there is not a man
on earth who could make that.
Especially not being hunted
by those whose sole aim
Is to drag him back in chains,
dead or alive.
(chuckles) add to that,
there isn't anywhere to hide
As a nigger in a white man's
world, and you got yourself
An impossible feat.
Almost as impossible
as getting off my plantation.
Got the yellow river
on one side,
Stone mountain
the other.
300 acres of thicket
and swamp everywhere else.
I do, I swear,
on the fourth day,
The lord our god
blessed me with a fortress.
20 years I've been the master
of this plantation...
(gasping)
...And I have not had
One runaway.
(softly) not one.
(panting)
And he ain't the first.
Only takes one bad nigger
to spoil 'em all.
He can barely stand.
He ain't runnin'
any time soon.
Tom: You and bill
keep an eye on him
all the same.
I'm gonna send someone down
here to tend to that leg.
And then you get
back in that shop.
There's still work
to be done today.
Thank you, massa.
Oh.
I had to pay those
slave catchers $5
Because of your terrible
sense of direction.
A lash for each dollar
seems fair.
(sneers)
Whoa. Whoa, mule.
Whoa, mule.
(grunting)
We've made it
to the other side of the city.
It's safe
to get out now.
Why you do this?
Help people like me.
I got a boy.
Name is ben.
Coming up
on 12 years old.
He don't yet
know the world's
A harsh
and unfair place.
And I'm afraid there
ain't no changin' that.
Not in my life,
anyway.
So, I suppose
When it comes down to it,
I'm just...
...Thinking of
his future.
Thank you.
(horse huffs)
Get up, so she
can look at that leg.
You gonna have
to take off your shirt.
(gasping in pain)
Seems I...
I need some help,
If you don't mind.
(horse neighs in distance)
(panting)
It's rose, right?
(stammers) rosalee.
I'm noah.
I know your brother.
I don't think we
ever spoke before.
You don't leave
the big house much.
(gasping)
I always wonder what
it must be like up there,
Sleeping in them
nice comfy beds.
(breathing shakily)
We still slaves,
don't matter where you sleep.
(exhales)
(shudders)
(gasping)
This ain't that bad.
It ain't?
Then hell, I guess I should
put this to better use.
Why is you's
pretending?
We all pretendin'
in some way.
It's nice to meet
you properly,
Miss rose.
(train whistle blows)
(panting)
(train whistle blows)
(moaning, panting)
(grunting)
wait. Wait, hold it.
No, wait.
Laney briss told me
If you put a pillow
under my bottom...
Wait, you're talking
to your friends about this?
(panting)
which amendment is it?
The one which prevents
incriminating oneself?
(laughs)
(grunts)
Wait, wait, wait.
(exhales)
(exhales)
(sighs) I'm sorry.
(exhales)
I can't seem to get
out of my own head.
Oh, don't apologize.
You're not
the only one.
(train wheels clacking)
(sighs)
A man came to see me
at the capital.
Mmm-hmm?
A william still. Pennsylvania.
The one that aids
the runaway slaves?
He asked about
using our house.
To do what?
To...Help people.
You mean to
harbor fugitives?
I mean both,
I suppose.
I told him that...
...We couldn't be
of any help to him.
But what if we did?
We could make
a real difference.
Well, it's a
noble cause and...
...Somebody has to do it.
But it doesn't
have to be us.
We could be
thrown in jail.
You know it's
breaking the law.
Yeah, that same law
allows people
To own other people.
It's not enough for me to just
speak about this anymore,
Elizabeth...
But...But you're talking
About risking
our future.
Risk?
Most runaways are
either recaptured or killed.
I've heard
horrible things.
Yeah, as have I,
From my friends,
about angry negroes
Who kill the owners
of safe houses
And then make away
with their possessions.
What if...
...On our way back
we stop over in pennsylvania
And we just hear
what he has to say.
Absolutely not.
(stammers) why?
Absolutely not.
This is our home, and you need
to think about our family.
What family, elizabeth?
(exhales)
(train whistle blowing)
(crickets chirping)
(exhaling)
(panting)
How many?
200. Every night.
600 since you left.
Add 50 more.
You said you'd be
back before they knew
You's was gone.
I ran into
some trouble.
I didn't make it to the city
like I planned.
Come here.
You all right?
Good.
What about you? That limp.
Oh, I got
To let them think I'm weak,
that I ain't no threat.
So they can stop
watching me so close.
(panting)
I think I found it.
The way to
the promised land.
Look.
Now, this here,
this was carved on
the jailhouse wall.
Now, I don't know much,
But I know that there
says "freedom."
We gots to find somebody
to read this to us.
No, we got to do
way more than that.
That jailhouse was filled
with poor souls
Being dragged back
in chains.
You know what
they all had in common?
They was all alone.
It ain't enough to just
find which way to go...
...We got to get
a group of us together.
Yeah.
Be clever about it.
Find a strength in numbers,
'cause, look, when we run...
...When we run...
...Ain't no white man
gonna be able to stop us.
Daddy, you
like my hair?
It's beautiful,
sweetie pie.
There. All done.
We'll pull the back out
right before the party.
All curled up, you look like
a princess in them
picture books.
My hair, my dress,
my party...
...Everything's
gonna be perfect.
And it's all thanks
to you, stine.
(ernestine chuckles)
James is sure getting
big these days.
How old is
he now, eight?
Gonna be seven
this year.
We get him
Out in that field,
get him strong,
I'll bet he'd fetch us
a good price on the block.
What do you say
to that, tom?
Finally make some money
off one of these niggers.
Tom: Mmm.
Noah: Paddy rollers
always move in twos.
There were three of them
catchers that got me.
Means we need at least two
more on the run with us.
Henry: Seems like more people
are just gonna slow us down.
No, it ain't about speed.
We ain't gonna get off
this plantation
by just running,
And we ain't gonna get
600 miles north without help.
So who you thinkin'?
Moses.
Henry: The preacher man?
The one that's saying
every Sunday that
God said to obey thy massa?
You said it yourself,
We need somebody
who can read.
You see how that holy spirit
catch him on Sunday.
Them words
ain't comin' from god.
They comin' from that book
he keep hidin'.
I guess having god on our side
wouldn't hurt none, neither.
(clearing throat) oh,
if he's picked a side,
It ain't ours.
(sniffles)
how about sam?
He's smart.
Clever building things,
he could come in handy.
Noah: No, he save up
what little they give
him in the shop.
Fool thinks the massa gonna
let him buy his freedom.
He play
by the rules...
...Might not be
able to trust him.
Nah, we go for zeke.
He big as a house.
Henry:
I once saw him
Near kill a man who tried
to have his way
with seraphina.
He'd destroy anything
in our way.
Noah: Now he
ain't got nothin' left,
Save for a wife
who killed his baby.
Everybody be paying
their respects tonight
When they put that baby
in the ground.
That's gonna be
our only chance...
How's that leg?
It's doing
all right, mr. Cato.
I appreciate you asking.
They find your wagon,
they know you ain't
been to the ludlow's.
Know you was on
the wrong side of atlanta.
It ain't my wagon,
it's the massa's.
It's been out
there for days.
All them bandits...
...You really think there's
anything left to find?
You think
you smart, huh?
No, sir.
"no, sir."
Please, massa, please,
I just a big ol' dumb nigger.
Please don't punish me!
You might've fooled them,
but I see you.
You a troublemaker,
and you got the itch.
That about right,
ain't it?
You think you smarter
than the rest of us.
You think
you a free man.
You have yourself
a nice day, now, mr. Cato.
Well, you ain't as smart
as you think, so I'm-a
give you some advice, boy!
Don't you play
big nigger with me!
(chuckles softly)
Y'all have
a nice day, now.
I'll keep my eye out
for that wagon.
(scoffs)
We got to do
this right,
Or we's dead before we step
one foot off this plantation.
(horse neighing)
(neighs)
Best keep her away.
For her own good.
They all gone
sick, pa.
What is it?
Milk poison,
best I could tell.
(neighing)
(clicking)
What are
y'all gonna do?
(neighing)
Do you know what?
Come here.
You know,
I almost forgot...
I got you something
from up north.
What is it?
That there is called
a "baseball."
Whole new sport was invented
a couple of years back.
Some regulars in a yankee
tavern were going on
about it. And this...
...Is for catching the ball.
Go ahead, put your hand
in there. Like that.
You know how we got to break
this leather in, right?
Like on a saddle?
So that it works right.
Some fella in the tavern
was suggesting that you tuck
The ball on
in there so that...
(horse whining)
...They get to know
each other a little better.
Why don't you go up
to the house and do
that now, ben, hmm?
(weak neighing)
(cocks gun)
(hammering)
Sam. Sam.
Tonight at the funeral,
we need to talk.
(neighing)
(grunts, groans)
Aw, damn it!
You see what you done?
Rosalee, go down
there and tell my son
to come inside.
I'll go, miss suzanna.
Quickly now, rosalee.
Bill: Look what you done!
You got 'em all dirty!
Them things worth more than
Your life, boy!
(stammers) mr. Bill?
Get your hands out.
Put 'em out!
Mr... Mr. Bill, uh,
miss suzanna
Wants, uh, mr. T.R.
...And james to go back up
on that porch with her.
This boy's gonna pay
for wasting my time.
Hold 'em out!
(james crying quietly)
It's my fault.
It's my fault, mr. Bill,
it's my fault.
I gave 'em the sugar...
That's got 'em running wild.
If anybody gonna be punished,
it's gonna be me.
(sobbing) please...
So that's how they do it up
in the big house, is it?
You just talk to me
Any way you want?
No... No, sir.
Come down here and tell me
how it's gonna be?
No, no, sir.
He a little boy, sir.
He's a little boy.
(yells)
(shudders)
(gasps)
(cries)
(gasps)
(rosalee crying)
(whip strikes)
(rosalee groans)
(sobbing)
(whip strikes)
(gasps)
(sobbing)
(whip strikes)
(rosalee gasps)
(whip cracks)
Massa?
Guests are coming
up the drive.
(whip strikes)
(rosalee gasps)
Bill!
That's enough.
She's gonna need those hands
To serve
at the party tonight.
(sobbing)
(sighs)
Tom: Can the handsome devil
standing before me
Really be my brother?
(chuckles)
(grunts)
hey, tom.
It's been too long.
Lizzy.
Mmm.
What have
you been feeding him?
♪ I got a robe...
♪ you got a robe...
All:
♪ all god's children got
♪ a robe
♪ when I get
to heaven, gonna
♪ put on my robe
♪ shout all over god's
♪ heaven, heaven
♪ heaven
♪ I got wings
♪ you got wings
All:
♪ all god's children got wings
♪ when I get to heaven,
gonna put on my wings
♪ I'm gonna fly
all over god's heaven
♪ everybody talkin'
'bout heaven
♪ ain't goin' there
♪ heaven, heaven
♪ I'm gonna fly
all over god's heaven ♪
♪ oh, oh, la,
oh, la, la mar
♪ que bonita,
paranavigar
♪ I got those icies
♪ I got that zoom, zoom,
you want to wife me
♪ I know you do,
I'm on that gravy train
♪ I bet you're making waves
♪ got too much cash flow
♪ I'm pouring money
down the drain
♪ oh, oh, la, oh, la,
la mar... ♪
♪ heaven, I'm gonna
♪ play all over
god's heaven ♪
(music fades)
(indistinct chatter)
(grunting)
(softly)
you must be crazy.
You tryin' to get us killed.
Moses: The lord saw fit
To show you
mercy after you was
Dragged back here,
and now you talkin'
Like this.
I wasn't tryin' to run.
I was just tryin'
to get into the city.
Find a connection
to the freedom train.
All right, I need you
to tell me what this say.
Now I know you crazy.
Massa see you with somethin'
With words on it,
he gonna have
your back peeled.
I don't know who told you's
I could read,
But they's mistaken.
I thought god ain't take
kindly to tellin' lies.
(grunts)
I ain't
gonna tell nobody.
Now, this is the
map to freedom.
I'm trustin'
you with it.
You got to
trust me, too.
Okay, we all got to trust
each other. This whole thing,
It don't work
no other way.
Oh, no. It don't work
any which way.
That's what they want you to
think, but we do this right,
We do this together,
We can stand
as free men.
Ugly death.
That's the only thing
we gonna find we stay here.
(stammers) slip it to me.
I see what it say
back at my cabin.
You're not doing
much talking tonight.
Having a hard time
opening up a conversation
With your fellow
slave owners.
Tom: Well, it's all the more
reason I appreciate you
making the trip.
Mary's birthday isn't
a matter of politics.
It's a matter
of family.
I, uh, couldn't help
but notice you and the wife
Weren't doing much
talking either.
You ever say something
so reprehensible
That you can't
possibly take it back?
(chuckles) why do you think
I own so many acres of land?
More places to hide.
(chuckles)
I love that accent
you've adopted, by the way.
(chuckles)
mmm. Mmm-hmm.
I'm just trying
to embrace the culture.
Is that part of it?
The bid for senator?
Show 'em that
you're one of them?
They know
I ain't one of 'em.
That's why the democrats
approached me.
They think I can speak
the language of the north.
I hope I still can.
Who's your
campaign manager?
Smartest guy I know.
Good. What's his name?
John hawkes.
(indistinct chatter)
(chuckles)
You have outdone yourself
tonight, suzanna.
They're gonna be
talking about this one
for the rest of the year.
It's not
a competition.
Oh...
Says the woman
who always wins.
(chuckling)
Bernadette:
Elizabeth, tell us about
the weather up north.
Do y'all get anything
like this heat?
Elizabeth.
Bernadette was asking
about the weather up north.
Right. Um, yeah,
it does, it does get hot.
But nothing
like this.
It's a bit, um...
Oppressive.
Is your husband a planter
like his brother?
No, no. John operates
a law practice in the city.
He's also
quite the activist.
Oh, that's wonderful.
For what cause?
Rights for niggers.
I try not to talk politics
at social occasions.
That's amusing,
because I feel like all you
northerners do is talk.
We're the ones down here
doing all the work
To keep the
economy going.
(chuckles)
This cake is delicious.
Did you
make it yourself?
I guess it's easy to be
a woman of ideals,
given your...Condition.
And I promise you this.
You and john will both
feel differently on the matter
If you ever
have children.
Now, I simply
must show you ladies
where the nursery will be.
Oh...
Come. This way.
(indistinct chatter)
(owl hooting)
(exhales)
(sniffles)
(exhales)
(sniffles)
That was...Was real
good of you
To take them lashes
for your brother.
You says
we all pretendin'.
What'd you mean?
We's all know we
supposed to be free.
I ain't been more
than two steps off this
plantation in my life.
Can't even imagine
what being free would be like.
All them cities up north,
they all built of
iron and steel.
A free man, say with
the skills I got,
Oh, he could live
like a king.
Go anywhere
his heart desires.
Live a life is his own
and no one else's.
Except his wife,
when he finds her.
And they children?
They ain't never gonna
have to think about runnin'.
(footsteps approaching)
Did you have a chance
to taste the peacock?
(chuckles)
No, I have had a scotch
in my hand
Since we stepped off
the stagecoach.
I didn't drink nearly enough
to forget what I said to you.
You're right.
I need to start putting
our family first.
Tom asked me
to manage his campaign.
If I want to make
a difference, a real one,
Then having the ears
of a senator could help.
We'd have to
move down here.
But I'd be home
more and we'd be
surrounded by family...
...For when
we have our own.
It's me.
I'm the reason that
we can't have children.
(softly) oh.
They had a little
boy up in a swing,
And he was...
...Fanning us in the parlor
like he was just another
piece of the furniture.
And no one cared.
This...
...This isn't the kind
of world that I want to
bring children into.
We have to
change that.
That's five dollars
from the macon plantation.
And here's $50 for the one
from alabama way.
Hold on now.
The notice says $100,
dead or alive.
That's for the pair.
Male and female.
That bitch?
We done chased her
over a cliff. She fell.
Must've been 50 feet.
Is that so?
I reckon it
could've been 75.
Ain't no way to
get that body.
(chuckles)
well, the good lord must have
been looking out for her,
'cause she ended up in here
without a scratch on her.
Rest of this money goes
to the slave catcher
who brought her in.
Jim:
And who's that, exactly?
That'd be me, jim.
Jim: You stole her
right from under us.
Constable: Y'all ain't
the only ones tricked.
He walked her right in here
with his coat over her head.
I swear I heard
her call him a saint.
That true?
Not at all.
She called me an angel.
♪ but if you do decide
that you gonna play
that hand and try
♪ just think before you act
because your actions
♪ don't rewind
Hey, boy.
Mr. Macon wants to see you
up at the big house. Now.
We left off
john 15:13.
I got somethin' else
I want you to read me tonight.
Where'd you
get this?
Noah.
He think I'm the
one that can read.
It's a song.
My mama used to sing it to me
when I was no older than boo.
Some of the
words are different.
Yeah. Noah reckons
that that's the
way to freedom.
Sing it to me, ma.
♪ I've seen death
♪ but the moss
stays the same
♪ the sun is shinin'
♪ through the blue haze
♪ the drinking gourd
♪ the wolf yells its name
♪ the devil grins
♪ when he shows
you the grave
♪ the river jordan
♪ rises on high
(bell jingling)
♪ pulls you closer
♪ to the angel's light
♪ and if you fall
♪ get back up again
♪ 'cause freedom's fruit
♪ heals all your sin
♪ waiting to see
♪ heaven's door
(door opens)
(door closes)
Y'all wait here.
This can go one
of two ways.
I tell the massa
where I found your wagon.
We see if that slick tongue
of yours can talk yourself
out of a hangin'.
You don't know nothin'.
I know enough to know
You plannin' something.
See, I think you runnin'
and you gonna take
that boy with you.
The way I sees you's watchin'
everybody, talking in hushes,
Maybe you gonna take
some others, too.
A thing you
ain't consider,
You get caught or not,
It's gonna be
the slaves left behind
that's gonna pay the price.
Don't act like you care
'bout nobody else.
You only care
about yourself.
You right.
That's why I don't mean
to be left behind.
Ain't no
chance in hell.
Let's go.
Guess we gonna find out
who the big nigger is now.
(rhythmic panting)
Tom: It's been a long day.
What couldn't wait?
Well, massa, we just wanted
to say we found your wagon.
(rhythmic panting)
You did?
Good. Where was it?
♪ heaven
♪ what's up? What's up
♪ what's up? What's up?
Take off the handcuffs
♪ heaven
♪ we gonna be somebody
♪ we gonna be somebody
♪ heaven
♪ we gonna be somebody,
we gonna be somebody
♪ what's up? What's up?
Take off the handcuffs
♪ what's up? What's up?
Take off the handcuffs
♪ what's up? What's up?
♪ heaven
♪ we gonna be somebody, yeah
♪ heaven