Utopia Falls (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - Run This Town - full transcript
Aliyah and her friends look towards hip-hop for inspiration for the upcoming Exemplar group round, while in The Archive, Tempo uncovers humanity's forgotten dark history.
So you're saying this place is
just full of forbidden culture?
And history, and science,
and all sorts of things
from the past.
You just happened to find this?
Yeah.
I don't buy it.
I just...
You don't think
it's kind of suspicious
that you just found this place
on the night we were all
invited out by our mystery host?
What do you mean?
Like, it's a trap?
Or a test.
By who? The Tribunal?
- Who else?
- I don't know.
The way Authority Phydra
grilled me,
didn't seem she knew
about this place.
Well, then who built it?
And how?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Have you tried
asking this thing?
Hello?
Who built this thing?
I don't have that information.
Helpful.
Show fashion from the old world.
There are so many styles
of fashion from the old world,
from hip‐hop and street fashion,
to designer haute couture.
Oh, now we're talking.
Fashion designers used to
show off their new collections
in runway shows,
while models would wear
elaborate makeup and hairstyles.
Now that's flames.
- Whoa, look at that.
- All right.
I'm guessing you have no plans
to report this to the Authority.
I mean, if we do, we're never
going to get in here again.
Yeah, but if we don't,
and they find out
we knew about this,
it's not just us
who'll be paying the price.
It'll be our families.
It is illegal to possess
relics from the past.
We have a saying in Reform.
"It's only illegal
if you get caught."
It's a risk.
A huge one.
But there's so much to learn.
So much we don't know
about our past,
about where we come from.
I'm not ready to give that up.
Welcome, Tempo.
What's good homey?
I see Aliyah told you
her big secret.
You knew about this?
Yeah.
And you're okay with it?
No. No, I'm not.
But what am I going to do?
Turn Aliyah in?
Snitches get stitches.
Okay, fine.
Whatever. I'm in.
Just please tell me
this can show me something
other than clothes.
So much more.
Hey, Archive,
show us a stepping crew.
Oh, I got what you need.
Good day, citizens.
Go forth, and find...
Honestly, Benonsay
is the greatest.
Who?
Benonsay.
You know, the single lady.
How do you know she's single?
She's the one that does the...
You know you're
embarrassing yourself.
Do I look embarrassed?
You should be.
I see how... it is.
It's weird, right?
Like... Looking in the mirror
and seeing someone else?
Why am I smiling like that?
Yeah, you never smile.
Guys, are my eyes bigger?
That's spooky.
If we want to win the Exemplar,
we have to play the game.
This is how we play the game.
Whatever helps you
sleep at night, but...
that's not me.
Well, like it or not,
that is you.
It's all of us.
Okay.
Stop, stop.
Just stop.
Sit down.
Go on. Sit.
So, how do you feel
about your performance?
What, think I'm just going
to yell at you to do better?
This is a conversation.
Who wants to go first?
It was kind of wack. I mean...
It was kind of rough.
True, technical execution
is still soft.
But that's what
rehearsal is for.
What else?
Apollo has some great
ideas for the live music,
but he's just...
Apollo knows tomorrow
is the opening round
of the Exemplar, right?
He'll be here soon. Very soon.
Apollo's absence is a problem,
but not your biggest.
I'm going to ask you a question,
and I want you to really think
before you respond.
Do you like your performance?
Do you remember Tristan‐2?
He won the 51st Exemplar.
That was before you were born,
but maybe you saw footage
of the performance
on the public square
rebroadcasts.
My mom raves about those finals.
My dad does too.
Said it was my mom's favorite.
One of the greatest.
The thing is,
that performance wasn't about
the technical execution.
Now, don't get me wrong.
It was flawless.
But what really
made it stand out
was the spirit
he brought to the stage.
They say he could have fallen
flat on his face and still won.
Sounds rigged.
Not at all.
That performance energized
the people of New Babyl
like never before.
It's not an understatement
to say he changed
the competition forever.
So you want us to...
Change the competition forever?
As candidates,
you have the rare opportunity
to inspire the people
of New Babyl
through art and performance.
Through expression and passion.
Don't underestimate
this opportunity.
If you're not feeling
your own performance,
how can you expect
anyone else to?
Make this into something
that you love,
and the people will love it too.
Now work it out.
Mentor Chapter's right.
We need to step it up.
Come on, let's do it again.
Doing it again is not going
to magically fix this.
We need some new ideas.
And who put you in charge,
anyways?
Okay, he's just
taking things seriously.
And the rest of us aren't?
Get into first position
and then I'll answer that.
Let's just take a break.
Maybe lunch, whatever.
Just come back with clear heads.
Sounds good?
Sounds good.
Fine by me.
Come on, let's eat.
All I'm saying is,
is not everyone's used
to the way you take charge.
And right now, priority is
gelling as a group, right?
Thanks, you know,
for diffusing that.
I know how salty you get
when you haven't eaten.
Salty?
Dope. Wack. Cool.
Give it another month
and I won't understand a word
you guys are saying.
Hey, Apollo.
You still asleep?
When did you last see him?
Yesterday? In the Archive.
He never came back?
We should go check.
We don't have time.
We need to get back
to rehearsing.
Why would he still be there?
We don't know that for sure.
And either way,
it doesn't matter.
Apollo will just
have to catch up.
Phydra, what are you doing
in my home?
I came by for a chat.
Why don't you take a seat.
Whoo!
All right,
let's stay focused, guys.
Aliyah, your turn.
Oh, I couldn't possibly.
Stop the music.
Whoo! All right, all right.
That was fun, but come on.
Let's get back to the program.
Can we not?
I mean, the routine is‐‐.
It's fine, it's just,
I don't know, it's kind of‐‐.
Dry?
Well, we're working on that.
You got to admit,
we all came alive
right when Brooklyn
did her little...
Listen, okay, it's one thing
for us to have our fun at...
You know where.
But Bohdi and Aliyah
got in serious trouble
the last time
they went down this road.
Except they let Aliyah go
after like, what,
five seconds, didn't they?
Okay, it was more
than five seconds.
True, but they were
just annoyed at Bohdi,
because he was slandering
New Babyl's good name.
Wrong. I was just telling it
like it is.
Okay, then just don't
do that, and we'll be fine.
No, we won't.
You know what I'm saying, right?
If we want to win the Exemplar,
we have to play the game.
Thank you.
And the routine we have
is how you play.
But maybe there's a compromise.
We don't have to cut
everything we have,
but maybe we can incorporate
some new moves.
You know, just to liven
things up a bit.
Seems like a good plan.
You know I'm all about
compromise.
You're not the one
we got to worry about.
We're playing with fire.
It's only a few moves.
All right. Okay, fine.
A few moves.
What bar did you add
that move on again?
Yeah, okay, so it's called
a top rock.
So first we vive,
and then you kick,
and out, and kick, and out,
and kick, and out,
- and kick, and out...
- ‐.
Come on!
So...
the anticipation is killing me.
Tell me, Gerald,
how would you compromise
the Shield?
I don't understand.
It's a hypothetical question.
If you had to get through
the Shield,
how would you do it?
Well, the only way to go through
is with a Sonic Disruptor,
but they're all kept
under lock and key.
Hm.
Are these plans for building
a Sonic Disruptor?
Out of black market parts.
You think someone built one?
Who?
I was hoping
you could answer that.
Great work, everyone.
We still need to sharpen up some
edges, but we're in great shape.
Not going to lie, I'm pretty
sure I'm the greatest thing
that's ever happened
to the Exemplar.
You realize this is
a group performance, right?
Even the night sky
has a brightest star.
Okay.
Our new performance is tight,
but I still feel like
we could do more.
Relax, Tempo.
I'm not talking about more evil
elements from the past.
How would you feel about going
to the Open Market?
What's that?
Reform's worst‐kept secret.
What do you need from there?
And ruin the surprise?
Come on.
I could do with a visit home.
You good?
Always.
I'm going to go check on Apollo.
You want some company?
No. I'll be fine.
How would I know
who built a disruptor?
That's your department.
Gerald, you misunderstand.
The black market device
was not built recently.
It was built 13 years ago
by Anna, your wife.
All due respect, Phydra,
I don't think so.
See, after Anna died I went
through all of her things,
figured out what to keep,
what to donate.
If she had a disruptor,
I'd know.
Well, perhaps my source
was mistaken, then.
It's so hard to know
who to trust sometimes.
Sorry to have taken up
your time.
You know, I tried having
a family once.
Turns out it wasn't for me.
Too many things
I couldn't control.
Too much to lose.
Like, what if I had a partner
who wasn't happy here?
And what if they were
determined to leave?
Could you imagine the fallout
if they actually succeeded?
I mean, what if we had a child?
Daughter?
Great Gaia, think of what it
would mean for that poor girl.
The betrayal she'd feel.
The status and privilege
that she would lose
if there were repercussions.
It would be a one‐way ticket
to Reform, if she were lucky.
If it were me,
I would do everything I could
to protect her.
Hide the truth.
Maybe even go so far
as to fake her mother's death.
Whatever it took, right?
Pause video.
Yeah, so much for being
right behind me.
Or do you just not care
that you blew off
an entire day of rehearsal?
How long? What time is it?
As I was walking over here
I kept thinking to myself,
"What if he's not there?"
Or, "What if
something happened?"
I'm sorry.
I guess I just
lost track of time.
It's fine.
Let's just go.
Wait, can I show you
something quick?
A day, Apollo.
A whole day.
I know, I know.
But this thing...
Okay, you know that pattern
that I'm always drumming?
You learned it from
your father, right?
Yeah, he learned it
from my grandma and so on.
Yeah. Watch.
Play next. No doubt.
What am I missing?
The drum pattern.
Yeah, it's the same, but‐‐.
What if the people the Archive
is showing me are... my family?
Or at least...
I don't know, my people?
Your‐Your people?
Aren't I your people?
I mean, we're both citizens,
aren't we?
Yeah, of course.
But knowing that this existed
so far back,
and how an entire community
was brought together
because of a beat.
And now I'm drawn to it too,
you know?
It's...
It feels like I belong to them
and they belong to me.
Like I've been missing a piece
of myself my entire life,
and I didn't even know it...
until this.
Like the Archive
is answering questions
I didn't even know I was asking.
That make any sense?
Honestly, it's not
unreasonable to think
that two people came up
with the same drum pattern.
I'm sorry, but it seems like
a pretty huge coincidence.
An interesting coincidence,
but still...
Yeah, you're probably right.
I'm just...
I wish I could explain it.
You know, maybe this just
isn't my thing.
I did a bunch more digging.
Maybe there's something here
that'll click for you.
We really need to get back.
Come on.
What's something you've always
wanted to know about the past?
I don't care about the past.
You know that, right?
All right, I'll bite.
What do you care about?
The security of New Babyl,
of course.
It's been months
since the Shield was breached,
and that leaves us
with two possibilities.
First, that someone has built
a new Sonic Disruptor
out of black market parts,
and considering my sources,
that seems unlikely.
And second?
That someone used one
that was built years ago...
to come back.
If anyone tries to contact you,
dead or otherwise,
please let me know.
Keep focused.
And find purpose
in service to New Babyl.
Two for five! ‐.
Remember, the Authority
needs your help.
The safety and security
of our great city
as been entrusted to all.
Keep your eyes and ears open
for signs of descent.
- Oh!
- Come on!
You guys don't have markets
in your sector?
- Not like this.
- Okay, we're here.
Now what?
You know we gave our
performance a little fire?
I thought we should look the
part too.
You mean change
our Exemplar uniforms?
Not change. Adjust.
Isn't that just
another word for change?
Pops of color.
A little customization.
The Archive gave me
some hot ideas
to make sure we would stand out.
I don't think Tempo
will go for it.
Who cares what Tempo thinks?
I do.
That's a short list, Aliyah.
Okay, isn't the whole point
of the uniform look
so that the audience can focus
on the performance,
judge each group equally
based upon their talents?
If you're not into this,
that's fine.
But I don't want any tears
when you see how good I look.
Ooh, here we go.
Admit it, you'd vote for me.
Hey, Brooks,
you can't just grab things.
Very sorry, Quito.
My friend is new here
and apparently never learned.
Bohdi, Bohdi, Bohdi.
Always so serious.
You have a sharp eye,
young lady.
Please, peruse. Take your time.
But if a single thread frays,
you're paying for it.
No discount.
We got two teams! Two teams!
Place your bets!
Attention, New Babyl citizens.
There will be a food ration
alert in effect
for the next 14 suns.
Please be conscious
of overconsumption...
There's another side of you.
What do you mean?
I don't know.
You're just very...
respectful.
I mean, this community
has taken care of me
my whole entire life.
They're literally
the reason I'm here.
Is Mags in trouble?
Mags is always
getting into trouble.
But right now,
he's just talking to Taggart,
telling him we're just
showing you guys around.
Taggart is his
Authority liaison.
Liaison for what?
Oh, you guys really don't know?
A lot of Reform citizens
get assigned
their own personal Authority.
They live here in the
community with us.
They make sure you stay
out of trouble,
and then take away any
privileges if you don't.
Privileges like...?
Taking away a meal ration,
turning down a request to travel
outside your sector.
Whatever they feel like.
You need to request to travel?
So where's your liaison?
I don't have one.
But you said‐‐.
My dad got sent here
when he was young,
and I came with him.
He passed before he got out.
No way I'm going
to let that happen to me.
Welcome to Reform.
You want me to add a hood
to your sweater?
Yeah.
Why don't you just buy a cloak?
She's got a good point, Bohdi.
Well, I mean,
if you can't do it, then‐‐
I didn't say I couldn't.
Do you want an unnecessary hood,
too?
I'm okay, thanks.
This one's smart.
Make sure you hang on to her.
Oh. No, we're not together.
We're not together, no.
Mm‐hm.
Regardless, I'm glad to see
that you're okay, Bohdi.
Been worried ever since
Moore Times was ghosted.
Wait, he what? When?
I'm not sure.
What are you talking about?
"Ghosted" is what you call it
when people disappear.
What do you mean, disappear?
Where do they go?
The Authority takes them away.
Nobody knows where,
but they're never
heard from again.
The Authority
doesn't abduct people.
Yeah, maybe not in Progress.
I mean, sure,
when someone commits a crime,
the Authority intervenes.
But those people are brought
to Reform for rehabilitation.
But what do you think happens
when you're from Reform
and you commit a crime?
You can't send someone where
they already are, can you?
Do you know where
they probably took him?
Regget might.
That fool's taken over
most of Moore Times' business,
Gaia help us.
What do you think?
I think that shoemaker
thought you were crazy,
asking him to make you
those things.
And I think he may
have been right.
These heels are lit.
I am a hip‐hop diva.
Ooh!
I am literally falling for you.
No reaction.
You're falling because you can
barely walk in those things.
Well, I think
somebody is jealous.
Aw, don't worry, love.
I'll get him to make you a pair,
and then we can break
the Exemplar together.
Why are you being so good to me?
You don't deserve it?
Forget it.
Sorry, I shouldn't have‐‐.
Hey, stop getting stuck
in your head.
Easy for you to say.
You're always so confident,
and funny, and‐‐.
And beautiful?
Don't forget beautiful.
I've never met anyone like you.
I've never met
anyone like you, either.
You don't mean that.
If I say something, I mean it.
Don't laugh at me.
Okay.
Remember that all our...
Regget.
You get kicked out already?
Nah, we were just
doing some shopping.
Look, actually, I had‐‐.
Are you candidate Aliyah?
Yeah.
I'm such a big fan!
You are?
Have you see this girl
perform? She's something else.
I really think you can take the
title this year.
I mean, if you need anything,
just let me know.
Seriously, anything.
Thanks.
Please, have a seat,
have a seat.
Wow.
A real Exemplar
in the same room as me.
Right here, Regget.
Known you your whole life,
Bohdi.
Look anyway,
I heard a rumor about Moore,
and I wanted to‐‐
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hey, just...
Don't talk about Moore Times in
front of the young ones, okay?
Wait, so it's true?
Moore Times was ghosted.
But how?
He's always been so careful.
That's the truth.
I told him not to trust
the Authority.
What do they have
to do with this?
Last I heard,
that's where he was headed.
He hates them.
Bo, you were in trouble.
Moore went to help you out.
Tempo?
We have to tell the Authority
about the Archive.
What happened?
Apollo and I, we saw...
Aliyah, we saw what happened
to the old world.
Everyone was divided
because of how they looked
or what they believed in.
And when they couldn't agree,
there was violence.
And then war.
And even though people starved,
they just...
they just kept on fighting,
and no one really cared
that people were dying,
that the world was dying.
They just kept on fighting
and destroying things until‐‐.
Hey, hey, hey.
We're okay now.
That's all in the past.
Then why are we digging it up?
The past can't hurt us.
Yes, it can.
Look how it's already
changed things for us.
That's not true. You know it is.
We're safe.
We're happy.
What's wrong with keeping things
the way they are?
Just because things are
better than they used to be
doesn't mean
they're good enough.
We've lived a charmed life
in Progress,
but not everyone in New Babyl
is so lucky.
Look, our dance...
I think we should go back
to what we originally had.
I know, I know, I know
that the group won't like it,
but if we can convince them
together, then‐‐
I don't want to put things back.
If anything, I want to push
things further.
Then you'll have to
do it without me.
I'm out.
Of the performance?
You'd throw away your shot
at the Exemplar over this?
Tempo!
Boy‐Boy‐Boy‐‐.
What is it you want to do
when you grow up?
These are your new
Exemplar uniforms.
I made some improvements.
You made this?
By yourself?
For us?
What, you thought I did all
that shopping just for myself?
Okay, showtime.
New Babyl,
welcome to the 73rd
Exemplar competition.
From the halls
of Progress Sector,
to the Gardens of Nature,
to the heights of Industry
and the streets of Reform.
I present out host,
Exemplar champion 52.
Nature Sector's proud daughter.
The legendary Petra Nine!
Citizens of New Babyl.
My name is Petra.
And as host, I have the honor
of welcoming you officially
to the 73rd Exemplar
competition.
Whoo!
The candidates have
been divided into three teams.
Each will perform,
and you will vote.
The team with the fewest votes
will be eliminated.
That's right,
all seven members of the team
with the fewest votes
will go home today,
returning to their sectors,
where they will continue
to contribute to our great city.
Remember, in the words
of the Great Gaia,
we do this for state,
for community,
for all.
For state!
For community! For all!
And now, without further delay,
I give you group one.
I can't believe we're here.
Like, this is it.
It's happening.
Does anyone else feel like
they're going to throw up?
Has anyone seen Tempo?
He's probably just running late.
He wouldn't miss this.
Almost thought
you wouldn't make it.
What a performance.
All right, my friends.
I hope you've caught
your breath,
because it's time for group two.
Someone should go look for him.
We don't have time for that.
Candidates.
Hm.
Nice cloaks.
I don't think
I need to remind you
that if your entire team
is not present
by the time you're scheduled
to perform, you will forfeit.
He'll be here, Mentor Watts.
He'd better be.
Damn it, Tempo, where are you?
Ladies and gentlemen...
Let's go.
I give you, group three.
Whoo! Whoo!
Group three!
How did you...?
It was flames!
In all my years as a mentor,
never have I seen such lewd,
inartistic rot.
Have you no respect?
None?
You took a beautiful,
classic New Babyl composition,
and you perverted it.
I hope you are proud
of yourselves,
because you are about
to be eliminated.
He made us out to be villains.
We are being blamed for dealing
with the problems they cause.
Calm down, Phydra.
We need to make an example.
It's a disgrace,
not just to the Tribunal,
but to the Exemplar stage.
It would seem
the public disagrees.
Okay, listen up.
Everybody get on stage.
They're about to announce
the votes.
My fellow citizens,
you've cast your votes,
and the turnout has
been incredible.
The results are in, and here's
Petra to announce them.
The performance that wound up
in second place,
which, I'll remind you,
is enough to move on
to the next round,
is...
Group two.
Which leaves us with group one
and group three.
I will now announce
one of these two groups.
The group I name
is the round's winner.
The group I do not name
will be eliminated.
That means the Exemplar road
for those seven candidates
has come to an end.
Are you ready?
The winner of the Exemplar
group performance is...
Group three!
Congratulations.
We loved your performance.
It was incredible.
And your outfits.
Thanks.
Wait.
This new style is so amazing.
Can you teach us?
Please.
Which brings us
to great Gaia's monument.
It's in need of some upkeep,
and I'd like to assign
four workers.
Four?
Is that really necessary?
Nothing is more important
than Gaia.
Industry has been
efficient of late.
They can spare the bodies.
Your motion is approved.
All right, moving on.
Chancellor, if I may?
In light of what occurred
in the opening
Exemplar performances‐‐.
Phydra,
we discussed this already.
Yes, and I agree
with your decision
to forgo the proposed
interrogations.
Then what else is there to say?
Those outfits
were clearly altered,
and I think it would be prudent
to open an investigation
into their origins.
And what do you expect
we'll find?
Probably nothing.
But it is our duty
as loyal citizens
to make sure this isn't part
of a bigger plot
by disaffected elements
within New Babyl.
I agree.
I don't think that's likely.
Your investigation
is a waste of time.
Gerald, I'd like to hear
what you think?
I think Authority Phydra
makes a good point.
Better safe than sorry.
Very well.
Your investigation is approved.
You'll handle the details,
Phydra?
Happily.
Now, the Shield breach.
You said you had
an update for us?
Unfortunately,
this will be brief.
Although I have
a promising lead,
I'm not ready to disclose
the details just yet.
I'll need more time.
In that case,
Ryden, what's next
on the agenda?
We've had to make an
adjustment on green shipments.
Keep going.
It's good. Keep going.
Nice party.
Sage, she's just dancing.
It's nothing.
Yeah, I know. I know.
She can have fun.
And so can you.
Hey. Whoo!
Hi.
Mind if I join you?
Cut it a bit close there,
don't you think?
Those moves, though.
They looked good on you.
You were all...
Hey. We good?
No, we're not.
Every second
we're here is a risk.
Everything we learn
from this place that we‐‐.
That we take back with us
to New Babyl, to the Exemplar‐‐.
Everything worked out.
We performed.
More than that, we won,
and the world's still here.
I can't do this anymore.
You just need time.
Why won't you just listen to me?
Okay, let's talk
about this outside.
This is exactly what
I'm talking about.
Look how many people are here.
We're Exemplars, we're supposed
to be model citizens,
but instead
we're spreading this.
How can you be so blind
to what's going on here?
Will you get over yourself?
Just because you don't like it
doesn't make it dangerous.
You can be so selfish sometimes,
you know that?
Our whole lives, I've followed
you at every single turn.
And the one time that I'm asking
you to trust me...
well, I won't make
that mistake again.
just full of forbidden culture?
And history, and science,
and all sorts of things
from the past.
You just happened to find this?
Yeah.
I don't buy it.
I just...
You don't think
it's kind of suspicious
that you just found this place
on the night we were all
invited out by our mystery host?
What do you mean?
Like, it's a trap?
Or a test.
By who? The Tribunal?
- Who else?
- I don't know.
The way Authority Phydra
grilled me,
didn't seem she knew
about this place.
Well, then who built it?
And how?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Have you tried
asking this thing?
Hello?
Who built this thing?
I don't have that information.
Helpful.
Show fashion from the old world.
There are so many styles
of fashion from the old world,
from hip‐hop and street fashion,
to designer haute couture.
Oh, now we're talking.
Fashion designers used to
show off their new collections
in runway shows,
while models would wear
elaborate makeup and hairstyles.
Now that's flames.
- Whoa, look at that.
- All right.
I'm guessing you have no plans
to report this to the Authority.
I mean, if we do, we're never
going to get in here again.
Yeah, but if we don't,
and they find out
we knew about this,
it's not just us
who'll be paying the price.
It'll be our families.
It is illegal to possess
relics from the past.
We have a saying in Reform.
"It's only illegal
if you get caught."
It's a risk.
A huge one.
But there's so much to learn.
So much we don't know
about our past,
about where we come from.
I'm not ready to give that up.
Welcome, Tempo.
What's good homey?
I see Aliyah told you
her big secret.
You knew about this?
Yeah.
And you're okay with it?
No. No, I'm not.
But what am I going to do?
Turn Aliyah in?
Snitches get stitches.
Okay, fine.
Whatever. I'm in.
Just please tell me
this can show me something
other than clothes.
So much more.
Hey, Archive,
show us a stepping crew.
Oh, I got what you need.
Good day, citizens.
Go forth, and find...
Honestly, Benonsay
is the greatest.
Who?
Benonsay.
You know, the single lady.
How do you know she's single?
She's the one that does the...
You know you're
embarrassing yourself.
Do I look embarrassed?
You should be.
I see how... it is.
It's weird, right?
Like... Looking in the mirror
and seeing someone else?
Why am I smiling like that?
Yeah, you never smile.
Guys, are my eyes bigger?
That's spooky.
If we want to win the Exemplar,
we have to play the game.
This is how we play the game.
Whatever helps you
sleep at night, but...
that's not me.
Well, like it or not,
that is you.
It's all of us.
Okay.
Stop, stop.
Just stop.
Sit down.
Go on. Sit.
So, how do you feel
about your performance?
What, think I'm just going
to yell at you to do better?
This is a conversation.
Who wants to go first?
It was kind of wack. I mean...
It was kind of rough.
True, technical execution
is still soft.
But that's what
rehearsal is for.
What else?
Apollo has some great
ideas for the live music,
but he's just...
Apollo knows tomorrow
is the opening round
of the Exemplar, right?
He'll be here soon. Very soon.
Apollo's absence is a problem,
but not your biggest.
I'm going to ask you a question,
and I want you to really think
before you respond.
Do you like your performance?
Do you remember Tristan‐2?
He won the 51st Exemplar.
That was before you were born,
but maybe you saw footage
of the performance
on the public square
rebroadcasts.
My mom raves about those finals.
My dad does too.
Said it was my mom's favorite.
One of the greatest.
The thing is,
that performance wasn't about
the technical execution.
Now, don't get me wrong.
It was flawless.
But what really
made it stand out
was the spirit
he brought to the stage.
They say he could have fallen
flat on his face and still won.
Sounds rigged.
Not at all.
That performance energized
the people of New Babyl
like never before.
It's not an understatement
to say he changed
the competition forever.
So you want us to...
Change the competition forever?
As candidates,
you have the rare opportunity
to inspire the people
of New Babyl
through art and performance.
Through expression and passion.
Don't underestimate
this opportunity.
If you're not feeling
your own performance,
how can you expect
anyone else to?
Make this into something
that you love,
and the people will love it too.
Now work it out.
Mentor Chapter's right.
We need to step it up.
Come on, let's do it again.
Doing it again is not going
to magically fix this.
We need some new ideas.
And who put you in charge,
anyways?
Okay, he's just
taking things seriously.
And the rest of us aren't?
Get into first position
and then I'll answer that.
Let's just take a break.
Maybe lunch, whatever.
Just come back with clear heads.
Sounds good?
Sounds good.
Fine by me.
Come on, let's eat.
All I'm saying is,
is not everyone's used
to the way you take charge.
And right now, priority is
gelling as a group, right?
Thanks, you know,
for diffusing that.
I know how salty you get
when you haven't eaten.
Salty?
Dope. Wack. Cool.
Give it another month
and I won't understand a word
you guys are saying.
Hey, Apollo.
You still asleep?
When did you last see him?
Yesterday? In the Archive.
He never came back?
We should go check.
We don't have time.
We need to get back
to rehearsing.
Why would he still be there?
We don't know that for sure.
And either way,
it doesn't matter.
Apollo will just
have to catch up.
Phydra, what are you doing
in my home?
I came by for a chat.
Why don't you take a seat.
Whoo!
All right,
let's stay focused, guys.
Aliyah, your turn.
Oh, I couldn't possibly.
Stop the music.
Whoo! All right, all right.
That was fun, but come on.
Let's get back to the program.
Can we not?
I mean, the routine is‐‐.
It's fine, it's just,
I don't know, it's kind of‐‐.
Dry?
Well, we're working on that.
You got to admit,
we all came alive
right when Brooklyn
did her little...
Listen, okay, it's one thing
for us to have our fun at...
You know where.
But Bohdi and Aliyah
got in serious trouble
the last time
they went down this road.
Except they let Aliyah go
after like, what,
five seconds, didn't they?
Okay, it was more
than five seconds.
True, but they were
just annoyed at Bohdi,
because he was slandering
New Babyl's good name.
Wrong. I was just telling it
like it is.
Okay, then just don't
do that, and we'll be fine.
No, we won't.
You know what I'm saying, right?
If we want to win the Exemplar,
we have to play the game.
Thank you.
And the routine we have
is how you play.
But maybe there's a compromise.
We don't have to cut
everything we have,
but maybe we can incorporate
some new moves.
You know, just to liven
things up a bit.
Seems like a good plan.
You know I'm all about
compromise.
You're not the one
we got to worry about.
We're playing with fire.
It's only a few moves.
All right. Okay, fine.
A few moves.
What bar did you add
that move on again?
Yeah, okay, so it's called
a top rock.
So first we vive,
and then you kick,
and out, and kick, and out,
and kick, and out,
- and kick, and out...
- ‐.
Come on!
So...
the anticipation is killing me.
Tell me, Gerald,
how would you compromise
the Shield?
I don't understand.
It's a hypothetical question.
If you had to get through
the Shield,
how would you do it?
Well, the only way to go through
is with a Sonic Disruptor,
but they're all kept
under lock and key.
Hm.
Are these plans for building
a Sonic Disruptor?
Out of black market parts.
You think someone built one?
Who?
I was hoping
you could answer that.
Great work, everyone.
We still need to sharpen up some
edges, but we're in great shape.
Not going to lie, I'm pretty
sure I'm the greatest thing
that's ever happened
to the Exemplar.
You realize this is
a group performance, right?
Even the night sky
has a brightest star.
Okay.
Our new performance is tight,
but I still feel like
we could do more.
Relax, Tempo.
I'm not talking about more evil
elements from the past.
How would you feel about going
to the Open Market?
What's that?
Reform's worst‐kept secret.
What do you need from there?
And ruin the surprise?
Come on.
I could do with a visit home.
You good?
Always.
I'm going to go check on Apollo.
You want some company?
No. I'll be fine.
How would I know
who built a disruptor?
That's your department.
Gerald, you misunderstand.
The black market device
was not built recently.
It was built 13 years ago
by Anna, your wife.
All due respect, Phydra,
I don't think so.
See, after Anna died I went
through all of her things,
figured out what to keep,
what to donate.
If she had a disruptor,
I'd know.
Well, perhaps my source
was mistaken, then.
It's so hard to know
who to trust sometimes.
Sorry to have taken up
your time.
You know, I tried having
a family once.
Turns out it wasn't for me.
Too many things
I couldn't control.
Too much to lose.
Like, what if I had a partner
who wasn't happy here?
And what if they were
determined to leave?
Could you imagine the fallout
if they actually succeeded?
I mean, what if we had a child?
Daughter?
Great Gaia, think of what it
would mean for that poor girl.
The betrayal she'd feel.
The status and privilege
that she would lose
if there were repercussions.
It would be a one‐way ticket
to Reform, if she were lucky.
If it were me,
I would do everything I could
to protect her.
Hide the truth.
Maybe even go so far
as to fake her mother's death.
Whatever it took, right?
Pause video.
Yeah, so much for being
right behind me.
Or do you just not care
that you blew off
an entire day of rehearsal?
How long? What time is it?
As I was walking over here
I kept thinking to myself,
"What if he's not there?"
Or, "What if
something happened?"
I'm sorry.
I guess I just
lost track of time.
It's fine.
Let's just go.
Wait, can I show you
something quick?
A day, Apollo.
A whole day.
I know, I know.
But this thing...
Okay, you know that pattern
that I'm always drumming?
You learned it from
your father, right?
Yeah, he learned it
from my grandma and so on.
Yeah. Watch.
Play next. No doubt.
What am I missing?
The drum pattern.
Yeah, it's the same, but‐‐.
What if the people the Archive
is showing me are... my family?
Or at least...
I don't know, my people?
Your‐Your people?
Aren't I your people?
I mean, we're both citizens,
aren't we?
Yeah, of course.
But knowing that this existed
so far back,
and how an entire community
was brought together
because of a beat.
And now I'm drawn to it too,
you know?
It's...
It feels like I belong to them
and they belong to me.
Like I've been missing a piece
of myself my entire life,
and I didn't even know it...
until this.
Like the Archive
is answering questions
I didn't even know I was asking.
That make any sense?
Honestly, it's not
unreasonable to think
that two people came up
with the same drum pattern.
I'm sorry, but it seems like
a pretty huge coincidence.
An interesting coincidence,
but still...
Yeah, you're probably right.
I'm just...
I wish I could explain it.
You know, maybe this just
isn't my thing.
I did a bunch more digging.
Maybe there's something here
that'll click for you.
We really need to get back.
Come on.
What's something you've always
wanted to know about the past?
I don't care about the past.
You know that, right?
All right, I'll bite.
What do you care about?
The security of New Babyl,
of course.
It's been months
since the Shield was breached,
and that leaves us
with two possibilities.
First, that someone has built
a new Sonic Disruptor
out of black market parts,
and considering my sources,
that seems unlikely.
And second?
That someone used one
that was built years ago...
to come back.
If anyone tries to contact you,
dead or otherwise,
please let me know.
Keep focused.
And find purpose
in service to New Babyl.
Two for five! ‐.
Remember, the Authority
needs your help.
The safety and security
of our great city
as been entrusted to all.
Keep your eyes and ears open
for signs of descent.
- Oh!
- Come on!
You guys don't have markets
in your sector?
- Not like this.
- Okay, we're here.
Now what?
You know we gave our
performance a little fire?
I thought we should look the
part too.
You mean change
our Exemplar uniforms?
Not change. Adjust.
Isn't that just
another word for change?
Pops of color.
A little customization.
The Archive gave me
some hot ideas
to make sure we would stand out.
I don't think Tempo
will go for it.
Who cares what Tempo thinks?
I do.
That's a short list, Aliyah.
Okay, isn't the whole point
of the uniform look
so that the audience can focus
on the performance,
judge each group equally
based upon their talents?
If you're not into this,
that's fine.
But I don't want any tears
when you see how good I look.
Ooh, here we go.
Admit it, you'd vote for me.
Hey, Brooks,
you can't just grab things.
Very sorry, Quito.
My friend is new here
and apparently never learned.
Bohdi, Bohdi, Bohdi.
Always so serious.
You have a sharp eye,
young lady.
Please, peruse. Take your time.
But if a single thread frays,
you're paying for it.
No discount.
We got two teams! Two teams!
Place your bets!
Attention, New Babyl citizens.
There will be a food ration
alert in effect
for the next 14 suns.
Please be conscious
of overconsumption...
There's another side of you.
What do you mean?
I don't know.
You're just very...
respectful.
I mean, this community
has taken care of me
my whole entire life.
They're literally
the reason I'm here.
Is Mags in trouble?
Mags is always
getting into trouble.
But right now,
he's just talking to Taggart,
telling him we're just
showing you guys around.
Taggart is his
Authority liaison.
Liaison for what?
Oh, you guys really don't know?
A lot of Reform citizens
get assigned
their own personal Authority.
They live here in the
community with us.
They make sure you stay
out of trouble,
and then take away any
privileges if you don't.
Privileges like...?
Taking away a meal ration,
turning down a request to travel
outside your sector.
Whatever they feel like.
You need to request to travel?
So where's your liaison?
I don't have one.
But you said‐‐.
My dad got sent here
when he was young,
and I came with him.
He passed before he got out.
No way I'm going
to let that happen to me.
Welcome to Reform.
You want me to add a hood
to your sweater?
Yeah.
Why don't you just buy a cloak?
She's got a good point, Bohdi.
Well, I mean,
if you can't do it, then‐‐
I didn't say I couldn't.
Do you want an unnecessary hood,
too?
I'm okay, thanks.
This one's smart.
Make sure you hang on to her.
Oh. No, we're not together.
We're not together, no.
Mm‐hm.
Regardless, I'm glad to see
that you're okay, Bohdi.
Been worried ever since
Moore Times was ghosted.
Wait, he what? When?
I'm not sure.
What are you talking about?
"Ghosted" is what you call it
when people disappear.
What do you mean, disappear?
Where do they go?
The Authority takes them away.
Nobody knows where,
but they're never
heard from again.
The Authority
doesn't abduct people.
Yeah, maybe not in Progress.
I mean, sure,
when someone commits a crime,
the Authority intervenes.
But those people are brought
to Reform for rehabilitation.
But what do you think happens
when you're from Reform
and you commit a crime?
You can't send someone where
they already are, can you?
Do you know where
they probably took him?
Regget might.
That fool's taken over
most of Moore Times' business,
Gaia help us.
What do you think?
I think that shoemaker
thought you were crazy,
asking him to make you
those things.
And I think he may
have been right.
These heels are lit.
I am a hip‐hop diva.
Ooh!
I am literally falling for you.
No reaction.
You're falling because you can
barely walk in those things.
Well, I think
somebody is jealous.
Aw, don't worry, love.
I'll get him to make you a pair,
and then we can break
the Exemplar together.
Why are you being so good to me?
You don't deserve it?
Forget it.
Sorry, I shouldn't have‐‐.
Hey, stop getting stuck
in your head.
Easy for you to say.
You're always so confident,
and funny, and‐‐.
And beautiful?
Don't forget beautiful.
I've never met anyone like you.
I've never met
anyone like you, either.
You don't mean that.
If I say something, I mean it.
Don't laugh at me.
Okay.
Remember that all our...
Regget.
You get kicked out already?
Nah, we were just
doing some shopping.
Look, actually, I had‐‐.
Are you candidate Aliyah?
Yeah.
I'm such a big fan!
You are?
Have you see this girl
perform? She's something else.
I really think you can take the
title this year.
I mean, if you need anything,
just let me know.
Seriously, anything.
Thanks.
Please, have a seat,
have a seat.
Wow.
A real Exemplar
in the same room as me.
Right here, Regget.
Known you your whole life,
Bohdi.
Look anyway,
I heard a rumor about Moore,
and I wanted to‐‐
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hey, just...
Don't talk about Moore Times in
front of the young ones, okay?
Wait, so it's true?
Moore Times was ghosted.
But how?
He's always been so careful.
That's the truth.
I told him not to trust
the Authority.
What do they have
to do with this?
Last I heard,
that's where he was headed.
He hates them.
Bo, you were in trouble.
Moore went to help you out.
Tempo?
We have to tell the Authority
about the Archive.
What happened?
Apollo and I, we saw...
Aliyah, we saw what happened
to the old world.
Everyone was divided
because of how they looked
or what they believed in.
And when they couldn't agree,
there was violence.
And then war.
And even though people starved,
they just...
they just kept on fighting,
and no one really cared
that people were dying,
that the world was dying.
They just kept on fighting
and destroying things until‐‐.
Hey, hey, hey.
We're okay now.
That's all in the past.
Then why are we digging it up?
The past can't hurt us.
Yes, it can.
Look how it's already
changed things for us.
That's not true. You know it is.
We're safe.
We're happy.
What's wrong with keeping things
the way they are?
Just because things are
better than they used to be
doesn't mean
they're good enough.
We've lived a charmed life
in Progress,
but not everyone in New Babyl
is so lucky.
Look, our dance...
I think we should go back
to what we originally had.
I know, I know, I know
that the group won't like it,
but if we can convince them
together, then‐‐
I don't want to put things back.
If anything, I want to push
things further.
Then you'll have to
do it without me.
I'm out.
Of the performance?
You'd throw away your shot
at the Exemplar over this?
Tempo!
Boy‐Boy‐Boy‐‐.
What is it you want to do
when you grow up?
These are your new
Exemplar uniforms.
I made some improvements.
You made this?
By yourself?
For us?
What, you thought I did all
that shopping just for myself?
Okay, showtime.
New Babyl,
welcome to the 73rd
Exemplar competition.
From the halls
of Progress Sector,
to the Gardens of Nature,
to the heights of Industry
and the streets of Reform.
I present out host,
Exemplar champion 52.
Nature Sector's proud daughter.
The legendary Petra Nine!
Citizens of New Babyl.
My name is Petra.
And as host, I have the honor
of welcoming you officially
to the 73rd Exemplar
competition.
Whoo!
The candidates have
been divided into three teams.
Each will perform,
and you will vote.
The team with the fewest votes
will be eliminated.
That's right,
all seven members of the team
with the fewest votes
will go home today,
returning to their sectors,
where they will continue
to contribute to our great city.
Remember, in the words
of the Great Gaia,
we do this for state,
for community,
for all.
For state!
For community! For all!
And now, without further delay,
I give you group one.
I can't believe we're here.
Like, this is it.
It's happening.
Does anyone else feel like
they're going to throw up?
Has anyone seen Tempo?
He's probably just running late.
He wouldn't miss this.
Almost thought
you wouldn't make it.
What a performance.
All right, my friends.
I hope you've caught
your breath,
because it's time for group two.
Someone should go look for him.
We don't have time for that.
Candidates.
Hm.
Nice cloaks.
I don't think
I need to remind you
that if your entire team
is not present
by the time you're scheduled
to perform, you will forfeit.
He'll be here, Mentor Watts.
He'd better be.
Damn it, Tempo, where are you?
Ladies and gentlemen...
Let's go.
I give you, group three.
Whoo! Whoo!
Group three!
How did you...?
It was flames!
In all my years as a mentor,
never have I seen such lewd,
inartistic rot.
Have you no respect?
None?
You took a beautiful,
classic New Babyl composition,
and you perverted it.
I hope you are proud
of yourselves,
because you are about
to be eliminated.
He made us out to be villains.
We are being blamed for dealing
with the problems they cause.
Calm down, Phydra.
We need to make an example.
It's a disgrace,
not just to the Tribunal,
but to the Exemplar stage.
It would seem
the public disagrees.
Okay, listen up.
Everybody get on stage.
They're about to announce
the votes.
My fellow citizens,
you've cast your votes,
and the turnout has
been incredible.
The results are in, and here's
Petra to announce them.
The performance that wound up
in second place,
which, I'll remind you,
is enough to move on
to the next round,
is...
Group two.
Which leaves us with group one
and group three.
I will now announce
one of these two groups.
The group I name
is the round's winner.
The group I do not name
will be eliminated.
That means the Exemplar road
for those seven candidates
has come to an end.
Are you ready?
The winner of the Exemplar
group performance is...
Group three!
Congratulations.
We loved your performance.
It was incredible.
And your outfits.
Thanks.
Wait.
This new style is so amazing.
Can you teach us?
Please.
Which brings us
to great Gaia's monument.
It's in need of some upkeep,
and I'd like to assign
four workers.
Four?
Is that really necessary?
Nothing is more important
than Gaia.
Industry has been
efficient of late.
They can spare the bodies.
Your motion is approved.
All right, moving on.
Chancellor, if I may?
In light of what occurred
in the opening
Exemplar performances‐‐.
Phydra,
we discussed this already.
Yes, and I agree
with your decision
to forgo the proposed
interrogations.
Then what else is there to say?
Those outfits
were clearly altered,
and I think it would be prudent
to open an investigation
into their origins.
And what do you expect
we'll find?
Probably nothing.
But it is our duty
as loyal citizens
to make sure this isn't part
of a bigger plot
by disaffected elements
within New Babyl.
I agree.
I don't think that's likely.
Your investigation
is a waste of time.
Gerald, I'd like to hear
what you think?
I think Authority Phydra
makes a good point.
Better safe than sorry.
Very well.
Your investigation is approved.
You'll handle the details,
Phydra?
Happily.
Now, the Shield breach.
You said you had
an update for us?
Unfortunately,
this will be brief.
Although I have
a promising lead,
I'm not ready to disclose
the details just yet.
I'll need more time.
In that case,
Ryden, what's next
on the agenda?
We've had to make an
adjustment on green shipments.
Keep going.
It's good. Keep going.
Nice party.
Sage, she's just dancing.
It's nothing.
Yeah, I know. I know.
She can have fun.
And so can you.
Hey. Whoo!
Hi.
Mind if I join you?
Cut it a bit close there,
don't you think?
Those moves, though.
They looked good on you.
You were all...
Hey. We good?
No, we're not.
Every second
we're here is a risk.
Everything we learn
from this place that we‐‐.
That we take back with us
to New Babyl, to the Exemplar‐‐.
Everything worked out.
We performed.
More than that, we won,
and the world's still here.
I can't do this anymore.
You just need time.
Why won't you just listen to me?
Okay, let's talk
about this outside.
This is exactly what
I'm talking about.
Look how many people are here.
We're Exemplars, we're supposed
to be model citizens,
but instead
we're spreading this.
How can you be so blind
to what's going on here?
Will you get over yourself?
Just because you don't like it
doesn't make it dangerous.
You can be so selfish sometimes,
you know that?
Our whole lives, I've followed
you at every single turn.
And the one time that I'm asking
you to trust me...
well, I won't make
that mistake again.