War of the Worlds (1988–1990): Season 1, Episode 10 - Epiphany - full transcript
ANNOUNCER: In 1953, Earth
experienced a war of the worlds.
Common bacteria
stopped the aliens,
but it didn't kill them.
Instead, the aliens lapsed
into a state of deep hibernation.
Now the aliens have
been resurrected,
more terrifying than before.
In 1953, aliens started
taking over the world.
Today, they're taking
over our bodies.
ADVOCATE 1: We
must plan for the future.
ADVOCATE 2: A
future without humans.
[ men yelling]
Look what you done! What I done?
Look what you done!
You kicked my car!
Do you have a license?!
Learn how to drive!
[ both continue yelling]
Stop! Oh, he stole my purse!
Oh, somebody please stop him!
Oh!
Look, Sister Margaret.
Somebody stole her purse.
NUN 2: What a pity.
No one is helping her.
Leave me alone!
Make me!
Yeah, make him, pinhead!
Got any money for us, creep?
Why didn't you do anything?!
God works in mysterious ways.
His wonders to behold.
COMMANDER: Our scientists
have concluded that the filthy,
inferior beings on this planet
are hopelessly combative.
ADVOCATE 1: Meaning?
COMMANDER: Meaning that in time,
these parasitic cretins
will inevitably
destroy themselves.
ADVOCATE 2: Our
scientists are certain of this?
COMMANDER: Based
on statistical analysis,
there is a 96.875
percent probability
that the human race
will eliminate itself
as a direct result
of tribal warfare.
All the pathetic creatures need
is a push in the
proper direction.
ADVOCATE 3: We need
immediate action, Commander,
not subtleties.
Not wishing to disagree...
Then do not.
But direct intervention has
failed us time and time again.
It would be more accurate to say
that it was you who has
failed us, Commander.
Be forewarned, Commander.
You must not fail us again.
REPORTER [ on TV]:
Earlier this afternoon,
a Russian Aeroflot carrying a
delegation of nuclear scientists
arrived in San Francisco
to take part in the first stage
of the historic U.S.-Russian
Mutual Disarmament Pact.
Three days of meetings will
precede Friday's dismantling
of the Pershing Two
missile warheads
manufactured in
nearby Silicon Valley.
Officials of both governments
are hoping that this,
as well as the
simultaneous dismantling
of a Russian warhead
by American scientists,
will spell the beginning
of the end of the threat
of nuclear confrontation
between the superpowers.
It's the beginning
of the end, all right.
I guess all this
mushy peace talk
kind of makes guys like
you obsolete, huh, Colonel?
IRONHORSE: You've
got it backwards, Norton.
Nuclear warheads are
the only guarantee of peace
we have right now.
Colonel, would you mind
enlightening us on that one?
IRONHORSE: Look,
figure it out, Harrison.
The Soviets outnumber us four
to one on conventional forces,
ten to one on
tanks, three to one
on surface ships, two
to one, submarines.
The threat of nuclear
retaliation is the only thing
keeping the Reds from
knocking down our fence
and stomping all
over our cornfield.
Assuming, of
course, anyone wants
to stomp all over our cornfield.
You're not really that naive,
are you, Suzanne?
You think I'm naive
because I don't share your
twisted view of the world?
Paul, I think you're a little
naive yourself, don't you?
MRS. PENNYWORTH:
Blackwood, there's
a call for you. IRONHORSE:
Look, in the real world,
Thanks, Mrs. Pennyworth.
The strong dominate the weak...
Always have, always will.
Darwin's theory, Suzanne.
Somebody starts
swinging a club at you,
and you better have
a club of your own to swing.
Well, I guess that
takes care of politics.
Anyone care to discuss religion?
This is Harrison Blackwood.
And this is Katya.
Katya.
Where are you?
Where else but San Francisco?
Don't tell me you're part
of the Russian delegation.
Well, the appointment
surprised me as well.
Dr., uh, Jacobi
at the Pacific Institute
was kind enough
to give me this number.
That was okay?
Oh, completely, completely.
Harrison, I must speak with you.
What's wrong?
Uh, not over the phone.
Of course, of course.
Katya, look, you
can't come here.
I'll, uh, I'll come
into the city. I'll...
No, no, no.
Tomorrow, uh, lunch, at
the Stratford Hotel, okay?
Good-bye, my dear.
Such frivolity, Dr. Rodin.
And what is that, Major?
You choose to use a pay phone
rather than the
one in your room.
Even the KGB must
agree that it is inappropriate
for our government to pay for my
personal phone calls.
Is that not so...
comrade?
Most conscientious of
you, Comrade Rodin.
I shall make note
of that in my report.
I'm sure you will... comrade.
Good night, Jack.
[ laughing]
Home, Jeeves.
[ screaming]
[ speaking alien language]
Yeah, okay.
[ beeping]
VOICE [ over P.A.]: You
are entering Zone Two.
Have your badge ready.
I got two tickets to the
Grateful Dead concert on Friday.
You interested?
Sorry, I have other plans.
Ah, that's too bad.
I know; I love the Dead.
[ speaking alien language]
[ speaking alien language]
[ alarm blaring]
VOICE [ over P.A.]:
Attention. Attention.
We are now in a yellow alert.
GUARD: They took what?
No, don't worry.
They won't get by me.
Okay, you three,
stay right there!
I mean it.
I'm warning you.
Attention. Attention.
We are now in a yellow alert.
Good morning, Doctor.
Where are you going?
Out.
Anyplace special?
Yes.
Harrison, are we going
to play 20 questions,
or are you going
to be more specific?
I can be more
specific if I want to be.
Look, Harrison,
that's not the way we
do things around here.
One of my jobs
is to look after you.
Now, how in the hell
am I supposed to do that
without your cooperation?
Unless I misunderstand the rules
of the game we're playing here,
I'm not a prisoner, and
you're not a warden.
So, if you'll excuse me?
Do you mind if I join you?
Oh... Harrison!
Katya.
Oh...
Isn't this the hat
that I bought you in
Paris eight years ago?
Well, I wanted to make sure
that... you would recognize me.
In a crowd, Katya.
With or without a hat.
Well...
Why don't we sit down
and you can tell
me what's wrong.
Yeah.
[ camera shutter clicking]
[ camera shutter clicking]
[ camera shutter clicking]
ADVOCATE 1: Commander,
you are making progress?
The fabrication of
a nuclear device is,
to use a crude,
Earthly expression,
nothing more than child's play.
It should be ready shortly.
You are still certain
that exploding this device
will create enough suspicion
between the planet's
tribes to incite open warfare?
And their eventual
self-annihilation?
I stake my very existence on it.
No, Commander, you
stake our existence on it.
To life immortal.
[ speaking alien language]
IRONHORSE: This
is priority one, Captain.
You have the
photographs and my report.
I expect an analysis and
identification on the double.
No!
I do not want General
Wilson informed...
Not until I know
what's going on myself.
[ intercom beeping]
Yes?
Norton here. Can I have
a moment of your time?
I'm on my way, Norton.
12 kilograms of
weapons-grade plutonium
was stolen in front
of 20 witnesses.
I think it was the
boldness of the act
that caught our attention.
Then you're somehow suggesting
that the aliens
were involved in this.
Aren't you reaching, Doctor?
I like to think of it as
an informed guess.
Well, keep on this, Mr. Drake.
Let me know if
anything new breaks.
No problem, Colonel.
Take this device to those
who will be responsible
for its placement.
As you wish, Commander.
Remind our comrades
that nothing can interfere
with planting the device in its
proper location in the time allotted.
I hear your command.
[ Aliens chanting softly]
MRS. PENNYWORTH: Dinner!
I'll go get Harrison.
Oh, no, you won't, young lady.
Dr. Blackwood doesn't
wish to be disturbed.
Okay. I'll go get
Mom and Norton, then.
Oh, Colonel, you startled me!
I'm just about to serve dinner.
Not right now, Mrs. Pennyworth.
Harrison! You've
got some explain...
Is something wrong, Colonel?
Where the hell is Blackwood?
Damn it!
Debi, go have
dinner now, please.
But, Mom...
Immediately!
Come along, Debi.
Now, Colonel, what is it
that has you so
hot and bothered?
Washington just replied to
an inquiry I made, Mr. Drake.
It seems that since 1980,
the good doctor
has had a girlfriend
no one knew about.
I don't know how the
hell we missed that
in the security check.
SUZANNE: Aren't you blowing this
just a little out of
proportion, Paul?
I mean, if he's
got a girlfriend,
isn't that his business?
I'm not talking cheap thrills
and Valentine's Day cards,
Suzanne.
This girlfriend is an
important scientist!
An important Russian scientist!
VALERY: Dr. Rodin!
Dr. Rodin!
Please open the
door this instant!
Open it!
I'm going to see that
Harrison pays a heavy price.
Aren't you taking this
a little too
personally, Colonel?
IRONHORSE: Why
shouldn't I, Norton?
I'm personally responsible.
If Blackwood goes down,
or this project is jeopardized,
I'm the man that has
to do the explaining.
I've known Harrison
for a long time.
I'm sure he has a
logical explanation.
Right. Logical as
in, "Sorry, folks,
"I've got a better offer.
"Maybe I'll consider defecting
to the other side."
You have no grounds
for that accusation!
Why are you so
quick to defend him?
You know, the heart
can make a man do
funny things, Suzanne.
[ door opening]
Gertrude, front door!
Gee! Reception committee.
I want an explanation,
Blackwood,
and I want it now!
Do you mind if I start
with an introduction first?
Colonel, everyone...
I'd like you to
meet Katya Rodin.
Katya...
Paul Ironhorse, Suzanne
McCullough and Norton Drake.
Keep your hands in sight.
Get out of the van.
What's the problem, Officer?
Stolen vehicle for starters.
Theft of radioactive material.
[ alien growling]
All right! Everybody
out of the van!
Do it!
My friend...
she isn't feeling very well.
Out! Now!
All right, open it.
Get out, lady.
You two... hands on
the vehicle... spread!
Come on! Move it!
Okay, lady... I've
got to see your hands.
Lady, you've got to put your
hands where I can see 'em.
[ deep voice]: If
you say so, Officer.
[ speaking alien language]
[ radio transmission]: 256
Crawford, 2-5-6 Crawford...
IRONHORSE: Did you
have a pleasant day...
off to nowhere, doing nothing?
Well, you know,
while you were out,
Norton picked up
some information
about a theft at a
nuclear power plant.
12 kilograms of
weapons-grade plutonium.
Suzanne feels that the
aliens may be involved.
Suzanne and Norton
are on top of this?
They are.
Well, then there's
nothing more we can do.
Harrison!
You have a lovely home.
Well, it's only a loaner, but,
uh, we're getting to like it.
IRONHORSE: You must be completely
crazy bringing that Russian here.
HARRISON: I'm not.
I mean, this is supposed
to be a high-security location,
occupied by people
doing high-security work.
I know.
I thought what we were doing
here was important to you!
It is.
Well, then, what the
hell was going through
your mind, Harrison?
Katya is also important to me.
Now she wants to defect
and I agreed to help her.
But why the hell didn't you
take her to the immigration office,
or-or to church?
Or to the CIA? Or-or to a movie?
Why the hell did
you bring her here?
I did.
Did what?
I took her to a movie.
I wanted to make sure that
she wasn't being followed.
It's very nicely decorated.
Did you do it?
SUZANNE: Uh...
I'm a microbiologist,
not an interior decorator.
I'm a nuclear physicist,
but I still enjoy
decorating my flat.
[ clearing throat]
Look, the Soviets
consider Dr. Rodin
very important to their
scientific community.
Besides, she wasn't ready
to go to those places... not yet.
I made a judgment call.
We're not talking about a
defecting hockey player here.
This is international
scandal time.
It stinks, Harrison,
and you're in it up
to your eyebrows
and you're taking
the rest of us with you.
[ garbled radio transmission]
REPORTER: We're as close
to the site of this afternoon's
historic initiation of the U.S.-Russian
Mutual Disarmament Pact
as the press...
Or anyone else,
for that matter...
Is allowed to be.
Security forces are
taking no chances.
The area has been cordoned
off and is heavily guarded.
[ speaking alien language]
Paris in 1980 was gorgeous.
The weather was clear and crisp.
Everything was perfect,
except for Harrison's
paper on dwarf stars.
I was taking part
in an international
science convention.
And during my presentation,
this young woman
kept on raising her hand
and challenging my thesis.
Thesis?
It was more like fiction.
Anyway, after I was
through, Katya cornered me
and told me just how
very bad my theory was.
For about a moment before
my sitters led me away.
"Sitters"?
KATYA: Sitters,
keepers, KGB.
You know, what you
people call thick necks
who keep us Soviets in line.
Except I wasn't finished
correcting Harrison's paper.
And I wasn't finished
correcting her corrections.
So, I sort of helped Katya
slip away from her sitters
and, uh, we continued
our discussions in private.
I didn't get back to my
hotel room for three days.
In fact,
this is the first time I've
been let out of the country
since that weekend.
[ tune playing]
Oh, battle stations.
I'll let you know if it's
anything important.
If you will excuse me,
ladies and gentlemen.
Gertrude,
to the office, if you will.
What does he mean
by battle stations?
Katya, I'm sorry, there
are just a few things that
we can't discuss about our work.
I understand.
[ electronic beeping]
The device is working
and in place, Commander.
COMMANDER: You have done well.
MALE WORKER 1: We are nothing
without your counsel, Advocate.
ADVOCATE 1: We
must plan for the future.
A future without humans.
How large an area
will be decimated by your
thermonuclear explosion?
We are not exactly
sure, Advocate.
Not sure?
Our best estimate indicates
a kill range of 30 miles.
With a population of?
With a population of?!
We believe ten million
humans, Advocate.
That's all?
This is only our first attempt.
What we learn here, we
will multiply across the world.
You have done much
to advance our cause.
To life immortal!
And now, the future.
It is just a matter of time
before this planet is ours.
Shall we choose the next target?
ADVOCATE 2: We
should look at the maps.
They will tell us where
the greatest
concentration of life is.
ADVOCATE 3: Time is on our side.
Hey, Mister! Mister!
You forgot.
Forgot what?
Forgot to put money
in the parking meter.
You'll get a ticket if you don't
put money in the parking meter.
But I'm a policeman.
Nobody's going
to give me a ticket.
But my Mom says policemen
have to follow the law
just like everybody else.
Thanks for reminding me, Miss.
Can I do it for you?
[ speaking alien language]
The greatest concentration
of human population
is on the coasts.
ADVOCATE 2: One device
on the San Andreas Fault
in the West will do
the work of many.
And on the East Coast,
a device in the cesspool
they call New York
will spell the beginning
of the end for the humans.
Major Kedrov.
Colonel, how good
of you to come.
My people told me who you were,
but getting a message to
you proved to be most difficult.
My people thought it wise
that we have this meeting.
Colonel, do sit down.
Ironhorse.
I'm told that's an Indian name.
It is.
Yes.
We have Indians
in our country, too.
There are some who believe
that our Indians
and your country's
Indians are related.
Maybe.
But I didn't come here to
talk anthropology, Major.
No. You're correct.
We have much more
important things to discuss.
The signal is definitely
alien, and nearby, too,
judging from its strength.
I don't like the sound of that.
How long until you have that
broadcast point triangulated?
Any second now.
The computer is crunching
the data even as we speak.
Ah! Voila!
Now all we have to do is
match these coordinates
with the map files and...
now that is a whole lot closer
to today's
disarmament conference
than I would like to see.
What could the
aliens be planning?
Paul, join us.
I think we're on
to something here.
IRONHORSE: We have to deal
with another matter first, Harrison.
Dr. Rodin is going to have
to go back to the Soviets.
What?
Why?
This Mutual Disarmament Pact
is just too important
to jeopardize.
Both her government and
ours feel that a defection
is a bad idea at this time.
Oh, they do, do they?
When, exactly, would
be a good time for them?
That's not for me to decide,
Harrison.
I'm sorry, but there can be
no sanctuary here.
Both governments insist
that Doctor Rodin be returned
to the Soviets in time for
today's disarmament ceremonies.
HARRISON: What if I
called General Wilson
and threatened
to pull out of here...
Pull out of this
whole project...
Unless he supports
Katya's defection.
That's a negative, Harrison.
The General asked me to tell
you that if you feel that strongly,
he'll respect any
choice that you make.
But he wants you
to know that the work
we've begun here at the cottage
will continue with
or without you.
Well... at least the
General has more integrity
than I gave him
credit for having.
Well, he wants to help,
Harrison, and believe
it or not, so do I.
But this damned disarmament
thing, it's just too big.
The entire world is watching
the two greatest powers on Earth
dismantle their
nuclear arsenals.
Now agree with it or
not, we can't let any
politically sensitive incident
detract from that effort.
Okay. Just let me be
the one that tells her.
Hi. This is Rita.
I need a tow truck in the
parking lot at Century and 12th.
Thanks.
[ whirring and beeping]
KATYA: Your
Colonel is quite right.
This nuclear disarmament
is much more important
than any individual's freedom.
I'm sorry.
I wish there was
more I could do.
I even threatened
to quit this...
what it is we're doing here
if they didn't
agree to help you,
but they still refused.
Well, if they knew you
as I do, they would know
that you would never quit.
You see, I have... I
have been watching you
and I know that you are
working on something
that is completely
taking you over.
And until you're
finished, I know
there's no space in
your life for anything else.
You're a very perceptive woman.
Come on, let's go enjoy these
last few moments together.
Three tickets is
enough for a tow away,
especially with the disarmament
thing going on down the street
and all the extra security.
Then when I checked the
plates against the computer,
I saw that the vehicle
had been reported stolen.
When I got here,
I, I had to jimmy the lock
so I could release
the parking brake.
That's when I saw the
bomb sitting in the back.
What you think is a bomb.
MAN: Oh, my God!
Let's get the hell out of here.
NEWSCASTER [ over radio]:
The threat of nuclear terrorism
has taken on a new
dimension today.
The Silicon Valley,
San Francisco's high-tech
suburb, I was just coming to find you,
and site of this afternoon's both
of you. Come with me please.
U.S.-Russian
disarmament ceremony,
is currently in
the grip of panic.
Local police have stumbled
on what appears to be
a small atomic device.
So far, no attempt has been
made to move or defuse the device
for fear of causing
it to detonate.
Authorities in
Washington and Moscow
expressed both
surprise and revulsion
at whoever is behind this act.
Despite denials, U.S. Forces
have been placed... Well...
we don't have to
worry what happened
to that stolen
plutonium anymore.
And according to
sources inside the Kremlin,
Soviet forces have also
been placed on alert.
Civilians within a 20 mile
radius of the bomb's location
are being evacuated,
but local officials fear
there will not be enough time to
make the evacuation complete.
Officials in the capitol have
so far refused to comment
on Moscow's sudden suspension
of the U.S.-Russian
Disarmament Pact.
What time was your
ceremony scheduled?
At 3:00. Why?
Do you think that they
would have planned the bomb
to go off at 3:00?
Wouldn't you if you were them?
But it's almost 1:15 now.
My God,
there's no time.
I'd got to inform General
Wilson about this connection.
Connection?
What connection?
Connection to what?
The Soviets are placing
full blame on the U.S.
for the bomb which continues
to threaten the Silicon Valley.
While military forces
struggle with the threat
of possible detonation
and the complete
evacuation... Harrison!
Did you know something
like this was going to happen?
Now beginning to deal with
the political ramifications.
Not entirely.
We had reason to believe that
something was going to happen.
Not this, exactly,
but something, yes.
You knew something would happen
and yet you did
nothing to stop it?
This is Bob Dunn reporting
from the White House.
Katya has got to know.
She's got to
understand what it is
that we're up against.
NORTON: Gertrude, back five.
Now, look, I'm all for
détente and glasnost
and you-show-me-yours
-and-I'll-show-you-mine,
but isn't telling your friend
a little bit like taking an
ad out in a newspaper?
That's a chance we have to take.
He's right, Norton.
If the aliens are
involving the Russians,
then we have to, too,
for all our protection.
Otherwise, they can pit
one nation against the other.
Or else they're gonna sit back
and watch us destroy ourselves.
Now Katya has to
return to Russia, right?
At least if she knows what it
is that we're up against here,
she can be our
counterpart over there.
You planning to discuss
this with the Colonel?
What the Colonel doesn't know...
Katya...
it's time that you
know exactly what it is
that we're doing here.
Oh, God, I wish I
was someplace else.
All gotta be someplace.
Might as well be right here.
[ beeping]
Only take whatever is essential.
Everything else stays.
Helicopter will be
here inside 15 minutes.
What's going on?
General Wilson
wants us all evacuated
from the fallout area.
Our project is too
important to jeopardize.
Notice he said our
project and not our lives.
Gertrude, to the office!
You'll be coming
with us, Doctor Rodin.
We'll return you to your people
as soon as we've
gotten to safe ground.
Katya has something
to say first, Colonel.
I would like to disarm the bomb.
And I'd like to be President
of the United States!
Forget it!
We have experts
flying in from Utah.
There might not be enough time,
especially if detonation
has been timed to coincide
with the original 3:00 schedule.
Besides, you're forgetting,
my entire career has been spent
building nuclear devices.
I might be able to
disarm this bomb.
No one can ask you to do this.
KATYA: No one has.
But you can't afford to
turn down my offer, either.
No, we stay with
the original plan.
What's the use of protecting
the world against aliens
if we're not first willing to
protect it against ourselves?
[ garbled radio transmission]
Right... move it.
Right about there... Okay.
HARRISON: We're here, Norton.
Stand by. We're gonna go in.
[ beeping and whirring]
It's so small.
Just how big do
you like your bombs?
HARRISON: Katya
says it has two triggers:
a motion switch and a timer.
Less than five minutes
left on the timer.
We're going to go
with the timer first.
[ beeping and whirring continue]
How steady are
your hands, Colonel?
You cut the green wire.
I'll cut the red.
Together.
On the count of three.
One...
Two...
Three.
[ beeping ceases]
[ whirring continues]
Thank you, Grandfather.
Yes.
Now for the hard part.
We do the same thing...
[ whirring continues]
with the wires on
the motion switch.
This is truly
a most astonishing
piece of work.
Unlike anything I've
ever seen before.
Are you ready?
HARRISON: This is it, Norton.
One...
Two...
Wait.
NORTON: Harrison, what happened?
We have the wrong green wire.
NORTON: What do you
mean, the wrong green wire?
Here we go again.
One...
Two...
Three.
NORTON: What
happened? What happened?!
Not bad.
[ laughs]
HARRISON: She did it!
[ laughs]
[ crowd cheering]
MAN [ over bullhorn]: Attention,
please. Attention, please.
The area is
secured. Red alert off.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
IRONHORSE: Yes, General.
It's time, Harrison.
Just saying thank you
doesn't seem enough.
It's enough that you chose
to confide your secrets to me.
Is it going to
make a difference?
I think so.
I know a small
group of scientists
who will be only too happy
to reopen their old
records to study the aliens.
I'm gonna miss you.
And I you, Harrison.
Doctor Rodin, I've just
spoken with General Wilson.
They've decided to relent.
You've been allowed
to stay in this country.
Please thank them for me,
but I've changed my mind.
But why?
Just call it a woman's
prerogative, Colonel.
But Doctor, the repercussions.
I don't believe that there
will be any repercussions.
After all, am I not
an international hero?
You have some pretty
amazing friends, Harrison.
Don't I though?
I misjudged the
wretched Earthlings;
both their ingenuity
and their will to survive.
You can take comfort
in the knowledge
that your efforts will
be revered forever
and all time, Commander.
[ speaking alien language]
And so, New Commander,
tell us what plans you
have to rid this planet
of its repulsive inhabitants.
experienced a war of the worlds.
Common bacteria
stopped the aliens,
but it didn't kill them.
Instead, the aliens lapsed
into a state of deep hibernation.
Now the aliens have
been resurrected,
more terrifying than before.
In 1953, aliens started
taking over the world.
Today, they're taking
over our bodies.
ADVOCATE 1: We
must plan for the future.
ADVOCATE 2: A
future without humans.
[ men yelling]
Look what you done! What I done?
Look what you done!
You kicked my car!
Do you have a license?!
Learn how to drive!
[ both continue yelling]
Stop! Oh, he stole my purse!
Oh, somebody please stop him!
Oh!
Look, Sister Margaret.
Somebody stole her purse.
NUN 2: What a pity.
No one is helping her.
Leave me alone!
Make me!
Yeah, make him, pinhead!
Got any money for us, creep?
Why didn't you do anything?!
God works in mysterious ways.
His wonders to behold.
COMMANDER: Our scientists
have concluded that the filthy,
inferior beings on this planet
are hopelessly combative.
ADVOCATE 1: Meaning?
COMMANDER: Meaning that in time,
these parasitic cretins
will inevitably
destroy themselves.
ADVOCATE 2: Our
scientists are certain of this?
COMMANDER: Based
on statistical analysis,
there is a 96.875
percent probability
that the human race
will eliminate itself
as a direct result
of tribal warfare.
All the pathetic creatures need
is a push in the
proper direction.
ADVOCATE 3: We need
immediate action, Commander,
not subtleties.
Not wishing to disagree...
Then do not.
But direct intervention has
failed us time and time again.
It would be more accurate to say
that it was you who has
failed us, Commander.
Be forewarned, Commander.
You must not fail us again.
REPORTER [ on TV]:
Earlier this afternoon,
a Russian Aeroflot carrying a
delegation of nuclear scientists
arrived in San Francisco
to take part in the first stage
of the historic U.S.-Russian
Mutual Disarmament Pact.
Three days of meetings will
precede Friday's dismantling
of the Pershing Two
missile warheads
manufactured in
nearby Silicon Valley.
Officials of both governments
are hoping that this,
as well as the
simultaneous dismantling
of a Russian warhead
by American scientists,
will spell the beginning
of the end of the threat
of nuclear confrontation
between the superpowers.
It's the beginning
of the end, all right.
I guess all this
mushy peace talk
kind of makes guys like
you obsolete, huh, Colonel?
IRONHORSE: You've
got it backwards, Norton.
Nuclear warheads are
the only guarantee of peace
we have right now.
Colonel, would you mind
enlightening us on that one?
IRONHORSE: Look,
figure it out, Harrison.
The Soviets outnumber us four
to one on conventional forces,
ten to one on
tanks, three to one
on surface ships, two
to one, submarines.
The threat of nuclear
retaliation is the only thing
keeping the Reds from
knocking down our fence
and stomping all
over our cornfield.
Assuming, of
course, anyone wants
to stomp all over our cornfield.
You're not really that naive,
are you, Suzanne?
You think I'm naive
because I don't share your
twisted view of the world?
Paul, I think you're a little
naive yourself, don't you?
MRS. PENNYWORTH:
Blackwood, there's
a call for you. IRONHORSE:
Look, in the real world,
Thanks, Mrs. Pennyworth.
The strong dominate the weak...
Always have, always will.
Darwin's theory, Suzanne.
Somebody starts
swinging a club at you,
and you better have
a club of your own to swing.
Well, I guess that
takes care of politics.
Anyone care to discuss religion?
This is Harrison Blackwood.
And this is Katya.
Katya.
Where are you?
Where else but San Francisco?
Don't tell me you're part
of the Russian delegation.
Well, the appointment
surprised me as well.
Dr., uh, Jacobi
at the Pacific Institute
was kind enough
to give me this number.
That was okay?
Oh, completely, completely.
Harrison, I must speak with you.
What's wrong?
Uh, not over the phone.
Of course, of course.
Katya, look, you
can't come here.
I'll, uh, I'll come
into the city. I'll...
No, no, no.
Tomorrow, uh, lunch, at
the Stratford Hotel, okay?
Good-bye, my dear.
Such frivolity, Dr. Rodin.
And what is that, Major?
You choose to use a pay phone
rather than the
one in your room.
Even the KGB must
agree that it is inappropriate
for our government to pay for my
personal phone calls.
Is that not so...
comrade?
Most conscientious of
you, Comrade Rodin.
I shall make note
of that in my report.
I'm sure you will... comrade.
Good night, Jack.
[ laughing]
Home, Jeeves.
[ screaming]
[ speaking alien language]
Yeah, okay.
[ beeping]
VOICE [ over P.A.]: You
are entering Zone Two.
Have your badge ready.
I got two tickets to the
Grateful Dead concert on Friday.
You interested?
Sorry, I have other plans.
Ah, that's too bad.
I know; I love the Dead.
[ speaking alien language]
[ speaking alien language]
[ alarm blaring]
VOICE [ over P.A.]:
Attention. Attention.
We are now in a yellow alert.
GUARD: They took what?
No, don't worry.
They won't get by me.
Okay, you three,
stay right there!
I mean it.
I'm warning you.
Attention. Attention.
We are now in a yellow alert.
Good morning, Doctor.
Where are you going?
Out.
Anyplace special?
Yes.
Harrison, are we going
to play 20 questions,
or are you going
to be more specific?
I can be more
specific if I want to be.
Look, Harrison,
that's not the way we
do things around here.
One of my jobs
is to look after you.
Now, how in the hell
am I supposed to do that
without your cooperation?
Unless I misunderstand the rules
of the game we're playing here,
I'm not a prisoner, and
you're not a warden.
So, if you'll excuse me?
Do you mind if I join you?
Oh... Harrison!
Katya.
Oh...
Isn't this the hat
that I bought you in
Paris eight years ago?
Well, I wanted to make sure
that... you would recognize me.
In a crowd, Katya.
With or without a hat.
Well...
Why don't we sit down
and you can tell
me what's wrong.
Yeah.
[ camera shutter clicking]
[ camera shutter clicking]
[ camera shutter clicking]
ADVOCATE 1: Commander,
you are making progress?
The fabrication of
a nuclear device is,
to use a crude,
Earthly expression,
nothing more than child's play.
It should be ready shortly.
You are still certain
that exploding this device
will create enough suspicion
between the planet's
tribes to incite open warfare?
And their eventual
self-annihilation?
I stake my very existence on it.
No, Commander, you
stake our existence on it.
To life immortal.
[ speaking alien language]
IRONHORSE: This
is priority one, Captain.
You have the
photographs and my report.
I expect an analysis and
identification on the double.
No!
I do not want General
Wilson informed...
Not until I know
what's going on myself.
[ intercom beeping]
Yes?
Norton here. Can I have
a moment of your time?
I'm on my way, Norton.
12 kilograms of
weapons-grade plutonium
was stolen in front
of 20 witnesses.
I think it was the
boldness of the act
that caught our attention.
Then you're somehow suggesting
that the aliens
were involved in this.
Aren't you reaching, Doctor?
I like to think of it as
an informed guess.
Well, keep on this, Mr. Drake.
Let me know if
anything new breaks.
No problem, Colonel.
Take this device to those
who will be responsible
for its placement.
As you wish, Commander.
Remind our comrades
that nothing can interfere
with planting the device in its
proper location in the time allotted.
I hear your command.
[ Aliens chanting softly]
MRS. PENNYWORTH: Dinner!
I'll go get Harrison.
Oh, no, you won't, young lady.
Dr. Blackwood doesn't
wish to be disturbed.
Okay. I'll go get
Mom and Norton, then.
Oh, Colonel, you startled me!
I'm just about to serve dinner.
Not right now, Mrs. Pennyworth.
Harrison! You've
got some explain...
Is something wrong, Colonel?
Where the hell is Blackwood?
Damn it!
Debi, go have
dinner now, please.
But, Mom...
Immediately!
Come along, Debi.
Now, Colonel, what is it
that has you so
hot and bothered?
Washington just replied to
an inquiry I made, Mr. Drake.
It seems that since 1980,
the good doctor
has had a girlfriend
no one knew about.
I don't know how the
hell we missed that
in the security check.
SUZANNE: Aren't you blowing this
just a little out of
proportion, Paul?
I mean, if he's
got a girlfriend,
isn't that his business?
I'm not talking cheap thrills
and Valentine's Day cards,
Suzanne.
This girlfriend is an
important scientist!
An important Russian scientist!
VALERY: Dr. Rodin!
Dr. Rodin!
Please open the
door this instant!
Open it!
I'm going to see that
Harrison pays a heavy price.
Aren't you taking this
a little too
personally, Colonel?
IRONHORSE: Why
shouldn't I, Norton?
I'm personally responsible.
If Blackwood goes down,
or this project is jeopardized,
I'm the man that has
to do the explaining.
I've known Harrison
for a long time.
I'm sure he has a
logical explanation.
Right. Logical as
in, "Sorry, folks,
"I've got a better offer.
"Maybe I'll consider defecting
to the other side."
You have no grounds
for that accusation!
Why are you so
quick to defend him?
You know, the heart
can make a man do
funny things, Suzanne.
[ door opening]
Gertrude, front door!
Gee! Reception committee.
I want an explanation,
Blackwood,
and I want it now!
Do you mind if I start
with an introduction first?
Colonel, everyone...
I'd like you to
meet Katya Rodin.
Katya...
Paul Ironhorse, Suzanne
McCullough and Norton Drake.
Keep your hands in sight.
Get out of the van.
What's the problem, Officer?
Stolen vehicle for starters.
Theft of radioactive material.
[ alien growling]
All right! Everybody
out of the van!
Do it!
My friend...
she isn't feeling very well.
Out! Now!
All right, open it.
Get out, lady.
You two... hands on
the vehicle... spread!
Come on! Move it!
Okay, lady... I've
got to see your hands.
Lady, you've got to put your
hands where I can see 'em.
[ deep voice]: If
you say so, Officer.
[ speaking alien language]
[ radio transmission]: 256
Crawford, 2-5-6 Crawford...
IRONHORSE: Did you
have a pleasant day...
off to nowhere, doing nothing?
Well, you know,
while you were out,
Norton picked up
some information
about a theft at a
nuclear power plant.
12 kilograms of
weapons-grade plutonium.
Suzanne feels that the
aliens may be involved.
Suzanne and Norton
are on top of this?
They are.
Well, then there's
nothing more we can do.
Harrison!
You have a lovely home.
Well, it's only a loaner, but,
uh, we're getting to like it.
IRONHORSE: You must be completely
crazy bringing that Russian here.
HARRISON: I'm not.
I mean, this is supposed
to be a high-security location,
occupied by people
doing high-security work.
I know.
I thought what we were doing
here was important to you!
It is.
Well, then, what the
hell was going through
your mind, Harrison?
Katya is also important to me.
Now she wants to defect
and I agreed to help her.
But why the hell didn't you
take her to the immigration office,
or-or to church?
Or to the CIA? Or-or to a movie?
Why the hell did
you bring her here?
I did.
Did what?
I took her to a movie.
I wanted to make sure that
she wasn't being followed.
It's very nicely decorated.
Did you do it?
SUZANNE: Uh...
I'm a microbiologist,
not an interior decorator.
I'm a nuclear physicist,
but I still enjoy
decorating my flat.
[ clearing throat]
Look, the Soviets
consider Dr. Rodin
very important to their
scientific community.
Besides, she wasn't ready
to go to those places... not yet.
I made a judgment call.
We're not talking about a
defecting hockey player here.
This is international
scandal time.
It stinks, Harrison,
and you're in it up
to your eyebrows
and you're taking
the rest of us with you.
[ garbled radio transmission]
REPORTER: We're as close
to the site of this afternoon's
historic initiation of the U.S.-Russian
Mutual Disarmament Pact
as the press...
Or anyone else,
for that matter...
Is allowed to be.
Security forces are
taking no chances.
The area has been cordoned
off and is heavily guarded.
[ speaking alien language]
Paris in 1980 was gorgeous.
The weather was clear and crisp.
Everything was perfect,
except for Harrison's
paper on dwarf stars.
I was taking part
in an international
science convention.
And during my presentation,
this young woman
kept on raising her hand
and challenging my thesis.
Thesis?
It was more like fiction.
Anyway, after I was
through, Katya cornered me
and told me just how
very bad my theory was.
For about a moment before
my sitters led me away.
"Sitters"?
KATYA: Sitters,
keepers, KGB.
You know, what you
people call thick necks
who keep us Soviets in line.
Except I wasn't finished
correcting Harrison's paper.
And I wasn't finished
correcting her corrections.
So, I sort of helped Katya
slip away from her sitters
and, uh, we continued
our discussions in private.
I didn't get back to my
hotel room for three days.
In fact,
this is the first time I've
been let out of the country
since that weekend.
[ tune playing]
Oh, battle stations.
I'll let you know if it's
anything important.
If you will excuse me,
ladies and gentlemen.
Gertrude,
to the office, if you will.
What does he mean
by battle stations?
Katya, I'm sorry, there
are just a few things that
we can't discuss about our work.
I understand.
[ electronic beeping]
The device is working
and in place, Commander.
COMMANDER: You have done well.
MALE WORKER 1: We are nothing
without your counsel, Advocate.
ADVOCATE 1: We
must plan for the future.
A future without humans.
How large an area
will be decimated by your
thermonuclear explosion?
We are not exactly
sure, Advocate.
Not sure?
Our best estimate indicates
a kill range of 30 miles.
With a population of?
With a population of?!
We believe ten million
humans, Advocate.
That's all?
This is only our first attempt.
What we learn here, we
will multiply across the world.
You have done much
to advance our cause.
To life immortal!
And now, the future.
It is just a matter of time
before this planet is ours.
Shall we choose the next target?
ADVOCATE 2: We
should look at the maps.
They will tell us where
the greatest
concentration of life is.
ADVOCATE 3: Time is on our side.
Hey, Mister! Mister!
You forgot.
Forgot what?
Forgot to put money
in the parking meter.
You'll get a ticket if you don't
put money in the parking meter.
But I'm a policeman.
Nobody's going
to give me a ticket.
But my Mom says policemen
have to follow the law
just like everybody else.
Thanks for reminding me, Miss.
Can I do it for you?
[ speaking alien language]
The greatest concentration
of human population
is on the coasts.
ADVOCATE 2: One device
on the San Andreas Fault
in the West will do
the work of many.
And on the East Coast,
a device in the cesspool
they call New York
will spell the beginning
of the end for the humans.
Major Kedrov.
Colonel, how good
of you to come.
My people told me who you were,
but getting a message to
you proved to be most difficult.
My people thought it wise
that we have this meeting.
Colonel, do sit down.
Ironhorse.
I'm told that's an Indian name.
It is.
Yes.
We have Indians
in our country, too.
There are some who believe
that our Indians
and your country's
Indians are related.
Maybe.
But I didn't come here to
talk anthropology, Major.
No. You're correct.
We have much more
important things to discuss.
The signal is definitely
alien, and nearby, too,
judging from its strength.
I don't like the sound of that.
How long until you have that
broadcast point triangulated?
Any second now.
The computer is crunching
the data even as we speak.
Ah! Voila!
Now all we have to do is
match these coordinates
with the map files and...
now that is a whole lot closer
to today's
disarmament conference
than I would like to see.
What could the
aliens be planning?
Paul, join us.
I think we're on
to something here.
IRONHORSE: We have to deal
with another matter first, Harrison.
Dr. Rodin is going to have
to go back to the Soviets.
What?
Why?
This Mutual Disarmament Pact
is just too important
to jeopardize.
Both her government and
ours feel that a defection
is a bad idea at this time.
Oh, they do, do they?
When, exactly, would
be a good time for them?
That's not for me to decide,
Harrison.
I'm sorry, but there can be
no sanctuary here.
Both governments insist
that Doctor Rodin be returned
to the Soviets in time for
today's disarmament ceremonies.
HARRISON: What if I
called General Wilson
and threatened
to pull out of here...
Pull out of this
whole project...
Unless he supports
Katya's defection.
That's a negative, Harrison.
The General asked me to tell
you that if you feel that strongly,
he'll respect any
choice that you make.
But he wants you
to know that the work
we've begun here at the cottage
will continue with
or without you.
Well... at least the
General has more integrity
than I gave him
credit for having.
Well, he wants to help,
Harrison, and believe
it or not, so do I.
But this damned disarmament
thing, it's just too big.
The entire world is watching
the two greatest powers on Earth
dismantle their
nuclear arsenals.
Now agree with it or
not, we can't let any
politically sensitive incident
detract from that effort.
Okay. Just let me be
the one that tells her.
Hi. This is Rita.
I need a tow truck in the
parking lot at Century and 12th.
Thanks.
[ whirring and beeping]
KATYA: Your
Colonel is quite right.
This nuclear disarmament
is much more important
than any individual's freedom.
I'm sorry.
I wish there was
more I could do.
I even threatened
to quit this...
what it is we're doing here
if they didn't
agree to help you,
but they still refused.
Well, if they knew you
as I do, they would know
that you would never quit.
You see, I have... I
have been watching you
and I know that you are
working on something
that is completely
taking you over.
And until you're
finished, I know
there's no space in
your life for anything else.
You're a very perceptive woman.
Come on, let's go enjoy these
last few moments together.
Three tickets is
enough for a tow away,
especially with the disarmament
thing going on down the street
and all the extra security.
Then when I checked the
plates against the computer,
I saw that the vehicle
had been reported stolen.
When I got here,
I, I had to jimmy the lock
so I could release
the parking brake.
That's when I saw the
bomb sitting in the back.
What you think is a bomb.
MAN: Oh, my God!
Let's get the hell out of here.
NEWSCASTER [ over radio]:
The threat of nuclear terrorism
has taken on a new
dimension today.
The Silicon Valley,
San Francisco's high-tech
suburb, I was just coming to find you,
and site of this afternoon's both
of you. Come with me please.
U.S.-Russian
disarmament ceremony,
is currently in
the grip of panic.
Local police have stumbled
on what appears to be
a small atomic device.
So far, no attempt has been
made to move or defuse the device
for fear of causing
it to detonate.
Authorities in
Washington and Moscow
expressed both
surprise and revulsion
at whoever is behind this act.
Despite denials, U.S. Forces
have been placed... Well...
we don't have to
worry what happened
to that stolen
plutonium anymore.
And according to
sources inside the Kremlin,
Soviet forces have also
been placed on alert.
Civilians within a 20 mile
radius of the bomb's location
are being evacuated,
but local officials fear
there will not be enough time to
make the evacuation complete.
Officials in the capitol have
so far refused to comment
on Moscow's sudden suspension
of the U.S.-Russian
Disarmament Pact.
What time was your
ceremony scheduled?
At 3:00. Why?
Do you think that they
would have planned the bomb
to go off at 3:00?
Wouldn't you if you were them?
But it's almost 1:15 now.
My God,
there's no time.
I'd got to inform General
Wilson about this connection.
Connection?
What connection?
Connection to what?
The Soviets are placing
full blame on the U.S.
for the bomb which continues
to threaten the Silicon Valley.
While military forces
struggle with the threat
of possible detonation
and the complete
evacuation... Harrison!
Did you know something
like this was going to happen?
Now beginning to deal with
the political ramifications.
Not entirely.
We had reason to believe that
something was going to happen.
Not this, exactly,
but something, yes.
You knew something would happen
and yet you did
nothing to stop it?
This is Bob Dunn reporting
from the White House.
Katya has got to know.
She's got to
understand what it is
that we're up against.
NORTON: Gertrude, back five.
Now, look, I'm all for
détente and glasnost
and you-show-me-yours
-and-I'll-show-you-mine,
but isn't telling your friend
a little bit like taking an
ad out in a newspaper?
That's a chance we have to take.
He's right, Norton.
If the aliens are
involving the Russians,
then we have to, too,
for all our protection.
Otherwise, they can pit
one nation against the other.
Or else they're gonna sit back
and watch us destroy ourselves.
Now Katya has to
return to Russia, right?
At least if she knows what it
is that we're up against here,
she can be our
counterpart over there.
You planning to discuss
this with the Colonel?
What the Colonel doesn't know...
Katya...
it's time that you
know exactly what it is
that we're doing here.
Oh, God, I wish I
was someplace else.
All gotta be someplace.
Might as well be right here.
[ beeping]
Only take whatever is essential.
Everything else stays.
Helicopter will be
here inside 15 minutes.
What's going on?
General Wilson
wants us all evacuated
from the fallout area.
Our project is too
important to jeopardize.
Notice he said our
project and not our lives.
Gertrude, to the office!
You'll be coming
with us, Doctor Rodin.
We'll return you to your people
as soon as we've
gotten to safe ground.
Katya has something
to say first, Colonel.
I would like to disarm the bomb.
And I'd like to be President
of the United States!
Forget it!
We have experts
flying in from Utah.
There might not be enough time,
especially if detonation
has been timed to coincide
with the original 3:00 schedule.
Besides, you're forgetting,
my entire career has been spent
building nuclear devices.
I might be able to
disarm this bomb.
No one can ask you to do this.
KATYA: No one has.
But you can't afford to
turn down my offer, either.
No, we stay with
the original plan.
What's the use of protecting
the world against aliens
if we're not first willing to
protect it against ourselves?
[ garbled radio transmission]
Right... move it.
Right about there... Okay.
HARRISON: We're here, Norton.
Stand by. We're gonna go in.
[ beeping and whirring]
It's so small.
Just how big do
you like your bombs?
HARRISON: Katya
says it has two triggers:
a motion switch and a timer.
Less than five minutes
left on the timer.
We're going to go
with the timer first.
[ beeping and whirring continue]
How steady are
your hands, Colonel?
You cut the green wire.
I'll cut the red.
Together.
On the count of three.
One...
Two...
Three.
[ beeping ceases]
[ whirring continues]
Thank you, Grandfather.
Yes.
Now for the hard part.
We do the same thing...
[ whirring continues]
with the wires on
the motion switch.
This is truly
a most astonishing
piece of work.
Unlike anything I've
ever seen before.
Are you ready?
HARRISON: This is it, Norton.
One...
Two...
Wait.
NORTON: Harrison, what happened?
We have the wrong green wire.
NORTON: What do you
mean, the wrong green wire?
Here we go again.
One...
Two...
Three.
NORTON: What
happened? What happened?!
Not bad.
[ laughs]
HARRISON: She did it!
[ laughs]
[ crowd cheering]
MAN [ over bullhorn]: Attention,
please. Attention, please.
The area is
secured. Red alert off.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
IRONHORSE: Yes, General.
It's time, Harrison.
Just saying thank you
doesn't seem enough.
It's enough that you chose
to confide your secrets to me.
Is it going to
make a difference?
I think so.
I know a small
group of scientists
who will be only too happy
to reopen their old
records to study the aliens.
I'm gonna miss you.
And I you, Harrison.
Doctor Rodin, I've just
spoken with General Wilson.
They've decided to relent.
You've been allowed
to stay in this country.
Please thank them for me,
but I've changed my mind.
But why?
Just call it a woman's
prerogative, Colonel.
But Doctor, the repercussions.
I don't believe that there
will be any repercussions.
After all, am I not
an international hero?
You have some pretty
amazing friends, Harrison.
Don't I though?
I misjudged the
wretched Earthlings;
both their ingenuity
and their will to survive.
You can take comfort
in the knowledge
that your efforts will
be revered forever
and all time, Commander.
[ speaking alien language]
And so, New Commander,
tell us what plans you
have to rid this planet
of its repulsive inhabitants.