War of the Worlds (1988–1990): Season 1, Episode 11 - Among the Philistines - 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 ever before.
In 1953, aliens started
taking over the world.
Today, they're taking
over our bodies.
HARRISON: Don't you see?
It's not just our problem.
If we lose this war, we
lose the entire planet.
[ sirens blaring]
[ indistinct conversations]
MAN: Hustle, guys, hustle.
MAN 2: Come on
everybody. Let's hurry.
Watch his arm. Watch his arm.
MAN: Watch it. Watch it.
MAN 2: Come on.
Move back, everybody.
Take it easy.
Check his pulse.
[ siren approaching]
Okay, come on through.
Come on through.
Get this fire out.
[ indistinct conversations]
All right, guys...
It's time.
All right, men.
Come on. Move it in.
Okay, get to the
truck. Let's go.
Okay, hurry up.
Got the oxygen?
Remember: we want them alive.
Okay, take these guns.
Take it.
Everyone, get in your positions.
Now!
Okay, everybody, move in.
Move it! Move it!
Get 'em.
Out of the truck.
Come on, move over to the side.
All right, just move it. Walk.
Okay, hold it there. Stand.
IRONHORSE: Don't
let them fool you.
They're aliens.
HARRISON: Don't forget, Colonel.
I want these aliens alive.
We've got a lot to talk about.
[ popping]
Stop them!
We had them.
The inside intelligence,
we set the trap,
and they take themselves out.
It was as if they knew
they were going to be taken.
What's going on here?
I don't know what's going on,
but I'm sure as hell
going to find out.
I want to know who
told General Wilson
these aliens were
going to be here.
[ indistinct conversations]
That is sick.
Harrison, you've got to
get yourself out of this.
This isn't good.
This isn't good for the mission.
More importantly, it's...
it's not good for you.
I know what you're feeling.
That the point, the prime
discussion, was the mission.
Fighting an enemy
that you can't see...
it takes everything you
have just to hold it together.
Look, I've been there.
We fought all night at Que Son.
Pinned down...
The screams, the
dying that night.
We all knew we'd be overrun.
We'd be dead by
the end of the night.
In the morning,
the mist cleared...
in the valley.
And they were gone.
We'd done it.
We'd held our position.
We won.
That night...
was a million nights long.
You're going through a
night like that, Harrison.
But the mist will clear...
and we will have won.
We have a report in
from the hijack operation.
Yes?
Our three soldiers were killed.
You're certain?
Yes.
At least we're doing
something right.
[ squeaking]
[ chuckling]
The one on the left is Mona.
The other one's Mabel.
Other than my daughter,
I think I am closer to them
than anyone else on Earth.
HARRISON: They're incredible.
You have no idea.
They're a constant
source of amazement.
We've been carrying on
studies in the language now
for more than a decade,
together... we're family.
You talk about them
as if they're humans.
Hmm... They are the gentlest,
friendliest, most
playful creatures.
They're smart, too.
We're equal partners
in this research.
We really are.
We're teaching each other.
See, when you, uh,
study language,
there's certain criteria.
Dr. Bouchard... No, please.
Adrian's fine.
These criteria... Adrian.
About how you knew that truck
was going to be on the
road at that particular time?
Ah... yeah.
You see, my research
center is down in the islands,
and, uh, I spend a
lot of time on the radio.
I mean, it's lonely out there.
I started picking up these odd,
percussive transmissions.
I'd never heard
anything like it.
Now, I-I have the kind of
brain that solves problems,
and, uh, this was a problem
that sucked me right in.
So, I started dissecting these
transmissions with my computer.
They used a very complex
conceptual base.
This was fascinating.
And after three transmissions
I noticed a pattern,
a bizarre
synchronicity, with-with
terrorist acts that I'd
read about in the paper.
At first, I, uh, I thought it was
just a, a freak coincidence,
but it just continued.
Blew my mind.
Now, I have friends
in intelligence.
I went to them.
They didn't think I was crazy.
I showed them all my data
and how I arrived at it and...
HARRISON: That's what
led you to us and our project.
ADRIAN: And, uh...
I ended up here, being
interviewed once again.
What do you say you tell
me what's going on here?
Okay.
We'll tell you.
You will? You're gonna...
Hey, that's terrific.
I've been looking for you.
This is top secret.
Entire matter is classified.
I do some dolphin
conditioning for the Navy,
so I have top secret clearance.
Yes, we know.
This is above top secret.
What we're about to tell you,
many people find
difficult to believe.
Hey, I've used that same
speech about my own work.
Those transmissions
that you intercepted
and translated are
not from terrorists.
They're from
intelligent life-forms
from across the galaxy
to their counterparts
here on this planet.
Extraterrestrials?
HARRISON: Yes.
Left over from an invasion force
that came here in 1953.
Invasion force... You
mean they're malevolent?
Yes.
With the goal of...?
Taking over this planet.
And you know this because...?
We've been fighting them,
this time for over a year.
And we're not doing so well.
Have you tried dealing
with them in peace?
Yes.
We've prepared an
alien history for you...
Documents, the whole story.
NORTON: We have
video tapes we confiscated
from an amateur photographer.
Now they show the aliens
taking out a local policeman
in New Hampshire.
Now, once you
see that, you'll get it.
Where do they come from?
From a planet called Mortax.
And the remaining
members of their civilization,
several millions of them,
are on their way here now.
ETA?
About four years.
And we're not talking cute,
little E.T.s either, doctor.
These are deadly
soldiers, fanatics.
With no regard for human life.
How did they get here?
What was their
means of propulsion?
What's the story
of their civilization?
I've got a million
questions here.
We can't answer all of them.
We don't have the time.
We've been monitoring
the same signals,
but we haven't got to first base
on figuring out
what they're saying.
Your ability to decipher
their transmissions...
Yes, yes, I understand.
Let's get to your computer.
Well, uh, let me show
you what we got running.
HARRISON: Your idea of using
foreign language
characters was brilliant.
ADRIAN: I use it a lot with
my girls, uh, my dolphins.
You really communicate
with them, don't you?
Better than I
communicate with you,
but please don't get
me started on that.
This Norton fellow's a whiz.
Yeah, he certainly is.
Please, don't tell him, though.
We'll have to pay
him more money.
[ chuckling] How's it going?
I think we're making
real progress.
Excuse me. I've
forgotten my glasses.
I'll be right back.
It's so incredibly stimulating.
Even with so much at stake.
Everyone's so bright.
I can't remember when I
last worried about keeping up.
My brain hurts.
You are making progress.
I think so.
We're expanding
my cipher program.
Norton's made a few refinements
that'll make it work smoother.
I'm so impressed with what
you people are doing here.
We haven't been totally
successful, though.
Your cipher should
definitely help.
I'd better get back.
I have told those who come
of our impending victory.
Caution, Advocate.
If our plan doesn't work,
it could mean catastrophe.
We shall succeed.
We have no choice.
Prepare for transmission.
Hello!
What's up?
Well, I get it to work
to a certain point,
and then I'm blocked.
I see the problem.
Take a look at this.
See, try thinking
of it as, uh, music.
You got to figure
out what key it's in.
Then you can
begin to interpret it.
[ computer beeps]
A new transmission.
[ typing]
[ beeping]
Open up a new window.
[ typing]
[ beeping becomes longer tones]
Uh-oh, better get out.
[ whirring noise]
Oh, damn!
Oh, terrific.
We're dead in the water.
Adrian.
What happened?
Computer's down.
We overloaded.
If we had a bigger system,
we could solve this.
Well, why not use
the supercomputer?
You have access
to a supercomputer,
and we're not using it?
You're holding back,
not working to capacity.
How big an
emergency can this be?
Adrian.
Adrian!
We have to get
back to the cottage.
I'll alert them that
we're on the way.
What about Adrian?
I received Adrian's
security clearance
just before the
system went down.
The man is cleaner
than any of us.
We can't do this without him.
He's the expert.
We have no choice.
I don't know, Harrison.
It just worries me.
I'm real worried about
the alien invasion.
Now, let's see if he'll do it.
Don't even bother.
I'm out of here.
Adrian, the supercomputer
is where we work...
Where we really live.
We couldn't have
brought you there
without having you checked out.
It's too dangerous.
You may have
jeopardized the security
of our whole project.
But we'd like you to
come with us now, Adrian.
I-I've got to get back
to my own research.
Can I offer an alternative...
Some way we can work this? Um...
I can communicate by phone.
"Phone."
No, we can't let anything
out over the lines.
It's too sensitive.
And if word of what we're
doing here ever got out...
I understand your problem.
It's not that.
It's not just our problem.
If we lose this war,
we lose the planet.
I think that...
[ sighing]
I think I'm having trouble
really accepting this.
It's real, Adrian.
It's frighteningly real.
IRONHORSE: You
understand the need
for maintaining the
secrecy of our location.
Of course.
Anyway, I like being blindfolded
in the back of a van.
It's my idea of a good time.
You didn't have to ride
back here, you know.
Oh, I don't mind
keeping you company.
It's dedication above and
beyond the call of duty.
[ sighing]
I have three doctorates,
and I'm blindfolded
in the back of a van
on my way to fight
extraterrestrials.
What is wrong with this picture?
Harrison mentioned aliens
taking over human bodies.
What does that mean?
Our theory involves
cell-face matching.
The aliens are capable of
absorbing themselves completely
into the human body.
The like cells match up,
and they take
complete possession
of the intelligence of the body.
Except the aliens
stay in control.
Under new management.
Yes, exactly.
Have you seen my mom?
Hi, Debi. She's in the truck.
Hi, pooch.
[ whimpers happily]
Oh, thanks.
Ah, hello!
Mom, look at the new dog
Mrs. Pennyworth
got for the cottage.
His name is Guido.
[ dog barking]
Debi, take the dog away, please.
I'm trying, Mom!
[ growling]
Sorry. I...
I don't like dogs.
Ever since I was a kid, I...
I was attacked by one.
I'm sorry.
Adrian.
Wow!
This is Norton's
lab... State of the art.
And this is my lab through here.
Phew! This is a dream facility.
You guys are lucky.
I'd love to have gear like this.
This could all be yours as well.
We need talent
like yours on the team.
That's very nice, but...
I'm not being nice.
If you can add to
our effectiveness,
we need you here
with us, full-time.
No match in pattern or pulse,
so I should try the
next frequency, right?
Hey, I don't know why the
others said you were slow.
You're picking this right up.
Told you it was a
piece of cake, right?
Oh, right, a real
piece of cake, Doc.
Watch. Ten years from now
I'll still be trying
to figure it out.
[ chuckling]
Now we're talking.
Try extracting number constants.
Could put us into
the right frequency.
We're cooking now!
Your supercomputer
is incredible.
Run the final sequence
for word values.
Hold on! Hold on!
Unbelievable!
We're cracking this
sucker wide open!
Yes!
Great stuff.
[ laughing]
All right!
Now that we finally
know what they're saying,
we have the control.
If we use this
information correctly,
the aliens won't have a chance.
Ah, but we have to remember
though we have
solved the basic cipher,
it appears they're revolving
the code with each transmission.
These aliens are
very sophisticated.
Yes, well, we
couldn't have done it
without you, Adrian. Thank you.
So, what do these
translations say?
Well, that's the bad news.
We can only read parts of it.
They apparently have
two levels of codes working.
Maybe even a trinary system.
Chemicals... used in the
manufacture of nerve gas.
Figures.
Chemical warfare is the
perfect weapon for them.
Easy to distribute,
and very deadly.
Exactly, Colonel.
Gertrude, 360!
Not bad, Norton.
Back up, Gertrude, four.
Thought you said
you were handicapped.
Forward, Gertrude.
Ayi!
My teacher always said,
"Endeavor to surprise
your opponent."
This staff has an iron core!
Surprise.
I've been reading your
papers on language.
You're certainly
charting new waters.
Hardly scratched the surface.
I hate going to sleep at nights.
Yeah.
That's the way it should be.
You know, we're both lucky.
We actually get paid for
doing something we'd do free.
Suzanne talked to
me about the possibility
of you working with us
on a permanent basis.
Well, I'd be
lying if I didn't say
it was an intriguing idea.
But I've got so much
to do with the dolphins.
Hundreds of thousands
of these beautiful creatures
are being killed every year
by commercial fishermen.
I know.
We both have so much to do.
But try and keep an open mind
when you think about it.
It would certainly be
amazing having you here.
Thanks.
DEBI: Guido!
Guido!
Guido!
Harrison, have you seen Guido?
I haven't. No.
Hi, Debi.
I let him out this morning
and he never came back.
Well, he must be in the
compound somewhere, Debi.
Unless he's learned how
to jump 20-foot fences.
Guido!
Guido!
It is almost time.
It has been too long
since we have been
able to give our counsel.
We cannot be sure everything
is proceeding according to plan.
The plan is in motion.
We cannot stop it
even if we wanted to.
Better close that door.
What's the problem?
Well, we have been
thinking about Adrian
as a possible
addition to our team.
Yeah, we were thinking
of giving him your office
and your parking space.
Seriously, Colonel,
he's a brilliant
scientist and I like him.
I do, too.
I think he's terrific.
The question is will he do it.
His heart is still in
Florida with his dolphins.
HARRISON: I think
if he looks at things
in perspective, we
can convince him.
Now what do you think?
Well, if you want him
and you need him,
that's the bottom line.
I'll run it past
General Wilson, but
I can't see a problem.
Good.
All right.
Moving right along, since
we're all here together,
does anybody
have any fresh ideas
on what might have caused
those truckers to kill themselves?
ADRIAN: Harrison, another
transmission's coming in.
Don't forget to enter
the frequency quotient.
Right.
That's it.
It's printing the transcript.
[ printer whirring]
The staging area coordinates!
Major alien action set
for tomorrow morning...
Not far from here.
We don't have a
whole lot of time.
The Delta Force will
meet us out there.
Adrian, I think you
should stay here
just in case there are
any new transmissions.
Good idea.
I can be your eyes and ears.
Good luck.
Thank you.
Yo,
Adrian.
Anybody seen Adrian?
I've seen Adrian.
You better get your
body down here.
I am having some problems
with these older
transmissions I recorded.
Your magic formula
doesn't seem to work at all.
Your voice is my command,
oh, great wheeled genius!
[ chuckling]
[ speaking alien language]
Okay, let's go.
Let's go. Let's go.
You see anything?
Yes, sir.
We ID'd the enemy in place.
We estimate there
are 100 of them.
Looks like they're getting
ready to ambush us.
Something's wrong here.
They were supposed
to be here in three hours
and they're here waiting for us.
It's a trap.
All units,
any sign of activity... report.
MAN: We've got 'em here.
West sector shows activity.
East quadrant: activity.
Movement in the South...
What do you think?
I think it stinks.
[ phone ringing]
Yeah.
Norton.
What's the head count, Doc?
100. Look, run the formula
on that transmission again.
See if you come up
with the same information
and get back to me.
Problems?
Gertrude, third base.
Hmm...
He wants us to run
the formula again.
Can you believe
these are defective
and we haven't
even used them yet?
Government-issue.
[ laughing]
Listen, why don't
you rerun the program
and, uh, I'll get us
something to eat.
Ah, a salad'd be nice. Thanks.
All right.
Uh, Gertrude, elevator.
Is Norton here?
He'll be right back.
Come here.
It's all right.
Would you like to see
a video of my dolphins?
I don't know.
Their names are Mona and Mabel.
Come on.
[ gasps]
KENSINGTON: Mr. Drake!
The new dog! It's dead!
Killed!
Bled to death!
He's hanging up
in the coach house!
I think we've got a problem.
Who would have done
such a terrible thing?
Our guest.
Dr. Bouchard!
He knows too much.
The radiation counter...
the dog!
I think he's an alien.
This alien knows where we are!
We've got a problem.
Security's been breached!
Where do the outside
phone lines come in?
Back near the kitchen.
Let's go!
[ bleating]
Pull the phone wires.
Do it!
Keep watching them.
Phone's gone
dead to the cottage.
There's something
very wrong here.
We haven't received any
transmissions in the interim.
I don't like this at all.
My history teacher once told me,
"When searching for the
cause of great wrongs,
look for the small ones first."
Now what little things
have seemed wrong lately.
Anomalies...
Norton's problem in decoding
the older transmissions.
Suzanne, what's the first
thing that comes to mind?
We never found Guido the dog.
The dog that went for Adrian.
Anomalies.
The crashed computer
at the safe house.
We had to go
back to the cottage.
Are we finding a
common denominator?
Adrian.
An alien?
It would explain a great deal.
Oh, my God! Debi!
We've got to seal off the
stairway to the basement.
Then we cut the power.
With the elevator out, that
should put Adrian on ice.
We've got to make
sure Debi's safe.
Where is she?
She was looking
for you a while ago.
[ intercom beeping]
NORTON: Debi, can you hear me?
Hi, Norton.
Uh, what are you doing, Deb?
I'm watching this
video on dolphins.
It's great!
Uh... Mrs. Pennyworth
made some soup.
Why don't you come on up?
I'm not really
hungry now. Thanks.
My salad ready, Norton?
Yeah, I'm whipping
it up personally.
I'll be right down.
We're gonna need some firepower.
I'll go to Ironhorse's
weapon locker.
I'm gonna go down and get Debi.
Now you listen
in on the intercom.
Once you know I'm back
in the elevator, cover me.
Once we get back, cut the power.
Okay.
Oh, I ran the formula again.
It, uh, checks out.
Any more word from Harrison?
No. Nothing!
Well, maybe the aliens
are using some frequency
that we're not monitoring.
DEBI: Hey, Norton!
Look at the neat dolphins.
Adrian says I can swim
with them, right next
to them in the water
when I go there to visit.
That's great, Deb.
We'd better start
checking that after we eat.
Oh... here's your salad.
I hope oil and
vinegar is all right.
That's fine. Thanks.
Gertrude, Biolab Two.
Pretty amazing, huh?
You know, Deb, I think
you should go upstairs
since, uh, Mrs. Pennyworth
made that soup
especially for you.
I want to watch this.
[ beeping]
IRONHORSE: Damn!
HARRISON: What's wrong?
IRONHORSE: The
security system's armed.
[ tires squealing]
I helped design this system.
I know the layout.
I have to go in.
Think you can actually break in?
We have no other choice.
[ speaking softly]: Debi...
listen to me carefully
and don't ask questions.
No. Look at the screen.
Get up slowly and
go to the elevator.
I'll be there in a second.
Now if Adrian asks,
you just tell him
you're going to go
get your soup, okay?
Go on, Debi.
Gertrude, home base.
So... how many frequencies
are there left to check?
Well, there are a number
of areas that we could, uh...
Debi,
where are you going?
I'm hungry.
Where's my head?
Gertrude, elevator.
I bring your salad and
I forget to bring mine.
I'll be right back.
Maybe I'll go with you.
He's coming, Norton! Come on!
Gertrude! 180!
Gertrude! The annex!
Let's go! Come on!
Norton's still down there!
Go with Mrs. Pennyworth.
[ speaking alien language]
If anything happens to Debi...
Try not to worry.
Ironhorse is the best.
Stop right there.
[ speaking alien language]
Where's Mr. Drake?
[ speaking alien language]:
[ gunshot]
[ groaning]
[ alien growling]
[ grunting]
[ grunting]
[ speaking alien language]
[ speaking alien language]:
No need to be scared.
We both want the same thing:
peace and cooperation.
Give me a break.
It's all over.
You lose.
I only lose if you
get out of here.
You have to get past me.
You and your wheelchair.
Yeah.
Me...
and my wheelchair...
and my staff.
Your piece of wood
doesn't intimidate me.
[ alarm blares]
[ speaking alien language]
Mrs. Pennyworth!
What's going on?
Adrian's on the rampage.
There was a shot!
Go and wait in the coach house!
[ screaming]
[ growling]
Gertrude! Forward!
Full speed ahead!
[ screaming]
Are you all right?
Yeah.
Always a surprise.
Come on.
[ tires screeching]
You got him?
We got him.
Was he able to
send anything out?
No, we cut the
phone lines in time.
[ sighing] It was too close.
Where's Suzanne?
She's out back with Debi
and Mrs. Pennyworth.
Where's Kensington?
He didn't make it, Harrison.
NORTON: He died
saving my life.
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 ever before.
In 1953, aliens started
taking over the world.
Today, they're taking
over our bodies.
HARRISON: Don't you see?
It's not just our problem.
If we lose this war, we
lose the entire planet.
[ sirens blaring]
[ indistinct conversations]
MAN: Hustle, guys, hustle.
MAN 2: Come on
everybody. Let's hurry.
Watch his arm. Watch his arm.
MAN: Watch it. Watch it.
MAN 2: Come on.
Move back, everybody.
Take it easy.
Check his pulse.
[ siren approaching]
Okay, come on through.
Come on through.
Get this fire out.
[ indistinct conversations]
All right, guys...
It's time.
All right, men.
Come on. Move it in.
Okay, get to the
truck. Let's go.
Okay, hurry up.
Got the oxygen?
Remember: we want them alive.
Okay, take these guns.
Take it.
Everyone, get in your positions.
Now!
Okay, everybody, move in.
Move it! Move it!
Get 'em.
Out of the truck.
Come on, move over to the side.
All right, just move it. Walk.
Okay, hold it there. Stand.
IRONHORSE: Don't
let them fool you.
They're aliens.
HARRISON: Don't forget, Colonel.
I want these aliens alive.
We've got a lot to talk about.
[ popping]
Stop them!
We had them.
The inside intelligence,
we set the trap,
and they take themselves out.
It was as if they knew
they were going to be taken.
What's going on here?
I don't know what's going on,
but I'm sure as hell
going to find out.
I want to know who
told General Wilson
these aliens were
going to be here.
[ indistinct conversations]
That is sick.
Harrison, you've got to
get yourself out of this.
This isn't good.
This isn't good for the mission.
More importantly, it's...
it's not good for you.
I know what you're feeling.
That the point, the prime
discussion, was the mission.
Fighting an enemy
that you can't see...
it takes everything you
have just to hold it together.
Look, I've been there.
We fought all night at Que Son.
Pinned down...
The screams, the
dying that night.
We all knew we'd be overrun.
We'd be dead by
the end of the night.
In the morning,
the mist cleared...
in the valley.
And they were gone.
We'd done it.
We'd held our position.
We won.
That night...
was a million nights long.
You're going through a
night like that, Harrison.
But the mist will clear...
and we will have won.
We have a report in
from the hijack operation.
Yes?
Our three soldiers were killed.
You're certain?
Yes.
At least we're doing
something right.
[ squeaking]
[ chuckling]
The one on the left is Mona.
The other one's Mabel.
Other than my daughter,
I think I am closer to them
than anyone else on Earth.
HARRISON: They're incredible.
You have no idea.
They're a constant
source of amazement.
We've been carrying on
studies in the language now
for more than a decade,
together... we're family.
You talk about them
as if they're humans.
Hmm... They are the gentlest,
friendliest, most
playful creatures.
They're smart, too.
We're equal partners
in this research.
We really are.
We're teaching each other.
See, when you, uh,
study language,
there's certain criteria.
Dr. Bouchard... No, please.
Adrian's fine.
These criteria... Adrian.
About how you knew that truck
was going to be on the
road at that particular time?
Ah... yeah.
You see, my research
center is down in the islands,
and, uh, I spend a
lot of time on the radio.
I mean, it's lonely out there.
I started picking up these odd,
percussive transmissions.
I'd never heard
anything like it.
Now, I-I have the kind of
brain that solves problems,
and, uh, this was a problem
that sucked me right in.
So, I started dissecting these
transmissions with my computer.
They used a very complex
conceptual base.
This was fascinating.
And after three transmissions
I noticed a pattern,
a bizarre
synchronicity, with-with
terrorist acts that I'd
read about in the paper.
At first, I, uh, I thought it was
just a, a freak coincidence,
but it just continued.
Blew my mind.
Now, I have friends
in intelligence.
I went to them.
They didn't think I was crazy.
I showed them all my data
and how I arrived at it and...
HARRISON: That's what
led you to us and our project.
ADRIAN: And, uh...
I ended up here, being
interviewed once again.
What do you say you tell
me what's going on here?
Okay.
We'll tell you.
You will? You're gonna...
Hey, that's terrific.
I've been looking for you.
This is top secret.
Entire matter is classified.
I do some dolphin
conditioning for the Navy,
so I have top secret clearance.
Yes, we know.
This is above top secret.
What we're about to tell you,
many people find
difficult to believe.
Hey, I've used that same
speech about my own work.
Those transmissions
that you intercepted
and translated are
not from terrorists.
They're from
intelligent life-forms
from across the galaxy
to their counterparts
here on this planet.
Extraterrestrials?
HARRISON: Yes.
Left over from an invasion force
that came here in 1953.
Invasion force... You
mean they're malevolent?
Yes.
With the goal of...?
Taking over this planet.
And you know this because...?
We've been fighting them,
this time for over a year.
And we're not doing so well.
Have you tried dealing
with them in peace?
Yes.
We've prepared an
alien history for you...
Documents, the whole story.
NORTON: We have
video tapes we confiscated
from an amateur photographer.
Now they show the aliens
taking out a local policeman
in New Hampshire.
Now, once you
see that, you'll get it.
Where do they come from?
From a planet called Mortax.
And the remaining
members of their civilization,
several millions of them,
are on their way here now.
ETA?
About four years.
And we're not talking cute,
little E.T.s either, doctor.
These are deadly
soldiers, fanatics.
With no regard for human life.
How did they get here?
What was their
means of propulsion?
What's the story
of their civilization?
I've got a million
questions here.
We can't answer all of them.
We don't have the time.
We've been monitoring
the same signals,
but we haven't got to first base
on figuring out
what they're saying.
Your ability to decipher
their transmissions...
Yes, yes, I understand.
Let's get to your computer.
Well, uh, let me show
you what we got running.
HARRISON: Your idea of using
foreign language
characters was brilliant.
ADRIAN: I use it a lot with
my girls, uh, my dolphins.
You really communicate
with them, don't you?
Better than I
communicate with you,
but please don't get
me started on that.
This Norton fellow's a whiz.
Yeah, he certainly is.
Please, don't tell him, though.
We'll have to pay
him more money.
[ chuckling] How's it going?
I think we're making
real progress.
Excuse me. I've
forgotten my glasses.
I'll be right back.
It's so incredibly stimulating.
Even with so much at stake.
Everyone's so bright.
I can't remember when I
last worried about keeping up.
My brain hurts.
You are making progress.
I think so.
We're expanding
my cipher program.
Norton's made a few refinements
that'll make it work smoother.
I'm so impressed with what
you people are doing here.
We haven't been totally
successful, though.
Your cipher should
definitely help.
I'd better get back.
I have told those who come
of our impending victory.
Caution, Advocate.
If our plan doesn't work,
it could mean catastrophe.
We shall succeed.
We have no choice.
Prepare for transmission.
Hello!
What's up?
Well, I get it to work
to a certain point,
and then I'm blocked.
I see the problem.
Take a look at this.
See, try thinking
of it as, uh, music.
You got to figure
out what key it's in.
Then you can
begin to interpret it.
[ computer beeps]
A new transmission.
[ typing]
[ beeping]
Open up a new window.
[ typing]
[ beeping becomes longer tones]
Uh-oh, better get out.
[ whirring noise]
Oh, damn!
Oh, terrific.
We're dead in the water.
Adrian.
What happened?
Computer's down.
We overloaded.
If we had a bigger system,
we could solve this.
Well, why not use
the supercomputer?
You have access
to a supercomputer,
and we're not using it?
You're holding back,
not working to capacity.
How big an
emergency can this be?
Adrian.
Adrian!
We have to get
back to the cottage.
I'll alert them that
we're on the way.
What about Adrian?
I received Adrian's
security clearance
just before the
system went down.
The man is cleaner
than any of us.
We can't do this without him.
He's the expert.
We have no choice.
I don't know, Harrison.
It just worries me.
I'm real worried about
the alien invasion.
Now, let's see if he'll do it.
Don't even bother.
I'm out of here.
Adrian, the supercomputer
is where we work...
Where we really live.
We couldn't have
brought you there
without having you checked out.
It's too dangerous.
You may have
jeopardized the security
of our whole project.
But we'd like you to
come with us now, Adrian.
I-I've got to get back
to my own research.
Can I offer an alternative...
Some way we can work this? Um...
I can communicate by phone.
"Phone."
No, we can't let anything
out over the lines.
It's too sensitive.
And if word of what we're
doing here ever got out...
I understand your problem.
It's not that.
It's not just our problem.
If we lose this war,
we lose the planet.
I think that...
[ sighing]
I think I'm having trouble
really accepting this.
It's real, Adrian.
It's frighteningly real.
IRONHORSE: You
understand the need
for maintaining the
secrecy of our location.
Of course.
Anyway, I like being blindfolded
in the back of a van.
It's my idea of a good time.
You didn't have to ride
back here, you know.
Oh, I don't mind
keeping you company.
It's dedication above and
beyond the call of duty.
[ sighing]
I have three doctorates,
and I'm blindfolded
in the back of a van
on my way to fight
extraterrestrials.
What is wrong with this picture?
Harrison mentioned aliens
taking over human bodies.
What does that mean?
Our theory involves
cell-face matching.
The aliens are capable of
absorbing themselves completely
into the human body.
The like cells match up,
and they take
complete possession
of the intelligence of the body.
Except the aliens
stay in control.
Under new management.
Yes, exactly.
Have you seen my mom?
Hi, Debi. She's in the truck.
Hi, pooch.
[ whimpers happily]
Oh, thanks.
Ah, hello!
Mom, look at the new dog
Mrs. Pennyworth
got for the cottage.
His name is Guido.
[ dog barking]
Debi, take the dog away, please.
I'm trying, Mom!
[ growling]
Sorry. I...
I don't like dogs.
Ever since I was a kid, I...
I was attacked by one.
I'm sorry.
Adrian.
Wow!
This is Norton's
lab... State of the art.
And this is my lab through here.
Phew! This is a dream facility.
You guys are lucky.
I'd love to have gear like this.
This could all be yours as well.
We need talent
like yours on the team.
That's very nice, but...
I'm not being nice.
If you can add to
our effectiveness,
we need you here
with us, full-time.
No match in pattern or pulse,
so I should try the
next frequency, right?
Hey, I don't know why the
others said you were slow.
You're picking this right up.
Told you it was a
piece of cake, right?
Oh, right, a real
piece of cake, Doc.
Watch. Ten years from now
I'll still be trying
to figure it out.
[ chuckling]
Now we're talking.
Try extracting number constants.
Could put us into
the right frequency.
We're cooking now!
Your supercomputer
is incredible.
Run the final sequence
for word values.
Hold on! Hold on!
Unbelievable!
We're cracking this
sucker wide open!
Yes!
Great stuff.
[ laughing]
All right!
Now that we finally
know what they're saying,
we have the control.
If we use this
information correctly,
the aliens won't have a chance.
Ah, but we have to remember
though we have
solved the basic cipher,
it appears they're revolving
the code with each transmission.
These aliens are
very sophisticated.
Yes, well, we
couldn't have done it
without you, Adrian. Thank you.
So, what do these
translations say?
Well, that's the bad news.
We can only read parts of it.
They apparently have
two levels of codes working.
Maybe even a trinary system.
Chemicals... used in the
manufacture of nerve gas.
Figures.
Chemical warfare is the
perfect weapon for them.
Easy to distribute,
and very deadly.
Exactly, Colonel.
Gertrude, 360!
Not bad, Norton.
Back up, Gertrude, four.
Thought you said
you were handicapped.
Forward, Gertrude.
Ayi!
My teacher always said,
"Endeavor to surprise
your opponent."
This staff has an iron core!
Surprise.
I've been reading your
papers on language.
You're certainly
charting new waters.
Hardly scratched the surface.
I hate going to sleep at nights.
Yeah.
That's the way it should be.
You know, we're both lucky.
We actually get paid for
doing something we'd do free.
Suzanne talked to
me about the possibility
of you working with us
on a permanent basis.
Well, I'd be
lying if I didn't say
it was an intriguing idea.
But I've got so much
to do with the dolphins.
Hundreds of thousands
of these beautiful creatures
are being killed every year
by commercial fishermen.
I know.
We both have so much to do.
But try and keep an open mind
when you think about it.
It would certainly be
amazing having you here.
Thanks.
DEBI: Guido!
Guido!
Guido!
Harrison, have you seen Guido?
I haven't. No.
Hi, Debi.
I let him out this morning
and he never came back.
Well, he must be in the
compound somewhere, Debi.
Unless he's learned how
to jump 20-foot fences.
Guido!
Guido!
It is almost time.
It has been too long
since we have been
able to give our counsel.
We cannot be sure everything
is proceeding according to plan.
The plan is in motion.
We cannot stop it
even if we wanted to.
Better close that door.
What's the problem?
Well, we have been
thinking about Adrian
as a possible
addition to our team.
Yeah, we were thinking
of giving him your office
and your parking space.
Seriously, Colonel,
he's a brilliant
scientist and I like him.
I do, too.
I think he's terrific.
The question is will he do it.
His heart is still in
Florida with his dolphins.
HARRISON: I think
if he looks at things
in perspective, we
can convince him.
Now what do you think?
Well, if you want him
and you need him,
that's the bottom line.
I'll run it past
General Wilson, but
I can't see a problem.
Good.
All right.
Moving right along, since
we're all here together,
does anybody
have any fresh ideas
on what might have caused
those truckers to kill themselves?
ADRIAN: Harrison, another
transmission's coming in.
Don't forget to enter
the frequency quotient.
Right.
That's it.
It's printing the transcript.
[ printer whirring]
The staging area coordinates!
Major alien action set
for tomorrow morning...
Not far from here.
We don't have a
whole lot of time.
The Delta Force will
meet us out there.
Adrian, I think you
should stay here
just in case there are
any new transmissions.
Good idea.
I can be your eyes and ears.
Good luck.
Thank you.
Yo,
Adrian.
Anybody seen Adrian?
I've seen Adrian.
You better get your
body down here.
I am having some problems
with these older
transmissions I recorded.
Your magic formula
doesn't seem to work at all.
Your voice is my command,
oh, great wheeled genius!
[ chuckling]
[ speaking alien language]
Okay, let's go.
Let's go. Let's go.
You see anything?
Yes, sir.
We ID'd the enemy in place.
We estimate there
are 100 of them.
Looks like they're getting
ready to ambush us.
Something's wrong here.
They were supposed
to be here in three hours
and they're here waiting for us.
It's a trap.
All units,
any sign of activity... report.
MAN: We've got 'em here.
West sector shows activity.
East quadrant: activity.
Movement in the South...
What do you think?
I think it stinks.
[ phone ringing]
Yeah.
Norton.
What's the head count, Doc?
100. Look, run the formula
on that transmission again.
See if you come up
with the same information
and get back to me.
Problems?
Gertrude, third base.
Hmm...
He wants us to run
the formula again.
Can you believe
these are defective
and we haven't
even used them yet?
Government-issue.
[ laughing]
Listen, why don't
you rerun the program
and, uh, I'll get us
something to eat.
Ah, a salad'd be nice. Thanks.
All right.
Uh, Gertrude, elevator.
Is Norton here?
He'll be right back.
Come here.
It's all right.
Would you like to see
a video of my dolphins?
I don't know.
Their names are Mona and Mabel.
Come on.
[ gasps]
KENSINGTON: Mr. Drake!
The new dog! It's dead!
Killed!
Bled to death!
He's hanging up
in the coach house!
I think we've got a problem.
Who would have done
such a terrible thing?
Our guest.
Dr. Bouchard!
He knows too much.
The radiation counter...
the dog!
I think he's an alien.
This alien knows where we are!
We've got a problem.
Security's been breached!
Where do the outside
phone lines come in?
Back near the kitchen.
Let's go!
[ bleating]
Pull the phone wires.
Do it!
Keep watching them.
Phone's gone
dead to the cottage.
There's something
very wrong here.
We haven't received any
transmissions in the interim.
I don't like this at all.
My history teacher once told me,
"When searching for the
cause of great wrongs,
look for the small ones first."
Now what little things
have seemed wrong lately.
Anomalies...
Norton's problem in decoding
the older transmissions.
Suzanne, what's the first
thing that comes to mind?
We never found Guido the dog.
The dog that went for Adrian.
Anomalies.
The crashed computer
at the safe house.
We had to go
back to the cottage.
Are we finding a
common denominator?
Adrian.
An alien?
It would explain a great deal.
Oh, my God! Debi!
We've got to seal off the
stairway to the basement.
Then we cut the power.
With the elevator out, that
should put Adrian on ice.
We've got to make
sure Debi's safe.
Where is she?
She was looking
for you a while ago.
[ intercom beeping]
NORTON: Debi, can you hear me?
Hi, Norton.
Uh, what are you doing, Deb?
I'm watching this
video on dolphins.
It's great!
Uh... Mrs. Pennyworth
made some soup.
Why don't you come on up?
I'm not really
hungry now. Thanks.
My salad ready, Norton?
Yeah, I'm whipping
it up personally.
I'll be right down.
We're gonna need some firepower.
I'll go to Ironhorse's
weapon locker.
I'm gonna go down and get Debi.
Now you listen
in on the intercom.
Once you know I'm back
in the elevator, cover me.
Once we get back, cut the power.
Okay.
Oh, I ran the formula again.
It, uh, checks out.
Any more word from Harrison?
No. Nothing!
Well, maybe the aliens
are using some frequency
that we're not monitoring.
DEBI: Hey, Norton!
Look at the neat dolphins.
Adrian says I can swim
with them, right next
to them in the water
when I go there to visit.
That's great, Deb.
We'd better start
checking that after we eat.
Oh... here's your salad.
I hope oil and
vinegar is all right.
That's fine. Thanks.
Gertrude, Biolab Two.
Pretty amazing, huh?
You know, Deb, I think
you should go upstairs
since, uh, Mrs. Pennyworth
made that soup
especially for you.
I want to watch this.
[ beeping]
IRONHORSE: Damn!
HARRISON: What's wrong?
IRONHORSE: The
security system's armed.
[ tires squealing]
I helped design this system.
I know the layout.
I have to go in.
Think you can actually break in?
We have no other choice.
[ speaking softly]: Debi...
listen to me carefully
and don't ask questions.
No. Look at the screen.
Get up slowly and
go to the elevator.
I'll be there in a second.
Now if Adrian asks,
you just tell him
you're going to go
get your soup, okay?
Go on, Debi.
Gertrude, home base.
So... how many frequencies
are there left to check?
Well, there are a number
of areas that we could, uh...
Debi,
where are you going?
I'm hungry.
Where's my head?
Gertrude, elevator.
I bring your salad and
I forget to bring mine.
I'll be right back.
Maybe I'll go with you.
He's coming, Norton! Come on!
Gertrude! 180!
Gertrude! The annex!
Let's go! Come on!
Norton's still down there!
Go with Mrs. Pennyworth.
[ speaking alien language]
If anything happens to Debi...
Try not to worry.
Ironhorse is the best.
Stop right there.
[ speaking alien language]
Where's Mr. Drake?
[ speaking alien language]:
[ gunshot]
[ groaning]
[ alien growling]
[ grunting]
[ grunting]
[ speaking alien language]
[ speaking alien language]:
No need to be scared.
We both want the same thing:
peace and cooperation.
Give me a break.
It's all over.
You lose.
I only lose if you
get out of here.
You have to get past me.
You and your wheelchair.
Yeah.
Me...
and my wheelchair...
and my staff.
Your piece of wood
doesn't intimidate me.
[ alarm blares]
[ speaking alien language]
Mrs. Pennyworth!
What's going on?
Adrian's on the rampage.
There was a shot!
Go and wait in the coach house!
[ screaming]
[ growling]
Gertrude! Forward!
Full speed ahead!
[ screaming]
Are you all right?
Yeah.
Always a surprise.
Come on.
[ tires screeching]
You got him?
We got him.
Was he able to
send anything out?
No, we cut the
phone lines in time.
[ sighing] It was too close.
Where's Suzanne?
She's out back with Debi
and Mrs. Pennyworth.
Where's Kensington?
He didn't make it, Harrison.
NORTON: He died
saving my life.