FOX - Lethal Weapon 1x01 (Pilot)
FOX - Lethal Weapon 1x01 (Pilot)
FOX - Lethal Weapon 1x01 (Pilot)
by
Matt Miller
FADE IN:
TWO SHOTS spider the front windshield. Riggs yanks the wheel
as his PARTNER (30s) clings to the armrest.
PARTNER
Whoa!
RIGGS
Guess they know we’re cops. No
point in keeping it a surprise.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
(casual; into phone)
Hey, honey.
INTERCUT WITH:
MIRANDA
Hi, love. How’s your day going?
RIGGS
Oh, you know. Pretty slow. Just
doing a little paperwork. You?
MIRANDA
Not much. Few errands to run. Was
thinking I might attempt a roast--
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
2.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
That’s great, hon. Can I call you--
MIRANDA
But first, I figured I’d swing by
the hospital and have this baby.
RIGGS
Wait! What?!
MIRANDA
This boy is coming out! You’re
gonna be a daddy!!!
RIGGS
(fumbling)
Um, um, I’ll um... What do I do?
MIRANDA
Breathe, honey. I’ll meet you at
the hospital. I love you.
RIGGS
I love you.
She hangs up. Riggs SLAMS on the brakes. The car SKIDS OUT.
PARTNER
What the hell are you doing?!
RIGGS
I’m about to be a father. Can’t go
and get myself killed.
PARTNER
We can’t just let them get away!
RIGGS
Who said anything about getting
away?
Riggs pops open the trunk and grabs his M82 .50 Caliber
sniper rifle. An old friend. He stabilizes it on the hood
of the car. As the DEALERS get further and further away.
Riggs calibrates the distance... slows down his breathing...
PARTNER
Come on! They gotta be a mile out!
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
3.
CONTINUED:
It’s actually over a mile before Riggs FIRES! Two tires POP
as the car FLIPS -- END OVER END, SKIDDING UPSIDE DOWN.
Riggs packs up the rifle and gets back in the car.
RIGGS
You got this?
PARTNER
Go!
MIRANDA
Whoa. You’re gonna be a bronco.
Just like your daddy...
She drives as... a SEMI BLOWS THROUGH THE LIGHT AND T-BONES
HER CAR...
DOCTOR
(slightly echoed)
Are you Martin Riggs?
(Riggs nods)
She had these on her. I’m so
sorry.
Riggs peers out the blinds, shielding his eyes from the
sunlight. This is a much different Martin Riggs than the man
we saw earlier; unshaven; hung-over; bloodshot eyes. The
trailer is a reflection of Riggs’ state of mind... a total
fucking mess.
RIGGS
(whispers)
Bang.
TRISH
Are you nervous?
MURTAUGH
Please, Sweetie. I’ve been a cop
for 22 years.
TRISH
(re: watch)
You’ve also been staring at that
thing since 4am.
MURTAUGH
Just excited to get back to work.
TRISH
You know, you don’t have to go --
MURTAUGH
What’s that mean?
TRISH
I’m just saying. We do alright.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
5.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
And the alternative is what?
TRISH
Stay home. Get fat. Play golf.
MURTAUGH
I’m already a little husky, I hate
golf and our kids will be home,
right?
TRISH
Yeah.
MURTAUGH
I need to get back to work.
She smiles and runs her finger down a long scar on his chest.
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
Don’t worry. Still beating.
TRISH
I know. Was thinking we could get
it to go a little faster.
They kiss. His iWatch heart rate gets higher and higher...
MURTAUGH
You know how the doctor told me to
avoid stress? Well, a great way to
relieve stress is...
TRISH
Really?
MURTAUGH
Honey, it’s not for me. I’ll
receive almost zero pleasure. It’s
purely for medicinal reasons.
(Trish ain’t buying it)
I didn’t want to pull this card,
but technically it was my fiftieth
two weeks ago and in some cultures
it’s customary --
TRISH
Just stop. This has nothing to do
with your stress or your birthday.
(MORE) TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
6.
CONTINUED:
TRISH (CONT'D)
This is because my husband is going
back to work to keep our city safe
and he should be rewarded.
MURTAUGH
Yes!
TRISH
Don’t fist pump, honey.
MURTAUGH
Sorry. And thank you.
(silently mouths)
Thank you.
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
Ignore her. It’s very healthy to
let babies cry --
TRISH
Sorry, hon, we tried.
MURTAUGH
Trish! Wait!... May I have a gift
certificate?
INTERCUT BETWEEN:
(CONTINUED)
7.
CONTINUED:
TRISH
Hey, Murtaugh. Be careful out
there.
MURTAUGH
Always...
RIGGS takes a deep breath and puts the gun under his chin.
Tightens his finger on the trigger. Closes his eyes. His
CELL VIBRATES. He opens one eye. Caller ID, “LAPD.” To
answer or not to answer... He pulls the trigger. Click.
TOREZ
There he is! Back from the dead --
MURTAUGH
I was never dead.
BABCOCK
Cut her some slack. She got you a
belated birthday present.
TOREZ
Banana muffin. Your favorite.
(CONTINUED)
8.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
That was the old Roger Murtaugh.
The man you see before you chooses
life over pastry. No sugar, no
gluten. Those are the real killers
on our streets.
BABCOCK
Great. We’ve been wasting time on
your old cases. All we need is to
put a BOLO out for this Gluten guy.
TOREZ
Speaking of old cases, the Captain
wants to see you.
MURTAUGH
Do we really have to call him that?
BABCOCK
Oh, yeah. He’s very into titles.
TOREZ
Your body wasn’t even cold when he
got promoted.
MURTAUGH
My body was never cold.
MURTAUGH
For you, Cap’, anytime.
MURTAUGH
Congratulations. You always wanted
a corner office.
CATPTAIN AVERY
It’s a work in progress. So, you
look good. Death suits you.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
9.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
I wasn’t-- Pocket square come with
the promotion?
CATPTAIN AVERY
Bought it with the pay raise. So
you ready to be back?
MURTAUGH
Oh, yeah.
CATPTAIN AVERY
Part of me is surprised to see you.
Figured with your wife making a
killing putting criminals back on
the streets --
MURTAUGH
(defensive)
We have separate accounts.
CATPTAIN AVERY
Relax. I can appreciate a dual-
income as much as the next guy.
I’m just saying, you don’t have to
be here...
CAPTAIN AVERY
But, since you are, I got you a new
partner. I’m sure he won’t live up
to your previous experience. I feel
like I set the bar pretty high.
MURTAUGH
Taught me everything I know. Who
is it?
CAPTAIN AVERY
You don’t know him. It’s his first
day on the job.
MURTAUGH
No. I’m not dealing with some
hotshot rookie with a hard-on--
CAPTAIN AVERY
Not a rookie. He’s a transfer from
Texas. Worked homicide and vice.
Also some kind of war hero. Navy
SEAL.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
10.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
I just got back. I don’t want an
adrenaline junkie with PTSD--
CAPTAIN AVERY
(tosses Murtaugh a file)
Just show him around. Look, this
came from the City Attorney
personally. I know you like being
out on the street but someday you
may want your own corner office.
Take it from me. Never hurts to do
favors for powerful people.
MURTAUGH
Martin Riggs? Where is this guy?
MURTAUGH
You have to go the bathroom or
something?
RIGGS
I’m fine. Too much coffee, I guess.
MURTAUGH
Better lay off that stuff.
Caffeine gives you high blood
pressure. Cops have enough stress.
Hypertension will kill ya.
RIGGS
That what happened to you?
(off Murtaugh’s look)
They said you died.
MURTAUGH
I didn’t di--
(calming himself)
I had a triple bypass.
RIGGS
You flat-line?
(CONTINUED)
11.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
Yeah. For like a minute.
RIGGS
Huh. See any white light?
MURTAUGH
Nope. Not a damn thing.
RIGGS
Bummer.
MURTAUGH
Yep....
RIGGS
It always this damn sunny?
MURTAUGH
Kind of a Southern California
thing. Why’d you move out here?
RIGGS
(shrugs)
Why’s anyone come out here?
MURTAUGH
You came cause of a girl.
RIGGS
Yeah. Something like that...
DISPATCH (V.O.)
We have a 211 in progress. Bank
robbery with possible hostages.
RIGGS
That us?
MURTAUGH
Yep.
(CONTINUED)
12.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
(holds up a Berreta 92)
Want one?
MURTAUGH
You know, we’re not in Iraq, right?
RIGGS
(smiles)
Yeah. Always want to be prepared,
when the moment is right.
MURTAUGH
(freaked out; into radio)
This is Detective Murtaugh
responding.
DISPATCH (V.O.)
Murtaugh? Welcome back. I heard
you were dead.
MURTAUGH
(eyes Riggs)
Not yet...
Total CHAOS. The area has been cordoned off by POLICE. Huge
CROWD of lookie-loos.
Riggs and Murtaugh duck under the police tape. A UNI, brings
them up to speed.
UNI
Three armed suspects inside. About
twenty hostages. They beat up a
security guard pretty bad.
MURTAUGH
Anyone talk to them?
UNI
Not yet. They screamed something
about wanting a helicopter.
MURTAUGH
Good luck.
(CONTINUED)
13.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Hey. I say we move in now. While
we have the element of surprise.
MURTAUGH
What?
RIGGS
Come on, man. Doesn’t exactly look
like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ in there.
Middle of day, no escape routes.
It’s probably a couple of meth-
heads that are jonseing. You bring
more cops in, more time, everyone
gets twitchy, bam someone ends up
dead.
MURTAUGH
Yeah us! I’m not sure how you do
things down in Texas, but here we
don’t go in guns-a-blazing. We
wait for SWAT, for the hostage
negotiator--
BANK ROBBER #1
(screaming)
Get back!!! Where’s our chopper?!
Riggs and Murtaugh hit the deck. Crawl behind a police car.
Murtaugh checks his iWatch. His HEART-RATE monitor is
beeping wildly. Murtaugh looks scared. Riggs looks crazed.
RIGGS
There’s our cue. You coming or
not?
MURTAUGH
No! Stand down! That’s an order.
(to UNI)
Alright! I want all these people
back. Set up a perimeter. Mobile
command center around the block,
and get everyone behind that
building! That includes you--
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
What the hell... TV Calling - For educational purposes only
14.
RIGGS
Hello? Bad guys? Anyone home? I
come bearing gifts.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Easy. I didn’t know what everyone
liked so I got an assortment.
BANK ROBBER #1
We don’t want any damn pizza! We
want a chopper!
RIGGS
I’m new in town but looks like you
picked kind of a busy intersection.
Where the hell’s it gonna land?
BANK ROBBER #3
Then passports! A bullet proof SUV--
RIGGS
Do you really think we have
passports ready, labeled, Meth-
heads? We just close our eyes, let
you get on a plane? And then you
fly where? Switzerland. Lay low.
I’m sure you’ll blend in fine.
How’s your French?
BANK ROBBER
This funny to you!
RIGGS
No, it’s not. I just think you’re
in over your head. Look, they’re
never gonna take you seriously.
Unless...
BANK ROBBER #3
Unless what?
(CONTINUED)
15.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
(sighs)
You’re gonna have to off someone.
Murtaugh and the rest of the LAPD listen in through the SWAT
TRUCK. TOREZ and BABCOCK have arrived.
TOREZ
You teach him that, Murtaugh?
MURTAUGH
I’ve known him forty-five minutes.
This kind of crazy takes years to
develop.
DR. CAHILL
What’s going on in there?
BABCOCK
Oh hey, doc. Murtaugh’s new
partner just told them to kill a
hostage...
RIGGS
And it can’t be just anyone. No
one old or unattractive...
(whispers)
And frankly, I hate to say it
but... white is better. More
publicity.
BANK ROBBER #1
How ‘bout we just off you?
RIGGS
Killing a cop would certainly get
their attention. But you guys
don’t have the sack for that.
(CONTINUED)
16.
CONTINUED:
BACK OUTSIDE:
TOREZ
What the hell is he doing? He’s
gonna get himself killed!
DR. CAHILL
Seems like that’s the idea...
Medically speaking, this man is out
of his mind.
BACK INSIDE:
RIGGS
I feel like it’s gotten a little
awkward in here. I ordered some
side salads, let me go see where
they are--
BANK ROBBER #1
Sit your ass down!!!
BANK ROBBER #2
Do him!
RIGGS
You really think you’re ready for
this?
(stares into his eyes)
Fine. Then do me one favor...
Don’t miss.
Riggs grabs the gun and presses the end against his forehead.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Cause I’m not spending the rest of
my life with a tube coming out of
my mouth cause you morons can’t
shoot.
(CONTINUED)
17.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
We go by my count. On three.
SWAT
(into radio)
Take positions. We’re going in.
MURTAUGH
One...
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
Two...
RIGGS
Nice work, partner. I think we’re
gonna make a great team...
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
RIGGS
Sky diving, huh? What are you, one
of those adrenaline junkies?
DR. CAHILL
Not really. I like the freedom.
All the pressures just float away.
You ever do it?
RIGGS
Not by choice. Seems a little
reckless to me. Your ‘chute
doesn’t open. A bird flies by. El
splat-o. Your legs shoot through
the top of your head. No way to go.
DR. CAHILL
And getting shot in the head by a
bank robber?
RIGGS
Infinitely better. Quick and
painless. A pleasure. But that
wasn’t going to happen.
DR. CAHILL
No? Why’s that?
RIGGS
He put too much pressure on the
barrel. Also, he closed his eyes
before he pulled the trigger. Bit
amateurish don’t ya think?
DR. CAHILL
I wouldn’t know. But I suppose you
would.
(holds up his file)
Three tours overseas. I bet you
saw some pretty intense stuff.
RIGGS
I can’t really say. Classified.
(whispers)
They could be listening in.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED:
DR. CAHILL
(leans in; whispers back)
I don’t think you’re paranoid,
Riggs. I think you’re in pain.
RIGGS
I’m an open book. What would you
like to discuss?
DR. CAHILL
How about your wife?
For the first time, Riggs looks her dead in the eye.
RIGGS
Next question.
DR. CAHILL
Okay. But they don’t get easier.
Do you want to die?
RIGGS
(considers)
Guess it happens to all of us
sooner or later. Some are just
luckier than others.
He smiles cryptically...
MURTAUGH (V.O.)
The man wants to die!
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
Which is fine. His business. If
it were up to me I’d put him in a
padded white room. But this is not
my area of expertise.
AVERY
You’re absolutely right about that.
MURTAUGH
What is my domain is sustaining the
life of one Roger Mayfield
Murtaugh. And there is no way I’m
going out because of that lunatic!
AVERY
Take it easy. Watch your blood
pressure. IA is investigating, but
he’ll probably be cleared since the
shots were fired from the
assailant’s weapon.
MURTAUGH
You’re not seriously thinking of
putting him back in the field?
AVERY
Word came from upstairs. Someone’s
protecting this guy.
MURTAUGH
Who?
AVERY
All I know is press thinks he’s a
hero and we both know, LAPD could
use some good press.
MURTAUGH
Great. Send him into a burning
building, get him tights and a
cape. Just keep him away from me!
RIGGS
Sorry to bother you guys. We just
got a DOA on the Pacific Coast
Highway. Can you drive? I don’t
really know my way around.
(CONTINUED)
21.
CONTINUED:
AVERY
Sure. Murtaugh can give you a ride.
MURTAUGH
Is the DOA dead?
RIGGS
Dead on arrival. Why, does it mean
something else here?
MURTAUGH
So there’s no one left for you to
shoot?
RIGGS
Just you and me. Besides, IA
confiscated my weapon until I’m
cleared for the bank. We need to
kill anyone, it’s gonna be up to
you.
MURTAUGH
Scorsese, what do we got?
SCORSESE
(to Riggs)
I went to film school. Wrote a
script so these geniuses call me
Scorsese. Super creative.
MURTAUGH
Walk us through it, Herr Director.
SCORSESE
Name is Ramon Alvarez. Gun shot
wound to the right temple. Appears
self-inflicted. Residue found on
his right hand consistent with the
.22 by his side.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
22.
CONTINUED:
Riggs bends down to examine the body. Notices the victim has
dog tags around his neck.
RIGGS
He served?
SCORSESE
Yeah. Tags say SEAL. ‘06-’11.
RIGGS
That’s when I was there.
MURTAUGH
You know him?
SCORSESE
He also has scarring on his wrists.
Might not have been his first
attempt.
MURTAUGH
Okay. I think we have a pretty
clear picture of what happened.
I’ll fill out the paperwork.
RIGGS
(calls after him)
How’d he get here? No car. No
bike. No bus stop.
MURTAUGH
Maybe he walked?
RIGGS
Then how come he has silt on the
bottom of his shoes?
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS (CONT’D)
None around here. If he had walked
it would have come off.
MURTAUGH
He hitch-hiked or took an Uber.
RIGGS
To kill himself? Seems like a pain
in ass to me. Don’t you just
wanna... bang.
MURTAUGH
I wouldn’t know.
RIGGS
Lucky you.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
(to Scorsese)
Take him to the morgue and do a
full autopsy.
MURTAUGH
What are you doing?
RIGGS
Man served his country, I think he
deserves a proper investigation.
Maybe it’s the hero in me...
Speaking of which, these tights are
really crawling up my ass.
Riggs yanks the dog tags off of Alvarez’s neck and walks off.
Murtaugh sighs. Riggs heard everything...
Her son OSCAR (12) plays X-box. Riggs offers him a piece of
gum. The kid ignores him, continues FIRING away. Riggs
leaves the pack on the table.
PILAR
This doesn’t make sense... it’s not
possible.
(CONTINUED)
24.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
We’re very sorry for your loss,
Mrs. Alvarez.
PILAR
He didn’t do this! Do you
understand me?
RIGGS
We’re looking into all the
possibilities, ma’am.
MURTAUGH
We noticed some, um, scarring
around your husband’s wrists...
PILAR
That was... a long time ago. He
was a different man then. When he
first got back from the war. I’d
find him in the middle of the night
sitting here, just staring. Then,
one day Oscar was at school. I
came home early from work and found
him in the tub...
PILAR (CONT’D)
But then everything changed.
MURTAUGH
How so?
PILAR
He found this new job working
security down at the Port of LA.
He started exercising. Stopped
taking this anti-anxiety medicine,
klonopin. I think he felt like a
soldier again.
On the table are SEVERAL PACKED BOXES. Riggs opens one and
pulls out a FRAMED PHOTO of ALVAREZ holding Baby Oscar in his
arms. Smiling, proud.
RIGGS
You guys going somewhere?
PILAR
Ramon came home the other day and
said he wanted us to move.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
25.
CONTINUED:
PILAR (CONT'D)
To start over. This place had too
many ghosts. He found us a big
house with a pool in Arizona.
MURTAUGH
When were you leaving?
PILAR
Next week. You do something like
this because you have too much
pain, because you have nothing
left. Ramon had everything to live
for...
MURTAUGH
Thank you for your time, Mrs.
Alvarez.
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
This your dad’s?
(Oscar nods)
You play?
OSCAR
(shrugs)
Not really. We’d have a catch
sometimes. Always seemed to make
him happy.
Murtaugh nods. Hands the boy his father’s mitt and leaves.
RIGGS
I can certainly understand a guy
killing himself once he moved to
Arizona but seems a little
aggressive to do it the week
before.
MURTAUGH
If you were going to kill yourself,
how would you? Hypothetically.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
26.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Pills sound nice, drift off, but
then some idiot pumps your stomach,
next thing you know, you wake up in
a hospital you gotta show up for
work the next day. Everyone knows.
It’s humiliating. Now, I’ve heard
wonderful things about drowning --
MURTAUGH
If you were to shoot yourself, how
would you do it?
RIGGS
May I? I’m not holding. I won’t do
it here. Promise.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Well, first I swing by Home Depot
and get a polyethylene plastic
sheet. Lay it down so I don’t make
a mess. Take a last drink of
Jonathan Daniels. Leave
instructions for my interment and a
check for $6500 for burial costs.
Actually feel like it’s more
expensive here, I should look into
that. Then close my eyes and shoot
from the bottom, up. Blow my skull
off, eliminate all doubt.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Hypothetically. Why?
MURTAUGH
My point was, you would use your
dominant hand. So why did Alvarez
shoot himself with his right hand
if he was a lefty?
For the first time since they met, Riggs studies Murtaugh.
Thinks there may be a good cop buried somewhere in him...
(CONTINUED)
27.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Maybe he didn’t... Guy decides he
wants to get out of town in a week,
he’s either really excited to get
somewhere --
MURTAUGH
Or really needs to get away from
someone. Come on.
RIGGS
Where we going?
MURTAUGH
Find out how a guy working security
at the dock was able to afford a
big house in Arizona?
Murtaugh gets into the car. Riggs studies him, a small grin.
DARYL
Daryl Hennicky. I run the security
for the docks.
RIGGS
Isn’t that Customs’ job?
DARYL
Yeah. We just baby-sit the
containers until they process them.
MURTAUGH
And what did Ramon Alvarez do here?
DARYL
Basic foot patrol. Didn’t know him
very well. Seemed like a good
worker. Showed up on time. His
patrol was down there. Warehouse
belonging to an importer, Levon
Tibibian.
RIGGS
Mind if we...?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
28.
CONTINUED:
DARYL
Go for it.
MURTAUGH
I didn’t even show him a badge,
just let us walk right through.
RIGGS
Rog, you’re rockin’ a mustache.
There’s no version of you not being
police.
MURTAUGH
Remember, we have nothing, no
warrant and this is government
property. We need to tip toe very
carefully.
RIGGS
You will find no man with a more
delicate touch than me.
LEVON cuts them off before they can enter the warehouse.
LEVON
Can I help you gentleman?
MURTAUGH
Yes. LAPD. We just came to tell
you that a co-worker, Ramon
Alvarez, passed away.
LEVON
He was a rent-a-cop. Not a co-
worker. But I heard he had a young
boy, so yes, it is a tragedy.
(CONTINUED)
29.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
(re: Tito)
Would you consider that man a co-
worker?
LEVON
He’s an employee. Why?
RIGGS
Dig his ink. I’ve seen it in
Texas. Very popular among the
Juarez drug-dealer set. I’m gonna
go say hi. Maybe we know some of
the same people --
LEVON
Hey! I haven’t given police
permission to question my employees-
MURTAUGH
Hold on. Look, you don’t want us
coming back here with warrants and
searching all your cargo. What is
it you import again?
LEVON
High performance tires. Like those.
MURTAUGH
(whistles)
Guess I’m in the wrong game.
Expensive cargo. You ever have any
security problems?
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
Sure about that?
LEVON
I hire my own security. Make sure
there are no problems.
(CONTINUED)
30.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Hey, Amigo? Slow up. I want to ask
you about Ramon Alvarez. Don’t
worry, I know you didn’t kill him.
If you did, he wouldn’t have a
head, right? No habla Ingles?
(Spanish with subtitles)
What do you know about Ramon
Alvarez? Who killed him?
Tito stops and turns. His hand reaching around the corner
for a crow bar. He shakes his head.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
No, se? Never heard of him? Okay?
Well, best of luck in all your
trafficking endeavors.
GUARD #1
Drop it!
RIGGS
Take it easy, buddy. I’m a cop.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Huh. Usually that gets a stronger
reaction. Okay.
Riggs drops the crow bar. It lands with a CLANG as, BAM! He
head-butts Guard #1, who drops his gun. Riggs catches it mid-
air. Using Guard #1 as a shield, he aims the gun at Guard #2.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Drop it! Trust me, it’s taking all
my restraint not to shoot you.
Guard #2 drops his weapon. Riggs turns and checks for Tito,
but he’s gone.
MURTAUGH
Anyone around here ever have an
issue with Ramon?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
31.
CONTINUED:
LEVON
(shrugs)
Like I said, he didn’t work for me.
RIGGS
(calling back)
Whenever you’re ready, Rog! Bad
guy is getting away...
MURTAUGH
What did he do?
RIGGS
I asked him about Alvarez and he
took a swing at me.
MURTAUGH
Hardly incriminating. I’ve wanted
to take a swing at you.
RIGGS
Juarez Cartel doesn’t do fake
suicides but he does know
something. Come on. You gotta go
faster!
RIGGS (CONT’D)
You okay? You need me to drive?
MURTAUGH
No! I’m fine!
RIGGS
Use the shoulder.
MURTAUGH
There’s not enough room--
RIGGS
Sure there is!
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED:
Riggs YANKS THE WHEEL and pulls the car onto the left hand
shoulder. SPARKS FLY as the car rubs against the railing.
MURTAUGH
Get your hand off the wheel! Are
you insane?!
RIGGS
Just need to get a little closer!
BEEP, BEEP BEEP. They pull up along side the MacLaren when --
TITO points a gun at them through his open window.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Gun!
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Faster! Pull up next to him.
MURTAUGH
I can’t! We’re not gonna make it!
RIGGS
Almost there --
MURTAUGH
Oh, no. No, no, no!
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
You okay?
(CONTINUED)
33.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
I think so. He’s getting away.
MURTAUGH
Freeze!
But Tito can tell by the look in his eyes that Murtaugh won’t
shoot and so he hops the center divider onto the other side
of the Freeway, and WHAM! Gets nailed by a MINIVAN.
Riggs and Murtaugh race over and take in Tito’s broken body,
the damage and destruction of the freeway. Murtaugh stares
at Riggs and shakes his head.
RIGGS
What? I didn’t kill him...
ACT TWO
AVERY
I’m trying to piece this together
because I have to answer to the
mayor and chief of police, both of
whom I’ll be seeing at a fund-
raiser in about 10 minutes. I’ve
got a freeway that’s a disaster
zone, thousands of dollars in
damages and a soccer mom in holding
I may have to charge with
manslaughter! What the hell did
this guy do?
MURTAUGH
He had a tattoo... Do you want to?
RIGGS
Two crossed AKs on his neck that I
associated with a cartel in Texas -
MURTAUGH
We tried to talk to him. He fled.
We pursued him at a safe distance --
RIGGS
Then he tried to shoot us.
MURTAUGH
Right! That’s true! He had a gun!
AVERY
Stop! Go back. Why were you two
at the Port in the first place?
RIGGS
It’s where Ramon Alvarez worked.
The DOA from the bluff...
AVERY
I thought that was a suicide?
(CONTINUED)
35.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS MURTAUGH
He fired the weapon from his There was dirt, or silt on
non-dominant hand. his shoe... And he was moving
to Arizona.
AVERY (CONT’D)
Stop. Enough. He was found with
the gun by his side?
RIGGS
Well yes, but --
AVERY
(holds up a hand)
Which SID said he fired. He had a
history of mental illness and tried
suicide before. Am I correct in
all of this?
MURTAUGH
Yes.
AVERY
You’re fifty years old Murtaugh and
still only a detective --
MURTAUGH
Whoa! I’m only a detective, by
choice. I didn’t want your job. I
like solving cases, not kissing
ass!
RIGGS
Maybe I should step out? This
seems kinda personal.
MURTAUGH AVERY
Yes! Stay!
AVERY
Dirt on his shoe, non-dominant hand
and Arizona? That’s what we have?
Fair enough. I’ll put someone else
on this. Per your request Murtaugh,
starting tomorrow both of you will
be re-assigned.
RIGGS
I think you look great for fifty.
They walk out of Avery’s office and into the empty bullpen.
RIGGS
Maybe it’s all for the best.
MURTAUGH
How’s that?
RIGGS
We would have made a terrible team.
MURTAUGH
Nothing personal, I’m just at a
place in my life where I’m not
looking to be the hero --
RIGGS
(laughs)
Yeah, okay. Whatever gets you
through the night, right?
MURTAUGH
What’s that mean?
RIGGS
We were both there. I saw you.
Need me to say it? Okay. You were
scared. You don’t want to die.
MURTAUGH
Yeah, I don’t! Unlike you who
feels the need to try and
accomplish that every single day.
RIGGS
It’s more than that. I’m not
judging you, ya understand. I get
it. There’s no white light, right?
MURTAUGH
Something happened to you, man, and
you broke! You wanna die? Go home
and put your little sheet down and
get it done. But don’t judge me
for wanting to stay alive!
RIGGS
Okay, Rog. But I still think you
shouldn’t be out there. Plenty of
people in this world aren’t cops.
Go be one of them... TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED:
TRISH
Babe, you okay?
MURTAUGH
Yeah. Just happy to be home...
Outside the waves crash in. Inside, Riggs sits at the table
with his loaded .357, nearly empty bottle of Jack and the
file on RAMON ALVAREZ. He picks up a framed photo of
MIRANDA. Stares at her picture.
QUICK FLASHPOP --
BACK TO SCENE --
MURTAUGH
I’ve seen guys that are a little
nuts before. First ones through
the door. Out to prove something.
But this guy is in a class by
himself. It’s like he’s not alive
unless he pushes himself to the
edge of death. And then has the
temerity to judge me?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED:
TRISH
Baby, baby. Who cares what he
thinks? You’re the bravest man I
know. Calm down. I hope this isn’t
a ploy to revisit our earlier
conversation...
(off his confusion)
About your belated birthday
present.
MURTAUGH
The barbecue smoker?
TRISH
No, honey. The stress relieving
gift you really wanted...
MURTAUGH
Oh, yes! Yes. I’m very interested.
TRISH
Get enough wine in me tonight, and
we’ll see --
RIANA
Uck! You had the kid. Didn’t that
satisfy your geriatric sexual urge?
TRISH
Thought you were listening to
music?
RIANA
The idea of you two naked is so
disturbing it pierces through any
sound.
DING DONG!
TRISH
(to Riana)
Would you get the door?
MURTAUGH
Hey.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
39.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Hey. So uh... I was home and
thinking about bullet entry wounds.
MURTAUGH
Sounds like a pleasant night.
RIGGS
We all have our hobbies. Anyway,
on Alvarez’s temple there were
traces of gun powder. Which means--
MURTAUGH
He didn’t have the gun against his
head.
RIGGS
Seems a weird way to kill yourself.
Anyway, I don’t have authorization
so I was wondering if wanted to
swing by the morgue with me?
MURTAUGH
Sure you don’t want a cop for that?
RIGGS
Look, I may have been a little out
of line. If I was your age and on
death’s door, I’d probably be more
cautious too.
TRISH (O.S.)
Baby, who is it? Come sit down.
MURTAUGH
This is uh...
RIGGS
Martin Riggs. Crazy guy who almost
got your husband killed. I’m sure
he told you about me.
TRISH
Not a word. We’re about to have
dinner, do you want to come in
Martin Riggs?
MURTAUGH
He can’t --
(CONTINUED)
40.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
No. No. I ate... like a few weeks
ago. Smells good though...
Everyone sits around the table. Riana and ROGER JR. watch as
Riggs shovels food into his mouth.
RJ
So my dad said you were in the war?
(Riggs nods)
You see any action?
RIANA
Such a nerd.
RIGGS
Yeah, a bit.
RJ
I’m thinking about enlisting--
MURTAUGH
No, you’re not.
RJ
I want real life experience. To
live. What am I going to learn at
Princeton that I couldn’t from the
internet?
RIANA
What it feels like to touch a live
girl?
RIGGS
You should enlist. Hell, I think
they should have a draft.
(Murtaugh eyes Trish)
But I suppose it depends on the
life experience you’re after. You
want to watch your best friend get
his head shot off, it’s ideal. But
if you just want to piss off your
parents, probably a lot better ways
to do that. Hitchhike through
Thailand, or go work on a whaling
boat, if that’s even still done.
MURTAUGH
Not for like a hundred years.
Sorry, you’re going toTVcollege.
Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
41.
CONTINUED:
TRISH
I don’t know, I’ve been thinking.
If he doesn’t want to go maybe he
defers for a year? Didn’t Einstein
say, ‘The true source of knowledge
is experience.’
RIANA
See? That’s what I’m talking
about, mom. Experience.
TRISH
We can discuss that later.
MURTAUGH
What? I don’t like being out of
the loop--
TRISH
(to Riana; shrugs)
Your funeral.
RIANA
I had a teeny bit of weed and mom
is losing her sh-- Stuff. Losing
her stuff.
RIGGS
I can’t believe the quality of the
marijuana out here. It’s
incredible. As far as I can tell,
it’s the only perk of living in
California.
(off Trish’s glare)
But I have massive psychological
issues. Suicidal tendencies; PTSD;
insomnia. You’re way too young for
any of that. I was suggesting it
for your father. Medicinally.
Might loosen him up a bit.
Trish and the kids can’t help but laugh. Murtaugh does not.
MURTAUGH
I enjoy being tight. It’s what
keeps me alive.
TRISH
So do you have kids, Martin?
RIGGS
No. Not really in the cards.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
42.
CONTINUED:
TRISH
(re: ring)
But you’re married?
RIGGS
Oh. Yeah. Not anymore...
MURTAUGH
Imagine that. Let me guess, you
had an affair with your gun?
RIGGS
No. She uh... passed.
TRISH
I am so sorry, Martin.
RIGGS
Hey that’s life, right? Never
ceases to surprise.
TRISH
Your turn to change her. Honey.
RIGGS
Nice family, ya got.
MURTAUGH
They keep us on our toes... And up
at night.
RIGGS
Yeah. Noticed the slight...
MURTAUGH
Age difference? Wasn’t exactly
part of the plan. Trish was 42,
kids were out, seemed safe enough
to pull the goalie and, nine months
later she came out and I had a
heart attack in the delivery room.
(CONTINUED)
43.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
You were in the right place for it.
MURTAUGH
Yeah. Anywhere else they say I
wouldn’t have made it.
(beat; then)
I’m sorry about your wife. I
didn’t know--
RIGGS
I know. I wanted to embarrass you
a little.
MURTAUGH
For future reference, I do a pretty
good job of that on my own.
RIGGS
(smiles)
She was a good one. I was in a
real bad place when I got back from
the war. She saved my life. Gave
me something to live for.
MURTAUGH
That why you need to solve this
Alvarez case?
RIGGS
I don’t know. Maybe I just don’t
want to think he gave up.
MURTAUGH
(re: baby)
Ever hold one of these before?
RIGGS
Not really. It’s cool. I haven’t
washed my hands --
MURTAUGH
Be right back.
RIGGS
Wait! Where you going?
(CONTINUED)
44.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
Get my keys. Case isn’t being
reassigned til tomorrow. We got
one night to solve it.
MURTAUGH
Thanks for meeting us here.
SCORSESE
I was happy to. Writing sucks.
RIGGS
Find anything unusual?
SCORSESE
Few things. See that? Notes of
stippling or gun powder around the
entry wound. Suggests the gun
wasn’t directly against his head
when it was fired.
MURTAUGH
You ever see a suicide like that?
SCORSESE
Nope. Also tox report says he had
about 20 mgs of benzodiazepines in
his system. Most likely klonopin.
Enough to kill him if the bullet
didn’t get there first.
MURTAUGH
Didn’t his wife say he was off that
drug?
RIGGS
Guy was a SEAL, he’s not gonna just
let you shoot him in the head --
MURTAUGH
Unless he’s drugged and couldn’t
fight back.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
45.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
But you’d need the right meds so it
didn’t seem like you doped him.
Someone had to know what he was on.
I’ll go talk to the wife.
MURTAUGH
I’ll check his medical records.
They head for the door and split off in opposite directions.
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
Hey, Riggs.
(Riggs turns)
We would have made a terrible team.
RIGGS
The worst...
PILAR
Yes?
RIGGS
Detective Riggs. I wanted to ask
who would have known the drugs your
husband was on--
PILAR
You have to leave.
RIGGS
Sorry it’s late. I can come back in
the morning--
PILAR
Just go! Please.
She SLAMS the door. Locks it. Riggs studies the house for a
beat. Something is off to him. He glances around then gets
back in his car and drives off.
(CONTINUED)
46.
CONTINUED:
VOICE
You’re being watched, aren’t you?
She nods. The hand lets go. Pilar turns, tears in her eyes,
as she finds herself face to face with... Riggs.
RIGGS
What happened?
PILAR
(voice quivering)
They took my son...
ACT THREE
PILAR
Oscar never came home from school
today. I thought he must have gone
to a friend’s. Then I got a call.
They said they had him and...
RIGGS
What?
PILAR
They said if I ever wanted to see
him alive again, I needed to give
back what Ramon stole.
RIGGS
What did he take?
(she looks away)
Mrs. Alvarez, whoever has your son
is going to kill him no matter
what. Your only chance is if I
know what the hell is going on.
PILAR
They said drugs, heroin. But I’ve
never seen drugs in this house!
Ramon never got high. I don’t even
drink! I searched everywhere! I
don’t know where it is!
RIGGS
Did they say anything else?
PILAR
Yes. They said, no police or they
would kill him.
RIGGS
Well, they’re right about that.
They’ll screw it up. Last thing
you want to do right now is involve
the police...
(CONTINUED)
48.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
Easy, cowboy. I come in peace.
Wow. Charming place. You realize
you’re parked illegally?
RIGGS
So write me a ticket.
MURTAUGH
(re: guns)
What’s going on?
RIGGS
Weapons Spring cleaning.
MURTAUGH
I see. We’re back to the bit where
we don’t tell each other things?
Well, I was raised that when you
show up at someone’s house, no
matter how disgusting it may be,
you bring something.
Murtaugh tosses a file onto the table. Riggs opens it. Sees
the picture of DARYL HENNICKY.
RIGGS
A file? Really ties the room
together.
MURTAUGH
Was going through Alvarez’s medical
records and found this guy in his
military file. Daryl Hennicky.
RIGGS
Alvarez’s boss at the port?
MURTAUGH
Yep. He was also his CO in Iraq.
RIGGS
They served together? He told us
he barely knew him.
MURTAUGH
Guess he lied. Now, you wanna tell
me what the hell is going on?
(CONTINUED)
49.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Someone kidnapped Alvarez’s son.
Told his wife if she doesn’t return
the heroin he stole, kid’s dead.
MURTAUGH
Heroin? That explains why he
wanted to get the hell out of town.
The wife have the drugs?
RIGGS
Says she doesn’t know anything.
I’m inclined to believe her.
MURTAUGH
So who does?
RIGGS
Hennicky knows they’re smuggling
drugs down at the port.
MURTAUGH
Uh huh... So he hires his boy,
Alvarez. Knows he’s fallen on hard
times, could use the dough, so
convinces him to steal the drugs --
RIGGS
Then Hennicky offs Alvarez. Makes
it look a suicide--
MURTAUGH
Hennicky must’ve known he tried it
before, probably even knew the meds
he was on.
RIGGS
Dealers think Alvarez has their
drugs, cops think Alvarez off-ed
himself. Perfect crime.
MURTAUGH
I don’t like to hyperbolize, but
it’s a damn good one. So, what’s
the plan?
RIGGS
I’m gonna talk to them. Ask ‘em to
let the kid go.
(CONTINUED)
50.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
Just when I think I have a handle
on your insanity, you say something
even crazier.
RIGGS
(loads clip into gun)
I can be very persuasive.
MURTAUGH
Well, I’m coming with you.
RIGGS
I’m better alone on this kind of
stuff. I may not be coming back.
Ya understand?
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Okay. You’re the boss. Can you
hand me that clip over there?
MURTAUGH
Sonofabitch! Uncuff me! Now!!!
RIGGS
Sorry. There’s beer in the fridge
if you can reach it.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
If you’re not going to do it, I
have to go...
(Murtaugh doesn’t budge)
You’re a good cop and a good man,
Roger. Take care of that family...
ACT FOUR
MURTAUGH
(into phone)
I just wanted to say I love you.
INTERCUT WITH:
TRISH
Love you too. When are you coming
home?
MURTAUGH
Later. I want you to know, you and
the kids, more than any man would
want.
TRISH
(sits up)
Roger, what’s wrong?
MURTAUGH
Nothing. Go back to sleep.
LEVON
Can I help you, officer?
RIGGS
I’m here for the kid.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
52.
CONTINUED:
LEVON
What kid?
RIGGS
Ramon Alvarez’s son. Unless you
have other kidnapped children here.
You took him because you thought
his father stole your heroin, which
he did, but then got double crossed
by someone he trusted, who most
likely killed him and now has your
drugs. All of this I don’t really
care about. What I do care about
is the twelve year old boy behind
that crate.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
If I leave with him, this never
happened. Or, we can explore
option two.
LEVON
Which is?
RIGGS
I kill as many of you as I can
before you take me out. You’ve
upped your profile from small-time
dealer to cop killer. You spend
the rest of your life in jail, or
on the run, or most likely dead.
I’m not saying it’s a great option,
but people do like choices.
LEVON
It’s just you? No other cops?
RIGGS
Yep. To be honest, I’m not even
sure I’m still a policeman.
Levon nods and a THUG pulls Oscar out from behind the crate.
He looks scared but unharmed. Riggs puts his hands in the
air and walks towards the boy.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
You okay, buddy? We’re gonna get
you home.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
53.
CONTINUED:
LEVON
Hold it! If you know where my
product is, then go get it and then
we can switch for the kid.
RIGGS
That wasn’t our deal. A head nod
is legally binding.
LEVON
This is the deal! Or, we can
always explore option two.
The THUGS all train their guns on Riggs. It’s a tense stand-
off. Riggs slowly reaches back for his gun. Thugs’ fingers
on their triggers. This is about to get ugly, when --
MURTAUGH
Freeze! Police!
RIGGS
(to Oscar)
Get down!
When the smoke clears, all that remains standing are Riggs
and Murtaugh. Riggs checks on Oscar, huddled in a corner.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
You okay?
OSCAR
Yeah. I think so.
RIGGS
Better than a video game, right?
MURTAUGH
Hey! You wanna uncuffTVme?!
Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
54.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Hey, Rog. What are you doing here?
RIGGS
Put a BOLO out on Hennicky.
MURTAUGH
How do I even explain this?
RIGGS
We could call it in anonymously and
run?
RIGGS (CONT’D)
It’s Hennicky. You can cancel that
BOLO.
MURTAUGH
Where the hell is he?
RIGGS
Somewhere up there, I’d say.
HENNICKY
Come out and I let the kid live!
(CONTINUED)
55.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
(checks his gun)
Roger, I’m out. He’s gonna kill
him!
HENNICKY
No more warnings! Now!
RIGGS
Hey! Give us a second!!!
(to Murtaugh)
Okay, here’s what we do...
(Murtaugh nods)
I walk out. When I do, he shoots
me. That gives up his position.
Then you take him out. Okay?
MURTAUGH
Wait! Are you insane?! He will
kill you!
RIGGS
Right. Then, you shoot him.
MURTAUGH
Stop! Listen to me. Don’t do
this...
RIGGS
Roger, it’s okay... Just don’t
miss.
Riggs gets to his feet. Comes out with his hands raised.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
I’m coming out. But you need to
let the boy go.
HENNICKY
Uh huh...
(CONTINUED)
56.
CONTINUED:
MURTAUGH
You okay?
RIGGS
I can’t believe you shot me!
MURTAUGH
Can’t believe it took me this long.
For the first time in a long while, both men laugh as POLICE
CHOPPERS circle overhead and SIRENS approach...
DR. CAHILL
I know you’ve already told this to
IA, but we have to meet in all
officer-involved shootings. And to
be honest, I’m not really buying
your story...
MURTAUGH
Oh, um... well, it was a diversion.
To allow us to pin-point the
shooter’s location.
DR. CAHILL
Yeah. I read the report. What I
still don’t get is what if he had
just shot Riggs dead?
MURTAUGH
Yeah... That was a possibility.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
57.
CONTINUED:
DR. CAHILL
And still he just walked out there?
MURTAUGH
Hm hm.
DR. CAHILL
Detective, this is your life we’re
talking about. I need you to be
honest. Do you think Riggs is
mentally stable enough to be in the
field?
MURTAUGH
Yes. Very...
RONNIE
Well, Martin. Didn’t take you long
to make yourself at home in LA.
RIGGS
You can keep the sun. This isn’t
home.
RONNIE
I know...
With some effort, Riggs makes it to his feet and with a cane
hobbles to the door.
RIGGS
I should get going. Thanks for
smoothing things out with the IA
panel.
RONNIE
Of course. Martin...
(serious)
Thank you for bringingTVher home.
Calling - For educational purposes only
(CONTINUED)
58.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS
Didn’t have a choice. She was an
LA girl. Always hated Texas.
Couldn’t make her stay there for
eternity.
RONNIE
No, Martin... She would have gone
anywhere with you...
TRISH
You have five seconds to get your
ass into bed.
TRISH (CONT’D)
Happy belated birthday present...
They kiss. She kisses his neck, his chest, lower, lower...
Roger Mayfield Murtaugh is a happy man. That’s when -- DING,
DONG. Doorbell rings.
MURTAUGH
What?
RIGGS
I never really thanked you for
saving my life. TV Calling - For educational purposes only
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
59.
CONTINUED:
RIGGS (CONT'D)
Though I’m not sure you meant to
shoot me in the foot--
MURTAUGH
Yeah, well hopefully I’ll get
another chance. See ya tomorrow.
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
Hey.
MURTAUGH (CONT’D)
I will see you tomorrow, right?
You’re not gonna go home and...
RIGGS
Nah. Not tonight.
MURTAUGH
But you want to? For real?
RIGGS
We all have a breaking point, Rog.
Some button that if you push it
makes you not want to go on. I
hope you never find it. But that
doesn’t mean it’s not there.
RIGGS (CONT’D)
Ya know why I haven’t done it?
(Murtaugh shakes his head)
Cause she would be ashamed of me.
Crazy, right?
MURTAUGH
Probably the only thing about you
that isn’t crazy. Hard to say what
I would do if I lost all this...
A beat, as the two men eye one another. In that look it’s
clear they’re both in this partnership for the long haul.
Trish appears in the doorway in her robe.
(CONTINUED)
60.
CONTINUED:
TRISH
Martin, what are you doing out
here?
MURTAUGH
(re: bottle)
Oh, he just dropped this off and
was leaving.
TRISH
Did you invite him in?
RIGGS
Not really. It was a bit rude
actually.
MURTAUGH
(reluctant)
Do you want to... come in?
RIGGS
Well thanks, Rog. That’d be great.
Hope I’m not interrupting anything.
TRISH
Not at all...
(to Murtaugh)
Don’t worry honey, sixty is right
around the corner...
END OF PILOT