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Trascrizione
in inglese dei dialoghi dell'episodio: Prima serie (si ringrazia Xenamedia e Cristina Creek)
ANGLE (OPTICAL) A: “Take
my hand, Xena. Give me your hand-- ( as she does so The entire SCENE
CHANGES around Xena and Ares. And, though 15 INT. XENA'S FANTASY BOUDOIR - DAY The entire boudoir
is scarlet in color. Magnificent scarlet chaise-type couch;
a great four-poster bed. On one table is a A: “Behold.” ON XENA Looking around;
awed... but catched herself; resumes as much of X: “You slaughtered those four villagers.’ ON ARES He walks to a large closet. A: “Only
three so far. That one you ministered to might He opens the cabinet.
Inside is a dazzling wardrobe fit for a X: “What do you want?” TWO SHOT Ares takes out a beautiful robe from the wardrobe. A: “I want
you back, of course. ( gestures around ) My X: “I didn't
know any better then. I thought your ways were Ares gently drapes the robe across Xena's shoulders. A: “I think
you'll be more comfortable in this. ( beat ) Now X: “I'm fighting for a better world.” A: “My dear
Xena, you were always fighting for a better world. Xena allows him to finish putting on the robe. A: “Take a look at these documents on the table here.” She moves to the
table; perfunctorily goes through the X: ( re: 1st document
) “Each village taxed only on its A: ( re: documents ) “They need only your signature.” X: “I can pass these decrees?” A: “If it'd
make you happy. Your destiny is to rule the world Xena does so; peers out. A: “What do you see?’ X: “Warriors-- thousands of them.” WARRIORS: “Xena!
Xena! Xena! Xena! Xena! Xena! Xena! A: “All
of them yours. Trained; ready; willing to die if you Xena's affected,
and it shows. But she summons all her will, to X: “What’s in it for you?” A: “The
world at peace under a great leader-- you. And to The entire SCENE CHANGES around them -- back to: 16 INT. XENA'S CELL - DAY Still Xena and
Ares -- but she's still shackled to the wall as A: “I seriously
doubt you're gonna get a better offer. Jusst ON XENA She turns for a beat to the window; then turns back to find... XENA'S POV Ares is gone. CLOSE ON XENA Surprised, and a bit confused. Did this actually happen? FULL SHOT The heavy cell
door crashes open, Guards #1 and #2 enter. They 17 INT. MEETING HALL - DAY Currently, only
Benitar and Gabrielle are present. He sits B: ( all business
) “Your friend will have a hearing. We're G: “Who will speak for her?” B: “I'll act as her advocate if that's what you mean.” G: “With
respect, sir, the fairest way would be to let her B: “That's
impossible. You don't understand. It was all I An uncomfortable
beat for him, while he digests this. But then, 18 EXT. STREET FRONTING MEETING HALL - DAY The Villagers
line each side of the street in gleeful ON GABRIELLE AND BENITAR as they emerge from the Meeting Hall to watch. G: “What is this?” B: “This is the way the condemned are executed.” THEIR POV FOLLOWING CHARIOT From up the street
comes a racing chariot, with Peranis driving. CLOSE - THE STUFFED DUMMY A total, shredded, almost shapeless mess. REACTION - GABRIELLE Horrified. Suddenly,
the (O.S.) Crowd again CHEERS. Gabrielle STONE JAIL - XENA AND GUARDS #1 AND #2 Xena, in chains, is being dragged from the jail. CHARIOTEER AND CHARIOT The Charioteer drives the chariot back toward Xena. GABRIELLE Horrified, she starts trying to make her way through the crowd. ON BENITAR He looks concerned. ON XENA Grim, pulling
at her thick chains, but without success. As she ARES No longer hooded,
he stands amidst the Villagers who cannot see CLOSER - ARES His eyes on (
the O.S. ) Xena. Smiling slightly, he waits for FAVORING XENA as the chariot
arrives, and they start tying the ropes at its CLOSE - ARES Unpleasantly surprised. Isn't Xena going to save herself? CLOSE - XENA Her eyes riveted
on ( the O.S.) Ares, she slowly, almost FADE OUT. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [ACT III] FADE IN: 19 EXT. STONE JAIL - DAY (CONTINUOUS) No time has elapsed.
The chariot ropes are being attached to GABRIELLE rushes up, and
loops the middle of one of the ropes around her VILLAGERS: “Hey!
Is she crazy!” “She can’t do that!” “Get ANGLE Xena's as surprised as everyone else. X: “( to
Gabrielle ) “Stop that. This isn’t about you, FAVORING GABRIELLE G: ( angrily;
to all ) “If you're going to murder one, why not P: ( re: Xena ) “She's the only murderer here.” G: ( in his face
) “Not for long. ( to all ) And she's no CLOSE ON XENA She's staring straight at Ares, who's almost lost in the crowd. CLOSE ON ARES Still with his
nice, genuinely gentle smile, he waits -- fairly B: (O.S.) “Stop!” WITH BENITAR He approaches
Gabrielle. He removes the noose around her neck, B: ( to all )
“I was chosen by you _all_-- to bring justice VILLAGERS: “Get that old fool out of here!” “Come on!” Peranis steps
forward. The Villagers look like they're BENITAR: “If
you want blood now, you'll have to come through The Villagers begin to lose their nerve. BENITAR: “Peranis, justice will be done. I promise you.” Peranis angrily
turns on his heel and stomps away. The crisis is BENITAR: ( to
Guards; re : Xena) “Return her to her GUARD: “Come on! Move!” BENITAR: ( to Gabrielle ) “You may act as her advocate.” 20 INT. XENA'S CELL - DAY - START CLOSE ON XENA She appears more annoyed than angry. X: “That was a pretty dumb thing you did back there.” PULL BACK and
WIDEN to discover that, once again, Xena and G: “Well, you would’ve done the same for me.” X: “That's different.” G: “Why?
Because you're a warrior? Yeah, well, normal people X: “You
don't get it, do you? They’ve got eyewitnesses who saw G: “Which
brings us to the subject of your defense. Are you X: “I'm sure.” G: ( ever the
optimist ) “Well, I'll just have to find some Off Xena's sigh, go to: 20A EXT. ROAD NEAR WOODS - ATTACKED WAGON SITE - DAY Gabrielle is walking
around the wagon looking for clues. She CLOSE ON FOOTPRINTS IN THE DIRT Boot prints are
everywhere. We focus on two that face each ON GABRIELLE She kneels down
to measure first one with her hand and then the G: ( eureka ) “That's it. Hah!” She starts running toward the town. 20B EXT. VILLAGE STREET - DAY Benitar is crossing the street. Gabrielle runs up to him. G: “Benitar!
Benitar! I can prove that there was someone else BENITAR: “What are you talking about?” G: “There
are two sets of footprints face-to-face. One is Benitar gives her a thoughtful stare. BENITAR: “Show me.” G: “It’s right up here, over the hill.” 20C EXT. ATTACKED WAGON SITE - DAY All is quiet for
a moment and then a PIECE OF FABRIC on the ON THE FOOTPRINTS The dirt begins
settling on the footprints, covering them from 20D EXT. ROAD - DAY Benitar and Gabrielle walk along. G: “The
different footprints are toe-to-toe and they’re are all They round a turn in the road and spot: 20E EXT. ATTACKED WAGON SITE - DAY Gabrielle runs up to the wagon and points to the ground. G: “This
will definitely prove that Xena is innocent. They're She freezes. Benitar joins her. BENITAR: “Where are they?” G: “I don't understand. They were right here.” BENITAR: “I
hope you don’t waste our time with nonsense like He turns to walk back into town. As he goes, a
confused Gabrielle stares down at the dirt for a 21 EXT. LARGE VILLAGE - DAY (STOCK) Re-establishing. BENITAR (V.O.)
“And from your field, you could hear the sounds
Defendant Xena,
now wearing her complete outfit, sits at one AREOLIS' WIDOW:
“I heard men screaming. I left my plow and ran E.C.U - XENA'S FACE Feeling this woman's pain. AREOLIS' WIDOW:
( O.S.) “But, by the time I did get there, my RESUME - SHOT AREOLIS' WIDOW: ( at Xena ) “And I saw her--” E.C.U - GABRIELLE This is pretty damning stuff. AREOLIS' WIDOW
(O.S.) “-- kneeling over Teracles, robbing RESUME - SHOT AREOLIS' WIDOW:
“-- blood on her hands; blood on her sword; and ON VILLAGERS riveted by her testimony -- and visibly hating Xena. CLOSE ON BENITAR BENITAR: “Your
father and the others-- had just been selling at FAVORING TEEN SON We discover it
is the Teen Son ( of Doracles ), rather than the TEEN SON: “His
purse was gone when they finally brought him to CLOSE - XENA Hurting for this kid. She happens to glance over at: THE VILLAGERS By now, there's
hard and visible hatred for her emanating not E.C.U. - GABRIELLE G: “You
all say you heard the sounds of the massacre-- and As CAMERA PULLS
BACK and WIDENS, we see it's Gabrielle now PERANIS: “Yes.” G: “In addition
to the voices, there were the sounds of the PERANIS: “That's right.” G: “But
none of the men who died were carrying swords. If you REACTIONS - VILLAGERS (INTERCUT AS DESIRED) Throughout the
following exchanges, we'll see the Villagers PERANIS: “There was no hooded man; there was only her.” G: “By the
time you got there, yes. _And_-- she was using her CLOSE - BENITAR Frowning in slight confusion, as: BENITAR: “She
was covered in blood, young lady; and so was her VILLAGER: “That’s right!” RESUME - SHOT as Gabrielle turns back to Peranis at the rail. G: “Have
you ever helped someone on your farm who was-- badly PERANIS: “One time, yeah.” G: “Any of the blood get on you?” PERANIS: “Well of course-- I was helping him.” G: “Exactly my point.” CLOSE ON GABRIELLE She turns away
from the witness rail for a couple beats, G: “You
say the surviving man-- Teracles?-- he had his money Again, CAMERA
PULLS BACK and WIDENS to reveal it's now big GRATHIOS: “If
we hadn't gotten there quick as we did, she'd've G: “Hmm--
then where's the money? ( off his silence ) If she GRATHIOS: “So
she-- threw away... to come back for it later-- I G: “When
the rest of you showed up, she could've killed you, VILLAGERS: “True. True.” G: “-- no witnesses. Now, why didn't she do that?” GRATHIOS: “Hey, if she wasn't guilty, why'd she run away?” G: “Nobody
here cares that she didn't kill anyone. Nobody As we hear the (O.S.) Main door of the meeting room bang open: FAVORING TERESIA, TERACLES AND STRETCHER BEARERS The wounded man,
Teracles, to whom Xena ministered in the Teaser VILLAGER: “There he is, now.” BENITAR: “Quiet, everyone.” INCLUDING XENA She rises, relieved. X: ( to Gabrielle ) “That's the man I tried to save.” G: ( mutters to self ) “Thank the gods.” ANGLE BENITAR: “Teracles, what happened?” TERACLES: ( weakly ) “Attacked-- so quickly.” BENITAR: “By
whom? Who murdered our three neighbors and left TERACLES: “I
felt a sword strike me. I fell. Then the sword A lot of negative, angry WALLA from the Villagers. During this: REACTION - XENA She SIGHS in defeat. RESUME - SHOT G: “No!
( moves to Teracles ) Sir-- if I could just ask you TERESIA: “Stay
away from him. He already told you what BENITAR: “This hearing is finished.” VILLAGER: “Leave the poor man alone.” BENITAR: “The
council will meet this evening; I’ll post my VILLAGER: “Take her away!” GUARD: “Let’s go.” As the two Guards
approach Xena, and begin escorting her out, GABRIELLE AND BENITAR as she moves quickly to him, with: G: “Sir-- may I have a word with your council?” BENITAR: “Mm-hmm.” Benitar nods. 23 EXT. STONE JAIL - NIGHT Re-establishing the place at this late hour. 24 INT. XENA'S CELL - NIGHT - FAVORING XENA She's again well-shackled
to the wall. This time they left her FAVORING PERANIS AND GUARDS #1 AND #2 as they enter.
The Guards flanking him, Peranis holds a small PERANIS: “I'm
glad now we can kill you. We've got until XENA - PERANIS - INTERCUTS (AS DESIRED) He uses the whip
to WHACK her across the shoulder. If he PERANIS: “Palinios--” He knees her in the stomach, then: PERANIS: “He was my best friend.” As he draws the whip back for another swipe: E.C.U XENA'S FACE She closes her eyes. PERANIS (O.S.):
“I'll tell you about the others you murdered ( Now, even as her
FACE LINGERS ON SCREEN... and we hear the BECOMES SLOWLY OVERLAID BY, then FULLY DISSOLVES INTO: 25 INT. XENA'S FANTASY BOUDOIR - NIGHT - XENA AND ARES Again they stand
facing each other across the bed. Ares, wearing A: “You almost let them drag you to death today.” PERANIS: “And Doracles.” A: “And
now-- some unbearably smelly farmer is beating you half PERANIS: “And Areolis.” A: “This is grotesque.” X: “You
above all should know what grief can drive people to A: “I so hoped you'd call my name.” X: “I think I almost did.” Still most casual
and inoffensively confident, he'll take her A: “Ah-- now that's the important thing; you did want my help.” X: “I wanted to live, yes.” As he did last time, he takes her shoulders in his hands. A: “You
want more than just living. Danger excites you. And TWO SHOT - XENA AND ARES as he draws her closer. A: “It burns
inside you. I burn inside you. You can feel me They kiss. 26 INT. XENA'S CELL - NIGHT - START ON XENA as she lets out
her battle cry. QUICKLY PULL BACK and WIDEN to ANGLE Almost with ease,
Xena RIPS loose from the shackles. With a ANGLE Guards #1 and
#2 instantly flee. Rushing out through the heavy FOLLOWING XENA She rushes at
the locked door -- leaping upward and thrusting OVER XENA'S SHOULDER as the force of her legs striking the door bursts it down. 27 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE XENA'S CELL - NIGHT Guards #1 and
#2 are stunned by Xena's bust-out -- but recover ANGLE Guard #2 swings
his club at Xena's head. She blocks the heavy INCLUDING GUARD #1 as he ENTERS FRAME
by leaping on Xena's back. With him hanging INCLUDE GABRIELLE who's just entering
the other corridor door ( ostensibly from G: “Xena. Xena--” But, out of pure
instinct, all Xena's aware of initially is that XENA - GABRIELLE (INTERCUTS AS DESIRED ) Even as she's
finishing the round kick which just dropped the The force of the
slap literally flings Gabrielle several feet Only now does
Xena vaguely recognize Gabrielle... the sight of Beat, then --
sobbing -- the heartbroken Gabrielle runs out of X: ( dazed ) “Gabrielle?” ( fully realizing; brokenly ) Suddenly, emptied
of all hostility -- indeed, all strength -- FADE OUT. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [ACT IV]
[[[[[FADE IN: 27A EXT. STREAM IN WOODS - NIGHT Gabrielle runs
through the woods. She looks distraught. She CUT TO :]]]]] 28 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE XENA'S CELL - NIGHT A somber Xena
kneels, tending to the injuries she inflicted on X: “Here-- take this.” Leaning against
the door jam leading into the (O.S.) Cell, and BENITAR: “Once
again, you could’ve escaped if you chose. We X: ( judging herself
) “I realize now it doesn't matter BENITAR: “As
your friend argued before the council, we can hold 29 EXT. LARGE VILLAGE - NIGHT (STOCK) Re-establishing. All quiet and peaceful. 31 EXT. STONE JAIL - NIGHT - XENA'S POV A HOODED FIGURE on horseback rides
toward the jail. The figure dismounts and GABRIELLE She gives a little forgiving smile. G: “Hi.” 30 INT. XENA'S CELL - NIGHT Sitting alone
and disconsolate on the floor, Xena hears the GABRIELLE X: “Gabrielle?” 32 INT. XENA'S CELL - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS ACTION XENA - GABRIELLE (INTERCUTS AS DESIRED) G: “I found
Argo.” I'll wrap this rope around the bars, and we X: “How could you come back after what I did to you?” G: “What
you did wasn't you; I know that. I also know now that X: ( self-deprecating
) “No. If I run now, I'll be running G: “Well, it beats being dead.” But now Xena's
face reflects that she's suddenly lost in the G: ( beat; hope-filled ) “You've got an idea.” X: ( still musing
) “Someone made me a better offer. ( beat; G: ( a bit hurt ) “Okay.” X: ( quick afterthought
) “I didn't mean that like it sounded. Gabrielle returns
Xena's look with the shiny smile of her X: “Ares.” The entire SCENE CHANGES around Xena, to put her again in: 33 INT. XENA'S FANTASY BOUDOIR - NIGHT Xena is lying on the bed. X: “Uh.” Ares joins Xena. ARES: “Somehow I felt I might hear my name.” X: ( slight shrug
) “If the verdict's guilty, they'll execute ARES: “But
you won't merely live. You'll make the world a X: “Well, I'm not back yet.” Xena arises. X: “Only if they find me guilty.” She finds something very sexy and will begin putting it on. ARES: “I
wouldn't've bothered killing those village fools if I Ares arises. [[[[[ARES: Shall we drink to us? XENA ARES X: “You
did all this-- just to get me back. I'm flattered. ( ARES ( pouring
a drink ) ( quickly; would love some love here X: “You're
irresistible. But I suppose you already know that. ARES: “Whatever
you want, whom-- ever you want-- the most X: ( wow; that's
impressive ) “Hector? Achilles? Agamemnon? ARES: “I’m
Ares, god of war. For you-- I'll bring them back X: “Anyone? I just want to be sure of the deal.” ARES: “Anyone you name.” X: “As long as I have your word.” ARES: “You have my word-- my pledge-- whatever you want.” X: “It's almost time. See you later, then.” And the ENTIRE SCENE suddenly CHANGES again... This time to: 34 EXT. STREET FRONTING MEETING HALL - DAY The death chariot,
with its prancing horse, awaits. All the ON GABRIELLE Fearful, dreading what's to come -- helpless. ON ARES He stands far
back in the crowd, calmly and pleasantly waiting, XENA AND BENITAR emerge. Xena is in chains. BENITAR: ( announces
to all ) “The woman, Xena, having been The Villagers are pleased. Xena looks past most of them to: ARES - INTERCUT WITH XENA (AS DESIRED) Catching Ares' eye, she calls to him: X: “’Guilty.'
You said I could have anyone I name. I call on E.C.U. - ARES Evil he may be,
but not above a wry smile at the realization ARES: [Laughs] “Marvelously manipulated, my dear.” OVER XENA'S SHOULDER Though Xena faces
the crowd, that crowd is now looking past her REVERSE Emerging from
the building behind Xena are Palinios, Doracles, AREOLIS’ WIDOW: “Areolis?” PALINIOS' MOTHER: “Palinios?” THE TEEN SON: “Dad? Dad!” ( rushes to embrace his father. ) FULL SHOT Happy pandemonium. GABRIELLE AND BENITAR Getting over her
own stunhood, a joyous, almost elfish G: “Nobody's even dead. Nobody.” FAVORING PALINIOS as he spots Xena,
and, with his mother still hanging on, moves PALINIOS: ( shouts
to all ) “Everybody! Hear me, my friends! FOLLOWING XENA Even as THREE
CHEERS go up for her from the Villagers, she's G: ( slight tug on Benitar's sleeve ) “Excuse me again, sir.” BENITAR: ( likes her ) “Not guilty; charges dismissed.” XENA AND ARES As she reaches
him. He is not only still gracious in his defeat, ARES: “Well
played, my dear. Your choice was totally wrong, of X: “I know my choice was the right one for me.” ARES: “In that case--” Ares gently takes her hand and suavely kisses it. ARES: “-- until next time.” Ares turns -- walks off. ON XENA as she watches
him go. Feeling pretty good. MOVE IN and HOLD ON GO TO : 34A EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY Xena and Gabrielle
walk along, Argo following behind. Xena X: “You
coming back for me really meant a lot after what I did G: “I trust
you. I never thought for a moment you meant to X: “Well, I owe you. Thanks.” G: “I owe you, too.” Gabrielle suddenly
spins and slugs Xena on the arm. She grabs X: “What was that?” G: ( still in pain ) “Paybacks for hitting me.” X: “Feel better?” G: “I think I broke my hand-- but, I do feel better.” X: “Good-- so do I.” G: “How did those guys come back from the dead?” X: “Well, ever hear of Ares? VOICE OF ARES: “Until next time, Xena-- until next time.” FADE OUT
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