Mission: Impossible (1988) s01e01 Episode Script

The Killer

(Distant foghorn blows) (cable car bell clanging) (car horn honks) (indistinct chatter) MAN: Now what we do is a little asset survey, and we should clear ourselves over $15 million.
Sweet little deal.
MAN 2: Sounds like an incredible deal, Alfred.
MAN 3: Well, he figured he had everything under control.
Kept the pressure on his board.
Thought he had the votes to start with.
He really thought he'd won.
So off he went to the South of France to get away from it all.
I moved in with one of those sweet little bonus offers (conversation trails off) (elegant piano music plays) Good evening, sir.
Thank you.
ALFRED: I own 72% of the company.
I'd say that was the bargain of the century.
Oh, I don't know if "bargain" is the word I'd have used, Tom.
(Indistinct conversations) Hey, Tom.
Good to see you Champagne, sir? Thank you.
(Muffled whoosh, thud) Oh, no.
Mm-hmm.
(Indistinct conversations) (groaning) Sir, are you all right? (Grunts) (groaning) No! (Yelling) What's happening?! - ALFRED: Tom? - No! - What's wrong? - On fire! -(Screaming) - ALFRED: Hey.
Wait a minute.
(Screaming) (woman sobbing) In time, your grief will change into fond and loving memories, and although we are here to say good-bye to Tom Copperfield's body in this world, the one thing Christians have is eternal life.
We believe that when God gives life, he gives it forever, and even though they are no longer with us in the physical sense, they are here with us at all times in the hearts and minds of those left behind.
May God give Tom life forever.
May the perpetual light shine upon him, and when the souls of the faithful are parted, with the mercy of God, rest in peace.
- Amen.
- MOURNERS: Amen.
(theme music playing) What do you use for bait when you're fishing? I don't use bait.
I use a spinner.
Oh, I only use a spinner when I'm game fishing.
They say the man they buried this morning worked in one of those secret government agencies.
Yes, that's what I understand.
I hear the man they buried was a team leader.
The best they ever had.
Except for the man who trained him.
They they say those two were like father and son.
Yes, they were.
(Beeping) MALE VOICE: Welcome back, Jim, though I wish it weren't under these circumstances.
This is the man we believe was responsible for the death for your friend and protégé, Tom Copperfield.
No one knows his real name.
He uses many identities.
Currently, he's using the name Matthew Drake.
From what we can find out, Drake has an exclusive contract with a powerful underworld leader whom we know only by his code name, Scorpio.
Your friend, Tom Copperfield, was moving in on Scorpio when he was killed.
Sooner or later, Drake will be ordered to kill again.
Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is to prevent his next murder and discover the identity of Scorpio, the man ultimately responsible for Tom Copperfield's death.
As always, should you or any of your IM Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.
This disc will self-destruct in five seconds.
Good luck, Jim.
(Remote control beeps) Time does march on.
MALE VOICE: Nicholas Black excels in disguise, languages and acting.
When Nicholas isn't working for us, he's teaching drama at an Eastern university.
As with all selections, further information will be available in printout.
Casey Randall was a top designer on three continents when her fiancé was killed in a terrorist bombing in Rome.
She helped us trap the terrorist responsible and has worked with IMF ever since.
(Remote beeps) Max Harte was still in high school when the war in Vietnam ended.
But when his brother didn't come home from a POW camp, Max organized his own mission to find him-- and did.
(Remote beeps) (remote beeps) Grant Collier.
That's right, Jim-- Barney Collier's son.
And where Barney left off, his son picked up.
Grant graduated from MIT at 16, where one of his professors called him the greatest inventive mind to come out of MIT in 20 years.
(Remote beeps) Late yesterday, I got word Drake has orders to go to England.
I've since learned that his plane is due to arrive at Heathrow Airport at 9:00 a.
m.
on Friday And that he's booked out under two separate names on flights later that night.
Which means, if he's going to kill someone, he has to do it within that time frame.
- Any idea who his target is? - PHELPS: Not yet.
Apparently, he has to make a phone call when he reaches London to get that information.
He's not going to make this easy.
NICHOLAS: Drake has stayed alive by not making things easy.
In all the murders he's been linked to, he's never killed twice in a row in the same fashion.
Yes, from the hallucinogenic drug he gave Tom Copperfield to a sniper's rifle, he always chooses something different.
And the problem is, he waits till the last possible moment to make that choice.
At random-- that's the key.
There's a certain logic to that.
If I don't know what I'm going to do, then neither does anybody else.
Yes, that's why we have to get close to him, right inside his skin.
We have to know what he's going to do at the same time he knows it himself.
Grant.
Well, I've been in contact with London, and they're gonna loan us the couple of extra men we'll need.
That include the laser technician? That's right.
We're looking at the kind of hotel Drake seems to favor-- small but classy.
Now, he selects these at random, also.
But in this case, we're gonna make his random selection for him.
This will be the one he chooses.
Absolutely under our control, all previous identification has been removed.
Right now, it's a total blank.
All right, we can't afford any mistakes.
If we lose Drake, we lose our chance to identify his boss, Scorpio.
Jim, we're not gonna let that happen.
We know what this one means to you.
That'll be four pound 20, please, Guv.
Thank you.
The outside camera's operative.
This one'll be ready in a minute.
Good.
Any more on Drake's plane? It's over an hour late.
Jim, meet Tim Connor from our London office.
He's here helping Grant with some of our laser work.
Glad to have you aboard, Tim.
Thank you, sir.
It's an honor to work with you.
An hour late.
Will that affect our plan? It could, if he has to make his phone call at a prearranged time, if he has to make the call before he checks into his hotel.
Anything, Grant? (Computer beeps) Drake's plane will touch down in just about three minutes.
Good.
I'll need once he gets his cab.
(Radio static warbles) WOMAN (over radio): Charlie, car two.
Go to 29.
Repeat.
29, Albernon Road, Heath row.
(Radio chatter continues indistinctly) WOMAN (over P.
A.
): Will Mr.
Glover please proceed to gate 2-B? Mr.
Glover.
Last call for Flight 8870, nonstop service to Brussels.
Cab, sir? No, thanks.
Oi, I'm the first in line.
You got to ride with me.
Say, do you know where the Raeburn is? The Raeburn? Yeah, here.
Oh, the Raeburn Hotel in Kensington.
Sure.
I know where it is.
As a matter of fact, I took this nice lady there last week Spare me the details; I'm in a hurry.
Ah, please, let me get that for you, sir.
Can I take your bags? I can manage.
The Raeburn it is.
All right, you heard it, the Raeburn.
(Typing) Raeburn Hotel.
R-A-E-B-U-R-N.
DRAKE (over radio): How long's it gonna take to get to the hotel? NICHOLAS: Depends on traffic.
DRAKE: Phone book says 15.
Now, if you can't do it in that, I'm gonna find a cabbie who can.
NICHOLAS: Hey, if any cabbie'll get you there in 15 minutes, I can.
Just not enough time.
We don't have a choice; we have to make it work.
(Beeping) We'll never be ready at the pace he's going.
Max will do what he can, but Drake's insistence on being here in 15 minutes probably means he has to make the phone call to get his assignment.
If we slow him down too much, he's liable to bolt.
(Steam whistles softly) All set, Jim.
Casey, give me a level.
Mirror, mirror on the wall.
All right, you better finish off in there.
Just another minute, Jim.
(Beeping) (engine starts) (siren wailing) (siren continues wailing) Oh, now what? I guess I put my finger in it a little bit.
But don't worry, I'll bluff my way out of it.
(Siren stops) (indistinct radio chatter) Could I see your license, sir? Morning, officer.
Did I do something wrong? You were going 20 miles over the speed limit.
Listen, officer, this fare of mine is in a bit of a hurry.
You see, I picked him up at Heathrow (stammers) Could I just see your license, please, sir? Would you have a heart, mate? Just get it over with.
I'll pay you what the ticket costs.
NICHOLAS: Lousy cops.
I mean, how do you make a living these days? Thank you, sir.
MAX: Drake looks nervous.
I'll hold him as long as I can.
(Steam hisses) NICHOLAS: I know you're in a hurry.
I'm sorry about this.
Eh, keep it going, Nick.
We need the minutes, pal.
What is the holdup? Why is he taking so long? I don't know.
Your guess is as good as mine.
I'm gonna find myself another cab.
Would you have a heart? I need the fare.
(Door closes) Room is set, Jim.
Thanks, Casey.
DRAKE: I'm not gonna wait much longer, you know.
Better move, Max.
MAX: Right.
You'd think you'd be out catching crims instead of bothering honest working people, hmm? (Clears throat) Drive carefully next time, sir.
Sorry, sir.
I tried to hold him as long as I could.
We need more time, Max.
Seven minutes.
All the cameras are set, and the microphone's under the front desk.
Nicholas is doing what he can.
Let's just hope Max can get to the next point before they do.
Only the best for the Raeburn.
Talk about hot off the press.
Looks like they've stalled.
Oh, come on, come on.
Come on! Would you move it?! Move it, will you?! I told you I was on a tight schedule.
NICHOLAS: Give me a break.
What do you want me to do? You want me to drive through it? DRAKE: Look, I got to get to a phone booth.
Either back up, or I'm gonna get out of here.
Blast it.
What's this now? Can you believe this? This is ridiculous.
I'm getting out.
No, no, hey! I told you, I'll get you there.
MAX: Jim, I couldn't hold him any longer.
I almost lost him.
No more time.
Are we ready? We're about to find out.
I'm sorry I took a little longer than 15 minutes.
Ah, forget it.
You know, you ought to do yourself a favor and keep your big mouth shut.
Good morning.
(British accent): Oh, sorry.
Good morning, sir.
I'd like to have a room, please.
A room.
Yes, we have one of the very best available, room 12.
I'd like to pick my own.
I beg your pardon? DRAKE: I'd like to pick my own room.
Uh, say, uh How about room seven? Room seven? Well, yes, I do believe you're in luck.
Room seven is available.
If you just care to fill out the register, sir.
(Clock ticking) (bell rings) (clacking) If you will just show this gentleman to room seven, please.
Certainly.
Would you like to follow me, sir? Enjoy your stay, sir.
DRAKE: Yeah, thanks.
Are you all right? I wonder if I've been away from this too long.
I wanted to kill him.
I wanted to reach across the counter and grab him by the throat.
He killed your best friend, Jim.
No one's going to fault you on that emotion.
TIM (over video): Here we are, sir.
(Electronic beep) (luggage thuds on floor) TIM: All set.
I hope you enjoy your stay.
All right, the trap's been set.
Let's spring it.
DRAKE (on tape): I'd like to pick my own room.
I'd like to pick my own room.
I'd like to pick my own room.
I'd like to pick my own room.
Sounds good.
Nah, I think it needs a little more bass.
(Tape rewinding) TIM: Hope you're comfortable.
If there's anything else you need, sir, please don't hesitate to give us a call.
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
(Door closes) (dial tone droning) Come on.
(Dial tone droning) (droning stops) Damn! He's leaving the room.
But as long as he uses the phone in the lobby, we're set.
Yeah.
Max, do you have him? Right on target, Jim.
(Phone dialing on surveillance video) (dialing continues) (coin clinks in slot) (indistinct conversation inside building) (phone ringing) (lively chatter) (ringing continues) I'm waiting for a friend to call.
DRAKE: This is the friend from California.
You're late.
I nearly wasn't here.
It couldn't be helped.
You have something for me? WOMAN: Yes.
DRAKE: All right, where do we meet? WOMAN: City Botanical Gardens by the river.
DRAKE: Be there at noon.
How will I find you? Wear a white rose, and I'll find you.
Just a little more than an hour.
If we can still catch her.
(Phone ringing through) (phone ringing) (indistinct, overlapping crowd chatter) Hello? (Imitates Drake): it's me again, your friend from California.
What now? Decided we don't like white roses? Decided I didn't want to wait so long for the information.
Look, it's the way I work.
WOMAN: Where, then? At my hotel, the Raeburn.
Do you know where that is? No.
It's near the corner of Longbridge Street and Military Road.
I'm in room eight.
I can find you.
Be here in 30 minutes.
And forget the white rose.
Let's go.
WOMAN: What now? Decided we don't like white roses.
What now? Have you decided you don't like white roses? I think the register should be a little higher.
What now? Have you decided you don't like white roses? (Tape rewinding) For a guy who makes his living by killing people, he's certainly relaxed.
PHELPS: That's what makes him so good.
He's leaving early.
He's a careful man.
He probably wants to have a good look at the botanical gardens.
Jim, if I'm not mistaken, here comes Drake's lady.
This is gonna be close.
Excuse me? Could you tell me where room eight is, please? Mr.
Drake's room? Yes.
If you turn right at the top of the first flight of stairs, you'll find his room there.
Thank you.
(Door closes below) I'm looking for a friend.
From California? It's all in there.
Oh.
Who pays off when I make the hit? I do.
As I said, it's all in there.
Let me know when it's done.
So this is the man.
Looks like I'm elected.
William Bratton, president of a California-based construction union, will be at the Crown Regent Hotel, Room 526.
He'll be in his room from 4:30 to 5:00 p.
m.
today working on a speech.
He'll be alone.
Well, at least we know where he's gonna make the hit and when.
Yes, and who he's going to kill.
Let's hope not.
PHELPS: Okay, Grant, we're locked.
Ready? (Whirring) (whirring) You're on.
DRIVER: Hyah.
Come on.
Hyah.
(Distant voices of children) (birds singing) (boat horn blowing) You're looking for a friend? Depends upon where he's from.
California do? That'll do just fine.
So you're the famous man.
And you're Scorpio's messenger.
Though I must say, you're the most attractive one I've seen so far.
CHILD: Mommy? Mommy? You called me "the famous man.
" Why is that? Your last job attracted a lot of attention.
Rather spectacular.
That doesn't please you? Look, I work in one of the few businesses where fame is not something one hopes for.
Now the hotel where this guy's staying-- how far is it from here? Just under a mile.
When I'm done, who pays? Call me.
I'll be there.
You know, being famous could have its advantages.
You're not the girl I talked to on the phone.
Should I take that as a compliment? Take it any way you like.
I was planning to leave tonight, but maybe I'll stay.
MAN: Taxi! How's Bratton? He's upset.
it's not every day you find out a professional assassin's out to kill you.
Will he cooperate? Well, he's not happy about it, but he's agreed to stay out of it until this is all over.
PHELPS: All right.
Now the question is, how will Drake try to kill him? There's quite a few rooftops out here.
Give him a clear shot.
Well, if that's how he's gonna make his move, I'll make it easy for him.
That may be too easy.
We have to remember, this man is unpredictable.
There's no telling where he may come from.
I'm gonna be a couple of doors down the hall.
(Indistinct chatter) (man shouting indistinctly) (horn honks) (brakes squeal) (beeps) Jim, I lost Drake.
All right, Grant, we can call this off.
Not a chance, Jim.
There's no telling where or how he's gonna make the hit.
This is a big hotel, we can't cover it all.
I always liked surprises.
MAN: Car.
Edward? Sorry I lost him.
Yeah, still no sign of him.
I'll cover the back.
(Phone ringing through) WOMAN: Front desk.
May I help you? Room 526, please.
(Phone rings) I've got a call.
Switching you on.
GRANT: Hello? - Hello, Mr.
Bratton.
- Yes? My name is Lou Lawrence.
I'm with one of the local trade unions.
I was wondering if I might be able to come up and see you for a few minutes.
What union did you say? I'm the secretary of the Pipefitters' union.
It'd be a big help to us, Mr.
Bratton.
Okay, what time did you want to come up? Uh, in 15 minutes.
Fine.
I'll be here.
Thank you, Mr.
Bratton.
Yeah, thank you, Mr.
Bratton.
You heard it.
15 minutes.
He can't be far.
Max, anything? No, nothing yet.
Anything, Nicholas? Not yet, Jim.
He's got to show up soon.
Jim, Drake's just come out of the back of the hotel.
I don't like that.
He likes to set up the job and be gone.
Grant, get out of there! Get out now! Grant! Grant, are you okay? - I'm all right.
- Are you sure? I'm okay.
(grunts) Jim, yeah, Grant seems okay.
Good.
All right, it's still working.
We're one step away from Scorpio.
Welcome home.
Well, well, well.
Step away from the door.
All right, let's settle down here.
Now, who are you? I guess you could say I'm your replacement.
I told you you're becoming too famous.
Scorpio doesn't like that.
Scorpio sent you? The old company loyalty isn't what it used to be.
I guess the proverbial gold watch looks pretty good right now, doesn't it? (Casey screams, gun fires) No.
No, please.
Loyalty.
(Grunts) (grunts) I'll teach Scorpio about loyalty.
Casey.
You all right? For someone who just got hit by a train? Fine, just fine.
(Sighs) Nice work, Casey.
Drake's on his way to Heathrow, Max is following.
Next stop, Scorpio.
Drake went in a few minutes ago.
This is where Tom Copperfield died.
Alfred Chambers lives in the penthouse.
He was supposed to be Tom Copperfield's friend.
The preliminary investigation cleared him of any involvement.
Oh, and maybe Matthew Drake didn't.
Police? Yeah, they're on their way.
- MAN (over phone): Hello.
- ALFRED: Barry? -(Over phone): Yeah.
- This is Chambers.
I want you to put the heat on that Amalgamated crowd.
-(Over phone): All right.
- I want 'em out of the game now.
- BARRY: I understand.
- Okay.
- Get back to me on it.
- All right.
(Muffled whoosh, thud) I'm breaking a golden rule with you.
I'm killing you the same way I killed Copperfield.
Why? Call it a lesson in loyalty.
(Gun clicking) (clicking continues) Who do you think I am? You think I'm stupid? (Grunts) (gasps) MAN: We have an identity on the dead man? MAN 2: Alfred Chambers.
Crazy-- three weeks ago, a guy jumped from the penthouse.
Now the guy who lives there takes a dive after getting some other guy with a knife.
(Garbled radio transmission) it's over.
Tom Copperfield's job is finished.
He was a good friend.
What'll you do now, Jim? Well, I think I'll have to stay.
Be a shame to break up a nice team like this, wouldn't it? (Theme music playing)
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