The Day of the Triffids (2009) s01e01 Episode Script
Part 1
'How did it happen? 'How did the world get swallowed up so quickly?' Bill! 'It was because we had our eyes closed.
'Even when we could see.
' Billy! 'And we let them get too close.
' Bill! 'It had been 30 years since my mother was killed by a triffid.
'She was trying to understand them.
'I've been doing the same ever since.
'For me, it's always been personal.
'For the rest of the world, the triffids were simply a practical solution.
'They contained an oil that quickly replaced fossil fuels.
'Triffids became man's best friend.
'But they didn't see the consequences.
'And I couldn't get them to listen.
' I'm disconnecting this triffid.
Confirmed.
Triffid tether de-activated.
Dr Masen, you're clear to start your reaction test.
GURGLING Still trying to get something else out of the triffs, Dr Bill? Well, yes.
I suppose I am.
You really think they can hear? More like they can feel the sound waves.
The reaction time The triffids are getting faster with every new generation.
They seem to be evolving on their own.
Um, Lucy Yeah? Taser.
Oh, sorry.
Thank you.
'Breeding triffids for their oil came at a price.
'The oil companies were forced to lock them away and keep the world in the dark.
' Paper check.
Sure.
Can I see your papers? 'Some thought we shouldn't interfere with Mother Nature.
' 'Yet were ignorant to the danger that waited inside the refinery walls.
' 'Waiting for the chance to be free.
' PURRING We have an orchard security breach.
Received and understood.
Tether the triffid.
ALARM SOUNDS Do not enter the orchard without back-up.
Negative.
They'll never last that long.
I'm going in now.
All units to the orchard immediately.
Security needs urgent assistance.
Agh! Get back! Stay back, or she gets that again! So what goes on in here, then, uh? What are you hiding? Put her glasses back on and then we can talk.
Glasses? Please, put them on.
Please.
I don't think so.
Put mine on her.
GROWLING Please! You do it.
I know who you are! Dr Bill Masen.
I bet the triffids know exactly what you are.
You should listen to them, Doctor, huh? You might learn something, instead of stealing their oil, messing with their genes.
What's wrong? You lost your tongue, huh? You got an opinion, Doctor? Agh! Agh! Agh! Agh! Arrrgh! Agh.
Agh.
People need to know what's going on in here! Get him out of here! Look at the sky! Stay where you are, don't move.
Agh! Look at the sun! Look at it! Agh.
Open the door! Let me go! Get out of the way! Bill.
HE MOANS Oh, thank God.
I thought I'd lost you.
Must have been a young plant.
Venom sac's not fully developed yet.
You hold on in there, Dr Bill.
We'll be in London soon.
RADIO: They say it'll be the greatest light show ever.
Northern lights seen as far south as Hawaii, a veritable rainbow of comets.
But is it another result of the global cooling triffid scientists have been boasting about, or something else? With me is astrophysicist Edward Vorless.
Welcome, Professor.
So, tell me, do we have the triffids to thank for the fireworks, too? Oh, we can certainly thank the triffids, or at least their marvellous oil for saving us from global warming.
But the fireworks, no.
So, what is the cause? The sun.
Tonight we will see its true power.
It will unleash a solar storm.
An unbelievably vast explosion of gas and nuclear fire that will send billions of tons of irradiated plasma shooting towards the Earth.
And is there any risk to us? Any precautions we should take? Only if you are a satellite.
We humans will suffer no harm.
We should sit back and enjoy the fireworks.
Well, thank you, Professor.
So tonight we'll be covering this phenomenon from round the globe.
My bosses are even putting me on camera.
You know, you people should come clean how dangerous these plants are.
Tell me, why do triffids always go for the eyes? I don't know.
Well, you should find out.
Cos I'd say you have a 50-50 chance of losing your sight.
Or of keeping it.
'Hello, I'm Jo Playton,' coming to you from the heart of London.
And the sky really is quite spectacular.
It's like the aurora borealis, only a lot brighter We can see the bloody sky, Jo.
Talk to some people.
Get them on camera.
Three, two, one Then, we're going to go to Sydney.
Jim, you're up.
Jo, bring him in.
.
.
happening millions of miles away.
Later, I'll be talking to people here and getting their reactions.
But now, let's go over to Jim Watts in Sydney.
OK, Jim.
The sun is so bright, it's really hard to see the sky.
Jo, get yourself down the Tube.
Talk to some people who are ignoring this whole damn thing.
Make it entertaining, will you, love? All right, I'm trying.
I'll be back for you, Dr Bill.
How long will he be out for? At least 24 hours.
Shame he'll miss the light show.
Is everything OK? Yeah.
Looks like it's about to start.
'I've often dreamt about that night.
'About what it would have looked like.
'Some said it was glorious, 'as if the heavens ignited 'and God himself was conducting the show.
' It's started and it's unbelievable.
We never expected anything like this.
And we get reports that it's the same all over the world.
Pauline, what's happening here? Is this us or is it them? Come on, people, why are we losing these? And there's another one.
Can someone tell me what's going on? Paris has gone.
Moscow, Moscow's gone.
I don't know, I have no idea.
'12:03.
'That was the time, 'the hour and the minute when the world went dark.
'When the world changed.
'When the clock started ticking, 'counting down.
' MUFFLED SHOUTING Hello? Nurse! SHOUTING INCREASES Argh! Ah! Are you a doctor? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
But, no I need you to look at my eyes.
Yeah, but I'm not that kind of a doctor.
What's happened? What's going on? 'You have a 50-50 chance of losing your sight.
'You people should come clean how dangerous these plants are.
'50-50 chance of losing your sight 'You know, you people should come clean '50-50 chance of losing your sight 'A 50-50 chance 'At least 24 hours '50-50 chance 'Tell me, why do triffids only go for the eyes?' 'Could all passengers return to their seats immediately? 'Please fasten your seatbelt and assume the crash position.
' 'Could all passengers return to their seats immediately? 'Please fasten your seatbelts and assume the crash position.
' Billy! Yes! Ha-ha-ha! Somebody help! Help! Matthew? Matthew? Matthew, is that you? No.
No, it's not Matthew.
They did something to my eyes.
I need to find a doctor.
There aren't any.
I want to go home.
Listen, I'm going to go and find out what's happened and then I'll come back for you, OK? Oh, no.
No, please.
Please.
I will come back.
Please 'Would all staff adopt Code 17 procedure? 'Would all staff adopt Code 17 procedure?' Dr Kotch! Dr Kotch, it's Bill.
Bill Masen.
You operated on me yesterday.
On my eyes.
You can see? Yes, I can see.
You can see.
What's happening? What's happening? Everyone's blind, but not you! What? I don't understand.
What do you mean, everyone's blind? It must have been the sun, the solar storm.
Everyone staring at the sky.
You couldn't watch it, could you? I'll get help.
I'll get help.
Look, there must be someone who knows what's going on.
I'll get help! Let me go.
Listen to me.
Let me go! Listen to me! 'Would all staff adopt Code 17 procedure?' .
.
my sight.
I've lost it.
I've lost it.
'Attention, please.
'Due to a reported emergency, would all passengers leave the station immediately?' Simon? Si Oh! Simon! 'Attention, please.
'Due to a reported emergency, would all passengers leave the station immediately?' Hello? 'Attention, please.
' Help! 'Due to a reported emergency, would all passengers leave the station immediately?' Anyone here? Help! '.
.
all passengers' Let me help you.
It's mine! Yes.
Here it is.
Mum! Here we are.
Sorry.
Can you see? Yeah.
I can, but I don't understand.
What's happened? We can't see.
Nobody can.
Have you heard any news? The TV and radio went off.
But if there were more people like you What do you mean like me? Come home with us.
Please.
I'd like to, but Please.
Come and see for us.
Can she see? Can you, love? I have to get home myself.
I Come with me! Help me find food.
No, we were talking to her.
Help me first! Then you can go home, all right.
I know her voice.
Let go of me! She's on the radio.
I mean it! It's Jo Playton.
She's getting away! Jo? Where are you going? She's going.
Jo! Help me! Wait! Where's she gone? Oh, thank God.
Things were getting crazy there.
It's been a bit crazy everywhere.
What are you doing? You're drunk.
No.
You're blind! Not any more I'm not.
Get in the car! Officer! Excuse me, sir, I need I need help.
Go to the police station! What's she done? Under arrest.
GUNSHO No! No! No! Where is she? Please! Don't let him go! Hold that man! Please! Please! He's got my gun! Where is she? Where is she?! I didn't think there was anyone else.
Anyone to help.
You OK? Mm.
Thank you.
I'm Jo.
Bill.
Bill Masen.
Will you be all right? Mm.
Where are you going? Whitehall.
I have to find someone in authority who knows what's happening.
I mean, who knows how long the power's going to last? The power? Isn't that the least of our worries? The electricity on the farms could go down.
The farms? The triffid farms.
Help! Help! Help! Pick up the phone! Come on.
Hello? Who are you? What are you doing? Who are you?! Soon be free.
GROWLING Nothing.
No network.
Shit! Oh, God.
Is it just us? That's what we need to find out.
How come you missed the show? I was in hospital, for an eye operation.
DISTANT SHOUTS What is that? Can we get through? No.
This is a secure area! But we're sighted.
There are no sighted left.
You're what? Five-ten, ginger hair.
And you look just as scared as the rest of us.
Please let us in.
If I let you in, will you check if there's anyone else inside? Why aren't you letting us in? We need help.
Food.
Water.
Stay where you are.
Sergeant! Let us through! That's enough.
Now get back.
Why aren't you letting us in? Ah.
Stay where you are! Get back or my men will shoot! Now get back.
Get back from the gates.
I've got his gun! Get off! GUNSHO GUNFIRE That's government? Blind policemen shooting each other? I've got to get to my dad.
I've got to make sure he's OK.
Well, you must have family, right? Someone close? No.
I have to get going.
Where to? Back to where I work.
The world's falling apart and you have to check on some plants.
Triffids aren't just some plants.
SoI'll say goodbye and No.
No.
Don't! BODY HITS THE GROUND No.
Oh I need to get a car.
Why don't we go together? Please? Yeah.
Come on, Daddy.
This one.
Power can't have failed this soon.
It doesn't make sense.
What did this? Triffids.
I don't understand.
You're telling me that triffids can move? And do this to people? Yes.
Keep your eyes open and keep moving.
The orchard's been breached as well.
What is this place? It's where the male triffids are confined.
Or it should be.
Stay close.
What happened to him? Triffids are carnivores.
They eat people.
Did you know him? No.
No.
He's the idiot who let them out.
Oh, no.
Not Lucy.
She fought.
She was blind, but she fought.
I'm sorry.
Was she your, er? She was my friend.
You people knew.
You knew that they were dangerous and yet it never got out.
Triffid oil saved the world from global warming.
You think it would have made any difference if you had known? But if At least you have a generator.
Until the Triffoil runs out.
There's a sofa.
You should get some rest.
What are you going to do? I need to get my research before it's too late.
Bill, will you take me to my dad's? He lives near Windsor.
It's miles from the triffid farms.
Yeah.
'I spent my whole life working with triffids, trying to make sense of them.
'And now my obsession seemed more important than ever.
' GROWLING What's that sound? Triffid recordings.
They're communicating.
So what are they saying? That's what I've been trying to work out.
It's the basis of my research.
This device contains years of triffids' communications.
I've proved there's signs of evolving intelligence.
So far I've failed to work out what they're saying.
And now they're free.
Come on.
Let's get your dad.
How many farms are there? Across the world? Tens of thousands.
In England, 500.
Each one holds about 20,000 triffids.
Ten million meat-eating plants.
How do they reproduce? Same as other plants.
The males pollinate the females.
That's why it was essential that we controlled the males.
And now they're out.
Dad! Dad? Dad, it's me, Jo! Dad? Dad? Dad?! Dad! Jo! Dad! Dad! Jo, stop! Argh! Dad! Stop! GROWLING Dad! Dad! Dad! Stop! Stop! Dad! Jo! No! Don't! Don't.
Do something! There's nothing we can do.
He's dead! We have to get out of here.
They're everywhere, Jo! No, he can't be dead.
You bastard! He's my dad! Give it to me.
GUNSHOTS SCREECHING Oh! SHE SOBS Oh, I shouldn't have left you.
I shouldn't have left you GROWLING INTENSIFIES Jo.
Jo, we have to get out of here.
Come on.
If we stay here, they'll kill us, too.
Come on.
They're all around us.
Jo, we have to go.
Bill, stop the car.
'That's when we knew that our day was over 'and the day of the triffids had begun.
' We need to warn people.
Bill, go over there.
This is an emergency broadcast from the BBC in London.
Most of the people in the United Kingdom, and we believe the world, have been struck blind.
There is no government.
But there is a bigger threat to us at this time.
With me is triffid expert, Dr Bill Masen.
Dr Masen, what do people need to know about the triffids? They're extremely dangerous.
And how are they dangerous? What do they do? Well, triffids are large, carnivorous plants that can move independently.
But because of the blinding, they've escaped and so they're no longer being fed on the farm.
They've started They've started to, um We know that they have started to attack and eat people.
They have a fatal sting capable of reaching up to 15ft.
And they make a distinctive rustling tick-tocking kind of noise.
So if you hear or see one, you must keep your distance.
Where do you think that the triffids are heading? They'll gravitate towards the cities, to where the most abundant source of food is .
.
us.
So, if you are sighted, then arm yourselves and do what you can to protect those around you, especially the blind, and .
.
tell anyone that you can.
My parents were botanists and they researched the triffids in Zaire.
I was six, so I was with them.
It was my father that saw, with, um .
.
some genetic modification, the tremendous opportunity for oil production.
So he brought them back? All of this is his fault.
Hm.
Well, no.
He provided us with a cheap, endlessly replaceable, pollution-free source of fuel that solved the energy crisis.
He saved the world.
Hm.
My mother felt differently.
Where are they now? Well, I haven't seen my father for years.
We don't get on.
And my mother she died in Zaire .
.
of a triffid sting.
Billy! DISTANT CRIES, SHOUTS AND EXPLOSIONS This really is it, isn't it? I'm afraid so.
To the future.
No.
To the past.
It was beautiful and we didn't take care of it.
Hello? Who are you? I'm from MI5.
I'd like to see the Prime Minister.
This is where he lives, isn't it? You'll need to make an appointment.
Of course.
Hilda.
Who are you? I'm Torrence.
I'll just have a look round.
But you can't Excuse me.
Excuse me! SOBBING You OK? Yeah.
Yeah.
I'm brilliant.
I'll be next door.
You know what? If it's all the same, would you stay in here? Morning, Hilda.
You can't stay here.
Well the PM's not coming back, I take it.
Out running the country? He's gone.
They all have.
Well, then there's just you and me.
There must be others.
There's an emergency broadcast on the radio.
Well, play it for me, Hilda.
'With me is triffid expert, Dr Bill Masen.
'Dr Masen, what do people need to know about the triffids? 'They're extremely dangerous.
'And how are they dangerous? 'What do they do? Well, triffids are large, carnivorous plants that can move independently.
'But because of the blinding they' Haven't got anything to eat, have you? A sandwich? I'll make it.
Then we can go for a little drive.
Hm? Jo.
Jo, wake up.
Just saw two flares coming from the city.
A signal? Yeah.
This means there's other people.
People like us.
People who can see.
Triffids.
Yeah, they're moving faster than I thought.
They're only a couple of miles from the city.
Bill, who is that? Hello.
Hi.
I'm Torrence.
Heard on the radio there's a bit of panic developing about triffids.
Judging from the mess here, I think they're right.
Help yourself to guns.
We could do with some weapons.
I'm Jo.
Are you on your own? Why do you ask? We're going to the city.
We believe there's a sighted group there.
Tell you what, why don't you come and join my group? Who's in it? Me.
I think we're fine on our own.
OK.
See you down the road.
Torrence? Yeah? How come you can see? Luck.
I'm a naval engineer.
Military submarines.
Got caught doing a routine maintenance when all that went up.
People I was with Well Enjoy the weather.
Jo Enchante.
Seatbelt on, please, Hilda.
Is this justice? To leave the rest of your fellow citizens in the dark? Do you think you're special? These people aren't good enough? Where's your British sense of fair play? Look at them! Are we supposed to just stand by and let them die? We have to help.
I've done everything I can to keep these people fed and safe.
But I can't do it on my own! Everyone who can see can easily look after those who can't.
One day they'll find a cure and these people will find out who helped and who looked away.
These people have every right to live, the same as you! That's enough.
You and your friends must move along.
We're not going anywhere.
Come on, guys.
Release her.
My men will shoot.
Shoot the blind? You wouldn't dare.
Over their heads, one round.
Leave or the next ones will hit.
Don't you have any compassion? You don't deserve to have your sight.
None of you do.
It's not over.
What should we do? I need to know if these people can help.
Go ahead.
Crawl in there with the rest of the cowards.
There are 30 of us so far, all sighted and another ten highly-skilled, blind.
We expect more will come.
And we have our own generator.
Who are you? Michele Beadley.
I work for the Home Office.
So there is still a government? No.
Just us.
If you want to join us, you'll have to pull your weight.
Do what, exactly? To forage for essential supplies.
The colonel has lists of what we need.
And what plans have you made to defend yourselves against the triffids? I'm more concerned about our nuclear power stations, Mr Masen.
It's Dr Masen, and nuclear power stations can't move, triffids can.
The triffids will stay on the farms.
They won't and they're not.
Excuse me? I've read the official research.
In the event That research was commissioned by the Triffoil companies.
Triffids need food, meat.
If it's not there, they'll go and get it.
And the biggest available source of food is us.
They're large, slow, easy to avoid.
Not if you're blind.
Triffids have been modified to die within three years and the male plants are under strict control on the farms.
Kingston Farm was sabotaged and the male plants have escaped.
And when they start to pollinate the females it will be catastrophic.
Which will take what, months, weeks? It could be days.
Well, whatever emergency plans there were, they clearly can't be implemented.
Therefore our priorities remain as food, fuel, weapons and accommodation.
And what about the triffids? Well, you're the expert.
What would you do? Don't worry.
I promised to look after you and I will, one way or another.
Yeah.
I'm Torrence.
I'm Steve.
Hi.
Cory.
Hi.
You better meet Major Coker.
Major Coker.
I'm Torrence.
Torrence, hey.
I was driving.
I saw you.
Need any help? You bet.
The blind won't survive on their own.
So we're planning to round up all the sighted we can, if they want to help or not.
Have you seen Dr Masen? No.
Let's come to order.
OK, let's begin.
We face what happened to Britain when the Romans left, 1600 years ago.
Everything will crumble - roads, railways, hospitals.
This is our proposal.
We find somewhere in the country and then we start to rebuild.
Have you had news from other countries? Is there any help on its way? We think what happened here happened everywhere.
We're not expecting any help from outside.
And what about the blind? I'm afraid we have no plans for them.
What? We have no alternative.
We are too few, they are too many.
We can't look after them.
We can't feed them.
I see no way to save them.
And no point in dying with them.
It's wrong.
It's so wrong.
Bill? You're leaving? Where are you going? To my father's place in Shirning.
I've got to work out how to deal with them.
Well, you'd better go then.
Look, it's not my first choice it's my only choice.
You know, I'm clutching at straws.
He may not even have survived.
I don't know.
His original research, it might help.
But we're running out of time.
I'm coming with you.
Jo.
Jo you might not agree with Beadley, but you'll have a much better chance of survival if you stay with her.
She's wrong.
What they're doing is ruthless.
Jo, you need people.
I don't need these people.
You'll be safer with her.
Jo we were an accident.
Oh We met by accident butwe stayed together on purpose, didn't we? TASER BUZZES I'll get the gate! Remember, tear gas and smoke grenades only! I don't want to hurt them! Go! Go! Go! Tear gas! Get off! Jo.
Get off me! Bill! Agh! Get off me! Get off me! Bill! Torrence! Get him out of here! Bill! Take him out! Take him out! Bill.
Yeah, turn around.
Yeah, look at me.
Look at me.
Look at me.
Can you stand? Yeah.
Attention, all sighted.
Each of you will be handcuffed to a blind citizen.
It is now your job to keep them alive.
I'm Jeff.
Sorry about all this.
Don't be.
It's not your fault.
I used to be a mechanic.
Weren't a bad old life as long it lasted.
Well, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
Why, because you can still see? Rather you than me, mate.
Sorry about the strong-arm tactics, but you weren't going to help us.
Coker, what's going on? You've been split into groups.
The sighted will take care of the blind.
Make sure they have food and shelter.
We're going to divide London into sections.
And what do you plan to do in these sections? I mean, about the triffids? The triffids aren't our priority.
Yeah, well, they should be.
We've seen what they can do and so has he.
What matters now is organization.
What's your role in all of this? My role? I thought you said you were on your own.
Then I met Major Coker.
His plan to take over London interests me.
Sorry, Jo.
All right.
Guides will take you to your sections.
Let's load up, guys.
Look after Hilda for me, Joe! We got to load the trucks.
Double time, everybody.
Torrence, come on, help out.
Guides will lead you to your sections.
Let's load up.
Here we go.
I'll get moving when I'm good and ready.
Get in the truck.
Here we go.
'Coker sent sighted and blind to forage for food and water.
'His heart was in the right place, but he was ignoring the threat of 'the encroaching triffids, delaying me from getting to Shirning 'and the solution I was hoping to find there.
' Everybody out! Move it, people! Come on! You and you, you're coming with me.
Let's do it.
Where are we going? We're going in! In the door! All right! All right! Come on! I'm going! I'm going! Anybody in? What's that? Who's here? Nice and easy.
Watch your backs.
Wouldn't want to see you get hurt.
Don't shoot! Come on.
Come on.
Come on.
Son of a Put that down! You stupid idiot! No! All right.
There's no food here! We're taking over your pub, psycho.
What's your name? Vronsky.
You got to pay.
We don't got to do nothing.
What you doing, you prat? RUSTLING That's disturbing.
What is it? It's triffid recordings.
Something I've been working on.
Discover anything interesting? Maybe.
As long as it isn't attracting them to us.
I thought Major Coker said they weren't important? Major Coker wants to talk to you, Jo.
Me? Why? Read your name off the list.
Realised you were behind the emergency broadcast.
He'd like you to do another.
It seems you're the famous Jo Playton.
I always thought there was something special about you.
No, I just work on the radio, that's all.
Well, that's the thing.
See, Major Coker was in the US Air Force.
Appreciates the, er the importance of clear communication.
Good for Major Croker, but tell him I'm fine where I am.
Look, Jo, people know your voice.
We think we can get a transmitter going and you can talk to the people.
You can reassure the afflicted, just like you're doing with Hilda.
Yeah, well, thanks for the offer, but like I said, I'm fine where I am.
You heard what she said, Torrence.
OK.
Major Coker's going to be very disappointed.
Seems you prefer hanging out with Dr Masen than saving your country.
Charlieright here, buddy.
Jackpot.
Everybody out.
How'd you know about this place? Charlie led us here.
I worked here half my life before the blinding.
Night watchman.
Not much of a night watchman now.
All right, Osman.
Rope up.
Coker Coker.
Will you shut up about the triffids and help? Charlie, you're the watchman.
Stay here and watch.
Three groups.
Osman, Cheryl, Vronsky, get water.
Jo, Hilda, canned goods.
Bill, medical supplies.
Got it? What d'you think? Keep your eyes open.
That supposed to be funny? Hey, Torrence, come in.
It's Coker.
Reading you, Major.
We need you to come to the warehouse and give us back-up.
This place is full of supplies.
Understood.
We're going to need a bigger car.
So what was it like being a star? Shut up, Hilda.
Vronsky, come on.
Make it quick.
Oh, yeah Coker? Coker? Stay here.
What's this? Jeez Agh.
What's that smell? Rotting meat.
Would someone tell me what's happ? Be quiet! Triffids.
SHE SCREAMS Where are you going? To get Jo.
SHE SCREAMS Charlie? Charlie, are you there? Charlie! Come on! Argh! Osman?! Anyone?! My arm! Help! No! No! No! Right here! SCREAMING No! No! Agh! No! SCREAMING No! No! Agh! SCREAMING Get back! Agh! Come on! Come on, let's go! My leg! Ow! I think it's broken.
Ow! Please! Shut up.
Don't leave me! Osman? Osman? Osman! Don't leave me! Osman! Come on, faster! Faster! Faster! SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE Agh! My leg! They just left me.
Come on, help! Come on! She's gone.
Jo, she's gone.
Come on! Ow! Get her in the van! Is this what you wanted? Is it? Is this what you wanted?! I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I should have listened.
You've got to get to Shirning, with or without me.
Hey! Your man Osman is a coward.
And I want Bill Masen on our team.
You get him whatever he needs to deal with the triffids.
Of course, mate.
Excellent idea.
Leave it to me.
Come on.
OK, kids We're leaving.
Jo, you OK? I'm all right.
But if it wasn't for Bill, I wouldn't even be here now.
Yes, he's quite the hero, isn't he? And he's our only hope against the triffids.
Er, you wanted to see me? I did.
About the radio broadcast for Major Coker.
I changed my mind.
And if there's anything I can do to help, I'd like to do it before Bill and I leave for his father's.
Well! Um He will be delighted.
What would be fantastic is if you could record something right now.
Right now? Yeah.
OK.
Excellent.
After you.
Hi, Jeff.
What are you doing? I'm leaving.
Does Coker know? I'm going to see him now.
Ah.
'Hello.
This is Radio Britain and I'm Jo Playton coming to you live from London.
' Please listen carefully to the following announcement.
Triffids are now known to have reached major cities across the country.
As you know, these plants can and will kill humans.
Therefore, Major Coker has asked that every citizen, both sighted and unsighted, help to fight them.
Will all volunteers please register with Army personnel who will make themselves known to you in your area.
'This is Jo Playton, coming to you live from London.
'Major Coker has asked that every citizen, 'both sighted and unsighted, help to fight them.
'This is Jo Payton, coming to you live from London.
'Major Coker has asked 'that every citizen, both sighted and unsighted, help to fight them.
'Will all volunteers please register with Army personnel 'who will make themselves known to you in your area.
' Come on! Masen, you're under arrest! Orders from the boss.
No, he's not.
Oh, shut up.
Agh! All yours, boys.
Let me go! 'Would all volunteers register with Army personnel' who will be making themselves known to you in your area.
I repeat, this is Jo Playton coming to you live from London.
Can you come with me, miss? Er Yeah, sure.
Masen.
Masen! Masen! Oh! Masen? It's Coker.
Coker? Yeah.
What happened? You got shot.
Where are we? Being taken up to the Heath.
Why are we going to the Heath? Orders from Torrence.
It's all Torrence.
He's running the whole show now.
Where's Jo? Torrence has her, too.
Wow.
Is this yours? This is yours.
To say thank you.
Oh, well, thank you, but there's no need.
I'm only trying to help.
You know, I'm tired.
I I think I'm going to go back and join the others.
Thing isyou may not want to just at the moment.
What's going on, Torrence? Something's happened.
OK, Major Coker needed Bill to help out on another triffid attack.
And he saved the lives of many blind people.
I'm sorry.
He's dead, Jo.
They found these things amongst his stuff.
I want to see him.
No, you don't.
I mean It was a vicious attack.
Major Coker says he's very sorry.
SHE SOBS OK, let's TRIFFIDS RUSTLE Go on then, chuck them out.
Do it.
OPERA MUSIC PLAYS Come on, help me! Come on! Get out now! Now! Now! Come on! Agh! A-A-A-AGH! HE SCREAMS Come on.
Give me the keys.
Give me the damn keys.
Now move in front of me.
Get in front of me.
Do it.
Is Bill Masen alive? Is he? When you're better, you'll see clearly.
I was thinking today about missed opportunities.
Sometimes you have to act.
I'm Jo Playton, and you're not alone.
FIND HER! Just because the whole world's gone crazy, it doesn't mean we can't have a little bit of fun.
Outside these walls is chaos.
Try and shoot Masen.
Maybe we'll have to accept triffids are the dominant species.
I'll get you a male triffid.
Mother Nature's finally taking her revenge and reclaiming the planet.
'Even when we could see.
' Billy! 'And we let them get too close.
' Bill! 'It had been 30 years since my mother was killed by a triffid.
'She was trying to understand them.
'I've been doing the same ever since.
'For me, it's always been personal.
'For the rest of the world, the triffids were simply a practical solution.
'They contained an oil that quickly replaced fossil fuels.
'Triffids became man's best friend.
'But they didn't see the consequences.
'And I couldn't get them to listen.
' I'm disconnecting this triffid.
Confirmed.
Triffid tether de-activated.
Dr Masen, you're clear to start your reaction test.
GURGLING Still trying to get something else out of the triffs, Dr Bill? Well, yes.
I suppose I am.
You really think they can hear? More like they can feel the sound waves.
The reaction time The triffids are getting faster with every new generation.
They seem to be evolving on their own.
Um, Lucy Yeah? Taser.
Oh, sorry.
Thank you.
'Breeding triffids for their oil came at a price.
'The oil companies were forced to lock them away and keep the world in the dark.
' Paper check.
Sure.
Can I see your papers? 'Some thought we shouldn't interfere with Mother Nature.
' 'Yet were ignorant to the danger that waited inside the refinery walls.
' 'Waiting for the chance to be free.
' PURRING We have an orchard security breach.
Received and understood.
Tether the triffid.
ALARM SOUNDS Do not enter the orchard without back-up.
Negative.
They'll never last that long.
I'm going in now.
All units to the orchard immediately.
Security needs urgent assistance.
Agh! Get back! Stay back, or she gets that again! So what goes on in here, then, uh? What are you hiding? Put her glasses back on and then we can talk.
Glasses? Please, put them on.
Please.
I don't think so.
Put mine on her.
GROWLING Please! You do it.
I know who you are! Dr Bill Masen.
I bet the triffids know exactly what you are.
You should listen to them, Doctor, huh? You might learn something, instead of stealing their oil, messing with their genes.
What's wrong? You lost your tongue, huh? You got an opinion, Doctor? Agh! Agh! Agh! Agh! Arrrgh! Agh.
Agh.
People need to know what's going on in here! Get him out of here! Look at the sky! Stay where you are, don't move.
Agh! Look at the sun! Look at it! Agh.
Open the door! Let me go! Get out of the way! Bill.
HE MOANS Oh, thank God.
I thought I'd lost you.
Must have been a young plant.
Venom sac's not fully developed yet.
You hold on in there, Dr Bill.
We'll be in London soon.
RADIO: They say it'll be the greatest light show ever.
Northern lights seen as far south as Hawaii, a veritable rainbow of comets.
But is it another result of the global cooling triffid scientists have been boasting about, or something else? With me is astrophysicist Edward Vorless.
Welcome, Professor.
So, tell me, do we have the triffids to thank for the fireworks, too? Oh, we can certainly thank the triffids, or at least their marvellous oil for saving us from global warming.
But the fireworks, no.
So, what is the cause? The sun.
Tonight we will see its true power.
It will unleash a solar storm.
An unbelievably vast explosion of gas and nuclear fire that will send billions of tons of irradiated plasma shooting towards the Earth.
And is there any risk to us? Any precautions we should take? Only if you are a satellite.
We humans will suffer no harm.
We should sit back and enjoy the fireworks.
Well, thank you, Professor.
So tonight we'll be covering this phenomenon from round the globe.
My bosses are even putting me on camera.
You know, you people should come clean how dangerous these plants are.
Tell me, why do triffids always go for the eyes? I don't know.
Well, you should find out.
Cos I'd say you have a 50-50 chance of losing your sight.
Or of keeping it.
'Hello, I'm Jo Playton,' coming to you from the heart of London.
And the sky really is quite spectacular.
It's like the aurora borealis, only a lot brighter We can see the bloody sky, Jo.
Talk to some people.
Get them on camera.
Three, two, one Then, we're going to go to Sydney.
Jim, you're up.
Jo, bring him in.
.
.
happening millions of miles away.
Later, I'll be talking to people here and getting their reactions.
But now, let's go over to Jim Watts in Sydney.
OK, Jim.
The sun is so bright, it's really hard to see the sky.
Jo, get yourself down the Tube.
Talk to some people who are ignoring this whole damn thing.
Make it entertaining, will you, love? All right, I'm trying.
I'll be back for you, Dr Bill.
How long will he be out for? At least 24 hours.
Shame he'll miss the light show.
Is everything OK? Yeah.
Looks like it's about to start.
'I've often dreamt about that night.
'About what it would have looked like.
'Some said it was glorious, 'as if the heavens ignited 'and God himself was conducting the show.
' It's started and it's unbelievable.
We never expected anything like this.
And we get reports that it's the same all over the world.
Pauline, what's happening here? Is this us or is it them? Come on, people, why are we losing these? And there's another one.
Can someone tell me what's going on? Paris has gone.
Moscow, Moscow's gone.
I don't know, I have no idea.
'12:03.
'That was the time, 'the hour and the minute when the world went dark.
'When the world changed.
'When the clock started ticking, 'counting down.
' MUFFLED SHOUTING Hello? Nurse! SHOUTING INCREASES Argh! Ah! Are you a doctor? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
But, no I need you to look at my eyes.
Yeah, but I'm not that kind of a doctor.
What's happened? What's going on? 'You have a 50-50 chance of losing your sight.
'You people should come clean how dangerous these plants are.
'50-50 chance of losing your sight 'You know, you people should come clean '50-50 chance of losing your sight 'A 50-50 chance 'At least 24 hours '50-50 chance 'Tell me, why do triffids only go for the eyes?' 'Could all passengers return to their seats immediately? 'Please fasten your seatbelt and assume the crash position.
' 'Could all passengers return to their seats immediately? 'Please fasten your seatbelts and assume the crash position.
' Billy! Yes! Ha-ha-ha! Somebody help! Help! Matthew? Matthew? Matthew, is that you? No.
No, it's not Matthew.
They did something to my eyes.
I need to find a doctor.
There aren't any.
I want to go home.
Listen, I'm going to go and find out what's happened and then I'll come back for you, OK? Oh, no.
No, please.
Please.
I will come back.
Please 'Would all staff adopt Code 17 procedure? 'Would all staff adopt Code 17 procedure?' Dr Kotch! Dr Kotch, it's Bill.
Bill Masen.
You operated on me yesterday.
On my eyes.
You can see? Yes, I can see.
You can see.
What's happening? What's happening? Everyone's blind, but not you! What? I don't understand.
What do you mean, everyone's blind? It must have been the sun, the solar storm.
Everyone staring at the sky.
You couldn't watch it, could you? I'll get help.
I'll get help.
Look, there must be someone who knows what's going on.
I'll get help! Let me go.
Listen to me.
Let me go! Listen to me! 'Would all staff adopt Code 17 procedure?' .
.
my sight.
I've lost it.
I've lost it.
'Attention, please.
'Due to a reported emergency, would all passengers leave the station immediately?' Simon? Si Oh! Simon! 'Attention, please.
'Due to a reported emergency, would all passengers leave the station immediately?' Hello? 'Attention, please.
' Help! 'Due to a reported emergency, would all passengers leave the station immediately?' Anyone here? Help! '.
.
all passengers' Let me help you.
It's mine! Yes.
Here it is.
Mum! Here we are.
Sorry.
Can you see? Yeah.
I can, but I don't understand.
What's happened? We can't see.
Nobody can.
Have you heard any news? The TV and radio went off.
But if there were more people like you What do you mean like me? Come home with us.
Please.
I'd like to, but Please.
Come and see for us.
Can she see? Can you, love? I have to get home myself.
I Come with me! Help me find food.
No, we were talking to her.
Help me first! Then you can go home, all right.
I know her voice.
Let go of me! She's on the radio.
I mean it! It's Jo Playton.
She's getting away! Jo? Where are you going? She's going.
Jo! Help me! Wait! Where's she gone? Oh, thank God.
Things were getting crazy there.
It's been a bit crazy everywhere.
What are you doing? You're drunk.
No.
You're blind! Not any more I'm not.
Get in the car! Officer! Excuse me, sir, I need I need help.
Go to the police station! What's she done? Under arrest.
GUNSHO No! No! No! Where is she? Please! Don't let him go! Hold that man! Please! Please! He's got my gun! Where is she? Where is she?! I didn't think there was anyone else.
Anyone to help.
You OK? Mm.
Thank you.
I'm Jo.
Bill.
Bill Masen.
Will you be all right? Mm.
Where are you going? Whitehall.
I have to find someone in authority who knows what's happening.
I mean, who knows how long the power's going to last? The power? Isn't that the least of our worries? The electricity on the farms could go down.
The farms? The triffid farms.
Help! Help! Help! Pick up the phone! Come on.
Hello? Who are you? What are you doing? Who are you?! Soon be free.
GROWLING Nothing.
No network.
Shit! Oh, God.
Is it just us? That's what we need to find out.
How come you missed the show? I was in hospital, for an eye operation.
DISTANT SHOUTS What is that? Can we get through? No.
This is a secure area! But we're sighted.
There are no sighted left.
You're what? Five-ten, ginger hair.
And you look just as scared as the rest of us.
Please let us in.
If I let you in, will you check if there's anyone else inside? Why aren't you letting us in? We need help.
Food.
Water.
Stay where you are.
Sergeant! Let us through! That's enough.
Now get back.
Why aren't you letting us in? Ah.
Stay where you are! Get back or my men will shoot! Now get back.
Get back from the gates.
I've got his gun! Get off! GUNSHO GUNFIRE That's government? Blind policemen shooting each other? I've got to get to my dad.
I've got to make sure he's OK.
Well, you must have family, right? Someone close? No.
I have to get going.
Where to? Back to where I work.
The world's falling apart and you have to check on some plants.
Triffids aren't just some plants.
SoI'll say goodbye and No.
No.
Don't! BODY HITS THE GROUND No.
Oh I need to get a car.
Why don't we go together? Please? Yeah.
Come on, Daddy.
This one.
Power can't have failed this soon.
It doesn't make sense.
What did this? Triffids.
I don't understand.
You're telling me that triffids can move? And do this to people? Yes.
Keep your eyes open and keep moving.
The orchard's been breached as well.
What is this place? It's where the male triffids are confined.
Or it should be.
Stay close.
What happened to him? Triffids are carnivores.
They eat people.
Did you know him? No.
No.
He's the idiot who let them out.
Oh, no.
Not Lucy.
She fought.
She was blind, but she fought.
I'm sorry.
Was she your, er? She was my friend.
You people knew.
You knew that they were dangerous and yet it never got out.
Triffid oil saved the world from global warming.
You think it would have made any difference if you had known? But if At least you have a generator.
Until the Triffoil runs out.
There's a sofa.
You should get some rest.
What are you going to do? I need to get my research before it's too late.
Bill, will you take me to my dad's? He lives near Windsor.
It's miles from the triffid farms.
Yeah.
'I spent my whole life working with triffids, trying to make sense of them.
'And now my obsession seemed more important than ever.
' GROWLING What's that sound? Triffid recordings.
They're communicating.
So what are they saying? That's what I've been trying to work out.
It's the basis of my research.
This device contains years of triffids' communications.
I've proved there's signs of evolving intelligence.
So far I've failed to work out what they're saying.
And now they're free.
Come on.
Let's get your dad.
How many farms are there? Across the world? Tens of thousands.
In England, 500.
Each one holds about 20,000 triffids.
Ten million meat-eating plants.
How do they reproduce? Same as other plants.
The males pollinate the females.
That's why it was essential that we controlled the males.
And now they're out.
Dad! Dad? Dad, it's me, Jo! Dad? Dad? Dad?! Dad! Jo! Dad! Dad! Jo, stop! Argh! Dad! Stop! GROWLING Dad! Dad! Dad! Stop! Stop! Dad! Jo! No! Don't! Don't.
Do something! There's nothing we can do.
He's dead! We have to get out of here.
They're everywhere, Jo! No, he can't be dead.
You bastard! He's my dad! Give it to me.
GUNSHOTS SCREECHING Oh! SHE SOBS Oh, I shouldn't have left you.
I shouldn't have left you GROWLING INTENSIFIES Jo.
Jo, we have to get out of here.
Come on.
If we stay here, they'll kill us, too.
Come on.
They're all around us.
Jo, we have to go.
Bill, stop the car.
'That's when we knew that our day was over 'and the day of the triffids had begun.
' We need to warn people.
Bill, go over there.
This is an emergency broadcast from the BBC in London.
Most of the people in the United Kingdom, and we believe the world, have been struck blind.
There is no government.
But there is a bigger threat to us at this time.
With me is triffid expert, Dr Bill Masen.
Dr Masen, what do people need to know about the triffids? They're extremely dangerous.
And how are they dangerous? What do they do? Well, triffids are large, carnivorous plants that can move independently.
But because of the blinding, they've escaped and so they're no longer being fed on the farm.
They've started They've started to, um We know that they have started to attack and eat people.
They have a fatal sting capable of reaching up to 15ft.
And they make a distinctive rustling tick-tocking kind of noise.
So if you hear or see one, you must keep your distance.
Where do you think that the triffids are heading? They'll gravitate towards the cities, to where the most abundant source of food is .
.
us.
So, if you are sighted, then arm yourselves and do what you can to protect those around you, especially the blind, and .
.
tell anyone that you can.
My parents were botanists and they researched the triffids in Zaire.
I was six, so I was with them.
It was my father that saw, with, um .
.
some genetic modification, the tremendous opportunity for oil production.
So he brought them back? All of this is his fault.
Hm.
Well, no.
He provided us with a cheap, endlessly replaceable, pollution-free source of fuel that solved the energy crisis.
He saved the world.
Hm.
My mother felt differently.
Where are they now? Well, I haven't seen my father for years.
We don't get on.
And my mother she died in Zaire .
.
of a triffid sting.
Billy! DISTANT CRIES, SHOUTS AND EXPLOSIONS This really is it, isn't it? I'm afraid so.
To the future.
No.
To the past.
It was beautiful and we didn't take care of it.
Hello? Who are you? I'm from MI5.
I'd like to see the Prime Minister.
This is where he lives, isn't it? You'll need to make an appointment.
Of course.
Hilda.
Who are you? I'm Torrence.
I'll just have a look round.
But you can't Excuse me.
Excuse me! SOBBING You OK? Yeah.
Yeah.
I'm brilliant.
I'll be next door.
You know what? If it's all the same, would you stay in here? Morning, Hilda.
You can't stay here.
Well the PM's not coming back, I take it.
Out running the country? He's gone.
They all have.
Well, then there's just you and me.
There must be others.
There's an emergency broadcast on the radio.
Well, play it for me, Hilda.
'With me is triffid expert, Dr Bill Masen.
'Dr Masen, what do people need to know about the triffids? 'They're extremely dangerous.
'And how are they dangerous? 'What do they do? Well, triffids are large, carnivorous plants that can move independently.
'But because of the blinding they' Haven't got anything to eat, have you? A sandwich? I'll make it.
Then we can go for a little drive.
Hm? Jo.
Jo, wake up.
Just saw two flares coming from the city.
A signal? Yeah.
This means there's other people.
People like us.
People who can see.
Triffids.
Yeah, they're moving faster than I thought.
They're only a couple of miles from the city.
Bill, who is that? Hello.
Hi.
I'm Torrence.
Heard on the radio there's a bit of panic developing about triffids.
Judging from the mess here, I think they're right.
Help yourself to guns.
We could do with some weapons.
I'm Jo.
Are you on your own? Why do you ask? We're going to the city.
We believe there's a sighted group there.
Tell you what, why don't you come and join my group? Who's in it? Me.
I think we're fine on our own.
OK.
See you down the road.
Torrence? Yeah? How come you can see? Luck.
I'm a naval engineer.
Military submarines.
Got caught doing a routine maintenance when all that went up.
People I was with Well Enjoy the weather.
Jo Enchante.
Seatbelt on, please, Hilda.
Is this justice? To leave the rest of your fellow citizens in the dark? Do you think you're special? These people aren't good enough? Where's your British sense of fair play? Look at them! Are we supposed to just stand by and let them die? We have to help.
I've done everything I can to keep these people fed and safe.
But I can't do it on my own! Everyone who can see can easily look after those who can't.
One day they'll find a cure and these people will find out who helped and who looked away.
These people have every right to live, the same as you! That's enough.
You and your friends must move along.
We're not going anywhere.
Come on, guys.
Release her.
My men will shoot.
Shoot the blind? You wouldn't dare.
Over their heads, one round.
Leave or the next ones will hit.
Don't you have any compassion? You don't deserve to have your sight.
None of you do.
It's not over.
What should we do? I need to know if these people can help.
Go ahead.
Crawl in there with the rest of the cowards.
There are 30 of us so far, all sighted and another ten highly-skilled, blind.
We expect more will come.
And we have our own generator.
Who are you? Michele Beadley.
I work for the Home Office.
So there is still a government? No.
Just us.
If you want to join us, you'll have to pull your weight.
Do what, exactly? To forage for essential supplies.
The colonel has lists of what we need.
And what plans have you made to defend yourselves against the triffids? I'm more concerned about our nuclear power stations, Mr Masen.
It's Dr Masen, and nuclear power stations can't move, triffids can.
The triffids will stay on the farms.
They won't and they're not.
Excuse me? I've read the official research.
In the event That research was commissioned by the Triffoil companies.
Triffids need food, meat.
If it's not there, they'll go and get it.
And the biggest available source of food is us.
They're large, slow, easy to avoid.
Not if you're blind.
Triffids have been modified to die within three years and the male plants are under strict control on the farms.
Kingston Farm was sabotaged and the male plants have escaped.
And when they start to pollinate the females it will be catastrophic.
Which will take what, months, weeks? It could be days.
Well, whatever emergency plans there were, they clearly can't be implemented.
Therefore our priorities remain as food, fuel, weapons and accommodation.
And what about the triffids? Well, you're the expert.
What would you do? Don't worry.
I promised to look after you and I will, one way or another.
Yeah.
I'm Torrence.
I'm Steve.
Hi.
Cory.
Hi.
You better meet Major Coker.
Major Coker.
I'm Torrence.
Torrence, hey.
I was driving.
I saw you.
Need any help? You bet.
The blind won't survive on their own.
So we're planning to round up all the sighted we can, if they want to help or not.
Have you seen Dr Masen? No.
Let's come to order.
OK, let's begin.
We face what happened to Britain when the Romans left, 1600 years ago.
Everything will crumble - roads, railways, hospitals.
This is our proposal.
We find somewhere in the country and then we start to rebuild.
Have you had news from other countries? Is there any help on its way? We think what happened here happened everywhere.
We're not expecting any help from outside.
And what about the blind? I'm afraid we have no plans for them.
What? We have no alternative.
We are too few, they are too many.
We can't look after them.
We can't feed them.
I see no way to save them.
And no point in dying with them.
It's wrong.
It's so wrong.
Bill? You're leaving? Where are you going? To my father's place in Shirning.
I've got to work out how to deal with them.
Well, you'd better go then.
Look, it's not my first choice it's my only choice.
You know, I'm clutching at straws.
He may not even have survived.
I don't know.
His original research, it might help.
But we're running out of time.
I'm coming with you.
Jo.
Jo you might not agree with Beadley, but you'll have a much better chance of survival if you stay with her.
She's wrong.
What they're doing is ruthless.
Jo, you need people.
I don't need these people.
You'll be safer with her.
Jo we were an accident.
Oh We met by accident butwe stayed together on purpose, didn't we? TASER BUZZES I'll get the gate! Remember, tear gas and smoke grenades only! I don't want to hurt them! Go! Go! Go! Tear gas! Get off! Jo.
Get off me! Bill! Agh! Get off me! Get off me! Bill! Torrence! Get him out of here! Bill! Take him out! Take him out! Bill.
Yeah, turn around.
Yeah, look at me.
Look at me.
Look at me.
Can you stand? Yeah.
Attention, all sighted.
Each of you will be handcuffed to a blind citizen.
It is now your job to keep them alive.
I'm Jeff.
Sorry about all this.
Don't be.
It's not your fault.
I used to be a mechanic.
Weren't a bad old life as long it lasted.
Well, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
Why, because you can still see? Rather you than me, mate.
Sorry about the strong-arm tactics, but you weren't going to help us.
Coker, what's going on? You've been split into groups.
The sighted will take care of the blind.
Make sure they have food and shelter.
We're going to divide London into sections.
And what do you plan to do in these sections? I mean, about the triffids? The triffids aren't our priority.
Yeah, well, they should be.
We've seen what they can do and so has he.
What matters now is organization.
What's your role in all of this? My role? I thought you said you were on your own.
Then I met Major Coker.
His plan to take over London interests me.
Sorry, Jo.
All right.
Guides will take you to your sections.
Let's load up, guys.
Look after Hilda for me, Joe! We got to load the trucks.
Double time, everybody.
Torrence, come on, help out.
Guides will lead you to your sections.
Let's load up.
Here we go.
I'll get moving when I'm good and ready.
Get in the truck.
Here we go.
'Coker sent sighted and blind to forage for food and water.
'His heart was in the right place, but he was ignoring the threat of 'the encroaching triffids, delaying me from getting to Shirning 'and the solution I was hoping to find there.
' Everybody out! Move it, people! Come on! You and you, you're coming with me.
Let's do it.
Where are we going? We're going in! In the door! All right! All right! Come on! I'm going! I'm going! Anybody in? What's that? Who's here? Nice and easy.
Watch your backs.
Wouldn't want to see you get hurt.
Don't shoot! Come on.
Come on.
Come on.
Son of a Put that down! You stupid idiot! No! All right.
There's no food here! We're taking over your pub, psycho.
What's your name? Vronsky.
You got to pay.
We don't got to do nothing.
What you doing, you prat? RUSTLING That's disturbing.
What is it? It's triffid recordings.
Something I've been working on.
Discover anything interesting? Maybe.
As long as it isn't attracting them to us.
I thought Major Coker said they weren't important? Major Coker wants to talk to you, Jo.
Me? Why? Read your name off the list.
Realised you were behind the emergency broadcast.
He'd like you to do another.
It seems you're the famous Jo Playton.
I always thought there was something special about you.
No, I just work on the radio, that's all.
Well, that's the thing.
See, Major Coker was in the US Air Force.
Appreciates the, er the importance of clear communication.
Good for Major Croker, but tell him I'm fine where I am.
Look, Jo, people know your voice.
We think we can get a transmitter going and you can talk to the people.
You can reassure the afflicted, just like you're doing with Hilda.
Yeah, well, thanks for the offer, but like I said, I'm fine where I am.
You heard what she said, Torrence.
OK.
Major Coker's going to be very disappointed.
Seems you prefer hanging out with Dr Masen than saving your country.
Charlieright here, buddy.
Jackpot.
Everybody out.
How'd you know about this place? Charlie led us here.
I worked here half my life before the blinding.
Night watchman.
Not much of a night watchman now.
All right, Osman.
Rope up.
Coker Coker.
Will you shut up about the triffids and help? Charlie, you're the watchman.
Stay here and watch.
Three groups.
Osman, Cheryl, Vronsky, get water.
Jo, Hilda, canned goods.
Bill, medical supplies.
Got it? What d'you think? Keep your eyes open.
That supposed to be funny? Hey, Torrence, come in.
It's Coker.
Reading you, Major.
We need you to come to the warehouse and give us back-up.
This place is full of supplies.
Understood.
We're going to need a bigger car.
So what was it like being a star? Shut up, Hilda.
Vronsky, come on.
Make it quick.
Oh, yeah Coker? Coker? Stay here.
What's this? Jeez Agh.
What's that smell? Rotting meat.
Would someone tell me what's happ? Be quiet! Triffids.
SHE SCREAMS Where are you going? To get Jo.
SHE SCREAMS Charlie? Charlie, are you there? Charlie! Come on! Argh! Osman?! Anyone?! My arm! Help! No! No! No! Right here! SCREAMING No! No! Agh! No! SCREAMING No! No! Agh! SCREAMING Get back! Agh! Come on! Come on, let's go! My leg! Ow! I think it's broken.
Ow! Please! Shut up.
Don't leave me! Osman? Osman? Osman! Don't leave me! Osman! Come on, faster! Faster! Faster! SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE Agh! My leg! They just left me.
Come on, help! Come on! She's gone.
Jo, she's gone.
Come on! Ow! Get her in the van! Is this what you wanted? Is it? Is this what you wanted?! I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I should have listened.
You've got to get to Shirning, with or without me.
Hey! Your man Osman is a coward.
And I want Bill Masen on our team.
You get him whatever he needs to deal with the triffids.
Of course, mate.
Excellent idea.
Leave it to me.
Come on.
OK, kids We're leaving.
Jo, you OK? I'm all right.
But if it wasn't for Bill, I wouldn't even be here now.
Yes, he's quite the hero, isn't he? And he's our only hope against the triffids.
Er, you wanted to see me? I did.
About the radio broadcast for Major Coker.
I changed my mind.
And if there's anything I can do to help, I'd like to do it before Bill and I leave for his father's.
Well! Um He will be delighted.
What would be fantastic is if you could record something right now.
Right now? Yeah.
OK.
Excellent.
After you.
Hi, Jeff.
What are you doing? I'm leaving.
Does Coker know? I'm going to see him now.
Ah.
'Hello.
This is Radio Britain and I'm Jo Playton coming to you live from London.
' Please listen carefully to the following announcement.
Triffids are now known to have reached major cities across the country.
As you know, these plants can and will kill humans.
Therefore, Major Coker has asked that every citizen, both sighted and unsighted, help to fight them.
Will all volunteers please register with Army personnel who will make themselves known to you in your area.
'This is Jo Playton, coming to you live from London.
'Major Coker has asked that every citizen, 'both sighted and unsighted, help to fight them.
'This is Jo Payton, coming to you live from London.
'Major Coker has asked 'that every citizen, both sighted and unsighted, help to fight them.
'Will all volunteers please register with Army personnel 'who will make themselves known to you in your area.
' Come on! Masen, you're under arrest! Orders from the boss.
No, he's not.
Oh, shut up.
Agh! All yours, boys.
Let me go! 'Would all volunteers register with Army personnel' who will be making themselves known to you in your area.
I repeat, this is Jo Playton coming to you live from London.
Can you come with me, miss? Er Yeah, sure.
Masen.
Masen! Masen! Oh! Masen? It's Coker.
Coker? Yeah.
What happened? You got shot.
Where are we? Being taken up to the Heath.
Why are we going to the Heath? Orders from Torrence.
It's all Torrence.
He's running the whole show now.
Where's Jo? Torrence has her, too.
Wow.
Is this yours? This is yours.
To say thank you.
Oh, well, thank you, but there's no need.
I'm only trying to help.
You know, I'm tired.
I I think I'm going to go back and join the others.
Thing isyou may not want to just at the moment.
What's going on, Torrence? Something's happened.
OK, Major Coker needed Bill to help out on another triffid attack.
And he saved the lives of many blind people.
I'm sorry.
He's dead, Jo.
They found these things amongst his stuff.
I want to see him.
No, you don't.
I mean It was a vicious attack.
Major Coker says he's very sorry.
SHE SOBS OK, let's TRIFFIDS RUSTLE Go on then, chuck them out.
Do it.
OPERA MUSIC PLAYS Come on, help me! Come on! Get out now! Now! Now! Come on! Agh! A-A-A-AGH! HE SCREAMS Come on.
Give me the keys.
Give me the damn keys.
Now move in front of me.
Get in front of me.
Do it.
Is Bill Masen alive? Is he? When you're better, you'll see clearly.
I was thinking today about missed opportunities.
Sometimes you have to act.
I'm Jo Playton, and you're not alone.
FIND HER! Just because the whole world's gone crazy, it doesn't mean we can't have a little bit of fun.
Outside these walls is chaos.
Try and shoot Masen.
Maybe we'll have to accept triffids are the dominant species.
I'll get you a male triffid.
Mother Nature's finally taking her revenge and reclaiming the planet.