Time After Time (2017) s01e01 Episode Script
Pilot
1 [Horse whinnies.]
[Bell tolling.]
Woman: Evening, gents.
Man: Good evening.
John: Hello, there.
Good evening.
Well, it is now.
What can I do for you, mister? If I could trouble you for a moment of your time.
Woman: You a doctor? I am.
And do you like it? Has its moments.
Do you like what you do? Has its moments.
[Grunting.]
[Blade shrinks.]
H.
G.
: Well, socialism tends to do that.
But it the path man must inevitably tread, or we are all doomed.
It is the only path to utopia.
You have too much time on your hands, Wells.
Perhaps you should think about dating again.
You can't stay divorced forever.
That's what I've been telling him.
I consider myself single, not divorced, if you must brand me.
And, yes, I can stay single forever.
I find it far more desirable than the suffocating effects of marriage.
You see, that is precisely what love is supposed to do suffocate.
If you read a poem now and then instead of science books, you'd know that.
Poetically speaking, I believe the exact opposite.
To love is to exhale fully, knowing that even if it were your last breath, you're complete because you had found the very reason for your existence.
I knew you were a romantic! [Laughter.]
Dr.
Stevenson.
- Mrs.
Nelsen.
- Good evening.
- May I take your coat? - Thank you.
John! You're here.
I had you almost written off.
A doctor's hours are not his own, I'm afraid.
- Good evening, gents.
- John! Right.
Now that we're all here, let's get on with it.
By now you all know my obsession with time travel.
Oh, yes, how is your novel coming? Have you finished it yet? You could say I'm in the research phase.
And how does one research time travel? He constructs a time machine and travels through time.
So, your book is nonfiction.
[Laughs.]
So, where is this time machine? [Door opens.]
- See here.
- Oh, please.
All right.
Good lord, Wells! You actually built the bloody thing.
How much have you spent on it? How is this thing supposed to work? You set the time and date with the dials on the board.
The solar cylinders yield enough energy to compress the machine into subatomic particles, resulting in the thermodynamic suspension of molecular activity, which allows it to journey across the fourth dimension from one time sphere to the other.
I'm genuinely concerned for your sanity.
You've taken this too far.
And once you leave, can you come back? We don't want him back.
H.
G.
: The safety lock automatically returns the machine to its starting date, unless you have this key to countermand the device.
Have you taken it for a test-run? I'm doing some final tests now.
I think that's enough.
[Chuckles.]
- More drinks.
- No, this is getting [Indistinct conversations.]
He's lost his mind.
[Door closes.]
So, where to the past or the future? Well, the future, or course, away from all you cynics.
In five generations, utopia will have come to pass.
- And that's where I belong.
- Ah, yes, your utopia.
[Chuckles.]
Where mankind lives in peace with no war, no crime, no disease or famine.
It's inevitable.
Science and technology will advance beyond all imagination, forcing society to perfect itself.
You're a surgeon, John.
Think of what the future holds for medicine.
Think of the cures.
Health and happiness will be the daily course.
Mankind will finally know true equality.
Mankind hasn't changed in 200 years.
We're animals.
We hunt.
We're hunted.
That's the way it has been and always will be.
The future will prove you wrong.
Very well.
Let's go, right now.
Let's take it for a whirl.
Well, I-I still have a few tests that I need to conduct.
- Scared to try it out? - Hardly.
[Chuckles.]
H.
G.
, I've known you for years.
You have all these brilliant ideas - that only find life on the page.
- I'm a writer, John.
I fail to see how that makes me a coward.
All you do is write! It's the only release your fear grants you.
You write about life without actually living it.
In your opinion.
Imagine who you could be if you didn't live in fear.
Or more importantly, imagine the stories you could write if your life were full of adventure.
You might finally get that novel published.
Mrs.
Nelsen: Excuse me, Mr.
Wells? Scotland Yard is at the door.
What is going on? The Ripper has struck.
A woman was found in an alley near here.
We're conducting a house-to-house search.
- Absolutely.
Wh-whatever you need.
- Pardon me, sir.
- I apologize, my friends.
- It's getting I think we best be off.
My men will see them home safely.
Where is Dr.
Stevenson? He left his bag.
H.
G.
: No, he was just here.
- Allow me.
- Excuse me! That's the personal property of a prestigious surgeon! I believe surgeons use scalpels, not butchers' knives.
Where is the doctor? - I last saw him in the basement.
- It's empty.
- There's nobody down there.
- Well, he couldn't of gone far.
Quickly, comb the streets! [Door closes.]
[Rumbling.]
[Electricity crackles.]
Man: This time machine was unearthed 15 years ago in the basement in H.
G.
Wells' London flat.
It was restored, and is on loan from Anders Enterprises.
It's believed to have served as inspiration for Wells' first novel, "The Time Machine.
" Woman: Somebody's getting out.
Look.
[Crowd murmuring.]
[Gasps.]
Hey! Sit here.
Don't move.
[Door opens.]
- I'm in America.
- [Door closes.]
Hey, Willy.
- Good afternoon.
- Loving this this whole look.
Can you check online to see if any of this has gotten out? Please, sit.
Oh! So, really, who are you? Well, it's rather complicated.
Perhaps it's best I speak to someone in charge.
Jane Walker, assistant curator.
Assistant.
Is the actual curator in? May I speak with him? It's a she, too, but keep digging your grave.
Of course! Things have changed a great deal since 1893! I can no longer make social and cultural assumptions.
My apologies.
- May I keep this? - Okay, so, really, who are you? It's apparent, isn't it? It's some publicity stunt yeah.
What is it, some stage play about H.
G.
Wells in the Village somewhere? Is it opening night tonight? I beg your pardon? How did you get past the sensors and inside the actual exhibit? I'm certain you won't believe the answer to that question.
I think you want to get arrested.
You get arrested, make some news, you got free press for whatever the little avant-garde production you're involved with.
Oh, I can assure you, I am not an actor.
Right! You are H.
G.
Wells.
Yes.
- You wrote "The Time Machine.
" - Well, no, not yet, I haven't.
But apparently I'm published, which is incredibly exciting to learn.
Look, I can appreciate this on some level, but no.
You will not be getting arrested today.
There will be no free press, despite the fact I like you better than the other guy.
- What other guy? - Your friend? Popped out of the time machine with the same period getup.
Wasn't nearly as polite, by the way.
This other gentleman, where is he? So, a few tourists posted pics on Twitter on Instagram, but so far, no news outlets have picked it up.
Great.
Mr.
Wells, this is where we say goodbye.
Please, the other man? He hasn't broken character once.
It's pretty amazing.
Please, I must find him.
No one here is a amused by your fake accent and costume.
If I catch you within spitting distance of this museum, you will prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
- Do you understand? - It is urgent that I find this man.
Willy, will you please escort this man out? No.
No, please.
I beg of you.
Willy: Come on, let's go.
- Please, I must find this man! - This way.
Come on.
[Door opens.]
Eh, the other one was hotter.
- I like this one.
- [Door closes.]
He's cute.
He really does look like him.
Please, the gentleman who was here earlier - When was it? What time? - About an hour ago.
Did he say anything? Where he might be going? Said he wanted to explore the city, see the sights, asked about a hotel, so I sent him to the Renaissance in Times Square.
Renaissance in Times Square.
Brilliant.
Where is that? Out these doors, turn right, walk uptown 50 blocks.
You can't miss it.
Thank you.
And may I remark how happy I am to see that race relations have improved since 1893.
- Uh-huh.
- I knew that one day, the color of a man's skin would dissipate and we would all live side by side as brothers.
Oh, yeah, we're all one big happy family.
[Horn blares.]
What are you, in "Les Mis"? I don't think so.
Patek Philippe.
Yellow gold.
This is a real collector's item.
I can give you $12,000.
It belonged to my father.
I'll accept nothing less than $20,000.
$15,000 cash.
We skip the paperwork.
Deal.
I'll need a credit card and an I.
D.
I have a tragic predicament.
I'm in town for a show, you see, and I've lost my luggage and identification papers.
All I have is this ridiculous costume.
Oh, that's just horrible.
Did the airlines lose your bags? It appears so, yes.
I have money, but that's all, I'm afraid.
Let me speak to my supervisor.
We can usually work something out.
Did you lose your luggage, too? You you saw him? Where is he? He wanted to do some shopping, so we sent him over to 5th Avenue.
5th Avenue? Right, and where is that? You'll never find him.
Why don't you wait for him at the hotel bar? He shouldn't be long.
I'll send him over as soon as he arrives.
Thank you.
It's wet! Look, there's water all over the floor.
It's literally soaking wet.
Why? The tour guide said it was like this.
He couldn't explain it, either.
Ms.
Walker? Doug Lawson, head of security for Anders Enterprises.
I understand there was a breach in the Wells Exhibit today? Not exactly a breach, no.
Then what was it? Ms.
Walker, this is Vanessa Anders.
Yes, of course.
Ms.
Anders, it is such an honor and a pleasure to meet you.
We were informed that there were two men caught inside the time machine.
It was a slight breach.
But I can assure you, the exhibit was not harmed in any way.
Can we see the police report? We chose not to involve the police.
It was a minor incident, and the last thing we wanted was to call attention to it.
Did you get their information? Where can we find them? I don't have that.
I realize how this looks.
But in my defense, most infractions are harmless.
And it's not our policy to arrest guests at the museum.
As owner of this exhibit, I find that answer unacceptable.
You need to find these men, Ms.
Walker, or I'll see to it that Anders Enterprises files charges against you and the museum.
Do you understand? Reporter: 12 dead in latest school shooting Woman: We need to build a wall - The suicide bomber - A mass execution.
Trump: This is weapons that are so destructive that the world could end.
Reporter #2: Attacks killed 14 ISIS fighter Woman: ISIS is the worst of the worst.
Reporter #3: His next target will probably be - Too many nuclear weapons - Anarchists John: Well, bless my soul.
Literally the last person on Earth I expected to see.
Man: Something to drink, sir? Whiskey, neat, and another of whatever he's drinking.
So? What do you think? I know I look absolutely dashing.
I must applaud you.
I never thought your little device would actually work.
How did you find me? - The details aren't important.
- Yeah, I suppose not.
I wasn't sure the machine would return to you.
Then I realized I didn't have the key.
To you, the Columbus of a new age.
Mm.
Tell me, how did you muster the courage to phone me.
I'm not here to engage in idle banter, John.
- We must be off.
- Oh.
- And where are we going? - To the time machine.
I'm obliged to take you back to Scotland Yard to face the consequences of your actions.
So Victorian.
You'll take me back? And how do you propose to do that, by force? Be reasonable, John.
You must pay for what you've done.
You can't stay here.
We don't belong here.
There it is, H.
G.
There's your utopia.
Nothing but violence and bloodshed.
Not quite what you envisioned.
"We don't belong here"? On the contrary I belong here completely.
In our time, I was a freak.
Today, I'm an amateur.
Stop it, John, this instant.
You know you can walk into a shop here and purchase a rifle or a revolver, and it's perfectly legal? These people encourage it.
[Laughs.]
No, I'm not going anywhere.
I've yet to begin in this age.
It's you who should run along back to your timid life.
Of course, I'll be needing the key.
Well, I can't have you chasing after me across centuries.
Who knows where I might want to venture to next? Well, I don't have it with me.
[Laughs.]
Herbert George, come on.
I've played countless games of chess with you, and the one thing you cannot do is bluff.
I want that key.
Now, what you feel is a four-inch steel curved blade with a reverse grip.
Rather expensive at $69.
95, but I'm certain I'll get my money's worth.
What are you doing? Everyone can see.
And no one cares! Isn't it glorious? Give me the key, or I'll slice into your femoral artery.
You'll topple to the floor and bleed out, and I will disappear before anyone blinks twice.
[Glass shatters.]
Hey! [Tires squeal.]
Man: Are you all right, man? Right in front of my cab.
Step away, sir.
Ambulance is on the way.
Don't move.
How ya doin'? How's your head? It hurts.
Um, may I ask, where am I? Manhattan General.
You're lucky you just suffered a slight concussion is all.
I'll let the doctor know you're awake, and you have a friend on the way.
A friend? What friend? No wallet, no I.
D.
All I had was a business card to call.
- Ms.
Walker! - Hi.
Um, are you okay? The hospital called, and I tried to explain that we just met.
- What happened? - A big yellow motorcar ran me down.
You were hit by a taxi? What is that? That is a key that I thought I'd lost.
Ooh.
[Winces.]
Here, let me help you.
Thank you.
Please level with me.
I'm in a lot of trouble.
The time machine exhibit is my responsibility, and I don't wanna lose my job.
Who are you? Very well.
- My name is Sigmund - Don't say "Freud.
" Kemp.
Uh, and you were correct.
I I am an actor.
[Chuckles.]
And I am playing H.
G.
Wells in a small production about his life.
I am sorry about what happened at the museum earlier.
So, you're an actor, you're from London, and this is all just a big prank? Yes.
- Anything else? - No.
We're good.
Well, thanks for blowing up my day.
It's been most stressful and inconvenient, but I hope you feel better.
Again, my sincerest apologies.
Thank you.
And break a leg.
It's all a stunt, like I said.
Call that creepy guy from Anders Enterprises and tell him it's much ado about nothing.
No, the second one cute one.
[Laughs.]
Okay, I'm going home.
Call me if something explodes.
Can you just wait here one second? Hey.
Are you okay? Oh.
Just a little light-headed is all.
- Oh! - Where are you going? Did the hospital release you? I really must find my friend.
I really think you should rest.
Do you have anywhere to go? I-I-I'm fine, thank you.
Okay, here.
Let me help you.
Come on.
Oh, no, I'm not getting into that.
Oh, no, you'll be fine.
You'll be fine.
Come on.
Yes, Herbert George Wells.
He was struck by a Can you hear me? Hello? Yes.
Yes, he was struck by a motor vehicle in Times Square.
No, this is the third hospital I've called.
Yes, I'll hold.
[Door closes.]
Easy.
- Oh, this is lovely! - Thank you.
So, do you live alone? Maybe.
Oh no, you're perfectly safe with me, Ms.
Walker, I promise.
Okay, well, you can freshen up and rest some, but then you have to leave because my stray-puppy-dog syndrome only goes so far.
Are you hungry? Oh, yes, thank you.
So, how does one become a museum curator? When one has to pay the rent.
I majored in art history because I absolutely loved it, but I really didn't think it through in terms of careers.
It's not forever.
I hope you like Chinese.
So, I take it that you're single.
Yes.
Um, this is from last night.
What about you? I'm divorced.
Do men and women even fancy marriage today? You mean in America? Yes, we fancy marriage, particularly my mother.
She wants grandkids yesterday, but she doesn't understand that the benchmark for that stuff has changed.
I'm still in my first career.
I can have kids when I'm 50.
So, you prefer being single.
Yeah.
Not always.
But apparently, I'm too mediocre to date.
Excuse me? One of the joys of online dating.
You'd be surprised what guys say when they don't have to say it to your face.
A man said that to you? Well, what he said exactly was that I was "curiously unspecial and intriguingly mediocre.
" That's appalling! He was a wanna-be songwriter who talked in bad lyrics.
Any man who says that to a lady is no gentleman.
Which is why I quit Tinder.
But, I mean, it does have some truth to it.
I moved to New York to have this crazy, exciting life.
And that hasn't materialized yet, so, yeah you could say my life is pretty unspecial at the moment.
You haven't eaten.
- Would you like something to drink? - Oh.
- Let's get you something to drink.
- Thank you.
Is the music always this loud? Yeah.
You wanna dance? I can think of a few things I'd like to do.
Jane: I found some clothes from my ex.
It ended quickly, and he never came back for his stuff.
You can shower and freshen up in here.
Hot water takes a minute.
Razor, deodorant, and toothbrush.
Thank you.
Enjoy your shower.
[Sniffs.]
[Buzzes.]
[Buzzing.]
H.
G.
: Aah! - Oh! What - Oh! uh, what what happened? I was attempting to use your razor, but it's more complicated than it looked.
Well, it's old.
It's from my ex-boyfriend.
Here, let me help you.
Why is he your ex-boyfriend? He wasn't the one.
Truth is, I'm the problem.
I'm a bad picker.
I always end up with the wrong guy.
And why is that? Because I don't trust anyone, ever.
And then I realize I don't trust anyone, so I try to.
And then, I end up trusting the wrong one.
It never fails.
Are all women today as self-aware as you? No, I'm the only one.
They gave me an award and everything.
I find you fascinating, Ms.
Walker.
I should let you finish.
[Door closes.]
These trousers are ill-fitting.
Nah, you're good, you're good.
Yep.
Okay, you can stay the night.
No, I really must find my friend.
How far is the Renaissance Hotel? It's too far to walk.
You really should rest up.
Let your body heal.
You can find him tomorrow.
I'll be off first thing in the morning.
I must say, this reprieve really has been my salvation.
And I thank you for your kindness, Ms.
Walker.
It's a Christmas gift from my dad.
I'm from Texas.
Sleep tight.
[Grunts.]
[Siren wailing in distance.]
[Television turns on.]
Aah! Oh.
Oh, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
Get your both hands up Sing it with me now Reporter: In international news Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't Yeah, buddy Want some coffee? Uh, no, thank you.
What are your plans for today? I must find my friend.
The museum's closed, so I have the day off if you need any help.
How do you feel? - Much better, thank you.
- Good.
How do I get to the Renaissance Hotel? Are you sure he's even there? Have you tried calling him? Here use my phone.
Okay, I got it.
Sorry.
Renaissance Hotel in Times Square.
What's his name? John Stevenson Dr.
John Stevenson.
A guest, please Dr.
John Stevenson? They're working with Utopia - Utopia? - Thank you.
He checked out last night.
The victim was last seen at the popular night club Utopia.
She was found nearby stabbed several times.
Bizarrely, a set of keys was found in her mouth.
The murder appears to have been random, though the victim's purse was found He killed! Coward! Who killed? John, the man I'm looking for Dr.
John Stevenson.
He's killed many women in London, and now he's in New York.
I have to find him.
Uh, maybe you should call the police.
And tell them what? That the Ripper has escaped 1893 in my time machine and travelled to New York City? They'll think I'm mad.
- Do you mean Jack the Ripper? - Yes.
And now he's killed again.
Utopia is a reference to me.
The keys in her mouth That's a message to me.
He wants the key this key.
Jack the Ripper lived over 100 years ago.
I lied.
I'm not an actor.
Just, please, look at this key.
Surely as a museum curator, - you can see that this is a relic.
- That doesn't prove anything.
You asked me how I was able to get into the machine.
- Yes! - Because it was in my basement in 12 Mornington Lane in London, where I live.
- In 1893? - Yes.
You seem so sane in so many ways.
Please, I need your help.
If I don't stop him, he will keep killing.
If you know who killed that woman, then you need to go to the police! They won't believe me.
You don't.
Jane.
What if I can prove to you that I'm telling the truth? Then we can both go to the police together.
Grant me access to the time machine.
I'll prove it to you.
Watch your step.
You know, I could get in a lot of trouble for this.
I didn't anticipate passengers.
Sorry.
Um Right.
Now, I say we do a short trip.
Say, three days from now.
It's over 123 years old with no power source.
But, hey, I can sit here all day.
[Electricity crackles.]
We're still here.
Yes.
But it is three days later.
This exhibit doesn't open for three days.
That would be today.
How is this possible? I'll give you a moment to process.
Is this really happening? Are you really H.
G.
Wells? Flesh and blood.
I must seem so different to you, so inappropriate.
You're from Victorian England.
I ate with my hands.
What is it like to be here in this time? I'm dazzled, astonished.
I'm also profoundly disappointed.
I envisioned a society that was entirely different.
Yeah, I-I think we all did.
It's not without its beauty, though.
I must take issue with something that you said earlier.
There is absolutely nothing mediocre about you.
I find you, Jane Walker, particularly special.
You okay? Yes.
I'm just breathing.
So, you haven't written "The Time Machine" yet.
Started it, several times.
I haven't quite figured it out yet.
What about the others? "The Island of Dr.
Moreau," "The Invisible Man," "The War of the Worlds"? I write for the London Gazette.
Trust me, you write a lot of books.
It's nice to know I'm inspired.
I can't believe this is real.
What's wrong? - So, I die three days from now.
- I will fix this.
- I promise.
- How? We can't go to the police.
They'll never believe us.
The paper said that you were the third victim.
Who's the second victim? There was the woman at Utopia, but we're missing a victim.
Uh, second victim.
"Kerry Ann Riley was found on the roof of the Palace nightclub.
"Security footage puts her inside the club with an unidentified man "at 11:30 three nights ago.
" Three nights ago that's tonight.
What time is it? It's 10:30.
I'll go to the club, and I'll stop him.
What are you doing? Google.
Internet search.
This is her.
She's 23.
- She's pretty.
- Haven't much time.
You'll need a gun.
There will be no violence! The man who raises his fist first is the man out of ideas.
Yeah, that's all very nice, but you need a gun.
We have to hurry.
How do we get to the roof? Come on.
This way.
John! John, who is that? [Laughs.]
- My dear.
- No, let let her go.
Stay back.
I remember you.
The girl from the museum.
[Chuckles.]
Clever.
Clever, H.
G.
attempting to change the future.
That can prove very dangerous.
What's dangerous is allowing you to go on killing with impunity.
- Now, let her go.
- Where is the key? - Where is it? - I have it.
It's it's here.
Uh Let her go! [Laughs.]
Finally, you rise to the occasion.
- I didn't think you had it in you.
- Let her go, now.
[Sighs.]
Go downstairs and get help.
Go, go go! It's catching, isn't it violence? It really has infected this world.
Are you really willing to kill me, and violate everything that you stand for? You don't belong in this time, or any time.
Then do it.
Do it.
Do it! Over here! Help! Please! Somebody help us! - I want that key.
- Up here! This way! - You okay? - Yeah.
Are you okay? Oh, my God.
You need stitches.
Please, let me take you to the hospital.
No, I'm I'm fine.
[Groans.]
This could get infected.
You need antibiotics.
Don't be stupid.
It's too late for that, I'm afraid.
Stupidity's become my dominant trait.
Hey.
I think you did pretty well tonight.
You saved that girl, which means you saved me.
Did I? There will be others.
This is a sport to him, and he's taunting me with it.
I must find him.
We will find him.
We? Absolutely not.
This is my problem, and I will no longer put you in danger.
I can take care of myself.
Take two of these with some food.
I'll be right back.
[Water running.]
[Water shuts off.]
[Gasps.]
Aah! Jane? Jane? Jane? Oh, no.
Hello, Mr.
Wells.
Who are you? How do you know my name? We have a lot to talk about.
No, I have to find Jane.
She was just here.
- John took her.
- You mean the Ripper took her.
- How do you know that? - Because you told me.
I'll explain everything, but we need to go now.
I-I don't know you! But you will.
I'm Vanessa.
I'm your great-great-granddaughter.
How can I possibly be related to you? I've never met you before in my life.
But I've met you in my life.
[Scoffs.]
That's impossible.
So is time travel, but here you are.
I have to find John.
He will kill her.
He would have done that already.
He wants something.
What is it, Mr.
Wells? Is it the key? How do you know about the key? Please.
They're gone.
Come with me and I will help you find them.
What are you doing? - Stop.
- Get off me.
Get off me! You can't do this.
- Get back here.
- Wait, stop it.
Stop.
He will kill her.
I must find Jane.
[Siren wailing in distance.]
[Dramatic music playing.]
[Car horn honks.]
Vanessa will be right with you.
You said you would help me find Jane.
How? - You've been hurt.
You should sit down.
- No, no, I'm fine.
Jane is all I care about right now.
Please, let me look at that.
We are wasting time.
You can't do anything if you bleed to death.
Let me help you.
[Breathes heavily.]
You don't want this to get infected.
Doug: Searched Jane Walker's apartment.
I have her laptop, purse, and cellphone.
- And your things.
- Why do you have her belongings? He'll want to make contact.
This will be his easiest route.
Did you find the key? No.
It's in my possession.
Where it will stay.
And that controls the time machine? It controls who has the time machine.
I designed it for safety.
The machine always returns to the starting date of each voyage unless you have this key to override it.
So if he gets the key in the time machine, he can go anywhere and kill anyone.
And I will never be able to find him.
Is the time machine safe? It's being guarded at the museum.
Please, he will kill her.
No, not if he wants the key.
How do you know me? You said that we were related.
How is that possible? I was hoping you might have some answers.
I've traced my genealogy, but I can't find a genetic connection.
You said that we've met before.
My freshman year in college, I was walking on campus.
You came running up to me, out of breath, in a hurry, and said that you were H.
G.
Wells.
I thought you were crazy.
The whole thing sounds crazy.
But then you said you were my great-great-grandfather.
It was insane.
You were rambling.
You told me about the time machine, Jack the Ripper.
You spoke of the key and a woman in danger.
None of this makes any sense.
That's what I said.
Then you handed me a letter.
You said for me to find the time machine.
I wrote you a letter? No, you wrote you a letter.
You knew you wouldn't believe you either.
It's my handwriting.
"It's true, H.
G.
, don't be daft.
"Believe it.
H.
G.
" I wrote this, but This symbol, what does it mean? I've researched it, but there's no record of it.
Why didn't I write more? And where did John take Jane? Details would be very handy right now.
I have to find her.
Don't worry, we will.
[Inhales sharply.]
- [Gasps.]
- Going somewhere, dear? Sit you back down over here, shall we? You feisty little bugger.
Right.
What is your telephone number? Why? Because I need to have a little at with your new beau.
I don't Herbert George Wells, remember him? He has something that I want, and I have something that he wants.
I need your telephone number.
How do you know he has my phone? Well, he's naive and pathetic.
He's not stupid.
Your number.
I'm not gonna help you.
Thought that's what you might say.
John: I'd like you to meet our very gracious hostess, - Julia Milton.
- [Muffled screaming.]
Her friends call her Jules.
28, single, from Richmond, Virginia, currently working as a fashion consultant with Macy's where she makes a staggering $165,000 a year.
Isn't that mad? Did you know this apartment costs $8,000 a month? I mean, th-th-the economics of this period are just absurd.
[Whimpering.]
Now, I really, really think it's time you made that call, don't you? [Whimpering.]
[Cellphone rings.]
Doug: Blocked caller.
This could be him.
Now, you need to talk to him, but don't mention us.
He doesn't know you have help.
It's our best weapon against him.
Hello? You don't have to shout, H.
G.
You can speak at a decent room level.
Where's Jane? She's right here.
Go on, say hello.
I'm here.
I'm fine.
If you harm her in any way [Chuckling.]
Dear God, H.
G.
, the role of hero's really not in your arsenal, is it? - I mean it, John.
- Yes, of course you do.
Now, I want the key to the time machine.
Meet me at the bridge in Central Park tomorrow at noon.
Key gets you Jane.
Where is Central Park? Oh, you're a clever bunny, you'll figure it out.
No police, just you.
Alone.
Key or Jane dies.
Ahh! [Panting.]
It's okay.
[Screaming.]
- We have to hurry.
- Where is he? I hit him over the head.
He's unconscious.
Come on.
He's gonna wake up.
Stop, he's gonna wake up.
No, no, no.
Shh.
[Groans.]
[Whimpering.]
Okay, okay, come on past.
Please don't wake up.
[Groans.]
[Dramatic music playing.]
The stairs will be faster.
- Come here! - Ahh! [Screams.]
Ah, ah, I wouldn't do that.
Walk out that door, and she's dead.
[Whimpering.]
Please.
[Grunts.]
Are you sure you want to know? They're my books.
Yeah, but you haven't written them yet.
If you read them now, won't it affect what you write? Or will it inform what I write? Hell if I know.
Me neither, I'm afraid.
Has there been any word on Jane Walker's whereabouts? John was calling from a burner phone, which makes it harder to trace.
I have no idea what that means.
It means it will take more time to find his location.
Right.
And where is Central Park? We still have some time.
Let me get Ms.
Anders for you.
[Doorbell rings.]
- Griffin: Hey, Carl, how you doing? - All right.
Hello, there.
I'm Griffin Monroe.
Herbert George Wells.
Pleasure.
I'm sorry what did you say your name was again? Hey.
Honey.
- Hi.
- Good morning.
Has there been any news regarding Ms.
Walker? Nothing yet.
- Doug? - Right this way.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Who's that? - You didn't get my message? - When did you send the message? - I texted you this morning.
Is there a problem? Not everyone knows you're H.
G.
Wells.
- We need to keep it on the down low.
- I see, of course.
He said he was H.
G.
Wells.
- What? That's impossible.
- No, it's exactly what he said.
Well, he's not.
He's George Wells, a descendant of H.
G.
Wells.
- A descendant? - Yes.
I met him in London, years ago, when I found the time machine and I was having it restored.
Yeah.
He's in town just for the exhibit at the museum.
[Clears throat.]
You didn't mention he was coming.
- Oh, it's been a crazy week.
- Oh.
Ah.
Remember we have lunch with Stuart.
God, I'm so sorry.
I have to cancel.
- [Sighs.]
Please don't hate me.
- We can reschedule.
No, it's about your campaign, and I totally screwed up.
It's really not a big deal.
- Thank you, Senator.
- Oh, not yet.
[Julia whimpering.]
You've been granted a reprieve due to the feisty little vixen in the next room.
Now, now, don't get too cozy.
Well, it is that is soft, isn't it? Oh, it's like a cloud.
They really have figured some of these things out, haven't they? [Whimpers.]
Let her go.
You don't need her.
You have me.
I have her to keep you in line.
I hurt my arm.
I need to clean it.
I wouldn't worry about a little scrape on your arm.
You'll be dead soon enough.
You're not gonna kill me.
What makes you think that? You would have done it by now.
Besides, you need access to the time machine once you have the key.
Well, aren't you the clever one.
Take a seat.
Convenient.
Come on, let's have a look at your arm.
Come on, I'm a doctor.
Prestigious surgeon, in fact.
So why do you kill? Do you like playing God? Deciding who lives and who dies? You're a bold one with your questions.
Why prostitutes? Do you have something against women or just sex? Be careful with your tongue.
I do not allow women to speak to me this way.
Well, when you get in that time machine, make sure you go backwards.
Won't get any better for you in the future where women are concerned.
And how do you know so much about me? Everyone knows who you are.
You're Jack the Ripper.
You're famous.
I'm famous? Most famous killer in the world.
You didn't know? Figured you would have learned how to Google yourself by now.
Tell me more.
There's a laptop over there.
I can show you.
H.
G.
: Once I've secured Jane's safety, I will need to take John directly to the time machine.
Can I ask a question? Why can't you simply go back in time and reverse this entire series of events? Can't you go back to the moment just before the Ripper escapes in your time machine and stop him? One must be careful not to disrupt the very fabric of time.
It is my theory every time we travel to the past or future, you prick the fabric of time.
If you go too close to any one time repeatedly it can cause a hole in time.
What happens then? I'm not sure.
We melt, implode, cease to exist.
I prefer not to find out.
But that is why time travel is dangerous.
In the wrong hands, it could, quite frankly, destroy the world.
Okay, then.
We're better off with you meeting him in the park at noon.
You'll go to the bridge where my men and I will surprise him.
Well, he specifically said to come alone.
He'll have no idea we're there.
We'll grab him.
Isn't that what you want? I want the safe return of Jane Walker.
- That is my first priority.
- Can't we do both? I have known John Stevenson for years.
He is shrewd and cunning.
He is not easily foiled.
He may be Jack the Ripper, but he's still from 1893.
His little knives won't come close to my 9 millimeter Glock.
Does everyone in this era carry a firearm? - Pretty much.
- Let Doug come with you.
It's too dangerous.
The more people I involve, the more I risk altering time.
There's no telling the damage I've caused thus far.
I must do this alone.
That is final.
Very well.
You will go alone.
"Five prostitutes were killed.
"The murders were misogynistic in nature, "suggesting a hatred for women.
" No.
That is simply inaccurate.
I mean, I killed prostitutes because of the opportunity.
They troll alleyways.
They make it easy.
I also killed vagrants and street urchins in equal measure.
It says here I was never identified.
I don't even get credit for it? Did I not mention you're famous for being an anonymous killer? What are you talking about? No one knows my name? Wells is famous.
He accomplished something that endured, something good.
Don't be ridiculous.
I'm a decorated surgeon, highly regarded all over London.
No, you're Jack the Ripper, a faceless dark cloud on humanity.
[Gasps, gags.]
You want to know why I kill? Because the only thing more fulfilling than saving a life is taking one.
The instant sensation, the release it brings that slakes my thirst.
[Gasping.]
[Coughs, sputters.]
You're gonna go right through that entrance, follow the path, you can't miss the bridge.
Very well.
I'll be off.
You're not gonna give him the key, are you? That's not my intention.
And when John realizes he's being played? All I care about is the safe return of Ms.
Walker.
All right.
We'll be here, waiting.
[Car horns honking.]
For every step society takes forward, we take two steps back.
We invent new technologies only to use them as weapons against one another.
- We strive for equality - - yet we're more divided than ever.
- Look around you.
Nations are at war.
Violence runs rampant.
Our days on this planet are numbered.
Prepare yourself.
The end is near.
We are on the verge of all-out nuclear war.
[Speaking indistinctly.]
[Indistinct conversations.]
My word.
Did your grandmother dress you this morning? Hello, old friend.
We are anything but friends.
Oh, come on.
That's not true.
We have a long history together.
A few days in the future can't change that.
- Where's Jane? - Where's the key? When Jane is safe, I'll give you the key.
[Laughs.]
There you go again, trying to negotiate as if you had the upper hand.
It's bloody awful, isn't it, this world? Everybody's so loud and angry about everything.
Yelling, pushing, shoving I mean, it's a battlefield to get an afternoon tea.
Enough, John.
I have the key.
Where is Jane? Do you really want to take me back to 1893? You must pay for your crimes.
Well, a quick history lesson for you, H.
G.
I'm never caught.
You can look it up.
You can Google it, in fact.
So, this little power struggle will not yield you anything.
- I never return to London.
- Well, maybe it's because you die.
[Laughs.]
By your cowardly hands? I think not.
Don't worry.
She's not far.
Give me the key, and I'll tell you where to find her.
What are you looking at? Where's Jane? Where is Jane? Come on, give me the key.
I'll tell you where to find her.
Come on.
You can trust me.
No, no, no, no, no, don't.
I had this under control.
[Grunting.]
Hey, stop! [Screaming.]
Kids! Let's go.
Move.
- Let's go.
- Let's get out of here.
You weren't supposed to be here.
And now she's dead.
You've killed her.
[Indistinct shouting.]
Ohhh.
You lied to me.
I am so sorry.
I thought it was the right call.
I couldn't let you go alone.
We should have something soon on the phone trace.
You sealed her fate.
She's dead.
I apologize, sir.
I saw you give him the key, I gave the word to Carl to move in.
Her death is on your head.
But she is his only leverage over you.
Why would he kill her? Because he's a madman, and we've angered him.
He could lose all reasoning.
We will find her.
No, you don't understand.
When I arrived, I was helpless, lost.
She was the one person who showed me kindness.
He will kill her just to get back at me.
I know him.
I'm done here.
- If you'll excuse me.
- Where are you going? I wish to leave.
Kindly step aside.
You came to me all those years ago, and I've waited a long time to understand my role in this.
Let me fix this.
I can help you.
Am I a prisoner here? Of course not.
I insist you not follow me.
I will not follow you.
Are you serious? [Door opens.]
[Car horns honking.]
- Ooh! - Oof.
- I am so sorry.
- Eyes up, dude.
My apologies, sir.
Please forgive me.
I'll just - What the hell, man? - I am so sorry.
Uh, do you know which way downtown is? Thank you so much.
Are you following me? What? Did Vanessa send you to follow me? Man, I don't know you.
I'm just walking.
Freak.
[Grunts.]
Where did Wells get help? Who are they? I want out of this bloody time.
Then go.
Just leave, disappear.
To hell with it.
I don't need the key.
The time machine still works.
I can go anywhere I bloody want.
I'll disappear into another time.
No.
You don't have to kill her! I know that.
I want to.
There's no reason to, just leave! Start over.
You have an opportunity here.
You can change.
You can be someone new.
Your legacy is that of a killer that nobody knows.
What are you rambling about? Somewhere inside, I know you hate it because I saw it in your face.
You hate being Jack the Ripper, so why don't you just stop this right here, right now? Now I see why H.
G.
's so taken with you.
You're both full of the same idealistic rubbish.
I am exactly who I want to be.
No! [Crying.]
[Crying.]
It's okay.
You're safe now.
- Do you know where he went? - I couldn't hear.
Did he kill her? The trace came through.
We got an address.
We're there now.
- Where's Jane? - John took her.
They left about half an hour ago.
Witness says he was pretty unhinged.
Where would they go? Man on P.
A.
: The museum will be closing in 10 minutes.
Please proceed to the exits.
The museum will be closing in 10 minutes.
Please proceed to the exits.
Hey, Jane.
The exhibit's closed.
Yeah, I have, uh, an end-of-day report for Vanessa Anders.
I won't be long.
Hurry up before they figure me out.
Just go wherever you're going.
Go! What? You didn't think I was gonna go alone now, did you? No.
No! Let her go, John.
[Laughs.]
I thought I might see you here.
And here we are again.
This isn't about her.
This is about you and me.
Oh, like it was you and me in the park? You must think I'm a fool.
There's no one else here.
I came completely alone.
Well, then you're the fool.
Perhaps I am.
But I am also in possession of the one thing that you want.
I'd say that makes the two of us.
The key.
Slide it to me.
Oops.
[Grumbles.]
[Gasps.]
John, John.
John! - [Grunts.]
- John, you mustn't do this.
No, no, no, no, John, John.
John.
John.
John, look at me.
Don't do this.
John! John, you're making a huge mistake.
- John! - Come on.
[Electricity buzzing.]
Can you stop him? Come on.
Come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on, you.
Ah! Ugh! Ah! - You all right? - Yes.
Is he gone? [Gasps.]
[Both grunting.]
Hey! Did you kill him? It's a stun gun.
He'll be fine.
Are you okay? I am now.
No, no, no, I wouldn't.
[Grunts, groans.]
Man: Let's move out! Move! The Wells exhibit! Move! Damn it, Wells.
On the radio.
Down here! Call it in.
Man #2: We got a security officer down.
- Got it? - Yes, ma'am.
We spoke to the police.
It's being written up as vandalism.
Museum's on board with keeping it quiet.
Great.
Let's wrap it up and get out of here.
Can it be fixed? Oh, never mind this.
I'm more concerned with you.
Are you okay? I'm not gonna lie - I was pretty scared.
- [Cellphone rings.]
It's your phone.
Hello? I'm gonna make this short and sweet.
I'm going to kill one person every day until I get the time machine with the key.
Do I make myself clear? - Yes, but - [Cellphone clicks.]
Was that him? Yes.
He still wants the key.
How are you, Miss Walker? I've been better.
You've been through quite an ordeal.
You and that other woman are lucky to be alive.
The woman from the apartment, - Jules, she's alive? - Yes.
She's shaken, but she's okay.
She didn't hear or see much.
She's with the police now.
We're monitoring her.
I thought he killed her.
He said he killed her.
Let's get out of here.
Yeah.
[Indistinct conversations.]
Thank you.
Any time.
Why so sad? Appears I was bested today.
Let's cheer you up.
Hey.
This guy needs a drink.
I told Jane she could stay here for the night.
It's It's safe here.
I'm really sorry about the park and lying to you.
It won't happen again.
Thank you.
I appreciate your apology, but the fact remains the time machine is still broken.
Let me help you fix it.
I have the resources.
May I ask what you do to have such resources? I'm the C.
E.
O.
of Anders Enterprises, a biotech company founded by my parents.
Biotech, as in biotechnology? Yes.
With a focus on neuroscience and genetic engineering.
I can only imagine the advancements.
How incredibly impressive.
My parents were impressive.
I'm just the daughter who inherited it.
I always believed that technology would be the cure to society's ills that it would be the path to peace.
Your utopia.
And I couldn't have been more wrong.
My parents died when I was a little girl.
They were all I had.
No siblings, no extended family.
There is no one else.
Why are you telling me this? I took the shirt you were wearing when you first arrived, and had a genealogy test done from the blood and DNA on it.
The preliminary results are back, and I'm not really sure how, but you and I we're family.
I wish I could offer you more.
Some form of insight into how we're related.
When you showed up in my life all those years ago, I didn't believe you.
But I did what you said.
I looked for the time machine.
And I finally found it in your basement at 10 Mornington Lane.
- Camden Town.
- Yes.
And I had it restored.
And a part of me has always been waiting hoping.
I'm just happy you're here.
[Sighs.]
Get some rest.
It's been a long day.
Thank you, Vanessa, for your kindness.
Good night.
Oh, hello again.
Oh, hello, uh - It's Griffin.
- Yes, Griffin.
And you're George Wells.
- Yes.
- Have you seen Vanessa? She's in her office.
- Care for a drink? - Oh, it's it's late.
- Perhaps another time, though.
- Sure.
Sorry, Vanessa mentioned that you're a descendant of the real H.
G.
Wells.
- Yes, that's correct.
- How so? I beg your pardon? A direct descendant? Um, was he your great-great-grandfather, a distant cousin? - Oh, it's a complicated lineage.
- Ah.
Um, how long are you staying? Oh, I'm not sure exactly.
- Is there a problem? - No.
No, no.
Just making conversation.
If there's anything you need while you're in the city, just let me know.
Thank you.
That's very kind.
All right, it's late.
- I'll be off.
- Sure.
- Have a good night, George.
- You too.
[Knock at door.]
May I? Come in.
This place is insane.
Are you sure it's okay that I stay here? I think it's a good idea, at least until we find John.
It's safe here.
Vanessa has some very large men guarding her.
Vanessa's one of the richest women in the world.
She might be even wealthier than Oprah.
What is an Oprah? Never mind.
How does she know you? It's okay.
You can sit.
Right.
Uh, well it appears that Vanessa and I are related.
Apparently, I visited her years ago, and I gave her this.
It's how she knew to find me.
You traveled to the past and gave this to her? Well, actually, her past, my future, it's that's how she knew she would see me again.
Okay, that makes my head spin.
Mine, too.
[Chuckles.]
What does this emblem mean? I don't know.
It's something from my future, I assume.
Why didn't you write more in this letter? [Laughs.]
Trust me, I've been racking my brain.
Clearly, I needed to convince myself to trust Vanessa, but there is a danger to knowing your future.
You would be tempted to alter it.
Maybe the future you was scared you might do that.
Which implies that something must happen that would tempt me.
What if you don't find John? I will find John, and he will pay for what he did to you.
I promise you.
It's okay.
I'm tougher than I look.
Right.
You're from Texas.
Good memory.
It's nice to see you smile.
You have a very pretty smile.
I am terribly sorry for bringing such mayhem into your life.
I moved to this city to have this big life.
And I have a good life.
You being here is a very big deal, huge, so please don't be sorry.
You truly are a ray of light, Ms.
Walker.
You got to start calling me Jane.
[Chuckles.]
Right.
Very well.
I'll start tomorrow.
Until then.
[Sighs.]
So, what has you so glum tonight? Do you believe people have the power to change? Truly change who they are? Wow.
So heady with your whiskey.
Well, yes, I think people can change.
They have the ability, but I don't think they do, not really.
People hate change.
It's too hard.
Yes.
It does seem overwhelming.
What do you say we, uh, take this somewhere a little quieter and have ourselves a proper drink? Well, that's more like it.
[Siren wailing in distance.]
[Clock ticking.]
[Bell tolling.]
Woman: Evening, gents.
Man: Good evening.
John: Hello, there.
Good evening.
Well, it is now.
What can I do for you, mister? If I could trouble you for a moment of your time.
Woman: You a doctor? I am.
And do you like it? Has its moments.
Do you like what you do? Has its moments.
[Grunting.]
[Blade shrinks.]
H.
G.
: Well, socialism tends to do that.
But it the path man must inevitably tread, or we are all doomed.
It is the only path to utopia.
You have too much time on your hands, Wells.
Perhaps you should think about dating again.
You can't stay divorced forever.
That's what I've been telling him.
I consider myself single, not divorced, if you must brand me.
And, yes, I can stay single forever.
I find it far more desirable than the suffocating effects of marriage.
You see, that is precisely what love is supposed to do suffocate.
If you read a poem now and then instead of science books, you'd know that.
Poetically speaking, I believe the exact opposite.
To love is to exhale fully, knowing that even if it were your last breath, you're complete because you had found the very reason for your existence.
I knew you were a romantic! [Laughter.]
Dr.
Stevenson.
- Mrs.
Nelsen.
- Good evening.
- May I take your coat? - Thank you.
John! You're here.
I had you almost written off.
A doctor's hours are not his own, I'm afraid.
- Good evening, gents.
- John! Right.
Now that we're all here, let's get on with it.
By now you all know my obsession with time travel.
Oh, yes, how is your novel coming? Have you finished it yet? You could say I'm in the research phase.
And how does one research time travel? He constructs a time machine and travels through time.
So, your book is nonfiction.
[Laughs.]
So, where is this time machine? [Door opens.]
- See here.
- Oh, please.
All right.
Good lord, Wells! You actually built the bloody thing.
How much have you spent on it? How is this thing supposed to work? You set the time and date with the dials on the board.
The solar cylinders yield enough energy to compress the machine into subatomic particles, resulting in the thermodynamic suspension of molecular activity, which allows it to journey across the fourth dimension from one time sphere to the other.
I'm genuinely concerned for your sanity.
You've taken this too far.
And once you leave, can you come back? We don't want him back.
H.
G.
: The safety lock automatically returns the machine to its starting date, unless you have this key to countermand the device.
Have you taken it for a test-run? I'm doing some final tests now.
I think that's enough.
[Chuckles.]
- More drinks.
- No, this is getting [Indistinct conversations.]
He's lost his mind.
[Door closes.]
So, where to the past or the future? Well, the future, or course, away from all you cynics.
In five generations, utopia will have come to pass.
- And that's where I belong.
- Ah, yes, your utopia.
[Chuckles.]
Where mankind lives in peace with no war, no crime, no disease or famine.
It's inevitable.
Science and technology will advance beyond all imagination, forcing society to perfect itself.
You're a surgeon, John.
Think of what the future holds for medicine.
Think of the cures.
Health and happiness will be the daily course.
Mankind will finally know true equality.
Mankind hasn't changed in 200 years.
We're animals.
We hunt.
We're hunted.
That's the way it has been and always will be.
The future will prove you wrong.
Very well.
Let's go, right now.
Let's take it for a whirl.
Well, I-I still have a few tests that I need to conduct.
- Scared to try it out? - Hardly.
[Chuckles.]
H.
G.
, I've known you for years.
You have all these brilliant ideas - that only find life on the page.
- I'm a writer, John.
I fail to see how that makes me a coward.
All you do is write! It's the only release your fear grants you.
You write about life without actually living it.
In your opinion.
Imagine who you could be if you didn't live in fear.
Or more importantly, imagine the stories you could write if your life were full of adventure.
You might finally get that novel published.
Mrs.
Nelsen: Excuse me, Mr.
Wells? Scotland Yard is at the door.
What is going on? The Ripper has struck.
A woman was found in an alley near here.
We're conducting a house-to-house search.
- Absolutely.
Wh-whatever you need.
- Pardon me, sir.
- I apologize, my friends.
- It's getting I think we best be off.
My men will see them home safely.
Where is Dr.
Stevenson? He left his bag.
H.
G.
: No, he was just here.
- Allow me.
- Excuse me! That's the personal property of a prestigious surgeon! I believe surgeons use scalpels, not butchers' knives.
Where is the doctor? - I last saw him in the basement.
- It's empty.
- There's nobody down there.
- Well, he couldn't of gone far.
Quickly, comb the streets! [Door closes.]
[Rumbling.]
[Electricity crackles.]
Man: This time machine was unearthed 15 years ago in the basement in H.
G.
Wells' London flat.
It was restored, and is on loan from Anders Enterprises.
It's believed to have served as inspiration for Wells' first novel, "The Time Machine.
" Woman: Somebody's getting out.
Look.
[Crowd murmuring.]
[Gasps.]
Hey! Sit here.
Don't move.
[Door opens.]
- I'm in America.
- [Door closes.]
Hey, Willy.
- Good afternoon.
- Loving this this whole look.
Can you check online to see if any of this has gotten out? Please, sit.
Oh! So, really, who are you? Well, it's rather complicated.
Perhaps it's best I speak to someone in charge.
Jane Walker, assistant curator.
Assistant.
Is the actual curator in? May I speak with him? It's a she, too, but keep digging your grave.
Of course! Things have changed a great deal since 1893! I can no longer make social and cultural assumptions.
My apologies.
- May I keep this? - Okay, so, really, who are you? It's apparent, isn't it? It's some publicity stunt yeah.
What is it, some stage play about H.
G.
Wells in the Village somewhere? Is it opening night tonight? I beg your pardon? How did you get past the sensors and inside the actual exhibit? I'm certain you won't believe the answer to that question.
I think you want to get arrested.
You get arrested, make some news, you got free press for whatever the little avant-garde production you're involved with.
Oh, I can assure you, I am not an actor.
Right! You are H.
G.
Wells.
Yes.
- You wrote "The Time Machine.
" - Well, no, not yet, I haven't.
But apparently I'm published, which is incredibly exciting to learn.
Look, I can appreciate this on some level, but no.
You will not be getting arrested today.
There will be no free press, despite the fact I like you better than the other guy.
- What other guy? - Your friend? Popped out of the time machine with the same period getup.
Wasn't nearly as polite, by the way.
This other gentleman, where is he? So, a few tourists posted pics on Twitter on Instagram, but so far, no news outlets have picked it up.
Great.
Mr.
Wells, this is where we say goodbye.
Please, the other man? He hasn't broken character once.
It's pretty amazing.
Please, I must find him.
No one here is a amused by your fake accent and costume.
If I catch you within spitting distance of this museum, you will prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
- Do you understand? - It is urgent that I find this man.
Willy, will you please escort this man out? No.
No, please.
I beg of you.
Willy: Come on, let's go.
- Please, I must find this man! - This way.
Come on.
[Door opens.]
Eh, the other one was hotter.
- I like this one.
- [Door closes.]
He's cute.
He really does look like him.
Please, the gentleman who was here earlier - When was it? What time? - About an hour ago.
Did he say anything? Where he might be going? Said he wanted to explore the city, see the sights, asked about a hotel, so I sent him to the Renaissance in Times Square.
Renaissance in Times Square.
Brilliant.
Where is that? Out these doors, turn right, walk uptown 50 blocks.
You can't miss it.
Thank you.
And may I remark how happy I am to see that race relations have improved since 1893.
- Uh-huh.
- I knew that one day, the color of a man's skin would dissipate and we would all live side by side as brothers.
Oh, yeah, we're all one big happy family.
[Horn blares.]
What are you, in "Les Mis"? I don't think so.
Patek Philippe.
Yellow gold.
This is a real collector's item.
I can give you $12,000.
It belonged to my father.
I'll accept nothing less than $20,000.
$15,000 cash.
We skip the paperwork.
Deal.
I'll need a credit card and an I.
D.
I have a tragic predicament.
I'm in town for a show, you see, and I've lost my luggage and identification papers.
All I have is this ridiculous costume.
Oh, that's just horrible.
Did the airlines lose your bags? It appears so, yes.
I have money, but that's all, I'm afraid.
Let me speak to my supervisor.
We can usually work something out.
Did you lose your luggage, too? You you saw him? Where is he? He wanted to do some shopping, so we sent him over to 5th Avenue.
5th Avenue? Right, and where is that? You'll never find him.
Why don't you wait for him at the hotel bar? He shouldn't be long.
I'll send him over as soon as he arrives.
Thank you.
It's wet! Look, there's water all over the floor.
It's literally soaking wet.
Why? The tour guide said it was like this.
He couldn't explain it, either.
Ms.
Walker? Doug Lawson, head of security for Anders Enterprises.
I understand there was a breach in the Wells Exhibit today? Not exactly a breach, no.
Then what was it? Ms.
Walker, this is Vanessa Anders.
Yes, of course.
Ms.
Anders, it is such an honor and a pleasure to meet you.
We were informed that there were two men caught inside the time machine.
It was a slight breach.
But I can assure you, the exhibit was not harmed in any way.
Can we see the police report? We chose not to involve the police.
It was a minor incident, and the last thing we wanted was to call attention to it.
Did you get their information? Where can we find them? I don't have that.
I realize how this looks.
But in my defense, most infractions are harmless.
And it's not our policy to arrest guests at the museum.
As owner of this exhibit, I find that answer unacceptable.
You need to find these men, Ms.
Walker, or I'll see to it that Anders Enterprises files charges against you and the museum.
Do you understand? Reporter: 12 dead in latest school shooting Woman: We need to build a wall - The suicide bomber - A mass execution.
Trump: This is weapons that are so destructive that the world could end.
Reporter #2: Attacks killed 14 ISIS fighter Woman: ISIS is the worst of the worst.
Reporter #3: His next target will probably be - Too many nuclear weapons - Anarchists John: Well, bless my soul.
Literally the last person on Earth I expected to see.
Man: Something to drink, sir? Whiskey, neat, and another of whatever he's drinking.
So? What do you think? I know I look absolutely dashing.
I must applaud you.
I never thought your little device would actually work.
How did you find me? - The details aren't important.
- Yeah, I suppose not.
I wasn't sure the machine would return to you.
Then I realized I didn't have the key.
To you, the Columbus of a new age.
Mm.
Tell me, how did you muster the courage to phone me.
I'm not here to engage in idle banter, John.
- We must be off.
- Oh.
- And where are we going? - To the time machine.
I'm obliged to take you back to Scotland Yard to face the consequences of your actions.
So Victorian.
You'll take me back? And how do you propose to do that, by force? Be reasonable, John.
You must pay for what you've done.
You can't stay here.
We don't belong here.
There it is, H.
G.
There's your utopia.
Nothing but violence and bloodshed.
Not quite what you envisioned.
"We don't belong here"? On the contrary I belong here completely.
In our time, I was a freak.
Today, I'm an amateur.
Stop it, John, this instant.
You know you can walk into a shop here and purchase a rifle or a revolver, and it's perfectly legal? These people encourage it.
[Laughs.]
No, I'm not going anywhere.
I've yet to begin in this age.
It's you who should run along back to your timid life.
Of course, I'll be needing the key.
Well, I can't have you chasing after me across centuries.
Who knows where I might want to venture to next? Well, I don't have it with me.
[Laughs.]
Herbert George, come on.
I've played countless games of chess with you, and the one thing you cannot do is bluff.
I want that key.
Now, what you feel is a four-inch steel curved blade with a reverse grip.
Rather expensive at $69.
95, but I'm certain I'll get my money's worth.
What are you doing? Everyone can see.
And no one cares! Isn't it glorious? Give me the key, or I'll slice into your femoral artery.
You'll topple to the floor and bleed out, and I will disappear before anyone blinks twice.
[Glass shatters.]
Hey! [Tires squeal.]
Man: Are you all right, man? Right in front of my cab.
Step away, sir.
Ambulance is on the way.
Don't move.
How ya doin'? How's your head? It hurts.
Um, may I ask, where am I? Manhattan General.
You're lucky you just suffered a slight concussion is all.
I'll let the doctor know you're awake, and you have a friend on the way.
A friend? What friend? No wallet, no I.
D.
All I had was a business card to call.
- Ms.
Walker! - Hi.
Um, are you okay? The hospital called, and I tried to explain that we just met.
- What happened? - A big yellow motorcar ran me down.
You were hit by a taxi? What is that? That is a key that I thought I'd lost.
Ooh.
[Winces.]
Here, let me help you.
Thank you.
Please level with me.
I'm in a lot of trouble.
The time machine exhibit is my responsibility, and I don't wanna lose my job.
Who are you? Very well.
- My name is Sigmund - Don't say "Freud.
" Kemp.
Uh, and you were correct.
I I am an actor.
[Chuckles.]
And I am playing H.
G.
Wells in a small production about his life.
I am sorry about what happened at the museum earlier.
So, you're an actor, you're from London, and this is all just a big prank? Yes.
- Anything else? - No.
We're good.
Well, thanks for blowing up my day.
It's been most stressful and inconvenient, but I hope you feel better.
Again, my sincerest apologies.
Thank you.
And break a leg.
It's all a stunt, like I said.
Call that creepy guy from Anders Enterprises and tell him it's much ado about nothing.
No, the second one cute one.
[Laughs.]
Okay, I'm going home.
Call me if something explodes.
Can you just wait here one second? Hey.
Are you okay? Oh.
Just a little light-headed is all.
- Oh! - Where are you going? Did the hospital release you? I really must find my friend.
I really think you should rest.
Do you have anywhere to go? I-I-I'm fine, thank you.
Okay, here.
Let me help you.
Come on.
Oh, no, I'm not getting into that.
Oh, no, you'll be fine.
You'll be fine.
Come on.
Yes, Herbert George Wells.
He was struck by a Can you hear me? Hello? Yes.
Yes, he was struck by a motor vehicle in Times Square.
No, this is the third hospital I've called.
Yes, I'll hold.
[Door closes.]
Easy.
- Oh, this is lovely! - Thank you.
So, do you live alone? Maybe.
Oh no, you're perfectly safe with me, Ms.
Walker, I promise.
Okay, well, you can freshen up and rest some, but then you have to leave because my stray-puppy-dog syndrome only goes so far.
Are you hungry? Oh, yes, thank you.
So, how does one become a museum curator? When one has to pay the rent.
I majored in art history because I absolutely loved it, but I really didn't think it through in terms of careers.
It's not forever.
I hope you like Chinese.
So, I take it that you're single.
Yes.
Um, this is from last night.
What about you? I'm divorced.
Do men and women even fancy marriage today? You mean in America? Yes, we fancy marriage, particularly my mother.
She wants grandkids yesterday, but she doesn't understand that the benchmark for that stuff has changed.
I'm still in my first career.
I can have kids when I'm 50.
So, you prefer being single.
Yeah.
Not always.
But apparently, I'm too mediocre to date.
Excuse me? One of the joys of online dating.
You'd be surprised what guys say when they don't have to say it to your face.
A man said that to you? Well, what he said exactly was that I was "curiously unspecial and intriguingly mediocre.
" That's appalling! He was a wanna-be songwriter who talked in bad lyrics.
Any man who says that to a lady is no gentleman.
Which is why I quit Tinder.
But, I mean, it does have some truth to it.
I moved to New York to have this crazy, exciting life.
And that hasn't materialized yet, so, yeah you could say my life is pretty unspecial at the moment.
You haven't eaten.
- Would you like something to drink? - Oh.
- Let's get you something to drink.
- Thank you.
Is the music always this loud? Yeah.
You wanna dance? I can think of a few things I'd like to do.
Jane: I found some clothes from my ex.
It ended quickly, and he never came back for his stuff.
You can shower and freshen up in here.
Hot water takes a minute.
Razor, deodorant, and toothbrush.
Thank you.
Enjoy your shower.
[Sniffs.]
[Buzzes.]
[Buzzing.]
H.
G.
: Aah! - Oh! What - Oh! uh, what what happened? I was attempting to use your razor, but it's more complicated than it looked.
Well, it's old.
It's from my ex-boyfriend.
Here, let me help you.
Why is he your ex-boyfriend? He wasn't the one.
Truth is, I'm the problem.
I'm a bad picker.
I always end up with the wrong guy.
And why is that? Because I don't trust anyone, ever.
And then I realize I don't trust anyone, so I try to.
And then, I end up trusting the wrong one.
It never fails.
Are all women today as self-aware as you? No, I'm the only one.
They gave me an award and everything.
I find you fascinating, Ms.
Walker.
I should let you finish.
[Door closes.]
These trousers are ill-fitting.
Nah, you're good, you're good.
Yep.
Okay, you can stay the night.
No, I really must find my friend.
How far is the Renaissance Hotel? It's too far to walk.
You really should rest up.
Let your body heal.
You can find him tomorrow.
I'll be off first thing in the morning.
I must say, this reprieve really has been my salvation.
And I thank you for your kindness, Ms.
Walker.
It's a Christmas gift from my dad.
I'm from Texas.
Sleep tight.
[Grunts.]
[Siren wailing in distance.]
[Television turns on.]
Aah! Oh.
Oh, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
Get your both hands up Sing it with me now Reporter: In international news Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't Yeah, buddy Want some coffee? Uh, no, thank you.
What are your plans for today? I must find my friend.
The museum's closed, so I have the day off if you need any help.
How do you feel? - Much better, thank you.
- Good.
How do I get to the Renaissance Hotel? Are you sure he's even there? Have you tried calling him? Here use my phone.
Okay, I got it.
Sorry.
Renaissance Hotel in Times Square.
What's his name? John Stevenson Dr.
John Stevenson.
A guest, please Dr.
John Stevenson? They're working with Utopia - Utopia? - Thank you.
He checked out last night.
The victim was last seen at the popular night club Utopia.
She was found nearby stabbed several times.
Bizarrely, a set of keys was found in her mouth.
The murder appears to have been random, though the victim's purse was found He killed! Coward! Who killed? John, the man I'm looking for Dr.
John Stevenson.
He's killed many women in London, and now he's in New York.
I have to find him.
Uh, maybe you should call the police.
And tell them what? That the Ripper has escaped 1893 in my time machine and travelled to New York City? They'll think I'm mad.
- Do you mean Jack the Ripper? - Yes.
And now he's killed again.
Utopia is a reference to me.
The keys in her mouth That's a message to me.
He wants the key this key.
Jack the Ripper lived over 100 years ago.
I lied.
I'm not an actor.
Just, please, look at this key.
Surely as a museum curator, - you can see that this is a relic.
- That doesn't prove anything.
You asked me how I was able to get into the machine.
- Yes! - Because it was in my basement in 12 Mornington Lane in London, where I live.
- In 1893? - Yes.
You seem so sane in so many ways.
Please, I need your help.
If I don't stop him, he will keep killing.
If you know who killed that woman, then you need to go to the police! They won't believe me.
You don't.
Jane.
What if I can prove to you that I'm telling the truth? Then we can both go to the police together.
Grant me access to the time machine.
I'll prove it to you.
Watch your step.
You know, I could get in a lot of trouble for this.
I didn't anticipate passengers.
Sorry.
Um Right.
Now, I say we do a short trip.
Say, three days from now.
It's over 123 years old with no power source.
But, hey, I can sit here all day.
[Electricity crackles.]
We're still here.
Yes.
But it is three days later.
This exhibit doesn't open for three days.
That would be today.
How is this possible? I'll give you a moment to process.
Is this really happening? Are you really H.
G.
Wells? Flesh and blood.
I must seem so different to you, so inappropriate.
You're from Victorian England.
I ate with my hands.
What is it like to be here in this time? I'm dazzled, astonished.
I'm also profoundly disappointed.
I envisioned a society that was entirely different.
Yeah, I-I think we all did.
It's not without its beauty, though.
I must take issue with something that you said earlier.
There is absolutely nothing mediocre about you.
I find you, Jane Walker, particularly special.
You okay? Yes.
I'm just breathing.
So, you haven't written "The Time Machine" yet.
Started it, several times.
I haven't quite figured it out yet.
What about the others? "The Island of Dr.
Moreau," "The Invisible Man," "The War of the Worlds"? I write for the London Gazette.
Trust me, you write a lot of books.
It's nice to know I'm inspired.
I can't believe this is real.
What's wrong? - So, I die three days from now.
- I will fix this.
- I promise.
- How? We can't go to the police.
They'll never believe us.
The paper said that you were the third victim.
Who's the second victim? There was the woman at Utopia, but we're missing a victim.
Uh, second victim.
"Kerry Ann Riley was found on the roof of the Palace nightclub.
"Security footage puts her inside the club with an unidentified man "at 11:30 three nights ago.
" Three nights ago that's tonight.
What time is it? It's 10:30.
I'll go to the club, and I'll stop him.
What are you doing? Google.
Internet search.
This is her.
She's 23.
- She's pretty.
- Haven't much time.
You'll need a gun.
There will be no violence! The man who raises his fist first is the man out of ideas.
Yeah, that's all very nice, but you need a gun.
We have to hurry.
How do we get to the roof? Come on.
This way.
John! John, who is that? [Laughs.]
- My dear.
- No, let let her go.
Stay back.
I remember you.
The girl from the museum.
[Chuckles.]
Clever.
Clever, H.
G.
attempting to change the future.
That can prove very dangerous.
What's dangerous is allowing you to go on killing with impunity.
- Now, let her go.
- Where is the key? - Where is it? - I have it.
It's it's here.
Uh Let her go! [Laughs.]
Finally, you rise to the occasion.
- I didn't think you had it in you.
- Let her go, now.
[Sighs.]
Go downstairs and get help.
Go, go go! It's catching, isn't it violence? It really has infected this world.
Are you really willing to kill me, and violate everything that you stand for? You don't belong in this time, or any time.
Then do it.
Do it.
Do it! Over here! Help! Please! Somebody help us! - I want that key.
- Up here! This way! - You okay? - Yeah.
Are you okay? Oh, my God.
You need stitches.
Please, let me take you to the hospital.
No, I'm I'm fine.
[Groans.]
This could get infected.
You need antibiotics.
Don't be stupid.
It's too late for that, I'm afraid.
Stupidity's become my dominant trait.
Hey.
I think you did pretty well tonight.
You saved that girl, which means you saved me.
Did I? There will be others.
This is a sport to him, and he's taunting me with it.
I must find him.
We will find him.
We? Absolutely not.
This is my problem, and I will no longer put you in danger.
I can take care of myself.
Take two of these with some food.
I'll be right back.
[Water running.]
[Water shuts off.]
[Gasps.]
Aah! Jane? Jane? Jane? Oh, no.
Hello, Mr.
Wells.
Who are you? How do you know my name? We have a lot to talk about.
No, I have to find Jane.
She was just here.
- John took her.
- You mean the Ripper took her.
- How do you know that? - Because you told me.
I'll explain everything, but we need to go now.
I-I don't know you! But you will.
I'm Vanessa.
I'm your great-great-granddaughter.
How can I possibly be related to you? I've never met you before in my life.
But I've met you in my life.
[Scoffs.]
That's impossible.
So is time travel, but here you are.
I have to find John.
He will kill her.
He would have done that already.
He wants something.
What is it, Mr.
Wells? Is it the key? How do you know about the key? Please.
They're gone.
Come with me and I will help you find them.
What are you doing? - Stop.
- Get off me.
Get off me! You can't do this.
- Get back here.
- Wait, stop it.
Stop.
He will kill her.
I must find Jane.
[Siren wailing in distance.]
[Dramatic music playing.]
[Car horn honks.]
Vanessa will be right with you.
You said you would help me find Jane.
How? - You've been hurt.
You should sit down.
- No, no, I'm fine.
Jane is all I care about right now.
Please, let me look at that.
We are wasting time.
You can't do anything if you bleed to death.
Let me help you.
[Breathes heavily.]
You don't want this to get infected.
Doug: Searched Jane Walker's apartment.
I have her laptop, purse, and cellphone.
- And your things.
- Why do you have her belongings? He'll want to make contact.
This will be his easiest route.
Did you find the key? No.
It's in my possession.
Where it will stay.
And that controls the time machine? It controls who has the time machine.
I designed it for safety.
The machine always returns to the starting date of each voyage unless you have this key to override it.
So if he gets the key in the time machine, he can go anywhere and kill anyone.
And I will never be able to find him.
Is the time machine safe? It's being guarded at the museum.
Please, he will kill her.
No, not if he wants the key.
How do you know me? You said that we were related.
How is that possible? I was hoping you might have some answers.
I've traced my genealogy, but I can't find a genetic connection.
You said that we've met before.
My freshman year in college, I was walking on campus.
You came running up to me, out of breath, in a hurry, and said that you were H.
G.
Wells.
I thought you were crazy.
The whole thing sounds crazy.
But then you said you were my great-great-grandfather.
It was insane.
You were rambling.
You told me about the time machine, Jack the Ripper.
You spoke of the key and a woman in danger.
None of this makes any sense.
That's what I said.
Then you handed me a letter.
You said for me to find the time machine.
I wrote you a letter? No, you wrote you a letter.
You knew you wouldn't believe you either.
It's my handwriting.
"It's true, H.
G.
, don't be daft.
"Believe it.
H.
G.
" I wrote this, but This symbol, what does it mean? I've researched it, but there's no record of it.
Why didn't I write more? And where did John take Jane? Details would be very handy right now.
I have to find her.
Don't worry, we will.
[Inhales sharply.]
- [Gasps.]
- Going somewhere, dear? Sit you back down over here, shall we? You feisty little bugger.
Right.
What is your telephone number? Why? Because I need to have a little at with your new beau.
I don't Herbert George Wells, remember him? He has something that I want, and I have something that he wants.
I need your telephone number.
How do you know he has my phone? Well, he's naive and pathetic.
He's not stupid.
Your number.
I'm not gonna help you.
Thought that's what you might say.
John: I'd like you to meet our very gracious hostess, - Julia Milton.
- [Muffled screaming.]
Her friends call her Jules.
28, single, from Richmond, Virginia, currently working as a fashion consultant with Macy's where she makes a staggering $165,000 a year.
Isn't that mad? Did you know this apartment costs $8,000 a month? I mean, th-th-the economics of this period are just absurd.
[Whimpering.]
Now, I really, really think it's time you made that call, don't you? [Whimpering.]
[Cellphone rings.]
Doug: Blocked caller.
This could be him.
Now, you need to talk to him, but don't mention us.
He doesn't know you have help.
It's our best weapon against him.
Hello? You don't have to shout, H.
G.
You can speak at a decent room level.
Where's Jane? She's right here.
Go on, say hello.
I'm here.
I'm fine.
If you harm her in any way [Chuckling.]
Dear God, H.
G.
, the role of hero's really not in your arsenal, is it? - I mean it, John.
- Yes, of course you do.
Now, I want the key to the time machine.
Meet me at the bridge in Central Park tomorrow at noon.
Key gets you Jane.
Where is Central Park? Oh, you're a clever bunny, you'll figure it out.
No police, just you.
Alone.
Key or Jane dies.
Ahh! [Panting.]
It's okay.
[Screaming.]
- We have to hurry.
- Where is he? I hit him over the head.
He's unconscious.
Come on.
He's gonna wake up.
Stop, he's gonna wake up.
No, no, no.
Shh.
[Groans.]
[Whimpering.]
Okay, okay, come on past.
Please don't wake up.
[Groans.]
[Dramatic music playing.]
The stairs will be faster.
- Come here! - Ahh! [Screams.]
Ah, ah, I wouldn't do that.
Walk out that door, and she's dead.
[Whimpering.]
Please.
[Grunts.]
Are you sure you want to know? They're my books.
Yeah, but you haven't written them yet.
If you read them now, won't it affect what you write? Or will it inform what I write? Hell if I know.
Me neither, I'm afraid.
Has there been any word on Jane Walker's whereabouts? John was calling from a burner phone, which makes it harder to trace.
I have no idea what that means.
It means it will take more time to find his location.
Right.
And where is Central Park? We still have some time.
Let me get Ms.
Anders for you.
[Doorbell rings.]
- Griffin: Hey, Carl, how you doing? - All right.
Hello, there.
I'm Griffin Monroe.
Herbert George Wells.
Pleasure.
I'm sorry what did you say your name was again? Hey.
Honey.
- Hi.
- Good morning.
Has there been any news regarding Ms.
Walker? Nothing yet.
- Doug? - Right this way.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Who's that? - You didn't get my message? - When did you send the message? - I texted you this morning.
Is there a problem? Not everyone knows you're H.
G.
Wells.
- We need to keep it on the down low.
- I see, of course.
He said he was H.
G.
Wells.
- What? That's impossible.
- No, it's exactly what he said.
Well, he's not.
He's George Wells, a descendant of H.
G.
Wells.
- A descendant? - Yes.
I met him in London, years ago, when I found the time machine and I was having it restored.
Yeah.
He's in town just for the exhibit at the museum.
[Clears throat.]
You didn't mention he was coming.
- Oh, it's been a crazy week.
- Oh.
Ah.
Remember we have lunch with Stuart.
God, I'm so sorry.
I have to cancel.
- [Sighs.]
Please don't hate me.
- We can reschedule.
No, it's about your campaign, and I totally screwed up.
It's really not a big deal.
- Thank you, Senator.
- Oh, not yet.
[Julia whimpering.]
You've been granted a reprieve due to the feisty little vixen in the next room.
Now, now, don't get too cozy.
Well, it is that is soft, isn't it? Oh, it's like a cloud.
They really have figured some of these things out, haven't they? [Whimpers.]
Let her go.
You don't need her.
You have me.
I have her to keep you in line.
I hurt my arm.
I need to clean it.
I wouldn't worry about a little scrape on your arm.
You'll be dead soon enough.
You're not gonna kill me.
What makes you think that? You would have done it by now.
Besides, you need access to the time machine once you have the key.
Well, aren't you the clever one.
Take a seat.
Convenient.
Come on, let's have a look at your arm.
Come on, I'm a doctor.
Prestigious surgeon, in fact.
So why do you kill? Do you like playing God? Deciding who lives and who dies? You're a bold one with your questions.
Why prostitutes? Do you have something against women or just sex? Be careful with your tongue.
I do not allow women to speak to me this way.
Well, when you get in that time machine, make sure you go backwards.
Won't get any better for you in the future where women are concerned.
And how do you know so much about me? Everyone knows who you are.
You're Jack the Ripper.
You're famous.
I'm famous? Most famous killer in the world.
You didn't know? Figured you would have learned how to Google yourself by now.
Tell me more.
There's a laptop over there.
I can show you.
H.
G.
: Once I've secured Jane's safety, I will need to take John directly to the time machine.
Can I ask a question? Why can't you simply go back in time and reverse this entire series of events? Can't you go back to the moment just before the Ripper escapes in your time machine and stop him? One must be careful not to disrupt the very fabric of time.
It is my theory every time we travel to the past or future, you prick the fabric of time.
If you go too close to any one time repeatedly it can cause a hole in time.
What happens then? I'm not sure.
We melt, implode, cease to exist.
I prefer not to find out.
But that is why time travel is dangerous.
In the wrong hands, it could, quite frankly, destroy the world.
Okay, then.
We're better off with you meeting him in the park at noon.
You'll go to the bridge where my men and I will surprise him.
Well, he specifically said to come alone.
He'll have no idea we're there.
We'll grab him.
Isn't that what you want? I want the safe return of Jane Walker.
- That is my first priority.
- Can't we do both? I have known John Stevenson for years.
He is shrewd and cunning.
He is not easily foiled.
He may be Jack the Ripper, but he's still from 1893.
His little knives won't come close to my 9 millimeter Glock.
Does everyone in this era carry a firearm? - Pretty much.
- Let Doug come with you.
It's too dangerous.
The more people I involve, the more I risk altering time.
There's no telling the damage I've caused thus far.
I must do this alone.
That is final.
Very well.
You will go alone.
"Five prostitutes were killed.
"The murders were misogynistic in nature, "suggesting a hatred for women.
" No.
That is simply inaccurate.
I mean, I killed prostitutes because of the opportunity.
They troll alleyways.
They make it easy.
I also killed vagrants and street urchins in equal measure.
It says here I was never identified.
I don't even get credit for it? Did I not mention you're famous for being an anonymous killer? What are you talking about? No one knows my name? Wells is famous.
He accomplished something that endured, something good.
Don't be ridiculous.
I'm a decorated surgeon, highly regarded all over London.
No, you're Jack the Ripper, a faceless dark cloud on humanity.
[Gasps, gags.]
You want to know why I kill? Because the only thing more fulfilling than saving a life is taking one.
The instant sensation, the release it brings that slakes my thirst.
[Gasping.]
[Coughs, sputters.]
You're gonna go right through that entrance, follow the path, you can't miss the bridge.
Very well.
I'll be off.
You're not gonna give him the key, are you? That's not my intention.
And when John realizes he's being played? All I care about is the safe return of Ms.
Walker.
All right.
We'll be here, waiting.
[Car horns honking.]
For every step society takes forward, we take two steps back.
We invent new technologies only to use them as weapons against one another.
- We strive for equality - - yet we're more divided than ever.
- Look around you.
Nations are at war.
Violence runs rampant.
Our days on this planet are numbered.
Prepare yourself.
The end is near.
We are on the verge of all-out nuclear war.
[Speaking indistinctly.]
[Indistinct conversations.]
My word.
Did your grandmother dress you this morning? Hello, old friend.
We are anything but friends.
Oh, come on.
That's not true.
We have a long history together.
A few days in the future can't change that.
- Where's Jane? - Where's the key? When Jane is safe, I'll give you the key.
[Laughs.]
There you go again, trying to negotiate as if you had the upper hand.
It's bloody awful, isn't it, this world? Everybody's so loud and angry about everything.
Yelling, pushing, shoving I mean, it's a battlefield to get an afternoon tea.
Enough, John.
I have the key.
Where is Jane? Do you really want to take me back to 1893? You must pay for your crimes.
Well, a quick history lesson for you, H.
G.
I'm never caught.
You can look it up.
You can Google it, in fact.
So, this little power struggle will not yield you anything.
- I never return to London.
- Well, maybe it's because you die.
[Laughs.]
By your cowardly hands? I think not.
Don't worry.
She's not far.
Give me the key, and I'll tell you where to find her.
What are you looking at? Where's Jane? Where is Jane? Come on, give me the key.
I'll tell you where to find her.
Come on.
You can trust me.
No, no, no, no, no, don't.
I had this under control.
[Grunting.]
Hey, stop! [Screaming.]
Kids! Let's go.
Move.
- Let's go.
- Let's get out of here.
You weren't supposed to be here.
And now she's dead.
You've killed her.
[Indistinct shouting.]
Ohhh.
You lied to me.
I am so sorry.
I thought it was the right call.
I couldn't let you go alone.
We should have something soon on the phone trace.
You sealed her fate.
She's dead.
I apologize, sir.
I saw you give him the key, I gave the word to Carl to move in.
Her death is on your head.
But she is his only leverage over you.
Why would he kill her? Because he's a madman, and we've angered him.
He could lose all reasoning.
We will find her.
No, you don't understand.
When I arrived, I was helpless, lost.
She was the one person who showed me kindness.
He will kill her just to get back at me.
I know him.
I'm done here.
- If you'll excuse me.
- Where are you going? I wish to leave.
Kindly step aside.
You came to me all those years ago, and I've waited a long time to understand my role in this.
Let me fix this.
I can help you.
Am I a prisoner here? Of course not.
I insist you not follow me.
I will not follow you.
Are you serious? [Door opens.]
[Car horns honking.]
- Ooh! - Oof.
- I am so sorry.
- Eyes up, dude.
My apologies, sir.
Please forgive me.
I'll just - What the hell, man? - I am so sorry.
Uh, do you know which way downtown is? Thank you so much.
Are you following me? What? Did Vanessa send you to follow me? Man, I don't know you.
I'm just walking.
Freak.
[Grunts.]
Where did Wells get help? Who are they? I want out of this bloody time.
Then go.
Just leave, disappear.
To hell with it.
I don't need the key.
The time machine still works.
I can go anywhere I bloody want.
I'll disappear into another time.
No.
You don't have to kill her! I know that.
I want to.
There's no reason to, just leave! Start over.
You have an opportunity here.
You can change.
You can be someone new.
Your legacy is that of a killer that nobody knows.
What are you rambling about? Somewhere inside, I know you hate it because I saw it in your face.
You hate being Jack the Ripper, so why don't you just stop this right here, right now? Now I see why H.
G.
's so taken with you.
You're both full of the same idealistic rubbish.
I am exactly who I want to be.
No! [Crying.]
[Crying.]
It's okay.
You're safe now.
- Do you know where he went? - I couldn't hear.
Did he kill her? The trace came through.
We got an address.
We're there now.
- Where's Jane? - John took her.
They left about half an hour ago.
Witness says he was pretty unhinged.
Where would they go? Man on P.
A.
: The museum will be closing in 10 minutes.
Please proceed to the exits.
The museum will be closing in 10 minutes.
Please proceed to the exits.
Hey, Jane.
The exhibit's closed.
Yeah, I have, uh, an end-of-day report for Vanessa Anders.
I won't be long.
Hurry up before they figure me out.
Just go wherever you're going.
Go! What? You didn't think I was gonna go alone now, did you? No.
No! Let her go, John.
[Laughs.]
I thought I might see you here.
And here we are again.
This isn't about her.
This is about you and me.
Oh, like it was you and me in the park? You must think I'm a fool.
There's no one else here.
I came completely alone.
Well, then you're the fool.
Perhaps I am.
But I am also in possession of the one thing that you want.
I'd say that makes the two of us.
The key.
Slide it to me.
Oops.
[Grumbles.]
[Gasps.]
John, John.
John! - [Grunts.]
- John, you mustn't do this.
No, no, no, no, John, John.
John.
John.
John, look at me.
Don't do this.
John! John, you're making a huge mistake.
- John! - Come on.
[Electricity buzzing.]
Can you stop him? Come on.
Come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on, come on.
Come on, you.
Ah! Ugh! Ah! - You all right? - Yes.
Is he gone? [Gasps.]
[Both grunting.]
Hey! Did you kill him? It's a stun gun.
He'll be fine.
Are you okay? I am now.
No, no, no, I wouldn't.
[Grunts, groans.]
Man: Let's move out! Move! The Wells exhibit! Move! Damn it, Wells.
On the radio.
Down here! Call it in.
Man #2: We got a security officer down.
- Got it? - Yes, ma'am.
We spoke to the police.
It's being written up as vandalism.
Museum's on board with keeping it quiet.
Great.
Let's wrap it up and get out of here.
Can it be fixed? Oh, never mind this.
I'm more concerned with you.
Are you okay? I'm not gonna lie - I was pretty scared.
- [Cellphone rings.]
It's your phone.
Hello? I'm gonna make this short and sweet.
I'm going to kill one person every day until I get the time machine with the key.
Do I make myself clear? - Yes, but - [Cellphone clicks.]
Was that him? Yes.
He still wants the key.
How are you, Miss Walker? I've been better.
You've been through quite an ordeal.
You and that other woman are lucky to be alive.
The woman from the apartment, - Jules, she's alive? - Yes.
She's shaken, but she's okay.
She didn't hear or see much.
She's with the police now.
We're monitoring her.
I thought he killed her.
He said he killed her.
Let's get out of here.
Yeah.
[Indistinct conversations.]
Thank you.
Any time.
Why so sad? Appears I was bested today.
Let's cheer you up.
Hey.
This guy needs a drink.
I told Jane she could stay here for the night.
It's It's safe here.
I'm really sorry about the park and lying to you.
It won't happen again.
Thank you.
I appreciate your apology, but the fact remains the time machine is still broken.
Let me help you fix it.
I have the resources.
May I ask what you do to have such resources? I'm the C.
E.
O.
of Anders Enterprises, a biotech company founded by my parents.
Biotech, as in biotechnology? Yes.
With a focus on neuroscience and genetic engineering.
I can only imagine the advancements.
How incredibly impressive.
My parents were impressive.
I'm just the daughter who inherited it.
I always believed that technology would be the cure to society's ills that it would be the path to peace.
Your utopia.
And I couldn't have been more wrong.
My parents died when I was a little girl.
They were all I had.
No siblings, no extended family.
There is no one else.
Why are you telling me this? I took the shirt you were wearing when you first arrived, and had a genealogy test done from the blood and DNA on it.
The preliminary results are back, and I'm not really sure how, but you and I we're family.
I wish I could offer you more.
Some form of insight into how we're related.
When you showed up in my life all those years ago, I didn't believe you.
But I did what you said.
I looked for the time machine.
And I finally found it in your basement at 10 Mornington Lane.
- Camden Town.
- Yes.
And I had it restored.
And a part of me has always been waiting hoping.
I'm just happy you're here.
[Sighs.]
Get some rest.
It's been a long day.
Thank you, Vanessa, for your kindness.
Good night.
Oh, hello again.
Oh, hello, uh - It's Griffin.
- Yes, Griffin.
And you're George Wells.
- Yes.
- Have you seen Vanessa? She's in her office.
- Care for a drink? - Oh, it's it's late.
- Perhaps another time, though.
- Sure.
Sorry, Vanessa mentioned that you're a descendant of the real H.
G.
Wells.
- Yes, that's correct.
- How so? I beg your pardon? A direct descendant? Um, was he your great-great-grandfather, a distant cousin? - Oh, it's a complicated lineage.
- Ah.
Um, how long are you staying? Oh, I'm not sure exactly.
- Is there a problem? - No.
No, no.
Just making conversation.
If there's anything you need while you're in the city, just let me know.
Thank you.
That's very kind.
All right, it's late.
- I'll be off.
- Sure.
- Have a good night, George.
- You too.
[Knock at door.]
May I? Come in.
This place is insane.
Are you sure it's okay that I stay here? I think it's a good idea, at least until we find John.
It's safe here.
Vanessa has some very large men guarding her.
Vanessa's one of the richest women in the world.
She might be even wealthier than Oprah.
What is an Oprah? Never mind.
How does she know you? It's okay.
You can sit.
Right.
Uh, well it appears that Vanessa and I are related.
Apparently, I visited her years ago, and I gave her this.
It's how she knew to find me.
You traveled to the past and gave this to her? Well, actually, her past, my future, it's that's how she knew she would see me again.
Okay, that makes my head spin.
Mine, too.
[Chuckles.]
What does this emblem mean? I don't know.
It's something from my future, I assume.
Why didn't you write more in this letter? [Laughs.]
Trust me, I've been racking my brain.
Clearly, I needed to convince myself to trust Vanessa, but there is a danger to knowing your future.
You would be tempted to alter it.
Maybe the future you was scared you might do that.
Which implies that something must happen that would tempt me.
What if you don't find John? I will find John, and he will pay for what he did to you.
I promise you.
It's okay.
I'm tougher than I look.
Right.
You're from Texas.
Good memory.
It's nice to see you smile.
You have a very pretty smile.
I am terribly sorry for bringing such mayhem into your life.
I moved to this city to have this big life.
And I have a good life.
You being here is a very big deal, huge, so please don't be sorry.
You truly are a ray of light, Ms.
Walker.
You got to start calling me Jane.
[Chuckles.]
Right.
Very well.
I'll start tomorrow.
Until then.
[Sighs.]
So, what has you so glum tonight? Do you believe people have the power to change? Truly change who they are? Wow.
So heady with your whiskey.
Well, yes, I think people can change.
They have the ability, but I don't think they do, not really.
People hate change.
It's too hard.
Yes.
It does seem overwhelming.
What do you say we, uh, take this somewhere a little quieter and have ourselves a proper drink? Well, that's more like it.
[Siren wailing in distance.]
[Clock ticking.]