Hercules: The Legendary Journeys s01e02 Episode Script
Eye of the Beholder
There he is! Come on, girls! Get him! He's mine! Hold him! Ill get him! Hey, Herc-boy! Hurry! Come back! Thanks, Darlin.
Yeah, well, compared to what I usually hear around this dump, you got no problems.
Yeah, but King Thespius wants every one of them to have a child by me.
Yeah, how many daugthers does the old boy got? - Fifty.
- Ho-ho-ha-ha! No problem! Youll take care of em easy! Hmm.
Sorry.
Im a one-woman man.
Let me fix you some eggs.
Thatll put lead in your- Hey, Hercules! Whatre you gonna do about that Cyclops in Trachas, huh? Ah, give him some room, Androcles.
The guy had a run-in with a lion a while back.
- Hes been a wet-brain ever since.
- No, its all right.
Let him talk.
Yeah, let me talk.
This Cyclops has been chasing people out of their homes- hurtin them, too.
All to protect Heras sacred vineyards.
Hera.
- Is what hes saying true? - Yeah.
Then I, uh- better go see for myself.
What about those fifty sisters? Oh, itll be a lot easier to deal with one cyclops.
- Far enough, little man.
- OK.
B-b-but Im just a, ah- a-a pumble heddler- a-a humble peddl- Im on my way to Trachas.
- Not through the vineyard! - But theres no other way.
Yes, there i-i-is.
Ah-ah-ah-ah! Dont wrinkle the material! Nooooooooo! This is the story of a time long ago.
A time of myth and legend, when the ancient gods were petty and cruel, and they plagued mankind with suffering.
Only one man dared to challenge their power-Hercules.
Hercules possessed a strength the world had never seen, a strength surpassed only by the power of his heart.
He journeyed the earth, battling the minions of wicked stepmother, Hera, the all-powerful queen of the gods.
But wherever there was evil, wherever an innocent would suffer, there would be Hercules.
Hello.
All right! I admit it.
I look like a stuffed owl.
Ha-ha-ha-ha.
Now, could you just- get me down? Ahhh! Ooh! Are- you all right? I just fell out of a tree- and landed on my nose.
- What do you think?! - But you are going to live? Its too early to tell.
It feels like I got a lotta loose body parts.
And you never know about internal bleeding.
Howd you get up there, anyway? Some lunatic Cyclops kicked me in the rear and sent me flying! You gonna help me up or not? Oh- sorry.
This- Cyclops- do you know where I can find him? - You a friend of his? - No, but Im planning on looking him up.
Do tell! Who do you think you are- Hercules? - Well, as a- matter of- - Wait a minute! Wait a minute! It is you! I should have recognized ya! Im Salmoneus, the travelling toga salesman.
Ha-ha-ha! I cant wait to see this.
See what? See you put your fist in that big freaks eye.
- What I do isnt a spectator sport.
- Oh? Then how about this? Oh, then how about this? You take me along and I make you a sweet deal on a new toga.
'Whats a toga?' My boy- fashion is passing you by.
Ill explain it on the way.
Come on.
This is a fools mission, Atreus.
Not if we get this river back on its course.
Now, come on, you two- put your shoulders to this thing! Its him.
- Keep pushin here! - I didnt come out here to die.
Volus, you coward! Im gonna stomp you when I get back- and Im gonna make your wife and kids watch! Use your anger on this rock.
Get away from my river! Or would you rather die?! Youre not gonna kill me, you one-eyed freak! Are you crazy?! Lets get outta here! Yeah! Go back with the rest of the women! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! - One-eyed son-of-a- - Dont, Evander! Thats the boy.
Come and get it.
You want some, too? OK, now heres what I could do.
I could call one of my togas, the Hercules Deluxe-ees- huh? - Just tell me which ones you wanna buy.
- I dont wanna buy any of them.
- Oh, you want something for nothing, huh? - Thats not what I mean.
No, what you mean is, you dont care about your image.
But you better start, my friend, cause the public is fickle.
All right- tell you what Im gonna do.
Im gonna give you your own line of togas- cut you in for a piceof the action-huh, huh? And heres the advertising slogan.
'Hercules, the giant killer- takes a giant step forward in fashion! - Pretty snappy, huh? - Hey.
Hey.
Ah, potential customers! - Whats the trouble? - Its the Cyclops.
- Hes just killed one of our villagers.
- Huh? Yeah, yeah.
Look, catch your breath.
Hes not following you now.
- Ahh- thanks.
- Its my fault we were out there.
- Dont make the same mistake.
- The Cyclops isnt gonna do anything to him.
Hes Hercules! Ah, Hercules or not, you could still die if you come to Trachas.
Tell me what happened.
We wanted to get the river running in the direction it used to run.
Ah, its the river weve always counted on for our fish, and water for our crops.
But the Cyclops changed its course so it would irrigate Heras vineyard.
Look how green the land around here is.
There must be other rivers.
Oh, no, theyre all too far away.
Hera wants the river for herself, and to destroy us.
She cares only about her grapes, and the wine thatll be poured at the festival of the believers.
And the Cyclops makes sure her wishes are carried out.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
You- youd help us? Are you serious? When it comes to Hera- Im always serious.
Heard you worked up a bit of an appetite, today.
- Only fools challenge me.
- Thats right.
Thats why I have you on my side.
Im too smart to go up against you.
- Yeah- to my face you are.
- Hey, Im not like those jackasses in Trachas! - You better not be.
- Would you doubt me- huh? How could you do that? I pay you- to vent your anger on people who have- belittled you all your life! No one- has ever been as good to you as I have.
Listen, Hercules, I can handle the whole thing.
See- youll be the silent partner.
Ill do the talking for both of us.
You just lend me your name, and, uh- I collect the money.
Of course, as the brains behind the deal, Ill need the bigger share.
Lets say, uh- 70-30? Does that sound good? Excuse me.
Were conducting business, here.
Thank you very much.
I mean, Id risk the exposure.
Im parched.
Ill be right back.
Thanks.
Well, youre the first sign of hope any of us has seen in a long, long time.
You should still postpone the celebration until you see how I do with the Cyclops.
Well, theres no one in this village who believes its possibe for you to fail.
Huh? Huh? Greetings, Hercules.
Ha-ha! What a splendid gathering, huh? Yes- wonderful.
Id rather fight monsters.
Come on! Ya love it! Ya know you do.
So, is this your lovely-? Hey! Were looking for Hercules.
Huh? Have you seen-? want him.
Uh.
Ill explain later.
He should be here.
we can find him.
- Has anybody seen him? This may be our lucky night.
He must be around here.
You must have seen him.
Uh- I have.
Hes on the road- to Athens.
Oh! Are you sure? Athens is a long way from here.
Then you better hurry if you wanna catch up to him, my flower.
But before you go- I have just the thing for you girls while youre travelling.
Its called- the toga! Wear it, and youll be on the cutting edge of fashion.
Everyone in Athens has them, and nobody would be caught dead at the arena without one! I thought you were leaving.
- except the guys getting fed to the lions, of course- - Yeah- right.
- bu-but, when the going gets hot and heavy - Excuse me.
- believe me, young ladies, youll need one of these little items.
Lightweight, comfortable, and get this- you slip it off your shoulder- and its wonderful? - for evening wear.
- Hi.
Drop the hem over your knee, and you can go to work.
Huh? Whaddya say, fair maidens? Wouldnt you like a toga or three in your wardrobe? Hmm? Yes? - What are you doing here? - Im not bothering you.
- Yes, you are! - The river is yours- the vineyard, too.
Cant you let us have anything? - Uh- no! - Why? Get outta here! Over here! Hercules! You sly dog! No.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha.
The daughters of King Thespius, huh? You, sir- truly are the strongest man in the world, if you can, uh- hmm! - Hold fifty hearts in sway at once.
- All they want is my body.
- Ha-ha! I know the feeling.
- Hey! Now the Cyclops is attacking our women! Go ahead, Scylla, you tell him.
Well, he didnt attack me, exactly.
But he did chase me away.
And I wasnt anywhere near Heras precious vineyard.
I just wanted these.
Further proof that that Cyclops is a lout.
Yeah.
Uh- did he have a weapon? Why dont you go up to his lair, and find out for yourself? Or are you afraid? - Dont- mind the interruption.
- Oh- no- he didnt have a weapon.
Thank you.
Now, is- is there a problem? Yeah- your manhood- you wouldnt even stand up to those women last night.
Oh- I see.
So, I guess that- makes me a coward then, right? - Right.
- Right.
Atreus, can you tell me where I-? Now, its your turn.
First man off his feet loses.
If its you- Im gonna find those women and feed you to them.
Go on, Hercules- dent his head.
Look- Im- Im not gonna play your game.
Yes, you are.
Ah- I should have sold tickets.
Give me your hand.
Next ones for you, Scylla.
Id tell you not to hurt your head- if I thought there was anything in it.
I really- dont have time for this nonsense.
Ah, Hercules- wrong way.
- Oh, right.
- Yeah.
I know that.
Shouldnt you rest- before you go up against the Cyclops? Dont worry- Im, a- at my best when I cant see what Im doing.
Youre not going to defeat him with jokes.
I know.
You do have a plan, dont you? Ive never even seen this thing.
I- dont know what Im gonna do.
Its just that so many of the villagers have been lost to the Cyclops.
And I dont want you to be the next one.
This isnt where I intend to die.
Well, none of the others did, either.
You know- if youre gonna tell me anything- I wish it was, Good luck.
- Well, in that case- good luck.
- Thank you.
Get a move on, slave, or youll feel my lash.
Take a good look.
This is the wine that Heras chosen people will drink- at the festival of the believers.
Do those slaves ever have trouble with their feet? - You know- diseases- open sores? - Ah, shut up! Hey, I was just talking.
If they got lousy feet, they might as well be spitting in the stuff.
You tell me why youre here- or Ill slap your face- to the back of your head! - Hercules is coming.
- You expect me to believe that.
Hey, its true.
I saw him with my own eyes- last night in Trachas.
Well- then hes dead meat.
- Hey- whats so funny? - Everythings funny, you idiot! Hercules is here- just in time for Heras festival.
And when the Cyclops gets through with him- his head- will make an excellent decoration for the main table.
Whoa-whoa! Its me! Its me! Nice reflexes! Salmoneus, what are you doing here? I wanna see you do cruel and unusual things to that monster.
- I thought you had togas to sell.
- First things first.
- You really shouldnt hold a grudge.
- Dont be so preachy! Waaah! Youd feel just like I do, if you were in my sandals.
Maybe so, but I still want you and your sandals to turn around and go back to Trachas.
By myself? Uh-uh! The cyclops could get me- or a wild beast could turn me into lunch.
Or the tax collector might repossess my toga.
OK- so, can I come with ya? Yes- but, youre on your own- if things get ugly with this creature.
Youre kidding, right? I mean- uh-huh- youre Hercules! Itd be really bad for you image! Wait! Companys coming.
- Who do you want me to hurt, now? - Hercules.
- Hes here? - And hes looking for you.
- They say theres nobody stronger.
- Who says that- huh? Whoever said thats never gone sideways with you.
Youre unbeatable.
Youre a force for the good of Hera.
Youre- whats that? I found it.
What are you doing with a girls scarf? You got a girlfriend- huh? No! Come on- you can tell me.
Youre getting a bit on the sly, arent ya? Huh? Shut up! - I dont have a girlfriend! - Now, thats how I like to see ya! Nice- and hostile! Yes, you can go back to moonin around all your life! After youve chopped Hercules into- tiny little pieces and scattered them to the four corners of the earth! Whatre you gonna do to him?! Tell me what youre gonna do to him! You gonna twist his- see, if I were you- The Cyclops would probably die laughing, and youd be a hero.
Now, pipe down.
Oh, I see.
You dont want him to know that were coming, huh? - The element of surprise.
- Sh! Ladies! - Come to buy those togas, eh? Oh, no! Swine! Run.
Come on, girls! Hes ours! Be careful! Dont let him get away! Get him, girls! Help! I cant do it! I cant go on! Dont worry! They wont hurt you! - Ya promise? - Wheres he going? - Beats me.
- Bad choice of words for a liar.
- Wh-wh-when did I ever lie to you?! - Youve got a very short memory.
OK, girls- the treatment.
Come on.
Hey, wa-wait; wait, wait, wait.
Wait a- whoa, whoa-whoa.
Hey! Hey, be careful! No! Hey! Whoa! No! Hey! Oh! Oh! Ahh! OK! You can look, but dont touch! Hera, it is I- Castor- the faithful.
I come before you- bearing a gift- in the form of a promise.
Hercules your treacherous stepson is about to die just as you have desired for so long.
My Cyclops will see to it, personally.
He will bring me the head of Hercules- and I will- Youll do anything Hera tells you to- Castor.
What are you doing here? Oh, Im just making sure this Hercules isnt too much for you to handle.
- Did Hera send you? - Stepmothers intuition.
Everything will be all right.
Everything will be all right.
The Cyclops will- will rip out one of Hercules arms and, and- beat him to death with it.
Nice thought.
But if your walking eyeball doesnt deliver- Ive got another solution.
- No- not the executioners.
- No- you dont get a vote.
Let me guess- youre the Cyclops.
Take a good look- because Im the last thing youre ever gonna see.
Thats what they all say.
- Stand still! - Why dont I help you move.
Hey! Ooh! I knew ya werent gonna go easy! Tired yet? Hey, whered ya go? Just kill me and get it over with.
I think Id rather find out why youre always in such a rotten mood.
Go ahead.
Drinks should always be on the loser.
Its from the water I guard.
Now, I understand why the villagers want their river back.
Its not their river.
They got there before Hera did.
Diverting it was a crime.
Id like it better if youd say I- stole it from those gutless wonders in Trachas.
- Why do hate them so much? - Because they hated me first! It started when I was a boy: Geek; Freak; Monster.
I heard it all.
Admit it- you were thinking the same thing when you came after me.
Yeah- I was.
You get tired of it after a while.
But- tired isnt a reason to work for Hera.
Loyalty doesnt mean anything to her.
All she cares about is her wine.
I dont work for Hera.
I work for Castor- the man in charge of the vineyard.
Hes the only one who ever treated me halfway decent.
And that ended when you didnt kill me- and you know it.
If you want me to fight for the villagers, forget it! They dont care about me- why should I care about them? Because, now Heras gonna hate you as much as she hates the villagers.
Well- then I guess were all outta luck.
Not if you give each other a chance.
Pssh! Thats what you think.
Youre the one who has to do the thinking.
Salmoneus? Dont worry, he says.
They wont hurt you, he says.
- Well- well, did they? - Look at me! You think Im dressed like a tree cause I wanna be?! If Im not careful, Ill be attracting woodpeckers! But, youre not hurt.
- Noooo.
- Good- because, you look ridiculous.
Hey! Hey! The next time those crazy women come along- Im gonna serve you to them on a silver platter.
By the way, howd you do with the Cyclops? - Not bad.
- Did you beat him? - Thats one way of putting it.
- Hah? Hah? Youre being modest! Youre being modest, right?! You slammed into him! You went, Bang! Whoops! Whoops! Ha-ha.
Whoa! Come on, nature boy.
Lets find you some clothes.
I wanna hear all the gory details! I dont wanna hear any more! Theres no more to tell.
Hercules defeated the freak- end of story.
- Cyclops quit on me.
- Huh? He just- rolled over and played dead- and after all Ive done for him.
- That overgrown eyeball! - I dont know nothin about that! You dont care either, do ya- rodent? You just want the dinars that I owe ya- and then the wolves can start eating me alive! Wolves? Well, think about it on your way out, you imbecile! This is gonna be a big enough mess without having you around.
Then Hercules hits him with three lefts in a row- Pow, pow, pow! Faster than a chicken pecking at a kernel of corn.
And before the Cyclops knows whats happening to him- Hercules unleashes his mighty right hand- kablooey! Hits the Cyclops so far in the air- that Hercules goes underneath and catches him.
And then- Your friend, the toga salesmans a lucky man- seeing all that.
Yeah- hes talking about things even I dont remember.
Ha-ha- whatever.
Now we can get our lives back to normal, now the Cyclops is dead.
Ah- he isnt dead.
- But- you were supposed to kill him! - No- I was supposed to stop him from ruining your lives.
I never intended to kill him.
Well, you should have.
Look- theres no fight left in him.
There might not have been any to start with, if people hadnt always treated him like an outcast.
- Is that what that freak told you? - Listen to yourself, Atreus.
- Youre answering your own question.
- You keep out of this.
I will not.
I know what you and your friends put the Cyclops through when he was a boy.
We were protecting you and every other female in the village, you ungrateful wench! Why dont you worry about your river, instead of calling the lady names? Ah- what good would it do? Once youre gone- the Cyclops will be back terrorzing us.
If you werent such an ass, maybe Hercules would stay and help.
Well, maybe Ill stay and help, anyway.
- You mean it? - Yes.
I like the idea of Heras grapes dying on the vine.
Everybody! We start puttin the river back on course, tomorrow! Ill sell you those- Woke up alone again, didntcha? Im surprised the fair Scylla hasnt taken care of that problem.
- Thats not what Im here for, Salmoneus.
- All work and no play- - means I dont leave with a guilty conscience.
Ah, well- ya probably wouldnt have had time for her, anyway.
Ha ha ha.
Ive got a sporting proposition for you, Hercules.
- You set this up, didnt you? - They only released me when I promised.
Now, just listen, will ya? No, no- its my turn, all right? Now ladies- no matter what you think, Im not opposed- to pretty women.
And - Im not opposed to having children, but- if Im going to become a father again- the mother will be someone that I love.
And I- I dont love any of you.
I mean, I like to look at you, and I-I- I- might even- like to talk to you, if I didnt feel like I was always the fox, and you were the hounds, but- thats as far as my interest goes.
I hope ya understand.
I hope King Thespius understands.
Now- if youll excuse me, Ive- Ive got some people to help.
Oh- that is so beautiful.
Hes not like other men.
Hes so sensitive.
So, thats why Dad wanted us to have his children.
Youre bigger than Hercules! Youre tougher! Youre meaner! And still you lost! How could you do that to me? To you? Im the one he beat.
- Yeah? Well, how come youre not dead? - Would that make it better? Youre on his side now, arent you? I havent decided.
Ooh- you think youre so smart.
I havent decided.
Hera has let her executioners loose! Theyre going to kill everybody that gets in their path! Why dont you- think about that for a minute, you idiot! Dont call me an idiot! Is that all you can say? Why dont you just use that big eyeball of yours for a minute and- and take a look around! Youre doomed! I didnt think youd be here so soon.
You sure you want me to come along? You make a good point.
I want Hercules- and I want him dead! Go! Come on, everybody.
Lets get this cleared! You just gonna stand there? I refuse to compromise my integrity with physical toil.
Well, then Im not interested in buying any of your togas.
You want-? All right.
You need some help? Yeah.
Thanks.
Embarrassed? Lets give Hercules a hand! Come on, if we all do this, itll work! Right! Get your hands down! And get your backs into it! All right.
Push! Almost got it?! Just a little more.
Come on, all together! Oh, look whos here.
Better late than never.
Heave! Hey! Hey! We did it! We helped! Weve done it! I helped! The first labor Ive ever done! Hmmmm.
Well, youve set a good example.
But theres months of work here.
I hope these people realize that.
If they were afraid of challenges, they wouldve run off by now.
How about you, Hercules? You going back on the road? - Sooner or later- I always do.
- Oh, thats a shame.
We could use someone like you- Go back where ya came from! - Im not here to hurt you! - Freak! Don't! Give him a chance! He never gave us one! Well, stop it! Stop and listen to Hercules! Hercules is not one of us! - No! Come back! And dont come back! You fools.
Wait! Dont! Youre crazy! Dont go! Dont go, Scylla! Shell be fine.
Dont worry.
The Cyclops wont hurt her.
If that monster kills Scylla, her bloodll be on your hands! Yeah, youre the one who let the Cyclops live.
- He wasnt here to hurt anybody.
- How can you say that? You fought him, for cryin out loud! Because I know who put the evil in him.
You.
And you.
All of you.
Wait a second.
- How can he accuse us? Youve got your nerve- standing there judging us, while the Cyclops is- probably off, having his way with Scylla.
Shes better off with him than she would be with you.
Oh, my hand! Dont hurt him, Hercules.
- No, no, dont hurt him.
Why dont you sell them some togas, Salmoneus.
Im going after our friends.
Your fault! - She better be alive! This is yours! Hey- youre the executioners, right? Yeah.
Yeah.
Castor said you were coming.
Let me show you where Hercules is.
We dont need you! Are you all right? - Im tired.
- I dont doubt it- after always being called names by people- always having people afraid of you.
- Im sorry.
- I know you are.
I- I could tell you were different the day I-I saw you gathering flowers.
- But you were still scared, werent you? - Yes.
Well, let me tell you something.
Its not me you have to be afraid of, anymore.
Its Heras executioners.
Theyre out to destroy Hercules- and the village.
You have to tell Hercules.
Tell me what? Heras executioners are coming.
Well, then I better go say, Hello.
You cant fight them by yourself.
I dont care what the myths say about you.
You may find this hard to believe- but- some of those myths are true.
- Does that mean you wouldnt want my help? - No.
It means I dont ask for help.
But, Im not an unreasonable man.
Good! Because Id like to pay Hera back for the way she used me.
And- Id also like to show you both I- I appreciate your treating me like like something- besides a monster.
Then it sounds like were in this together.
Dont forget about me.
Im coming with ya.
- But you might get hurt.
- I know.
- But I could get hurt staying here, too.
- The ladys right.
Very well.
But promise youll be careful.
I promise.
The executioners mustve taken the long way here.
It couldve been a lie, too.
Castor was good at lying.
Lets warn the villagers, anyway- whether they deserve it or not.
Are you sure they wont just throw more rocks? Im sure.
They dont wanna hurt you.
I never thought you two would need my protection.
But if thats the way it is- Very impressive.
We should help them.
No, I wont die helpin a freak or anyone who sides with one even if it is Hercules.
Damn right.
It would be better to die with him- than to stay here with eunuchs like you.
Behind you, Hercules Thanks! - You come with me.
- No! Hercules! Help! Help! Hercules! Hercules! To the village! Hes gonna try to hurt us.
Hey, look! Oh, yeah! Ooh- what a way to go.
Hercules is beating them all.
Ha ha ha ha ha! Hercules! Im ready to fight! Hes getting away! - How can I help? - Ill give you a boost.
- Ill go to Scylla! - Right! Ow.
Hercules- Hercules, we owe you a debt of gratitude, that can never be repaid.
Yes, it can.
If you really want to repay me- just be nice to him.
Oh, but weve tried.
Weve tried.
Yes- calling someone a monster always proves youre his friend.
Why are we arguin about this, now? This should be a day of celebration.
You know? This man helped Hercules do something for you and me, today- that you would never have done for him.
But how can we be sure he wont cause more trouble after Hercules leaves.
If you let me live in peace I promise- Ill help you do the same- as long as you treat me- with respect.
Youre not going to get a better offer than that, Atreus.
Id take him up on it if I was you.
All right.
Well give it a try- huh? Hurray! Hercules! I cant believe I didnt make a single dinar on this entire trip! I mean, I thought somebody back there would buy a toga! Oh, well, Im sure well do better the next place we stop.
- We? - Cant break up the team, now.
- Im naming a toga after you, remember? - But I told you, I dont wear togas.
- Aah- picky, picky.
There he is! - I thought we settled this.
- No, not you, Hercules- your little friend.
Youre kidding! - We have decided, he will do just fine.
- Me? - Yes! Come on! What about that team we had? A mans gotta do- what a mans gotta do! Right this way.
Hello! Hello! - Let me take five at a time- - Yeah- right.
- out mathematically- very nice- thank you.
- Good luck.
- OK, can I look and touch? Oh, very nice- OK.
Captioned by Grantman Brown
Yeah, well, compared to what I usually hear around this dump, you got no problems.
Yeah, but King Thespius wants every one of them to have a child by me.
Yeah, how many daugthers does the old boy got? - Fifty.
- Ho-ho-ha-ha! No problem! Youll take care of em easy! Hmm.
Sorry.
Im a one-woman man.
Let me fix you some eggs.
Thatll put lead in your- Hey, Hercules! Whatre you gonna do about that Cyclops in Trachas, huh? Ah, give him some room, Androcles.
The guy had a run-in with a lion a while back.
- Hes been a wet-brain ever since.
- No, its all right.
Let him talk.
Yeah, let me talk.
This Cyclops has been chasing people out of their homes- hurtin them, too.
All to protect Heras sacred vineyards.
Hera.
- Is what hes saying true? - Yeah.
Then I, uh- better go see for myself.
What about those fifty sisters? Oh, itll be a lot easier to deal with one cyclops.
- Far enough, little man.
- OK.
B-b-but Im just a, ah- a-a pumble heddler- a-a humble peddl- Im on my way to Trachas.
- Not through the vineyard! - But theres no other way.
Yes, there i-i-is.
Ah-ah-ah-ah! Dont wrinkle the material! Nooooooooo! This is the story of a time long ago.
A time of myth and legend, when the ancient gods were petty and cruel, and they plagued mankind with suffering.
Only one man dared to challenge their power-Hercules.
Hercules possessed a strength the world had never seen, a strength surpassed only by the power of his heart.
He journeyed the earth, battling the minions of wicked stepmother, Hera, the all-powerful queen of the gods.
But wherever there was evil, wherever an innocent would suffer, there would be Hercules.
Hello.
All right! I admit it.
I look like a stuffed owl.
Ha-ha-ha-ha.
Now, could you just- get me down? Ahhh! Ooh! Are- you all right? I just fell out of a tree- and landed on my nose.
- What do you think?! - But you are going to live? Its too early to tell.
It feels like I got a lotta loose body parts.
And you never know about internal bleeding.
Howd you get up there, anyway? Some lunatic Cyclops kicked me in the rear and sent me flying! You gonna help me up or not? Oh- sorry.
This- Cyclops- do you know where I can find him? - You a friend of his? - No, but Im planning on looking him up.
Do tell! Who do you think you are- Hercules? - Well, as a- matter of- - Wait a minute! Wait a minute! It is you! I should have recognized ya! Im Salmoneus, the travelling toga salesman.
Ha-ha-ha! I cant wait to see this.
See what? See you put your fist in that big freaks eye.
- What I do isnt a spectator sport.
- Oh? Then how about this? Oh, then how about this? You take me along and I make you a sweet deal on a new toga.
'Whats a toga?' My boy- fashion is passing you by.
Ill explain it on the way.
Come on.
This is a fools mission, Atreus.
Not if we get this river back on its course.
Now, come on, you two- put your shoulders to this thing! Its him.
- Keep pushin here! - I didnt come out here to die.
Volus, you coward! Im gonna stomp you when I get back- and Im gonna make your wife and kids watch! Use your anger on this rock.
Get away from my river! Or would you rather die?! Youre not gonna kill me, you one-eyed freak! Are you crazy?! Lets get outta here! Yeah! Go back with the rest of the women! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! - One-eyed son-of-a- - Dont, Evander! Thats the boy.
Come and get it.
You want some, too? OK, now heres what I could do.
I could call one of my togas, the Hercules Deluxe-ees- huh? - Just tell me which ones you wanna buy.
- I dont wanna buy any of them.
- Oh, you want something for nothing, huh? - Thats not what I mean.
No, what you mean is, you dont care about your image.
But you better start, my friend, cause the public is fickle.
All right- tell you what Im gonna do.
Im gonna give you your own line of togas- cut you in for a piceof the action-huh, huh? And heres the advertising slogan.
'Hercules, the giant killer- takes a giant step forward in fashion! - Pretty snappy, huh? - Hey.
Hey.
Ah, potential customers! - Whats the trouble? - Its the Cyclops.
- Hes just killed one of our villagers.
- Huh? Yeah, yeah.
Look, catch your breath.
Hes not following you now.
- Ahh- thanks.
- Its my fault we were out there.
- Dont make the same mistake.
- The Cyclops isnt gonna do anything to him.
Hes Hercules! Ah, Hercules or not, you could still die if you come to Trachas.
Tell me what happened.
We wanted to get the river running in the direction it used to run.
Ah, its the river weve always counted on for our fish, and water for our crops.
But the Cyclops changed its course so it would irrigate Heras vineyard.
Look how green the land around here is.
There must be other rivers.
Oh, no, theyre all too far away.
Hera wants the river for herself, and to destroy us.
She cares only about her grapes, and the wine thatll be poured at the festival of the believers.
And the Cyclops makes sure her wishes are carried out.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
You- youd help us? Are you serious? When it comes to Hera- Im always serious.
Heard you worked up a bit of an appetite, today.
- Only fools challenge me.
- Thats right.
Thats why I have you on my side.
Im too smart to go up against you.
- Yeah- to my face you are.
- Hey, Im not like those jackasses in Trachas! - You better not be.
- Would you doubt me- huh? How could you do that? I pay you- to vent your anger on people who have- belittled you all your life! No one- has ever been as good to you as I have.
Listen, Hercules, I can handle the whole thing.
See- youll be the silent partner.
Ill do the talking for both of us.
You just lend me your name, and, uh- I collect the money.
Of course, as the brains behind the deal, Ill need the bigger share.
Lets say, uh- 70-30? Does that sound good? Excuse me.
Were conducting business, here.
Thank you very much.
I mean, Id risk the exposure.
Im parched.
Ill be right back.
Thanks.
Well, youre the first sign of hope any of us has seen in a long, long time.
You should still postpone the celebration until you see how I do with the Cyclops.
Well, theres no one in this village who believes its possibe for you to fail.
Huh? Huh? Greetings, Hercules.
Ha-ha! What a splendid gathering, huh? Yes- wonderful.
Id rather fight monsters.
Come on! Ya love it! Ya know you do.
So, is this your lovely-? Hey! Were looking for Hercules.
Huh? Have you seen-? want him.
Uh.
Ill explain later.
He should be here.
we can find him.
- Has anybody seen him? This may be our lucky night.
He must be around here.
You must have seen him.
Uh- I have.
Hes on the road- to Athens.
Oh! Are you sure? Athens is a long way from here.
Then you better hurry if you wanna catch up to him, my flower.
But before you go- I have just the thing for you girls while youre travelling.
Its called- the toga! Wear it, and youll be on the cutting edge of fashion.
Everyone in Athens has them, and nobody would be caught dead at the arena without one! I thought you were leaving.
- except the guys getting fed to the lions, of course- - Yeah- right.
- bu-but, when the going gets hot and heavy - Excuse me.
- believe me, young ladies, youll need one of these little items.
Lightweight, comfortable, and get this- you slip it off your shoulder- and its wonderful? - for evening wear.
- Hi.
Drop the hem over your knee, and you can go to work.
Huh? Whaddya say, fair maidens? Wouldnt you like a toga or three in your wardrobe? Hmm? Yes? - What are you doing here? - Im not bothering you.
- Yes, you are! - The river is yours- the vineyard, too.
Cant you let us have anything? - Uh- no! - Why? Get outta here! Over here! Hercules! You sly dog! No.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha.
The daughters of King Thespius, huh? You, sir- truly are the strongest man in the world, if you can, uh- hmm! - Hold fifty hearts in sway at once.
- All they want is my body.
- Ha-ha! I know the feeling.
- Hey! Now the Cyclops is attacking our women! Go ahead, Scylla, you tell him.
Well, he didnt attack me, exactly.
But he did chase me away.
And I wasnt anywhere near Heras precious vineyard.
I just wanted these.
Further proof that that Cyclops is a lout.
Yeah.
Uh- did he have a weapon? Why dont you go up to his lair, and find out for yourself? Or are you afraid? - Dont- mind the interruption.
- Oh- no- he didnt have a weapon.
Thank you.
Now, is- is there a problem? Yeah- your manhood- you wouldnt even stand up to those women last night.
Oh- I see.
So, I guess that- makes me a coward then, right? - Right.
- Right.
Atreus, can you tell me where I-? Now, its your turn.
First man off his feet loses.
If its you- Im gonna find those women and feed you to them.
Go on, Hercules- dent his head.
Look- Im- Im not gonna play your game.
Yes, you are.
Ah- I should have sold tickets.
Give me your hand.
Next ones for you, Scylla.
Id tell you not to hurt your head- if I thought there was anything in it.
I really- dont have time for this nonsense.
Ah, Hercules- wrong way.
- Oh, right.
- Yeah.
I know that.
Shouldnt you rest- before you go up against the Cyclops? Dont worry- Im, a- at my best when I cant see what Im doing.
Youre not going to defeat him with jokes.
I know.
You do have a plan, dont you? Ive never even seen this thing.
I- dont know what Im gonna do.
Its just that so many of the villagers have been lost to the Cyclops.
And I dont want you to be the next one.
This isnt where I intend to die.
Well, none of the others did, either.
You know- if youre gonna tell me anything- I wish it was, Good luck.
- Well, in that case- good luck.
- Thank you.
Get a move on, slave, or youll feel my lash.
Take a good look.
This is the wine that Heras chosen people will drink- at the festival of the believers.
Do those slaves ever have trouble with their feet? - You know- diseases- open sores? - Ah, shut up! Hey, I was just talking.
If they got lousy feet, they might as well be spitting in the stuff.
You tell me why youre here- or Ill slap your face- to the back of your head! - Hercules is coming.
- You expect me to believe that.
Hey, its true.
I saw him with my own eyes- last night in Trachas.
Well- then hes dead meat.
- Hey- whats so funny? - Everythings funny, you idiot! Hercules is here- just in time for Heras festival.
And when the Cyclops gets through with him- his head- will make an excellent decoration for the main table.
Whoa-whoa! Its me! Its me! Nice reflexes! Salmoneus, what are you doing here? I wanna see you do cruel and unusual things to that monster.
- I thought you had togas to sell.
- First things first.
- You really shouldnt hold a grudge.
- Dont be so preachy! Waaah! Youd feel just like I do, if you were in my sandals.
Maybe so, but I still want you and your sandals to turn around and go back to Trachas.
By myself? Uh-uh! The cyclops could get me- or a wild beast could turn me into lunch.
Or the tax collector might repossess my toga.
OK- so, can I come with ya? Yes- but, youre on your own- if things get ugly with this creature.
Youre kidding, right? I mean- uh-huh- youre Hercules! Itd be really bad for you image! Wait! Companys coming.
- Who do you want me to hurt, now? - Hercules.
- Hes here? - And hes looking for you.
- They say theres nobody stronger.
- Who says that- huh? Whoever said thats never gone sideways with you.
Youre unbeatable.
Youre a force for the good of Hera.
Youre- whats that? I found it.
What are you doing with a girls scarf? You got a girlfriend- huh? No! Come on- you can tell me.
Youre getting a bit on the sly, arent ya? Huh? Shut up! - I dont have a girlfriend! - Now, thats how I like to see ya! Nice- and hostile! Yes, you can go back to moonin around all your life! After youve chopped Hercules into- tiny little pieces and scattered them to the four corners of the earth! Whatre you gonna do to him?! Tell me what youre gonna do to him! You gonna twist his- see, if I were you- The Cyclops would probably die laughing, and youd be a hero.
Now, pipe down.
Oh, I see.
You dont want him to know that were coming, huh? - The element of surprise.
- Sh! Ladies! - Come to buy those togas, eh? Oh, no! Swine! Run.
Come on, girls! Hes ours! Be careful! Dont let him get away! Get him, girls! Help! I cant do it! I cant go on! Dont worry! They wont hurt you! - Ya promise? - Wheres he going? - Beats me.
- Bad choice of words for a liar.
- Wh-wh-when did I ever lie to you?! - Youve got a very short memory.
OK, girls- the treatment.
Come on.
Hey, wa-wait; wait, wait, wait.
Wait a- whoa, whoa-whoa.
Hey! Hey, be careful! No! Hey! Whoa! No! Hey! Oh! Oh! Ahh! OK! You can look, but dont touch! Hera, it is I- Castor- the faithful.
I come before you- bearing a gift- in the form of a promise.
Hercules your treacherous stepson is about to die just as you have desired for so long.
My Cyclops will see to it, personally.
He will bring me the head of Hercules- and I will- Youll do anything Hera tells you to- Castor.
What are you doing here? Oh, Im just making sure this Hercules isnt too much for you to handle.
- Did Hera send you? - Stepmothers intuition.
Everything will be all right.
Everything will be all right.
The Cyclops will- will rip out one of Hercules arms and, and- beat him to death with it.
Nice thought.
But if your walking eyeball doesnt deliver- Ive got another solution.
- No- not the executioners.
- No- you dont get a vote.
Let me guess- youre the Cyclops.
Take a good look- because Im the last thing youre ever gonna see.
Thats what they all say.
- Stand still! - Why dont I help you move.
Hey! Ooh! I knew ya werent gonna go easy! Tired yet? Hey, whered ya go? Just kill me and get it over with.
I think Id rather find out why youre always in such a rotten mood.
Go ahead.
Drinks should always be on the loser.
Its from the water I guard.
Now, I understand why the villagers want their river back.
Its not their river.
They got there before Hera did.
Diverting it was a crime.
Id like it better if youd say I- stole it from those gutless wonders in Trachas.
- Why do hate them so much? - Because they hated me first! It started when I was a boy: Geek; Freak; Monster.
I heard it all.
Admit it- you were thinking the same thing when you came after me.
Yeah- I was.
You get tired of it after a while.
But- tired isnt a reason to work for Hera.
Loyalty doesnt mean anything to her.
All she cares about is her wine.
I dont work for Hera.
I work for Castor- the man in charge of the vineyard.
Hes the only one who ever treated me halfway decent.
And that ended when you didnt kill me- and you know it.
If you want me to fight for the villagers, forget it! They dont care about me- why should I care about them? Because, now Heras gonna hate you as much as she hates the villagers.
Well- then I guess were all outta luck.
Not if you give each other a chance.
Pssh! Thats what you think.
Youre the one who has to do the thinking.
Salmoneus? Dont worry, he says.
They wont hurt you, he says.
- Well- well, did they? - Look at me! You think Im dressed like a tree cause I wanna be?! If Im not careful, Ill be attracting woodpeckers! But, youre not hurt.
- Noooo.
- Good- because, you look ridiculous.
Hey! Hey! The next time those crazy women come along- Im gonna serve you to them on a silver platter.
By the way, howd you do with the Cyclops? - Not bad.
- Did you beat him? - Thats one way of putting it.
- Hah? Hah? Youre being modest! Youre being modest, right?! You slammed into him! You went, Bang! Whoops! Whoops! Ha-ha.
Whoa! Come on, nature boy.
Lets find you some clothes.
I wanna hear all the gory details! I dont wanna hear any more! Theres no more to tell.
Hercules defeated the freak- end of story.
- Cyclops quit on me.
- Huh? He just- rolled over and played dead- and after all Ive done for him.
- That overgrown eyeball! - I dont know nothin about that! You dont care either, do ya- rodent? You just want the dinars that I owe ya- and then the wolves can start eating me alive! Wolves? Well, think about it on your way out, you imbecile! This is gonna be a big enough mess without having you around.
Then Hercules hits him with three lefts in a row- Pow, pow, pow! Faster than a chicken pecking at a kernel of corn.
And before the Cyclops knows whats happening to him- Hercules unleashes his mighty right hand- kablooey! Hits the Cyclops so far in the air- that Hercules goes underneath and catches him.
And then- Your friend, the toga salesmans a lucky man- seeing all that.
Yeah- hes talking about things even I dont remember.
Ha-ha- whatever.
Now we can get our lives back to normal, now the Cyclops is dead.
Ah- he isnt dead.
- But- you were supposed to kill him! - No- I was supposed to stop him from ruining your lives.
I never intended to kill him.
Well, you should have.
Look- theres no fight left in him.
There might not have been any to start with, if people hadnt always treated him like an outcast.
- Is that what that freak told you? - Listen to yourself, Atreus.
- Youre answering your own question.
- You keep out of this.
I will not.
I know what you and your friends put the Cyclops through when he was a boy.
We were protecting you and every other female in the village, you ungrateful wench! Why dont you worry about your river, instead of calling the lady names? Ah- what good would it do? Once youre gone- the Cyclops will be back terrorzing us.
If you werent such an ass, maybe Hercules would stay and help.
Well, maybe Ill stay and help, anyway.
- You mean it? - Yes.
I like the idea of Heras grapes dying on the vine.
Everybody! We start puttin the river back on course, tomorrow! Ill sell you those- Woke up alone again, didntcha? Im surprised the fair Scylla hasnt taken care of that problem.
- Thats not what Im here for, Salmoneus.
- All work and no play- - means I dont leave with a guilty conscience.
Ah, well- ya probably wouldnt have had time for her, anyway.
Ha ha ha.
Ive got a sporting proposition for you, Hercules.
- You set this up, didnt you? - They only released me when I promised.
Now, just listen, will ya? No, no- its my turn, all right? Now ladies- no matter what you think, Im not opposed- to pretty women.
And - Im not opposed to having children, but- if Im going to become a father again- the mother will be someone that I love.
And I- I dont love any of you.
I mean, I like to look at you, and I-I- I- might even- like to talk to you, if I didnt feel like I was always the fox, and you were the hounds, but- thats as far as my interest goes.
I hope ya understand.
I hope King Thespius understands.
Now- if youll excuse me, Ive- Ive got some people to help.
Oh- that is so beautiful.
Hes not like other men.
Hes so sensitive.
So, thats why Dad wanted us to have his children.
Youre bigger than Hercules! Youre tougher! Youre meaner! And still you lost! How could you do that to me? To you? Im the one he beat.
- Yeah? Well, how come youre not dead? - Would that make it better? Youre on his side now, arent you? I havent decided.
Ooh- you think youre so smart.
I havent decided.
Hera has let her executioners loose! Theyre going to kill everybody that gets in their path! Why dont you- think about that for a minute, you idiot! Dont call me an idiot! Is that all you can say? Why dont you just use that big eyeball of yours for a minute and- and take a look around! Youre doomed! I didnt think youd be here so soon.
You sure you want me to come along? You make a good point.
I want Hercules- and I want him dead! Go! Come on, everybody.
Lets get this cleared! You just gonna stand there? I refuse to compromise my integrity with physical toil.
Well, then Im not interested in buying any of your togas.
You want-? All right.
You need some help? Yeah.
Thanks.
Embarrassed? Lets give Hercules a hand! Come on, if we all do this, itll work! Right! Get your hands down! And get your backs into it! All right.
Push! Almost got it?! Just a little more.
Come on, all together! Oh, look whos here.
Better late than never.
Heave! Hey! Hey! We did it! We helped! Weve done it! I helped! The first labor Ive ever done! Hmmmm.
Well, youve set a good example.
But theres months of work here.
I hope these people realize that.
If they were afraid of challenges, they wouldve run off by now.
How about you, Hercules? You going back on the road? - Sooner or later- I always do.
- Oh, thats a shame.
We could use someone like you- Go back where ya came from! - Im not here to hurt you! - Freak! Don't! Give him a chance! He never gave us one! Well, stop it! Stop and listen to Hercules! Hercules is not one of us! - No! Come back! And dont come back! You fools.
Wait! Dont! Youre crazy! Dont go! Dont go, Scylla! Shell be fine.
Dont worry.
The Cyclops wont hurt her.
If that monster kills Scylla, her bloodll be on your hands! Yeah, youre the one who let the Cyclops live.
- He wasnt here to hurt anybody.
- How can you say that? You fought him, for cryin out loud! Because I know who put the evil in him.
You.
And you.
All of you.
Wait a second.
- How can he accuse us? Youve got your nerve- standing there judging us, while the Cyclops is- probably off, having his way with Scylla.
Shes better off with him than she would be with you.
Oh, my hand! Dont hurt him, Hercules.
- No, no, dont hurt him.
Why dont you sell them some togas, Salmoneus.
Im going after our friends.
Your fault! - She better be alive! This is yours! Hey- youre the executioners, right? Yeah.
Yeah.
Castor said you were coming.
Let me show you where Hercules is.
We dont need you! Are you all right? - Im tired.
- I dont doubt it- after always being called names by people- always having people afraid of you.
- Im sorry.
- I know you are.
I- I could tell you were different the day I-I saw you gathering flowers.
- But you were still scared, werent you? - Yes.
Well, let me tell you something.
Its not me you have to be afraid of, anymore.
Its Heras executioners.
Theyre out to destroy Hercules- and the village.
You have to tell Hercules.
Tell me what? Heras executioners are coming.
Well, then I better go say, Hello.
You cant fight them by yourself.
I dont care what the myths say about you.
You may find this hard to believe- but- some of those myths are true.
- Does that mean you wouldnt want my help? - No.
It means I dont ask for help.
But, Im not an unreasonable man.
Good! Because Id like to pay Hera back for the way she used me.
And- Id also like to show you both I- I appreciate your treating me like like something- besides a monster.
Then it sounds like were in this together.
Dont forget about me.
Im coming with ya.
- But you might get hurt.
- I know.
- But I could get hurt staying here, too.
- The ladys right.
Very well.
But promise youll be careful.
I promise.
The executioners mustve taken the long way here.
It couldve been a lie, too.
Castor was good at lying.
Lets warn the villagers, anyway- whether they deserve it or not.
Are you sure they wont just throw more rocks? Im sure.
They dont wanna hurt you.
I never thought you two would need my protection.
But if thats the way it is- Very impressive.
We should help them.
No, I wont die helpin a freak or anyone who sides with one even if it is Hercules.
Damn right.
It would be better to die with him- than to stay here with eunuchs like you.
Behind you, Hercules Thanks! - You come with me.
- No! Hercules! Help! Help! Hercules! Hercules! To the village! Hes gonna try to hurt us.
Hey, look! Oh, yeah! Ooh- what a way to go.
Hercules is beating them all.
Ha ha ha ha ha! Hercules! Im ready to fight! Hes getting away! - How can I help? - Ill give you a boost.
- Ill go to Scylla! - Right! Ow.
Hercules- Hercules, we owe you a debt of gratitude, that can never be repaid.
Yes, it can.
If you really want to repay me- just be nice to him.
Oh, but weve tried.
Weve tried.
Yes- calling someone a monster always proves youre his friend.
Why are we arguin about this, now? This should be a day of celebration.
You know? This man helped Hercules do something for you and me, today- that you would never have done for him.
But how can we be sure he wont cause more trouble after Hercules leaves.
If you let me live in peace I promise- Ill help you do the same- as long as you treat me- with respect.
Youre not going to get a better offer than that, Atreus.
Id take him up on it if I was you.
All right.
Well give it a try- huh? Hurray! Hercules! I cant believe I didnt make a single dinar on this entire trip! I mean, I thought somebody back there would buy a toga! Oh, well, Im sure well do better the next place we stop.
- We? - Cant break up the team, now.
- Im naming a toga after you, remember? - But I told you, I dont wear togas.
- Aah- picky, picky.
There he is! - I thought we settled this.
- No, not you, Hercules- your little friend.
Youre kidding! - We have decided, he will do just fine.
- Me? - Yes! Come on! What about that team we had? A mans gotta do- what a mans gotta do! Right this way.
Hello! Hello! - Let me take five at a time- - Yeah- right.
- out mathematically- very nice- thank you.
- Good luck.
- OK, can I look and touch? Oh, very nice- OK.
Captioned by Grantman Brown