Swamp Thing (2019) s01e02 Episode Script
Worlds Apart
1 ABBY: Previously on Swamp Thing How long has it been since you were home? My name is Dr.
Abby Arcane, with the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service.
- Abby Arcane! - Liz.
Have you seen anything unusual at the docks lately? I have heard whispers of someone hiring boats to go out into the swamp at night.
Excuse me? Who are you exactly? You're gonna wanna speak to me sooner or later.
Matt? You're a cop now.
Mr.
Coyle? We have it under control.
It's okay.
Well, nothing's working, is it? - Who are you, again? - Holland.
There's something special about this place, we all know that.
You live here long enough, you feel it in your bones.
This is a sample.
This clear shit on top, that's just swamp water, right? But right there on the bottom, you see that? That doesn't belong.
It's gotta be some sort of biological accelerant.
But it only jacks up mutagens.
[SCREAMS.]
Daddy! May I offer you a drink? I sure as hell could use one.
[CHUCKLING.]
That's two things we have in common.
ALEC: The stuff in the box, it's a biological accelerant.
It's like the stuff we pulled from the swamp.
So someone's dumping it here? - Can I help you? - [GUN FIRES.]
ABBY: Alec! Alec? [GASPS.]
[OWL HOOTING.]
[SIREN WHOOPS.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON POLICE RADIO.]
MATT: Abby, you circled round.
We've been through this area twice.
We can't stop, Matt.
- He could still be alive.
- Could he? You said the entire boat went up in flames, and it sure looks like that's what happened.
[SIREN BLARES.]
Sheriff's here.
Found any remains? We probably won't find much.
The whole thing went up.
Reason? Maybe a spark from the engine ignited the fuel tank.
Wait, you think this was an accident? Abby.
You let your hair grow.
You should know that Alec Holland was investigating illegal dumping on this swamp, dumping he thought might be related to this current outbreak And you should know, if I've learned one thing from being sheriff here, there's all kinds of awful that happens in this swamp.
But I think you know that.
Better than anyone.
Landry! - Landry! - LANDRY: Yeah, boss? Start down the shore and work your way back up.
LANDRY: Copy that.
Call from the other side, contour sweep.
Wait.
Wait.
Listen, you have to warn your people.
I saw something out there on the water.
MATT: Abby, this might not be the best time It was something big.
Abby, we get reports of boar in the area all the time.
It was not a boar.
- It was a man.
It was - Abby, come on It was like a man.
MATT: It was dark.
You were keyed up from the explosion.
Now, she could have She could've seen something on two legs.
I don't know A bear.
[SCOFFS.]
Yeah, maybe a grizzly wandered all the way down from Canada for the first time ever.
Dr.
Arcane, go home.
Landry, tell your people to be on alert for a possible bear.
LANDRY: Bear? In this swamp? Whatever you say, Sheriff.
[BEEPING.]
[BEEPING QUICKENS.]
[BEEPING RAPIDLY.]
[ALARMS BEEPING.]
[ROARING.]
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING.]
Swamp Thing 1x02 Worlds Apart ABBY: You know, I thought I knew what I was getting into coming back to Marais, but LIZ: This place wasn't very easy for you.
Even on the best of days.
ABBY: Yeah.
Anyway Thanks for letting me stay.
Well, when it's this or the Bide-A-Wee Motel on Route 12 But they wouldn't have a shot of bourbon waiting for you.
[SOFTLY.]
Two things we have in common.
What? Nothing.
So, you heard.
About the night you had? Oh, yeah.
I like to fall asleep listening to the police scanner.
It's soothing.
I barely knew Holland, but he seemed like Good guy.
I really liked him, Liz.
[ZIPPER OPENING.]
Susie, honey, it's Dr.
Edwards.
Heard you had a bad nightmare.
It wasn't a nightmare.
He was hurting himself.
He doesn't understand what's happening to him.
I don't understand.
Who's being hurt? The man in the dark.
He's so scared.
I need to go to him.
Okay, honey, it was just a dream.
You need to get your rest now, okay? [ZIPPER WHIRRING.]
[BRANCHES SCRAPING.]
Maria? Maria! Maria? Maria? When Shawna was a little girl Sometimes I would lay down next to her just to listen to her breathe.
Don't do this to yourself.
You weren't around, Avery.
You didn't know her like I did.
[AVERY SIGHS.]
I lost Shawna, too.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
[SCREAMING.]
Abby! [GASPING.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
[SIGHS.]
Shit.
Harlan.
HARLAN: Well, you sound alert and rested.
What's up? Any changes? Susie Coyle had an episode during the night.
Her heart rate and BP jumped, but we're on it.
Okay, I know you, Harlan, drop the other shoe.
We've got two new cases.
They're on the same drug regimen, but So far, they're stable.
Shit.
This thing isn't stopping.
Liz, I was thinking, - and I'm not sure - Wow.
Help yourself.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
You must be Abby.
Margaux.
- Hi.
- Morning.
When I make the coffee, it's nuclear strong.
Liz spills some water over a few beans and thinks she has an espresso.
You trashing me to my friends? [CHUCKLING.]
Now run before that shrimp boat leaves without you.
- Watch out.
She's grumpy in the morning.
- Mmm.
What? It's not like you tell me about your boyfriends.
So, how'd you sleep? Do you think Alec's boat blowing up was an accident? Not well, then.
Fine.
[SIGHS.]
I don't like the timing.
And I'm a cynical and suspicious reporter.
Yeah.
Here's my problem.
Alec wasn't just looking into illegal dumping, he was tracking the progress of the disease.
And he thought that he was onto something.
And now he's gone, and you can't ask him.
Yeah.
[ABBY INHALES SHARPLY.]
Well, two new cases came in today, so Whatever we're doing, it's not working.
I think I need to get into his lab and look through his work.
Except the cops are all over it today.
Police scanner, remember? Even Marais' finest have protocol.
It's standard in the case of violent death.
The man who hired Alec could give me access.
Are you seriously talking about going to Avery? After what they did to you? Girl, do not let that man mess with your mind.
She does make good coffee.
Don't change the subject.
Avery Sunderland is a master manipulator.
Okay, you got hurt enough the first time around.
- I'm gonna be fine.
- Abby [DOOR OPENS.]
See you later.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[DOORBELL RINGS.]
Come in.
Right this way.
I don't think we've had a fire in that thing since you and Shawna used to open your Christmas presents in here.
A house without children never loses the echoes, you know.
Look at you.
[LAUGHING.]
I can't believe it's been 14 years! [CHUCKLES.]
- Hey, Abby.
- Hey.
Come on, let's get you something to drink.
You want something to eat? You hungry? No, I'm actually here in my professional capacity.
I know.
With the CDC.
Medical doctor, infectious diseases, specialist, that's impressive.
From the time we took you in, eight-years-old and bright as a whip, I knew that you would do great things.
- Avery - Hey, listen, before we go any further, please just Sit down for a minute, Abby, please.
I wanna talk to you.
Okay.
I owe you an apology.
I never blamed you for Shawna's death the way that Maria did, and I should have made that clear.
And I wish to hell now that I would have stepped up.
You bore the full brunt of her hostility, and I do not blame you for getting out of Dodge.
Well I understood that she was upset.
[SIGHS.]
She was hanging by a thread, and I couldn't bear the thought of fighting with her when the pain was so fresh, but I've had a long time to think, Abby.
You were a 17-year-old kid.
I should've done better.
Maybe if I had, I wouldn't have Wouldn't have lost both my daughters, huh? [SNIFFLES.]
Is Maria all right? We'll get through it.
It's because of me.
It's me coming back, I stirred up all this emotion.
I I'm sorry.
Why don't you tell me what I can do for the CDC, Abby? Well You had an employee, Alec Holland.
Jesus.
Yes, Alec.
Sheriff just filled me in this morning.
I don't know what happened.
I still can't even believe it.
Well, I believe that he had some research that could help us cure this disease.
And I need to get into his lab.
I see.
And I imagine you came to me because Lucilia's deputies have got it locked down? Yes.
AVERY: Hmm.
But one call from you, and that would all go away.
That lab is full of what my lawyers call "Proprietary information".
Okay.
But people's lives are at risk.
Yes.
And if I thought there was anything in there that might help you, I'd be the first to hand over the key.
But I've invested a small fortune in that research, and once I open up that barn door, there's no getting the horses back inside.
That data could wind up anywhere.
I could get a court order.
If I have to.
AVERY: Hmm.
[CHUCKLES.]
But, of course, by then, all that proprietary information might be gone.
It might be.
But here's what's more important, regardless of what happens, I'll still love you.
And you will always be welcome in this house.
You know, you always had a way of making a "no" sound like a favor.
You know why I'm here.
Please.
I need your help.
I thought I had it under control.
This pain, gnawing at me.
But how can anyone forget the loss of their only child? You don't, Maria.
You find a way to let it rest.
I can't.
It's like I can hear her again.
She's She's calling out to me.
Fine.
Fine, sit.
I want you to think about Shawna.
How you felt about her.
How she died.
And her spirit now.
[SPEAKING IN CREOLE.]
Now Show me.
[MADAME XANADU GASPING.]
Nimue [SCREAMING.]
[GASPING.]
Maria? [RETCHES.]
[PANTING.]
Maria? [SOBS.]
What What happened? There's been a shift in the balance of the light and the dark.
- Is Shawna - Something's out there.
I touched it.
Something vast, dark, and growing in the awful and the rot of the water.
If you trust me like you say you do You'll let this go.
- I can't.
- Shawna's dead.
No.
[SOBBING.]
No.
Let her rest.
Let her go.
[ALARMS BEEPING.]
Oh, my God.
This is where Alec was staying? Guess he didn't like the Bide-A-Wee, either.
Cassidy rents out rooms in the back.
Let's just hope Holland brought work home with him.
[BELL RINGING.]
- MAN: Wait! - Danny? Before I have to start collecting social security.
Hello? [MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS.]
Hello? Oh.
Hi, ladies.
Everything okay? Yeah.
I'm sorry, I was just rehearsing for an audition.
You're an actor? Well, yeah.
83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
They like that I do my own stunts.
Abby, this is Daniel Cassidy.
Owner and operator, not to mention, Marais' resident movie star.
Thanks.
This place is just a little side dish for me.
I'm impressed.
Well, in that case, I have a movie poster for you.
I'd be happy to sign it.
Danny, my friend works for the CDC Dr.
Abby Arcane.
We're here about Alec Holland.
Oh.
So sad to hear about that guy.
Yeah, I was hoping I could take a look inside of his room.
Well, yeah, sure, but you're not gonna find anything.
- Why? - The cops were here an hour ago.
In and out in 20 minutes.
Did he have a computer? Anything? Yeah, he did, but they took it back from him when he got fired.
Couldn't afford his own.
Well, hell, half the time he would use mine to edit his journal entries before he would upload them.
He had a work journal? No, not work.
Well, it may be work.
Mostly just mud-whomping- in-the-swamp kinda stuff.
He was the kinda guy that dug plants and birds and shit.
Garou, hi! Yeah, the cops dropped him off here.
They didn't know what else to do with him.
I'm sorry, buddy.
He's not coming back.
Is there a place I could take a look at this? Yeah, sure.
You know what? Come grab a seat upstairs.
I'mma show ya.
So, Danny, what happened to you on Sunday? We missed you at Roadhouse Jam.
Help yourself.
Never mind what happened on Sunday.
It's next Sunday that you need to get excited about.
- Oh, yeah? - I am mixing tracks together that no one has ever even conceived of.
Throw in cayenne cajun sauce, mixing all that up too.
Well, I got a very exciting entry today.
I just got fired.
So that's awesome.
Uh So why am I still in the middle of the swamp? Uh, masochist, maybe.
Or because I know I'm on to something.
I know it.
I just need some time to prove it is all, and hopefully soon.
Because there's nothing I hate more than being fired, than being poor.
And I need new sandals.
All right, bad news first is we now know that somebody has been dumping accelerant out in the swamp.
Why is still a fucking mystery to us, but, uh, good news is, is we think that if we, uh, find and collect all these boxes, we may be able to, uh, stop this thing, so We, um [SCOFFS.]
"We," right? Jesus, it's been a long day.
Um Yeah, I've been working with a, uh, doctor from the CDC today, Abby Arcane.
She's, um She's very smart, very smart.
Very driven, and, uh Well, she googled me, so.
She's quite lovely.
Oh, here we go, here we go.
Got something, got something All right.
- [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
- LIZ: Abby? [SNIFFLES.]
- You good? - Yeah.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
Shit.
- Susie.
- Is she all right? She's missing.
JASON: Have you heard anything more about who's taking my students? CAROLINE: Yes, Professor Zimmerman has agreed to cover your classes until we get back.
JASON: Zimmerman? The man is mediocrity wrapped in ignorance.
You're not gonna do that when we meet Avery Sunderland, right? No, of course not.
Because he does not need to be told he's a dead weight on your creativity and only useful for his money.
Or whatever opinion you happen to form on the spot - and need to share.
- Uh-huh, yeah.
- Truth saves time.
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- He sent you those mutagens that you love.
- I know.
And he's paid a lot of money for you to develop the accelerant.
Yes.
And then he interrupted my work by telling me, "Hey, get your ass down here, there's an emergency".
I can't wait to see what this disease of his is.
You know, probably someone dispersing the accelerant caught a cold.
Hey! We're the Woodrues.
We're here to see Mr Yes, Mr.
Sunderland told me to expect you.
If you could go around to the marsh side.
He's working on his swing.
His swing? [WATER SPLASHES.]
JASON: I'm not going to.
CAROLINE: I'm just saying that there's no point in offending the man who's funding your research.
JASON: I have no intention of offending him, okay? Even if he ends up being an entitled idiot, like Zimmerman.
- AVERY: Over here! - JASON: Oh.
We're being summoned.
- Jason.
- Look at that tree.
Jason, keep walking.
- Jason.
- No Oh.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- How are you? - Good.
Are you the gardener? This is a Japanese elm, and it's in transplant shock.
Go up to the kitchen, get a pan of water and sugar.
And then you're gonna treat the roots right here like this.
Okay? You got that? - Yes, sir.
- Go.
What is he doing? Um - Admiring your trees.
- Mmm.
He likes trees? Dr.
Jason Woodrue.
Thank you for asking us here.
It's very beautiful.
Yes, we're very proud of it.
900 acres.
I know my staff would be happy to show you more of the gardens, Mrs.
Woodrue.
Yeah, she's also Dr.
Woodrue, so, um She stays.
That's fine.
So what the fuck, Jason? I beg your pardon? You told me your accelerant would make things grow faster.
More trees to drain the water, more land to develop, more plants to develop into drugs and cosmetics and things to monetize.
The accelerant works.
Oh, it works! Like a son of a bitch.
But we've also got a hospital full up with people with some kind of crazy green flu.
There's no way that my accelerant was responsible for that.
The accelerant dumped in the water, and people getting sick? Don't talk down to me, Mr.
Doctor.
Diseases emerge from swamps all of the time.
Uh Dengue fever, ebola, malaria.
Living on a swamp is like living next to a gloriously diverse cesspool.
But I'm gonna I'm gonna look into it.
No, you're gonna fix it.
Because the CDC's in town, telling people that this disease is like nothing they've ever seen before.
Now I'm taking care of things on my end.
But if my name gets linked with this accelerant mess, there's gonna be lawsuits, there's gonna be arrests.
Things are going to happen to nice people, like you've never even dreamed of.
And I'm gonna make sure that they happen to all three of us, doctors.
So how did she go missing? She got out her window.
But I don't know how she managed it.
Is she contagious? We have to assume it.
We also have to assume that her condition is going to worsen, and fast.
Meanwhile, we've got another half-hour of daylight.
- If that.
- [CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
Cable.
Right, we're on it.
Found something down at the South docks.
- ABBY: Dr.
Arcane.
- MAN: Conyer.
I think a sick kid was here.
Found it on the railing.
She must have ripped it on a nail.
Who docks here? The Game Warden, mostly.
Vern Robitelle.
He took a boat out just a few minutes ago.
You know where he's headed? Said something about Skeeter Cove.
ABBY: Skeeter Cove? That's where we found Susie's father's boat.
She's gone into the swamp.
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
DISPATCHER: All officers, Susie Coyle's gone missing from Marais General.
She's nine-years-old [RADIO CLICKS OFF.]
Robitelle, game 6.
Base, I'm seeing some, uh, lights on the water off the cove out here.
DISPATCHER: Copy that, Robi.
You want backup? Nah, it's probably just some old boys over the limit on gator.
I'm gonna get closer, see what I can see.
DISPATCHER: Copy that.
What are you doing? [SIREN WHOOPS.]
[OVER MEGAPHONE.]
Game Warden.
You on the boat, pencils down.
Right now.
Hey, Robi, is that you? Oh, shit, Landreaux.
Again? [CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
Hey, I swear to God, we're just about to head in.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I know.
And you know more than most I gotta check you out, brother.
Come on.
- Be cool.
- MAN: Shit.
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
Ooh.
Well, shit.
What's in the box? Come on, Landreaux, I wanna make this as quick and as painless [GROANS.]
LANDREAUX: Fuck! What are you doing, man? This is Robi! What are you doing? What'd you do, man? Piece of shit should have backed off.
This is bad, man.
This is fucking bad, all right? Yeah? Your law get their hands on them boxes, that old man gonna kill us! - [SPUTTERING.]
- LANDREAUX: What the fuck? What are we gonna do now? MAN: Shut up! Let me think.
You haul ass and pull up the rest of them boxes! I'm gonna sink this tub and deal with this cop.
You pick me up when you're done.
- Hey, boss said - What? You got any better ideas? Go! Now.
LUCILIA: We need eyes on the water ASAP.
We have reason to believe that Susie Coyle may have snuck aboard - Game Warden Robitelle's boat.
- OFFICER: Copy that, Sheriff.
You're going out there with her? MATT: What, is that a problem? Of course you were the first person she called.
Well, that's 'cause she trusts me.
Do you trust yourself? Look, when this whole flu thing is over, she's gonna go back to whatever it is she calls home.
- You know that.
- Look, I'm well aware that she's got a life in Atlanta.
Look, I don't know what she's got going on up in Atlanta, but I do know that you have been nursing this flame for a long time.
Shh Come on, Ma.
When you care, you care hard.
There's nothing easy about you, Mattie.
You would cut off your right arm for the person you love.
And I'm just saying, and this is your mama talking, that with this one there, that is a recipe for disaster.
Matt? Just watch yourself out there.
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
I'm surprised you came back.
Well, the CDC was involved in that decision.
Yeah, really? How much? What do you mean? There's something about this place, I don't know.
Trying to escape the gravitational pull, people get drawn back in.
I thought you made it out, though.
I'm only passing through.
[SIGHS.]
I wanted to see how things were with the people I left.
Mmm-hmm.
Sunderlands.
Gotta admit, it's a pretty gutsy choice coming back to face them.
Then again, you were always the first one off the high dive in gym.
That's probably why I had a crush on you.
Come on, doesn't a girl always know? Uh I I had no idea.
Yeah, it's why I was staring at you all through prom.
I was just trying to get up the nerve to ask you to dance.
DISPATCHER: Robi, we just got a call from the sheriff.
Watch your 20.
[SUSIE PANTING IN DISTANCE.]
The last fucking thing I need right now.
[IN DISTANCE.]
Where are you? You wanna play hide-and-seek? You think I'm playing some kind of game? Matt.
- Yup, I see it.
- [SIREN CHIRPS.]
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Abby, be careful.
- Matt! - Shit.
[BOTH GASP.]
Fuck.
[WHEEZING.]
Oh, my God, Susie's been here.
[MOTOR WHIRRING.]
I got a boat out here.
Fuck.
Go, go.
It's okay, I'll stay here.
- Go.
- Are you sure? Yeah, she could be on that boat, Matt.
Go! Give me that bag.
Stay in contact.
Stay with me.
Stay with me.
Fuck! I'm so sorry.
[PIER CREAKING.]
[SCREAMS.]
[SCREAMING IN DISTANCE.]
Susie! Matt, Susie's here.
She's in trouble.
Please come back.
Shit! Susie! [SUSIE SCREAMS.]
Come, little fucker.
You don't wanna run from me.
[SCREAMS.]
- [WOOD CRACKS.]
- [WATER SPLASHING.]
[ROARS.]
[SNARLING.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
What in the fuck are you? [ROARING.]
[SCREAMING.]
[CONTINUES SCREAMING.]
[WOOD CREAKING.]
Susie? Oh, my God.
Susie! Susie.
Are you okay? Oh, my God.
Susie, I need you to come I need you to come down here.
I need you to walk to me, Susie.
It's okay.
Now! Come here.
Hurry, hurry, hurry! [SIREN CHIRPS.]
- Matt! - MATT: Abby! Maria? Damn it.
DISPATCHER: Cable, what's your status? Recovered the Coyle girl, ETA 20 minutes.
Susie.
That creature we just saw He's afraid.
He told me he doesn't know what's happening to him.
It spoke to you? Can you remember anything else he said? Yes.
He said his name was Alec.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING.]
Abby Arcane, with the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service.
- Abby Arcane! - Liz.
Have you seen anything unusual at the docks lately? I have heard whispers of someone hiring boats to go out into the swamp at night.
Excuse me? Who are you exactly? You're gonna wanna speak to me sooner or later.
Matt? You're a cop now.
Mr.
Coyle? We have it under control.
It's okay.
Well, nothing's working, is it? - Who are you, again? - Holland.
There's something special about this place, we all know that.
You live here long enough, you feel it in your bones.
This is a sample.
This clear shit on top, that's just swamp water, right? But right there on the bottom, you see that? That doesn't belong.
It's gotta be some sort of biological accelerant.
But it only jacks up mutagens.
[SCREAMS.]
Daddy! May I offer you a drink? I sure as hell could use one.
[CHUCKLING.]
That's two things we have in common.
ALEC: The stuff in the box, it's a biological accelerant.
It's like the stuff we pulled from the swamp.
So someone's dumping it here? - Can I help you? - [GUN FIRES.]
ABBY: Alec! Alec? [GASPS.]
[OWL HOOTING.]
[SIREN WHOOPS.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON POLICE RADIO.]
MATT: Abby, you circled round.
We've been through this area twice.
We can't stop, Matt.
- He could still be alive.
- Could he? You said the entire boat went up in flames, and it sure looks like that's what happened.
[SIREN BLARES.]
Sheriff's here.
Found any remains? We probably won't find much.
The whole thing went up.
Reason? Maybe a spark from the engine ignited the fuel tank.
Wait, you think this was an accident? Abby.
You let your hair grow.
You should know that Alec Holland was investigating illegal dumping on this swamp, dumping he thought might be related to this current outbreak And you should know, if I've learned one thing from being sheriff here, there's all kinds of awful that happens in this swamp.
But I think you know that.
Better than anyone.
Landry! - Landry! - LANDRY: Yeah, boss? Start down the shore and work your way back up.
LANDRY: Copy that.
Call from the other side, contour sweep.
Wait.
Wait.
Listen, you have to warn your people.
I saw something out there on the water.
MATT: Abby, this might not be the best time It was something big.
Abby, we get reports of boar in the area all the time.
It was not a boar.
- It was a man.
It was - Abby, come on It was like a man.
MATT: It was dark.
You were keyed up from the explosion.
Now, she could have She could've seen something on two legs.
I don't know A bear.
[SCOFFS.]
Yeah, maybe a grizzly wandered all the way down from Canada for the first time ever.
Dr.
Arcane, go home.
Landry, tell your people to be on alert for a possible bear.
LANDRY: Bear? In this swamp? Whatever you say, Sheriff.
[BEEPING.]
[BEEPING QUICKENS.]
[BEEPING RAPIDLY.]
[ALARMS BEEPING.]
[ROARING.]
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING.]
Swamp Thing 1x02 Worlds Apart ABBY: You know, I thought I knew what I was getting into coming back to Marais, but LIZ: This place wasn't very easy for you.
Even on the best of days.
ABBY: Yeah.
Anyway Thanks for letting me stay.
Well, when it's this or the Bide-A-Wee Motel on Route 12 But they wouldn't have a shot of bourbon waiting for you.
[SOFTLY.]
Two things we have in common.
What? Nothing.
So, you heard.
About the night you had? Oh, yeah.
I like to fall asleep listening to the police scanner.
It's soothing.
I barely knew Holland, but he seemed like Good guy.
I really liked him, Liz.
[ZIPPER OPENING.]
Susie, honey, it's Dr.
Edwards.
Heard you had a bad nightmare.
It wasn't a nightmare.
He was hurting himself.
He doesn't understand what's happening to him.
I don't understand.
Who's being hurt? The man in the dark.
He's so scared.
I need to go to him.
Okay, honey, it was just a dream.
You need to get your rest now, okay? [ZIPPER WHIRRING.]
[BRANCHES SCRAPING.]
Maria? Maria! Maria? Maria? When Shawna was a little girl Sometimes I would lay down next to her just to listen to her breathe.
Don't do this to yourself.
You weren't around, Avery.
You didn't know her like I did.
[AVERY SIGHS.]
I lost Shawna, too.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
[SCREAMING.]
Abby! [GASPING.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
[SIGHS.]
Shit.
Harlan.
HARLAN: Well, you sound alert and rested.
What's up? Any changes? Susie Coyle had an episode during the night.
Her heart rate and BP jumped, but we're on it.
Okay, I know you, Harlan, drop the other shoe.
We've got two new cases.
They're on the same drug regimen, but So far, they're stable.
Shit.
This thing isn't stopping.
Liz, I was thinking, - and I'm not sure - Wow.
Help yourself.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
You must be Abby.
Margaux.
- Hi.
- Morning.
When I make the coffee, it's nuclear strong.
Liz spills some water over a few beans and thinks she has an espresso.
You trashing me to my friends? [CHUCKLING.]
Now run before that shrimp boat leaves without you.
- Watch out.
She's grumpy in the morning.
- Mmm.
What? It's not like you tell me about your boyfriends.
So, how'd you sleep? Do you think Alec's boat blowing up was an accident? Not well, then.
Fine.
[SIGHS.]
I don't like the timing.
And I'm a cynical and suspicious reporter.
Yeah.
Here's my problem.
Alec wasn't just looking into illegal dumping, he was tracking the progress of the disease.
And he thought that he was onto something.
And now he's gone, and you can't ask him.
Yeah.
[ABBY INHALES SHARPLY.]
Well, two new cases came in today, so Whatever we're doing, it's not working.
I think I need to get into his lab and look through his work.
Except the cops are all over it today.
Police scanner, remember? Even Marais' finest have protocol.
It's standard in the case of violent death.
The man who hired Alec could give me access.
Are you seriously talking about going to Avery? After what they did to you? Girl, do not let that man mess with your mind.
She does make good coffee.
Don't change the subject.
Avery Sunderland is a master manipulator.
Okay, you got hurt enough the first time around.
- I'm gonna be fine.
- Abby [DOOR OPENS.]
See you later.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[DOORBELL RINGS.]
Come in.
Right this way.
I don't think we've had a fire in that thing since you and Shawna used to open your Christmas presents in here.
A house without children never loses the echoes, you know.
Look at you.
[LAUGHING.]
I can't believe it's been 14 years! [CHUCKLES.]
- Hey, Abby.
- Hey.
Come on, let's get you something to drink.
You want something to eat? You hungry? No, I'm actually here in my professional capacity.
I know.
With the CDC.
Medical doctor, infectious diseases, specialist, that's impressive.
From the time we took you in, eight-years-old and bright as a whip, I knew that you would do great things.
- Avery - Hey, listen, before we go any further, please just Sit down for a minute, Abby, please.
I wanna talk to you.
Okay.
I owe you an apology.
I never blamed you for Shawna's death the way that Maria did, and I should have made that clear.
And I wish to hell now that I would have stepped up.
You bore the full brunt of her hostility, and I do not blame you for getting out of Dodge.
Well I understood that she was upset.
[SIGHS.]
She was hanging by a thread, and I couldn't bear the thought of fighting with her when the pain was so fresh, but I've had a long time to think, Abby.
You were a 17-year-old kid.
I should've done better.
Maybe if I had, I wouldn't have Wouldn't have lost both my daughters, huh? [SNIFFLES.]
Is Maria all right? We'll get through it.
It's because of me.
It's me coming back, I stirred up all this emotion.
I I'm sorry.
Why don't you tell me what I can do for the CDC, Abby? Well You had an employee, Alec Holland.
Jesus.
Yes, Alec.
Sheriff just filled me in this morning.
I don't know what happened.
I still can't even believe it.
Well, I believe that he had some research that could help us cure this disease.
And I need to get into his lab.
I see.
And I imagine you came to me because Lucilia's deputies have got it locked down? Yes.
AVERY: Hmm.
But one call from you, and that would all go away.
That lab is full of what my lawyers call "Proprietary information".
Okay.
But people's lives are at risk.
Yes.
And if I thought there was anything in there that might help you, I'd be the first to hand over the key.
But I've invested a small fortune in that research, and once I open up that barn door, there's no getting the horses back inside.
That data could wind up anywhere.
I could get a court order.
If I have to.
AVERY: Hmm.
[CHUCKLES.]
But, of course, by then, all that proprietary information might be gone.
It might be.
But here's what's more important, regardless of what happens, I'll still love you.
And you will always be welcome in this house.
You know, you always had a way of making a "no" sound like a favor.
You know why I'm here.
Please.
I need your help.
I thought I had it under control.
This pain, gnawing at me.
But how can anyone forget the loss of their only child? You don't, Maria.
You find a way to let it rest.
I can't.
It's like I can hear her again.
She's She's calling out to me.
Fine.
Fine, sit.
I want you to think about Shawna.
How you felt about her.
How she died.
And her spirit now.
[SPEAKING IN CREOLE.]
Now Show me.
[MADAME XANADU GASPING.]
Nimue [SCREAMING.]
[GASPING.]
Maria? [RETCHES.]
[PANTING.]
Maria? [SOBS.]
What What happened? There's been a shift in the balance of the light and the dark.
- Is Shawna - Something's out there.
I touched it.
Something vast, dark, and growing in the awful and the rot of the water.
If you trust me like you say you do You'll let this go.
- I can't.
- Shawna's dead.
No.
[SOBBING.]
No.
Let her rest.
Let her go.
[ALARMS BEEPING.]
Oh, my God.
This is where Alec was staying? Guess he didn't like the Bide-A-Wee, either.
Cassidy rents out rooms in the back.
Let's just hope Holland brought work home with him.
[BELL RINGING.]
- MAN: Wait! - Danny? Before I have to start collecting social security.
Hello? [MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS.]
Hello? Oh.
Hi, ladies.
Everything okay? Yeah.
I'm sorry, I was just rehearsing for an audition.
You're an actor? Well, yeah.
83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
They like that I do my own stunts.
Abby, this is Daniel Cassidy.
Owner and operator, not to mention, Marais' resident movie star.
Thanks.
This place is just a little side dish for me.
I'm impressed.
Well, in that case, I have a movie poster for you.
I'd be happy to sign it.
Danny, my friend works for the CDC Dr.
Abby Arcane.
We're here about Alec Holland.
Oh.
So sad to hear about that guy.
Yeah, I was hoping I could take a look inside of his room.
Well, yeah, sure, but you're not gonna find anything.
- Why? - The cops were here an hour ago.
In and out in 20 minutes.
Did he have a computer? Anything? Yeah, he did, but they took it back from him when he got fired.
Couldn't afford his own.
Well, hell, half the time he would use mine to edit his journal entries before he would upload them.
He had a work journal? No, not work.
Well, it may be work.
Mostly just mud-whomping- in-the-swamp kinda stuff.
He was the kinda guy that dug plants and birds and shit.
Garou, hi! Yeah, the cops dropped him off here.
They didn't know what else to do with him.
I'm sorry, buddy.
He's not coming back.
Is there a place I could take a look at this? Yeah, sure.
You know what? Come grab a seat upstairs.
I'mma show ya.
So, Danny, what happened to you on Sunday? We missed you at Roadhouse Jam.
Help yourself.
Never mind what happened on Sunday.
It's next Sunday that you need to get excited about.
- Oh, yeah? - I am mixing tracks together that no one has ever even conceived of.
Throw in cayenne cajun sauce, mixing all that up too.
Well, I got a very exciting entry today.
I just got fired.
So that's awesome.
Uh So why am I still in the middle of the swamp? Uh, masochist, maybe.
Or because I know I'm on to something.
I know it.
I just need some time to prove it is all, and hopefully soon.
Because there's nothing I hate more than being fired, than being poor.
And I need new sandals.
All right, bad news first is we now know that somebody has been dumping accelerant out in the swamp.
Why is still a fucking mystery to us, but, uh, good news is, is we think that if we, uh, find and collect all these boxes, we may be able to, uh, stop this thing, so We, um [SCOFFS.]
"We," right? Jesus, it's been a long day.
Um Yeah, I've been working with a, uh, doctor from the CDC today, Abby Arcane.
She's, um She's very smart, very smart.
Very driven, and, uh Well, she googled me, so.
She's quite lovely.
Oh, here we go, here we go.
Got something, got something All right.
- [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
- LIZ: Abby? [SNIFFLES.]
- You good? - Yeah.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
Shit.
- Susie.
- Is she all right? She's missing.
JASON: Have you heard anything more about who's taking my students? CAROLINE: Yes, Professor Zimmerman has agreed to cover your classes until we get back.
JASON: Zimmerman? The man is mediocrity wrapped in ignorance.
You're not gonna do that when we meet Avery Sunderland, right? No, of course not.
Because he does not need to be told he's a dead weight on your creativity and only useful for his money.
Or whatever opinion you happen to form on the spot - and need to share.
- Uh-huh, yeah.
- Truth saves time.
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- He sent you those mutagens that you love.
- I know.
And he's paid a lot of money for you to develop the accelerant.
Yes.
And then he interrupted my work by telling me, "Hey, get your ass down here, there's an emergency".
I can't wait to see what this disease of his is.
You know, probably someone dispersing the accelerant caught a cold.
Hey! We're the Woodrues.
We're here to see Mr Yes, Mr.
Sunderland told me to expect you.
If you could go around to the marsh side.
He's working on his swing.
His swing? [WATER SPLASHES.]
JASON: I'm not going to.
CAROLINE: I'm just saying that there's no point in offending the man who's funding your research.
JASON: I have no intention of offending him, okay? Even if he ends up being an entitled idiot, like Zimmerman.
- AVERY: Over here! - JASON: Oh.
We're being summoned.
- Jason.
- Look at that tree.
Jason, keep walking.
- Jason.
- No Oh.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- How are you? - Good.
Are you the gardener? This is a Japanese elm, and it's in transplant shock.
Go up to the kitchen, get a pan of water and sugar.
And then you're gonna treat the roots right here like this.
Okay? You got that? - Yes, sir.
- Go.
What is he doing? Um - Admiring your trees.
- Mmm.
He likes trees? Dr.
Jason Woodrue.
Thank you for asking us here.
It's very beautiful.
Yes, we're very proud of it.
900 acres.
I know my staff would be happy to show you more of the gardens, Mrs.
Woodrue.
Yeah, she's also Dr.
Woodrue, so, um She stays.
That's fine.
So what the fuck, Jason? I beg your pardon? You told me your accelerant would make things grow faster.
More trees to drain the water, more land to develop, more plants to develop into drugs and cosmetics and things to monetize.
The accelerant works.
Oh, it works! Like a son of a bitch.
But we've also got a hospital full up with people with some kind of crazy green flu.
There's no way that my accelerant was responsible for that.
The accelerant dumped in the water, and people getting sick? Don't talk down to me, Mr.
Doctor.
Diseases emerge from swamps all of the time.
Uh Dengue fever, ebola, malaria.
Living on a swamp is like living next to a gloriously diverse cesspool.
But I'm gonna I'm gonna look into it.
No, you're gonna fix it.
Because the CDC's in town, telling people that this disease is like nothing they've ever seen before.
Now I'm taking care of things on my end.
But if my name gets linked with this accelerant mess, there's gonna be lawsuits, there's gonna be arrests.
Things are going to happen to nice people, like you've never even dreamed of.
And I'm gonna make sure that they happen to all three of us, doctors.
So how did she go missing? She got out her window.
But I don't know how she managed it.
Is she contagious? We have to assume it.
We also have to assume that her condition is going to worsen, and fast.
Meanwhile, we've got another half-hour of daylight.
- If that.
- [CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
Cable.
Right, we're on it.
Found something down at the South docks.
- ABBY: Dr.
Arcane.
- MAN: Conyer.
I think a sick kid was here.
Found it on the railing.
She must have ripped it on a nail.
Who docks here? The Game Warden, mostly.
Vern Robitelle.
He took a boat out just a few minutes ago.
You know where he's headed? Said something about Skeeter Cove.
ABBY: Skeeter Cove? That's where we found Susie's father's boat.
She's gone into the swamp.
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
DISPATCHER: All officers, Susie Coyle's gone missing from Marais General.
She's nine-years-old [RADIO CLICKS OFF.]
Robitelle, game 6.
Base, I'm seeing some, uh, lights on the water off the cove out here.
DISPATCHER: Copy that, Robi.
You want backup? Nah, it's probably just some old boys over the limit on gator.
I'm gonna get closer, see what I can see.
DISPATCHER: Copy that.
What are you doing? [SIREN WHOOPS.]
[OVER MEGAPHONE.]
Game Warden.
You on the boat, pencils down.
Right now.
Hey, Robi, is that you? Oh, shit, Landreaux.
Again? [CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
Hey, I swear to God, we're just about to head in.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I know.
And you know more than most I gotta check you out, brother.
Come on.
- Be cool.
- MAN: Shit.
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
Ooh.
Well, shit.
What's in the box? Come on, Landreaux, I wanna make this as quick and as painless [GROANS.]
LANDREAUX: Fuck! What are you doing, man? This is Robi! What are you doing? What'd you do, man? Piece of shit should have backed off.
This is bad, man.
This is fucking bad, all right? Yeah? Your law get their hands on them boxes, that old man gonna kill us! - [SPUTTERING.]
- LANDREAUX: What the fuck? What are we gonna do now? MAN: Shut up! Let me think.
You haul ass and pull up the rest of them boxes! I'm gonna sink this tub and deal with this cop.
You pick me up when you're done.
- Hey, boss said - What? You got any better ideas? Go! Now.
LUCILIA: We need eyes on the water ASAP.
We have reason to believe that Susie Coyle may have snuck aboard - Game Warden Robitelle's boat.
- OFFICER: Copy that, Sheriff.
You're going out there with her? MATT: What, is that a problem? Of course you were the first person she called.
Well, that's 'cause she trusts me.
Do you trust yourself? Look, when this whole flu thing is over, she's gonna go back to whatever it is she calls home.
- You know that.
- Look, I'm well aware that she's got a life in Atlanta.
Look, I don't know what she's got going on up in Atlanta, but I do know that you have been nursing this flame for a long time.
Shh Come on, Ma.
When you care, you care hard.
There's nothing easy about you, Mattie.
You would cut off your right arm for the person you love.
And I'm just saying, and this is your mama talking, that with this one there, that is a recipe for disaster.
Matt? Just watch yourself out there.
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
I'm surprised you came back.
Well, the CDC was involved in that decision.
Yeah, really? How much? What do you mean? There's something about this place, I don't know.
Trying to escape the gravitational pull, people get drawn back in.
I thought you made it out, though.
I'm only passing through.
[SIGHS.]
I wanted to see how things were with the people I left.
Mmm-hmm.
Sunderlands.
Gotta admit, it's a pretty gutsy choice coming back to face them.
Then again, you were always the first one off the high dive in gym.
That's probably why I had a crush on you.
Come on, doesn't a girl always know? Uh I I had no idea.
Yeah, it's why I was staring at you all through prom.
I was just trying to get up the nerve to ask you to dance.
DISPATCHER: Robi, we just got a call from the sheriff.
Watch your 20.
[SUSIE PANTING IN DISTANCE.]
The last fucking thing I need right now.
[IN DISTANCE.]
Where are you? You wanna play hide-and-seek? You think I'm playing some kind of game? Matt.
- Yup, I see it.
- [SIREN CHIRPS.]
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Abby, be careful.
- Matt! - Shit.
[BOTH GASP.]
Fuck.
[WHEEZING.]
Oh, my God, Susie's been here.
[MOTOR WHIRRING.]
I got a boat out here.
Fuck.
Go, go.
It's okay, I'll stay here.
- Go.
- Are you sure? Yeah, she could be on that boat, Matt.
Go! Give me that bag.
Stay in contact.
Stay with me.
Stay with me.
Fuck! I'm so sorry.
[PIER CREAKING.]
[SCREAMS.]
[SCREAMING IN DISTANCE.]
Susie! Matt, Susie's here.
She's in trouble.
Please come back.
Shit! Susie! [SUSIE SCREAMS.]
Come, little fucker.
You don't wanna run from me.
[SCREAMS.]
- [WOOD CRACKS.]
- [WATER SPLASHING.]
[ROARS.]
[SNARLING.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
What in the fuck are you? [ROARING.]
[SCREAMING.]
[CONTINUES SCREAMING.]
[WOOD CREAKING.]
Susie? Oh, my God.
Susie! Susie.
Are you okay? Oh, my God.
Susie, I need you to come I need you to come down here.
I need you to walk to me, Susie.
It's okay.
Now! Come here.
Hurry, hurry, hurry! [SIREN CHIRPS.]
- Matt! - MATT: Abby! Maria? Damn it.
DISPATCHER: Cable, what's your status? Recovered the Coyle girl, ETA 20 minutes.
Susie.
That creature we just saw He's afraid.
He told me he doesn't know what's happening to him.
It spoke to you? Can you remember anything else he said? Yes.
He said his name was Alec.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING.]