Strange Angel (2018) s02e05 Episode Script
The Hanged Man
1 You have it.
AGENT WALLACE: The man who wishes to run the future of America's missile program, is the same man who wrote this.
Parsons has been in touch with the very man he claims he's never met.
I accept everything about you.
We got past you being in that-that group of Jack's when we first met.
Because you don't know anything about it.
ALFRED: Crossing the abyss is our most perilous working.
Frater E.
D.
may believe he has met his angel, but if there were a trace of falsehood, the outcome would be tragic.
If you cannot fulfill the task that I have given you, well, prison is the only way the debt can be paid.
I'd keep your distance.
Last guy he was with didn't fare so well.
VIRGIL: You're early.
What are you doing? [GRUNTING.]
[SCREAMING.]
Come back! ALFRED: But does this fear mean you must limit yourself? SUSAN: No, I suppose it doesn't.
But I don't think Jack can handle sharing me.
Go wake the believers.
JACK: that I will lead a pure life as a devoted servant of the Order.
I will lead a pure life as a devoted servant of the Order.
[THUNDER CRASHES.]
[HEAVY RAINFALL, WIND WHISTLING.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
There's no escape.
You will pay for what you've done, one way or the other.
I'm not afraid.
Oh, you should be.
'Cause you will rot in a cage, and no one will shed a tear.
[THUNDER AND RAINFALL FADE.]
[PASSIONATE MOANING.]
[OPERA MUSIC PLAYING.]
[EXHALES.]
You should probably go.
It's not even dark yet.
He could come home early.
Yes.
On the other hand you could come again.
[CHUCKLES.]
Careful.
You'll choke.
[ALFRED CHUCKLES.]
Can you imagine? First you and then me, choking to death on this bloody ring.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
You know, the reason I devoted myself to this faith was so that I wouldn't have to hide from anyone.
Things are contentious enough in this house as it is.
He channeled the angel.
He should be above such petty jealousy.
We need to keep this between us.
Yes.
Or we need to stop.
You have made that very clear.
Looking for these? - Up.
- [SIGHS.]
I need to strip the bed.
It's been a while since I got to do something that feels forbidden.
Alfred [HUMMING CARMEN.]
I'll always remember you like this.
Doing laundry? Everything out in the open, everything clean.
Thanks to you.
You never told me what you did to him.
You really want to know? No.
Only Did he suffer? He'll never hurt anyone with those hands ever again.
Are you sorry? Are you? No.
The law will be coming for me soon.
Your step-father was the only one keeping them at bay.
I can't imagine he'll let sleeping dogs lie.
I'll have to be on my way.
Where will you go? It's best I not say.
That way you won't have to lie when they ask you.
I ran your JPL proposal up the flagpole.
It's not gonna fly.
What? Why? I will give you three guesses, Mr.
Parsons.
You know what, make that one.
Under ordinary circumstances, I wouldn't give a damn what you did in the privacy of your own home.
Is this because of you? It is, isn't it? He's had a bone to pick with me since day one.
I make it a point to know certain facts.
For instance, you claim you've never met Aleister Crowley, - but I know that's a load of bull.
- How do you know? I'm not obligated to reveal my sources.
You follow a man who is a suspected traitor to his own country, - with known ties to our enemy.
- What ties? General J.
F.
C.
Fuller, for one, a disciple of Crowley's who was sidelined by the British military because of his Nazi ties.
There are even allegations, that Crowley has made attempts to meet Hitler himself.
Why would Crowley want to contact Hitler? Maybe it's because of their shared interest in the occult.
Maybe because both see themselves as ushering in a new era for mankind.
Given all this, serious questions are being raised about your allegiances.
Unfortunately, JPL is off the table.
Or at least with you as a part of it.
All right, well I'd like to invite you both to a gathering at my home so that you can see there's absolutely nothing to fear.
This feels sacrilegious.
It's just for one night.
I'm sure the Master would understand.
BETTY: We owe it to Frater J.
P.
- He's done so much for us.
- You watch.
These men tonight gonna be treating us like we the help inside our own damn home.
[SHARP CLAPPING.]
From the outside in, in order of use.
[SIGHS.]
The Byrnes never had formal dinners growing up? - Susan always set the table.
- JACK: Thank you for helping.
I really appreciate it.
You're welcome.
I'm not sure who you're used to hosting, but this place looked fit for a caravan of gypsies, - and not much else.
- [JACK CHUCKLES.]
You didn't need to invite her.
I could've done it alone.
She hosted millions of these when I was a kid.
Plus, having her here makes us seem more normal.
[KNOCKING AT DOOR.]
I didn't know if I should answer.
No, no.
It's better if I do it.
- Could you do me a favor? - Anything.
Could you go check on the Magus? I want to know if he's planning on joining the festivities, or if he's just going to sulk in his room all night.
- Are you Frater J.
P.
? - Yeah.
Got a special delivery here from a M.
Therion.
Thank you.
[LAUGHING.]
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
May I come in? Please.
Frater J.
P.
was wondering if you were going to come down.
Was he, now? How considerate of him.
This night is about showing these men they don't have to fear us.
What's it look like if we're hiding our Magus away? Well, you can tell Frater J.
P.
that I've decided to attend his little function.
The only decision that's left is what to wear.
Do I go as the man I am, or the man they'd prefer me to be? I think the choice is obvious.
I had to pretend to be something I wasn't in order to survive.
The circumstances were a bit different.
These men tonight are soldiers, too.
And soldiers are trained for one thing: to kill their enemies.
ERNEST: I help you with something? Just looking for somewhere to hide this.
What is it? "Dear Frater J.
P.
", "it has always been my top priority" "to increase the size and influence of our congregation".
"You are central to this work", "especially with the might of the military behind you".
"Based on the testimony I've received" "you are emerging as a true Magnus of the Lodge".
"To aid in your endeavors", "I've prepared a new manifesto.
" The Master wrote you a new work.
Now, why would you try to hide this? SUSAN: Jack? They're here.
Crowley's the reason I'm in hot water.
If they see that, the jig is up.
It must be exhausting, - serving two masters.
- It's not about serving them.
If we can win them over, I get JPL.
What in the hell is that? It's how I get to the stars.
Thy will be done.
[CABINET CLANGS SHUT.]
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
General Braxton, Agent Wallace.
Everyone, welcome to the Parsonage.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING.]
This is such a bad idea.
Jack didn't have a choice.
They were gonna cut him out of the project.
These bosses of yours have no clue what they're walking into.
I told you, you didn't have to come.
And I told you I wanted to.
And yet, we've been sitting out here for half an hour.
Let's go.
I just need another minute.
Sweetie, if you're worried about me seeing what's in there, don't be.
Jack's been teaching me some of the techniques.
- Techniques? - Yeah, like manifesting your will.
Right now, I am manifesting a successful party.
[UPBEAT JAZZ PLAYING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
Good evening, Mr.
Onsted.
May I take your hat? [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
JOAN: Sister M! My love.
Aw, I was hoping you'd come.
- Mm - I'm just a plus-one tonight.
- Mm-hmm.
- You know Richard? Of course.
The man you left us for.
It's nice to see you again.
[CHUCKLES.]
Little less of me than last time.
[GIGGLES.]
Oh, he just stopped by to see Jack on a day I didn't feel like wearing a top.
[CHUCKLES.]
Some things never change, I guess.
Let's go out on the terrace.
I think I see Chiang and Mrs.
Gui.
- To us.
- Salud.
- Agent Wallace.
- Mr.
Onsted.
I trust you're enjoying yourself.
Illuminating, yes.
And you must be Marisol.
- Uh-huh - I've heard so much about you, I feel like we're old friends.
I hate to see your hands so empty.
Oh, I'm afraid I'm a teetotaler.
I see.
Well, don't let the Aerojet boys monopolize too much of your time tonight.
I will take a club soda, if you have it.
Well, I'll see you inside.
Jack.
Well, it's about damn time.
I was beginning to think you guys were a no-show.
Well, we're here.
Ready to support in any way I can.
Thanks.
I brought some reinforcements.
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
I hope you know what you're doing.
Check out the dust pattern.
Something else was hanging here.
Same thing in three other places.
Clearly, not everything here is what it seems.
WALLACE: Indeed.
Keep looking.
We don't leave here until we find something that'll nail Parsons to the fucking wall.
They say every painting tells a story.
What does this one say to you guys? No? Let's take a closer look.
[WAVES CRASHING.]
"Truth," cried the Lord of the Abyss.
JACK: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming.
Whether you're a soldier or a sage, a sorcerer or a scientist, inside, we are all the same.
For Thelema tells us that every man and every woman is a star.
And while tonight may seem like the coming together of opposites, what unites us is ultimately much stronger than what divides us.
We are all fighting for the same thing.
Freedom from tyranny.
- Hear, hear.
- ALL: Hear, hear.
[APPLAUSE.]
Well said, Frater J.
P.
, well said.
General, apologies for the delay.
I was in deep meditation, trying to manifest victory.
Alfred Miller, Grand Magus.
So you're the one in charge of all these people? No one's in charge, General.
Things are a little more egalitarian than that.
Yes, though we do have a degree system, not unlike your military ranks, but with a spiritual designation.
I am the most highly ascended.
GENERAL BRAXTON: I guess that makes you my equal, on the other side.
You are a war hero, General.
I am but a-a humble servant to the Great Work.
I'm glad you decided to join us, Magus.
Well, I-I was enticed from my hovel.
[CUTLERY CHIMING AGAINST GLASS.]
THE MINDER: Dinner is served.
[EXCLAIMING, LAUGHTER.]
Did one of you put that back up? No.
It reappeared on its own.
As if by magic.
So, this is your Master Therion.
Is it a faithful rendition? Oh, that's right.
You haven't met the man.
I'm gonna find out who did this.
[LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING, INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
THE MINDER: Inside this house, we try to live free of labels.
[GASPS, LAUGHS.]
You don't drink, you don't eat.
Is there anything you do enjoy? Is this all you people do around here? It's rather tame.
- MAN: Right.
- Yeah.
You're just ignore us the whole night? We miss you Come on.
It might get them to shut up.
Yeah, go on.
Go catch up.
[LAUGHTER.]
Excellent job.
Excuse me one second.
GENERAL BRAXTON: Mrs.
Parsons.
Oh, now, don't you dare.
It's Ruth from now on or I'll call your commanding Oh, you don't have a commanding officer, do you? [CHUCKLES.]
Two, actually.
President Roosevelt and my wife Rose.
She's a lucky woman.
Oh.
That's very kind of you.
I don't know if she always feels the same way, though.
[RUTH CHUCKLES.]
JACK: Are you enjoying yourself? Am I am I what? Enjoying yourself? Why wouldn't I be? Is this the special Sherry that you had delivered? That color? Heavens, no.
It's not? What's wrong? WALTER: Ah.
Now we're talking! Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you all to the world-famous Parson's Poison Punch.
If you can get it down, life goes down easy.
[LAUGHTER.]
WALTER: Now we're talking.
Who told you to serve that punch? I thought you wanted us to.
That's what Frater E.
D.
told us.
It's what you always serve at your parties.
Not this party.
I'm gonna kill him.
[COUGHS, CHUCKLES.]
That'll put hair on your chest.
[CHUCKLES.]
Excuse me, General, I need to go freshen up.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
It's good.
Are you out of your mind? On the contrary.
Anyone paying even the slightest bit of attention can see that What? The-the naughty little gift you left for me? I-I thought that was the point.
While we suffer this charade, we can continue our far more enjoyable one.
- I didn't leave those.
- Well, someone did, on my pillow.
[LAUGHS.]
Well, at least now we can pursue our will without further hesitation.
No.
No, we have to stop.
Jack made it clear he won't go down without a fight.
Then let him fight.
I can fight, too, you know.
I've done so much to protect what we have here.
I can't be the reason it falls apart.
- I have to find him.
- Susan [DOOR OPENS.]
[UPBEAT JAZZ PLAYING, LAUGHTER, LOUD CONVERSATIONS.]
Have either of you seen Ernest? Uh, no.
Can you do me a favor and get rid of this punch? I think the genie might be out of the bottle.
Maybe it's a good thing.
Jack, can we talk? What about? Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.
AGAPE MEMBERS: Love is the law! - Love under will! - ERNEST: Ladies and gentlemen, there will soon be the smell of brimstone in the air and the smell of victory, too.
From the beaches of Normandy, to the shores of Californ-i-a, let freedom reign.
[CHEERING, WHOOPING.]
ERNEST: Tonight, outside outside, under the solstice moon, I will share with you a manifesto.
The latest manifestation of a new dawn.
"Liber OZ," written for us by our Master Therion.
I don't think they want to hear it, Ernest.
Are you kidding, Parsons? It's a new work by Aleister Crowley himself? ERNEST: "Man has the right to eat what he will".
"Drink what he will.
Think what he will".
"Dwell where he will".
"To move across the face of the earth", "as he will".
"Man has the right to speak what he will".
"To dress as he will".
"To write what he will".
"To draw, paint, carve, etch, mold", "and build what he will.
" [CHEERING AND APPLAUDING.]
Man has the right to love - "as he will.
" - Thank you.
Thank you, Ernest.
- [CHEERING AND WHOOPING.]
- "And last, but not least" "Man has the right to kill all those" "who would thwart these rights.
" And this work arrived at the Parsonage just today.
It was intended for the one true Magus of this lodge.
Will that man kindly step forward and claim his mantle? Thank you, Frater E.
D.
You are quite right.
I've been derelict in my duties to you, and to all my faithful followers.
But this will end Only those who fear shall fail.
For the uninitiated, our faith demands that we live according to our true will, which we must never hide nor suppress, not for anyone's sake.
With that in mind, tonight we will celebrate the solstice the way it was meant to be celebrated.
[MEMBERS CHUCKLING AND WHOOPING.]
Oh, Jack, I do hope you don't mind my making one.
What are you doing here? My instructions were very clear.
Instead of placating these men, you were told to bring them into the fold.
Can you imagine the might of the military and the power of Thelema fused as one? ALFRED: We, here, vanquish our enemies, not through violence, but through love.
I priest and king, take thee, Virgin, pure without spot.
And I who am all pleasure desire you.
- [GASPS.]
- SAM: Love is the law! - Love is the law! - Love is the law! There is no law beyond "do what" - "thou wilt.
" - [EXHALES.]
CROWLEY: This was meant to be your role in the Great Work, but you have failed me, Jack.
They are questioning my allegiances because yours are about as clear as swamp water.
They? Who are they? General Braxton? Young Agent Wallace? You've been so worried about losing their support.
You should be a little more concerned about losing mine.
Fortunately, some of your compatriots have proven a little more loyal than you.
- You put them up to this? - They didn't require coercion.
Alfred is a true believer.
And as for Frater E.
D.
Well, his actions aren't in spite of you, they're because of you.
His desire to Cross the Abyss is motivating all.
That's what this is about? Yes, and the night is young, still.
Hmm? What else is he gonna do? [EXHALES.]
The crossing The crossing requires a union of opposites and a great sacrifice.
Wait, what kind of sacrifice? JOAN: I am the blue-lidded daughter of sunset! I am the naked brilliance! [GASPS.]
Drink to me! [MOANING.]
[JOAN LAUGHS.]
I'm sorry for everything that's happening.
It's not your fault.
I know you don't actually feel that way.
- Please.
- Look, I shouldn't have kept it secret.
But you shouldn't have laid down restrictions.
All my dreams are hanging by a fucking thread right now.
What about me? Am I a part of those dreams? Of course.
But this is how we've chosen to live.
You and Alfred's workings are the least of my problems.
They weren't just workings, Jack.
[PANTING, MOANING.]
[SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE.]
How have you put up with it? Being with someone who was a part of something like this? I mean, the thought of someone you love, doing unspeakable acts with all these people would be tough to shake.
- How have you put up with it? - [MUFFLED MOANING.]
How have you put up with it? [PANTING.]
Are you taking notes, Richie? [PANTING.]
[MOANING.]
I have to go.
Richie [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE.]
Hold on! RICHARD: I can't believe I actually thought there was something to this whole thing.
It's sick.
Perverse.
Brilliant idea, bringing everyone here, Jack.
It's fucking brilliant.
Thanks to you, we can all kiss JPL good-bye.
- MAN: Love is the law! - WOMAN: Love as you live! Love is the law! - Love is the law! - Love as you live! You getting in? Don't want you having to ride home with such a sick pervert.
Oh, my God.
Come on, Marisol.
I wasn't talking about you, obviously.
Why is that obvious? I was one of them.
- Yes.
Was.
- That's right.
I quit for you.
Because I knew you would judge me for it.
Why are you acting like I've done something wrong? I came in here with an open mind You talked about "manifesting your will.
" Well, how do you think that gets done, Richie? It's called sex magick, not "be nice and work real hard" magick.
You want to go back in there, so you can see how it all finishes? [HONKS HORN.]
We're kind of in the middle of something.
The gates are locked shut.
What do you mean? I mean, no one can get out.
[DISTORTED, ECHOING JAZZ PLAYING.]
[GASPS.]
Don't tell me you're thinking of leaving? What was in that drink? - Why don't you take a seat, Captain? - It's General.
Well, you can be president for all I care.
We're all flesh on the inside.
We all crave the same things.
Out there is just war and misery.
In here is the garden of earthly delights.
[WHISPERS.]
: Live each day as if it's your last.
I'll leave you two to your own devices.
[DISTORTED, ECHOING JAZZ CONTINUES.]
I wish I knew what to say about all this.
I don't think I'm in any state to drive.
Perhaps we can find somewhere quiet while you gather your wits about you.
Please.
[MID-TEMPO JAZZ PLAYING.]
I always wanted to be a dancer.
[LAUGHING.]
WALLACE: Parsons! I had you pegged all wrong, my friend.
You throw one heck of a party.
WALLACE: Princeton.
Old Nassau, as we used to call it.
Best four years of my life.
And how about you? Mädchenschule Berlin.
[SIGHS.]
: Forgive me but y-you weren't born a woman, were you? I only ask because Mädchenschule is an all-girls school, no? You caught me in a fib.
But you are mistaken in one aspect.
I was born a girl.
Just in the wrong body.
Well, I don't see anything wrong with it.
JACK: Ernest? Are you in there? This is quite a house.
Gemütlichkeit.
My aunt, niece and nephew: Gertrude, Ursula and Heinrich.
[MUSIC BOX PLAYING WALTZ.]
Did you ever play hide-and-seek as a child? Sure.
Das Verteckspiel.
In America, when it's time to come out, we yell, "Olly olly oxen free!" Which comes from the German: Alle, alle auch sind frei.
Everyone, everyone is free.
It's a nice idea, in theory.
[MUSIC BOX CONTINUES PLAYING.]
So, I'm curious.
How does this work? Are you the man or the woman? Oh, always a woman.
I see.
But we can do other things.
Like what? Suck my cock? What if I want to suck yours? What are you doing? Your "Master," Aleister Crowley, made several trips to Germany between 1930 and 1932.
Am I safe in assuming that this is when you were introduced to Thelema? Did Crowley help you gain passage to America? Why are you asking me all this? Know thyself.
Know thine enemy.
I'm gonna need that back.
Ah, Frater, you are truly lost.
Why don't you shut the fuck up and stop pretending like you know everything? You have been misled by a delusion.
See, you speak of truth, brother, but I see you, walking around all over this house like a dog with two dicks.
You're as chock-full of bullshit as anyone else.
I'm not scared of you.
No.
You're scared of what's in here.
[WOMAN SINGING JAZZ IN DISTANCE.]
It was you.
You doubt my vision, but it's your vision that's truly clouded.
By what? Kanebgik You're in love.
Ernest.
I can be sad, I can be good Or I can be bad It all depends on you - [LAUGHTER.]
- Oh.
There you are.
Thank you, Mother, for looking after General Braxton.
The General was just telling me about storming the beaches at Normandy.
I'm sorry, son.
I don't know what came over me.
Or spend it, go right on living No one needs to know what happened here tonight.
Honey, for what I do In fact, um I don't see any reason why, uh, JPL shouldn't be allowed to move forward.
[GASPS.]
Full steam ahead, with you at the helm.
What the hell is taking Chiang so long? - We could go look, too.
- You do what you want.
I'm staying right where I am.
As soon as those gates are open, I'm out of here.
Okay.
For the record, I don't think you're a pervert.
[SCOFFS.]
I've never seen anything like that before, never even imagined anything like that before.
That's okay, Richie.
I know it's not for everyone.
You miss it? No.
Maybe.
A little.
We could try.
Try what? - Sex magick.
- [LAUGHS.]
- I am sorry.
- No, I get it.
I don't want you having to be someone you're not for me.
I don't want that, either.
If you were worried about me loving you so much that I would put up with anything, clearly you can think again.
- Yeah? - I don't want to share you.
I mean it.
I don't know what I would do.
The very thought of someone else touching you makes me sick to my stomach.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER.]
[SQUEALING.]
CHIANG: There you are.
Chiang, I've got wonderful news.
I just spoke to Braxton Someone's locked the gates.
- What? - [WOMAN SCREAMING.]
Sit the fuck down.
Who else would Crowley meet with in Berlin? I told you, I don't know.
Did you ever meet a British general named Fuller? My grandmother has a saying, "The cynic laughs at happiness and winds up sad.
" I'm not sad.
No, just pathetic.
This connection you seek between the Nazis and Crowley, it's ridiculous.
Then why do you look so scared? [MUSIC BOX CONTINUES PLAYING.]
I'm not a Nazi.
I fled.
I left it all behind.
JACK: Susan.
Susan? My God, what happened? ALFRED: Is everyone okay? CHIANG: Whose blood is this? I think Ernest is trying to cross the abyss.
No, that's impossible.
I never gave him the oath.
No, but Jack did.
Since you were too distracted by other things.
You have committed a grave error.
It doesn't just break our code, it could break a man's soul.
I'll go and talk to him.
Ernest? [DEEP BREATHING.]
Hello, Jack.
What are you doing? Don't.
From a single spark all of creation was born.
Don't try to stop me, Jack.
My angel of fire beckons.
Ernest, the angel wasn't real.
I was trying to save my damn life.
Doesn't it feel good? No, lies only drag us down.
The only way up is truth.
Well, now you know, so, please [SIREN WAILING.]
You remember that first night? That mountain lion? You told me rockets were your way to be free of this world.
[SIGHS.]
Well, this is mine.
[BOTH PANTING.]
[OFFICERS SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
The war machine won't get you where you need to go.
You need to cut yourself loose, get back on the only path that matters.
You're right, Ernest.
Okay? I strayed, but I'll get back on it.
Just please.
Give me the lighter.
Ernest, please.
I need you.
You need to face your destiny.
A man of fire should not be bowing before a man of clay.
It's time for you to go now.
Ernest, wait.
Ad astra per aspera.
Don't do this.
Love is the law.
Love under will.
Fuck.
[DISTRESSED CHATTER.]
WOMAN: Kelly, call the fire department.
[SIREN WAILING.]
OFFICER: Pasadena Police.
Everybody step back.
OFFICER 2: Folks, listen up.
We have a warrant for the arrest of Ernest Donovan.
Spread out.
[OFFICERS SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
AGENT WALLACE: The man who wishes to run the future of America's missile program, is the same man who wrote this.
Parsons has been in touch with the very man he claims he's never met.
I accept everything about you.
We got past you being in that-that group of Jack's when we first met.
Because you don't know anything about it.
ALFRED: Crossing the abyss is our most perilous working.
Frater E.
D.
may believe he has met his angel, but if there were a trace of falsehood, the outcome would be tragic.
If you cannot fulfill the task that I have given you, well, prison is the only way the debt can be paid.
I'd keep your distance.
Last guy he was with didn't fare so well.
VIRGIL: You're early.
What are you doing? [GRUNTING.]
[SCREAMING.]
Come back! ALFRED: But does this fear mean you must limit yourself? SUSAN: No, I suppose it doesn't.
But I don't think Jack can handle sharing me.
Go wake the believers.
JACK: that I will lead a pure life as a devoted servant of the Order.
I will lead a pure life as a devoted servant of the Order.
[THUNDER CRASHES.]
[HEAVY RAINFALL, WIND WHISTLING.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
There's no escape.
You will pay for what you've done, one way or the other.
I'm not afraid.
Oh, you should be.
'Cause you will rot in a cage, and no one will shed a tear.
[THUNDER AND RAINFALL FADE.]
[PASSIONATE MOANING.]
[OPERA MUSIC PLAYING.]
[EXHALES.]
You should probably go.
It's not even dark yet.
He could come home early.
Yes.
On the other hand you could come again.
[CHUCKLES.]
Careful.
You'll choke.
[ALFRED CHUCKLES.]
Can you imagine? First you and then me, choking to death on this bloody ring.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
You know, the reason I devoted myself to this faith was so that I wouldn't have to hide from anyone.
Things are contentious enough in this house as it is.
He channeled the angel.
He should be above such petty jealousy.
We need to keep this between us.
Yes.
Or we need to stop.
You have made that very clear.
Looking for these? - Up.
- [SIGHS.]
I need to strip the bed.
It's been a while since I got to do something that feels forbidden.
Alfred [HUMMING CARMEN.]
I'll always remember you like this.
Doing laundry? Everything out in the open, everything clean.
Thanks to you.
You never told me what you did to him.
You really want to know? No.
Only Did he suffer? He'll never hurt anyone with those hands ever again.
Are you sorry? Are you? No.
The law will be coming for me soon.
Your step-father was the only one keeping them at bay.
I can't imagine he'll let sleeping dogs lie.
I'll have to be on my way.
Where will you go? It's best I not say.
That way you won't have to lie when they ask you.
I ran your JPL proposal up the flagpole.
It's not gonna fly.
What? Why? I will give you three guesses, Mr.
Parsons.
You know what, make that one.
Under ordinary circumstances, I wouldn't give a damn what you did in the privacy of your own home.
Is this because of you? It is, isn't it? He's had a bone to pick with me since day one.
I make it a point to know certain facts.
For instance, you claim you've never met Aleister Crowley, - but I know that's a load of bull.
- How do you know? I'm not obligated to reveal my sources.
You follow a man who is a suspected traitor to his own country, - with known ties to our enemy.
- What ties? General J.
F.
C.
Fuller, for one, a disciple of Crowley's who was sidelined by the British military because of his Nazi ties.
There are even allegations, that Crowley has made attempts to meet Hitler himself.
Why would Crowley want to contact Hitler? Maybe it's because of their shared interest in the occult.
Maybe because both see themselves as ushering in a new era for mankind.
Given all this, serious questions are being raised about your allegiances.
Unfortunately, JPL is off the table.
Or at least with you as a part of it.
All right, well I'd like to invite you both to a gathering at my home so that you can see there's absolutely nothing to fear.
This feels sacrilegious.
It's just for one night.
I'm sure the Master would understand.
BETTY: We owe it to Frater J.
P.
- He's done so much for us.
- You watch.
These men tonight gonna be treating us like we the help inside our own damn home.
[SHARP CLAPPING.]
From the outside in, in order of use.
[SIGHS.]
The Byrnes never had formal dinners growing up? - Susan always set the table.
- JACK: Thank you for helping.
I really appreciate it.
You're welcome.
I'm not sure who you're used to hosting, but this place looked fit for a caravan of gypsies, - and not much else.
- [JACK CHUCKLES.]
You didn't need to invite her.
I could've done it alone.
She hosted millions of these when I was a kid.
Plus, having her here makes us seem more normal.
[KNOCKING AT DOOR.]
I didn't know if I should answer.
No, no.
It's better if I do it.
- Could you do me a favor? - Anything.
Could you go check on the Magus? I want to know if he's planning on joining the festivities, or if he's just going to sulk in his room all night.
- Are you Frater J.
P.
? - Yeah.
Got a special delivery here from a M.
Therion.
Thank you.
[LAUGHING.]
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
May I come in? Please.
Frater J.
P.
was wondering if you were going to come down.
Was he, now? How considerate of him.
This night is about showing these men they don't have to fear us.
What's it look like if we're hiding our Magus away? Well, you can tell Frater J.
P.
that I've decided to attend his little function.
The only decision that's left is what to wear.
Do I go as the man I am, or the man they'd prefer me to be? I think the choice is obvious.
I had to pretend to be something I wasn't in order to survive.
The circumstances were a bit different.
These men tonight are soldiers, too.
And soldiers are trained for one thing: to kill their enemies.
ERNEST: I help you with something? Just looking for somewhere to hide this.
What is it? "Dear Frater J.
P.
", "it has always been my top priority" "to increase the size and influence of our congregation".
"You are central to this work", "especially with the might of the military behind you".
"Based on the testimony I've received" "you are emerging as a true Magnus of the Lodge".
"To aid in your endeavors", "I've prepared a new manifesto.
" The Master wrote you a new work.
Now, why would you try to hide this? SUSAN: Jack? They're here.
Crowley's the reason I'm in hot water.
If they see that, the jig is up.
It must be exhausting, - serving two masters.
- It's not about serving them.
If we can win them over, I get JPL.
What in the hell is that? It's how I get to the stars.
Thy will be done.
[CABINET CLANGS SHUT.]
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
General Braxton, Agent Wallace.
Everyone, welcome to the Parsonage.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING.]
This is such a bad idea.
Jack didn't have a choice.
They were gonna cut him out of the project.
These bosses of yours have no clue what they're walking into.
I told you, you didn't have to come.
And I told you I wanted to.
And yet, we've been sitting out here for half an hour.
Let's go.
I just need another minute.
Sweetie, if you're worried about me seeing what's in there, don't be.
Jack's been teaching me some of the techniques.
- Techniques? - Yeah, like manifesting your will.
Right now, I am manifesting a successful party.
[UPBEAT JAZZ PLAYING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
Good evening, Mr.
Onsted.
May I take your hat? [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
JOAN: Sister M! My love.
Aw, I was hoping you'd come.
- Mm - I'm just a plus-one tonight.
- Mm-hmm.
- You know Richard? Of course.
The man you left us for.
It's nice to see you again.
[CHUCKLES.]
Little less of me than last time.
[GIGGLES.]
Oh, he just stopped by to see Jack on a day I didn't feel like wearing a top.
[CHUCKLES.]
Some things never change, I guess.
Let's go out on the terrace.
I think I see Chiang and Mrs.
Gui.
- To us.
- Salud.
- Agent Wallace.
- Mr.
Onsted.
I trust you're enjoying yourself.
Illuminating, yes.
And you must be Marisol.
- Uh-huh - I've heard so much about you, I feel like we're old friends.
I hate to see your hands so empty.
Oh, I'm afraid I'm a teetotaler.
I see.
Well, don't let the Aerojet boys monopolize too much of your time tonight.
I will take a club soda, if you have it.
Well, I'll see you inside.
Jack.
Well, it's about damn time.
I was beginning to think you guys were a no-show.
Well, we're here.
Ready to support in any way I can.
Thanks.
I brought some reinforcements.
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
I hope you know what you're doing.
Check out the dust pattern.
Something else was hanging here.
Same thing in three other places.
Clearly, not everything here is what it seems.
WALLACE: Indeed.
Keep looking.
We don't leave here until we find something that'll nail Parsons to the fucking wall.
They say every painting tells a story.
What does this one say to you guys? No? Let's take a closer look.
[WAVES CRASHING.]
"Truth," cried the Lord of the Abyss.
JACK: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming.
Whether you're a soldier or a sage, a sorcerer or a scientist, inside, we are all the same.
For Thelema tells us that every man and every woman is a star.
And while tonight may seem like the coming together of opposites, what unites us is ultimately much stronger than what divides us.
We are all fighting for the same thing.
Freedom from tyranny.
- Hear, hear.
- ALL: Hear, hear.
[APPLAUSE.]
Well said, Frater J.
P.
, well said.
General, apologies for the delay.
I was in deep meditation, trying to manifest victory.
Alfred Miller, Grand Magus.
So you're the one in charge of all these people? No one's in charge, General.
Things are a little more egalitarian than that.
Yes, though we do have a degree system, not unlike your military ranks, but with a spiritual designation.
I am the most highly ascended.
GENERAL BRAXTON: I guess that makes you my equal, on the other side.
You are a war hero, General.
I am but a-a humble servant to the Great Work.
I'm glad you decided to join us, Magus.
Well, I-I was enticed from my hovel.
[CUTLERY CHIMING AGAINST GLASS.]
THE MINDER: Dinner is served.
[EXCLAIMING, LAUGHTER.]
Did one of you put that back up? No.
It reappeared on its own.
As if by magic.
So, this is your Master Therion.
Is it a faithful rendition? Oh, that's right.
You haven't met the man.
I'm gonna find out who did this.
[LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING, INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
THE MINDER: Inside this house, we try to live free of labels.
[GASPS, LAUGHS.]
You don't drink, you don't eat.
Is there anything you do enjoy? Is this all you people do around here? It's rather tame.
- MAN: Right.
- Yeah.
You're just ignore us the whole night? We miss you Come on.
It might get them to shut up.
Yeah, go on.
Go catch up.
[LAUGHTER.]
Excellent job.
Excuse me one second.
GENERAL BRAXTON: Mrs.
Parsons.
Oh, now, don't you dare.
It's Ruth from now on or I'll call your commanding Oh, you don't have a commanding officer, do you? [CHUCKLES.]
Two, actually.
President Roosevelt and my wife Rose.
She's a lucky woman.
Oh.
That's very kind of you.
I don't know if she always feels the same way, though.
[RUTH CHUCKLES.]
JACK: Are you enjoying yourself? Am I am I what? Enjoying yourself? Why wouldn't I be? Is this the special Sherry that you had delivered? That color? Heavens, no.
It's not? What's wrong? WALTER: Ah.
Now we're talking! Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you all to the world-famous Parson's Poison Punch.
If you can get it down, life goes down easy.
[LAUGHTER.]
WALTER: Now we're talking.
Who told you to serve that punch? I thought you wanted us to.
That's what Frater E.
D.
told us.
It's what you always serve at your parties.
Not this party.
I'm gonna kill him.
[COUGHS, CHUCKLES.]
That'll put hair on your chest.
[CHUCKLES.]
Excuse me, General, I need to go freshen up.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
It's good.
Are you out of your mind? On the contrary.
Anyone paying even the slightest bit of attention can see that What? The-the naughty little gift you left for me? I-I thought that was the point.
While we suffer this charade, we can continue our far more enjoyable one.
- I didn't leave those.
- Well, someone did, on my pillow.
[LAUGHS.]
Well, at least now we can pursue our will without further hesitation.
No.
No, we have to stop.
Jack made it clear he won't go down without a fight.
Then let him fight.
I can fight, too, you know.
I've done so much to protect what we have here.
I can't be the reason it falls apart.
- I have to find him.
- Susan [DOOR OPENS.]
[UPBEAT JAZZ PLAYING, LAUGHTER, LOUD CONVERSATIONS.]
Have either of you seen Ernest? Uh, no.
Can you do me a favor and get rid of this punch? I think the genie might be out of the bottle.
Maybe it's a good thing.
Jack, can we talk? What about? Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.
AGAPE MEMBERS: Love is the law! - Love under will! - ERNEST: Ladies and gentlemen, there will soon be the smell of brimstone in the air and the smell of victory, too.
From the beaches of Normandy, to the shores of Californ-i-a, let freedom reign.
[CHEERING, WHOOPING.]
ERNEST: Tonight, outside outside, under the solstice moon, I will share with you a manifesto.
The latest manifestation of a new dawn.
"Liber OZ," written for us by our Master Therion.
I don't think they want to hear it, Ernest.
Are you kidding, Parsons? It's a new work by Aleister Crowley himself? ERNEST: "Man has the right to eat what he will".
"Drink what he will.
Think what he will".
"Dwell where he will".
"To move across the face of the earth", "as he will".
"Man has the right to speak what he will".
"To dress as he will".
"To write what he will".
"To draw, paint, carve, etch, mold", "and build what he will.
" [CHEERING AND APPLAUDING.]
Man has the right to love - "as he will.
" - Thank you.
Thank you, Ernest.
- [CHEERING AND WHOOPING.]
- "And last, but not least" "Man has the right to kill all those" "who would thwart these rights.
" And this work arrived at the Parsonage just today.
It was intended for the one true Magus of this lodge.
Will that man kindly step forward and claim his mantle? Thank you, Frater E.
D.
You are quite right.
I've been derelict in my duties to you, and to all my faithful followers.
But this will end Only those who fear shall fail.
For the uninitiated, our faith demands that we live according to our true will, which we must never hide nor suppress, not for anyone's sake.
With that in mind, tonight we will celebrate the solstice the way it was meant to be celebrated.
[MEMBERS CHUCKLING AND WHOOPING.]
Oh, Jack, I do hope you don't mind my making one.
What are you doing here? My instructions were very clear.
Instead of placating these men, you were told to bring them into the fold.
Can you imagine the might of the military and the power of Thelema fused as one? ALFRED: We, here, vanquish our enemies, not through violence, but through love.
I priest and king, take thee, Virgin, pure without spot.
And I who am all pleasure desire you.
- [GASPS.]
- SAM: Love is the law! - Love is the law! - Love is the law! There is no law beyond "do what" - "thou wilt.
" - [EXHALES.]
CROWLEY: This was meant to be your role in the Great Work, but you have failed me, Jack.
They are questioning my allegiances because yours are about as clear as swamp water.
They? Who are they? General Braxton? Young Agent Wallace? You've been so worried about losing their support.
You should be a little more concerned about losing mine.
Fortunately, some of your compatriots have proven a little more loyal than you.
- You put them up to this? - They didn't require coercion.
Alfred is a true believer.
And as for Frater E.
D.
Well, his actions aren't in spite of you, they're because of you.
His desire to Cross the Abyss is motivating all.
That's what this is about? Yes, and the night is young, still.
Hmm? What else is he gonna do? [EXHALES.]
The crossing The crossing requires a union of opposites and a great sacrifice.
Wait, what kind of sacrifice? JOAN: I am the blue-lidded daughter of sunset! I am the naked brilliance! [GASPS.]
Drink to me! [MOANING.]
[JOAN LAUGHS.]
I'm sorry for everything that's happening.
It's not your fault.
I know you don't actually feel that way.
- Please.
- Look, I shouldn't have kept it secret.
But you shouldn't have laid down restrictions.
All my dreams are hanging by a fucking thread right now.
What about me? Am I a part of those dreams? Of course.
But this is how we've chosen to live.
You and Alfred's workings are the least of my problems.
They weren't just workings, Jack.
[PANTING, MOANING.]
[SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE.]
How have you put up with it? Being with someone who was a part of something like this? I mean, the thought of someone you love, doing unspeakable acts with all these people would be tough to shake.
- How have you put up with it? - [MUFFLED MOANING.]
How have you put up with it? [PANTING.]
Are you taking notes, Richie? [PANTING.]
[MOANING.]
I have to go.
Richie [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE.]
Hold on! RICHARD: I can't believe I actually thought there was something to this whole thing.
It's sick.
Perverse.
Brilliant idea, bringing everyone here, Jack.
It's fucking brilliant.
Thanks to you, we can all kiss JPL good-bye.
- MAN: Love is the law! - WOMAN: Love as you live! Love is the law! - Love is the law! - Love as you live! You getting in? Don't want you having to ride home with such a sick pervert.
Oh, my God.
Come on, Marisol.
I wasn't talking about you, obviously.
Why is that obvious? I was one of them.
- Yes.
Was.
- That's right.
I quit for you.
Because I knew you would judge me for it.
Why are you acting like I've done something wrong? I came in here with an open mind You talked about "manifesting your will.
" Well, how do you think that gets done, Richie? It's called sex magick, not "be nice and work real hard" magick.
You want to go back in there, so you can see how it all finishes? [HONKS HORN.]
We're kind of in the middle of something.
The gates are locked shut.
What do you mean? I mean, no one can get out.
[DISTORTED, ECHOING JAZZ PLAYING.]
[GASPS.]
Don't tell me you're thinking of leaving? What was in that drink? - Why don't you take a seat, Captain? - It's General.
Well, you can be president for all I care.
We're all flesh on the inside.
We all crave the same things.
Out there is just war and misery.
In here is the garden of earthly delights.
[WHISPERS.]
: Live each day as if it's your last.
I'll leave you two to your own devices.
[DISTORTED, ECHOING JAZZ CONTINUES.]
I wish I knew what to say about all this.
I don't think I'm in any state to drive.
Perhaps we can find somewhere quiet while you gather your wits about you.
Please.
[MID-TEMPO JAZZ PLAYING.]
I always wanted to be a dancer.
[LAUGHING.]
WALLACE: Parsons! I had you pegged all wrong, my friend.
You throw one heck of a party.
WALLACE: Princeton.
Old Nassau, as we used to call it.
Best four years of my life.
And how about you? Mädchenschule Berlin.
[SIGHS.]
: Forgive me but y-you weren't born a woman, were you? I only ask because Mädchenschule is an all-girls school, no? You caught me in a fib.
But you are mistaken in one aspect.
I was born a girl.
Just in the wrong body.
Well, I don't see anything wrong with it.
JACK: Ernest? Are you in there? This is quite a house.
Gemütlichkeit.
My aunt, niece and nephew: Gertrude, Ursula and Heinrich.
[MUSIC BOX PLAYING WALTZ.]
Did you ever play hide-and-seek as a child? Sure.
Das Verteckspiel.
In America, when it's time to come out, we yell, "Olly olly oxen free!" Which comes from the German: Alle, alle auch sind frei.
Everyone, everyone is free.
It's a nice idea, in theory.
[MUSIC BOX CONTINUES PLAYING.]
So, I'm curious.
How does this work? Are you the man or the woman? Oh, always a woman.
I see.
But we can do other things.
Like what? Suck my cock? What if I want to suck yours? What are you doing? Your "Master," Aleister Crowley, made several trips to Germany between 1930 and 1932.
Am I safe in assuming that this is when you were introduced to Thelema? Did Crowley help you gain passage to America? Why are you asking me all this? Know thyself.
Know thine enemy.
I'm gonna need that back.
Ah, Frater, you are truly lost.
Why don't you shut the fuck up and stop pretending like you know everything? You have been misled by a delusion.
See, you speak of truth, brother, but I see you, walking around all over this house like a dog with two dicks.
You're as chock-full of bullshit as anyone else.
I'm not scared of you.
No.
You're scared of what's in here.
[WOMAN SINGING JAZZ IN DISTANCE.]
It was you.
You doubt my vision, but it's your vision that's truly clouded.
By what? Kanebgik You're in love.
Ernest.
I can be sad, I can be good Or I can be bad It all depends on you - [LAUGHTER.]
- Oh.
There you are.
Thank you, Mother, for looking after General Braxton.
The General was just telling me about storming the beaches at Normandy.
I'm sorry, son.
I don't know what came over me.
Or spend it, go right on living No one needs to know what happened here tonight.
Honey, for what I do In fact, um I don't see any reason why, uh, JPL shouldn't be allowed to move forward.
[GASPS.]
Full steam ahead, with you at the helm.
What the hell is taking Chiang so long? - We could go look, too.
- You do what you want.
I'm staying right where I am.
As soon as those gates are open, I'm out of here.
Okay.
For the record, I don't think you're a pervert.
[SCOFFS.]
I've never seen anything like that before, never even imagined anything like that before.
That's okay, Richie.
I know it's not for everyone.
You miss it? No.
Maybe.
A little.
We could try.
Try what? - Sex magick.
- [LAUGHS.]
- I am sorry.
- No, I get it.
I don't want you having to be someone you're not for me.
I don't want that, either.
If you were worried about me loving you so much that I would put up with anything, clearly you can think again.
- Yeah? - I don't want to share you.
I mean it.
I don't know what I would do.
The very thought of someone else touching you makes me sick to my stomach.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER.]
[SQUEALING.]
CHIANG: There you are.
Chiang, I've got wonderful news.
I just spoke to Braxton Someone's locked the gates.
- What? - [WOMAN SCREAMING.]
Sit the fuck down.
Who else would Crowley meet with in Berlin? I told you, I don't know.
Did you ever meet a British general named Fuller? My grandmother has a saying, "The cynic laughs at happiness and winds up sad.
" I'm not sad.
No, just pathetic.
This connection you seek between the Nazis and Crowley, it's ridiculous.
Then why do you look so scared? [MUSIC BOX CONTINUES PLAYING.]
I'm not a Nazi.
I fled.
I left it all behind.
JACK: Susan.
Susan? My God, what happened? ALFRED: Is everyone okay? CHIANG: Whose blood is this? I think Ernest is trying to cross the abyss.
No, that's impossible.
I never gave him the oath.
No, but Jack did.
Since you were too distracted by other things.
You have committed a grave error.
It doesn't just break our code, it could break a man's soul.
I'll go and talk to him.
Ernest? [DEEP BREATHING.]
Hello, Jack.
What are you doing? Don't.
From a single spark all of creation was born.
Don't try to stop me, Jack.
My angel of fire beckons.
Ernest, the angel wasn't real.
I was trying to save my damn life.
Doesn't it feel good? No, lies only drag us down.
The only way up is truth.
Well, now you know, so, please [SIREN WAILING.]
You remember that first night? That mountain lion? You told me rockets were your way to be free of this world.
[SIGHS.]
Well, this is mine.
[BOTH PANTING.]
[OFFICERS SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
The war machine won't get you where you need to go.
You need to cut yourself loose, get back on the only path that matters.
You're right, Ernest.
Okay? I strayed, but I'll get back on it.
Just please.
Give me the lighter.
Ernest, please.
I need you.
You need to face your destiny.
A man of fire should not be bowing before a man of clay.
It's time for you to go now.
Ernest, wait.
Ad astra per aspera.
Don't do this.
Love is the law.
Love under will.
Fuck.
[DISTRESSED CHATTER.]
WOMAN: Kelly, call the fire department.
[SIREN WAILING.]
OFFICER: Pasadena Police.
Everybody step back.
OFFICER 2: Folks, listen up.
We have a warrant for the arrest of Ernest Donovan.
Spread out.
[OFFICERS SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]