Ghostwriter (2019) s02e10 Episode Script
Ghost Castaways, Part 3
Uh, what is a ghost writer?
She is.
Here you go.
"Thank you for everything, Albert."
A first edition of The Color of Evil,
signed by the Mason Briggs.
Let me take you for dinner
to celebrate your big day.
Albert, I should be the one
taking you out for dinner.
I tried for years to get published,
and it didn't happen
until you helped me.
Ah. I believe you are
confusing ghostwriting,
which is to write in secret
as someone else,
with writing under a pseudonym,
which is to write under a
different name entirely.
Unless there's something
you're not telling me.
A crew keeps no secrets
from their captain
other than mutiny.
- Are you planning to mutiny?
- Whoa!
We'll tell you. But it's
a little hard to believe.
I travel through time on a
transforming pirate ship.
I'm an expert in "hard to believe."
Good point.
In our present, Sarah's
ghost writes us clues
that led us here to 1955.
The woman who writes as Mason Briggs
is now an actual ghost writer?
Wow, this is quite the development.
It is.
The premier mystery writer
of the 20th century
who now writes from beyond the grave.
That manuscript would be
worth quite a fortune.
And when we find it,
as captain, it will be all mine.
I've heard of "walk the plank,"
but I've never heard
of "clean the plank."
Yeah.
I don't know if becoming Captain
Vincent's crew was the best move.
He's pretty sketchy.
We didn't have a choice.
There was no way to fix the timeline
and get you back without
a ship and compass.
Besides, who wouldn't love a life
of adventure on the high seas?
I'd love to finish G.W.'s
unfinished business
and get Captain Vincent
back in his book.
Then we can finally go home.
Let's focus on Sarah's manuscript.
Where or when is it?
We think the manuscript is
in the secret compartment
in Sarah's house.
We need to figure out
when it was put there.
How about October 11th, 1965?
That's very specific.
It was the day my grandma
and S had their big fight.
Ruben's right.
The letter we found is dated
October 12th, 1965,
and it says their fight about Sarah's
secret was the day before.
Maybe her secret was the manuscript.
And maybe you should all walk
the plank for dereliction of duty.
This ship looks messier
than when you started.
I didn't think anyone could do a
worse job at cleaning than Santiago.
Apologies, Captain,
but I think we just figured
out where the manuscript is.
We're gonna need to stop
and get some new clothes.
What do you think of
these clothes, Santiago?
I think he said, "Groovy."
I'm just glad I can wear pants.
Let's go.
W-whoa.
What did I tell you about staying put?
"Frank leaned in close,
the shadows making the ridges on
his face look harder, more lived in.
He said, 'You're going to learn that
it's easier to change the world
if you don't care about
getting the credit.'"
Sorry, I'm not following you.
I've heard that line before.
This is getting good.
Just like I recognized Etta Mae's,
where we get milkshakes.
Or the description of the bridge
where we watch the ships go by.
Even the fountain where we sit
and read. They're all in here.
Lots of people drink milkshakes,
watch ships and read.
You wrote these, didn't you?
Please just Just don't tell anyone.
But you're famous.
I don't wanna be famous.
I don't need the credit. I
I just wanna bring characters to life.
And writing as Mason
allows me to do that.
But why use a man's name?
I couldn't get published with my own.
The '50s were not the
easiest time for women
to be accepted as equals.
But it's not the '50s anymore.
I like my privacy.
You could help the women's movement.
They seem to be moving
forward just fine without me.
What about all the girls who
are told they can't do something
because they're not a boy?
For the girls who write boys'
names on their designs.
I'm sorry, Tess.
Me too.
I looked up to you.
Grandma just learned the truth.
And yet we remain no closer
to retrieving the manuscript.
Actually, I think we are.
'Cause this is the last time
they see each other until
August 31st, 1972. Seven years later.
Sarah would've definitely
written the manuscript by then.
How can you be so certain?
Because she died a few days later.
Sorry.
Tess.
Is it really you?
I'm sorry we haven't seen
each other in so long.
And I am sorry I disappointed you.
It doesn't matter.
It's just really good to see you.
Now I understand the
bookstore is closing.
How did you know?
Mr. Crowley and I stay in touch.
I'm so happy you still work there.
I keep thinking about how special
the bookstore is to you and me.
We can't let it close, Tess.
But Ernesto and I don't have money to
But I do.
Sarah. I couldn't.
You can, and you must.
My writing broke us apart once.
Now's the chance for it
to bring us back together.
- I'd have to talk to Ernesto
- No.
No. No one can know where
you got the money from.
Be too hard to explain why I have it.
That's the first rule.
There's a second?
I have a final Mason Briggs manuscript.
And I need you to destroy it.
Grandma's gonna get the manuscript
outta the secret compartment
in Sarah's house.
- We have to get to it first.
- That would be unwise.
We cannot alter the timeline.
Remember what happened the
last time we messed with time?
And we almost lost you forever?
We at least have to stop
her from destroying it.
Come on.
"The Cobalt Mask."
She didn't destroy it yet.
Hey, Tess. Aren't you off today?
I just can't seem to stay away.
From my bookstore.
What's she doing?
She's not ready to let go.
Yes. Yes, we're closing next week.
Mr. Crowley?
Can we talk?
Well, of course.
It's about the store.
She didn't destroy it.
She hid it. She broke
one of Sarah's rules.
Your grandma always was a rule breaker.
Our grandma.
Now let's get that manuscript.
Uh-uh-uh. Patience.
If we take it now, your
grandmother might realize it
and disrupt the timeline.
Our treasure awaits in your present.
If he gets the manuscript before we do,
we'll be stuck being his crew forever.
But if we get to it first,
G.W. can send him back into the book
and we can double-cross that pirate.
Let's finish this.
All of this is really gonna end.
Tell me, George, would you buy
reading glasses in this store?
Or would you rather buy expensive
first editions of books?
Wait for me before you make
any major renovation decisions.
Lots of opinions in this family.
- It's like she left it for us.
- I think you mean for me.
Ghost Writer, we have
your unfinished business.
It worked.
It's over.
Oh, no.
Our adventures have only just begun.
Sorry, kids. I must've
crossed some wire.
I'll have the electricity
back on in a second.
A crew must follow their captain.
Why didn't Captain Vincent
go back into the book?
We're missing something.
The one thing I do know is we
need to get the manuscript back.
Which means we'll need to play
crew a little while longer.
Not another quantum time leap.
It appears the Vermillion wishes
us to play a game of hide-and-seek.
Santiago, seek the rest of the crew
while I put this in safe storage.
I am never gonna learn where to stand.
We need to find Ruben and
Curtis before Santiago does.
Be quiet.
I'm sorry.
- Where's Ruben?
- Over here.
Mm. I could get used to this.
Not me. I may have lost the election,
but my future career is not time pirate.
But why didn't G.W. put the
captain back into his book?
It must be because the
story isn't over yet.
We probably need to help
him with something.
But I don't wanna help
him with anything.
I just wanna get the manuscript.
How do we do that?
I overheard him saying he was
gonna put it somewhere safe
while Santiago went looking for us.
In the book, the captain
uses his quarters
to keep his most prized treasures.
Okay, you come with me.
Curtis and Chevon, you get the compass.
But what about Santiago?
I know how to deal with him.
Snack time.
Sorry, buddy. You know I
wouldn't if I didn't have to.
He actually is kinda cute.
Come on. We need to get the compass.
Where are the captain's quarters?
I'm thinking there.
Locked.
How small are your hands?
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
Was it weird seeing Grandma again?
It was actually amazing.
But leaving her was like
losing her all over again.
I get that.
Seeing her did remind
me how she always did
what she thought was right.
But that's what got me
thinking about the election.
Yeah, I've been thinking about it too.
I'm not upset about losing.
I'm upset because we won't get
a chance to be like Grandma
and do what's right.
Or maybe we just don't have to
worry about getting the credit.
We can always work with
Asher on finding more money
for the learning lab.
We're not gonna be
able to do what's right
if we're stuck on this ship
for the rest of our lives.
I have a plan. But first I need
you to untie one of the sails.
Almost. Got it.
- Whoa. Is that the
- The Mona Lisa.
Yeah, I think it is.
We can't get distracted.
Let's start looking.
Sail's untied. Now what?
Grandma always said, "Sometimes
you need to spin the wheel of life."
Brace yourself.
Santiago.
You let them put you in a cage?
Some time pirate you are.
Whoa.
- What was that?
- No idea.
Let's just keep looking.
So you were planning
a mutiny all this time.
You're the one who taught
us never to trust a pirate.
Looks like we're the captains now.
Santiago, start chewing.
Faster!
Donna?
- Did you find it?
- I think we just did.
I think you'll find
that envelope is empty.
Never trust a pirate indeed.
Compass, please.
As long as you're on my
ship I'm in charge.
Now give me the compass.
But what if we're not on your ship?
- You didn't.
- I did.
This is my only chance to see the
Dinosaurs?
- Compass, now.
- Whoa.
- Wait, I got the manuscript.
- Give that back!
Everyone for themselves!
You okay, little buddy?
Whoa. Uh-oh.
Donna? Now's probably time
for another quantum time leap!
The manuscript. Finally. Let's go.
Not so fast.
Now place that compass on my blade.
Who wants to walk the plank first?
Thanks, buddy.
Maybe you shouldn't have left him
to get trampled by dinosaurs.
What?
And maybe you need to think
about being nicer to your crew.
"On the Vermillion, you have
loyalty, or you have nothing!"
I'm sorry.
I don't think he can hear you.
I'm sorry for not being
loyal to you, Santiago.
No! Where are you going? Come back!
We're back. And Captain
Vincent's story ended
when he apologized to Santiago.
And now we have the manuscript
and the compass.
Or at least the manuscript.
- It's done.
- Almost.
We still have to deal with Ghost
Writer's unfinished business.
I just don't see what's so wrong
about selling a few odds and ends.
And I don't see why we
have to change the heart
and soul of the store.
I should let you decide
what you wanna do and then come back.
No, this is a place where books
where stories come to life.
I know what we have
to do with the store.
Come with me.
No first editions. No gift shop.
We're not bringing the
store into the future,
we're bringing it into the past.
- What are you doing?
- Ruben, stop!
Whoa.
I can't believe this.
Your mother and I We
We painted this mural together
when we were kids.
I thought it was painted
over, but here it is.
Oh, Dad.
But Ruben, how did you know about this?
Well, we did some research,
and we learned that the
bookstore used to be a place
where the neighborhood would
come together for performances,
art contests, story times
and stuff like that.
Maybe it should be again.
Thank you, Ruben.
And thank you, Tess.
All right.
I think we've got a new direction.
Let's go grab the plans.
I think you just saved the bookstore.
Well, I couldn't have done
it without all of you.
We know.
What do we do with the manuscript?
It's shorter than all the
other Mason Briggs books.
It only goes to chapter 8.
There's no way that's finished.
Is that why Grandma didn't destroy it?
Because she knew it wasn't done?
Which is probably why
Sarah wanted it destroyed.
She knew she wouldn't have
the time to finish it.
Then we have to finish her dying wish.
We have to destroy the manuscript.
What's wrong?
I don't want this to end.
I don't wanna go back to just being
regular mystery-free Donna
and just passing you
three in the hallway.
That's not gonna happen, Donna.
After what we've been through,
we're always gonna be friends.
Even when there's no paranormal
mysteries to solve?
- Promise.
- Promise.
Of course we'll still be friends.
Look, you're not just my little
sister anymore, Donna.
Okay. On three.
One two three.
What is happening?
- "Chapter 9?"
- The mystery isn't over.
G.W.'s unfinished business
isn't to destroy the manuscript.
No.
She wants us to finish it.
She is.
Here you go.
"Thank you for everything, Albert."
A first edition of The Color of Evil,
signed by the Mason Briggs.
Let me take you for dinner
to celebrate your big day.
Albert, I should be the one
taking you out for dinner.
I tried for years to get published,
and it didn't happen
until you helped me.
Ah. I believe you are
confusing ghostwriting,
which is to write in secret
as someone else,
with writing under a pseudonym,
which is to write under a
different name entirely.
Unless there's something
you're not telling me.
A crew keeps no secrets
from their captain
other than mutiny.
- Are you planning to mutiny?
- Whoa!
We'll tell you. But it's
a little hard to believe.
I travel through time on a
transforming pirate ship.
I'm an expert in "hard to believe."
Good point.
In our present, Sarah's
ghost writes us clues
that led us here to 1955.
The woman who writes as Mason Briggs
is now an actual ghost writer?
Wow, this is quite the development.
It is.
The premier mystery writer
of the 20th century
who now writes from beyond the grave.
That manuscript would be
worth quite a fortune.
And when we find it,
as captain, it will be all mine.
I've heard of "walk the plank,"
but I've never heard
of "clean the plank."
Yeah.
I don't know if becoming Captain
Vincent's crew was the best move.
He's pretty sketchy.
We didn't have a choice.
There was no way to fix the timeline
and get you back without
a ship and compass.
Besides, who wouldn't love a life
of adventure on the high seas?
I'd love to finish G.W.'s
unfinished business
and get Captain Vincent
back in his book.
Then we can finally go home.
Let's focus on Sarah's manuscript.
Where or when is it?
We think the manuscript is
in the secret compartment
in Sarah's house.
We need to figure out
when it was put there.
How about October 11th, 1965?
That's very specific.
It was the day my grandma
and S had their big fight.
Ruben's right.
The letter we found is dated
October 12th, 1965,
and it says their fight about Sarah's
secret was the day before.
Maybe her secret was the manuscript.
And maybe you should all walk
the plank for dereliction of duty.
This ship looks messier
than when you started.
I didn't think anyone could do a
worse job at cleaning than Santiago.
Apologies, Captain,
but I think we just figured
out where the manuscript is.
We're gonna need to stop
and get some new clothes.
What do you think of
these clothes, Santiago?
I think he said, "Groovy."
I'm just glad I can wear pants.
Let's go.
W-whoa.
What did I tell you about staying put?
"Frank leaned in close,
the shadows making the ridges on
his face look harder, more lived in.
He said, 'You're going to learn that
it's easier to change the world
if you don't care about
getting the credit.'"
Sorry, I'm not following you.
I've heard that line before.
This is getting good.
Just like I recognized Etta Mae's,
where we get milkshakes.
Or the description of the bridge
where we watch the ships go by.
Even the fountain where we sit
and read. They're all in here.
Lots of people drink milkshakes,
watch ships and read.
You wrote these, didn't you?
Please just Just don't tell anyone.
But you're famous.
I don't wanna be famous.
I don't need the credit. I
I just wanna bring characters to life.
And writing as Mason
allows me to do that.
But why use a man's name?
I couldn't get published with my own.
The '50s were not the
easiest time for women
to be accepted as equals.
But it's not the '50s anymore.
I like my privacy.
You could help the women's movement.
They seem to be moving
forward just fine without me.
What about all the girls who
are told they can't do something
because they're not a boy?
For the girls who write boys'
names on their designs.
I'm sorry, Tess.
Me too.
I looked up to you.
Grandma just learned the truth.
And yet we remain no closer
to retrieving the manuscript.
Actually, I think we are.
'Cause this is the last time
they see each other until
August 31st, 1972. Seven years later.
Sarah would've definitely
written the manuscript by then.
How can you be so certain?
Because she died a few days later.
Sorry.
Tess.
Is it really you?
I'm sorry we haven't seen
each other in so long.
And I am sorry I disappointed you.
It doesn't matter.
It's just really good to see you.
Now I understand the
bookstore is closing.
How did you know?
Mr. Crowley and I stay in touch.
I'm so happy you still work there.
I keep thinking about how special
the bookstore is to you and me.
We can't let it close, Tess.
But Ernesto and I don't have money to
But I do.
Sarah. I couldn't.
You can, and you must.
My writing broke us apart once.
Now's the chance for it
to bring us back together.
- I'd have to talk to Ernesto
- No.
No. No one can know where
you got the money from.
Be too hard to explain why I have it.
That's the first rule.
There's a second?
I have a final Mason Briggs manuscript.
And I need you to destroy it.
Grandma's gonna get the manuscript
outta the secret compartment
in Sarah's house.
- We have to get to it first.
- That would be unwise.
We cannot alter the timeline.
Remember what happened the
last time we messed with time?
And we almost lost you forever?
We at least have to stop
her from destroying it.
Come on.
"The Cobalt Mask."
She didn't destroy it yet.
Hey, Tess. Aren't you off today?
I just can't seem to stay away.
From my bookstore.
What's she doing?
She's not ready to let go.
Yes. Yes, we're closing next week.
Mr. Crowley?
Can we talk?
Well, of course.
It's about the store.
She didn't destroy it.
She hid it. She broke
one of Sarah's rules.
Your grandma always was a rule breaker.
Our grandma.
Now let's get that manuscript.
Uh-uh-uh. Patience.
If we take it now, your
grandmother might realize it
and disrupt the timeline.
Our treasure awaits in your present.
If he gets the manuscript before we do,
we'll be stuck being his crew forever.
But if we get to it first,
G.W. can send him back into the book
and we can double-cross that pirate.
Let's finish this.
All of this is really gonna end.
Tell me, George, would you buy
reading glasses in this store?
Or would you rather buy expensive
first editions of books?
Wait for me before you make
any major renovation decisions.
Lots of opinions in this family.
- It's like she left it for us.
- I think you mean for me.
Ghost Writer, we have
your unfinished business.
It worked.
It's over.
Oh, no.
Our adventures have only just begun.
Sorry, kids. I must've
crossed some wire.
I'll have the electricity
back on in a second.
A crew must follow their captain.
Why didn't Captain Vincent
go back into the book?
We're missing something.
The one thing I do know is we
need to get the manuscript back.
Which means we'll need to play
crew a little while longer.
Not another quantum time leap.
It appears the Vermillion wishes
us to play a game of hide-and-seek.
Santiago, seek the rest of the crew
while I put this in safe storage.
I am never gonna learn where to stand.
We need to find Ruben and
Curtis before Santiago does.
Be quiet.
I'm sorry.
- Where's Ruben?
- Over here.
Mm. I could get used to this.
Not me. I may have lost the election,
but my future career is not time pirate.
But why didn't G.W. put the
captain back into his book?
It must be because the
story isn't over yet.
We probably need to help
him with something.
But I don't wanna help
him with anything.
I just wanna get the manuscript.
How do we do that?
I overheard him saying he was
gonna put it somewhere safe
while Santiago went looking for us.
In the book, the captain
uses his quarters
to keep his most prized treasures.
Okay, you come with me.
Curtis and Chevon, you get the compass.
But what about Santiago?
I know how to deal with him.
Snack time.
Sorry, buddy. You know I
wouldn't if I didn't have to.
He actually is kinda cute.
Come on. We need to get the compass.
Where are the captain's quarters?
I'm thinking there.
Locked.
How small are your hands?
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
Was it weird seeing Grandma again?
It was actually amazing.
But leaving her was like
losing her all over again.
I get that.
Seeing her did remind
me how she always did
what she thought was right.
But that's what got me
thinking about the election.
Yeah, I've been thinking about it too.
I'm not upset about losing.
I'm upset because we won't get
a chance to be like Grandma
and do what's right.
Or maybe we just don't have to
worry about getting the credit.
We can always work with
Asher on finding more money
for the learning lab.
We're not gonna be
able to do what's right
if we're stuck on this ship
for the rest of our lives.
I have a plan. But first I need
you to untie one of the sails.
Almost. Got it.
- Whoa. Is that the
- The Mona Lisa.
Yeah, I think it is.
We can't get distracted.
Let's start looking.
Sail's untied. Now what?
Grandma always said, "Sometimes
you need to spin the wheel of life."
Brace yourself.
Santiago.
You let them put you in a cage?
Some time pirate you are.
Whoa.
- What was that?
- No idea.
Let's just keep looking.
So you were planning
a mutiny all this time.
You're the one who taught
us never to trust a pirate.
Looks like we're the captains now.
Santiago, start chewing.
Faster!
Donna?
- Did you find it?
- I think we just did.
I think you'll find
that envelope is empty.
Never trust a pirate indeed.
Compass, please.
As long as you're on my
ship I'm in charge.
Now give me the compass.
But what if we're not on your ship?
- You didn't.
- I did.
This is my only chance to see the
Dinosaurs?
- Compass, now.
- Whoa.
- Wait, I got the manuscript.
- Give that back!
Everyone for themselves!
You okay, little buddy?
Whoa. Uh-oh.
Donna? Now's probably time
for another quantum time leap!
The manuscript. Finally. Let's go.
Not so fast.
Now place that compass on my blade.
Who wants to walk the plank first?
Thanks, buddy.
Maybe you shouldn't have left him
to get trampled by dinosaurs.
What?
And maybe you need to think
about being nicer to your crew.
"On the Vermillion, you have
loyalty, or you have nothing!"
I'm sorry.
I don't think he can hear you.
I'm sorry for not being
loyal to you, Santiago.
No! Where are you going? Come back!
We're back. And Captain
Vincent's story ended
when he apologized to Santiago.
And now we have the manuscript
and the compass.
Or at least the manuscript.
- It's done.
- Almost.
We still have to deal with Ghost
Writer's unfinished business.
I just don't see what's so wrong
about selling a few odds and ends.
And I don't see why we
have to change the heart
and soul of the store.
I should let you decide
what you wanna do and then come back.
No, this is a place where books
where stories come to life.
I know what we have
to do with the store.
Come with me.
No first editions. No gift shop.
We're not bringing the
store into the future,
we're bringing it into the past.
- What are you doing?
- Ruben, stop!
Whoa.
I can't believe this.
Your mother and I We
We painted this mural together
when we were kids.
I thought it was painted
over, but here it is.
Oh, Dad.
But Ruben, how did you know about this?
Well, we did some research,
and we learned that the
bookstore used to be a place
where the neighborhood would
come together for performances,
art contests, story times
and stuff like that.
Maybe it should be again.
Thank you, Ruben.
And thank you, Tess.
All right.
I think we've got a new direction.
Let's go grab the plans.
I think you just saved the bookstore.
Well, I couldn't have done
it without all of you.
We know.
What do we do with the manuscript?
It's shorter than all the
other Mason Briggs books.
It only goes to chapter 8.
There's no way that's finished.
Is that why Grandma didn't destroy it?
Because she knew it wasn't done?
Which is probably why
Sarah wanted it destroyed.
She knew she wouldn't have
the time to finish it.
Then we have to finish her dying wish.
We have to destroy the manuscript.
What's wrong?
I don't want this to end.
I don't wanna go back to just being
regular mystery-free Donna
and just passing you
three in the hallway.
That's not gonna happen, Donna.
After what we've been through,
we're always gonna be friends.
Even when there's no paranormal
mysteries to solve?
- Promise.
- Promise.
Of course we'll still be friends.
Look, you're not just my little
sister anymore, Donna.
Okay. On three.
One two three.
What is happening?
- "Chapter 9?"
- The mystery isn't over.
G.W.'s unfinished business
isn't to destroy the manuscript.
No.
She wants us to finish it.