Sliders s03e10 Episode Script
Dead Man Sliding
[People chattering.]
(man) Oh, he's my favorite.
Thank you.
I've always wanted to do this.
After we eat, we have to rent a car and go check out the stars' homes.
At least there's something to do here.
It's already better than Buttonwillow.
Buttonwillow, Lemoore, Wasco.
I never knew there were so many dreadfully dull pieces of dirt in California between here and San Francisco.
Well, Professor, you'd better get used to it.
Because with Logan's spectrum in our timer, we can pretty much land anywhere within a 400-mile range.
(Rembrandt) Yeah.
It was bad enough when it was same place, different dimensions.
Now this.
How do we know for sure this is Hollywood? (Wade) Rembrandt.
(Rembrandt) So that says "Hollywood.
" For all we know, this could be Fresno on this world.
(Wade) What difference does it make? Wherever we are, we're in Hollywood.
And we've only got two days.
So let's have some fun, okay? (Quinn) I'm with Wade.
Let's just relax.
(Professor) Lead on, Miss Wells.
Wherever you go, we shall follow.
Oh man, Lionel.
I knew I should've taken that gig when The Commodores offered it to me.
Dolly Parton? I love her.
Quinn (Quinn) Okay.
Is it wound? All right.
Are you ready? Yup.
One, two, three.
[Giggles.]
Thank you.
(Rembrandt) Look at that.
That wallet wouldn't last one minute on our world.
(Wade) Rembrandt, wait a minute.
Something about that is saying, "Leave me alone" in a major way.
Something, perhaps, to do with the security cameras that are trained on us at present.
Guys, it's just a wallet.
Somebody's got to be missing it.
We should at least check it for ID.
[Woman yells.]
[Exclaims.]
It's loaded.
Must be over $300 in here.
(Rembrandt) Why don't we just move on, Q-Ball, huh? I'd, uh, put it back down, Mr.
Mallory.
(woman) Hey! [People chattering.]
(Quinn) What if you found a portal to a parallel universe? What if you could slide into a thousand different worlds, where it's the same year, and you're the same person, but everything else is different? And what if you can't find your way home? (voice) Sliders.
[People chattering.]
(Quinn) Professor, I cannot believe that you allowed Wade to talk you into doing this.
Or I you, Mr.
Mallory.
Okay, wait.
Listen to this.
Some of these people are stars.
But Arnold Stang, Jill Whelan, Linwood Boomer? I've heard of Linwood Boomer.
He was the blind guy on Little House.
He was never anything of a star.
At least, not on our world.
Obviously, he fared better here.
I gotta tell you, that's what I love about sliding.
Each world's a new opportunity, a second chance to get your dream.
(Skip on TV) That's all later today on The Judgment Game.
Don't miss the next episode of America's number-one game show.
The only show that lets you be the judge.
All righty, see you then.
(man #1) Yes, I bet $10, please.
All right.
(man #2) $50.
Make it $60.
It's so weird how they leave their purses and wallets out.
Anybody could just run and grab them.
It's clear they have no crime on this world.
I guess that's why there're no locks on the doors in this place.
It's like that thing with the wallet today.
The way those people were looking at me, it's like they were afraid.
"Terrified" is more like it.
What do you think could scare people like that? This could.
[All laughing.]
What about this? [People chattering.]
(Wade) What are they watching, anyway? Seems to be some kind of game show.
From the way they're cheering, you'd think it was the Olympics or something.
What you got, Professor? I don't know.
The barman said to have it back in five minutes to place the bet.
"Martinez, conviction, Conviction? What is that, the name of a horse? No.
Not unless it's running in every race.
[Sighing.]
Stepping up, Mallory? New bar, new friends, new girl? I bet Deanne's crying over her tip jar at Punky Pink's.
(Quinn) Who? Break her heart to hear you say that.
You're not even gonna try to run, are you? What are you doing? My job.
Hey, let him [buzzing.]
(Wade) Rembrandt, are you all right? [Quinn grunts.]
[Gun fires.]
Let's get out of here.
(Professor) What's going on? What right do you have to arrest that man? I have all the authority I need.
Interfere and you'll be playing the game, too.
I'll take care of Remmy and meet you out front.
Strangest thing.
I just went out.
[People chattering.]
(woman) Ericka, find your brother.
Which way did they go? No idea.
I'm gonna find a police officer.
Oh, don't bother.
According to the people in the bar, she can yank you off the street anytime she wants.
Nonsense.
He hasn't done anything.
Well, nonsense or not, she's got him.
She took him to a place called "the show.
" The bartender gave us the address.
He also said to hurry up before it's too late.
Come on.
[Car honking.]
(Taryn) Come on, Mallory.
Move it.
I'll beep you when I need you again.
I always knew you were trouble.
I never figured stupid.
How many times have you played now? Two, three? You always get caught.
I'm not who you think I am.
You're right.
The Mallory I know never would have done this.
(Phil) I don't believe it.
Is that Mallory? And I was beginning to think you were losing your touch.
I told you, one, maybe two days.
He's not that big of a challenge.
Who'd you get for backup? Greg Hughson.
I already covered his expense.
Excellent, Taryn.
Well done.
You're the best.
You know what? I'm gonna make a change.
I'm gonna put you on today's show.
Why don't you come on into my office and I'll, uh, settle up with you.
What is this? You a bounty hunter? Contestant coordinator.
What the hell is that? Don't I get to see a lawyer? (Taryn) What is it with you today, Mallory? How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not your Quinn Mallory.
I'm telling you, I didn't do this.
Whatever you think I did, I can explain.
Just give me a chance! (Quinn) You're making a mistake! You've got the wrong guy! They're pathetic right before they play, aren't they? [People applauding.]
(Skip) .
.
they're about to be saved? (Wade) Are you sure this is the right place? (driver) You want The Judgment Game, right? This is where they tape.
[Crowd cheering.]
(Skip) Okay.
Get ready.
Now, it's time to pay the piper for your late night spray-paint escapade.
[Crowd cheering.]
(all) One, two, three, four, five We'd better find Quinn, and quick.
six, seven, eight, nine Sorry, guys, the audience is already seated.
Please, we must get in there.
Not today.
No seats available.
Look, you don't understand.
Our friend I guess you would call him a contestant Are you his advocate? Yeah.
Will that get us in? Only one advocate is allowed to speak per contestant.
Hello! Ladies and gentlemen, please.
Welcome to the show! [Audience applauding.]
All right! All right! It is time to play (audience) The Judgment Game! Yes, indeed.
We've got a big show today, so let's bring out our first contestant.
You've seen him before: A welder from San Francisco, a fugitive at large.
Let's give a big hand for a returning contestant: Quinn Mallory! [Audience applauding.]
Today we are going to try him for murder! (Wade) Murder? He can't be serious.
(Rembrandt) You wanna bet? They love you.
Welcome back! As always, you're the judge.
Guilty or innocent? Will he live or die? You'll decide, right after these messages.
[Audience applauds.]
By the power vested in me by the State of California, I hereby declare you, the viewing audience, the jury.
(Skip) Pay close attention.
A man's life is at stake.
Mr.
Mallory, you have the right to be represented by the advocate of your choice.
Should you fail to have an advocate present in the studio, one will be provided for you.
I am told that you do have one.
Is that correct? I don't believe this.
Yes, I do.
Well, get him out here.
[Audience booing.]
What is your name, sir? I am Prof.
Maximillian Arturo.
Do you swear that you are not now, nor have you ever been an attorney, that you've never been to law school, nor have you ever taken the LSATs or prepared for the bar in any way? I do.
All righty.
And now, the People's Proponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, straight off the set of his new hit comedy, please welcome Laurence Hilton Jacobs.
[Audience cheering.]
Hi, there.
We have two counts grand theft, assault with a deadly weapon, two felony drunk drivings, and all of that before the age of 21.
This is nonsense.
Your Honors, the Evidence Code clearly states that prior criminal actions cannot be used to prove a subsequent crime.
I object to this.
You what? I object.
He objects! [Audience booing.]
Is it any wonder lawyers were banned? Mr.
Arturo, consider yourself warned.
Now, get back there and wait your turn.
As you were saying, Laurence? Let's get to the heart of the matter.
[Drum roll.]
[All booing.]
(all chanting) Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.
Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.
[Audience cheering.]
Skip, the People rest.
This is a disaster.
He'll never get out of this.
Don't sweat it.
That tape doesn't mean anything.
Why not? I mean, it looks awfully convincing to me.
Damn convincing.
But you gotta remember he's not the first guilty guy that'll beat a murder rap.
After all, this is an L.
A.
Audience.
[Crowd cheers.]
Anything can happen.
I see why the professor hates L.
A.
We just can't stand around here and do nothing, huh? Come on, there's gotta be a way in somewhere.
What do you think the penalty is for illegal entry here? It doesn't matter.
I'm willing to risk it.
Taryn's gotta be willing to talk to us, right? Yeah.
Willing or not, she's going to.
This way.
I guess we can't go that way.
Yeah.
[Tape rewinding.]
Wade, what's that sound? Editing rooms.
Come on.
Help me.
Shh.
I'll meet you back out front, okay? Okay.
You be careful.
[People speaking indistinctly.]
[People chattering.]
This is the finest young man it has ever been my privilege to know.
He's a brilliant student.
He has lived an exemplary life.
He comes from a very good home.
[Crowd jeering.]
Perhaps this is a good time to pay some bills.
Don't tune away, folks.
We are just minutes away from a vote.
Back in a moment.
This mob only wants entertainment.
It doesn't give a damn about the truth.
They couldn't handle the truth.
Then we'll make the truth entertaining, Mr.
Mallory.
We'll tell them exactly who we are and how we came here.
Instill a little bit of reasonable doubt.
You can't.
You'd be putting yourself at risk.
Mr.
Mallory, your life is on the line.
I'll take a chance if it means giving you one.
[People chattering.]
Excuse me.
I need to talk to you.
How did you get in here? Really not the point right now.
Look, you you've got the wrong guy.
The Quinn you brought here, he's not capable of What is it with you people? You all have this bizarre fixation that Mallory isn't Mallory.
I know who I brought in, and it's him.
It's not.
Come on, there's gotta be something different about him: His attitude, the the way he looks.
Maybe your Quinn's got a tattoo.
My Quinn? That's what I'm trying to tell you.
We're not from around here.
I know that.
He's from San Francisco.
No, it's it's a lot bigger than that.
We're from another world.
It's kind of like another dimension.
I don't need to hear this.
No, wait! I know I must sound crazy but if you'll just give me a minute to explain Don't bother, it's too late.
He's already on the show.
You see, not only did we find doorways to parallel universes, but we also discovered that on a lot of these other Earths, there were doubles of each of us.
You know, like, uh, twin versions of ourselves.
[Crowd applauding.]
Yes.
Doppelgangers, if you will.
And that brings us to the heart of the matter: This man is not the man you saw on that tape.
I'm not even the Quinn Mallory of your world.
And he is certainly no murderer.
He merely happens to be your Quinn's double.
And that makes him no more guilty of this crime than anyone here today.
Excellent strategy, Mr.
Arturo.
You definitely scored some points for inventiveness.
Well, we aren't done yet.
Oh, I'm afraid you are because that is all the time we have.
Now it is time to (all) Vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote Don't worry.
This one's a slam-dunk.
That's not it.
There's something going on.
He's different.
It's just the fear of conviction, Taryn.
It'll make them do anything.
It'll make 'em lie, it'll make 'em beg, it'll make 'em repent That's what makes this show so great.
(all) vote, vote, vote, vote, vote.
Thank you, sir.
And your judgment is: [Drum roll.]
Guilty! [Crowd cheering.]
Quinn Mallory, choose your door.
(crowd chanting) Two, two, two! Mr.
Mallory? All righty, you all know what that means.
(crowd chanting) The wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel The wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel.
Number two! Oh, too bad.
Lethal injection was behind door number three.
[Crowd exclaims.]
Don't forget, everybody, tune in tomorrow for a special evening edition when we will carry out the sentence live.
Do something.
(Skip) Next up, Mary Margaret Peters, on trial for adultery.
Back in a sec.
Take a good, long look at me because this is what an innocent man looks like before he's executed.
You proud of yourself for being a part of this? Or do you not give a damn as long as you get your money, right? Let me go.
I wanna see a judge.
I didn't do this.
No way! [Grunts.]
Stop it! Stop it, I say! That's enough! That's enough! (Quinn) Stop! That's enough.
Professor Quinn, we're gonna get you out of this, I promise you.
Where are you taking him? Where are you taking him? This man is innocent! This man is innocent! Come on, man, tell me! Where are you taking him? [Crickets chirping.]
(Wade) Maybe we can still try for an appeal.
We've already been through this.
Unless we can prove special circumstances I think being a double from another dimension should qualify.
I agree with you.
They don't.
Well, maybe you didn't explain it right.
Maybe you, with your two years of college poetry, could have done better.
Come on, we're all on the same side here.
[Door opens.]
Here he comes.
(Rembrandt) How's it going, Q-Ball? You all right? (Quinn) I've been better.
What's the plan? How're you guys getting me out of here? What? They're taping us.
Everything we say can be heard.
What's it for? The half-hour special right before they take my head off? Broadcast this, you vultures! (Professor) Quinn! It's okay.
(Rembrandt) It's all right, man.
He's okay! He's okay! Get off! How much time till we slide? (Rembrandt) We got 22 hours, 17 minutes.
after I'm executed.
You've gotta find my double.
That's the only way I get out of this.
Find his double.
I mean, where do we even begin? [Cell door closing.]
Huh? Remember at the bar? Taryn, she she said something about a Deanne, and Punky Pink's.
Yeah.
Yeah? Yeah.
I'm having second thoughts.
Maybe this isn't such a great plan.
You just don't walk into a place like this and start asking questions.
Yeah, I know, but Miss Wells, this isn't the kindest ruse we could have employed.
But time is of the essence.
[People laughing.]
I got some extra.
It's fine.
Deanne, right? It depends who's asking.
My problem's not with you.
It's with the creep.
You took him back again, didn't you? Excuse me.
Hey.
Don't pretend like Quinn's not shacked up with you.
Where else would the jerk go? What's he to you? Nothin', now that he knocked me up and doesn't want anything to do with me or the baby.
What, you're carrying it for him? Look, all I want is an address, okay? I need him to give me some fly money so I can get home.
He does that, I'm gone.
He's all yours.
You think I want him? I'm tired of his baggage, honey.
It never ends.
Tell you what: Here, help yourself.
He's at my place, okay? Here.
Hey, tell him he'd better be gone by the time I get home or I'll have Joey help him move, okay? [People chattering.]
[Computer beeps.]
I've got something for you.
New contestant.
His name's Golin.
Word has it he's somewhere in the Valley.
And we will expect delivery in the a.
m.
Phil, do you ever wonder if some of these contestants are innocent? Maybe I was right about you.
Maybe you are losing your touch, huh? [Sighs.]
[Computer beeps.]
[People chattering.]
(Taryn) Thanks.
[Wolf whistle.]
What are you doing here? Testing a theory.
Take off your shirt.
What? Humor me.
Turn around.
What are you looking for? Quinn Mallory was knifed in a bar fight a year ago.
Took over 60 stitches.
But there's no scar, is there? No.
Q-Ball's gonna lose his head in 10 hours.
Where is this guy? (Professor) Tomcats come home earlier.
Where could he be? (Wade) Maybe he's out killing somebody else.
Are you sure this is the right place? For the hundredth time, yes.
The mail is addressed to Deanne Bloch.
This is definitely her house.
Look, I'm beat.
We're all tired.
Why don't we just be quiet for a while, okay? [Birds chirping.]
Miss Wells, about what I said in the prison I, um It's okay.
Look, we're both just worried.
I know you did everything you could.
I shall spend the rest of my life wondering whether I did.
I'm scared too, Professor.
But you know what keeps me going? You guys.
Knowing that you're here.
Knowing that if that was me in there, you'd do anything in the world to get me out.
You know, Quinn knows that, too.
He's countin' on us.
So we can't lose faith now.
[Tires screeching.]
(Rembrandt) Is that him? (Rembrandt) Okay, now Just let me do the talking, okay? Young man, a word.
What did I say? (Rembrandt) Wait.
Not again.
What are you doing here? (Taryn) Same thing as you.
Trying to help your friend.
I swear, Taryn, it wasn't me.
I wasn't even in town the day that all went down.
If you can't prove that, you're gonna be sorry you said it.
Where was I? Where was I? I was I was with Chicago Bob and we were down at Del Mar racetrack all day.
Yeah.
There are some betting slips in my wallet.
Right in the jacket on the bed.
Right there.
See? Inside pocket.
Race two, six, and seven.
See? You see? There's no way I could've been all the way down in Del Mar then back up in some alley in Hollywood by 4:00.
Come on, Taryn, you know me.
I'm into small jobs.
A heist here, a joy ride there, a couple of phony checks.
I'm not the type to kill some bum.
Come on.
We all saw the tape.
It was definitely you.
I don't know how my face got on that tape, but I'm telling you it wasn't me! I know how his face got on that tape.
(Professor) Of course.
(Taryn) What is that? There is no way that that is me.
That guy is huge.
People got tired of reasonable doubt, criminals having more rights than victims.
Yeah, that I get, but what about the game shows? That just seems so bizarre.
Not when you think about it.
In the old system, justice cost the taxpayers a lot of money.
By televising it, we earn money for the state, judgments are swift, crime is down, everybody's happy.
Everybody? Are you? What about the innocent people who lose? People like Quinn.
[Computer beeps.]
(Taryn) Oh, I was afraid of this.
I can't access the system.
(Wade) Here, let me try.
[Typing.]
How do you know how to do this? This isn't even a challenge.
In my world, there's a lot of online crime.
Our protect programs are twice as complicated.
The day I got in here, I saw this.
I didn't know what it was then.
Watch this.
They took Quinn's head and put it on Phil's body.
I don't believe this.
Pretty shocking, isn't it? Give me the disc.
Now! Get out.
How long, Phil? You've got other things to worry about right now, Taryn.
You almost got fired in '93 when Justice Tonight knocked us out of the Top 10.
We needed a way to rack up our ratings, didn't we? Congratulations, you figured it out.
[Phil grunts.]
Hey, get the gun.
(Taryn) The escape alarm! [Alarm buzzing.]
(Taryn) All the office doors have auto-lock.
There's no way out.
The guards'll be here any second.
(Wade) Maybe they will, but we won't.
Come on.
How do you think I got in yesterday? [Alarm continues buzzing.]
(Rembrandt) How much time left? (Professor) Two hours, 12 minutes.
(man on TV) finest hour as a community forum.
An event for the entire family.
Don't miss this special live edition of The Judgment Game, tonight, when Quinn Mallory pays for his crime.
What has happened with these people, huh? They're talking about a man's life.
Have they lost it completely? From our point of view, perhaps.
But look at it from theirs.
Here murder is so rare that it's a national prime-time event.
Families can sleep at night here without worrying if they've locked the doors or not.
If you lose your wallet in the street you can be sure it will be returned to you with its contents intact.
So what's so unusual about that? Where we come from, you can lock your door with three locks throw in an alarm, and still get robbed by some hood with a Saturday night special.
What the hell is a Saturday night special? My point exactly.
Wait a minute, Professor.
Are you saying it's okay that innocent men die so long as we can sleep with our doors unlocked? No, I'm saying it's a question of balance.
In our society, hundreds of thousands of lives every year are damaged by crime.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Here, justice is instant, and they've almost eradicated crime.
Albeit at the expense of the occasional innocent man.
That's easy to say when you're not that innocent man waiting on death row.
[Door opens.]
We couldn't get to Network Appeals.
(Professor) Why not? They're all at a retreat in Sun Valley.
Now, even if we could, it's too late.
There's no time to stop it.
(Rembrandt) We gotta do something fast.
Yeah, we're on to that.
You have access to welding tools? Baby, I got access to everything.
(Wade) All right, come on.
We'll explain on the way.
You better have access, you little slick-haired rascal.
[Guillotine blade thudding.]
(man) Try again.
[Camera clicking.]
(guard) Wait there.
[People chattering.]
(reporter #1) All right, here he comes.
Can we ask you a question? No interviews.
Get out of my face.
No interviews.
(Taryn) Stop.
I'm with the show.
There'll be no execution until he does a remote for the European affiliates.
For all I care, the European affiliates can Just one interview.
There's not much time, so it won't take long.
It's your call.
(reporter) Can I have a word? Yeah.
Yeah, I'll do this one.
All right.
Come over here then, please.
(reporter #2) Quinn, come on (Taryn) I'm sorry.
You'll have to wait out here.
[People chattering.]
Man, am I glad to see you guys.
The feeling's mutual.
You okay? No time for this.
Get him below.
Hurry.
(Quinn) What is that? Your ticket out, compliments of your double.
Come on, hurry up! I'm sorry.
I misjudged you.
(Taryn) I'm sorry.
I can't tell you how much.
This is safer with you.
Okay.
You need a hand, Mr.
Brown? It's gotta be tighter or they won't believe it.
Okay.
Five minutes.
If everything goes right, that should be long enough.
We'll just drive out of here and [shushing.]
Something's happening.
It's 10 after.
Why haven't you started? Where's the contestant? Network interview.
Who the hell authorized that? Your coordinator.
Get these doors open.
(Phil) Tear them off the hinges, if you have to.
[Clanging.]
Hurry.
He's getting away! Quick, Phil.
Untie me.
(Phil) Find him.
He can't be far.
What have we got here? [Engine starting.]
[Grunting.]
Now what? You got a Plan B somewhere? (Professor) Jump, Taryn, while you still have a chance.
(guard) Come on.
Let's go.
[Stammering.]
What are you doing? You wanted Plan B.
This is Plan B.
[Tires screeching.]
[Creaking.]
What's going on? (Rembrandt) We didn't make it past the gate.
Out the back.
How much time? A little under a minute.
I'm sorry.
I had no idea there was a cliff here.
I guess that's why there's not a fence! Sure, because nobody in their right mind would try to escape this way.
Guys, now is not the time.
(Phil) Give it up, Mallory.
You got no place to go.
You're gonna have to have a little faith here.
Follow me! What the devil is he thinking? Escaping.
Come on! Come on! [Rembrandt and Wade yelling.]
Hey, anyone interested in an exclusive? This whole show is fixed.
(all) What? [Whooshing.]
[All yelling.]
[Rembrandt whooping.]
What a rush! (Wade) No kidding.
Talk about your turbo slide! You felt that kick, too, right? Just as we entered the vortex.
(Wade) Tell me, was that good timing or just incredible luck? A little of both.
Listen, is everyone okay? Everything except for my heart.
I thought it was gonna come right out about halfway down.
(Quinn) Oh, no.
She's got a video camera.
I will be right back.
(Professor) Mr.
Mallory.
Come on.
Don't let him get arrested again.
[Birds chirping.]
She actually gave it to you? Not exactly.
Quinn, you didn't Of course not.
I simply told her we were alien life forms from another world, and if she didn't give me the tape, we'd take her back home with us when we left.
[All laughing.]
We look like alien life forms to her? Mmm-hmm.
How is that? What exactly does Trust me short, green, and moldy is not a great look.
(Wade) Quinn.
(Rembrandt) Q-Ball.
Wait a minute, man.
Why did you run? Q-Ball!
(man) Oh, he's my favorite.
Thank you.
I've always wanted to do this.
After we eat, we have to rent a car and go check out the stars' homes.
At least there's something to do here.
It's already better than Buttonwillow.
Buttonwillow, Lemoore, Wasco.
I never knew there were so many dreadfully dull pieces of dirt in California between here and San Francisco.
Well, Professor, you'd better get used to it.
Because with Logan's spectrum in our timer, we can pretty much land anywhere within a 400-mile range.
(Rembrandt) Yeah.
It was bad enough when it was same place, different dimensions.
Now this.
How do we know for sure this is Hollywood? (Wade) Rembrandt.
(Rembrandt) So that says "Hollywood.
" For all we know, this could be Fresno on this world.
(Wade) What difference does it make? Wherever we are, we're in Hollywood.
And we've only got two days.
So let's have some fun, okay? (Quinn) I'm with Wade.
Let's just relax.
(Professor) Lead on, Miss Wells.
Wherever you go, we shall follow.
Oh man, Lionel.
I knew I should've taken that gig when The Commodores offered it to me.
Dolly Parton? I love her.
Quinn (Quinn) Okay.
Is it wound? All right.
Are you ready? Yup.
One, two, three.
[Giggles.]
Thank you.
(Rembrandt) Look at that.
That wallet wouldn't last one minute on our world.
(Wade) Rembrandt, wait a minute.
Something about that is saying, "Leave me alone" in a major way.
Something, perhaps, to do with the security cameras that are trained on us at present.
Guys, it's just a wallet.
Somebody's got to be missing it.
We should at least check it for ID.
[Woman yells.]
[Exclaims.]
It's loaded.
Must be over $300 in here.
(Rembrandt) Why don't we just move on, Q-Ball, huh? I'd, uh, put it back down, Mr.
Mallory.
(woman) Hey! [People chattering.]
(Quinn) What if you found a portal to a parallel universe? What if you could slide into a thousand different worlds, where it's the same year, and you're the same person, but everything else is different? And what if you can't find your way home? (voice) Sliders.
[People chattering.]
(Quinn) Professor, I cannot believe that you allowed Wade to talk you into doing this.
Or I you, Mr.
Mallory.
Okay, wait.
Listen to this.
Some of these people are stars.
But Arnold Stang, Jill Whelan, Linwood Boomer? I've heard of Linwood Boomer.
He was the blind guy on Little House.
He was never anything of a star.
At least, not on our world.
Obviously, he fared better here.
I gotta tell you, that's what I love about sliding.
Each world's a new opportunity, a second chance to get your dream.
(Skip on TV) That's all later today on The Judgment Game.
Don't miss the next episode of America's number-one game show.
The only show that lets you be the judge.
All righty, see you then.
(man #1) Yes, I bet $10, please.
All right.
(man #2) $50.
Make it $60.
It's so weird how they leave their purses and wallets out.
Anybody could just run and grab them.
It's clear they have no crime on this world.
I guess that's why there're no locks on the doors in this place.
It's like that thing with the wallet today.
The way those people were looking at me, it's like they were afraid.
"Terrified" is more like it.
What do you think could scare people like that? This could.
[All laughing.]
What about this? [People chattering.]
(Wade) What are they watching, anyway? Seems to be some kind of game show.
From the way they're cheering, you'd think it was the Olympics or something.
What you got, Professor? I don't know.
The barman said to have it back in five minutes to place the bet.
"Martinez, conviction, Conviction? What is that, the name of a horse? No.
Not unless it's running in every race.
[Sighing.]
Stepping up, Mallory? New bar, new friends, new girl? I bet Deanne's crying over her tip jar at Punky Pink's.
(Quinn) Who? Break her heart to hear you say that.
You're not even gonna try to run, are you? What are you doing? My job.
Hey, let him [buzzing.]
(Wade) Rembrandt, are you all right? [Quinn grunts.]
[Gun fires.]
Let's get out of here.
(Professor) What's going on? What right do you have to arrest that man? I have all the authority I need.
Interfere and you'll be playing the game, too.
I'll take care of Remmy and meet you out front.
Strangest thing.
I just went out.
[People chattering.]
(woman) Ericka, find your brother.
Which way did they go? No idea.
I'm gonna find a police officer.
Oh, don't bother.
According to the people in the bar, she can yank you off the street anytime she wants.
Nonsense.
He hasn't done anything.
Well, nonsense or not, she's got him.
She took him to a place called "the show.
" The bartender gave us the address.
He also said to hurry up before it's too late.
Come on.
[Car honking.]
(Taryn) Come on, Mallory.
Move it.
I'll beep you when I need you again.
I always knew you were trouble.
I never figured stupid.
How many times have you played now? Two, three? You always get caught.
I'm not who you think I am.
You're right.
The Mallory I know never would have done this.
(Phil) I don't believe it.
Is that Mallory? And I was beginning to think you were losing your touch.
I told you, one, maybe two days.
He's not that big of a challenge.
Who'd you get for backup? Greg Hughson.
I already covered his expense.
Excellent, Taryn.
Well done.
You're the best.
You know what? I'm gonna make a change.
I'm gonna put you on today's show.
Why don't you come on into my office and I'll, uh, settle up with you.
What is this? You a bounty hunter? Contestant coordinator.
What the hell is that? Don't I get to see a lawyer? (Taryn) What is it with you today, Mallory? How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not your Quinn Mallory.
I'm telling you, I didn't do this.
Whatever you think I did, I can explain.
Just give me a chance! (Quinn) You're making a mistake! You've got the wrong guy! They're pathetic right before they play, aren't they? [People applauding.]
(Skip) .
.
they're about to be saved? (Wade) Are you sure this is the right place? (driver) You want The Judgment Game, right? This is where they tape.
[Crowd cheering.]
(Skip) Okay.
Get ready.
Now, it's time to pay the piper for your late night spray-paint escapade.
[Crowd cheering.]
(all) One, two, three, four, five We'd better find Quinn, and quick.
six, seven, eight, nine Sorry, guys, the audience is already seated.
Please, we must get in there.
Not today.
No seats available.
Look, you don't understand.
Our friend I guess you would call him a contestant Are you his advocate? Yeah.
Will that get us in? Only one advocate is allowed to speak per contestant.
Hello! Ladies and gentlemen, please.
Welcome to the show! [Audience applauding.]
All right! All right! It is time to play (audience) The Judgment Game! Yes, indeed.
We've got a big show today, so let's bring out our first contestant.
You've seen him before: A welder from San Francisco, a fugitive at large.
Let's give a big hand for a returning contestant: Quinn Mallory! [Audience applauding.]
Today we are going to try him for murder! (Wade) Murder? He can't be serious.
(Rembrandt) You wanna bet? They love you.
Welcome back! As always, you're the judge.
Guilty or innocent? Will he live or die? You'll decide, right after these messages.
[Audience applauds.]
By the power vested in me by the State of California, I hereby declare you, the viewing audience, the jury.
(Skip) Pay close attention.
A man's life is at stake.
Mr.
Mallory, you have the right to be represented by the advocate of your choice.
Should you fail to have an advocate present in the studio, one will be provided for you.
I am told that you do have one.
Is that correct? I don't believe this.
Yes, I do.
Well, get him out here.
[Audience booing.]
What is your name, sir? I am Prof.
Maximillian Arturo.
Do you swear that you are not now, nor have you ever been an attorney, that you've never been to law school, nor have you ever taken the LSATs or prepared for the bar in any way? I do.
All righty.
And now, the People's Proponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, straight off the set of his new hit comedy, please welcome Laurence Hilton Jacobs.
[Audience cheering.]
Hi, there.
We have two counts grand theft, assault with a deadly weapon, two felony drunk drivings, and all of that before the age of 21.
This is nonsense.
Your Honors, the Evidence Code clearly states that prior criminal actions cannot be used to prove a subsequent crime.
I object to this.
You what? I object.
He objects! [Audience booing.]
Is it any wonder lawyers were banned? Mr.
Arturo, consider yourself warned.
Now, get back there and wait your turn.
As you were saying, Laurence? Let's get to the heart of the matter.
[Drum roll.]
[All booing.]
(all chanting) Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.
Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.
[Audience cheering.]
Skip, the People rest.
This is a disaster.
He'll never get out of this.
Don't sweat it.
That tape doesn't mean anything.
Why not? I mean, it looks awfully convincing to me.
Damn convincing.
But you gotta remember he's not the first guilty guy that'll beat a murder rap.
After all, this is an L.
A.
Audience.
[Crowd cheers.]
Anything can happen.
I see why the professor hates L.
A.
We just can't stand around here and do nothing, huh? Come on, there's gotta be a way in somewhere.
What do you think the penalty is for illegal entry here? It doesn't matter.
I'm willing to risk it.
Taryn's gotta be willing to talk to us, right? Yeah.
Willing or not, she's going to.
This way.
I guess we can't go that way.
Yeah.
[Tape rewinding.]
Wade, what's that sound? Editing rooms.
Come on.
Help me.
Shh.
I'll meet you back out front, okay? Okay.
You be careful.
[People speaking indistinctly.]
[People chattering.]
This is the finest young man it has ever been my privilege to know.
He's a brilliant student.
He has lived an exemplary life.
He comes from a very good home.
[Crowd jeering.]
Perhaps this is a good time to pay some bills.
Don't tune away, folks.
We are just minutes away from a vote.
Back in a moment.
This mob only wants entertainment.
It doesn't give a damn about the truth.
They couldn't handle the truth.
Then we'll make the truth entertaining, Mr.
Mallory.
We'll tell them exactly who we are and how we came here.
Instill a little bit of reasonable doubt.
You can't.
You'd be putting yourself at risk.
Mr.
Mallory, your life is on the line.
I'll take a chance if it means giving you one.
[People chattering.]
Excuse me.
I need to talk to you.
How did you get in here? Really not the point right now.
Look, you you've got the wrong guy.
The Quinn you brought here, he's not capable of What is it with you people? You all have this bizarre fixation that Mallory isn't Mallory.
I know who I brought in, and it's him.
It's not.
Come on, there's gotta be something different about him: His attitude, the the way he looks.
Maybe your Quinn's got a tattoo.
My Quinn? That's what I'm trying to tell you.
We're not from around here.
I know that.
He's from San Francisco.
No, it's it's a lot bigger than that.
We're from another world.
It's kind of like another dimension.
I don't need to hear this.
No, wait! I know I must sound crazy but if you'll just give me a minute to explain Don't bother, it's too late.
He's already on the show.
You see, not only did we find doorways to parallel universes, but we also discovered that on a lot of these other Earths, there were doubles of each of us.
You know, like, uh, twin versions of ourselves.
[Crowd applauding.]
Yes.
Doppelgangers, if you will.
And that brings us to the heart of the matter: This man is not the man you saw on that tape.
I'm not even the Quinn Mallory of your world.
And he is certainly no murderer.
He merely happens to be your Quinn's double.
And that makes him no more guilty of this crime than anyone here today.
Excellent strategy, Mr.
Arturo.
You definitely scored some points for inventiveness.
Well, we aren't done yet.
Oh, I'm afraid you are because that is all the time we have.
Now it is time to (all) Vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote, vote Don't worry.
This one's a slam-dunk.
That's not it.
There's something going on.
He's different.
It's just the fear of conviction, Taryn.
It'll make them do anything.
It'll make 'em lie, it'll make 'em beg, it'll make 'em repent That's what makes this show so great.
(all) vote, vote, vote, vote, vote.
Thank you, sir.
And your judgment is: [Drum roll.]
Guilty! [Crowd cheering.]
Quinn Mallory, choose your door.
(crowd chanting) Two, two, two! Mr.
Mallory? All righty, you all know what that means.
(crowd chanting) The wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel The wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel, the wheel.
Number two! Oh, too bad.
Lethal injection was behind door number three.
[Crowd exclaims.]
Don't forget, everybody, tune in tomorrow for a special evening edition when we will carry out the sentence live.
Do something.
(Skip) Next up, Mary Margaret Peters, on trial for adultery.
Back in a sec.
Take a good, long look at me because this is what an innocent man looks like before he's executed.
You proud of yourself for being a part of this? Or do you not give a damn as long as you get your money, right? Let me go.
I wanna see a judge.
I didn't do this.
No way! [Grunts.]
Stop it! Stop it, I say! That's enough! That's enough! (Quinn) Stop! That's enough.
Professor Quinn, we're gonna get you out of this, I promise you.
Where are you taking him? Where are you taking him? This man is innocent! This man is innocent! Come on, man, tell me! Where are you taking him? [Crickets chirping.]
(Wade) Maybe we can still try for an appeal.
We've already been through this.
Unless we can prove special circumstances I think being a double from another dimension should qualify.
I agree with you.
They don't.
Well, maybe you didn't explain it right.
Maybe you, with your two years of college poetry, could have done better.
Come on, we're all on the same side here.
[Door opens.]
Here he comes.
(Rembrandt) How's it going, Q-Ball? You all right? (Quinn) I've been better.
What's the plan? How're you guys getting me out of here? What? They're taping us.
Everything we say can be heard.
What's it for? The half-hour special right before they take my head off? Broadcast this, you vultures! (Professor) Quinn! It's okay.
(Rembrandt) It's all right, man.
He's okay! He's okay! Get off! How much time till we slide? (Rembrandt) We got 22 hours, 17 minutes.
after I'm executed.
You've gotta find my double.
That's the only way I get out of this.
Find his double.
I mean, where do we even begin? [Cell door closing.]
Huh? Remember at the bar? Taryn, she she said something about a Deanne, and Punky Pink's.
Yeah.
Yeah? Yeah.
I'm having second thoughts.
Maybe this isn't such a great plan.
You just don't walk into a place like this and start asking questions.
Yeah, I know, but Miss Wells, this isn't the kindest ruse we could have employed.
But time is of the essence.
[People laughing.]
I got some extra.
It's fine.
Deanne, right? It depends who's asking.
My problem's not with you.
It's with the creep.
You took him back again, didn't you? Excuse me.
Hey.
Don't pretend like Quinn's not shacked up with you.
Where else would the jerk go? What's he to you? Nothin', now that he knocked me up and doesn't want anything to do with me or the baby.
What, you're carrying it for him? Look, all I want is an address, okay? I need him to give me some fly money so I can get home.
He does that, I'm gone.
He's all yours.
You think I want him? I'm tired of his baggage, honey.
It never ends.
Tell you what: Here, help yourself.
He's at my place, okay? Here.
Hey, tell him he'd better be gone by the time I get home or I'll have Joey help him move, okay? [People chattering.]
[Computer beeps.]
I've got something for you.
New contestant.
His name's Golin.
Word has it he's somewhere in the Valley.
And we will expect delivery in the a.
m.
Phil, do you ever wonder if some of these contestants are innocent? Maybe I was right about you.
Maybe you are losing your touch, huh? [Sighs.]
[Computer beeps.]
[People chattering.]
(Taryn) Thanks.
[Wolf whistle.]
What are you doing here? Testing a theory.
Take off your shirt.
What? Humor me.
Turn around.
What are you looking for? Quinn Mallory was knifed in a bar fight a year ago.
Took over 60 stitches.
But there's no scar, is there? No.
Q-Ball's gonna lose his head in 10 hours.
Where is this guy? (Professor) Tomcats come home earlier.
Where could he be? (Wade) Maybe he's out killing somebody else.
Are you sure this is the right place? For the hundredth time, yes.
The mail is addressed to Deanne Bloch.
This is definitely her house.
Look, I'm beat.
We're all tired.
Why don't we just be quiet for a while, okay? [Birds chirping.]
Miss Wells, about what I said in the prison I, um It's okay.
Look, we're both just worried.
I know you did everything you could.
I shall spend the rest of my life wondering whether I did.
I'm scared too, Professor.
But you know what keeps me going? You guys.
Knowing that you're here.
Knowing that if that was me in there, you'd do anything in the world to get me out.
You know, Quinn knows that, too.
He's countin' on us.
So we can't lose faith now.
[Tires screeching.]
(Rembrandt) Is that him? (Rembrandt) Okay, now Just let me do the talking, okay? Young man, a word.
What did I say? (Rembrandt) Wait.
Not again.
What are you doing here? (Taryn) Same thing as you.
Trying to help your friend.
I swear, Taryn, it wasn't me.
I wasn't even in town the day that all went down.
If you can't prove that, you're gonna be sorry you said it.
Where was I? Where was I? I was I was with Chicago Bob and we were down at Del Mar racetrack all day.
Yeah.
There are some betting slips in my wallet.
Right in the jacket on the bed.
Right there.
See? Inside pocket.
Race two, six, and seven.
See? You see? There's no way I could've been all the way down in Del Mar then back up in some alley in Hollywood by 4:00.
Come on, Taryn, you know me.
I'm into small jobs.
A heist here, a joy ride there, a couple of phony checks.
I'm not the type to kill some bum.
Come on.
We all saw the tape.
It was definitely you.
I don't know how my face got on that tape, but I'm telling you it wasn't me! I know how his face got on that tape.
(Professor) Of course.
(Taryn) What is that? There is no way that that is me.
That guy is huge.
People got tired of reasonable doubt, criminals having more rights than victims.
Yeah, that I get, but what about the game shows? That just seems so bizarre.
Not when you think about it.
In the old system, justice cost the taxpayers a lot of money.
By televising it, we earn money for the state, judgments are swift, crime is down, everybody's happy.
Everybody? Are you? What about the innocent people who lose? People like Quinn.
[Computer beeps.]
(Taryn) Oh, I was afraid of this.
I can't access the system.
(Wade) Here, let me try.
[Typing.]
How do you know how to do this? This isn't even a challenge.
In my world, there's a lot of online crime.
Our protect programs are twice as complicated.
The day I got in here, I saw this.
I didn't know what it was then.
Watch this.
They took Quinn's head and put it on Phil's body.
I don't believe this.
Pretty shocking, isn't it? Give me the disc.
Now! Get out.
How long, Phil? You've got other things to worry about right now, Taryn.
You almost got fired in '93 when Justice Tonight knocked us out of the Top 10.
We needed a way to rack up our ratings, didn't we? Congratulations, you figured it out.
[Phil grunts.]
Hey, get the gun.
(Taryn) The escape alarm! [Alarm buzzing.]
(Taryn) All the office doors have auto-lock.
There's no way out.
The guards'll be here any second.
(Wade) Maybe they will, but we won't.
Come on.
How do you think I got in yesterday? [Alarm continues buzzing.]
(Rembrandt) How much time left? (Professor) Two hours, 12 minutes.
(man on TV) finest hour as a community forum.
An event for the entire family.
Don't miss this special live edition of The Judgment Game, tonight, when Quinn Mallory pays for his crime.
What has happened with these people, huh? They're talking about a man's life.
Have they lost it completely? From our point of view, perhaps.
But look at it from theirs.
Here murder is so rare that it's a national prime-time event.
Families can sleep at night here without worrying if they've locked the doors or not.
If you lose your wallet in the street you can be sure it will be returned to you with its contents intact.
So what's so unusual about that? Where we come from, you can lock your door with three locks throw in an alarm, and still get robbed by some hood with a Saturday night special.
What the hell is a Saturday night special? My point exactly.
Wait a minute, Professor.
Are you saying it's okay that innocent men die so long as we can sleep with our doors unlocked? No, I'm saying it's a question of balance.
In our society, hundreds of thousands of lives every year are damaged by crime.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Here, justice is instant, and they've almost eradicated crime.
Albeit at the expense of the occasional innocent man.
That's easy to say when you're not that innocent man waiting on death row.
[Door opens.]
We couldn't get to Network Appeals.
(Professor) Why not? They're all at a retreat in Sun Valley.
Now, even if we could, it's too late.
There's no time to stop it.
(Rembrandt) We gotta do something fast.
Yeah, we're on to that.
You have access to welding tools? Baby, I got access to everything.
(Wade) All right, come on.
We'll explain on the way.
You better have access, you little slick-haired rascal.
[Guillotine blade thudding.]
(man) Try again.
[Camera clicking.]
(guard) Wait there.
[People chattering.]
(reporter #1) All right, here he comes.
Can we ask you a question? No interviews.
Get out of my face.
No interviews.
(Taryn) Stop.
I'm with the show.
There'll be no execution until he does a remote for the European affiliates.
For all I care, the European affiliates can Just one interview.
There's not much time, so it won't take long.
It's your call.
(reporter) Can I have a word? Yeah.
Yeah, I'll do this one.
All right.
Come over here then, please.
(reporter #2) Quinn, come on (Taryn) I'm sorry.
You'll have to wait out here.
[People chattering.]
Man, am I glad to see you guys.
The feeling's mutual.
You okay? No time for this.
Get him below.
Hurry.
(Quinn) What is that? Your ticket out, compliments of your double.
Come on, hurry up! I'm sorry.
I misjudged you.
(Taryn) I'm sorry.
I can't tell you how much.
This is safer with you.
Okay.
You need a hand, Mr.
Brown? It's gotta be tighter or they won't believe it.
Okay.
Five minutes.
If everything goes right, that should be long enough.
We'll just drive out of here and [shushing.]
Something's happening.
It's 10 after.
Why haven't you started? Where's the contestant? Network interview.
Who the hell authorized that? Your coordinator.
Get these doors open.
(Phil) Tear them off the hinges, if you have to.
[Clanging.]
Hurry.
He's getting away! Quick, Phil.
Untie me.
(Phil) Find him.
He can't be far.
What have we got here? [Engine starting.]
[Grunting.]
Now what? You got a Plan B somewhere? (Professor) Jump, Taryn, while you still have a chance.
(guard) Come on.
Let's go.
[Stammering.]
What are you doing? You wanted Plan B.
This is Plan B.
[Tires screeching.]
[Creaking.]
What's going on? (Rembrandt) We didn't make it past the gate.
Out the back.
How much time? A little under a minute.
I'm sorry.
I had no idea there was a cliff here.
I guess that's why there's not a fence! Sure, because nobody in their right mind would try to escape this way.
Guys, now is not the time.
(Phil) Give it up, Mallory.
You got no place to go.
You're gonna have to have a little faith here.
Follow me! What the devil is he thinking? Escaping.
Come on! Come on! [Rembrandt and Wade yelling.]
Hey, anyone interested in an exclusive? This whole show is fixed.
(all) What? [Whooshing.]
[All yelling.]
[Rembrandt whooping.]
What a rush! (Wade) No kidding.
Talk about your turbo slide! You felt that kick, too, right? Just as we entered the vortex.
(Wade) Tell me, was that good timing or just incredible luck? A little of both.
Listen, is everyone okay? Everything except for my heart.
I thought it was gonna come right out about halfway down.
(Quinn) Oh, no.
She's got a video camera.
I will be right back.
(Professor) Mr.
Mallory.
Come on.
Don't let him get arrested again.
[Birds chirping.]
She actually gave it to you? Not exactly.
Quinn, you didn't Of course not.
I simply told her we were alien life forms from another world, and if she didn't give me the tape, we'd take her back home with us when we left.
[All laughing.]
We look like alien life forms to her? Mmm-hmm.
How is that? What exactly does Trust me short, green, and moldy is not a great look.
(Wade) Quinn.
(Rembrandt) Q-Ball.
Wait a minute, man.
Why did you run? Q-Ball!