The Incredible Hulk (1978) s04e05 Episode Script
Deep Shock
(ROARS) An apparent psychic in New England, he claimed to have had no special abilities, until after he'd survived 60,000 volts.
We're all able to project the future in little ways.
Do something special about your body chemistry.
MAN: He's gonna kill him.
You ought to think twice before you throw away human beings.
You might need one to turn off the juice.
(ROARING) He's in arrest.
Paddles.
Clear.
NARRATOR: Dr.
David Banner, physician, scientist.
Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have.
Then, an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry.
And now, when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs.
(ROARS) The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter.
Mr.
McGee, don't make me angry.
You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit.
David Banner is believed to be dead.
And he must let the world think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
(ROARS) (PEOPLE CHATTERING) That's the last vending machine sandwich I'm going to buy at this place.
Can't tell a tuna fish from the ham and cheese.
(WALT LAUGHING) I wouldn't worry about it.
Pretty soon you'll get all the home cooking you want.
Twenty-one days and we're gone.
So, where does the company get off hiring a new guy at this time? The sooner they automate this plant, the sooner management gets us off the payroll.
All of us.
What're we gonna do about that, Edgar? Lawyer from the national said the company is within its rights.
What about our rights? What am I gonna do when the job runs out? Look, the boss has promised us a re-training program.
Now, that ought to help.
Besides, I'm gonna watchdog the severance pay.
I'm still shop steward.
Look, I'm doing the best I can for you guys.
(MUMBLING) No matter what I do, it doesn't seem to stop us getting laid off.
But what more can I do? Hey, I need a couple of bodies for an installation job.
I'll take it.
You gotta leave the heavy stuff for the younger guys, Edgar.
Hey, hey, come on.
Come on.
As long as I'm saddled with you, I might as well find out if you can do a man's work.
What are you doing? You looked like you were having trouble.
Hell, go back in there and earn your money.
I'm all right.
Don't you think we ought to get some help? Look, if I need another guy, I would've brought one.
Go on, do your job.
Go on, before this dingus starts to install itself.
(GROANS) Edgar, do you need help? (PANTING) Edgar.
Edgar, can you hear me? Hey, if that cable hits this platform, we're both gonna fry.
(CLANGING) (GROANS) (GROWLS) (GROWLING CONTINUES) (ROARS) (ROARING) (GRUNTING) (SCREAMING) (ROARS) (GRUNTS) (GROANING) (ALARM BLARING) GUARD: Where is it? Disappeared.
Somebody call the paramedic.
David.
Edgar, you okay? Yeah, yeah.
Dr.
Olson, emergency.
High voltage shock.
He's in arrest.
Paddles.
Clear.
Repeat.
Clear.
I've got a heartbeat.
(BEEPING) David, David.
Dr.
Olson, Dr.
Olson! He's coming to.
I'm Dr.
Olson.
You've been in a coma for two days.
There was an accident at the plant.
The other man, how How is he? Mr.
Tucker's just fine.
He's been practically camped out in our waiting room to see how you were.
You can see him tomorrow.
(RINGING) Are you in pain? Tinnitus.
You have a ringing in your ears? Yes.
You've had a massive electrical trauma.
We've taken tests and we'll know more tomorrow.
Now you've got to rest.
(RINGING) EDGAR: I've got 23 years with the company, Mr.
Buchanan.
EDGAR: Please! Please! Please don't hurt me! (EXHALES) Good morning, David.
(SIGHS) How's the tinnitus this morning? Why, it comes and goes.
You surprised me yesterday.
The medical jargon.
Oh, well I I used to work in a medical library.
You may wind up in one again.
Your case is one for the books.
One, you're alive.
And two, you show none of the corollary symptoms of severe electrical trauma.
Then my heart is functioning normally? And your resistance is normal also.
Plus there's no evidence of brain damage.
You must be made of pretty stern stuff.
(CHUCKLES) Pretty interesting stuff.
I've never seen anything like it.
I'm out of danger? Physically, there's nothing much to worry about.
But we always have to watch for other complications in cases like yours.
I'm sorry, I don't follow.
We know from your EEG that your brain was abnormally active during the coma.
We ran a spinal tap the first day, and it revealed an in ordinate quantity of phenylethylamine.
Now, this is not harmful in itself, but it's sometimes an indication of other problems.
Psychological problems.
Yes.
It's associated with a tendency to split personality syndrome.
Have you ever suspected anything like that? I'm not a psychiatrist, I'm a neurologist.
But you might consider May I leave the hospital today? I'd rather you stay a few days.
You shouldn't be on your own.
Why not? The plain truth is we really know very little about the psychological side effects of deep shock.
You shouldn't be unduly concerned, but there is a possibility of emotional reaction.
You might find yourself suddenly crying for no reason.
And a few cases have even reported hallucinations.
Is there someone you could stay with? Sure there is.
He'll stay with me.
How's it going? I'll keep an eye on him, Doc.
Okay.
That makes me feel a little better about releasing him.
I'll get the paper work started.
Thank you.
Hey, you're looking good.
Well, thank you.
How are you feeling? You can't keep a good man down.
Hey, listen.
I'm not used to apologizing Oh, come on, please No, no, I I've got to say this.
You know, I was out of line the other day.
I used you to make a point to the other guys.
Now, that ain't right.
Okay.
But you don't have to take me in.
Well, you stuck by me, even though you could have split.
And I owe you.
Let's just say that we were both lucky.
And anyway, I have my own place.
(RINGING) What's up? Hey, Doc! David, the tinnitus again? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Doc, tell him he's got to stay with me.
David, I can't stress too strongly the importance of your not being alone at this time.
Now, either that or you stay here.
Come on, buddy.
What do you say? Okay.
Thank you.
(PHONE RINGING) WOMAN: National Register.
Good afternoon.
GUARD: I'd like to speak to Jack McGee, please.
(SIGHS) (RINGING) (DOORBELL RINGING) Oh, hi, Dave.
Hi.
Where's Edgar? Well, he had to go shopping.
But he should be back in a few minutes.
Yeah, they tell me you took quite a jolt.
Yeah.
It's a real shame.
He never really did get over it.
It's his wife and his son.
Boy was in the Marines.
Gone all the way through Nam, two tours of duty without a single scratch.
First week he's home, he's driving his mom over to see his aunt in Pitt County.
Mmm-hmm.
They got hit head on by a drunk.
It just doesn't make any sense, does it? No, it doesn't.
Hi, guys.
You wanna guess how much these groceries cost? $117.
At least that's what the computer at the store said.
(EDGAR GASPS) Whatever happened to the checker checking one item at a time, huh? You like steak? Yes, I do.
What's going on? I've been talking to some of the guys, Edgar.
We all agree that maybe it's time for a little strike.
That would get a rise out of management.
No way.
The national won't support a strike, and the company'd be free to hire anybody.
We'd be cutting our own throats.
Are you kidding me? With the damage you two did on that scissors platform, we got them over a barrel.
It's gonna take them months, Edgar, to train a new crew to do that kind of work.
They got to use us! After which they'd let you go, just like before, except without the benefit package.
Well, hell, we gotta do something! What are you willing to try? Anything that'll work.
Yeah, right.
(DOOR CLOSING) He doesn't understand.
Doesn't do any good to take on the company unless we got clout.
We ran out of that when we became obsolete.
Now, the next thing they're gonna wanna do is make families obsolete.
Wife and kids.
Eating and sleeping.
(RINGING) Your world of machines.
(RINGING STOPS) You look a bit woozy.
You wanna lie down while I get some dinner ready? (RINGING) You know, I promised the doctor I'd take care of you.
(RINGING STOPS) You all right, David? (RINGING) EDGAR: Please! Don't hurt me, please! MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! (RINGING STOPS) What's Edgar calling the boss for? I don't know, but from the sound of it, I don't like it.
I don't see why you can't tell me over the phone, Mr.
Buchanan.
Now just a minute! All right, five minutes.
I'll be there.
(RINGING) RECEPTIONIST: May I help you, sir? EDGAR: Please! Don't hurt me, please! (RINGING INTENSIFIES) MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! EDGAR: I've got 23 years with the company, Mr.
Buchanan.
May I help you, sir? (TYPEWRITER CLACKING) May I help you, sir? EDGAR: I've got Mr.
Buchanan.
Look, Tucker, you're not a well man.
There would have been no accident on that platform if you'd been honest with us.
Look, Tucker, as in light of your long service, I've made arrangements for an early retirement waiver.
You'll get your full pension, but as of Friday, you're off the payroll.
You ought to think twice before you throw away human beings, Buchanan.
You might need one of them, to turn off the juice when things go wrong.
(RINGING) EDGAR: Please! Please don't hurt me! MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! And I did see that creature of yours.
Well, so what's your problem? You don't want $10,000 anymore? Well, sure I do.
But I can't let you in the plant.
Now, ever since we've had the union trouble, they don't want any reporters down here.
They think it might be too dangerous.
You know what? What bothers me is why Buchanan lied about the retraining program.
There ain't gonna be any.
Yeah.
It will be up to me to tell the guys.
(RINGING) I'm having them over tonight, but even with beer and pizza, it ain't gonna go down easy.
I don't know why.
Because they want to throw them out, like a bunch of empty beer cans.
(SCOFFS) Obsolete! (GROANING) It just ain't right.
Just ain't right.
(GROANING) Edgar? Edgar, hang on.
Look, can you remember the name of the two guys that were on that scissors platform, when you saw the Hulk? Now, could you tell me their names? Yeah, one of them was Tucker.
Edgar Tucker.
He's the shop steward.
The other guy I don't know.
He's He's new here.
And you don't know his name? Well, you can get his name at the personnel office.
It's on file.
They won't even let me in the personnel office.
The union problems.
Listen, could you at least tell me the name of the hospital they took these guys to after the accident? Saint Francis.
Saint Francis? Or it could have been Queen of Mercy.
Uh-huh.
Or Yeah okay.
Yeah, yeah, thanks.
Thanks a lot.
I'll be in touch.
Sorry.
Easy.
(PANTING) You all right now? Yeah, sure, sure.
It looks worse than it is.
Yeah, I'd have been okay in a minute.
Something went down the wrong pipe.
I've seen labile angina before.
Are you sure you should still be working at a job like this? (SIGHS) It doesn't matter now.
Buchanan found out about my heart.
He's putting me on medical retirement at the end of the week.
Well, he probably saved your life.
Yeah? He saved his own neck.
He doesn't want me around when the guy starts getting laid off.
He doesn't want me talking to the press.
I'll tell you one thing, man.
When this all starts coming down, Edgar Tucker's gonna be around.
And Buchanan and everyone else is gonna damn well know it! (PANTING) Thank you, Doctor.
Dr.
Nolan informs me that Mr.
Tucker's gonna be just fine, if he slows down.
What can I do for you, David? Well, some answers, I hope.
I was over at the medical library, but I could find very little on electro-trauma.
Now, do you know of any existing documentation connecting deep shock with precognition? There's very little documentation, period.
I do know of one case.
An apparent psychic in New England who worked with the police.
He claimed to have had no special abilities until after he'd survived Well, then the same thing could have happened to me.
If it has, there's nothing supernatural about it.
We're all able to project the future in little ways we can't explain.
It's common to be thinking of someone and have the phone ring a minute later.
I'm afraid that my projections are just a little more detailed than that.
Well, perhaps there's something special about your body chemistry.
Something that reacted to the deep shock you took.
If we could run a few more tests Well, no, now wait.
You know, it could be the phenylethylamine.
If that's the case, then the condition could be temporary.
Yeah, I hope so.
That psychic in New England, he still work with the police? He committed suicide two years ago.
Bye-bye and thank you.
You're welcome, David.
I can't believe this.
For months, all we get out of you is talk about the retraining program and the benefit package, and now you're telling us it's all bull? What'd you go to the hospital for today? Nothing.
Probably to get his head examined.
Well, look, what I want to know is what other brilliant moves you got planned next.
There's nothing else I can do.
We've got no clout.
No, we don't.
But I'll bet you do.
Hey, what're you talking about, Frank? Spell it out.
Mr.
Shop Steward here ain't gonna get himself laid off.
No, I got it from a secretary I know.
He's gonna get himself retired.
Full pension, everything.
Is that true? Yeah, well, there's a reason.
The reason is he made a deal with Mr.
Buchanan.
That's a lie! You sold us out, plain and simple.
(MEN SHOUTING) (PANTING) I think it's time for you guys to go, all right? I ain't finished yet! Yeah, yeah, we're finished.
Come on, Frank, let's go.
(COUGHS) Just stay calm, okay? Yeah, Frank was right.
I did sell them out.
You didn't make a deal.
And you didn't sell them out.
Now, they're your friends, so tell them tomorrow, huh? Tell them the truth.
Right now, there's only one thing that you should do, and that's get some sleep.
(SIGHS) Well, you go ahead.
I got some thinking to do.
Good night, Edgar.
(RINGING) EDGAR: Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar.
(GASPS) (SIGHS) (MACHINES WHIRRING) Hello, Edgar.
We're supposed to work in the back grid today.
He's headed for the main generating building.
Where's the super? SUPERVISOR: Hello, Edgar.
Hi.
Buchanan wants to see you.
I'd better call.
His office.
He said pronto.
I'll cover.
Okay.
(ALARM BLARING) Tucker, what're you doing? This is crazy.
Hey, you're gonna be in a lot of trouble! Edgar, get out of there.
What's happening? I don't know.
Edgar closed the emergency door.
Is there another way in there? With that security system turned on, an army couldn't get in there unless he let them.
It'd take an atomic bomb to get through that glass.
Edgar, what are you doing, buddy? You guys wanted me to do something? All right, I've done it.
I control the plant now.
Edgar, this is not the way to do it.
Now, come on out of there.
No way.
I finally got us some clout! Get Buchanan! Tell him to get himself down here.
I'm in charge now! Get the boss.
RADIO ANNOUNCER: Police are scouting the vicinity of Tres Lobos for one David Benton, a close friend of Edgar Tucker's, in the hope that he might convince Tucker to surrender.
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of David Benton should contact the police immediately.
All you've gotta do is get on TV and promise no layoffs.
You know I can't do that.
I don't have the authority.
Then get it.
Edgar Look through the glass, Buchanan.
Look real close.
Right now I'm going to start shutting down the breakers.
You can kiss your super-automated whiz bang goodbye! You know, you won't stand much of a chance in there, when it goes.
That doesn't particularly bother me none.
Yes, hello, I'd like to speak with Mr.
Buchanan, please.
RECEPTIONIST: Mr.
Buchanan's office.
Hello.
I'm (RINGING) Hello? Hello? Sir? EDGAR: Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
RECEPTIONIST: Hello? Sir, hello? (BRAKES SCREECHING) David, where have you been? Edgar's going crazy! He's trying to blow up the plant.
This is Sue Knowlton reporting live from the Tres Lobos Power Plant, where distraught workman, Edgar Tucker, continues to hold the life blood of this city in his hands.
Oh, there's a police car arriving.
This might be Tucker's friend, David Benton.
I'm going to try to find out.
Oh, no, no.
No time for that now, lady.
No, no, no.
Come on.
Mr.
Benton, why do you think he David, this way.
took over the power plant? He's in here.
Mr.
Benton, Mr.
Benton, Mr.
Benton, can you tell us (ALARM CONTINUING) The police have just brought in David Benton, who is going to try to talk Mr.
Tucker out of the master (BRAKES SCREECHING) Wait a minute, there's a friend of yours out here.
David Benton.
Please, talk to him.
Say something to him.
Edgar, Edgar, listen to me.
Edgar, at least look at me.
It's David! I don't have any friends named David.
(ALARM BLARING) BUCHANAN: Now he's shutting down the vent-cooling system.
(ALARM CONTINUING) We can get in through this vent and reach Edgar.
I could do it easy.
No, he'd never listen to you.
It's got to be David.
I don't know that he'll listen to me.
You're our only shot.
You don't understand.
I can't do it! I'm a reporter.
You can't stop me this time.
All the press is in there.
We're still here, reporting live from the Tres Lobos Power Plant, where one Edgar Tucker, a worker at the plant, has been holding the power plant for several hours.
We have lost some of the power in the city.
There have been no new developments for a while.
The last thing that happened was a friend of Mr.
Tucker's, David Benton, was brought in by the police to try to talk him out of the power plant.
The SWAT team is here.
The police feel that they do have the situation under control, and as soon as we have a new development, we will, of course, let you know what that is.
We are not quite sure what is going on inside.
Look, David, I'm telling you, we can't get any back-up juice down from up-state for another 12 hours.
If there's a blackout, there'll be looting, riots, loss of power in the hospitals.
It'll be total city-wide panic! You don't know what you're asking.
Sir, this is a waste of time.
We've got to get in there.
Go ahead.
Let's go! (RINGING) Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
Wait! All right, I'll try.
(ALARM WAILING) Remember, if you can get to the emergency master, you can vent the turbines and close her down.
It's CX-Eleven.
Look for the blinking light.
You got to get that light off.
What they said about Edgar on TV, that he has a medical problem, is that true? Yeah, has a heart condition.
That's why they're retiring him.
GUARD: Here you go.
WALT: Go now.
Keep your head down.
Yeah, hold it! Hold it, hold it.
Listen.
What was the name of that guy who was just here? Who are you? (ALARM BLARING) (GROANS) WALT: He's in.
Who's this? He's a reporter.
He was on the turbine.
Just forget that now.
Look, we're overloading! Benton's going to fry in that vent! The temperature's going off the gauge! Benton will never make it! (SCREAMS) (ALARM BLARING) (ROARS) (ROARING WILDLY) (EXCLAIMS) BUCHANAN: What's that? McGEE: That's my story.
(GRUNTS) MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! EDGAR: Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
(RINGING) (GRUNTING) (ROARING) (ROARING) I don't believe it! He did it! He did it! He shut it down! There's your story.
I know what's going to happen to me.
What about the guys? Well, Frank and Walt didn't give Buchanan any choice.
You see, he needs the present work crew if he's ever going to get the plant on line again.
And the benefit package? Oh.
They got it all, in writing, just like you wanted.
Hey, hey, hey, things are looking up! Yeah, they are.
I wish you could stick around.
At least for the trial.
Well, I don't think there's going to be any trial.
The company, it appears, will not be pressing any charges.
Bad PR.
I I don't think they're interested in creating a martyr.
I'm going to miss you, buddy.
You, too, my friend.
Well You be good to yourself.
Bye-bye.
WOMAN ON PA: Dr.
Ross, Dr.
Ross? Please call your office.
David, the nurse told me you were here.
We just got these back from the lab.
All indications are normal.
And the phenylethylamine's almost gone.
Yeah.
Are you still bothered by the tinnitus? Free and clear.
And the dreams? Well, they haven't returned.
Well, I guess I'm about to lose a patient.
I'd like to write an article on your case.
Will you be staying around? Unfortunately not.
(SIGHS) But thank you for everything, Doctor.
Bye-bye.
Goodbye.
We're all able to project the future in little ways.
Do something special about your body chemistry.
MAN: He's gonna kill him.
You ought to think twice before you throw away human beings.
You might need one to turn off the juice.
(ROARING) He's in arrest.
Paddles.
Clear.
NARRATOR: Dr.
David Banner, physician, scientist.
Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have.
Then, an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry.
And now, when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs.
(ROARS) The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter.
Mr.
McGee, don't make me angry.
You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit.
David Banner is believed to be dead.
And he must let the world think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
(ROARS) (PEOPLE CHATTERING) That's the last vending machine sandwich I'm going to buy at this place.
Can't tell a tuna fish from the ham and cheese.
(WALT LAUGHING) I wouldn't worry about it.
Pretty soon you'll get all the home cooking you want.
Twenty-one days and we're gone.
So, where does the company get off hiring a new guy at this time? The sooner they automate this plant, the sooner management gets us off the payroll.
All of us.
What're we gonna do about that, Edgar? Lawyer from the national said the company is within its rights.
What about our rights? What am I gonna do when the job runs out? Look, the boss has promised us a re-training program.
Now, that ought to help.
Besides, I'm gonna watchdog the severance pay.
I'm still shop steward.
Look, I'm doing the best I can for you guys.
(MUMBLING) No matter what I do, it doesn't seem to stop us getting laid off.
But what more can I do? Hey, I need a couple of bodies for an installation job.
I'll take it.
You gotta leave the heavy stuff for the younger guys, Edgar.
Hey, hey, come on.
Come on.
As long as I'm saddled with you, I might as well find out if you can do a man's work.
What are you doing? You looked like you were having trouble.
Hell, go back in there and earn your money.
I'm all right.
Don't you think we ought to get some help? Look, if I need another guy, I would've brought one.
Go on, do your job.
Go on, before this dingus starts to install itself.
(GROANS) Edgar, do you need help? (PANTING) Edgar.
Edgar, can you hear me? Hey, if that cable hits this platform, we're both gonna fry.
(CLANGING) (GROANS) (GROWLS) (GROWLING CONTINUES) (ROARS) (ROARING) (GRUNTING) (SCREAMING) (ROARS) (GRUNTS) (GROANING) (ALARM BLARING) GUARD: Where is it? Disappeared.
Somebody call the paramedic.
David.
Edgar, you okay? Yeah, yeah.
Dr.
Olson, emergency.
High voltage shock.
He's in arrest.
Paddles.
Clear.
Repeat.
Clear.
I've got a heartbeat.
(BEEPING) David, David.
Dr.
Olson, Dr.
Olson! He's coming to.
I'm Dr.
Olson.
You've been in a coma for two days.
There was an accident at the plant.
The other man, how How is he? Mr.
Tucker's just fine.
He's been practically camped out in our waiting room to see how you were.
You can see him tomorrow.
(RINGING) Are you in pain? Tinnitus.
You have a ringing in your ears? Yes.
You've had a massive electrical trauma.
We've taken tests and we'll know more tomorrow.
Now you've got to rest.
(RINGING) EDGAR: I've got 23 years with the company, Mr.
Buchanan.
EDGAR: Please! Please! Please don't hurt me! (EXHALES) Good morning, David.
(SIGHS) How's the tinnitus this morning? Why, it comes and goes.
You surprised me yesterday.
The medical jargon.
Oh, well I I used to work in a medical library.
You may wind up in one again.
Your case is one for the books.
One, you're alive.
And two, you show none of the corollary symptoms of severe electrical trauma.
Then my heart is functioning normally? And your resistance is normal also.
Plus there's no evidence of brain damage.
You must be made of pretty stern stuff.
(CHUCKLES) Pretty interesting stuff.
I've never seen anything like it.
I'm out of danger? Physically, there's nothing much to worry about.
But we always have to watch for other complications in cases like yours.
I'm sorry, I don't follow.
We know from your EEG that your brain was abnormally active during the coma.
We ran a spinal tap the first day, and it revealed an in ordinate quantity of phenylethylamine.
Now, this is not harmful in itself, but it's sometimes an indication of other problems.
Psychological problems.
Yes.
It's associated with a tendency to split personality syndrome.
Have you ever suspected anything like that? I'm not a psychiatrist, I'm a neurologist.
But you might consider May I leave the hospital today? I'd rather you stay a few days.
You shouldn't be on your own.
Why not? The plain truth is we really know very little about the psychological side effects of deep shock.
You shouldn't be unduly concerned, but there is a possibility of emotional reaction.
You might find yourself suddenly crying for no reason.
And a few cases have even reported hallucinations.
Is there someone you could stay with? Sure there is.
He'll stay with me.
How's it going? I'll keep an eye on him, Doc.
Okay.
That makes me feel a little better about releasing him.
I'll get the paper work started.
Thank you.
Hey, you're looking good.
Well, thank you.
How are you feeling? You can't keep a good man down.
Hey, listen.
I'm not used to apologizing Oh, come on, please No, no, I I've got to say this.
You know, I was out of line the other day.
I used you to make a point to the other guys.
Now, that ain't right.
Okay.
But you don't have to take me in.
Well, you stuck by me, even though you could have split.
And I owe you.
Let's just say that we were both lucky.
And anyway, I have my own place.
(RINGING) What's up? Hey, Doc! David, the tinnitus again? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Doc, tell him he's got to stay with me.
David, I can't stress too strongly the importance of your not being alone at this time.
Now, either that or you stay here.
Come on, buddy.
What do you say? Okay.
Thank you.
(PHONE RINGING) WOMAN: National Register.
Good afternoon.
GUARD: I'd like to speak to Jack McGee, please.
(SIGHS) (RINGING) (DOORBELL RINGING) Oh, hi, Dave.
Hi.
Where's Edgar? Well, he had to go shopping.
But he should be back in a few minutes.
Yeah, they tell me you took quite a jolt.
Yeah.
It's a real shame.
He never really did get over it.
It's his wife and his son.
Boy was in the Marines.
Gone all the way through Nam, two tours of duty without a single scratch.
First week he's home, he's driving his mom over to see his aunt in Pitt County.
Mmm-hmm.
They got hit head on by a drunk.
It just doesn't make any sense, does it? No, it doesn't.
Hi, guys.
You wanna guess how much these groceries cost? $117.
At least that's what the computer at the store said.
(EDGAR GASPS) Whatever happened to the checker checking one item at a time, huh? You like steak? Yes, I do.
What's going on? I've been talking to some of the guys, Edgar.
We all agree that maybe it's time for a little strike.
That would get a rise out of management.
No way.
The national won't support a strike, and the company'd be free to hire anybody.
We'd be cutting our own throats.
Are you kidding me? With the damage you two did on that scissors platform, we got them over a barrel.
It's gonna take them months, Edgar, to train a new crew to do that kind of work.
They got to use us! After which they'd let you go, just like before, except without the benefit package.
Well, hell, we gotta do something! What are you willing to try? Anything that'll work.
Yeah, right.
(DOOR CLOSING) He doesn't understand.
Doesn't do any good to take on the company unless we got clout.
We ran out of that when we became obsolete.
Now, the next thing they're gonna wanna do is make families obsolete.
Wife and kids.
Eating and sleeping.
(RINGING) Your world of machines.
(RINGING STOPS) You look a bit woozy.
You wanna lie down while I get some dinner ready? (RINGING) You know, I promised the doctor I'd take care of you.
(RINGING STOPS) You all right, David? (RINGING) EDGAR: Please! Don't hurt me, please! MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! (RINGING STOPS) What's Edgar calling the boss for? I don't know, but from the sound of it, I don't like it.
I don't see why you can't tell me over the phone, Mr.
Buchanan.
Now just a minute! All right, five minutes.
I'll be there.
(RINGING) RECEPTIONIST: May I help you, sir? EDGAR: Please! Don't hurt me, please! (RINGING INTENSIFIES) MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! EDGAR: I've got 23 years with the company, Mr.
Buchanan.
May I help you, sir? (TYPEWRITER CLACKING) May I help you, sir? EDGAR: I've got Mr.
Buchanan.
Look, Tucker, you're not a well man.
There would have been no accident on that platform if you'd been honest with us.
Look, Tucker, as in light of your long service, I've made arrangements for an early retirement waiver.
You'll get your full pension, but as of Friday, you're off the payroll.
You ought to think twice before you throw away human beings, Buchanan.
You might need one of them, to turn off the juice when things go wrong.
(RINGING) EDGAR: Please! Please don't hurt me! MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! And I did see that creature of yours.
Well, so what's your problem? You don't want $10,000 anymore? Well, sure I do.
But I can't let you in the plant.
Now, ever since we've had the union trouble, they don't want any reporters down here.
They think it might be too dangerous.
You know what? What bothers me is why Buchanan lied about the retraining program.
There ain't gonna be any.
Yeah.
It will be up to me to tell the guys.
(RINGING) I'm having them over tonight, but even with beer and pizza, it ain't gonna go down easy.
I don't know why.
Because they want to throw them out, like a bunch of empty beer cans.
(SCOFFS) Obsolete! (GROANING) It just ain't right.
Just ain't right.
(GROANING) Edgar? Edgar, hang on.
Look, can you remember the name of the two guys that were on that scissors platform, when you saw the Hulk? Now, could you tell me their names? Yeah, one of them was Tucker.
Edgar Tucker.
He's the shop steward.
The other guy I don't know.
He's He's new here.
And you don't know his name? Well, you can get his name at the personnel office.
It's on file.
They won't even let me in the personnel office.
The union problems.
Listen, could you at least tell me the name of the hospital they took these guys to after the accident? Saint Francis.
Saint Francis? Or it could have been Queen of Mercy.
Uh-huh.
Or Yeah okay.
Yeah, yeah, thanks.
Thanks a lot.
I'll be in touch.
Sorry.
Easy.
(PANTING) You all right now? Yeah, sure, sure.
It looks worse than it is.
Yeah, I'd have been okay in a minute.
Something went down the wrong pipe.
I've seen labile angina before.
Are you sure you should still be working at a job like this? (SIGHS) It doesn't matter now.
Buchanan found out about my heart.
He's putting me on medical retirement at the end of the week.
Well, he probably saved your life.
Yeah? He saved his own neck.
He doesn't want me around when the guy starts getting laid off.
He doesn't want me talking to the press.
I'll tell you one thing, man.
When this all starts coming down, Edgar Tucker's gonna be around.
And Buchanan and everyone else is gonna damn well know it! (PANTING) Thank you, Doctor.
Dr.
Nolan informs me that Mr.
Tucker's gonna be just fine, if he slows down.
What can I do for you, David? Well, some answers, I hope.
I was over at the medical library, but I could find very little on electro-trauma.
Now, do you know of any existing documentation connecting deep shock with precognition? There's very little documentation, period.
I do know of one case.
An apparent psychic in New England who worked with the police.
He claimed to have had no special abilities until after he'd survived Well, then the same thing could have happened to me.
If it has, there's nothing supernatural about it.
We're all able to project the future in little ways we can't explain.
It's common to be thinking of someone and have the phone ring a minute later.
I'm afraid that my projections are just a little more detailed than that.
Well, perhaps there's something special about your body chemistry.
Something that reacted to the deep shock you took.
If we could run a few more tests Well, no, now wait.
You know, it could be the phenylethylamine.
If that's the case, then the condition could be temporary.
Yeah, I hope so.
That psychic in New England, he still work with the police? He committed suicide two years ago.
Bye-bye and thank you.
You're welcome, David.
I can't believe this.
For months, all we get out of you is talk about the retraining program and the benefit package, and now you're telling us it's all bull? What'd you go to the hospital for today? Nothing.
Probably to get his head examined.
Well, look, what I want to know is what other brilliant moves you got planned next.
There's nothing else I can do.
We've got no clout.
No, we don't.
But I'll bet you do.
Hey, what're you talking about, Frank? Spell it out.
Mr.
Shop Steward here ain't gonna get himself laid off.
No, I got it from a secretary I know.
He's gonna get himself retired.
Full pension, everything.
Is that true? Yeah, well, there's a reason.
The reason is he made a deal with Mr.
Buchanan.
That's a lie! You sold us out, plain and simple.
(MEN SHOUTING) (PANTING) I think it's time for you guys to go, all right? I ain't finished yet! Yeah, yeah, we're finished.
Come on, Frank, let's go.
(COUGHS) Just stay calm, okay? Yeah, Frank was right.
I did sell them out.
You didn't make a deal.
And you didn't sell them out.
Now, they're your friends, so tell them tomorrow, huh? Tell them the truth.
Right now, there's only one thing that you should do, and that's get some sleep.
(SIGHS) Well, you go ahead.
I got some thinking to do.
Good night, Edgar.
(RINGING) EDGAR: Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar.
(GASPS) (SIGHS) (MACHINES WHIRRING) Hello, Edgar.
We're supposed to work in the back grid today.
He's headed for the main generating building.
Where's the super? SUPERVISOR: Hello, Edgar.
Hi.
Buchanan wants to see you.
I'd better call.
His office.
He said pronto.
I'll cover.
Okay.
(ALARM BLARING) Tucker, what're you doing? This is crazy.
Hey, you're gonna be in a lot of trouble! Edgar, get out of there.
What's happening? I don't know.
Edgar closed the emergency door.
Is there another way in there? With that security system turned on, an army couldn't get in there unless he let them.
It'd take an atomic bomb to get through that glass.
Edgar, what are you doing, buddy? You guys wanted me to do something? All right, I've done it.
I control the plant now.
Edgar, this is not the way to do it.
Now, come on out of there.
No way.
I finally got us some clout! Get Buchanan! Tell him to get himself down here.
I'm in charge now! Get the boss.
RADIO ANNOUNCER: Police are scouting the vicinity of Tres Lobos for one David Benton, a close friend of Edgar Tucker's, in the hope that he might convince Tucker to surrender.
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of David Benton should contact the police immediately.
All you've gotta do is get on TV and promise no layoffs.
You know I can't do that.
I don't have the authority.
Then get it.
Edgar Look through the glass, Buchanan.
Look real close.
Right now I'm going to start shutting down the breakers.
You can kiss your super-automated whiz bang goodbye! You know, you won't stand much of a chance in there, when it goes.
That doesn't particularly bother me none.
Yes, hello, I'd like to speak with Mr.
Buchanan, please.
RECEPTIONIST: Mr.
Buchanan's office.
Hello.
I'm (RINGING) Hello? Hello? Sir? EDGAR: Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
RECEPTIONIST: Hello? Sir, hello? (BRAKES SCREECHING) David, where have you been? Edgar's going crazy! He's trying to blow up the plant.
This is Sue Knowlton reporting live from the Tres Lobos Power Plant, where distraught workman, Edgar Tucker, continues to hold the life blood of this city in his hands.
Oh, there's a police car arriving.
This might be Tucker's friend, David Benton.
I'm going to try to find out.
Oh, no, no.
No time for that now, lady.
No, no, no.
Come on.
Mr.
Benton, why do you think he David, this way.
took over the power plant? He's in here.
Mr.
Benton, Mr.
Benton, Mr.
Benton, can you tell us (ALARM CONTINUING) The police have just brought in David Benton, who is going to try to talk Mr.
Tucker out of the master (BRAKES SCREECHING) Wait a minute, there's a friend of yours out here.
David Benton.
Please, talk to him.
Say something to him.
Edgar, Edgar, listen to me.
Edgar, at least look at me.
It's David! I don't have any friends named David.
(ALARM BLARING) BUCHANAN: Now he's shutting down the vent-cooling system.
(ALARM CONTINUING) We can get in through this vent and reach Edgar.
I could do it easy.
No, he'd never listen to you.
It's got to be David.
I don't know that he'll listen to me.
You're our only shot.
You don't understand.
I can't do it! I'm a reporter.
You can't stop me this time.
All the press is in there.
We're still here, reporting live from the Tres Lobos Power Plant, where one Edgar Tucker, a worker at the plant, has been holding the power plant for several hours.
We have lost some of the power in the city.
There have been no new developments for a while.
The last thing that happened was a friend of Mr.
Tucker's, David Benton, was brought in by the police to try to talk him out of the power plant.
The SWAT team is here.
The police feel that they do have the situation under control, and as soon as we have a new development, we will, of course, let you know what that is.
We are not quite sure what is going on inside.
Look, David, I'm telling you, we can't get any back-up juice down from up-state for another 12 hours.
If there's a blackout, there'll be looting, riots, loss of power in the hospitals.
It'll be total city-wide panic! You don't know what you're asking.
Sir, this is a waste of time.
We've got to get in there.
Go ahead.
Let's go! (RINGING) Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
Wait! All right, I'll try.
(ALARM WAILING) Remember, if you can get to the emergency master, you can vent the turbines and close her down.
It's CX-Eleven.
Look for the blinking light.
You got to get that light off.
What they said about Edgar on TV, that he has a medical problem, is that true? Yeah, has a heart condition.
That's why they're retiring him.
GUARD: Here you go.
WALT: Go now.
Keep your head down.
Yeah, hold it! Hold it, hold it.
Listen.
What was the name of that guy who was just here? Who are you? (ALARM BLARING) (GROANS) WALT: He's in.
Who's this? He's a reporter.
He was on the turbine.
Just forget that now.
Look, we're overloading! Benton's going to fry in that vent! The temperature's going off the gauge! Benton will never make it! (SCREAMS) (ALARM BLARING) (ROARS) (ROARING WILDLY) (EXCLAIMS) BUCHANAN: What's that? McGEE: That's my story.
(GRUNTS) MAN: My God, that thing's gonna kill Edgar! EDGAR: Please.
Please, don't hurt me.
(RINGING) (GRUNTING) (ROARING) (ROARING) I don't believe it! He did it! He did it! He shut it down! There's your story.
I know what's going to happen to me.
What about the guys? Well, Frank and Walt didn't give Buchanan any choice.
You see, he needs the present work crew if he's ever going to get the plant on line again.
And the benefit package? Oh.
They got it all, in writing, just like you wanted.
Hey, hey, hey, things are looking up! Yeah, they are.
I wish you could stick around.
At least for the trial.
Well, I don't think there's going to be any trial.
The company, it appears, will not be pressing any charges.
Bad PR.
I I don't think they're interested in creating a martyr.
I'm going to miss you, buddy.
You, too, my friend.
Well You be good to yourself.
Bye-bye.
WOMAN ON PA: Dr.
Ross, Dr.
Ross? Please call your office.
David, the nurse told me you were here.
We just got these back from the lab.
All indications are normal.
And the phenylethylamine's almost gone.
Yeah.
Are you still bothered by the tinnitus? Free and clear.
And the dreams? Well, they haven't returned.
Well, I guess I'm about to lose a patient.
I'd like to write an article on your case.
Will you be staying around? Unfortunately not.
(SIGHS) But thank you for everything, Doctor.
Bye-bye.
Goodbye.