The Black Protocol
Written by
Daniel Edwin Doble [email protected]
(949) 241-1905
OVER BLACK:
SUPER: “When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for
he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
SOUND OF WHISPERS ACROSS AN INDOOR ARENA
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT
A large, circular room resembling a mix of mega-theater and
control center. Dimly-lit.
There is a massive back wall with a sprawling, wrap-around
array of flat panel digital displays, vertically-positioned.
Each one shows a single human being in peril, or in pain, or
screaming, or crying, or silent, all of them in stark close-
up.
Above the array, etched in ancient oak with gold lettering:
"THEATER OF PAIN AND SUFFERING".
The operations floor is filled with rows and rows of
workstations, each with their own vertical digital displays
and a mounted microphone.
Each of the workstations is attended by a silhouetted figure
in all-black, observing the screens, their mouths just
centimeters from their microphone.
Down front, in the center of the room, two figures, one male,
one female, observing, glancing over the digital displays.
The whispers don’t sound foreign. They sound familiar — like
thoughts that were already there.
CLOSE on one display, a HOUSEWIFE (40s) in the kitchen, a
fresh bruise blooms along her jawline, her lip quivers.
HOUSEWIFE (V.O.)
This is my fault.
CLOSE on another display, a MALE COLLEGE STUDENT (20s) in a
dimly lit frat house bedroom, hovers over a YOUNG WOMAN
passed out in bed, the party ragin downstairs.
MALE COLLEGE STUDENT (V.O.)
What she can't remember, won't hurt
her.
CLOSE on another, an OVERWEIGHT HUSBAND (30s) on the sofa,
day-old stubble, a can of orange soda on the coffee table
beside a stack of unopened gym brochures.
OVERWEIGHT HUSBAND (V.O.)
Why can’t she love me the way I am?
The way I’ve always been?
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Art of Manipulation
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS
SECTION 3 - ROW 2 - STATION 6
MALONE (mid-20s), male, speaks into his microphone.
On his digital display is the same OVERWEIGHT HUSBAND,
pinches a handful of his chubby gut.
MALONE
(whisper)
Did you hear her? What a fucking
bitch. Are you going to stand for
that?
SECTION 4 - ROW 4 - STATION 2
MALADIE (late teens), female, speaks into her microphone.
On her digital display, an EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRL. Beyond her,
visible in the background, the front door closes.
MALADIE
(whisper)
No. She left you alone? Again?
Girl, does that look like love?
(scoff)
Please.
On her digital display, the eight-year-old girl whimpers.
MALADIE (CONT'D)
(to herself)
Ha. That'll do some damage.
Maladie sees the two figures observing down front, smiles.
DAMIEN DIVER (30s), handsome, chiseled jaw, thick raven-black
hair, staring straight at Maladie without expression.
He nods and then returns his attention to the one beside him.
DAMIEN
I love that.
(beat)
They never even suspect it's coming
from us.
(beat)
They think it's coming from them.
DAMILLA DIVER (late 20s), black-hair bombshell with curves,
bangs and a bob, expressionless.
DAMILLA
Yes, brother.
Genres:
["Thriller","Psychological Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Confessions and Surveillance
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS
SECTION 5 - ROW 1 - STATION 2
GLAM (50s), male, sophisticated, elegant, speaks into his
microphone.
On his digital display is FATHER JERICHO JENNER (43), sitting
on the holy side of an otherwise empty confessional.
GLAM
(whisper)
Alone again? The only one talking
is you.
JERICHO
Always empty on Thursdays.
(beat))
The only one talking here is me.
(beat)
Forgive me, Father, but I’m
starting to think it’s all just ...
theater.
GLAM
(to himself)
Bingo.
INT. CHURCH CONFESSIONAL – TEXAS - EVENING
Jericho shakes his head.
JERICHO
(to himself)
Always like this.
He lets himself out of the confessional, closes the door, and
walks out.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - MOMENTS LATER
SECTION 1 - ROW 1 - STATION 1
EUNICE (30s) female, slim, timid. She trembles as she watches
her digital display.
On her digital display is CLAIRE CONSTANTINE (28), military
boots, rolled sleeves, staring at what looks like a sleeping
child on a cot.
EUNICE
(to herself)
I think we have a...
She looks around. No one is listening. Leans into her mic.
EUNICE (CONT'D)
(whisper)
What a waste of time.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Tragedy and Tension
INT. SMALL MAKESHIFT CLINIC – MEXICO – NIGHT
Claire lowers her mask, leans in, and lays a hand on the
bloodied shirt worn by BRIENDA (3), lying on her back, barely
struggling, a whisp of a human being.
The hum of a generator. Flies on her gauze.
Claire watches as Brienda takes her last breath and passes.
CLAIRE
No. No. No. NO!. FUCK!... Why!
She breathes in. Tries to speak, but her lips never move.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(to herself)
It always happens EXACTLY like
this.
(beat)
And to someone who doesn't deserve
it.
(beat)
And for no reason.
She looks up, her eyes rimmed red, shakes her head.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS
Damien and Damilla stand in silence, Damilla's arm folded
across her chest.
Damilla has her sights set on an agent in the first station.
SECTION 1 - ROW 1 - STATION 1
Eunice trembles as she sees Damilla staring.
BACK ON DAMIEN AND DAMILLA
DAMIEN
Where are we at with a solution for
our biggest problem?
DAMILLA
I wouldn't use the word "problem"
for Claire Constantine.
DAMIEN
You're hedging.
(beat)
Three agents failed.
DAMILLA
Well... anyway, I have someone
coming in.
DAMIEN
Good.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Awkward Encounters at the Orphanage
EXT. MEXICO - DIRT ROAD - DAY
An old school bus bounces luggage and passengers down a dirt
road in need of more dirt.
Inside the bus, along with SEVERAL LOCAL PASSENGER, Jericho
rides the bumpy road.
EXT. MEXICO - ORPHANAGE - DAY
The bus pulls away revealing a crumbling adobe orphanage
baking under the harsh Mexican sun, cracked ochre walls,
rusted iron gate, flanked by skeletal cacti and the
occasional buzz of flies.
Beyond the gate, a GROUP OF BAREFOOT CHILDREN in patched
clothing, kick a deflated soccer ball.
To one side is a black Toyota 4Runner with a deployed, pop-
out camper, makeshift shower, tinted windows, raised chassis,
and offroad tires.
Jericho notices that someone is under the showerhead, getting
clean. He quickly diverts his eyes.
FATHER MENDOZA (50s) steps up to the gate.
MENDOZA
My friend. You found us again.
JERICHO
Yes, my friend. Indeed.
(beat)
And this time without a map.
They both laugh.
MENDOZA
Come on in.
EXT. MEXICO - ORPHANAGE - MOMENTS LATER
As they walk, the person under the shower head is Claire, now
standing outside of the shower in a towel.
She's on her cell phone.
CLAIRE
Yeah. No. She passed.
(beat)
Yeah. Thanks. Hey, put me on the
return flight in...
(to herself)
One, two, three, four...
(back to call)
... in like four days.
(beat)
Yeah. Thanks, Sam.
Jericho and Claire clock each other at the same moment.
This time, Jericho blushes. Claire doesn't, only chuckles.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Compassion in the Shadows
INT. MEXICO - ORPHANGE OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
A dimly lit, cluttered office, peeling plaster walls, adorned
with faded religious paintings, a crooked crucifix, stacks of
yellowed paperwork, rusted filing cabinets, a crowd the
space. A weathered wooden desk dominates the center, barely
room for a guest chair.
JERICHO
How many in the group?
MENDOZA
Thirteen from Denver, Colorado.
JERICHO
Oh... they sound nice.
MENDOZA
Yes, this is the third year we've
hosted them, our 3-day weekend
missionaries.
Jericho sees a fully-clothed Claire out the window.
MENDOZA (CONT'D)
Now, that one... she's full-time.
Jericho stares at her.
JERICHO
Who is she?
MENDOZA
Her name is Claire Constantine.
She's a medical missionary and she
flies solo.
JERICHO
Wow. What a heart.
MENDOZA
Yes. And that heart sat with one of
our toddlers for six days, up until
last night.
Jericho looks at his peer, but doesn't need to ask.
Mendoza simply shakes his head.
JERICHO
I hate how that happens.
MENDOZA
Anyway, she's headed out tomorrow
for a three-day stay at Monte
Chevez.
(shutters)
No.
JERICHO
Tough place?
MENDOZA
The toughest.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
A Brief Encounter
EXT. MEXICO - ORPHANAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Claire stands next to the 4Runner, collapsing the shower.
Jericho approaches.
JERICHO
That's quite a rig.
CLAIRE
Yes.
JERICHO
I'm Jericho.
CLAIRE
Like the walls are coming down,
kinda Jericho?
JERICHO
(fake chuckle)
Yes. Wow. Never heard that one
before.
CLAIRE
(chuckles)
I'm sorry. Couldn't help it.
Awkward pause.
JERICHO
Father Mendoza told me about the
challenging road ahead of you.
Claire seems disinterested, goes on with her things.
CLAIRE
Oh yeah?
JERICHO
Thought maybe I could pray for you.
That be okay?
CLAIRE
Nah. I'll pass. God knows where my
heart is at. But, thanks.
Claire looks him clean in the eyes, walks around the corner
of the 4Runner and out of sight.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Campfire Confessions
EXT. MEXICO - ORPHANAGE - NIGHT
A campfire in the middle plaza.
Mendoza and Jericho sit in clumsy lawn chairs. Jericho holds
four journal books.
JERICHO
(smiling)
And he says, "Absolution? I just
need a haircut."
They both laugh as Claire walks up.
CLAIRE
What'd I miss?
JERICHO
(still smiling)
Oh, nothing. Just some water cooler
office talk.
Claire clocks the journals.
CLAIRE
What are those?
Jericho lifts them up.
JERICHO
These?
(chuckles)
These are my prayer journals. You
wouldn't be interested.
Her look lingers.
CLAIRE
Yeah? Lemme see.
She puts her hand out.
Jericho thinks twice and then looks for a good year.
JERICHO
Ok. Let's see here... Yeah. Here's
a good one. I was 22.
He hands her the journal.
Claire is surprised.
CLAIRE
What? You kept this for so long?
JERICHO
Oh, I've got more... all the way
back to 14.
Claire winces.
CLAIRE
Weirdo.
She starts reading from page one and doesn't stop.
Jericho throws an awkward smile to Mendoza.
Mendoza struggles to stand up, not from any alcohol, from
age.
MENDOZA
Ok. That's it for me.
Claire's eyes never leave the page.
CLAIRE
Night.
MENDOZA
Good night.
JERICHO
Night.
Claire reads, flips ahead, then back to page one.
Jericho waits.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Urgent Revelations
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Down front stand Damien and Damilla.
SECTION 5 - ROW 1 - STATION 2
Glam watches Father Jericho (white collar square) and Claire.
GLAM
(to himself)
Oh, shit.
And like a flight attendant's call button, Glam hesitates,
looks, and pushes the little white button next to "Notice".
Immediately, Damien looks at Glam from down front.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - MOMENTS LATER
Glam points to his display as both Damien and Damilla look
on.
DAMIEN
That's...
GLAM
That's my guy.
(beat)
He's a priest.
DAMILLA
And there's our Claire.
DAMIEN
Looks like your new girl has her
work cut out for her.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - HALLWAY - DAY
A long hall.
FOUR OFFICIAL ESCORTS march down the hall with their single
party of one between them.
LILITH (60s), walks at her own pace, the escorts sync to her.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
The Arrival of Lilith
EXT. MEXICO - ORPHANAGE - NIGHT
Campfire still going.
Claire shutters from cold in the 80-degree night.
CLAIRE
Did you feel that?
Jericho shakes his head.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Damien and Damilla down front.
A PORTER (20s) approaches Damilla.
PORTER
She's here.
DAMILLA
Good.
The porter begins to retreat.
DAMILLA (CONT'D)
(to porter)
Hey!
Porter stops.
Damilla turns her laser gaze to a trembling Eunice in the
hotseat at 1:1:1.
DAMILLA (CONT'D)
And take that one with you.
Eunice shutters.
The porter and his helper, drag Eunice out by the arms, her
legs limp, drag behind her.
DAMIEN
(nonchalant)
Who's here?
DAMILLA
Lilith.
Just then the double-doors open and in walks Lilith.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Dominance in the Command Center
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - MOMENTS LATER
Lilith approaches.
DAMILLA
Welcome.
LILITH
Thank you. May I go?
DAMILLA
Certainly.
As Lilith walks away, the Porter tries to usher her to 1:1:1
and she simply pushes him out of the way.
LILITH
They don't call me if it's not
1:1:1.
She removes her jacket and sits like she owns the chair.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS
STATION1 - ROW 1 - STATION 1
Lilith observes Claire and Jericho in her digital display.
She looks Damilla's way and raises an eyebrow.
Damilla approaches.
LILITH
Who's he?
DAMILLA
A priest.
LILITH
Do we have his...
DAMILLA
Yes. Glam. He's there.
She points to Glam.
LILITH
He comes to me. I don't go to him.
DAMILLA
Yes. Of course.
Damilla makes a sign that Glam should come.
Glam approaches.
LILITH
Hey, Glambo.
(points to the display)
How long they been together?
GLAM
They just met.
Lilith thinks twice, stares at Glam with subtle contempt.
Glam stares back with overt defensiveness.
LILITH
They fuck yet?
GLAM
Excuse me?
LILITH
No. I don't think I will. You can
go.
Glam turns and leaves.
LILITH (CONT'D)
(to Damilla)
Four days.
DAMILLA
What.
LILITH
She will be hearing my voice and in
his arms in four days.
DAMILLA
(smiles)
Oh, I like your style.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Secrets by the Campfire
EXT. MEXICO - ORPHANAGE - CAMPFIRE - LATE NIGHT
The campfire dwindles.
Claire strains to read.
Jericho nods off.
CLAIRE
(abruptly)
What's up with Bingo?
Jericho comes to.
JERICHO
Sorry.
CLAIRE
Bingo. What's Bingo mean?
JERICHO
(clears his throat)
Um... Bingo is a game. Of course.
Uh... I think it was also the name
of a dog---
CLAIRE
You've written the word "Bingo" at
the end of your prayers, probably
120 times so far.
Jericho smiles.
JERICHO
Claire, I don't think I've ever
said the word Bingo in my entire
life.
They stare.
She hands his journal back.
CLAIRE
Must be somebody else.
(beat)
Night.
Jericho struggles to get on his feet on time. She's gone.
Jericho winces. Shrugs it off.
JERICHO
Night.
Jericho stuffs the journal back, in order, with the others
and walks away.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Tensions at the Airport
EXT. MEXICO - SMALL AIRPORT - MORNING
A a small, sun-baked Mexican airport, cracked tarmac, a
corrugated metal hangar, a battered pickup truck, a dirt road
leading in.
The control tower—a glorified shack with a crooked antenna—
casts a long shadow over two bored customs officers playing
cards under a faded "BIENVENIDOS" banner.
In the shade, Claire sits on one of two chairs, talking on
her cell phone.
CLAIRE
Yeah. Good. I survived.
(chuckle)
Ah, your so sweet. Thank you.
Better save that for your wife one
day.
Claire is distracted by a step side van in need of a new
muffler, pulls up, door slides open.
Jericho steps out. Instant recognition.
He smiles and points at Claire. She turns away.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Anyway, thanks for the heads-up. Go
ahead and tell the good folks of
Haiti that I am tied up.
Standing in front of her is Jericho, a bag over his shoulder.
Claire half covers the cell phone.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(to Jericho)
Gimme one sec. I'm just wrapping
up.
(back to call)
Ok, Sam?
(beat)
Awesome. Thanks.
JERICHO
What are the chances.
CLAIRE
Of getting out today... approaching
zero.
JERICHO
Orange County? What. Why?
Claire points all around.
CLAIRE
Orange County. Yes. No plane.
The step side van pulls away.
Claire dramatically motions to the available chair.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Care to join me?
(beat)
Neighbor.
Jericho surrenders, drops his bag, sits down, rickety.
JERICHO
How was Monte Chevez?
CLAIRE
Good, overall. Um... Three up, two
down.
JERICHO
Is that medical code.
CLAIRE
No. That's my own personal code.
(beat)
I increased the health condition of
three people and decreased the
health condition of two.
Jericho just stares.
Claire rolls one shoulder out of discomfort.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
A couple of them didn't understand
me when I used the word "no".
Jericho slowly shakes his head.
JERICHO
You are something else.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
SECTION 1 - ROW 1 - STATION 1
Lilith sees the two of them sitting at the tiny airport.
LILITH
(to herself)
Oh, yeah. Here we go.
Lilith looks around at the other agents.
LILITH (CONT'D)
(shouts)
Hey!
She points at HARK (mid-20s).
LILITH (CONT'D)
Is your guy the pilot on the
inbound plane?
HARK
Yes.
LILITH
(mocks)
Well, now. Is his wife is being
unfaithful at this very moment?
(nods)
Should he maybe go back home to
check on her?
Hark nods.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Flight Canceled: A Sudden Turn
EXT. MEXICO - SMALL AIRPORT - LATER
Jericho and Claire laugh.
CLAIRE
No. No. He was so tiny but he
wouldn't stop.
They laugh.
The AIRLINE REP comes outside, approaches them.
AIRLINE REP
Hi, excuse me. Our flight is
cancelled today.
JERICHO
No.
AIRLINE REP
Yes. I'm so sorry. The plane hasn't
left California.
JERICHO
Mechanical. It's always mechanical.
AIRLINE REP
No. We have no pilot.
The Airline Rep walks away.
CLAIRE
Well, that's different.
JERICHO
(to Airline Rep)
He's sick?
AIRLINE REP
No... He was arrested.
CLAIRE
Oh.
JERICHO
Drugs?
At the door, she turns back.
AIRLINE REP
No.
(beat)
Murder.
The blood drains from Jericho's face.
He slowly shakes his head.
EXT. MEXICO - SMALL AIRPORT - MOMENTS LATER
Claire stands up, grabs her bag.
CLAIRE
We better get goin' if we're gonna
get a room. I don't like Sleeping
in the street.
Jericho looks up, a bit surprised.
JERICHO
Um...
CLAIRE
Come on. Come on. I'm not in it for
your vestments.
(beat)
Now get up. Let's go.
Jericho scrambles.
JERICHO
Ok. Ok. Coming.
He catches up and they walk away.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Check-In Shenanigans
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL - DAY
The check-in area is disguise as the foyer of someone's home.
A SHORT MEXICAN WOMAN attends the front desk.
JERICHO
Can we get two---
CLAIRE
(in Spanish)
Please, ma'am. Can we get one room
with two beds please?
The woman stares at Jericho's white collar square.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Oh, no. No. I am his security.
She flexes her bicep.
SMALL MEXICAN WOMAN
(smiles)
Ok. Ok.
She turns.
CLAIRE
(to Jericho)
Cash. Give her $40.
JERICHO
I can give her more---
CLAIRE
No. No. $40. Any more and we'll
have Guido at our door.
Jericho stares at Claire.
JERICHO
We're making Italian references
now?
The woman returns with a key.
Claire nudges Jericho hard with her elbow.
Jericho produces the two 20's.
Claire takes the key.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Unwritten Terror
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
A dimly lit motel room, peeling wallpaper, a cracked mirror.
Jericho settles in on his bed, leans his back against the
wall. He's down to his black pants and a white undershirt.
The shower stops.
He grabs his journal, tagged 22.
The bathroom door opens.
Jericho covers his eyes with the journal.
A fully dressed Claire in clean clothes stands in the doorway
to the bathroom, a swab in her ear, stares at Jericho.
CLAIRE
Your eyes hurt?
Jericho looks out from behind the journal, smiles, lowers it.
JERICHO
Oh. Good.
She just smiles and stares.
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Jericho opens his journal.
CLAIRE
Keep your mouth closed.
Jericho, eyes on the pages of his journal.
JERICHO
Huh?
CLAIRE
When you shower, keep your mouth
closed.
No reply.
AN OMINOUS HUM
Jericho looks closely at the pages, and the words written so
many years ago.
INSERT: "Father, please, find it in Your heart to forgive
Allen. His desire got the best of him. Bingo."
Jericho zeroes in.
INSERT: "Bingo"
He rapidly turns the page. Another one. Again. Another one.
INSERT: "The brutality was not his first choice, but his
last. Bingo."
JERICHO
(unintentional)
Oh, my God.
He throws the journal on the bed.
Claire looks on without expression.
CLAIRE
What.
Jericho rifles through his bag. Another journal.
Pages. Same.
JERICHO
(intentionally)
Oh, my God!
Jericho trembles.
Claire comes to his side like a doctor.
CLAIRE
(gentle)
Hey, hey. It's okay. What is it?
Jericho looks at her in a daze.
JERICHO
(whisper)
I didn't write that.
CLAIRE
Okay. Okay.
Jericho pulls out the big gun, points to the journal, and
YELLS!
JERICHO
(YELLS)
GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN!
Claire recoils.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Tension and Reassurance
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Glam stands up at his station.
GLAM
I can't hear him! Hello. Help
please!
From across the room.
LILITH
Hey! Sit down. And shut up.
He does.
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Jericho is manic. Flips the pages.
JERICHO
Who did this?
Claire sits her butt down on the bed, and extends her calm
hand to his shoulder.
Jericho get's an unfamiliar jolt and recoils a bit.
CLAIRE
Hey, now. Come on. Look at me.
He does, slowly.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Whatever is happening write now,
there is a clear explanation for
it.
JERICHO
(whisper)
You were right.
(he points)
That's a lot of Bingo.
She nods.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I did not write those.
CLAIRE
I believe you.
JERICHO
(whisper)
At least not intentionally.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Unraveling Confusion
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Lilith has a puzzled look on her face.
LILITH
(to herself)
Bingo. What is Bingo?
Lilith stands and points at Glam.
LILITH (CONT'D)
Glambo!
Across the room, Glam stands, almost at attention.
LILITH (CONT'D)
How about: Is he losing his mind?
Is he crazy? Maybe he's unstable?
Unstable?
(beat)
Go! Do it!
Glam sits down.
Damilla approaches Lilith.
Lilith stands.
LILITH (CONT'D)
Let's go take a look.
They step down.
LILITH (CONT'D)
By the way, what is Bingo?
DAMILLA
Oh, stupid church game.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - MOMENTS LATER
SECTION 5 - ROW 1 - STATION 2
Glam is focused on his display, Jericho and Claire on the
bed.
Damilla and Lilith approach.
GLAM
(whisper)
Why are you saying these crazy
things? You're acting so weird in
front of this beautiful woman.
JERICHO
(on the display)
What is going on? Who wrote that?
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Confronting Shadows
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Claire leans in.
CLAIRE
I don't know what's going on. Why
don't you tell me?
Claire puts her hand on Jericho's leg.
Jericho get's an unfamiliar jolt and recoils a bit.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
It's okay. I'm here. It's all good.
JERICHO
(whisper)
Cover your ears.
She does.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
(YELLS)
GET THEE SATAN BEHIND ME!
Jericho quickly leans in to Claire. They are face to face.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
(whisper)
It only gives us a few seconds.
Claire looks like the unstable one.
CLAIRE
(whisper)
Hey. Yeah. This bible stuff is
starting to weird me out a little.
JERICHO
(whisper)
Hold that thought.
Claire buckles down again.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
(YELLS)
I RESIST YOU, EVIL ONE!
He folds back in.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Just remember. Any accusation. Any
escalation coming from me, ever, is
NOT me.
Jericho waits for her brave acknowledgement.
She stares at him.
Slowly a nod comes from Claire.
CLAIRE
(whisper)
Ok. But no spinning heads. Promise?
JERICHO
(smiles)
I promise.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Remote Manipulation
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
The heat standing just 10 feet away, Glam struggles and
stutters.
GLAM
Um...
DAMILLA
Try harder.
GLAM
(whisper)
Why are you doing this in front of
her? That's a total geek move, bro.
On the display, Jericho straightens up and adjusts his
vestments, tries not to look like a geek.
Lilith AND Damilla give Glam the rolling "Continue" hand
motion.
GLAM (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Big brave woman like that? How's
she gonna take a frightened mouse
like you? Fuckin' loser.
On the display, Jericho adjusts his shoulders and sits up.
More of the rolling "Continue" hand motion.
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Jericho sits up, more robust, stern, stable, even macho.
Claire looks at him.
CLAIRE
Your back hurt?
Jericho straightens — not tense, not relaxed, just like he's
done this before.
JERICHO
No. I’m good.
(realizes how he sounds)
I’m... good.
Claire studies him. Doesn’t blink.
CLAIRE
Say your loud thing again.
JERICHO
(confused, off-balance)
What? No. I’m fine. Why?
Claire YELLS!
CLAIRE
(YELLS)
GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN!
Claire leans in, has to pull Jericho in.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Are they making you do that?
JERICHO
Oh, no. Am I acting weird.
CLAIRE
Super.
JERICHO
I have to resist.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Unprofessional Distractions
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Damilla and Lilith look on. Pressure.
Glam thinks twice. Nods.
GLAM
I know something.
He leans into the mic, centimeters away.
GLAM (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Remember in high school? Gym class?
The day Sally Schultz didn't wear a
bra?
(beat)
Doesn't this one kind of remind you
of her?
In his monitor, Glam sees Jericho staring at Claires chest.
GLAM (CONT'D)
(out loud)
Bingo.
Damilla and Lilith clock it.
LILITH
Bingo?
(beat)
You fucking moron.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
The Compass and the Mirror
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - LATER
Jericho paces. Claire lies back on the bed.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
CLAIRE
Don't open it.
Jericho steps toward the door.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Hey! It's not just you in this
room. Don't risk my safety.
JERICHO
I'm just going to look who it is.
He steps up to the peep hole.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
It's just a little girl. No one
else.
Claire gets out of the bed and stands ready.
OMINOUS HUM
Jericho opens the door. There in the doorway she stands.
An OLD WOMAN (80s) stands there like a sage, in front of him.
Petite. Sturdy. Sun-beaten skin. Eyes ancient, alert. She
doesn’t speak.
Jericho doesn't speak. He can't.
The sage smiles and lifts her hands.
Jericho instinctually places his face in her hands.
OLD WOMAN
(in broken English)
Oh, joy. To touch the face of an
angel incarnate.
(beat)
I have waited a long time to hold
you in my hands.
Tears form in his eyes. His lip quivers.
OLD WOMAN (CONT'D)
(in perfect English)
You are not the Savior...
You are the Compass.
You are the Mirror...
You are Jericho.
Jericho whimpers in joy.
She releases her hands.
Jericho trembles.
She opens her hand, a small folded note, weathered and damp
with sweat inside.
She holds it out to him. She presses the note against his
chest. Gently. Reassuring. No more smile. No small talk.
She embraces the angel incarnate.
And then turns and walks away, the black night swallowing her
whole.
Jericho unfolds the note.
INSERT – THE NOTE:
You are not the Savior.
You are the Compass.
You are the Mirror.
You are Jericho.
He closes the door and turns back to Claire.
Claire is in a daze, her gaze zoned-out, non-responsive.
There are tears. One running down each side of her face.
JERICHO
Claire.
No reply.
CLAIRE
(drones quietly)
No true love.
(beat)
No true love.
JERICHO
CLAIRE!
She snaps out of it, looks at Jericho, shakes her head.
CLAIRE
(soft, stunned)
This life...
(beat)
This life is not worth living.
Almost in slow motion, Father Jericho Jenner steps forward,
arms open and embraces Claire, unabashedly, without
reservation. He holds her close.
JERICHO
(whispers in her ear)
That's not you. That's not you. Let
it go.
Claire's body comes to a rest, realizing that she is being
embraced.
She trembles and desperately embraces Jericho back.
CLAIRE
Oh, God. Oh, God. What the hell?
JERICHO
It's ok. You're ok. I'm here. I'm
here.
Claire whimpers, more than once. Holds him tighter.
CLAIRE
Thank you. Thank you. Just hold me.
They do. He does.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Lilith and Damilla stand back at her workstation, witnessing
Claire and Jericho embracing. Their smiles heavy.
DAMILLA
Well, I'll be damned.
LILITH
Yes.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Facing Deception Together
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - LATER
Jericho enters with a bag of groceries.
CLAIRE
Beer? Did you buy beer?
JERICHO
Yes. Yes. I bought Victoria.
CLAIRE
Great. Hand it over.
He sets the bag down on the table and brings two beers.
They sit on Claire's bed, face to face.
JERICHO
Cheers.
Claire ignores him and chugs a long healthy swig of beer.
CLAIRE
Whatever that was. Whatever
happened to me, standing there...
Jericho puts a hand on her knee.
JERICHO
We are going to get through this
together.
CLAIRE
Don't abandon me.
JERICHO
No. No.
They take a moment.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
The bible---
CLAIRE
Please---
JERICHO
No. No. Listen to me.
She focuses.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Scripture explains that Satan
deceives us by influencing our
thoughts, whispering lies.
CLAIRE
Oh, he succeeded tonight.
JERICHO
Yes. But, know this: outside of the
whispers, he doesn't have any
control over us.
CLAIRE
And...
JERICHO
What you and I experienced
tonight... no. Simply resisting.
One time. No. It's not enough.
Claire leans closer.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
We need to figure out a way to
resist him constantly, incessantly.
CLAIRE
That sounds exhausting.
JERICHO
Well... in the beginning. Sure. But
I think..
(beat)
... after a while, maybe, when he
realizes we're not listening...
CLAIRE
He might give up.
JERICHO
Maybe.
CLAIRE
What does the bible say about it?
JERICHO
The bible says "resist".
(beat)
(MORE)
JERICHO (CONT'D)
And that's what WE are going to
figure out... together.
Jericho waits for an answer.
CLAIRE
Ok.
(beat)
If it means never having to feel
that again.
(beat)
Ok.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Morning Revelations
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - MORNING
Jericho lies in bed, asleep.
Claire comes through the door with a plastic bag and
purposefully let's the door slam.
Jericho startles.
CLAIRE
(dramatic)
Uh oh. Look at that. Did I wake
you?
Jericho rubs his eyes (and other places), morning stretch.
JERICHO
(yawns)
No. No. I've been u.... Yes. Yes,
you did wake me. But that's a good
thing.
Claire laughs.
CLAIRE
Nice. Honesty. I like that.
Claire hands Jericho a whopping large breakfast burrito.
JERICHO
Thank you. Wow. You didn't have...
(beat)
I'm glad you did. I'm starving.
Claire answers her cell phone.
CLAIRE
Hi, Sam.
(beat)
No. No. I didn't. I'm still here.
(MORE)
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(beat)
No. No. That's okay. I don't know
how long I'll be here.
(beat)
Huh? Oh, just stuff. Anyway, I'll
call you when I know more.
(beat)
Yeah? Ok. Good. Thanks, Sam.
She winces briefly.
Claire laughs briefly again.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Ok. Where were we?
JERICHO
Me being transparent and honest.
CLAIRE
Yeah.
JERICHO
Ok. You try.
She hesitates.
CLAIRE
Um... Ok.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Doubt and Commitment
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Lilith sits perched on the edge of her hair, mouth a mere one
inch from the microphone.
LILITH
(whisper)
This is never going to work.
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Claire's look to Jericho does not look hopeful.
CLAIRE
I think I may have over-committed
last night.
JERICHO
Don't bail.
CLAIRE
We don't even know what we're
dealing with is real.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
LILITH
Bingo.
She catches herself.
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Jericho calms himself.
JERICHO
Spiritual warfare is real. I've
seen it my whole life.
CLAIRE
Yeah, but I haven't.
JERICHO
I think there is something here.
(beat)
And I am going to cash in on you
being stuck here with me for the
next eight hours.
CLAIRE
(nods)
I can do that. Okay.
JERICHO
Ok.
(takes a big bite)
What...
(chews, swallows)
What we should do is sit still and
share when those ugly thoughts come
in.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Glam inches toward his mic.
GLAM
She's gonna think you eat like a
pig.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Whispers of Vulnerability
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
CLAIRE
You first.
JERICHO
Good yes. How did you know? Ha.
(he swallows)
I heard one already.
Silence.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
"She's gonna think you eat like a
pig."
Claire laughs, shakes her head.
CLAIRE
No. I was thinking, "Good job,
Claire. He was hungry."
Jericho blinks. Breath caught. He can’t quite speak.
JERICHO
(murmured)
Okay. That...
(beat)
That feels like something else.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Glam stands up and looks at Lilith.
GLAM
Did you?
Lilith shakes her head — just once, calm, then returns her
gaze to the screen.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Uneasy Truths
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Jericho doesn't look satisfied.
JERICHO
Oh, great.
CLAIRE
What. That's good. Right?
(beat)
It proves that the voice lies, just
like you were saying last night.
Jericho thinks twice.
JERICHO
Yeah. That's true. What I heard in
my head was not true.
CLAIRE
A lie.
JERICHO
Ok. A lie. But I still feel it.
CLAIRE
Why? It's a LIE, bro. Um, Father.
Jericho rakes his shoulders back, like he was shaking off the
cold.
JERICHO
Whoa.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Glams workstation flickers.
GLAM
Hey.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
The Slapping Revelation
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Claire's expression looks slightly hopeful.
CLAIRE
What.
JERICHO
That... um.
Jericho starts making physical gestures. Hands, forearms,
whole arms, shoulders, neck, head.
CLAIRE
What. Tell me.
JERICHO
That little physical motion.
(beat)
There was something to that.
(beat)
Like relief.
Claire appears to be getting an ugly message.
CLAIRE
I got one.
She starts moving like Jericho.
They are both moving in parallel.
Claire makes a slap motion and stops.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Whoa!
Jericho stares.
JERICHO
Talk.
Claire thinks twice.
CLAIRE
That. Right there.
She demos.
JERICHO
That... the slapping.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Voices of Doubt
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Lilith smiles.
LILITH
(whisper)
You're being foolish.
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Claire straightens her shoulders.
CLAIRE
Yeah... Uh, here comes another one.
She makes a slapping motion.
JERICHO
And?
CLAIRE
No. Not the same.
JERICHO
What was the second voice?
Her gaze falls to the floor.
CLAIRE
That I am being foolish.
(beat)
My dad used to tell me that.
Jericho stares.
JERICHO
It's a lie.
Claire shrugs off his comfort.
CLAIRE
Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Jericho escalates.
JERICHO
It's a lie!
CLAIRE
Whatever!
JERICHO
(loud)
It's a fucking lie!
That really gets her attention.
Claire opens her palm in a motion to say "Stop."
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Lilith's display blacks out and then comes back on.
LILITH
What the hell.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
The Block Gesture
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - SAME
Claire grows a real smile.
CLAIRE
Okay... whoa.
JERICHO
Sorry. I didn't---
CLAIRE
No. You did. And it was...
(beat)
This is it.
She shows her flat palm up.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
It's like blocking a volleyball at
the net. Yes, I know. I'm tall. I
played volleyball.
JERICHO
Block.
CLAIRE
Yeah. Flat hand. Up high. Right
when it hits.
(beat)
Block.
(beat)
You. You.
JERICHO
Ok. Wait. I gotta...
Jericho waits.
CLAIRE
Come on.
JERICHO
No. Wait. I don't have so many....
(beat)
Uh. There's one.
CLAIRE
Do it.
Jericho extends his arm, raising his flat palm.
And he says it.
JERICHO
Block.
The air in the room lifts.
Claire rubs her forearms.
Jericho rubs the back of his neck.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Wow. That did make a difference.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Messages in the Mirror
INT. MEXICO – MOTEL ROOM – DAY
Sunlight leaks through the warped blinds, dust floats
Claire stands at the sink.
Jericho sits on the edge of the bed, notebook open, pen idle.
Claire perks up.
CLAIRE
I got one.
Jericho looks up immediately.
JERICHO
What is it?
CLAIRE
“That shit you're working on, It’s
not real.”
Jericho nods, processing.
JERICHO
Okay. Say it again.
CLAIRE
“It’s not real.”
Jericho closes his notebook.
JERICHO
All right. Ha!
(beat)
Let’s not argue with it.
(beat)
Let’s just... tag it.
Claire turns. Watches him.
CLAIRE
Tag it?
Jericho gestures toward the mirror over the desk.
JERICHO
Yeah, we should keep track.
Claire shrugs.
CLAIRE
Okay.
(beat)
Here... what I use for toe tags.
She grabs the grease pen from her bag, tosses it to him.
Jericho fumbles, catches it.
He stands. Approaches the mirror like it might flinch.
JERICHO
(hums three beats)
“She’s gonna think you eat like a
pig.”
He writes it on the mirror. The ink squeaks.
Claire watches the words appear.
CLAIRE
I’ve got another.
Jericho steps aside.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
“You’re being foolish.”
She takes the pen. Writes it beneath his.
They stand side by side, facing the mirror. Two adults. Two
reflections. One list beginning to form.
JERICHO
Huh.
CLAIRE
What.
JERICHO
Seeing it like that...
(beat)
It feels... small.
CLAIRE
Yeah.
(stares)
Like noise. Like bad graffiti.
Claire’s smile fades.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Whoa. Okay. That one was louder.
JERICHO
What did it say?
CLAIRE
“You don’t believe this because...”
(beat)
“you're not a believer."
Jericho takes the pen back.
JERICHO
Let’s put it up.
(beat)
AND... this isn't just for
believers.
They lock eyes.
CLAIRE
Oh, my God.
(beat)
Pain is not denominational.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Beneath the Surface
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - EVENING
The mirror is covered. The bathroom mirror is covered. The
curtains are open and half of the front window is covered.
Jericho lies back in his bed, black grease pen marks on his
hands, one on his face, a cold Victoria beer in his hand.
Claire a parallel of the same, tired, marks, Victoria beer in
hand.
JERICHO
I'll tell you one thing.
Claire waits anxiously for the next prophetic nugget.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
A guy could really learn to love
this beer.
CLAIRE
I know! Right?
(beat)
I was just thinking that.
They both laugh.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
We need an appendage.
(beat)
A suffix.
JERICHO
Oh, for "Block"?
CLAIRE
Yeah. You know. It's not just
"Myers". It's Myers-Brigs,
(beat)
Big Five, Clifton Strengths.
JERICHO
Yeah. Good.
(beat)
"Block Lies"
CLAIRE
Too literal. "Block..."
JERICHO
"Shock"
CLAIRE
No.
JERICHO
"Flock"
Claire stares at him.
CLAIRE
No. Think about it. I'm not just
going to block the next one. I'm
going to..."
JERICHO
Push it.
CLAIRE
Yes. Push it right back at them.
JERICHO
Yes! And they hit the floor! THUMP!
Claires face and smile fall.
CLAIRE
That's it.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Lilith watches them on her display.
She catches a glance from Damilla and with another raised
eyebrow, Damilla comes.
LILITH
I know it's over-cautionary, but
I'd like to nip this in the
proverbial bud.
Damilla thinks twice.
DAMILLA
Why don't we phase it in? You and
Glam throttle up. See if we can't
separate these two.
LILITH
Good.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Dreams and Misunderstandings
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - MORNING
Jericho in his bed. Claire in her bed.
BEGIN DREAM SEQUENCE
INT. LUXURY NEWPORT BEACH, CA HOME - KITCHEN - DAY
A sprawling, sun-drenched kitchen in an oceanfront mansion,
floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, panorama of the Pacific
Ocean, visible through the open white French doors, all-white
appliances topped with artisan copper pots, and a massive
marble island.
CHARLES CONSTANTINE (56), distinguished, stern, sits across
the marble from Claire.
CLAIRE
But that's where my heart lands.
CHARLES
(rage)
I don't care!
(beat)
You don't spend $459K on a fucking
education to become a MISSIONARY!
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - MORNING
Claire bolts upright, shock from the nightmare, heavy
breathing.
Jericho opens one eye.
JERICHO
You okay?
Claire catches her breath, dismisses.
CLAIRE
Yeah.
Claire, hand on heart.
Jericho comes up to rest his weight on an elbow.
JERICHO
Bad dream?
CLAIRE
No. It's ok. I'm fine.
Jericho lingers.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(irritated)
Stop.
JERICHO
Ok... I'm here if you want to
describe that one.
CLAIRE
No. It's not like that. This is an
old conversation... Ugh.
(beat)
Never mind.
A moment passes.
JERICHO
Last thing... There's a reason you
had that nightmare here and now.
Jericho rolls over.
CLAIRE
It's not about this.
Jericho keeps his back to Claire.
JERICHO
Ok. I know you have faith in what
we're doing.
Rage grows in Claire.
CLAIRE
(angry)
What the fuck did you just say?
Jericho comes back to the surface with a clueless look.
JERICHO
Huh?
CLAIRE
You JUST said that "It's not
working because I don't have faith
in God."
Jericho, wide-eyed, shakes his head.
JERICHO
No. No.
(beat)
He's doing it again.
(beat)
I said, "I know you have faith in
what we're doing."
They stare.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Block it.
CLAIRE
No... It's---
JERICHO
BLOCK and THUMP!
She does it, extends her flat palm straight out and up...
CLAIRE
BLOCK!
Dunks her flat palm down.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Thump.
They stare. They breathe.
Claire's posture comes down. Her breathing smooths. She
shakes her head.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
That's amazing.
Jericho gets a little excited.
JERICHO
It worked. Yes!
Jericho breaks down laughing through tears — the method is
working.
They both laugh.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Boundaries and Tensions
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Damilla stands over Lilith with a scowl.
DAMILLA
Do NOT make me pull Damien into
this!
She walks away.
Lilith takes a deep breath.
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Claire answers her cell phone with a smile.
CLAIRE
Hi, Sam.
Claire half covers the cell phone.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(to Jericho)
No... It's just my admin.
Jericho nods.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
No. We're still here. Yes.
(looks around the room)
It's not that small. We're only two
people.
Her demeanor wilts.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Whoa. Sam.
(beat)
Sam. Sam. Stop!
(beat)
You have been my admin for three
years now. Need I remind you that
our understanding is
Professional... not personal.
(beat)
Good.
Claire looks at the phone.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Huh.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Awakening Connection
INT. MEXICO - MOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jericho appears to sit in a daze.
Claire tries to reconnect.
CLAIRE
BLOCK/THUMP. Yes. Write it on the
mirror.
Jericho is slow to move.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
What.
Jericho looks at her.
JERICHO
I just...
(beat)
I just don't want this to turn
into... theater.
(beat)
I do too much of that already.
Claire flings the grease pen.
Jericho catches it, looks at her.
CLAIRE
Follow your heart, Padre.
Jericho stares at her like it was the first time. A smile
grows.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
A Moment of Grace
INT. CHURCH SANCTUARY – MORNING
A thousand candle flames flicker. The hall is hushed,
cavernous, oak pews groan with shifting weight. The air is
heavy with frankincense, curling in slow ghost-spins toward
the vaulted ceiling.
Sunlight through the stained glass shatters into jewels on
the floor.
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC begins.
The organ thunders.
And then, they enter: THE HOLY PARADE
CROSSBEARER leads the way — a thin boy in oversized vestments
gripping a gilded crucifix. The weight of it tilts with every
step.
Behind him, the INCENSE BEARER — solemn, swinging a metal
vessel on a silver chain, brass bowl hissing.
CANDLE ACOLYTES flank them — two girls carrying beeswax
tapers in ornate holders.
Next, the GOSPEL BOOK, raised high above the crowd.
Leatherbound. Gold-embossed. Carried like a treasure chest.
Then: a BELL BEARER — smaller than the rest. In his hands, a
brass bell with a braided blue cord. He appears nervous,
trying not to tremble.
Finally, FATHER JERICHO JENNER, in full liturgical armor.
Emerald and ivory vestments, embroidered with wheat and
thorns. A chasuble layered over alb and stole, trailing
behind him.
He walks like a man who’s done this a thousand times. But
today, something is off in his step, in his expression.
Claire sits three rows back from the front.
AT THE ALTAR
The music fades. Jericho bows low, kisses the marble. Turns.
The congregation rises, murmurs their rehearsed response.
The Mass begins.
The altar boy steps forward, raises the bell.
It trembles in his grip, a whisper of fear and then...
DING-DING.
Jericho kneels.
The ritual continues, solemn, exquisite, purely
choreographed.
The Altar Boy is shaken.
The next cue comes. He raises the bell again.
This time, it clanks awkwardly. Too hard. A fumble. A
discordant ring.
His face flushes, looks like he wants to vanish.
Jericho turns his head, just slightly, sees him.
In his eyes it's clear. Jericho sees himself, scared, trying,
caught in the machine.
Then Jericho... does something unthinkable.
He reaches below the altar, pulls out a cowbell.
Old. Rusted. Leather strap frayed. It doesn’t match the
decor. It doesn’t match anything.
He holds it up until the Altar Boy notices.
CLANK.
Jericho is not angry, not mocking, just honest.
The boy laughs uncontrollably, once.
The congregation stirs — confused.
The organist stops mid-hold.
Jericho gives the boy a grin and a nod.
And the boy lifts his bell again, this time with both hands,
steady.
DING-DING.
Perfect.
Jericho turns back to the altar, his breath catches, eyes
glisten. His voice caught in his throat.
CLANK. (One more time. Just for joy.)
And the Mass goes on, but the spell is broken.
The Altar Boy waits.
INT. CHURCH SANCTUARY - MOMENTS LATER
Jericho smiles at the Alter Boy.
JERICHO
Go ahead. Go sit down.
(claps)
Wasn't he great? Let's give him a
round of applause.
The congregation claps. The Altar Boy walks to the clergy
seats.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
When was the last time you saw a
cowbell in church?
A light rumble of laughter from the congregation.
Some look skeptical.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Glam has company. Damilla and Lilith.
DAMILLA
Hit him hard... And hit him where
it FUCKING HURTS!
Glam scrambles, leans into the mic.
A moment passes.
GLAM
(whisper)
You... are an imposter.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
The Deconstruction of Faith
INT. CHURCH SANCTUARY – ALTAR - SAME
Jericho holds his forehead.
JERICHO
Yeah... Me neither....
GLITCH
He looks at the congregation.
And then... he extends his arm, flat palm up.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
(to himself)
Block.
(palm down)
Thump.
Silence.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Well... did you ever ask yourself
why?
He looks at Claire.
HEARTBEAT
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I have.
(beat)
And recently...
(beat)
I've asked myself that same
question... a lot.
BISHOP BREWER (60s) enters and sits next to the alter boy.
He looks at his watch.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Now... trust me.
(beat)
I'm not talking about faith in God.
(beat)
I am simply talking about the
relationship between Religion...
and ritual.
A murmur grows.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Case in point.
He clicks the white plastic tab under his collar.
CLICK... CLICK.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
What in the Sam Hill is this?
He pulls it off...
Eyes in the congregation start shifting.
CLICK... CLICK.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
(surprised)
It's a piece of plastic!
The looks on faces, confused.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Not even spiritual plastic.
(beat)
Just... regular old... you know.
Office-supply plastic.
He flicks the collar tab away, between two fingers.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
And this...
He reaches behind his neck, peels off the embroidered
chasuble — the outer vestment — like it’s a hotel robe.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I mean... Come on. This is a dress.
Some laugh.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
We called it a “chasuble” to sound
mystical. Please.
He tosses it aside.
Brewer stiffens.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
And this?
He unclips the stole, lets it fall like a scarf.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Supposedly, that right there...
(points)
Yep. The “yoke of service.”
A woman gets physically uncomfortable in the front row.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Or... as it's called around the
office... around the water cooler,
a leash.
The cathedral is silent.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
The alb... long, white, pure.
Symbol of baptism.
(beat)
But do you know what it looks like
to me?
He grabs the hem and lifts it slightly.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Casper costume.
He steps out of it — still layered underneath — now more
exposed, more real.
Brewer blinks. Once. Hard. He pulls out the note from last
week.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
You know what they say about
modesty? It’s not about humility.
(beat)
It’s about camouflage. So we all
look the same.
Next comes the cincture — the rope around his waist.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
This rope?
(beat)
You know why it's tied so tight?
(beat)
So we don’t move too freely.
He unties it with flair. Lets it fall.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Turns out... the tighter it is
tied, the harder it is to breathe.
No laugh.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Even the shoes...
He kicks them off. One by one. Loud thumps. Socks still on —
for now.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Black leather. Hand-polished.
We were told to “walk in His
footsteps.”
(beat)
(MORE)
JERICHO (CONT'D)
But we forgot... His feet were
bare.
Silence.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
All of this... and that... and the
other.
(beat)
This is not God.
(beat)
All of this... is just ritual.
Religion as ritual.
(beat)
Ritual as religion.
Jericho sees Claire near the front. She sits still.
Unblinking. A hand slowly rises to her chest — not in shock,
but in reverence.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
God doesn't want ritual... He just
wants a relationship with you.
A moment passes.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
One thing I know for sure.
(beat)
God hates religion.
A gasp.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Go with God.
He turns and leaves.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
A New Beginning
INT. SACTUARY OFFICE - DAY
A dimly lit hallway, heavy oak doors, white linoleum, white
paint, slightly ajar, revealing a sliver of flickering
candlelight from the nave beyond. A massive crucifix at the
end of the hall.
Claire dares to explore.
Half way down the hallway, standing in the doorway of one of
the offices, is Bishop Brewer. He clocks her.
BREWER
Um. Can I help you miss?
Jericho in jeans, a t-shirt, and trainers on his feet, black
backpack over his shoulder, pokes his head out of the office.
Produces a smile. Both ways.
CLAIRE
I need him.
Awkward pause.
BREWER
Ok, then. Come on.
Brew mumbles something to Jericho before he peels off.
INT. SACTUARY OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Claire approaches Jericho, like she sees a stranger.
CLAIRE
You're dressed.
Jericho laughs.
JERICHO
Yes. It's amazing how quickly I can
get dressed into this.
Claire stares him down.
CLAIRE
You were magnificent out there.
JERICHO
Yeah?
CLAIRE
Yeah. You've got my vote.
Jericho smiles.
JERICHO
That's good.
(beat)
It's all I've got.
Silence.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I was just fired.
CLAIRE
Oh, thank God.
Jericho smiles again.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
What do you say we get out of here?
JERICHO
Yeah, I'd like that. Hungry?
CLAIRE
Always.
JERICHO
Good. I make a mean burger.
CLAIRE
Sounds perfect.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
First Kiss in the Sunlight
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - AFTERNOON
Claire approaches Jericho's car with a 12-pack of Victoria
beer.
JERICHO
A woman after my own heart.
CLAIRE
You'd be surprised.
INT. JERICHO'S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
A sun-drenched apartment in Irvine, California, modest living
space, half-drawn blinds, thrifted sofa, philosophy books,
walls—painted landlord-beige, IKEA dining table, small but
functional kitchenette.
Jericho and Claire step in.
Claire immediately peels off two cans. They crack them open.
JERICHO
To relationship.
CLAIRE
To BLOCK/THUMP.
They both chug in newfound freedom.
INT. JERICHO’S LIVING ROOM – SAME
A layer of laughter blankets the decor.
Claire and Jericho sit laughing on the floor in front of the
couch. Claire tries to talk and laugh at the same time.
CLAIRE
And then... you FLICK IT... across
the room.
JERICHO
It wasn't "across"--
CLAIRE
Yes it was!
She chugs the last of her beer.
Awkward silence.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(soft)
Are you glad... to be "BURP"...
(beat)
free?
Jericho cannot take his eyes off her.
JERICHO
Claire...
CLAIRE
I know. Me too.
Claire leans straight into him, lips first. And they fall all
the way.
They kiss. And then they talk over their kiss.
JERICHO
Oh my God.
CLAIRE
I know. Right? Amazing.
JERICHO
You're my first.
CLAIRE
First...
JERICHO
Kiss.
They fall out of frame.
Genres:
["Romance","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Whispers of Resistance
INT. JERICHO’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Jericho and Claire snuggle in blankets and sofa cushions.
CLAIRE
I have a thought.
JERICHO
Do share.
CLAIRE
(quietly)
They’re watching us right now,
aren’t they?
JERICHO
Yeah. Probably from three angles.
CLAIRE
Good. Let’s give them something
worth watching.
JERICHO
Um... What do you have in mind?
CLAIRE
We don’t combat the lie... by
hiding.
(beat)
We combat the lie by revealing it,
by making people aware of it.
Jericho sits up. His expression: something rang true.
JERICHO
Transparency.
CLAIRE
Yes.
JERICHO
The successes we've seen with
BLOCK/THUMP against the enemy.
(beat)
Our job is to broadcast that to the
masses... Wow.
CLAIRE
And along the way, the enemy reveal
their hand.
JERICHO
Yes. The more people who know, the
less effective the enemy.
CLAIRE
We show people the whispers. Out
loud. In writing. In groups.
(beat)
We teach them BLOCK/THUMP.
JERICHO
And we film it.
(beat)
Workshops. Interviews. Livestreams.
Tag the Protocol in every post.
YouTube, TikTok, X.
Claire leans in with a grin.
CLAIRE
Yes... They whisper.
(beat)
We whisper back.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Rise of BLOCK/THUMP
INT. JERICHO’S DINING ROOM – MORNING
The small dinette set is transformed into a two-person
workstation.
Jericho on his Dell notebook. Claire on her MacBook Pro.
CLAIRE
I booked a venue. The local
Community Center.
JERICHO
For...
CLAIRE
Our first BLOCK/THUMP seminar.
He smiles and shakes his head.
JERICHO
I love that.
CLAIRE
And... I got the domain. Ready?
Jericho nods.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
BlockThump.com
JERICHO
How did...
CLAIRE
Just did.
She smiles, hits RETURN.
INSERT: The domain flashes to life on her screen — blank,
clean, waiting.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
We need a tagline.
JERICHO
(sips coffee)
“You are not broken..."
CLAIRE
"You are being whispered to.”
Claire freezes.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
That’s it. That’s the whole thing.
She starts typing fast.
INSERT – CLAIRE'S SCREEN:
blockthump.com – You are not broken. You are being whispered
to.
START BLOCK/THUMP MONTAGE:
Jericho and Claire record a short video: “Have you ever had a
thought that didn’t feel like yours?”
Upload to YouTube / TikTok / X
“BLOCK/THUMP” starts trending — modest at first.
Viewers stitch responses. Comments explode: “I thought it was
just me.”
Cut to Lilith watching the video from inside the Protocol
Command Center — smile gone.
Agents scramble. The whispers increase. Monitors flicker.
Claire and Jericho's faces appear on multiple feeds.
Claire in a livestream:
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
These aren’t just thoughts. They’re
weapons.
Their email inbox starts flooding — real people reaching out:
“Can you teach this to my daughter?”
“Is this psychological warfare?”
“You saved me.”
"Does Ren know about this? He would LOVE this."
END MONTAGE.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Morning Conversations
INT. BEDROOM – EARLY MORNING
A soft, hazy light. Morning birdsong outside the window.
Claire lies in bed, eyes open, watching the sun rise.
She’s peaceful.
Jericho enters, two mugs in hand. Sets one on the nightstand.
JERICHO
(softly)
How'd you sleep?
Claire nods. Takes the mug.
CLAIRE
Good. No whisper nightmare.
She smiles. He smiles. They drink.
A soft KNOCK at the front door.
INT. JERICHO’S LIVING ROOM – SAME
Jericho opens the door.
A YOUNG BOY (9) stands there — big eyes, hoodie, notebook in
hand.
YOUNG BOY
Hi. I’m supposed to interview you.
For school.
He rolls his eyes.
Jericho looks at Claire. She shrugs, grinning.
CLAIRE
Well, come on in, sir.
The Young Boy walks in, sits on the floor. Opens his
notebook.
YOUNG BOY
Okay. First question.
(beat)
Why did you start BLOCK/THUMP?
Claire and Jericho look at each other.
Jericho sits beside the girl.
He takes a deep breath.
JERICHO
Because...
(beat)
One day, we realized...
the voice in our heads was lying to
us.
Claire joins them, sits. Puts her hand on Jericho’s.
CLAIRE
And we wanted to give people...
a way to talk back.
The girl scribbles. Nods.
YOUNG BOY
That’s really cool.
(beat)
My teacher says I talk too much.
Jericho leans in.
JERICHO
Maybe you were born to say
something important.
The Young Boy smiles.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Empowerment at the Market
EXT. SATURDAY MARKET – MORNING
Claire and Jericho stand behind a folding table.
The banner draped in front reads:
BLOCK/THUMP
“You are not broken. You are being whispered to.”
A stack of glossy four-color pamphlets.
JERICHO
Remind me again. What are we—
CLAIRE
Shut up and smile.
Jericho attempts it. Looks pained.
JERICHO
I look like a cult recruiter.
CLAIRE
You are recruiting. But not for a
cult.
A PASSING WOMAN grabs a flyer. Her eyes read the tagline:
FLYER TEXT:
“Have you ever had a thought that didn’t sound like you?”
The woman frowns. Drops it. Keeps walking.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(tight smile)
One down.
Jericho offers a pamphlet to a passing TEENAGER. They ghost
him.
JERICHO
(faux radio voice)
God is love. Also, try our new
product!
CLAIRE
Honey, breathe. We’re not selling
anything.
JERICHO
Exactly. That’s the problem.
(beat)
And I love that you called me
honey.
Claire smiles.
A small BOY grabs a pamphlet. His MOTHER snaps at him in
Spanish. They leave.
A TEENAGE GIRL (14), hoodie, headphones around her neck,
lingers by the booth. Reads the flyer again.
She looks directly at Claire.
TEEN GIRL
(small)
"You’re too much."
That’s the one I get.
(beat)
Fuckin' all the time.
Claire softens. Steps around the table.
CLAIRE
You know what I learned?
(beat)
It’s not your thought. But you feel
it, right?
The girl nods.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Let’s try something.
She pulls up her sleeve.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
When you hear those... whispers.
(beat)
Just...
Claire extends her arm, palm flat, upward.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
BLOCK.
The girl mimics Claire.
TEEN GIRL
Block.
CLAIRE
This is you visually "blocking" or
"resisting" that intrusive thought.
TEEN GIRL
Okay.
CLAIRE
And THUMP.
Claires palm goes downward.
TEEN GIRL
Thump.
CLAIRE
That's you "rejecting" the sender.
The Teen Girl pauses, arm still extended.
TEEN GIRL
Who is the sender.
Claire thinks twice.
CLAIRE
Satan.
The Teen Girl swallows. Her palm goes down.
TEEN GIRL
Thump that Bitch!
Claire smiles.
CLAIRE
You're awesome.
TEEN GIRL
No. You...
(beat)
You are awesome. Thanks.
She walks away.
CLAIRE
Thank you.
She turns to Jericho ELATED!
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Oh my God!
Jericho proud smile.
JERICHO
You did it! That was incredible.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological","Inspirational"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Empathy at the Market
EXT. SATURDAY MARKET – LATER
A small cluster of people read pamphlets in front of the
table.
A COLLEGE AGE MALE in a starter jacket stands with a COUPLE
OF HIS BUDDIES, no pamphlet, unimpressed.
COLLEGE AGE MALE
(to Jericho)
What is this? Some kind of mind
trick?
Jericho hesitates.
JERICHO
Um. No. Actually it's a method that
we've proven to battle...
(beat)
Intrusive thoughts.
The College Age Male stares back, blank.
COLLEGE AGE MALE
Huh?
Jericho jumps back on.
JERICHO
What's the one negative tape that
plays in your head?
The College Age Male thinks twice.
COLLEGE AGE MALE
No.
(looks to the ground)
That..
JERICHO
Just say it.
The College Age Male shakes his head.
It takes him a second or two.
COLLEGE AGE MALE
(timid)
Worthless.
Silence.
JERICHO
Does that sound like something you
would say about anyone else?
COLLEGE AGE MALE
No. Of course not.
JERICHO
It's not you.
(beat)
That voice.
(beat)
That's a whisper from somewhere
else.
Jericho hands him a pamphlet.
He takes it, nods.
COLLEGE AGE MALE
Thanks.
They walk away.
Jericho watches.
A beat later, the College Age Male looks back, nods,
continues on.
Claire give Jericho a loving smile and a head shake. Amazing.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological","Intrigue"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Tension at the Market
EXT. SATURDAY MARKET – LATER
Jericho surfaces from a conversation with Claire, drink in
hand, relaxed — and freezes.
Standing at the table, reading a pamphlet, is BISHOP BREWER.
Plainclothes. Calm. Unsmiling.
Jericho flinches.
JERICHO
Bishop Brewer.
BREWER
You seem to be busy already.
Jericho nods once, slow. No smile.
JERICHO
I didn’t know you followed us
online.
BREWER
(smiles, faintly)
I didn’t. A donor flagged it.
Claire steps forward, guarded but polite.
CLAIRE
Can we help you?
Brewer’s eyes flick between them. He holds up the pamphlet.
BREWER
"You're not broken. You're being
whispered to."
(beat)
Catchy.
JERICHO
It’s... proving effective.
BREWER
That’s the part that worries me.
(beat)
Mind if I hang around for a bit?
JERICHO
It’s a free market.
BREWER
(smirking)
Is it?
He walks away — not far. Just far enough to observe.
Claire and Jericho share a look. She raises an eyebrow.
JERICHO
That’s not a good sign.
CLAIRE
Maybe not... But it is a sign.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Tensions Rise in the Command Center
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - DAY
SECTION 1 - ROW 1 - STATION 1
Lilith clock Damilla.
DAMILLA
What now?
LILITH
They are building.
DAMILLA
It's time I brought Damien into
this fight.
INT. JERICHO’S DINING ROOM – DAY
JERICHO
One thing for sure, they're going
to up the ante now.
CLAIRE
Good.
(beat)
Let's up the ante right back at
them.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - DAY
It's cold. Colder than normal. The puff of breath visible
from every face.
Down front, Damilla waits, no puff.
Enter Damien. Steady. Walking. Still. An anchor.
Damilla steadies herself.
DAMIEN
What.
Damilla thinks twice.
DAMILLA
We need---
DAMIEN
We?
(beat)
You mean you.
Beat.
DAMILLA
Let's not make this about us. The
Black Protocol has a challenge it
can no longer ignore.
A moment passes.
DAMIEN
Show me.
Damilla turns to Section 1 - Row 1 - Station 1.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Fractured Trust
INT. JERICHO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Lights are off. Laptop lid closed. Two beers, unopened, sweat
rings on the table.
Claire stands near the balcony window. Jericho reads an email
on his phone.
CLAIRE
We got 12,000 new followers in the
last 90 minutes.
Jericho doesn’t respond.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
You okay?
He shows her the screen.
INSERT – EMAIL (ON PHONE)
“Subject: Urgent. Claire Constantine. Arrest Record – Monte
Chevez Hospital Incident.”
Claire’s face drops.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
What is this?
JERICHO
I don’t know. Some blog. But it’s
viral. And it’s... detailed.
CLAIRE
There’s nothing to tell.
JERICHO
That’s not what this says.
CLAIRE
What the fuck are you implying?
JERICHO
I’m not. I’m trying to help—
CLAIRE
No. You’re looking at me like you
don’t know me.
Jericho steps closer.
JERICHO
Claire... what happened at Monte
Chevez?
CLAIRE
(tight)
What always happens. A woman said
no. A man didn’t listen.
JERICHO
(slowly)
But there’s a rumor that you killed
him.
Beat. Claire backs away, stunned.
CLAIRE
You think I’m capable of that?
Silence.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Say it.
Jericho stares. Too long.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Wow.
She grabs her keys. Turns to the door.
OMINOUS HUM.
JERICHO
Claire—wait. Don't listen to it.
Claire spins.
CLAIRE
Oh, don’t worry, Padre. I hear
everything. The whispers love me
now.
JERICHO
It’s not real. It's them!
Her hands tremble. Eyes glassy.
CLAIRE
But what if it is real?
(beat)
What if I’m the lie?
The OMINOUS HUM escalates. Lights flicker slightly. Jericho
steps forward.
JERICHO
Block. And—THUMP.
CLAIRE
(screaming)
It doesn’t fucking work right now!
She storms out.
Jericho slams his fist on the table. Alone. Shaking.
JERICHO
You're such an IDIOT!
CUT TO:
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER – SAME
Damien and Damilla observe.
DAMIEN
There you go.
(beat)
He cracked. She cracked.
(beat)
Done.
DAMILLA
Nice.
They turn to Lilith, smug.
DAMIEN
Can you do that?
(beat)
Fracture a soul without laying a
finger?
LILITH
(nods once)
Respect.
Damien slowly walks away.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
The Watchful Eye
INT. JERICHO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Jericho sits alone. Dim room. Shadows more than light.
The apartment is still. Claire is gone.
He breathes heavily. Then steadies. Then reaches into his
drawer.
Pulls out the old journal — the same one. The “Bingo”
journal. Weathered now. Familiar.
He opens to a random page.
There it is again.
Bingo.
He smiles. But not out of madness.
Out of knowing.
He takes a black Sharpie.
And circles it.
BINGO.
Another page.
Bingo.
Another.
He starts to circle each one. Not erase. Not fight.
Just… witness.
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER – SAME
GLAM watches the screen. Jericho circling something.
Zooms in.
GLAM
What the hell is he doing?
INT. JERICHO’S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS
He flips page after page. Circles every single Bingo.
Sometimes multiple on a page.
He’s cataloging. Documenting. Almost reverent.
Jericho whispers aloud:
JERICHO
You leave a fingerprint in every
attack.
(beat)
And now... I see your fingerprint.
Suddenly, the entire journal flickers in his hand — like it's
glitching. A visual tremor. Not from him.
The words themselves shimmer. Briefly.
Then stabilize.
Jericho doesn’t flinch.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I know you're watching.
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER – SAME
Lilith sees Jericho look directly at the camera. At them.
LILITH
What...?
GLAM
He’s looking at me.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Defiance and Disturbance
INT. JERICHO’S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS
In his journal he draws a line across the page, closes it
with a SLAM.
Jericho grips the journal, holds it up, looks up at nothing.
JERICHO
I know what Bingo is now.
You mark your success with it.
(beat)
But here’s the thing, asshole....
You always come too late.
(beat)
I survived every single one of
them.
He flips them off, first time in his life.
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER – SAME
The monitors around the room flicker. Briefly. A soft power
pulse.
Agents start to notice.
Damien reenters, stops in his tracks.
DAMIEN
Why are we surging?
DAMILLA
(stiffly)
Because... something’s wrong.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Reconciliation at Midnight
INT. JERICHO’S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS
Jericho opens a new, blank notebook.
INSERT JERICHO WRTING IN THE JOURNAL:
He titles it: BLOCK/THUMP: Field Notes
And begins to write.
INT. JERICHO’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Jericho sits on the sofa, writing in the fresh journal.
The door handle jiggles. It's locked. She's locked out.
Jericho springs to his feet, unlocks the door. The door comes
open.
And instantly Claire spills into an embrace with Jericho.
Kisses, hugs, words.
CLAIRE
I'm sorry.
JERICHO
No. No. My fault. I should have
known it was them.
CLAIRE
Yes, you should have. We BOTH...
JERICHO
Never again. I know now.
(beat)
I know where your heart is.
They kiss, embrace.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Nervous Anticipation
EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER – NIGHT
A typical brick building, a municipality, a simple community
center.
People park their cars. People gather at the entrance. People
come in and sit in folding chairs. People wait.
Four familiar faces from the opening appear.
CLOSE on one woman, a HOUSEWIFE (40s).
CLOSE on a MALE COLLEGE STUDENT (20s).
CLOSE on an OVERWEIGHT HUSBAND (30s).
CLOSE on an EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRL and her MOTHER (30).
They stand outside the doors.
The doors open and they all enter.
EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER - CONTINUOUS
Claire and Jericho are the last to linger, stand just outside
the front door.
Claire grabs Jericho’s hand.
CLAIRE
Oh, crap. I'm nervous.
JERICHO
That's normal.
(beat)
You're going to do great.
Jericho looks in her eyes.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I love you.
CLAIRE
(emotional)
I love you, Jericho.
They separate and turn to go.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Block-Thump Night: Empowerment and Intrigue
INT. COMMUNITY HALL – NIGHT
Foldout chairs. Brick walls. A simple projector screen.
A hand-painted sign above the podium reads:
BLOCK–THUMP NIGHT: TAKE BACK YOUR MIND
Packed house. Standing room only. Teenagers. Housewives.
Husbands. Retirees. College Students. Veterans. Fathers and
Sons. Mothers and Daughters.
At the back, Jericho adjusts the mic.
Claire tests the clicker.
INT. COMMUNITY HALL – MOMENTS LATER
Claire steps up first.
CLAIRE
Thank you all for being here. We
know some of you came out of
curiosity, some came scared. And
some came just to say hi.
She nods to Jericho. He joins her.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
What Jericho and I have learned is
that the Intrusive Thoughts we hear
in our minds, those are whispers.
Murmurs ripple.
JERICHO
And those whispers are from one
source.
CLAIRE
And the whispers are real.
JERICHO
And they’re not metaphorical. They
are designed and custom made...
just for you.
CLAIRE
We've developed a personal method
to help combat the impact of those
whispers. And it's called
BLOCK/THUMP.
Jericho smiles.
JERICHO
And yes. We know. It's looks corny,
make you feel embarrassed, and
awkward. But after the third time.
You're going to want to do it.
Claire raises her arm — like she’s pushing a thought across a
dinner table.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
The method is simple. You block the
whisper, let it roll across an
imaginary table, fall of the back,
and THUMP on the floor.
The audience laughs. But it’s not humor. It’s relief.
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL OPS CENTER – SAME
Damien watches the livestream, turns to KENNEDY (23) male.
DAMIEN
Give him one last nudge.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
From Celebration to Chaos
INT. COMMUNITY HALL – LATER
Applause. Standing ovation. People approach the couple.
Claire gets pulled away.
There's a small merch table with a stack of printed handouts:
“BLOCK–THUMP: The Awareness Method”
“You are not broken. You are being whispered to.”
Claire signs a copy for a teenage boy.
A woman hugs Jericho.
WOMAN
My daughter told me about you guys.
JERICHO
Claire! CLAIRE!
INT. COMMUNITY HALL – STAGE AREA – SAME
Claire addresses the final lingering attendees.
A door creaks open.
CLAIRE
We’ll be doing a smaller workshop
next week. Bring a friend.
SAM (22), Claire's Admin stands silent, stares at Claire.
Claire sees him, appears delighted.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Sam! You made it!
Sam, no expression.
JERICHO (O.S.)
CLAIRE GET DOWN! NOW!
Sam aims the handgun straight at Claire.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
NO!
BANG!
Jericho lunges, to shield her.
Claire stumbles back.
Glass shatters behind her.
Blood splatters the back wall.
Screams. Chaos.
Claire drops.
Sam turns the handgun on himself.
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Tension in the Shadows
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL OPS CENTER – SAME
Damien looks on a live fed of the Community Center.
DAMIEN
There it is.
He stands.
DAMIEN (CONT'D)
Kill the ritual. Save the machine.
FADE TO BLACK.
A moment passes
BEEP... BEEP... BEEP...
INT. HOSPITAL – ICU – NIGHT
A sterile, humming stillness.
Machines breathe for someone who cannot. A heart monitor
ticks out a fragile rhythm.
Claire lies in the hospital bed. Intubated. Pale. A long
bandage wraps her neck and shoulder. Dried blood stains the
edge of the sheet.
She looks impossibly small.
JERICHO stands at the foot of the bed. Motionless.
Hands clenched so tightly his knuckles are white.
OMINOUS HUM creeps in — low, patient.
Jericho whispers to Claire.
JERICHO
(whisper)
Hey.
No response.
He steps closer. Takes her hand. Cold. Heavy.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I’m here, beautiful.
I’m not going anywhere.
The monitor STUTTERS slightly.
HUM grows louder.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Defiance in the Dark
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER – SAME
In the aisle at Glam's workstation: Damilla, Lilith, and
Glam.
Damien sits at Glam's workstation.
On his display is Jericho sitting at Claire's bedside.
DAMIEN
(whisper)
Who's the asshole now?
Jericho flinches — but doesn’t move away.
DAMIEN (CONT'D)
(whisper)
This is your fault.
Jericho flinches again.
DAMIEN (CONT'D)
(whisper)
If you hadn’t filled her head with
all that nonsense...
(beat)
She’d still be whole right now.
On the display, Jericho closes his eyes, breathes.
JERICHO
(loud)
Block... Thump!
He raises his palm — but it trembles.
DAMIEN
(whisper)
Say it.
(beat)
Say you failed her.
Jericho’s hand falters.
INT. HOSPITAL – ICU – NIGHT
Jericho, hand still extended, looks at Claire. Really looks.
He ignores the movement. Ignores the monitors.
Her looks only at her face. Peaceful. Alive. Still here.
JERICHO
(quiet)
No...
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS
Damien is just centimeters from the mic.
DAMIEN
You can't continue without her.
On the display Jericho nods, like surrender.
JERICHO
You’re right.
INT. HOSPITAL – ICU - CONTINUOUS
HUM pauses — confused.
JERICHO
I can't continue without her.
He lowers his palm.
Slowly, he places his hand gently over Claire’s heart, looks
directly at camera.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I continue WITH her.
(beat)
Asshole!
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS
Damien wide-eyed.
And then... Glams workstation blacks out and dies.
DAMIEN
What the hell.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
A Whisper of Hope
INT. HOSPITAL – ICU - MOMENTS LATER
Jericho leans in close to Claire, forehead touching hers.
JERICHO
(gentle)
Claire... if you can hear me...
(beat)
You don’t have to fight right now.
I’ve got you.
The heart monitor steadies.
BEEP... BEEP... BEEP...
JERICHO (CONT'D)
You taught me something.
(beat)
Come back...
(beat)
Come back to what is not a lie.
Tears finally fall — not explosive, but earned.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
So here’s the truth.
He swallows.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
I was scared.
I still am.
And I’d do it again.
Jericho seems to hear something, another interfering whisper.
Jericho lifts his palm again. BLOCK/THUMP
This time — calm. Certain.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Block.
He brings his hand down — gentle, definitive.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
Thump.
HUM stops.
Silence.
Jericho exhales. A long one.
The heart monitor remains steady.
BEEP... BEEP... BEEP...
A NURSE (40s) appears quietly in the doorway. Observing. Soft
smile.
NURSE
She’s stable now... You can stay.
Jericho nods. Doesn’t look away from Claire.
He pulls a chair close. Sits. Still holds her hand.
JERICHO
(soft)
When you wake up... I’ll be right
here.
(beat)
And when the whispers come back...
He smiles through tears.
JERICHO (CONT'D)
We’ll deal with them together.
A closer look at Claire's fingers.
A tiny movement. Almost imperceptible.
Her fingers curl.
FADE TO BLACK.
A moment passes.
SUPER: SIX MONTHS LATER
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
A Voice of Courage
INT. STUDIO SET – NIGHT
Iconic blue-gold lighting. Minimalist chairs. Two glasses of
water on a table.
Claire and Jericho sit across from a seasoned HOST (50s),
composed, gracious, with a voice that has anchored truth for
decades.
HOST
What spawned from an unconventional
act of rebellion inside a Catholic
Church has become nothing short of
a movement.
The host turns to the couple.
HOST (CONT'D)
Jericho Jenner. Claire Jenner. I
enjoyed having you both here. I
hope you'll come back.
Claire nods. Jericho breathes in deeply.
HOST (CONT'D)
Any last thoughts?
Jericho leans forward.
JERICHO
One thing for sure... they---
Claire gestures for a pen, writes on a card.
INSERT – CARD: I want to try.
She takes the mic.
Her lips part.
Silence.
Then—
A whisper.
CLAIRE
(broken whisper)
That voice in your head...
She coughs, looks to camera.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(broken whisper)
... that says you are not good
enough...
(struggles)
That's not your voice.
HOST closes a folder.
HOST
Mr. And Mrs. Jenner... thank you.
Jericho and Claire nod.
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Morning Reflections
INT. JERICHO’S APARTMENT – SUNDAY MORNING
IN THE BEDROOM
Sunlight leaks through half-closed blinds.
In the bed, Claire sleeps on her side. The sheet has slipped
low, revealing the long curve of her bare back.
Peaceful. Warm. And alive.
INT. JERICHO’S LIVING ROOM – SAME
Jericho sits on the couch, laptop open. A hard-cover book
rests on his legs.
He finishes typing.
ON SCREEN:
Honestly, the book's success can only be attributed to my
wife, Claire.
Thank you for your kindness.
Jericho
He clicks SEND.
He lifts the book and places it on the coffee table, face-up,
stands giddy as a teenager, jogs quietly to the bedroom.
A closer look at the book.
INSERT – BOOK COVER:
“Dare Not Dance with the Devil”
A reflection on THE BLACK PROTOCOL
Written by Jericho Jenner"
The bedroom door slams shut.
FADE TO BLACK.
SOUND OF CHILDREN LAUGHING
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Romance"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Empowering Voices: BLOCK/THUMP Technique
EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER – DAY
SARAH (early 20s) demonstrates BLOCK/THUMP to a group of
kids.
SARAH
Okay. So what do we do when an ugly
whisper comes?
A YOUNG BOY raises a hand.
SMALL BOY
You BLOCK.
Then you THUMP.
He does the move. Pushes his hand out, the whisper rolls
across the table, and falls to the ground. THUMP.
SARAH
(smiles)
Yes. That's it. Let’s all try it.
(MORE)
SARAH (CONT'D)
Ready?
(whispers)
“You’re worthless.”
ALL THE KIDS
BLOCK... THUMP.
SARAH
(whispers)
“Nobody loves you.”
ALL THE KIDS
BLOCK... THUMP!
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological","Instructional"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
The Glitch of Defiance
INT. BLACK PROTOCOL OPERATIONS CENTER - NIGHT
SECTION 1 - ROW 1 - STATION 1
DAMILLA stands over the shoulder of LILITH.
LILITH
(whispers)
Maybe you caused that?
On her display is the EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRL, sits on the edge
of her bed, holding a stuffed bear.
SOUND OF MOM AND DAD FIGHTING ABOUT HER - OFFSCREEN
She twitches.
A moment passes.
And then turns slowly directly to Camera.
Her eyes stare straight through the screen,
through the Operations Center,
through the lie.
She lifts her arm, palm up.
LITTLE GIRL
(firm)
BLOCK...
(small smile)
...and THUMP.
Empty air. But something breaks.
INT. THE BLACK PROTOCOL COMMAND CENTER - SAME
Lilith's monitor glitches.
Lilith flinches.
LILITH
Holy shit.
MUSIC CUE: "Don't Dream it's Over" by Crowded House.
Damilla throws a violent hissy fit.
DAMILLA
(LOUD)
DAMN IT!
Lilith's display glitches harder.
FADE OUT.
THE END