Season 1 | Episode 5 | Never Kill a Boy on the First Date

Buffy World is an unofficial Buffy the Vampire Slayer fansite. (I mean, we feel pretty official, but you know… LAWYERS!)

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER characters and related dramatic works are property of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. This transcript is intended to be used for criticism, comment, and research purposes. The transcript may depict certain copyrighted work that was not specifically authorized to be used by the copyrighted holder, but which we believe in good faith are protected by federal law and the fair use doctrine for one or more of the reasons noted above. So, go on… do some work and make the world a more interesting place! (non-commercially of course!)

Episode Summary

In the middle of a late-night sparring session at the cemetery, Buffy and Giles discover a ring with a mysterious engraving in it. The scene shifts to the Master Vampire’s lair, where the Master explains that the Anointed One — the Master’s greatest warrior and the Slayer’s greatest foe is due to rise from the ashes of five dead.

The next day, Buffy is asked out by a handsome, poetry-loving classmate named Owen who she is smitten with. Buffy’s good mood is spoiled by Giles, who’s connected the engraving in the ring to a violent prophecy which is about to be fulfilled… that night.

Buffy very reluctantly joins Giles at the cemetery, but nothing happens there. Meanwhile, an airport van crashes and although the five passengers — including a burly, tattooed man who’s been ranting incoherently — survive the wreck, they die when the van is overtaken by vampires. 

The next day, Owen and Buffy decide to try again, much to Giles’ (and a very jealous Xander’s) chagrin. 

As Buffy prepares for her date, Giles comes over with the news: five people were killed the night before, just as the prophecy described, and one of them — the tattooed man — was wanted for murder. This leads Giles to believe that he is the Anointed one.

Buffy insists ongoing on to the Bronze with Owen, but Willow and Xander agree to go along with Giles to the Sunnydale Funeral Home so he can check the bodies for clues. Giles is greeted by vampires, and though Willow and Xander try to help him, they realize this is Buffy’s domain. They run off to the Bronze to fetch her, but she’s already hooked up with Owen. 

Unable to blurt out their news, they merrily suggest to Buffy a jaunt to the funeral home. Once they get there, they’re shocked to find Owen has followed them. As Buffy looks around for clues, the tattooed man — now a vampire — arises from a gurney and tears the place apart.

Buffy kicks him, knocking him on a gurney, which hits the cremation oven and slides him right in. The next day, Owen is pumped up about the previous night’s adventures and can’t wait for the next date. Realizing she almost got him killed, Buffy reluctantly gives him the “let’s be friends” speech.

Giles commends her on her maturity, and reminds her that she did prevent a disaster. But all is not resolved. We see the Master in his lair, welcoming the Anointed one: it is an eight-year-old boy from the van accident, who smiles to reveal a mouth full of fangs.

Shooting Script

FADE IN:
EXT. CEMETERY – NIGHT
CLOSE ON: A VAMPIRE’S FACE
Snarling in full attach mode: vicious, angry, bloodthirsty.
A CONVERSE-CLAD FOOT SMASHES squarely on the vampire’s face, knocking him back in a daze.
ANGLE: BUFFY
She leaps into the air, grabs on to the branch of a tree, and swings up and over, kicking the vampire away. She drops down, breaks a smaller branch off the tree, and uses the sharp end to kill the vampire.
ANOTHER VAMPIRE tries to run away. Buffy does a triple-backwards-somersault and lands
right in front of him.
BUFFY
I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.
I’m Buffy, and you are —
In a flash, she grabs a stake from her belt and plunges it into the vampire’s heart.
BUFFY
–history.
She puts her hands on her hips and surveys the carnage. She smiles, satisfied. Her job is
done.
Then, from off-screen:
GILES (O.C.)
Poor technique. Prioritization, sub-par.
Buffy’s smile fades as GILES pops up from behind a tombstone. He is holding a notebook,
checking things off.
GILES
Execution was adequate, but a bit too bloody for my taste.
BUFFY
Oh, Giles, don’t mention it. It was my pleasure to make
the world safe for humanity again.
GILES
I’m not saying your methods are without merit,
but you’re expending far too much time and energy.
(demonstrating)
It should simply be ‘plunge’ and move on; ‘plunge’ and move on.

BUFFY
If it’s that easy, why weren’t you doing it. Oh, that’s right.
You were busy cowering behind a tombstone.
GILES
This isn’t about me, it’s about you.
It is about how there are traditions that a slayer needs to follow.
BUFFY
Tradition is yesterday’s news. I’m an improv gal.
How about when I offed the first couple of V’s with a single stake?
It was, ‘Slay one, kill one free.’
GILES
Ah, yes. Showing off. Yet another example of
how you’re not going by the book.
BUFFY
The book. You mean that old dusty thing that’s
been out of print for two thousand years?
GILES
The old ways have much to teach us.
If you insist on ignoring the fundamentals handed down
through history, you could find yourself in serious danger.
Buffy turns away, indicating her field of victory.
BUFFY
Gee, perhaps we should review what happened here.
Let’s start with ‘I killed them all.’
ANGLE: GILES
A VAMPIRE is right behind him.
Buffy turns around, sees the vampire, FIRES A STAKE at it.
Giles watches in horror as the stake zooms toward him, then grazes past, hitting the vampire directly in the heart.
BUFFY
Any questions?
BLACKOUT.
Act One
FADE IN:
INT. CHURCH ALTAR
In the darkness, TWO FIGURES approach the altar and kneel.
ANGLE: FROM BEHIND
TILT UP to REVEAL they kneel before a lifesize portrait of the Master, who towers above in all his glorious darkness.
ANGLE: THE TWO KNEELING FIGURES
Their heads are bowed in reverence.
MASTER (O.C.)
Raise your eyes to your Master.
The kneelers look up and WE SEE they are VAMPIRES.
ANGLE: THE PORTRAIT
The Master’s image appears to shift as if coming alive. The form pushes out, emanating towards us. The Master dissolves out of the canvas in a shroud of flowing garments and floats to the ground. He stands before the vampires.
MASTER
Soon it will be upon us, a day which has
been spoken of for thousands of years.
PULL BACK to REVEAL we are in THE MASTER’S LAIR.
MASTER
I bestow each of you with a noble distinction,
for you will take part in this wonderful victory.
HENCHMAN #1
We are honored, Master.
MASTER
Amongst the living, there will shortly
be arriving a significant assemblage of souls.
He dips his hand into the marble baptismal font which stands on the altar.
MASTER
One of these will have a greater impact on our purpose
than any who have come before. You must make him
one of us tonight so that tomorrow he can descend and fulfill his destiny. He touches a thumb to one of the vampire’s lips.
MASTER
For it is written, ‘Seven will rise and one will live… to free the Master.’
He touches a thumb to the other vampire’s lips.
ANGLE: THE VAMPIRES
REVEAL the Master has blessed them with blood.
MASTER
Ours is a glorious future. May nothing stand in our way.
CUT TO:
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA – DAY
CLOSE ON: BUFFY
She looks confused.
BUFFY
This is spooky.
REVEAL she is in the cafeteria line.
BUFFY
Is the green stuff fruit, or vegetable?
CAFETERIA WORKER
Yes.
BUFFY
I’ll take it.
A scoop of green slop plops onto her tray as Buffy moves on. XANDER and WILLOW are in line behind her.
XANDER
(examining food)
I was guessing string cheese.
A student holding a tray bumps into Buffy. This is CHAMBERS, an attractive, conservative looking guy with definite Lacoste leanings.
CHAMBERS
Sorry.
Buffy looks up at him. She’s not annoyed at all.
BUFFY
No damage.
Chambers moves off.
WILLOW
You luck.
BUFFY
What?
WILLOW
He was all over you.
BUFFY
Chambers? He just bumped into me.
WILLOW
Please. There was definite hip-to-hip contact.
XANDER
I hope you used protection.
Buffy sees Chambers sit at the table alone.
BUFFY
Aw, look at him.
WILLOW
He’s all alone.
XANDER
Gee, wonder why? Could it be the ‘I was a teenage mannequin’ look?
BUFFY
Okay, so as a type, he’s not exactly my proto.
I just think maybe someone should sit by him.
WILLOW
But who?
BUFFY
Might have to be us.
WILLOW
Looks like it.
BUFFY
You know, just to be friendly.
XANDER
Boy, are you two being taken on a tour.
Am I the only one who can see through
his good looks and the pleasant demeanor
to behold the sick, perverted deviant within?
He turns and sees that Buffy and Willow are already half-way to Chambers’ table.
XANDER
You don’t have to answer right away.
ANGLE: THE TABLE
BUFFY
(over-doing it)
Willow, wherever will we sit?
(then, noticing)
Oh, I guess this will have to do.
As Buffy is about to sit, CORDELIA appears.
CORDELIA
Hey, look. An empty seat.
She knocks Buffy to the floor. Buffy’s tray takes flight. Cordelia sits at the table and turns to Chambers, but he’s not there. He is helping Buffy.
CHAMBERS
(to Buffy)
You okay?
BUFFY
Yeah. Boy, her hips are wider than I thought.
CHAMBERS
(helping her up)
At least now you don’t have to eat the creamed corn.
(then)
I’m Chambers.
BUFFY
(feigning ignorance)
Oh, it’s so nice to finally learn your name. I’m–
CHAMBERS
Buffy. We’re in algebra together.
BUFFY
With Mr. McKamy.
CHAMBERS
The one and lonely.
BUFFY
Tell me, how does he manage to get chalk dust all over his–
CHAMBERS
I try not to think about that.
BUFFY
(gesturing)
This is my friend, Willow.
WILLOW
(babbling)
I took algebra last year because I’m a year ahead,
so now I’m taking pre-calculus which is really hard,
but I’m in the gifted class, well, my parents signed
me up for it, how embarrassing is that, and maybe
I should get a janitor to take care of this mess.
(as she goes off)
Clean up on aisle seven!
Cordelia pulls Chambers back down to his seat.
CORDELIA
Poor girl always forgets to take her medication.
(then)
Hey, Chambers, a bunch of us are loitering
at the Bronze tonight. You there?
CHAMBERS
Sounds hopeful. Who all’s going?
CORDELIA
Well, there’s me.
CHAMBERS
Oh. Who else?
CORDELIA
You mean besides me?
CHAMBERS
Buffy, what about you?
BUFFY
(caught off-guard)
What?
CORDELIA
No, she doesn’t–
CHAMBERS
(to Buffy)
How about we meet there at eight?
Cordelia glares at Buffy.
BUFFY
Yeah. Eight. There.
(then)
I should probably get another lunch that isn’t so… on the floor.
CHAMBERS
(getting up)
I’ll go with you. Cordelia, save our seats?
They head off, leaving Cordelia fuming.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMPUS – DAY
The end of the school day. Students file out as Buffy and Willow come down the steps.
BUFFY
Willow, it’s not that big a deal.
It’s just a bunch of people getting together.
I mean, sure, Chambers asked me specifically
right in front of Cordelia. And, yeah, he gave
me the marshmallows from his Jell-o during lunch. And then he walked me to History class
and said ‘I can’t wait to see you tonight.’
WILLOW
I guess I blew it way out of proportion.
BUFFY
All right, it’s a big deal. Did you notice how the
corners of his mouth curled up when he chewed?
WILLOW
I missed that. I was too busy looking down and to the left of his 501 label.
BUFFY
I’d like to see an IMAX of that.
(stops herself)
Wait a minute.
WILLOW
What’s wrong?
BUFFY
If you listen real close, I’m starting to sound like
a regular teenager. I’ve got friends. I’ve got a date.
All I need now are zits and an eating disorder.
GILES comes up to them.
GILES
Good afternoon, ladies.
BUFFY
Although I should probably do something about that
supernatural ability to destroy the undead.
GILES
I’m under the impression there’s some sort of ironic tone in
that statement, but as an Englishman I’m incapable of discerning it.
BUFFY
Yeah? Well, that makes us even, because I don’t get Benny Hill.
GILES
In any case, that supernatural ability, which you
should cherish and treasure, if I might add–
BUFFY
You always do.
GILES
–is needed tonight.
BUFFY
Close the beach on that idea. I’ve got a very
big meeting tonight with — okay, let’s just
call him what he is — a god.
GILES
Oh, no. You have much more urgent business to attend to.
BUFFY
More urgent than me moving past ‘Buffy, The Celibate Years’? I don’t think so.
GILES
My books tell of a major event occurring on the
evening of the 1,000th day after the Septugian Sunset. That’s tonight.
WILLOW
Already? Seems like just last week was the 1,000th
day after the last Septugian Sunset. Where does the time go?
GILES
According to my calculations, we are due for a fresh
rising of vampires. It is prophesied:
(reading from his notebook)
‘On that day, seven souls will be captures into the darkness.
And the Master will look upon one of them and be pleased.’
BUFFY
Too bad, because I looked upon Chambers
and was very pleased.
GILES
The slayer must be present tonight.
Your responsibilities to the world are paramount.
BUFFY
(pleading)
But… cute guy. Teenager. Post-pubescent fantasies.
GILES
You’ll have to put those on hold. For tonight, we do battle!
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. CEMETERY – THAT NIGHT
The cemetery is stone QUIET as Buffy and Giles sit there, bored. Crickets chirp. Buffy finishes off a huge soda with a SLURP.
GILES
Perhaps I miscalculated.
BUFFY
I’m thinking yes.
GILES
I was so sure.
(then)
Well, you know what they say.
BUFFY
Not really.
GILES
Ninety percent of the vampire slaying game is waiting.
BUFFY
You couldn’t have told me that ninety percent ago?
GILES
Oh, well. At least we were here at the ready,
so it wasn’t a completely wasted evening.
BUFFY
Yes, Giles, it was. But that’s okay. I’m sure
I’ll have another shot at teenage happiness someday.
Like when I’m thirty.
GILES
Come now. What you consider a curse, others would
call a gift. Be thankful you’re not burdened with trivial
matters like what to wear to next month’s hay dance.
BUFFY
I wish I could worry about trivial things.
And not that you’d care, but I’m thinking gingham.
(gathering her things)
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I might still have a chance
to salvage the remains of my dating career.
GILES
I needn’t warn you about the dangers of becoming
personally involved with someone who is unaware
of your unique condition.
BUFFY
Yeah, yeah. I’ve read the back of the box.
GILES
If your identity as the slayer is revealed,
it could put you and those around you in grave danger.
BUFFY
Oh, then in that case I won’t wear my button
that says ‘I’m a Slayer – Ask Me How!’
She WALKS OFF in one direction. WE FOLLOW an airport shuttle fan driving in the other direction.
CUT TO:
INT. VAN – NIGHT
There is a DRIVER and SIX PASSENGERS: A NEWLYWED COUPLE, A MOTHER and her EIGHT YEAR-OLD SON, AN OLD MAN, and a MEAN-LOOKING, TATTOED, MIDDLE- AGED GUY who looks like he just stepped off the cover of ‘Militia Monthly’ magazine.
The boy anxiously turns to his mother.
BOY
When are we going to get on the airplane?
MOTHER
We’ll be there in just a few minutes.
The boy turns around and kneels on the seat, getting right in the face of the militia guy behind him.
BOY
(excitedly)
We’re going to Tacoma!
The militia guy sneers at the boy.
MOTHER
(sitting her son back down)
Leave the man alone, honey.
ANGLE: THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD
as the van comes up behind a slow-moving EIGHTEEN WHEELER.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY – NIGHT – CONTINUOUS
The van’s blinker flashes. It moves to the left to pass. The truck VEERS IN FRONT, blocking the pathway. The van goes back into its lane. The truck does the same.
CUT TO:
INT. VAN – CONTINUOUS
DRIVER
Oh, boy, you’re beautiful!
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY – CONTINUOUS
They drive on for a bit. The van tries again, changing lanes — quickly this time — and again the truck won’t let it pass. The van brakes and jerks back into its own lane.
CUT TO:
INT. VAN – CONTINUOUS
DRIVER
I don’t believe it. I don’t believe it!
He honks his horn.
DRIVER
I’m in no mood to play games. Let’s go!
DRIVER’S POV:
The TRUCKER puts his hand out the window and waves for the van to pass.
DRIVER
Well, it’s about time, Charlie.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY – CONTINUOUS
The van accelerates and begins to pull alongside the truck.
CUT TO:
INT. VAN – CONTINUOUS
DRIVER’S POV:
The lights of the PICK-UP TRUCK shine directly at him.
ANGLE: THE HORRIFIED VAN DRIVER
as he jerks the wheel to avoid a collision.
CUT TO:
Sparks fly as it skids into a ditch.
The van rests in mangled silence as the wheels slowly turn.
ANGLE: THE EIGHTEEN WHEELER
It comes to a stop on the side of the road. The door opens, and WEE SEE the boots of the trucker as he steps onto the ground. TILT UP to see the truck driver is one of the vampire
henchmen from the Master’s lair. The other henchman comes around from the passenger side.
CUT TO:
INT. VAN – CONTINUOUS
The passengers are bloody but alive.
DRIVER
Is everyone okay?
MOTHER
The door’s stuck.
They are start screaming for help.
ANGLE: THE MILITIA GUY
He is growing more agitated as the screaming continues.
MILITIA GUY
(exploding)
Shut up!
Everyone goes quiet.
MILITIA GUY
I think someone’s coming.
They all listen and hear FOOTSTEPS approaching.
DRIVER
We’re going to be okay.
CUT TO:
EXT. VAN – LONG SHOT
From the distance, we SEE the van rocking and being torn apart and HEAR the sounds of vampires feasting. The passenger’s screams FADE OFF into the night as we:
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BRONZE – NIGHT
Establishing, as heavy, loud music FADES IN.
A poster advertises the bad: ‘HARRY MORGAN’S TEMPER’
CUT TO:
INT. BRONZE – CONTINUOUS
Buffy walks in and looks around. She stops short.
ANGLE: CHAMBERS AND CORDELIA
Dancing wildly to the throbbing beat. She pulls him close.
ANGLE: BUFFY
Standing there. If she had a cake, this would take it.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT ONE
Act Two
FADE IN:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – THE NEXT DAY
Buffy SLAMS her locker door, REVEALING Xander beside her.
XANDER
So you just went home?
BUFFY
What was I supposed to do? Say to Chambers,
‘Sorry I’m late. I was sitting in a cemetery with the
librarian waiting for some vampires to rise so that
I could slam a few stakes into their hearts but it
was a false alarm so now, hey, let’s dance’?
XANDER
(weighing this with his hands)
Or… flat tire.
BUFFY
Giles should come with a Surgeon General’s warning:
may be hazardous to Buffy’s social life. He’s completely
not cognizant. It’s as if he’s never even been on a date.
XANDER
Distinct possibility.
BUFFY
I can’t take this anymore. I feel like everyone’s
staring at me, the hideous dateless monster.
A STUDENT walks past. Buffy tears into him.
BUFFY
That’s right, I have no life. Move along, pal. Nothing to see here. The student scurries on.
XANDER
You’re reacting a little overly, aren’t you?
Everyone likes you. I bet you could have any guy in the school.
BUFFY
That’s a nice thing to say. You’re a good friend.
Chambers comes up to them.
CHAMBERS
Hey, Buffy.
BUFFY
(brightening)
Chambers.
XANDER
Oh, look, it’s Chambers. Buffy and Chambers.
And Xander. That’d be me.
Xander moves aside and begins rummaging through his locker.
CHAMBERS
Where were you last night?
BUFFY
(rambling)
Oh, I, uh… broke my watch, and we don’t have any
clocks in our house, so I didn’t know what time it was,
actually, I didn’t even know what day it was.
Was that last night? I’m sorry.
CHAMBERS
How about we try again for tonight?
I’ll even lend you my watch.
Behind them, Xander rolls his eyes, trying not to gag.
BUFFY
Tonight? You and me?
CHAMBERS
We could invite the chess club, but you know,
they drink a lot.
BUFFY
Well, no, it’s just I kind of heard that you and Cordelia
were somewhat… all over each other. A little.
CHAMBERS
I just danced with her a couple of times. She was there
all alone. I felt sorry for her.
Xander ‘finds’ something in his locker.
XANDER
Yay! I’ve been looking for this pen cap for weeks.
BUFFY
Tonight.
(calculating in her head)
Let’s see, if I rearrange, and move that to next week,
and then shift that to — sure. Tonight’ll work.
CHAMBERS
I’ll pick you up at seven.
BUFFY
Seven.
CHAMBERS
(handing Buffy his watch; pointing)
That’s when the little hand’s here.
BUFFY
(playing along)
Ah, right between the six and the eight.
CHAMBERS
See you then.
He walks off.
BUFFY
(to Xander)
Tonight! Isn’t that so?
XANDER
(fake chipper)
Oh, yeah. I’m sure you and Gaggy Von Gaggenheimer
will have a great time.
BUFFY
Come on, be happy for me.
XANDER
This is me being happy. You should see me Christmas
morning. I barely even crack a smile. But I’m all
sugar plums dancing on the inside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE MASTER’S LAIR
The Master is with his two henchmen. He pops the cork off of a champagne bottle and pours the contents into glasses.
MASTER
You have done excellent work.
HENCHMAN #1
It is your generosity which allows us to be a part
of such an historical occurrence.
The Master hands each henchman a glass.
REVEAL the glasses are filled with blood. They all drink.
MASTER
Everything is happening as was foretold.
But there is one final task you must perform.
The Master gestures to an ancient-looking book which sits on a table before the henchmen. The book opens under its own power. Page after page turns, eventually landing on one.
ANGLE: FROM HIGH ABOVE
SLOWLY ZOOM IN on the book as the Master continues to speak.
MASTER
It has been presaged that the special one will bring
with him strengths and powers drawn from the deepest
darkness. Deliver him to me as soon as he has risen.
The page now FILLS THE SCREEN. We see an illustration of a warrior’s face, obscured by fire. Beneath this, in ancient script: ‘…AND THE CHOSEN ONE WILL SET THE MASTER FREE.’
CUT TO:
INT. BUFFY’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Buffy is getting ready for her date. Xander and Willow are there. Willow holds up to outfits for Buffy to choose.
WILLOW
Pick.
BUFFY
Let’s see. Do I want to appear shy, coy and naïve,
or do I go unrestrained, insatiable and aggressive.
XANDER
You know, Chambers is a little homespun.
He probably doesn’t like that overly-assertive look.
(looking in her closet)
Hey, here’s something. A nice, comfy overcoat.
He pulls a drab, floor-length overcoat out of her closet. He reaches for something else.
XANDER
And this ski cap. The earflaps will bring out your eyes.
BUFFY
(to Willow)
I think I’ll mix-n-match.
(then)
Xander, guy’s opinion.
(she uncaps two lipsticks)
Which one do you think Chambers will like better?
XANDER
Oh, you mean for kissing you and then telling all his
friends how easy you are so that the whole school
loses respect for you and talks behind your back?
The red’s good.
BUFFY
Thanks. I’ll go with the peach.
WILLOW
(handing Buffy some clothes)
Put this on.
They stare at Xander a beat.
XANDER
You’re not bothering me.
Willow turns Xander around as Buffy changes into her outfit. As Willow and Buffy talk, Xander tries to get a glimpse of Buffy’s reflection in the doorknob.
WILLOW
So, where’s the taking you?
BUFFY
I don’t know. Where do you suppose the
young kids are going on dates these days?
WILLOW
Well, I read somewhere that sometimes they go to movies.
BUFFY
Movies. Interesting.
XANDER
And once on TV I saw a bunch of people our age at a party.
BUFFY
Wow. I never knew being a teenager was so full of possibilities.
The DOORBELL rings.
BUFFY
That’s Chambers!
CUT TO:
EXT. PORCH – A SECOND LATER
Buffy opens the door. Xander and Willow stand in the hallway behind her.
BUFFY
That’s Giles.
ANGLE: GILES
GILES
Tonight is absolutely the night.
BUFFY
I’m not home.
She starts to close the door. He stops her.
GILES
The prophecy is happening. Look.
He flips open a newspaper. The headline reads: ‘SEVEN DIE IN VAN ACCIDENT.’
GILES
My theory was correct. Seven people were killed last night.
BUFFY
(as if to a child)
Yeah. In a car crash.
GILES
Those deaths were forecast more than three thousand
years ago. And listen to this.
(reading newspaper)
‘Also among the dead was Andrew Borba, whom police
had been pursuing for months in connection with a series of brutal assaults.’ (then)
That’s the one the Master is waiting for. He is set to
rise with the others tonight. My calculations make me sure of it.
BUFFY
You were sure of it last night.
You showed me charts and drafts and calendars.
GILES
(hangs his head)
I forgot about leap year.
XANDER
Of all the luck. A vampire uprising on the night of
your big date. Isn’t that always the way?
BUFFY
Not tonight it ain’t.
GILES
Buffy, you have to believe me–
BUFFY
You expect me to buy into your open-to-interpretation
interpretation when you can’t even remember to carry the four?
GILES
You must answer your calling.
BUFFY
Last night I answered it and they put me on hold.
Chambers comes up the walk carrying a carnation.
CHAMBERS
Hey, guys.
(re: Giles)
What’s Dewey Decimal doing here?
BUFFY
Oh. He’s, uh, out promoting Bookmobile awareness.
We call him gruff but lovable Giles. But enough about him.
What’s the plan?
CHAMBERS
What are your thoughts on bowling.
BUFFY
If it gets me off this doorstep, I’m for it.
She pushes past Giles.
GILES
So you’re just going to go.
BUFFY
If you say so.
GILES
You’re just going to ignore the fact that you’ve
been chosen and have a destiny to fulfill.
Willow and Xander, on alert, pull Chambers away from the conversation.
WILLOW
Uh, Chambers–
XANDER
Yeah. A couple of things about tonight.
Buffy and Giles continue to argue in hushed tones during the following.
CHAMBERS
What is it? She’s not into bowling?
XANDER
Well, it’s too late to do anything about that.
But you should probably know Buffy doesn’t
like to be kissed. Actually, she doesn’t even like to be touched.
WILLOW
Xander…
XANDER
As a matter of fact, don’t even look at her.
She really hates that.
CHAMBERS
You know what? I’ll just kind of let Buffy lead.
XANDER
Oh, she can’t stand that most of all.
Giles and Buffy’s argument grows louder.
GILES
All right, then. I don’t need you. This is a subject
on which I am well versed. I’ve spent night after
night in that library reading book after book after book–
BUFFY
On the plus side, you’ve missed the career of Sheryl Crow.
GILES
One of us has to take your obligation seriously,
and if it’s not going to be you, then I’ll go do it alone.
BUFFY
Fine. It should be very exciting for you
doing absolutely nothing all by yourself.
GILES
Ha! What you fail to realize is that that’s what I do best!
He storms off. Buffy clenches her fists and groans angrily, then turns to Chambers.
BUFFY
(sweetly)
Okay, all set!
(to Xander and Willow)
Don’t wait up.
Buffy and Chambers start down the walk.
CHAMBERS
What was all that stuff he was saying about
being ‘chosen’ and having a ‘destiny’?
BUFFY
He’s grooming me to be the next librarian.
Xander and Willow watch them go.
WILLOW
This is bad.
XANDER
I wish it was just bad.
WILLOW
We’re going to have to take steps.
XANDER
Yep. We’ve got to follow Buffy and Chambers.
I do not trust that guy.
WILLOW
Xander, we have to go with Giles. He could get into trouble.
XANDER
Oh, he’ll be fine. He’s like SuperLibrarian. Everyone forgets,
Willow, that knowledge is the ultimate weapon.
Willow gives him a look.
XANDER
All right, all right. But if Buffy shows up at school
tomorrow married with three children, you’re going to look pretty stupid. DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BOWLING ALLEY – NIGHT
WE FOLLOW a bowling ball down an alley and into some pins.
ANGLE: CHAMBERS
who reacts to the shot.
CHAMBERS
Yes!
He walks back to the score table where Buffy is sitting.
CHAMBERS
Picked up the spare.
Buffy absent-mindedly twirls a pencil.
CHAMBERS
Buffy?
BUFFY
(startled)
What? Oh, sorry.
CHAMBERS
Are you okay?
BUFFY
I’m just… thinking about what Giles said.
CHAMBERS
I guess the thing you’ve got to ask yourself is,
is that what you really want to be?
BUFFY
(taken aback)
What?
CHAMBERS
A librarian?
BUFFY
Oh. Not even.
CHAMBERS
Well, there you go.
BUFFY
(brightening somewhat)
You know, you’re right. I do go there. Thanks.
She grabs a ball.
BUFFY
Now how do you do this again?
He gets behind her, showing her how to hold the ball.
CHAMBERS
Like this. And if it goes in the gutter, don’t worry.
It takes a long time to get good at this.
Forgetting her own strength, Buffy sends the ball rocketing down the lane. It nearly pulverizes the pins.
CHAMBERS
Keep at it. It’ll come to you.
Buffy goes to sit. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees a MAN in the next lane pull the hair back from a WOMAN’S NECK and start to move in close.
BUFFY
Hey!
She starts towards him.
ANGLE: THE WOMAN
She smiles as the man innocently kisses her on the neck. They look up and see Buffy standing there, frozen.
BUFFY
Oh. I’m sorry. I couldn’t help but notice your… shoes.
They’re just like mine. Okay. That’s all.
Buffy turns away, embarrassed.
She looks up and sees an ELDERLY WOMAN walk into the shadow of a doorway, followed by a MYSETERIOUS LOOKING GUY — light skin, dark hair, dark clothing.
BUFFY
Look out!
Buffy hurdles over the ball rack, leaps into the doorway, and grabs the guy. She throws him to the ground and puts her knee on his chest, raising a fist to strike.
MYSTERIOUS LOOKING GUY
(frightened)
Go ahead! You can use it first!
He holds a quarter up to her, terrified.
REVEAL a pay phone on the wall, which the woman is using.
In the light, Buffy realizes this guy is no vampire. He’s just very pale, with a widow’s peak and a fondness for the wardrobe stylings of Johnny Cash.
BUFFY
I am so begging your forgiveness. It’s just that with
your hair and your clothes and… you’re so pale.
MYESTERIOUS LOOKING GUY
I know. People always mistake me for Butch Patrick.
She helps the guy up and brushes him off. Buffy turns and sees that Chambers is there. He looks at her, concerned.
CHAMBERS
Did you want to go somewhere else?
BUFFY
No, are you kidding? I am loving the bowling thing!
You got your ball, you got your pins. No wonder it’s
America’s second favorite indoor activity. You’re up.
Chambers starts toward the lane. Buffy gathers herself.
BUFFY
(to herself)
Okay, Buff, say hi to reality.
Absolutely nothing is going to happen tonight.
CUT TO:
EXT. CEMETERY – NIGHT
Giles is sitting on a tombstone. Before him is a collection of vampire-slaying paraphernalia: a large, holy-looking book, a couple stakes, some garlic, a cross, etc.
All is quiet.
Giles checks his watch, looks around a bit, gets up, and starts to put his things in his bag. As he turns to go, one of the vampire henchmen drops down in front of him, baring his fangs.
Giles jumps back, then regains his composure.
GILES
(confidently)
You don’t frighten me.
He reaches into his bag and dramatically pulls out a string of garlic.
GILES
I’ve studied your kind for years. I’ll just go by the book.
The other vampire henchmen drops down behind him.
GILES
We’re gonna need a bigger book.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT TWO
Act Three
FADE IN:
EXT. CEMETERY – CONTINUOUS
The vampires snarl at Giles as he backs away.
GILES
I didn’t want to have to do this,
but I’m afraid you gentlemen leave me with no alternative.
He stares them down for a beat, then tosses the garlic at the vampires. They recoil. Giles RUNS towards the MORTUARY in the distance.
CUT TO:
INT. MORTUARY – NIGHT
Giles runs into a room and locks the door behind him. He looks around. He is in:
THE MORTUARY. There are tables for dressing the bodies, caskets propped open for display, a table of urns, floral funeral arrangements and wardrobe racks. Drawers for the bodies line every wall.
Giles leans against the door and breathes a sigh of relief: he is safe. He looks across the room and sees another door.
GILES’ POV: THE DOORKNOB STARTS TO JIGGLE.
GILES
(clutching his bag, calling out)
I’ve got another clove and I’m not afraid to use it!
XANDER (O.C.)
Giles, it’s us!
WILLOW (O.C.)
Willow and Xander!
GILES
Thank heavens you’re here.
XANDER (O.C.)
What can we do to help? Whatever you need, just name it.
GILES
I’m being hunted down by a team of vampires.
There is a long beat, then:
XANDER (O.C.)
We’ll go get Buffy.
GILES
That would be good.
Their footsteps fade as they run off.
Giles looks around. It is silent. He nervously peers out the small window in the door that he first came in.
A vampire’s face APPEARS on the other side.
Giles jumps back, then moves to barricade the door as the vampires begin pounding to get in. CUT TO:
INT. BOWLING ALLEY – NIGHT
Xander and Willow pass the mysterious looking guy as he walks out with an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN.
MYSTERIOUS LOOKING GUY
Sure, I worked with Fred Gwynne for years.
Come back to my place and I’ll tell you about
the time me and Al Lewis filled his boots with rice pudding.
Buffy and Chambers are at the counter turning in their shoes. Xander and Willow run up, breathless.
WILLOW
Buffy, I’m glad we caught you.
CHAMBERS
Well, look at this. You guys are just showing up everywhere.
BUFFY
What are you doing here?
XANDER
Quick, we’ve got to get to–
Willow nudges him and glances over at Chambers.
XANDER
Uh, we thought it’d be fun to make this a double date.
He puts his arm around Willow.
BUFFY
(suspicious)
With you? I didn’t know you two were seeing each other?
WILLOW
Oh, yeah. Going on nine days now.
We knew it would happen eventually and figured, hey, why fight it?
XANDER
(trying to be sincere)
Yeah. Sometimes love just blossoms.
BUFFY
You’ve hidden it so well.
XANDER
(whispering to Willow)
I don’t think she’s buying it.
WILLOW
(whispering to Xander)
Yeah. We’d better make out.
CHAMBERS
Actually, Buffy and I were just about to leave.
XANDER
Hey, if you guys are exiting,
maybe we should all go somewhere together.
BUFFY
Gee, that is so nice of you to ask.
But Chambers and I were kind of, well, Chambers and I.
WILLOW
Come on. We can go… some place.
We can do… some things. It’ll be a blast!
BUFFY
Where were you guys thinking?
XANDER
Oh, there are so many options.
CUT TO:
INT. MORTUARY – SAME TIME
Giles has barricaded the door, but the POUNDING continues, louder and louder. Suddenly, it stops. There is a SILENCE. It appears the vampires have given up.
A WINDOW CRASHES IN FROM ABOVE.
Giles grabs a cane hanging on the wardrobe rack and starts whacking at the vampires’ hands as they try to climb in.
CUT TO:
INT. BOWLING ALLEY – CONTINUOUS
XANDER
You know what would be fun?
I hear there’s kind of like a party going on.
(deliberately)
At the cemetery.
WILLOW
(deliberately)
Giles is there.
BUFFY
(mocking their tone)
Thank you, I know.
XANDER
With some friends.
Buffy realizes what they’re saying.
BUFFY
Oh, no. Giles.
(then)
We’ve got to get over there.
CHAMBERS
Cool. Party.
BUFFY
Oh. Chambers. Maybe we should
do the goodbye thing here.
CHAMBERS
What do you mean?
BUFFY
Well, this party… After bowling,
it’ll probably be anti-climactic.
CHAMBERS
You don’t want me to go?
BUFFY
No, it’s just, well, you wouldn’t really
know anyone. They don’t go to our school.
CHAMBERS
That’s okay. I’m always up for meeting new people.
WILLOW
Buffy, we really need to get there.
BUFFY
I know, I know. But…
(looks up at Chambers; then gives up)
Okay, let’s make it a foursome.
They all run towards the door.
WILLOW
(to Xander)
I’m still thinking it would help if we make out.
CUT TO:
EXT. CEMETERY – A LITTLE LATER
Buffy and the gang run into view. There is a CRASH from the mortuary. They look to see: Shadows bouncing off the walls inside the mortuary as the clamor continues.
CHAMBERS
Must be a wild party.
BUFFY
You guys stay here. Let me check it out.
She runs ahead.
WILLOW
(to Chambers; covering)
She likes to make an entrance.
CUT TO:
INT. MORTUARY – A SECOND LATER
The two vampire henchmen are searching the place, overturning coffins, etc. Giles is nowhere to be seen.
The barricade Giles built CRUMBLES as Buffy bursts through the door, pulling a stake out of her purse.
BUFFY
Viewing hours are over.
One of the vampires lunges towards Buffy. She grabs his arm, twists him around, and holds his arm behind his back.
BUFFY
Funeral services will be held–
She reaches around and plunges a stake through his heart.
BUFFY
–now.
She drops the body to the floor.
The other vampire begins circles Buffy. She holds him at bay with her stake.
BUFFY
(re: stake)
Where do you want it?
The vampire kicks the stake out of Buffy’s hand. It goes flying across the room.
BUFFY
I guess that answers that.
The vampire tackles Buffy and they roll around a bit until Buffy slithers away on her back. He grabs for her feet, trying to pull her to him. She kicks at him, and latches on to the doorframe behind her.
The vampire finally gets a grasp on Buffy’s legs and gives a yank. A huge wooden splinter from the shattered doorframe comes off in Buffy’s hand. As she is jerked towards him, she buries the splinter in his heart.
She pushes him away and gets up: she’s a tattered mess.
BUFFY
That’s the last time I spend two hours on my hair.
She hears Giles’ muffled voice.
GILES (O.C.)
Buffy?
Buffy looks around.
BUFFY
Giles?
GILES (O.C.)
Buffy, I’m in here.
Buffy looks at all the drawers on the wall.
BUFFY
Where?
GILES (O.C.)
In here.
Buffy goes to a drawer, opens it, and looks inside. We see only her reaction.
BUFFY
That’s not Giles.
She closes the drawer.
GILES (O.C.)
Buffy…
BUFFY
I’m trying, I’m trying.
She opens another drawer, looks inside.
BUFFY
Ew, that had to hurt.
She closes that drawer, looks in another.
BUFFY
That’s… well, that’s just wrong.
She closes the drawer and opens another.
ANGLE: GILES LAYS IN THE DRAWER NEXT TO A CORPSE.
GILES
How was your date?
BUFFY
Apparently, better than yours.
Buffy helps Giles out of the drawer.
GILES
Well, I suppose I don’t have to say
that I was correct in my prediction.
BUFFY
Something tells me you will anyway.
GILES
No, no. I won’t bask in the glory and rub your nose
in the fact that old Giles was right and that young,
inexperienced Buffy was one-hundred percent wrong.
BUFFY
Thank you.
GILES
It would only further heighten the
current embarrassment you must be–
BUFFY
Annoyance factor dangerously high.
GILES
I’m done.
BUFFY
What were you thinking taking on vampires
by yourself? You’re a watcher, not a slayer.
GILES
What else could I do? You were off acting
like an irresponsible teenager.
BUFFY
I am an irresponsible teenager.
GILES
How long are you going to fall back on that
hollow justification for your juvenile activities.
BUFFY
I’m thinking it should do me until I’m about twenty.
Xander, Willow, and Chambers come in.
CHAMBERS
Where’s the party?
BUFFY
It’s pretty much over.
GILES
On the contrary, it’s just about to begin.
BUFFY
Meaning exactly– huh?
GILES
Our previous two ‘guests’ were, as you noticed,
only two. If you’ll recall, the announcement about
tonight’s event specifically stated there would be
seven in the attendance. Too, the invited ones will
be dressed in, shall we say, their ‘funeral best.’
BUFFY
(realizing)
Because this is their first night.
GILES
Exactly. And we mustn’t forget about
the ‘guest of honor’ who will be rising–
(off Chambers)
–coming to the party with evening.
BUFFY
So when do these guests arrive?
Unseen by our gang, a DRAWER on the wall behind them SLOWLY OPENS and a VAMPIRE (the driver from the van) sits up.
GILES
I have no idea. They were scheduled to be here by now.
Still unseen, MORE DRAWERS OPEN. FOUR MORE VAMPIRES (passengers from the van) sit up.
BUFFY
(impatiently)
Maybe this time you forgot to account for Daylight Savings.
From behind them, they hear a voice.
VAN DRIVER VAMPIRE
Sorry, we’re late.
Buffy and the others turn to see the vampires have them surrounded. The vampires are partially dressed as if being prepared for burial: the van driver is in a suit, the young bride and groom are in a wedding dress and tuxedo, the mother is in a black dress, and the old man is in a naval uniform.
CHAMBERS
These are your friends?
BUFFY
No. They’re crashers.
CHAMBERS
Why do they look so weird?
XANDER
They’re, uh, on something.
WILLOW
Probably PCP.
BUFFY
Just say no.
The vampires go after our gang.
Buffy dives right in while Giles, Xander, and Willow go on the defense. They huddle close to Chambers, keeping the vampires at bay with some of the stuff from Giles’ bag.
GILES
Here. Hold this garlic.
He hands Willow some cloves.
WILLOW
These are shallots.
GILES
Drat. I always get those confused.
Xander pulls a cross out of the bag.
XANDER
I think this is a cross.
GILES
That should work.
The vampires are all over Buffy. She kicks one, punches another, and elbows a third.
CHAMBERS
Buffy’s all alone out there.
What are we doing just sitting here?
GILES
She knows what she’s doing.
CHAMBERS
We’ve got to help her!
Chambers breaks away and goes after the Groom, who is getting the upper hand on Buffy.
BUFFY
Chambers, no–!
Chambers puts his head down and rams the Groom in the midsection, pushing him up against a wall of drawers. Chambers follows up with a couple of hooks and an uppercut. The Groom goes down.
Chambers turns around and smiles at Buffy.
CHAMBERS
I’ll bet he’s sorry he messed with me.
The Groom immediately pops up behind Chambers, grabs him, and slams a drawer into his head.
The Groom holds the lifeless body up by the collar and taunts Buffy.
GROOM VAMPIRE
Now see what you did?
You went and got your friend killed.
The Groom lifts Chambers’ body over his head, then slams him into the ground. Buffy looks on, mortified.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT THREE
Act Four
FADE IN:
INT. MORTUARY – A SECOND LATER
Buffy is as before. She looks at Chambers on the floor, then glares at the Groom.
BUFFY
You’ve made me very angry.
Without shifting her gaze from the Groom, Buffy swiftly extends her arm to the side, landing a stake in the heart of the Mom vampire who was sneaking up from behind.
Buffy rolls a wardrobe rack between herself and the Groom, then turns and faces the Old Man vampire. He lands a foot in her side. She doubles over.
OLD MAN VAMPIRE
This old guy’s still got some life in him.
He kicks her again, but Buffy grabs his leg and flips him backwards onto the floor.
BUFFY
Famous last words.
Buffy straddles the Old Man, takes a stake and does the deed.
ANGLE: THE VAN DRIVER VAMPIRE
who runs towards Buffy from behind and leaps into the air.
Buffy tosses a stake backwards over her shoulder. It sails through the air and sinks into the Van Driver’s chest just as he’s coming down. Buffy rolls off the Old Man and the Van Driver lands on top of him.
Three down.
The Groom grabs Buffy by her collar. He calls to the Bride.
GROOM VAMPIRE
Honey, I have a gift for you.
He heaves Buffy through the air. Buffy slams into the wall and drops to the floor. The Bride pulls Buffy up by the hair, and they struggle. Buffy tries to trap the Bride against the wall, but the Bride grabs Buffy’s arms and pins them to her side. The Bride holds Buffy there.
BRIDE VAMPIRE
I got her!
The Groom pulls the stake from the Old Man’s heart and goes for Buffy. He raises the stake and brings her arm down to bury it in Buffy’s back.
At the last second, Buffy spins the Bride around and the Groom plants the stake in his wife’s heart. Buffy pushes the Bride off her, and the Bride collapses dead in her husband’s arms.
BUFFY
And you two made such a cute couple.
The Groom screams in rage, throws his wife to the floor, and charges at Buffy. She shoulders him in the mid-section and flips him straight up into the air.
Buffy kicks open a coffin, grabbing the stick which propped the lid up. The Groom flies into the coffin. Buffy plunges the stick through his heart and slams the lid closed.
And that is that.
Buffy looks around at the carnage, but her moment of victory is overshadows by the sight of Chambers’ body heaped in a corner. She walks over to him and kneels down.
BUFFY
Why did that stupid prophecy have to come true tonight?
Giles puts a hand on her shoulder.
GILES
Evil does not like to wait.
BUFFY
It waited three thousand years. It couldn’t wait one more night?
GILES
Buffy, I know this may be a small consolation,
but you have done a great service to humankind.
You prevented the chosen one from freeing the Master.
BUFFY
So what? Chambers is dead. All these other
people are dead. And for what? Why does
this kind of stuff have to happen?
GILES
I gave up long ago trying to answer such questions.
BUFFY
These people didn’t do anything wrong.
They were just innocent victims. They didn’t
ask to be turned into vampires. They didn’t
know about any prophecy. I’ll bet the chosen
on didn’t even know he was the chosen one.
There is a loud thud. They all turn to see:
ANGLE: THE MILITIA VAMPIRE
He is shirtless, with bulging muscles, scars criss-crossing his torso — think Robert Deniro in ‘Cape Fear.’ But with fangs.
XANDER
I think he knows.
Buffy rises to face her new challenger. She gives him the once over. There is a long beat.
BUFFY
He’s big.
GILES
You can beat him, Buffy. Just remember
your training. Don’t try anything fancy.
Stick with the fundamentals.
BUFFY
Stay out of it, Giles. This is between me and him.
Buffy begins to circle him.
BUFFY
You’re the reason my date got killed.
ANGLE: CHAMBERS
His eyelids begin to flutter as he comes to.
Willow sees this.
WILLOW
Buffy…
Buffy and Militia are face-to-face.
BUFFY
By the time I’m done with you,
you’ll wish you were dead. Or, weren’t dead. I mean–
She leaps onto him. They crash into a table full of urns, which collapses beneath them, sending up a cloud of ashes.
ANGLE: CHAMBERS
He’s moving now, trying to sit up.
XANDER
Buffy, Chambers is —
Giles puts up a hand to stop Xander.
ANGLE: BUFFY AND MILITIA GUY
She pins him to the ground.
GILES
(to Xander)
Let’s give her a minute.
Buffy is on top of Militia, swinging wildly.
BUFFY
Our first date–
A left hook.
BUFFY
–and I get the guy killed!
A right hook.
BUFFY
What am I going to tell his parents?
She slams his head against the floor.
Militia kicks Buffy off. She goes flying across the room. Militia charges her and leaps. Buffy rolls out of the way and flips upright as Militia crashes onto the floor.
Militia reaches for Buffy. She dives into a somersault, lands on his opposite side, and kicks him in the ribs. Before he can counter she does a back flip, vaults off the coffin behind her, and lands with the coffin between them.
Militia gets to his feet and lunges at Buffy. She opens the coffin lid towards him, smashing him in the face. He staggers backwards into the corner of the room.
Buffy’s got him where she wants him. She cartwheels over to him, ending with a flip, and lands–
–facing the wrong way.
She’s staring at the corner of the room. She turns around, Militia is towering over her.
MILITIA VAMPIRE
Oops.
He laughs maniacally. Buffy looks around. She’s trapped.
BUFFY
Uh, Giles? Help?
Militia grabs Buffy, opens his mouth, and aims at her neck. She strains to keep him away.
GILES
The book! It’ll know what to do.
He reaches into his bag and pulls out the large book.
BUFFY
(to Giles; urgent)
Now?
GILES
(leafing through books)
Looking, looking.
Buffy is still holding off Militia, who strains closer to her neck.
BUFFY
Use the book!
GILES
I am.
BUFFY
No. Use the book!
Giles looks at the huge book in his hands.
GILES
Right!
He struggles to raise the massive tome over his shoulder, closes his eyes and, with all his might, slams its heft into the back of Militia’s head. Militia collapses.
Buffy grabs a nearby ‘R.I.P.’ wreath fastened to an easel and plunges one of the legs through Militia’s heart.
He is finished.
Buffy dusts herself off, picks up the book and hands it to Giles.
BUFFY
Good thing you didn’t bring the Cliff’s Notes.
ANGLE: CHAMBERS
He is coming out of his daze, not sure where he is.
CHAMBERS
Does anybody have an aspirin? Or sixty?
BUFFY
Chambers!
She rushes to him.
BUFFY
You’re okay.
Chambers feels the back of his head.
CHAMBERS
Do I have another head back there?
BUFFY
I think it’ll heal.
Buffy gingerly helps him to his feet.
CHAMBERS
(still groggy)
What happened to all those guys?
BUFFY
We scared them away.
CHAMBERS
Good, because, you know, I would have…
BUFFY
I know.
(a beat)
I’m sure this isn’t what you expected on our first date.
CHAMBERS
Yeah, I thought maybe we’d finish up at Ben & Jerry’s–
BUFFY
We still could.
CHAMBERS
No, I think I’ll just walk home.
He starts out, then turns back.
CHAMBERS
Um, which way is home?
BUFFY
I’ll get you there.
She reaches for him. He backs away from her.
CHAMBERS
Uh, no. I’ll go it alone.
He walks off.
XANDER
We’ll make sure he gets there okay.
He and Willow follow after Chambers.
WILLOW
(to Xander)
Then we should probably make out.
And they’re gone. Giles zips up his bag.
GILES
Well, it’s a good thing I planned ahead. Otherwise,
you’d be merely the latest in a long line of slayers
whose lives were cut short by carelessness and overconfidence.
BUFFY
Giles, you’re gushing.
GILES
I’m sure you’re aware that your over-flamboyant
moves nearly cost us our lies. Had you stuck to the fundamentals–
BUFFY
Is that all you ever think about?
GILES
Yes. That’s what I’m supposed to think about.
BUFFY
Well, I think about other things. Like my life, my future,
my kitchenette at the Old Single Woman’s Home.
GILES
Must you always be so dramatic?
BUFFY
I’m a high school sophomore. It comes with the package.
GILES
You have duties as a slayer–
BUFFY
Didn’t you see what happened here? I really liked
Chambers, and now any chance I have with him
is ruined because of my stupid destiny.
GILES
Buffy, you can not ignore who you are.
BUFFY
Hey, I never wanted this. I like who I was before just fine.
And you know what I liked best about then? I didn’t know you!
Buffy turns on her heals and walks out, leaving Giles alone.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CAMPUS – THE NEXT DAY
Buffy is with Xander and Willow.
BUFFY
Did Chambers get home okay?
XANDER
Yeah.
BUFFY
Did he say anything about me?
WILLOW
You mean specifically about you?
BUFFY
Or generally, in the area, in the ballpark, any sort of implication–
XANDER
Oh, well, in that case, no.
WILLOW
But he was pretty incoherent, so maybe we missed it.
BUFFY
You think?
XANDER
No.
BUFFY
I knew it. I totally blew it.
Chambers runs up to them.
CHAMBERS
Hey, Buffy.
BUFFY
Chambers…
WILLOW
(to Xander)
I think this is our stop.
Willow moves off. Xander stands there. He feels a tug on his shirt as Willow pulls him away.
CHAMBERS
Hi.
BUFFY
Hi.
A long beat of silence.
BUFFY
This is going well.
CHAMBERS
I’m sorry. I don’t know how to say this, but, about last night–
BUFFY
You don’t even have to. I’m sure you were pretty freaked out.
CHAMBERS
Totally.
BUFFY
Okay, then.
CHAMBERS
And I was kind of hoping I could see you again.
Buffy stands there stone-faced. She snaps out of it.
BUFFY
I’m sorry. That was my hopeful ear.
(turning her head)
Could you say that again?
CHAMBERS
You are the most amazing girl I’ve ever met.
You’re so sweet, but there’s something… dangerous about you.
BUFFY
(smiling)
Really?
CHAMBERS
Last night was incredible. When can we do it again?
BUFFY
Again.
CHAMBERS
How about tonight?
BUFFY
Tonight would be–
She stops herself. Something isn’t right here.
BUFFY
–not a workable thing.
CHAMBERS
Tomorrow, then? Or some other time?
I quit the debate team, so I am free any night this week.
BUFFY
Actually, you see, the thing is…
(struggling for words)
You’re a really nice guy. But the timing’s all off.
The meaning of Buffy’s words sink in.
CHAMBERS
Oh. Timing.
BUFFY
Don’t take this personally, I mean, it’s not you, it’s me.
CHAMBERS
(nodding)
Right. It’s you.
BUFFY
Believe me, it’s me. I’ve just got to take some time
and balance out some things in my life. Because you
see, I’m… different. And I think after a while you’d
want something that’s a little more, well, there.
But I’m still hoping–
CHAMBERS
I get it. You just want to be friends.
BUFFY
That’d be nice.
CHAMBERS
(backing away)
Yeah. Great. Friends.
Chambers turns and goes. Buffy watches him disappear into the mass of students. From behind her we hear:
GILES (O.C.)
That must have been terribly hard for you.
Buffy spins around and sees Giles. She tenses up, then softens.
BUFFY
Yeah, it was.
GILES
He cares for you very much.
BUFFY
That’s why I had to end it. Chambers was way
too into what was going on last night. If we’d kept
going out, he could have ended up getting killed. Or worse.
GILES
I’m afraid you’re probably right.
BUFFY
And I thought, I’m not being fair to him.
He deserves a normal life.
He shouldn’t have to put up with all…
(searching)
this.
GILES
No one should.
BUFFY
But I’m sure there will be other gorgeous guys
who would do anything for me and are perfect
in every way. Oh, wait, no there won’t. Because I’m a freak.
Giles looks across the campus. Groups of students are hanging out, talking, laughing.
GILES
You know, there’s no reason we absolutely
have to train tonight. According to my calculations,
no uprisings are planned for at least another twenty-three days.
BUFFY
Should I ink that, or just pencil it?
GILES
Let me get back to you.
They head towards the library.
BUFFY
Oh, I meant to thank you. That book really came
in handy last night. Maybe we could check out
some of the stuff inside.
GILES
I thought you had no use for the old ways.
BUFFY
Never hurts to cover your bases.
GILES
You had them covered pretty well last night.
That over-the-shoulder stake toss was right on target.
BUFFY
On that one I got lucky. But you and the book?
That’s what saved my glutes.
GILES
I beg to differ. I didn’t do a thing. It was you who
kept us from becoming — how do you kids say it — dog meat.
BUFFY
What are you talking about? The Giles-man came prepared.
I just showed up and started swinging.
GILES
Buffy, please. You’re the one who drove a stake through
the heart of that ancient prophecy. You fulfilled your
duties as a slayer to perfection. We can count this as
another defeat for the Master.
CUT TO:
INT. THE MASTER’S LAIR
The Master is speaking to someone who is as yet unseen.
MASTER
I am very pleased. Your arrival has been eagerly
anticipated. You are gifted in way of which you are
yet unaware, and with your help I will finally be free. Welcome.
REVEAL he is speaking to the eight-year-old boy from the van. The boy looks up at the Master innocently.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
THE END

Transcript

Prologue
In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against
the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.
The cemetery. Buffy is fighting a vampire. She kicks him in the face
with a high roundhouse kick, forcing him to step backward to keep his
balance. The vampire does a jumping half-twisting crescent kick, which
Buffy ducks. He tries two punches, and Buffy neatly blocks them. On his
third punch she grabs hold of his arm and hits him in the face with a
high front snap kick. Letting go of the vampire’s arm, Buffy punches him
squarely in the midsection and follows up with a swinging punch to his
face, sending him to the ground.
Buffy: We haven’t been properly introduced. (pulls out a stake) I’m
Buffy, and you’re history!
She plunges the stake into him as he gets up. He falls and bursts into
ashes.
Giles: (pops up from behind a crypt) Poor technique. (comes around to
her) Prioritizing, sub-par… Execution was adequate, but a bit too
bloody for my taste.
Buffy: Giles, don’t mention it. It was my pleasure to make the world
safe for humanity again.
Giles: I’m not saying that your methods are without merit, it’s, uh, y
you’re spending too much time and energy. It should simply be: plunge,
and move on. Plunge and… (notices something on the ground) Hello.
(bends over to pick up a ring with his pen)
Buffy: (sees the ring) Oh, that’s great! I kill ’em, you fence their
stuff. (Giles gives her a look) What is it?
Giles: I don’t know.
Buffy: But it bothers you.
Giles: Yes! Well, I… I thought this vampire was just on a random kill, but it may be something else.
Buffy: Something big?
Giles: Yes. I’d best consult my books.
Cut to the Master’s lair. He slams a book down on his lectern, opens it and reads.
Master: ‘And there will be a time of crisis, of worlds hanging in the balance. And in this time shall come the Anointed, the Master’s great warrior. And the Slayer will not know him, will not stop him, and he will lead her into Hell.’ As it is written, so shall it be. (picks up the book and walks) ‘Five will die, and from their ashes the Anointed shall rise. The Brethren of Aurelius shall greet him and usher him to his immortal destiny.’ (stops by one of the brethren) As it is written, so shall it be. ‘And one of the brethren shall go out hunting the night before and get himself killed, because he couldn’t wait to finish his job before he ate.’ Oh, wait. (grabs one of the brethren by the throat) That’s not written anywhere. (lifts the vampire from his feet) The Anointed will be my greatest weapon against the Slayer! If you fail to bring him to me, if you allow that girl to stop you… (throws the vampire into a coffin) Here endeth the lesson.
He slams the book shut and walks off.
Opening credits roll. Buffy’s theme plays.

Part 1
The library. Buffy is sitting on the table and studying the ring. Giles makes his way down to her from the stacks while leafing through a book.
Giles: That symbol on the ring… I believe it’s the rune for fidelity, but, uh, it doesn’t connect with any of the sects that I’ve studied.
Buffy: What about this? (shows him the ring) On the inside. It’s a sun and three stars. Haven’t we seen that somewhere?
Giles: Let me see. (takes the ring and looks closely) No, I-I don’t think this, um, represents any…
Buffy: (looks in a book) Wait, it’s right here. Sun and three stars. Yuck, check these guys out. (hands Giles the open book) Told you it looked familiar.
Giles: Oh, the Order of Aurelius. Yes, you’re right.
Buffy: Ooo, two points for the Slayer, while the Watcher has yet to score!
Owen comes into the library and approaches them.
Buffy: Oh! (slides off the table) Owen! Hi!
Giles: (looks up at Owen) What do you want?
Owen: A book?
Giles: Oh!
Buffy: (to Giles) See, this is a school, and we have students, and they check out books, and then they learn things.
Giles: I was beginning to suspect that was a myth.
Owen: I lost my Emily. Dickinson. It’s dumb, but I like her around. Kind of a security blanket.
Buffy: (awkwardly) I have something like that. Well, it’s an actual blanket. Uh, and I don’t really carry it around anym-more… So! Emily Dickens, huh? She’s great!
Owen: Dickinson.
Buffy: She’s good also.
Giles: (points at the stacks) Poetry.
Owen: (to Buffy) I didn’t think I’d find you here. (goes up the stairs) Buffy: (follows Owen) W… Why not?
Owen: I, I didn’t mean… I mean… I think you can read. Buffy: Thanks.
Owen: But you don’t seem bookwormy. (finds his book) The type of person to lock themselves in a dark room with a lotta musty old books. (looks up from the book) Oh, and I’ve offended you.
Buffy: No! No, I’m just surprised you gave any thought to what I’m like.
Owen: You shouldn’t be. (starts back down)
Buffy: (follows again) Oh, well, I love books. I mean, I really love books.
Owen sees the book they were consulting earlier on the table and heads over there to take a look.
Owen: What’s this?
Buffy: (gets between him and the book) Not this one.
Giles: (picks the book up) This one she doesn’t love.
He walks around Buffy, takes Owen’s book and heads to the checkout station.
Giles: Oh, Emily Dickinson.
Buffy: We’re both fans.
Giles: Yes, uh, she’s quite a good poet, I mean for a… (takes Owen’s library card)
Buffy: A girl?
Giles: For an American. (scans the book and library card)
Owen: (to Buffy) I’ll, uh, see you in math… if I open my eyes at some point. (takes the card and book from Giles)
Buffy: Cool…
Owen leaves. Buffy stares after him.
Giles: The Order of Aurelius is a very old and venerated sect. If they’re here, it’s for a good reason.
Buffy: That was Owen!
Giles: Yes, I remember.
Buffy: Do you have any more copies of Emily Dickinson? I need one.
Giles: (exasperated) Buffy, while the mere fact of you wanting to check out a book would be grounds for a national holiday, I think we should focus on the problem at hand.
Buffy: Right. I’m sorry, you’re right. Vampires. (looks down at her dress) Oh. (looks inquisitively at Giles) Does this outfit make me look fat?
Cut to the cafeteria. Buffy and Willow are paying for lunch. Willow: Owen Thurman was talking to you?
Buffy: It’s all true.
Willow: Wow! He hardly talks to anyone. He’s solitary, mysterious… He can brood for forty minutes straight, I’ve clocked him.
Buffy: He was so nice, it was eerie.
Willow: What did you guys have to talk about?
Buffy: (heads for a table) Emily Dickinson.
Willow: (follows) He reads Emily Dickinson? He’s sensitive, yet manly! (Buffy sets down her tray) Well, wait, you’ve never even read her.
Buffy pulls out the book and sets it down for Willow to see. Willow: You vixen! (they both sit)
Xander: (holds up his fork) Has anybody given any thought to what this green stuff is?
Buffy: Hmm, I’m avoiding the subject.
Xander: I think it’s kale, or possibly string cheese. (lets the fork drop) So, Buffy, how’d the slaying go last night?
Buffy: (gives him a stern look) Xander!
Xander: I mean, how’d the laying go? (gets another look from Buffy) No, I don’t mean that either.
Buffy: It went fine, thank you. There’s some new hoidy-toidy vampire sect in town.
Willow: That’s bad.
Xander: Well, hey, they’re bringing in the much needed tourist dollars. (sees Owen) Ooo, look at Mr. Excitement.
Buffy: Owen! He’s all alone! Maybe somebody should sit with him. Willow: Mm, just to be polite! (Buffy gets up) Good luck! Xander: (to Willow) Okay, what just happened?
Buffy walks over to Owen’s table. Cordelia is coming over, too, from another direction.
Cordelia: Look, an empty seat! (bumps Buffy)
Buffy: (spills her tray) Ooo! Ew…
Owen: Let me get that. (bends down)
Buffy: Thanks! (crouches) Boy! Cordelia’s hips are wider than I thought!
Cordelia: (sarcastically) Eh-heh!
Owen: At least you don’t have to eat your Soylent Green.
Cordelia: (trying to get attention) Owen, a bunch of us are loitering at the Bronze tonight. You there?
Owen: Who’s all going?
Cordelia: Well, um, I’m gonna be there.
Owen: Who else?
Cordelia: You mean besides me?
Owen: (to Buffy) Buffy, what about you?
Buffy: What?
Cordelia: No, no, no! She, uh, she doesn’t like fun.
Owen: (to Buffy) How ’bout we meet there at eight?
Buffy: (smiles) Yeah! Eight! There!
She puts her empty tray on top of Cordelia’s.
Cut to the halls. Buffy and Willow come in through the doors.
Buffy: It’s not that big a deal. It’s just a bunch of people getting together.
Willow: It’s a very big deal!
Buffy: It’s not!
Willow: It is. (spots Giles) Tell her!
Giles: I’m afraid it’s very big.
Willow: (smiles at Buffy) Thank you! (turns back to Giles, confused) Wait!
They follow Giles into the library. Cut into the library. Willow: What are you talking about?
Giles: What are you talking about?
Buffy and Willow: Boys!
Giles: Yes, well, I’m talking about trouble. A violent and disturbing prophecy is about to be fulfilled.
Buffy: The Order of Aurelius.
Giles: You were spot-on about the connection. (walks over to the table) I’ve looked at the writings of Aurelius himself, and he, he prophesied that the brethren of his order would come to the Master and bring him the Anointed.
Willow: Who’s that?
Giles: Well, I-I don’t know exactly, a-a-a-a warrior, but, but it says he will rise from the ashes of the Five on the evening of the thousandth day after the Advent of Septus.
Buffy: Well, we’ll be ready whenever it is.
Giles: Which is tonight.
Buffy: (takes in the information) Tonight, okay… (realizes the conflict) Not okay! It can’t be tonight!
Giles: My calculations are precise.
Buffy: Nuh! They’re bad calculations! Bad!
Willow: Buffy has a really important date.
Buffy: Owen!
Giles: Alright, I-I’ll just jump in my time machine, go back to the twelfth century and ask the vampires to postpone their ancient prophecy for a few days while you take in dinner and a show.
Buffy: Okay, at this point you’re abusing sarcasm.
Giles: Buffy, this is no ordinary vampire. But we have to stop him before he reaches the Master.
Buffy: But… Cute guy! Teenager! Post-pubescent fantasies!
Giles: Those will just have to be put on hold! The dark forces are aligning against us, and we have a chance to beat them back. Tonight we go into battle!
Cut to the graveyard. Giles and Buffy are sitting on a large gravestone. Giles: (sniffs) Perhaps I miscalculated.
Buffy: I’m thinking yes. (sucks her drink dry)
Giles: Well, you know what they say. Ninety percent of the vampire slaying game is, is waiting.
Buffy: You couldn’t have told me that ninety percent ago? Giles: Well, we, we’ve certainly waited here long enough. (gets up) Buffy: Besides, there aren’t any fresh graves. Who’s gonna rise?
Giles: Apparently no one tonight.
Buffy: (jumps up) Then I can bail? I can go to the Bronze and find Owen?
Giles: Oh, very well then. Follow your hormones if you want. (Buffy hops down and starts to go) But I assume I don’t have to warn you about the hazards of becoming personally involved with someone who’s unaware of your unique condition.
Buffy: Yeah, yeah, I read the back of the box.
Giles: If your identity as the Slayer is revealed it could put you and all those around you in grave danger.
Buffy: Well, in that case I won’t wear my button that says, ‘I’m a Slayer. Ask me how!’ (gets a look from Giles) Good night. (leaves)
Giles: ‘Five shall die, and from their ashes the Anointed shall rise.’ I was sure it was tonight.
Cut to a bus. The passengers ride in silence.
Collin: (to Andrew) I went on an airplane.
Andrew: A pale horse emerged with death as its rider. You will be judged. You will be judged.
Cut to the Bronze. Buffy goes in and looks around for Owen. “Rotten Apple”, by Three Day Wheely, is playing on the sound system.
Lyrics: …is real / Then you wake up shouting some familiar name / It’s not the same
Buffy sees Owen dancing with Cordelia. She looks on, crushed by the sight of them together.
Lyrics: You’re just a girl / Just a girl who knows no shame / Whose desperate pace has lost its taste / A never-ending darkness weighs / I can’t avoid, I can’t complain / I know exactly who’s to blame / The girl who shares my…
Cut to the bus. Andrew has gotten up and stands in the aisle.
Andrew: That day’s gonna bring fire. Fire comin’ down! Judgment! (to Collin and his mom) Don’t think you’re ready, ready to look upon him. If there’s sin in there, there’s sin all around. It’s a liquid. On that day there won’t be anybody tellin’ us what to do or why we’re doin’ it. You can’t prepare. On that day…
Driver: (to Andrew) Hey, you gotta sit down. Okay?
Andrew: Are you willing to stand with the righteous?
One of the brethren steps in front of the bus. The driver hits the brakes and slams into the vampire. The bus begins to swerve, runs through a sign and hits a pole, which brings it to a stop.
Driver: (looks back at the passengers) Is everyone okay?
The passengers look at each other. They all seem shaken but okay. The driver gets out to check the victim.
Driver: (to victim) Are you all right? (kneels down beside him) Can you move?
The vampire grabs him by the throat and begins choking him. Another one punches through a window, grabs Andrew by the throat, pulls him out and bites him. The vampires all climb into the bus to get the other people.

Part 2
In the school halls at Buffy’s locker. She slams it shut and leans on it.
Xander: So you just went home?
Buffy: What was I supposed to do? Say to Owen, ‘Sorry I was late, I was sitting in a cemetery with the librarian waiting for a vampire to rise so I could prevent an evil prophecy from coming to pass?’
Xander: (weighs options with his hands) Or flat tire?
Buffy: (starts walking) I can’t take this anymore. I feel like everyone is staring at me, the big, hideous, dateless monster. (to a passing student) What? Yeah, that’s right, I have no life, c’mon, nothin’ to see here, pal, move it along!
Cut to a different part of the hall.
Xander: You’re acting a little overly, aren’t you? I mean, you could have any guy in school.
Buffy: He’s not any guy. He’s more… Oweny.
Xander: Sure, he’s got a certain Owenosity, but that’s not hard to find. (they reach his locker) I mean, a lotta guys read. (with a goofy smile) I can read.
Buffy is leaning on the lockers looking down when she notices Owen come up to her.
Owen: Hey, Buffy!
Buffy: Owen!
Xander: Oh, look, it’s Owen. (gets a look from Buffy) Buffy and Owen. And Xander. That’d be me.
Owen: W-where were you last night?
Buffy: Oh. Well, um, my watch broke and we don’t have any clocks in our house and so I didn’t know what time it was or even what day it was…
Owen: I thought I was the only one that happened to. How ’bout we try it again for tonight? I’ll even lend you my watch.
He hands her his gold pocket watch and chain. Xander looks at the watch in wide-eyed amazement. Buffy accepts it.
Buffy: Tonight? Y-you and me?
Xander looks at his Tweety wristwatch.
Owen: Well, we could invite the chess club, but they drink and they start fights…
Buffy: Oh, no, it’s just… Well, I… sort of heard that… you and Cordelia were… somewhat… all over each other. A little…
Owen: I danced with her a couple of times. (with a look of distaste) She’s kinda grabby.
Buffy: Oh, well, let’s see, if I rearrange that, and I push that to n… Sure! Tonight’ll work!
Owen: Great! I’ll pick you up at seven?
Buffy: Um, seven!
Owen: That’s when the little hand’s (points on the pocket watch) there. Buffy: Oh! Between the six and the eight.
Owen: Um, I’ll see you then! (leaves)
Buffy: (watches him go) Tonight! Isn’t that so?
Xander: What?
Buffy: (dreamily) Me and Owen! (walks off)
Xander: (feeling down) Yeah, so it is. (closes his locker) It sure is so.
Cut to Giles’ office. He has a headache from researching and is just sitting down to have some tea. Buffy barges in.
Buffy: Hey, how’s it going?
Giles: Uh, alright.
Buffy: That’s great! I see we’re still working on that Anointed One problem, that’ll probably take you a few days, right? I mean, that’s one obscure prophecy…
Giles: Well, yes, there are a few interpretations…
Buffy: So tonight’s looking slow, right? Probably best to relax and regroup, no big disasters coming, that is so good, I will see you tomorrow then! Bye! (leaves quickly)
Giles: She is the strangest girl.
Cut to the Master’s lair. The brethren give him their attention.
Master: You have done well. Everything is in place. When this night’s work is done, I will have a mighty ally. I’ll be one step closer to freeing myself from this… mystical prison. (feels his confines) I’ve been trapped down here so long I’ve nearly forgotten what it’s like on the surface. Well, there’ll be time enough to remember… when I rule it! If she tries to stop you, kill her. Give your own lives, but do not fail to bring the Anointed. I know you won’t disappoint me. (quickly grabs a fly from the air) Bug!
Cut to Buffy’s room. She’s wearing her bathrobe, and Willow is helping her decide on an outfit.
Willow: Pick!
Buffy: (to Xander) Okay, (Willow holds up one minidress) do I wanna appear shy, coy and naive or (Willow holds up the other) unrestrained, insatiable and aggressive?
Xander: (watching from the bed) Uh, y’know, Owen is a little home spun,
he probably doesn’t like that overly assertive look. (goes to her closet) Oh, hey, here’s something. A nice comfy overcoat and a ski cap! (holds them up to her) The earflaps will bring out your eyes!
Buffy and Willow exchange a look.
Buffy: Maybe I should mix and match. (Willow nods) Okay, guy’s opinion. (grabs two lipsticks from her desk) Which one do you think Owen will like better? (holds them up) The red or the peach?
Xander: Oh, you mean for kissing you and then telling all his friends how easy you are so the whole school loses respect for you and then talks behind your back? The red’s fine.
Buffy: Thanks. I’ll go with the peach. (puts on the lipstick) Willow: (hands Buffy a third minidress) Here, put this on. Buffy and Willow look at Xander.
Xander: You’re not bothering me!
Willow sighs, turns him around and pushes him away.
Willow: (to Buffy) So, where’s he taking you?
Buffy: Oh, I don’t know. Where do you suppose young kids go on dates these days? (unties her bathrobe)
Xander goes over to her drawer chest and tries to angle the mirror inside a box so he can see.
Willow: Well, I read somewhere once that sometimes they go to movies. Buffy: (finishes pulling on the minidress) Movies! Interesting!
Willow: And I saw on TV once, a bunch of people our age went to a party.
Buffy: (pulls on a boot) Wow! I never knew being a teenager was so full of possibilities! (pulls on the other boot)
Xander fumbles with the box. Buffy and Willow look over at him. The door bell rings.
Buffy: (excited) That’s Owen!
Cut to Buffy opening the door.
Buffy: That’s Giles.
Giles: We need to talk.
Buffy: Buffy’s not home. (tries to close the door)
Giles: (pushes the door open and comes in) My calculations may not have been as far off as I thought. (holds up a newspaper)
Buffy: (reads) ‘Five Die in Van Accident’?
Giles: Out of the ashes of five shall rise the one. That’s the prophecy. Five people have died!
Buffy: In a car crash.
Giles: I know it doesn’t quite follow, but, but it’s worth investigating. Look! Among the dead was Andrew Borba, whom the police sought for questioning in a double murder. Now, he may be the Anointed One. The, the bodies have been taken to, to Sunnydale Funeral Home, w-we can…
Buffy: (interrupts) Giles, why do you wanna hurt me?
Giles: I beg your pardon?
Owen: (shows up at the open door) Hey! (comes in) Uh, hi! Giles: You have a date?
Buffy: Yes, but I will return those overdue books by tomorrow. Giles: Wait, you’re not getting off that easily.
Owen: Man, you really care about your work!
Willow: (thinking quickly) Uh, Owen?
Xander: Yeah, a couple of things about tonight.
Willow and Xander lead Owen into the living room.
Giles: Another date? Don’t you ever do anything else?
Buffy: This is the first date! There’s never been a date, okay? This is my maiden voyage!
Cut to the next room.
Owen: What, she doesn’t like to dance?
Xander: Well, it’s a little too late to do anything about that. Uh, you should probably know that Buffy doesn’t like to be kissed. Actually she doesn’t like to be touched.
Willow: Xander…
Xander: As a matter of fact, don’t even look at her.
Cut back to the foyer.
Buffy: We don’t even know if this is anything.
Giles: No, we don’t.
Buffy: And I haven’t had a day off in a while.
Giles: True…
Buffy: And a cranky Slayer is a careless Slayer!
Giles: Buffy, maintaining a normal social life as a Slayer… i-i-is problematic at best.
Buffy: This is the 90’s. The 1990’s, in point of fact, and I can do both. Clark Kent has a job. I just wanna go on a date.
Giles: Well, I, I suppose it was a fairly slim lead…
Buffy: (pleased) Thank you, thank you, thank you! And look, I won’t go far, okay? If the apocalypse comes, beep me.
Owen: (comes back) Is everything cool?
Buffy: All set.
Giles: Yes, and, uh, you’ll face a pretty hefty fine in the morning. Buffy: Well, bye. Don’t wait up. (leaves quickly with Owen) Willow: Is something going on?
Giles: Oh, uh, probably not, no. I, uh, I suppose I’ll just, uh, go to the funeral home in case, just see if anything comes up. (leaves)
Willow: (to Xander, concerned) This is bad.
Xander: I wish it was just bad.
Willow: We should… go along.
Xander: Yeah, you’re right. I don’t trust that Owen guy. It’s the eyes. Crazy!
Willow: Xander, we should go with Giles! He could get in trouble!
Xander: Oh, he’s gone, uh, it’s, he’s gonna be alright. He’s like super librarian, y’know? Everyone forgets, Willow, that knowledge is the ultimate weapon.
Cut to the Bronze. Velvet Chain is playing tonight. They begin with “Strong”. Owen and Buffy are sitting at a table talking.
Lyrics: I’ll be right along / ‘Cause, baby, you’re so strong
Owen: The thing about Emily Dickinson I love is, is she’s just so incredibly morbid. A lot of loss, a lot of death… It gets me. With a lot about bees, for some reason.
Buffy: Did she have a tragic and romantic life? With a lotta bees?
Owen: Quiet. Kind of sequestered and uneventful. Which I can really relate to. I… don’t get out much.
Buffy: I don’t get that.
Owen: It’s my fault. I just find most girls pretty frivolous. I mean, there’s a lot more important things in life than dating, y’know? (Buffy looks down at her beeper) Oh. Did I say something wrong?
Buffy: Uh, no! Come on.
She leads Owen to the dance floor.
Lyrics: Baby, baby, I know it’s always been so / Physical love is, oh, so meaningful for you
Buffy and Owen dance close.
Owen: It’s weird.
Buffy: What is?
Owen: You! One minute you’re right there. I’ve got you figured. The next, it’s like you’re two people.
Buffy: Really? Which one do you like better?
Owen: I’ll let you know.
Lyrics: So strong / Baby, I’m yours / You know / Because you’re so / So strong
Cut to Cordelia entering the Bronze with some of her friends. She sees Buffy with Owen.
Cordelia: Aren’t there laws against this sort of thing? (walks over to Buffy and Owen) Owen! Look at you, here all alone…
Lyrics: You’re so, so strong
Owen: Cordelia, I’m here with Buffy.
Cordelia: Oh! Okay. Do you wanna dance?
Owen: No, I’m still here with Buffy.
Cordelia: You are so good to help the needy.
Buffy: Cordelia, Owen and I would like to be alone right now, and for that to happen, you would have to go somewhere that’s away.
Cordelia: (gives Buffy a look) (to Owen) Well, when you’re ready for the big leagues, let me know. (leaves)
Lyrics: You would suffer, suffer for me
Cut to the Sunnydale Funeral Home. Giles drives up in his ancient car. It’s quiet. He gets out, slings his bag over his shoulder and starts around his car to the building. The night is creepy, and he has a look around. He continues toward the building, but stops short when he senses something. He looks around again to his right. Nothing. As he turn back he sees one of the brethren in front of him. He starts to back away, but another one is behind him.
Giles: Damn!

Part 3
In front of the Sunnydale Funeral Home. Giles is caught between two of the brethren of the Order of Aurelius. He pulls a cross from his bag and holds it up to them. They cower away in pain. Giles makes a dash for the building. Cut inside. Giles looks around and puts his cross back into his bag. He runs to the flower room door and finds it locked. The brethren come into the building after him.
Cut to the Bronze. Velvet Chain is playing their next song, “Treason”.
Lyrics: I have a window in my mind / I can turn to look right through you
Owen: Are you, uh, having fun?
Buffy: Yeah. I almost feel like a girl.
Lyrics: Won’t cost you anything but time / To see me feel like you do They smile at each other and continue to dance.
Cut to the funeral home. Giles finds the door to the morgue unlocked and rushes in. He slams the door behind him and looks around. He grabs a
filing cabinet, tilts it and drags it over to block the door. It works, the brethren can’t readily open it. Giles looks around for a way out. The windows are barred. He sees Willow and Xander through the bars.
Giles: (startled) AH!
Willow: (Willow and Xander raise the window sash) Giles, it’s us! Giles: What are you doing here?
Xander: We saw two guys going in after you. Are they…
Giles: (looks at the door) They are! (looks back) Uh, listen, you should get to safety.
Willow: Can you get out this window?
Giles: (tests the bars) I’m afraid not.
Xander: Look, I hate to state the obvious, but this looks like a job for Buffy?
Giles: Uh, she has her, her… beeping thing! (looks around) Um, no phone, of course.
Xander: Look, we’ll get her, just, uh, hang in there. (Willow and Xander leave)
Giles: (worried) Do hurry.
Cut to the Bronze. Owen and Buffy are standing by the stairs. Owen: Do you want something to eat?
Buffy: Sure. Just make it something fattening.
Cordelia: (looking on from the shadows by a door) What a disgusting display. Is that really appropriate behavior in a public forum? I mean, I’ve never seen a girl throw herself at a guy like that. Uhhh!
The door opens and Angel comes in.
Cordelia: Ooo! Hello, salty goodness! (to her friend) Pick up the phone, call 911. That boy is gonna need some serious oxygen after I’m through with him.
She starts to follow Angel, but stops when she sees him go over to Buffy.
Angel: Buffy.
Buffy: Angel.
Cordelia: (to herself) Why is this happening to me?
Angel: (to Buffy) I was hoping I’d find you here.
Buffy: You were?
Angel: Some serious stuff happening tonight. You need to be out there. Buffy: No, not you, too. (tries to leave)
Angel: (stops her) What do you know?
Buffy: Prophecy, Anointed One, yada, yada, yada…
Angel: So you know. Fine. I just thought I’d warn you.
Buffy: Warn me? You see that guy over there at the bar? (walks around him and faces Owen) He came here to be with me.
Angel: You’re here on a date?
Buffy: (turns to Angel) Yes! Why is it such a shock to everyone? Owen: (returns) Here you go.
Buffy: Oh. (looks between Angel and Owen) Um, Owen, this is Angel. Angel, this is Owen. (puts her arm around him) Who is my date.
Angel: Hey.
Owen: Hey! So. Where do you know Buffy from?
Angel: Work.
Owen: (to Buffy) You work?
Willow and Xander come running up to them, out of breath. Willow: Buffy!
Owen: Look at this! You show up everywhere. Interesting.
Xander: (points at Owen) You don’t know the half of it. (points at Angel) What’s he doing here?
Angel: I guess it’s the same thing you’re doin’ here.
Buffy: Uh, excuse me, what are any of you doing here?
Xander: Look, we gotta get to, uh… (Willow kicks him) Uhhhh. We thought it’d be fun if, uh, we made this a double date!
Willow and Xander put their arms around each other.
Buffy: I didn’t know you guys were seeing each other.
Willow: Oh, yeah, well, we knew it would happen eventually, so we figured, hey! Why fight it?
Owen: And you guys are thinking double?
Xander: ‘Cause of… (laughs nervously) …the fun!
Owen: (to Angel) And you’re here because of work?
Xander: Hey, maybe we should all go somewhere together.
Buffy: Gee, that’s so nice of you to ask, but Owen and I were, well, sort of… Owen and I.
Xander: You know what’d be cool? The Sunnydale Funeral Home! Willow: (emphasizing) I’ve always wanted to go there!
Buffy: The funeral home?
Owen: Actually, that sounds kinda cool! Do you think we could all sneak
in?
Xander: We saw some guys in there before. They seemed to be (pointedly to Buffy) having fun!
Buffy: (to herself) Bite me!
She looks up at Angel. He gives her an ‘I told you so’ look. Buffy: (exhales) (to Owen) Um, Owen, I gotta go.
Owen: I thought we were going to the funeral home.
Buffy: No, you can’t. I’ll tell you what. I’ll be back in a little while.
Owen: Buffy… (leads her away) What’s the deal? Do you wanna bail on me?
Buffy: No! No… no… uh… You remember when you said I was like two different people? Well, one of them has to go. But the other one is having a really, really good time, and will come back. I promise.
Owen just nods his head and watches her go. She comes back and lays a kiss on him. Then she really leaves with Willow and Xander close behind.
Owen: (to Angel) She’s the strangest girl!
Cut to the funeral home. Everything seems quiet. Buffy, Willow and Xander come in through the front door.
Buffy: Which way?
Willow: The room’s around back.
They go off to their left. Around a corner they hit a dead end. Buffy: Damn it!
Owen: (appears behind them) This is so cool!
Buffy: Uh, Owen! You can’t be here!
Owen: Oh, and I suppose you guys are allowed? What are we doin’ here? Are we gonna see a dead body?
Buffy: Possibly several. (to Xander and Willow) Guys, watch him. (runs back the way they came)
Owen: Is she mad?
Willow: Oh, she just wants to make sure there’re no guards so we don’t get in trouble.
Owen: Good thinking.
Xander: (to Willow) Good thinking.
They start after Buffy. Cut to Buffy quietly walking down the hall, looking and listening. She finds the morgue door open and goes in. The place is a shambles.
Buffy: Giles?
His bag is on the autopsy gurney. The window bars are torn open. She
finds his cross. Suddenly one of the doors to a body storage drawer opens in front of her, and the drawer rolls out. Buffy jumps back, startled.
Buffy: Giles!
Giles: It is you. Oh, good.
Buffy: What happened?
Giles: Uh, two more of the brethren came in here. They came after me. But I was more than a match for them.
Buffy: Meaning…?
Giles: I hid. Uh, this, uh, chap was good enough to bunk with me till they went away. (he jumps down off of the cadaver)
Buffy: Well, w-were they here after you, or w-was it that prophecy thing?
Giles: Ah, well, that’s what we have to find out. I don’t know what these brethren mean to do exactly. Find the Anointed, or, or, or, or give him something perhaps, uh, it’s all, all very vague. And the Anointed may be long gone!
Buffy: But he may not be.
Giles: We must find out.
Buffy: Okay, I just need to get Owen and the others out of harm’s way first.
Giles: Owen? You brought a date?
Buffy: (exhales) I didn’t bring him, he came.
Giles: Buffy, when I said you could slay vampires and have a social life, I didn’t mean at the same time.
Buffy: I know. I’ll get rid of him. (starts to leave)
Giles: Y-you can’t make him go out there alone, we don’t know where the brethren are. I-I’ll just…
Buffy: No! No, Giles, he sees you, he’s gonna have more questions than he already does right now. I’ll take care of it.
She runs out into the hall and looks around for the others. They come around a corner and see her.
Willow: Is everything okay?
Buffy: It is.
Xander: And we’ll be leaving?
Owen: We’re not done lookin’ around yet!
Buffy: No, he’s right. So let’s find a nice, safe, fun room to look around in.
She takes Owen’s hand and leads the group down the hall. They reach the office door.
Owen: We tried the office here, but it’s locked.
Buffy: (breaks the lock) No it’s not! (goes in)
Owen: Well, I don’t think we’ll find much in here.
Buffy: (looks around) That’s the plan.
Owen: Okay. (confused) What?
Buffy: (finished looking) I have to go now. (laughs nervously) Um, to the bathroom, I have to go to the bathroom. If you hear anything, like a security guard or something, just be really quiet. (to Willow and Xander) And barricade the door.
She goes out into the hall again and looks around on her way back to the morgue. Xander closes the office door.
Cut to the morgue. Buffy and Giles start looking through the body drawers hoping to find the Anointed One.
Buffy: (opens one) Ewww, parts!
Giles: Keep looking, he must be here somewhere.
Cut to the office. Willow and Xander start to pile furniture in front of the office door.
Owen: What are you guys doing?
Willow: Uh, just in case!
Owen sees a curtain and draws it open. Behind the window he sees a body covered with a sheet.
Owen: Oh, my!
Willow and Xander turn around to look.
Cut to the morgue. Buffy and Giles are still looking. There’s only one storage cell left. Giles opens it quickly and Buffy pulls out the drawer. It’s empty.
Buffy: Nothing.
Giles: The Anointed must be gone.
Buffy: I guess. I mean, this is where they keep all the dead bodies, right?
Giles: Mm-hmm.
Cut to the office. Owen is looking at the body with fascination. Willow and Xander look worried.
Owen: I read a lot about death, but… but I’ve… never really seen a dead body before.
The body’s hand moves.
Owen: Do they… usually move?
The hand moves again. Willow and Xander approach to have a closer look. The hand reaches up and pulls the sheet off. Andrew sits up and faces them. He is a vampire now. He stands up, looks down at himself and
flexes his hands. He looks back up at them.
Andrew: I have been judged!

Part 4
The mortuary office.
Owen: What’s goin’ on?
They back away from the window slowly. Andrew approaches the window and smashes it with his forehead. Cut to the morgue. Buffy and Giles hear the window being smashed.
Buffy: Oh, no!
She starts running to the office. Cut to the office.
Andrew: (laughs) He is risen in me! He fills my head with song!
Owen, Willow and Xander frantically begin moving the furniture away from the door. Andrew steps through the opening.
Andrew: Pork and beans. Pork and beans!
Xander: (to Willow) Gimme that!
Andrew: I can smell you.
They get the furniture moved. Willow opens the door and they run out. Andrew follows at a quick pace.
Andrew: You’re the chaff, unblessed. I’ll suck the blood from your hearts, he says I may!
Cut to the hall. Buffy meets them running down the hall. Xander: He’s in there!
Buffy: Uh, go! Get out!
Xander: She’ll be okay. C’mon!
They continue running. Buffy tries to find Andrew. She can hear him singing as he comes down the hall toward her.
Andrew: Shall we gather at the river? / The beautiful, the beautiful river?
She decides to try to head him off another way. Xander, Willow and Owen find the exit, but are blocked by the brethren. Willow screams. Xander pulls her around and behind himself. Instead of attacking, the brethren close the gates. The hall is empty, but they can hear Andrew singing.
Willow: I think he’s coming this way!
They run and find themselves at the same dead end as when they first got there.
Owen: Oh, God, this is too much!
Cut to the morgue. Giles is still there. Buffy rushes in. Buffy: What’ve you got?
Giles: What?
Buffy: What’d you bring? Do you have a stake?
Giles: Oh, uh… (hands her a stake.)
Buffy: Thank you! (starts back out the door)
Giles: W-what should I do?
Buffy: (faces Giles) Um, go outside and make sure the others are okay.
Andrew comes up behind Buffy, grabs her and throws her into a cabinet. She hits the floor unconscious. Giles rushes to her aid.
Giles: Buffy!
Cut to the hall.
Owen: Somebody’s gotta help Buffy!
Willow: Owen!
Owen starts to run to the morgue. Willow and Xander follow. Cut to the morgue. Buffy is awake again, but still on the floor. Andrew approaches Giles.
Andrew: They told me about you while I was sleeping.
Giles holds up his cross. It is painful to Andrew.
Andrew: Uh! Why does he hurt me?
He slaps Giles’ hand away, and the cross goes flying. He grabs Giles and throws him into the crematory controls. The fires in the chamber light. Giles falls unconscious. Andrew bends down to pick Buffy up. Owen comes running in.
Owen: Buffy!
Andrew raises her above his head.
Owen: No!
He grabs a tray and swings it into Andrew’s back, stunning him. His knees buckle and he lets go of Buffy. She staggers into an open body drawer door and falls down unconscious. Andrew turns, grabs Owen by the neck and growls as he moves in to bite. Owen grabs an urn from a rack and smashes it over Andrew’s head. He falls. Owen goes over to help Buffy. She wakes up again and tries to get up.
Owen: Did you see that? He tried to bite me! (helps Buffy up) What a sissy!
Andrew gets back up, grabs Owen and smashes a body drawer door into the back of his head, knocking him out.
Buffy: No!
Andrew: Dead! (lets Owen fall) He was found wanting!
Buffy gets him solidly in the gut with a front snap kick. He rolls over the autopsy gurney and onto the floor. She runs around to the far end of the gurney. Andrew quickly gets up. She pushes the gurney into his gut, and then pushes down on her end so it pivots up to hit him in the chin.
He staggers back and falls. She jumps up onto the gurney and does a roundoff onto the floor as he gets up. He swings widely at Buffy’s face, but she blocks it. He tries again with his other arm, hitting Buffy solidly in the face and knocking her to the ground. He taunts her as she quickly gets up.
Buffy: You killed my date!
Willow and Xander appear at the door. Willow sees Owen wake up as Buffy and Andrew fight.
Willow: Buffy! Owen’s…
Xander: (pulls Willow back) J-just give her a sec!
Buffy blocks another punch, and then hits Andrew in the face with an open-hand punch. Blocking a second punch from him, she hits him in the gut with another open-hand punch. As he leans forward from the pain, she knees him in the gut, and then shoves him backward into a counter.
Buffy: You killed my date!
Giles regains consciousness. Andrew turns back to Buffy. Andrew: Your turn!
He lunges at Buffy, but she sidesteps him and uses his forward momentum to launch him into the air. He lands on the gurney, and it rolls over to the crematory. The gurney stops when it hits, but Andrew continues to slide through the open door. Giles kicks the gurney away and slams the crematory door shut. Andrew screams. Buffy watches him burn through the small window. Then she notices Owen trying to sit up.
Owen: Does anyone have an aspirin? Or sixty?
Buffy: (goes to Owen) Owen! (crouches beside him)
Owen: What happened to that guy?
Buffy: Oh… We scared him away.
Owen: Oh, good. ‘Cause, y’know, I would’ve…
Buffy: I know. Here… (helps him up) I’m sure this isn’t exactly what you had in mind for our first date.
Owen: (rubs his head) Yeah! I was hoping maybe we’d finish at Ben & Jerry’s.
Buffy: We still could…
Owen: No, I, I, I think I’ll just walk home. (starts to go, but stops) Uh, which way’s home?
Buffy: I’ll get you there.
Owen: No, I’ll, I’ll go it alone.
Willow and Xander come over.
Xander: We’ll make sure he gets home safely.
They lead Owen away. Buffy watches them go. Giles comes over behind her. Giles: Buffy, if I might, uh…
Buffy: (cuts him off) Don’t! (slowly walks out)
Cut to the school. Buffy, Xander and Willow are walking along the balcony.
Buffy: Well, did Owen say anything about me on the way home? Willow: Oh, you mean specifically about you?
Buffy: Or generally… i-in the area, in the ballpark, any sort of indication?
They round the corner and start down the stairs.
Xander: Well, in that case, no.
Willow: But he was pretty incoherent, so we might’ve missed it. Buffy: You think?
Xander: No.
Buffy: I knew it. I totally blew it last night!
Xander: No, see, what you need is a guy who already knows your deepest, darkest secrets and still says, ‘Hey! I like that girl!’ Someone like…
Buffy: (sees Owen) Owen!
Willow: Well, heh… This is our stop.
She walks around Buffy and drags Xander away with her.
Owen: Hi.
Buffy: Hi. (long awkward pause) This is going well.
Owen: I don’t really know how to say this, but… about last night… Buffy: You don’t even have to. I’m sure you were pretty freaked out.
Owen: Totally. (Buffy looks down) And… I was wondering when I could see you again.
Buffy: (looks back up) Um, that was my hopeful ear. Could you repeat that?
Owen: I think you’re the coolest!
Buffy: (smiles) Really?
Owen: I mean, last night was incredible! I never thought nearly getting killed would make me feel so… alive!
Buffy: (looks down and starts to walk) So that’s why you wanna be with me.
Owen: (follows her) Oh, absolutely! When can we do something like that again?
Buffy: Something like…
Owen: Like, walk downtown at three in the morning, a-and pick a fight in a bar. How about tonight?
Buffy: Tonight would… (they stop walking) be… not a workable thing. Did I just say that?
Owen: Tomorrow, then. I-I’m free any night this week.
Buffy: I’m not. Please don’t take this personally. It’s not you, it’s me.
Owen: (begins to get it) Right. It’s you.
Buffy: And I was kinda hoping that… maybe you and I could still be… Owen: (very disappointed) I, I get it. You just wanna be friends. Buffy: That’d be nice.
Owen: Friends. Yeah. Great. (leaves)
Lyrics: The world will keep on turning / It’ll all be there come morning / So tonight…
Buffy: Yeah. Great.
Lyrics: Let the sun fall down all around you (song by Kim Richey)
Giles comes up behind her. They watch Owen leave. Buffy notices Giles and looks at him. He’s at a loss. She goes over to sit on a bench. Giles follows her.
Giles: I was ten years old when my father told me I was destined to be a Watcher. (sits next to her) He was one, and his, uh, mother before him, and I was to be next.
Buffy: Were you thrilled beyond all measure?
Giles: No, I had very definite plans about my future. I was going to be a fighter pilot. Or possibly a grocer. Well, uh… My father gave me a very tiresome speech about, uh, responsibility and sacrifice.
Buffy: Sacrifice, huh?
Giles: (looks toward Owen) Seems like a nice lad.
Buffy: Yeah. But he wants to be danger man. You, Xander, Willow, you guys… you guys know the score, you’re careful. Two days in my world and Owen really would get himself killed. Or I’d get him killed. (faces Giles) Or someone else.
Giles: I, I went to the funeral home of my own free will. Buffy: And I should’ve been there.
Giles: Buffy…
Buffy: I blew it!
Giles: I have volumes of lore, of prophecies, of predictions. But I don’t have an instruction manual. We feel our way as we go along. And, I must say, as a Slayer, you’re, you’re doing… pretty well.
Buffy: (smiles) Well. At least I did stop that prophecy thing from coming true.
Giles: You did! Handily. No more Anointed One. And I would imagine the
Master, wherever he is, is having a fairly bad day himself. He smiles. Buffy laughs back.
Cut to the Master in his Lair.
Master: (quotes scripture) ‘And in this time will come the Anointed. And the Slayer will not know him. She will not stop him, and he will lead her into hell.’ (kneels down next to Collin) Welcome, my friend.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Marianne LeBlanc

Hi, I’m Marianne LeBlanc, and I started this unofficial fan site for the show. We are dedicated to providing Buffy lovers across the globe with all of the information they could possibly need about the show.

Whether you are a Buffy fan, or you are just beginning your vampire slaying journey, you will find our content both interesting and intriguing. There really is something for everyone.

Latest posts by Marianne LeBlanc (see all)

• Buffy Character: Ubervamp | Camden Toy - March 22, 2022
• Buffy Character: Warren Mears | Adam Busch - March 22, 2022
• Buffy Character: Robin Wood | D. B. Woodside - March 22, 2022