Cold Feet Shooting Draft

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Cold Feet

Episode #11
Production #V0811

Written by: Steven Melching

Directed by: Charlie Haskell

Shooting Draft - July 29, 1998
Full Script (20 Marked Pages) - August 14, 1998
Pages 4-6, 9-10, 12-13, 18-21, 23-24 - August 21, 1998
Pages 12-13 - August 31, 1998

Pacific Island Pictures, LTD, All Rights Reserved © 1998

Cast List

Hercules
Jason
Lilith
Pelia - (PEE-lee-ah)
Balan - (BAH-lan)
Daptes - (DAP-tees)
Ophistus - (oh-FISS-tuss)
Water Fellah Changed to Mad Medicine Woman *
Young Woman #1
Villagers

Set List

Interiors:
Cheiron's Academy - Classroom
Cheiron's Academy - Training Hall
Kora's Inn
Pelia's Barn
Pelia's House

Exteriors:
Cheiron's Academy
Campsite * Forest Forest Path * Kora's Inn Meadow * Pelia's Barn Pelia's Farm Road Roadside *

Teaser

FADE IN: EST. KORA'S INN - NIGHT The BOISTEROUS sounds of a good time come from within. Jason (O.S.): That was not my fault! You were the one who challenged those Satyrs to a race! Hercules (O.S.): You bet them we'd run through the town naked if we lost! INT. KORA'S INN HERCULES and JASON sit at a table, LAUGHING LOUDLY, the remains of dinner still in evidence. It's getting late, but there are still quite a few PATRONS in the inn. LILITH is cutting a rug on the dance floor. Hercules: (embarrassed at memory) That's the last time I show my face in Guilder. Jason: (smiles) Your face wasn't the problem. (offers alternative) So we go to the Northern Lands on the break. They're great! Three pretty YOUNG WOMEN hover around Jason. YOUNG WOMAN #1: (PG come on) I'm from the Northern Lands. I'd be happy to show you around. Jason cocks an eyebrow. Hercules rolls his eyes. YOUNG WOMAN #1: You're Jason, the prince, aren't you? On the dance floor, someon coming in the door catches Lilith's eye. It's not good. Jason continues with his flirting. Jason: Why, yes. Yes, I am. (reacts to nudge from Herc) Oh, and this is my friend Hercules. The Gals continue to fawn over JAson. Lilith comes over, anxious. Jason: So, what are you ladies doing out so late? Lilith: Jason! Incoming! Jason: What? Where?! Suddenly a HUSH falls over the room. A dour, officious-looking man wearing fine clothing, OPHISTUS, has entered the inn. He looks at the verious patrons with Disdain, as if touching them would make him dirty. Herc sees him and grimaces: Hercules: (recognizing him) Oh no... Jason lowers his head in his hand. Ophistus hurries to his table. Ophistus: Jason! I've been looking everywhere. Jason: (defeated) Hello, Ophistus. Ophistus approaches Jason, who slouches at the table casually, feet up, clothes somewhat dishevled. Ophistus: (pointed) Your corination date is fast approaching, young Prince. You can no longet put off your instruction in royal etiquette. Jason straightens, self-conscious under Ophistus' glare. Ophistus: To be King, you must grow up and put away childish things. Report to me in the morning and we shall begin. Ophistus glances at Hercules and Lilith with icy contempt, turns, and glides out of the room. The friends watch him go. Lilith: That guy seriously needs to get a life. Any life. Jason gets up and walks away, grim-faced. Hercules: Hey, where're you going? Curfew's not for another hour. Jason: (grunts) Looks like I've got an early wake-up call. Jason heads for the door. Lilith grouses, perhaps a bit jealous. Lilith: What's wrong with him? Ophistus is a drag, but I thought Jason was looking forward to this king thing all his life. Hercules: So did I... Hercules watches Jason go, concerned... FADE OUT.

Act One

FADE IN: INT. ACADEMY - CLASSROOM - BACK CORNER - DAY Jason sits at a table, half-asleep, as Ophistus lectures. Books, scrolls, maps, silverware, and other oddities cover the table in a small, back corner area. Ophistus: ...It's of utmost importance to remember that an ambassador from Cydonia must always be greeted with the left hand, and must never be seated facing South. Jason: Why should we respect their customs? They're pirates! They attack their neighbors, they ignore treaties -- Ophistus: This is statesmanship, My Prince. The formalities are what's important. Great cities have gone to war for less. Jason: Ophistus, that's ridiculous. Ophistus: Perhaps. But protocol makes the world go 'round, so you'd est pay attention. You're meeting the Cydonian ambassador on your next break. Jason: No, no, we have plans for the break -- Ophistus: Oh, I'm afraid not. Your royal calendar is booked solid for months. Jason: (sharp) Months? (then, weary) How did my father do this? INT. ACADEMY - TRAINING HALL - DAY A typical morning. Cadets move through their morning workout. A tired and sluggish Jason arrives and joins Hercules and Lilith as they wrap up their workout (maybe with staffs). Jason: Hey, guys. Hercules and Lilith immediately start teasing him. Lilith: Well, look who's here! The young king! Hercules: Etiquette drills, Your Majesty?! Lilith: You missed quite a workout this morning, Sire. Jason: Believe me, I'd rather run the Cheiron one-thousand than go back to Ophistus. He spent the entire morning lecturing me on royal table manners! Lilith: Aww, is the regal backside sore? Jason is clearly upset; he came here looking for friendship and support, and instead he's getting harrassed. Jason: All right guys, enough... Lilith: Hark! His Highness speaks! Hercules: Is it an imperial decree? Jason: Just put a sock in it, okay? You don't get it. You'll never understand. Jason walks away. Quick beat, then Hercules follows. Hercules: I kinda thought you were looking forward to it. Being King. You've been preparing for it your whole life. Jason: I'll have responsibilities. It'll all be different. (beat) Sometimes I wish I could live the life of a simple peasant. No decisions, no one depending on you. Hercules: It's okay to be worried. Your father left some big shoes to fill. Jason: (struck a nerve) I know, already! (calms; half-smiles) He taught me a lot. You'll find out when I wipe the floor with your team in the war games. Hercules and Jason grin, a challenge issued and accepted... EXT. FOREST - NEAR TINY MAKE-SHIFT FORT - DAY The war games are in progress. Jason leads his team of THREE CADETS through the woods. they pause behind dome cover, looking at some VERY SIMPLE, TINY, MAKE-SHIFT, CRUDE STICK-AND-DIRT fortifications about fifty yards away. Jason: There. Hercules' men are holed up inside. There's some activity inside the tiny enemy fort: helmets poking up, spears moving around. Jason smiles. Jason: We'll crush them. NEAR THE FORT, Jason and his Cadets sneak through the woods, easing towards it, readying their padded weapons. On a silent command, they storm the walls, climbing up and over! But the fort is empty. Except for Lilith, who sits alone in the center, pulling on ropes that control a crude Rube Goldberg contraption twhich has created the illusion of an occupied position -- helmeted dummies look around, spears move back and forth, etc. Lilith puts her hands up in mock surprise: Lilith: I surrender! Before Jason can react, Hercules and his TWO CADETS emerge from hiding, exploding out of the brush and swinging in on ropes. Jason is taken completely by surprise. Lilith grins, shrugs. Lilith: Ooops. Hercules: Looks like we've got you surrounded. Jason looks around, humiliated in front of everyone. Lilith: C'mon Jason, don't you remember Cheiron's lesson number one? (imitation Cheiron) 'Sometimes what appears to be, isn't.' The winning Cadets LAUGH and high-five. Jason's Cadets stand in uneasy silence, noticing how upset he is. Jason's mind reels; it seems that everyone is laughing at him. Finally he snaps: Jason: Who do you think you are? You think you can make a fool out of me? Hercules: It's just a game, Jason -- Jason: It's not a game! I'm going to be King of Corinth! You have no idea what that means! None of you! I'm training for something real! Jason throws down his padded sword and storms off. Lilith: What's with him? HerculeS: He's got a lot on his mind. He just has to work it out. FADE TO: INT. ACADEMY - TRAINING HALL - DAY (NEXT MORNING) The Cadets go through their paces. Something catches Herc's eye as he and Lilith wrestle, distracting him. Lilith takes him down, and they flip around, with Lilith ending up sitting comically on Herc's back. Lilith: I won! In your face, Son of Zeus! Hercules ignores Lilith, who catches on and also looks O.S. A frantic Ophistus has entered and looks around. He spots them, approaches. Ophistus: Have you seen Jason this morning? Hercules: We thought he was with you. Lilith: More 'royal shoe-tying' lessons... Ophistus: By Zeus it's true! The Prince has been kidnapped! Hercules: Kidnapped? Ophistus: (getting emotional) It was my repoinsibility, to raise a good king. I made a promise to his father... Hercules: What do you mean he was kidnapped? Ophistus: Jason is gone! What other explanation is there? Hercules: He was pretty stressed, maybe he just needed some time to himself -- Ophistus: No, Jason would never go off without telling me! (frantic, thinking) I must return to Corinth at once! Prepare a ransom! Organize a rescue party! Post reward! The panicked Ophistus hurries out. Lilith: You don't think he was kidnapped, do you? Hercules: No. But I've got an idea what's going on. We'd better find him first. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. ROAD - DAY Jason, in travel clothes, comes upon a pair of PEASANTS who are struggling to change a broken wheel on their wagon. He rushes to help, lifting the wagon alongside an older man, BALAN. Jason: Let me help you. Ready? They lift the heavy wagon together, and Balan's daughter PELIA slides a replacement wheel into place on the axle. They carefully set the wagon down, and Balan shakes Jason's hand gratefully. Balan: Thank you, young man. My name is Balan. This is my daughter, Pelia. Jason turns to face Pelia, and is momentarily struck by her beauty. He shakes her hand, getting axle grease all over his. Jason: Pleased to meet you. I'm Jason. Balan: I don't believe I've seen you in these parts before. Jason: No, sir. I'm just passing through. Pelia: (flirtatious) Nice boots for a wanderer. Is that Corinthian leather? Jason: (self-conscious) Oh, yeah, uh, they were a gift. Balan: It'll be dark soon. Do you have a place to spend the ngiht? Jason: Thank you, sir, but I'd best be on my way. Balan: Nonsense, you won't get three miles before nightfall, and it's not safe out. In exchange for your help you'll be my guest for dinner. Jason: Really, I couldn't impose -- Balan: And I have a nice, warm barn so you don't have to sleep in the weather. Pelia: My father doesn't take no for an answer. Pelia's smile melts any resistance in Jason. Balan: Then it's settled. EXT. PELIA'S FARM - NIGHT To establish. INT. PELIA'S HOUSE - NIGHT Jason, Pelia, and Balan share a simple but plesant meal in the modest home. Jason has relaxed, and is telling tales: Jason: ...I've never seen lakes so blue before. you couldn't tell hwere the water ended and the sky began. Pelia: You've been so many places. I've always dreamed of traveling. Jason: What's keeping you? There's a moment of uncomfortable silence as Pelia and Balan exchange glances. Pelia: I had saved some money to travel, but we had a bad harvest one year. Then mother died, and... there's so much to be done here. Balan: Where are you off to next, Jason? Jason: I don't know. I think I'll know it when I find it. Balan: We could really use an extra hand around here. At least through the harvest. The work's hard, but we like it. What do you say? Jason looks around. He smiles, pleased at what he sees. Jason: (comes to a decision) Thank you. I'd love to stay. Balan grins broadly and pours more water. Jason looks at Pelia, who is a bit more cautious, maybe even suspicious... EXT. ACADEMY - DAY Herc and Lilith walk away from the academy, carrying provisions. Lilith: (shaking her head) Spending our break looking for Jason... Are you sure we're going the right way? Hercules: No. But Jason was talking about visiting the Northern Lands. Lilith: I hope Jason realizes what great friends he has. Especially when he's choosing ambassadors. Hercules: You know, Lilith, you sound just like Iolaus. Lilith: Is that a bad thing? Hercules: I haven't decided yet. Ask me again in five miles. EXT. PELIA'S FARM - DAY {BEGIN FARM MONTAGE} Jason pulls a bucket of water from the well. INT. PELIA'S BARN - DAY {MONTAGE} Jason helps Balan stack barrels. EXT. PELIA'S FARM - DAY {MONTAGE} LAUGHING, Jason and Pelia chase down an excaped chicken. They stumble, run, frown, leap and finally bump into each other, knocking each other into the dirt. EXT. PELIA'S FARM {MONTAGE} Jason has worked up a sweat chopping wood. Pelia arrives with water and he gladly drinks. INT. PELIA'S BARN - LATER {END FARM MONTAGE} A barn dance is in progress. Villiagers drink nectar, dance, and make merry as MUSICIANS play. Jason is off by himself, watching the "simple people" enjoy themselves. Pelia approaches him. Pelia: Dance? Jason: Me? No, I don't know the steps. -- Pelia: No excuses! Come on, I'll teach you! Pelia drags Jason out onto the floor. They dance with abandon. Jason has lost all pretension, and seems truly happy and relaxed. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. PELIA'S BARN - LATER - DAY Jason and Pelia step outside for some air. Pelia: Those fancy boots of yours could teach me a step or two. Jason: (contented) They brought me here. I'm beginning to think this life suits me: a hard day's work and a good night's sleep. My old life was a lot more... complicated. Pelia: (laughs as his innocence) You think this life is simple? You have no idea of the decisions, the risks... Jason: Like what? Pelia: If we plant too early we miss the rains, nothing grows, and we go hungry. If we plant too late we miss the market, nothing sells, and we go poor. What if there's an early frost? What if we don't have enough hands at harvest -- Jason: Okay, okay, I see your point. Pelia: The work is the easy part... Suddenly they hear HORSES APPROACHING. Feelins of fear and loathing wash over Pelia, and she calls back into the barn: Pelia: Father... Father! Jason: What's wrong? Who's -- Pelia: Daptes. Just be quiet. Right on cue, a half-dozen surly RAIDERS ride up to the barn, brandishing weapons. Balan and some of the Villagers emerge from the barn, bowing their heads humbly. The leader of the Raiders, DAPTES, eyes Pelia (PG salaciously) and approaches Balan. Daptes: Where is your payment, Balan? Balan: Please, Daptes. We -- we have had a poor harvest. I have only enough for my family -- Daptes: I don't want excuses! I want payment! You know the penalty! Daptes kicks Balan, knocking him to the ground, and draws his sword. Jason steps forward and stands defiantly between Daptes and Balan. Pelia tries to stop Jason, but it's too late. She looks on, terrified. Jason: Leave him alone! Daptes looks down at Jason with anger and contempt. Daptes: Insolence! You've earned yourself an early grave. The Raiders close in on Jason, weapons raised... FADE OUT.

Act Two

FADE IN: EXT. PELIA'S BARD - RESUME Jason stands his ground, preparing for a fight, as Daptes and his men surround him. Pelia intervenes, holding a basket of tropical fruits. Pelia: Please, Daptes. My cousin has only just arrived. He doesn't know about the payment. Please... Daptes looks at Pelia, then the basket. Daptes has a soft spot for Pelia, so he accepts the offering. Daptes: Be sure you teach him. With a signal from Daptes, the Raiders ride off. Jason watches bitterly as they go, then follows Pelia into the barn. INT. PELIA'S BARN - DAY