Hind Sight Shooting Draft
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Hind Sight
Episode #9
Production #V0809
Written by: Shari Goodhartz
Directed by: Andrew Merrifield
Shooting Draft - August 31, 1998
Page 11 - September 30, 1998
Pages 1-3, 11, 16, 18 - October 1, 1998
Pages 20-21 - October 7, 1998
Pacific Island Pictures, LTD, All Rights Reserved © 1998
Cast List
Hercules
Iolaus - (ee-OH-lus)
Jason
Kora
Helene/Golden Hind
Hunter #1
Hunter #2
Hunter #3
Set List
Interiors:
Kora's Inn
Cheiron's Academy - Equipment Storage Area
Exteriors:
Forest
Another Part of the Forest
Forest - Small Clearing
Forest Path
Forest Stream
Path at the Edge of the Forest
Sacred Grove of Artemis
FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST PATH - MORNING
ESTABLISH: HERCULES, IOLAUS, and JASON walking along. Iolaus is in mid-sentence and carries a strip of ratty cloth...
...so, I get the hang of balancing on the posts, then Cheiron has me do the drill again... blindfolded!
Herc and Jason share a knowing look: Been there, done that.
And he says, get this!
(mimicking Cheiron) 'All you see --
-- is not all there is.'
What, you guys already...
Hercules stops, distracted by a movement in the foliage. He sees a GIRL kneeling down, petting a WILD RABBIT. She senses Herc's presence, turns towards him. Even through the branches, her gaze hits like Cupid's arrow. Smitten, Herc moves off the path towards her. Jason and Iolaus walk on.
It's the Cheiron-ism of the week.
The what of the week?
The rabbit runs away, but the Girl coyly holds Herc's gaze. He's never seen anyone like her. As they are close enough to touch:
The lesson, the word... Hey, Hercules!
Herc reflexively turns toward Jason's VOICE. When he turns back, the Girl's gone. Jason and Iolaus come though the leafy branches.
Where'd she go?
Where'd who go?
I don't see anyone.
Her eyes were so dark and... deep. I feel like I know her.
Iolaus and Jason exchange wry smiles at Herc's expense. Puzzled by strange, new feelings, Herc misses their cynicism.
You got all that in a second?
Yeah, and something else, too. Like her... soul spoke to me.
(leering grin)
He's in trouble now.
How can I know that from just a look? You think maybe she'd talk to me? I could go after her.
Not a good idea, no matter what you think her 'soul' said.
Why not?
She ran away -- that too subtle for you?
I never let that stop me. Dark, deep eyes, huh? Sure you weren't dreaming?
Herc stares away into the woods, still transfixed.
I don't know...
INT. KORA'S INN - DAY
CLOSE ON an ancient DART BOARD. A lonely dart is stuck near an edge; more imbedded in the wall. THWACK! Another hits the wall.
These darts need new feathers.
Jason steps up to the throwing line, jostling Iolaus aside. Nearby, a moony-eyed Herc pays little attention to the game.
Feathers or no feathers I can still beat you... blindfolded!
He pulls the blindfold from Iolaus's pocket and puts it on. THWACK! Jason's dart misses the board by a foot. To Jason's chagrin, everyone LAUGHS, except KORA, who approaches with refreshments. Seeing Herc's distraction, she taps his far shoulder in passing. He turns, no one's there. He returns to his reverie; Kora smiles.
His game's off today. But it's not because of the feathers. See?
Kora turns her back to the target and lofts a dart over her shoulder. All heads turn towards the board. THWACK! Bulls-eye. As our heroes exchange stunned looks, THREE HUNTERS enter. Big, burly... and LOUD. Hunter #1 wears a rather outrageous hat.
Bring us food and make it fast!
Kora hops to. The Hunters drop into chairs by a window. Hunter #2 pulls out a tuft of gold fur and holds it up in the sunlight.
Imagine if my arrow bagged the beast instead of just nicking it!
Iolaus, eyes wide, can practically smell gold. He moves in.
That looks like gold.
Tuft of fur from a Golden Hind. I'll get a thousand dinars just for this piece.
Kora approaches with a tray piled high with food, but her eyes are riveted on the tuft. Though no one notices, she's scared. Herc and Jason move in, excited.
You saw a Golden Hind! Where?
In the woods, by the stream.
Kora begins setting down the food, uncharacteristically clumsy. Her dread grows right along with her friends' excitement.
Think of it: Whoever bags a Golden Hind will be famous forever!
I wonder what a whole animal made of gold is worth?
Even Zeus could be impressed by a trophy like that.
Completely terrified, Kora drops the empty tray on the floor. She covers as everyone turns to look at her.
Kora?
FADE OUT.
Act One
FADE IN:
INT. KORA'S INN - A SHORT TIME LATER
The Hunters are gone, but they've left a big mess. Kora, calmer now, steps over the detritus to bring our heroes another round.
We'll get supplies at the academy and be out in the forest by noon.
You're not really going after the Golden Hind, are you?
You don't think we're good enough to get it?
Oh, you're good enough. That's what's bothering me.
Why?
Hunting should be about feeding your family, not showing off.
Herc considers that, but Kora's words only spur Jason on.
You don't know what you're talking about.
(youthful excitement) On my honor as future king, I'm gonna get that Hind myself!
Not if I get it first!
Jason and Iolaus head for the door. Hercules moves to follow them, but Kora grabs his arm. She's oddly nervous.
Please... don't go.
(kindly)
What's the matter?
Kora's about to tell him the truth, but just can't.
I... it's wrong to hunt for sport.
But everyone's so excited. Nothing this big has happened here in years.
(gently) What's really going on?
It's nothing. Go on. I have to clean up this mess.
She starts bussing the table by the window. With a slightly uneasy glance back at Kora, Hercules leaves.
EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY
Psyched for the hunt, our heroes stride quickly along.
We should take extra bow strings.
Good idea. I'll get food from the kitchen and make up backpacks.
I'll tell Cheiron we won't be around for lunch and...
As the boys hike past, some branches part, revealing the Girl's face. Hercules sees the movement, and the face. She moves skittishly, like a frightened deer. He reacts to that:
Hey! We won't hurt you!
Their eyes meet for a beat, but she's gone by the time Iolaus and Jason turn. They look at him skeptically.
It was that Girl again. And she looked right at me!
Did her soul tell you anything useful this time? Like maybe her name and address?
You don't believe me? Trust me, she's so... perfect.
So... what? Golden Hind hunt, remember?
I'll catch up with you. Really.
With that, Herc disappears through the foliage after the Girl. Jason shakes his head sadly. Iolaus smiles but nods in agreement:
Pathetic.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST - DAY
TRACKING WITH HERCULES as he dashes around trees. He catches glimpses of the Girl, but can't seem to catch up with her. Finally, he stops. And suddenly, she's only a few yards away, backlit in a beam of sunlight. Her hair glistens like a halo.
Please, I just want to talk.
The Girl turns toward him, their eye contact as profound as before. But an arrow whizzes between them and "THWACKS" into a huge tree. Herc looks for the archer, but no one's there.
(calls out)
Watch where you're shooting!
When he glances back towards the Girl, she's gone too.
How does she do that?
Herc yanks the arrow free, it has distinctive tail feathers (they should remind us of the darts). He looks at it, wondering:
(frowns, sotto)
I know those feathers...
(affected deeper voice)
Don't move.
Herc, startled, looks up, but doesn't turn around. He raises his hands slightly in the "you've got me" gesture.
Okay...
(affected deeper voice)
I don't want to hurt you...
That makes two of us.
It is revealed now that it is Kora who shot the arrow. She eases up behind Hercules, not too close, another arrow fitted in her bow, but not aiming at Herc.
(affected deeper voice)
I'm only going to tell you once. If you or your friends go after the Hind, you won't live until sundown.
Off Herc's amazed reaction to this very real threat...
EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY
Iolaus and Jason hurry along. Jason turns to check out the path behind them.
He should've caught up by now.
Maybe Miss Deep, Dark Eyes really did want to talk.
Get real.
(beat, considering) But he might've snuck away to get the Hind himself. You know how much he wants to impress Zeus.
You think he'll want to keep all the money for himself, too?
Who cares? But he'll get all the glory. We'll show him. You and I will make a pact. We work together to bag the Hind. No matter who makes the final shot, we share the glory and the money.
They shake on their deal.
EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS
Herc continues to stand, not moving, hands slightly raised, with Kora standing five to ten yards behind him, bow still ready.
So, you're gonna shoot my friends if they go after the Hind?
(affected deeper voice)
I don't have a choice.
When who's going to eat your leftover stew with me on weekends?
An exasperated Kora lowers her bow as a grinning Hercules turns to face her.
Hercules!
Kora, you're going to have to work on that evil voice thing.
I'm serious about not hunting the Hind.
Why are you so against hunting all of a sudden? Isn't that how you feed your customers?
It's too hard to explain, I'll show you.
EXT. EACRED GROVE OF ARTEMIS - DAY
As they walk into a small, close grove of trees and shrubs, Herc is awed by the beauty of this ethereal place.
How did you find this place?
You know I'm pledged to serve the goddess Artemis. This is one of her sacred groves. It's hard to find if you don't know how to look for it.
Hercules frowns and shakes his head:
I don't get it. Why is 'The Goddess of the Hunt' trying to stop us from hunting?
(pointing behind Herc)
Look.
Herc turns... to see a magnificent GOLDEN HIND looking at him from the edge of the grove. The hind is like a deer Centaur -- half woman, half doe, all shimmering gold. Off Herc's amazement...
EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY
The three Hunters, laden with supplies (like traps), approach Jason and Iolaus. There is combative tension all around.
Out for a hunt?
(fake innocence)
Us?
Hunter #2 steps in Jason's way as he tries to go past.
You're not thinking of going after the Hind yourselves, are you?
What if we are?
Hunter #3 moves next to #2 to block Jason's passage. They're both bigger than Jason, but he holds his ground.
This isn't any old hunt, son. Hunting Hind is a job for professionals, not schoolboys.
Hunter #1 gets in Iolaus' face; a tassel from the Hunter's hat dangles ridiculously in one eye. Despite the Hunter's size, Iolaus isn't about to back down.
I'd stay out of the forest today if I were you.
You know, I'm pretty glad you're not me. Then I'd have to wear that hat.
The Hunters walk off LAUGHING.
Schoolboys!
Ask teacher if they can go hunting at recess!
Let's go wipe those smiles off their ugly faces!
(determined)
Forget them! We're gonna get that Hind 'cause we're better hunters than they are. C'mon. Let's get our bows.
EXT. SACRED GROVE OF ARTEMIS - CONTINUOUS
At Kora's signal, the Hind comes closer. She limps slightly from the Hunter's arrow that nicked off the tuft of fur. The Hind coyly looks Herc's way (the exact look the Girl gave him in the teaser, though he won't make the connection...) her gaze hits our young hero like... well, we saw this in the Teaser, too. Hercules is quite simply dazzled.
I've never seen anything... any-one... so incredible. Can she talk?
If she's not frightened. Golden Hinds are the gentlest and rarest of creatures. They're almost extinct. And they're Artemis' favorites.
Hercules just can't take his eyes off the Golden Hind. He speaks to her with infinite tenderness, subtly foreshadowing the special relationship he'll someday have with one of these creatures.
Please, come closer. I won't hurt you.
The Hind comes closer. Herc reaches out to touch her hair, but she recoils. Hercules is wounded to the heart.
Don't take it personally. They don't like being touched by humans.
That's... sad for us.
No, what's sad is that people think they have the right to kill her. And for what? To satisfy their vanity and their greed.
Hercules hangs his head. His reason was no better.
(quietly)
Or to get a gather's attention.
(softening at that)
I'm sorry, but there are real lives at stake here, even if they're not human. No life should be taken casually.
I never thought about it that way. What do you want me to do?
I need you to keep the hunters away from the Hind while I get her somewhere safe. And please, you must continue to keep my relationship to Artemis secret.
I won't be able to convince Jason and Iolaus to give up the hunt if I can't tell them the truth.
(firmly)
You'd better find some way, or Artemis might come after them herself, and she never misses.
On Hercules' concern, we:
FADE OUT.
Act Two
FADE IN:
INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA - DAY
Hercules enters while Iolaus and Jason fill their quivers.
(pissed)
Where have you been?
Out, uh... checking out, well... Believe me, it was important.
Sure she was. What's she like?
What? Who?
The mystery girl you ditched us for.
(a genuine realization)
You know, I forgot all about her.
Iolaus and Jason look at Hercules like he's gone nuts.
Fine. Just grab a bow and let's go. We've got a Hind to hunt.
Yeah, guys. I sorta need to talk to you about that.
What more is there to say? Besides all the fun we're going to have, we've gotta show up those three hunter jerks but good.
This is gonna be the best hunt of our lives!
What about the Hind's life? Don't you think it's wrong to kill something if no one's gonna eat it?
You're kidding, right?
No, hunting's for feeding people. It shouldn't be a sport.
Jason and Iolaus are now certain Herc's gone nuts.
First Kora, now you?! Look, if you're not up to the challenge, why don't you just say so instead of making up all this garbage about hunting not being a sport.
Jason pushes past Hercules to take a bow down from the wall.
You know, if we don't get the Hind, those Hunters will. That Hind's a goner whether we hunt it or not.
Iolaus takes down a bow and joins Jason near the door.
Look, I wanted the Hind as much as you do. But I'm asking you to trust me on this.
You've been wacko ever since you first laid eyes on Miss Deep, Dark Soul Speaker, but this is hunting we're talking about.
And we're going. With or without you.
Jason and Iolaus leave Herc alone with his failure.
EXT. PATH AT EDGE OF THE FOREST - DAY
Herc hurries along to find Kora and the Hind, but it's Kora and the Girl who emerge through the trees. Herc is stunned and flustered by this. Frightened by his intensity, the Girl hides behind Kora (Note: the Girl is careful not to touch Kora).
You again? Why do you keep running away from me... Wait, what's going on? Where's the Golden Hind?
(to Girl)
Shhh. It's all right.
(to Herc) This is Helene, she's a... devotee of Artemis, like me. Sounds like you two've met already.
Helene peeks around Kora. Her voice is soft and kind of shaky.
What happened to your friends?
Don't worry, I'll take care of them.
Kora frowns her acknowledgment of his failure, but doesn't want to scare Helene, who's still pretty fearful of Hercules' nearness.
We're going to the Temple of Artemis in Seneca.
(smiles to calm Helene's fear)
I'd love to join you, but the priestesses aren't exactly gonna let me in.
Soothed by his sweetness, Helene takes a tentative step forward.
No, men aren't allowed.
Helene comes closer, but she's startled by a LOUD BIRD and stumbles. Herc reaches out to catch her, but she avoids his touch... and stumbles into Kora.
No!
Helene backs up and is TRANSFORMED INTO THE GOLDEN HIND, who sees Herc's astonishment and runs off. Herc moves to follow:
Wait!
(stays his arm)
She's long gone by now; she's as fast as the wind.
But we've gotta go after her.
I'll do that. You need to make sure no one gets a clear shot at her.
First, I've gotta know. What just happened here?
When they feel safe, Hinds can take human form. But a mortal's touch turns them back again.
I knew there was something special about her! Okay, you get her to the Temple so she'll be safe. I'll take care of Jason and Iolaus and the hunters.
They split up and head into the forest.
EXT. FOREST - ONE OF MANY LOCATIONS - DAY
Hunter #1 examines a series of broken twigs while Hunter #3 checks out some hoof-prints. Hunter #2 is nearby.
A large animal passed through here. Could be a stag...
No, the hoof-prints are too small. It's the Hind, all right.
(points) And it went that way.
EXT. FOREST STREAM - DAY
Jason and Iolaus move along, with quivers, backpacks, bows.
The hunter said he was near this stream when he nicked the Hind. If we can find hoof-prints, we might be able to backtrack it to its den.
They scan the ground. After a bit, Iolaus gets frustrated.
I'm hungry. You want a cookie?
As he unshoulders his backpack, he spies something glittering on a nearby branch -- some STRANDS OF GOLD HAIR.
Uncle Flatus always said the best tracking clues are stuck on branches. Look at this!
Jason examines the hair and smiles at his friend.
What other tips did old Uncle Flatus give you?
If hair's caught on the south side of a branch, the animal's heading west.
(points) Over there.
EXT. FOREST - SMALL CLEARING - DAY
Herc moves quickly through the forest. When his feet hit a wide blanket of leaves, the ground seems to give in under him. With a startled CRY, he leaps to the side, just managing to grab onto the edge of what is revealed to be a hidden pit. As he pulls himself out, he looks down and sees sharp spikes lining the pit.
Nasty.
EXT. FOREST - ONE OF MANY LOCATIONS - DAY
The three Hunters continue tracking. WHOOSH! An arrow with distinctive tail feathers flies into Hunter's #1's hat, carries it through the air, and pins it to a distant tree.
Hey! That's my favorite hat! Who did that?
The others quickly notch arrows in their bows while Hunter #1 gets his hat. They look around, bows ready.
I don't see him. Where is he?
WHOOSH! An arrow flies toward Hunter #2's bow from the side and slices the string mere inches above his hand and from his face.
Who ever he is, he's good.
Hunter #3 drops to one knee and scans the area while sighting along his arrow. WHOOSH! An arrow slams through the side of the quiver slung across his back; the force pulls him to the ground.
Someone doesn't want us out here.
100 yards away, KORA is about to step forward and tell them to get lost, but there's a SOUND behind her. She turns... to see the Hind, shivering in fear.
Someone's coming from the other direction.
Kora notches two arrows simultaneously and prepares to shoot... but it's Hercules who emerges from the foliage.
Thank Artemis, it's only you.
Jason and Iolaus aren't far behind. They're coming from over there.
So we're surrounded?
(to Kora)
Put down that bow, I'm not getting you shoot anyone.
(to Helene) And I'm not going to let anyone shoot you.
Then... what?
(thinks for a beat)
Do you have a flint?
(off her nod) Start a little fire over there.
(incredulous)
A fire!
(quietly anxious)
Kora, we don't have much time! If this works, they'll stop hunting her for good. It's either this, or you have to start shooting at everybody.
Kora looks at Helene, then decides:
Okay.
Hercules leans in close to Kora and whispers to her as he nods toward the Hind.
Do her horns grow back?
Yes, but --
I'll need a horn and a tuft of fur.
Hercules approaches the skittish Hind, telling her, and Kora:
Please. You can trust me.
The Hind looks to Kora, who nods.
EXT. NEARBY FOREST - MOMENTS LATER - DAY
Jason and Iolaus move quickly through the forest.
(impatient, annoyed)
What did Uncle Flatus say about getting lost?
Then they hear a most CHILLING CRY echo through the forest and stop dead. They run towards the sound.
Over there!
EXT. NEARBY FOREST - MOMENTS LATER
As Hunter #1 pulls the arrow out of his hat, he and his two partners stop dead as they also hear the CHILLING CRY.
What in Tartarus was that?
It's those kids!
They start towards the SOUND.
EXT. NEARBY FOREST - MOMENTS LATER
The three Hunters, Jason and Iolaus converge on Hercules. Herc is alone, kneeling beside a pile of ashes. He holds a gold horn and a tuft of gold fur. He is wearing Kora's bow and quiver, and appears to be furious.
Hercules?!
He turns to them, tears of fury in his eyes!
I did it! I killed the Hind with one shot. It was beautiful! But after I took the horn as a trophy, the body went up in flames. Look!
Herc points to the pole of ashes. A scorched arrow lies in them. Jason, Iolaus, and the Hunters look down, amazed. Nearby, Kora and the Hind hurry away -- with Kora looking back for the briefest moment -- as they go safely out of the forest.
BACK AT THE "KILL", Hercules picks up the arrow from the ashes.
It isn't fair!
The hunters frown at each other, somber, subdued.
So there's no way to keep the gold?
Herc snaps the arrow in his hands; looks up dramatically as he curses the gods. His anger and disappointment are convincing.
The gods are behind this, I know it! Curse you all. I'm never going to get my rightful due as a son of Zeus!
At least to the Hunters. Jason and Iolaus watch Herc with suspicious eyes. The Hunters exchange resigned shrugs. Hunter #2 slaps Herc on the back.
You're right, kid. Life just ain't fair.
At least you didn't waste as much time as we did hunting Golden Hinds. You won't catch us doing that again.
The Hunters trudge off. Jason and Iolaus circle Hercules.
(all innocence)
What?
Jason claps his hands slowly - feigned applause.
I didn't know you had it in you.
Well, I decided you were right, and I wanted to show my father...
Stop acting, Herc. I don't buy this performance any more than the one you put over on the hunters.
Better come clean.
I can't, I gave my word. As my friends, you're just gonna have to trust that the right thing happened here today.
Iolaus and Jason nod reluctantly. Iolaus brightens first.
We've still got the horn and the tuft.
Yeah, they oughta be worth a little glory, at least around the academy.
Our heroes' camaraderie is restored. As they walk off.
You ever catch up with Miss Deep Eyes?
Turns out, she wasn't who I thought she was.
(an observation, not a put down)
They never are.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SACRED GROVE OF ARTEMIS - NIGHT
A brilliant half-moon looms on the horizon. Kora is waiting for Hercules as he walks up.
Did you know that Artemis is also Goddess of the Moon?
Uh-huh. I also know that being in her service makes you unhappy.
(troubled, looking away)
That's why I don't want anyone to know. I don't want them to feel sorry for me or to get in trouble trying to help.
(looks to Herc, smiles) Except you, Hercules. You always seem to know how to help me.
To Herc's astonishment, Kora gives him a chaste peck on the cheek, then walks away. Helene emerges and moves closer, still avoiding his touch. They stand there for a beat, looking at the moon. Now her proximity makes him a little nervous.
We're both a lot like that moon up there, don't you think?
What do you mean?
It's caught somewhere between new and full. Part-here, part-there.
(smiles)
Yeah, we both have two natures that make us different from everybody else. It's hard sometimes, isn't it?
(nods sadly; then profoundly)
Thank you for saving my life. I think that someday, you're going to get your rightful due from everyone who really matters to you. Here on earth... and up there.
With that all-too-true prophesy, she walks away. Herc wistfully looks up at the moon again, and we...
FADE OUT.
