Recap of 1x07
"The Long Game".
100 YEARS LATER
INT. CUPBOARD
The Doctor is
crouched inside what appears to be a small cupboard. The tiny
enclosure starts spinning, spinning... the Doctor leaps to his feet
and frantically starts feeling the walls.
THE DOCTOR
What is it? What's happening?
He unexpectedly
finds a door and falls through it.
INT. THE HOUSE
The Doctor lands
flat on his face on the floor. He is in a brightly coloured room -
drawings on the wall, modern style chair.
LYNDA
Oh my God!
A woman of 30 -
Lynda - hurries over to him.
LYNDA (CONT'D)
I don't BELIEVE it! Why'd they put you in there?? They never said you were coming!
The Doctor tries
to pull himself up, very disorientated.
THE DOCTOR
But what happened? I was...
Lynda helps him
to his feet.
LYNDA
Careful now... oh!
The Doctor's legs
give way and he falls flat on his face again.
LYNDA (CONT'D)
Oh! Mind yourself! Oh, that's the transmat. Scrambles your head - I was sick for days.
He tries to push
himself up again. Lynda helps him to stand.
LYNDA (CONT'D)
You all right?
The Doctor
grunts. He finally manages to stabilise himself.
LYNDA
So! What's your name then, sweetheart?THE DOCTOR
(groggily)
The Doctor, I think. I was er... I don't know, what happened? How--
He looks at her
for help.
LYNDA
You got chosen.
She nods,
grinning - as though this explains everything.
THE DOCTOR
Chosen for what?LYNDA
You're a house mate. You're in the house! Isn't that brilliant?!
She laughs as
this truly is something to be happy about. A camp voice comes from
within.
STROOD
That's not fair.
There are two other
house mates, Strood and Crosbie, sitting on a purple couch in front of
the TV, which has a familiar eye logo on the screen...
STROOD (CONT'D)
We've got eviction in five minutes! I've been here for all nine weeks, I've followed the rules, I haven't had a single warning, and then he comes swanning in.
He gestures to
the extremely confused Doctor, clearly rather peeved.
CROSBIE
If they keep changing the rules, I'm gonna protest, I am. You just watch me, I'm - I'm gonna paint the walls.
The Doctor looks
around at the House, mouth open, brow furrowed. Completely bemused. A
camera fixed to the ceiling turns slowly. Big Brother's voice rings
out over the theme music.
BIG BROTHER
Would the Doctor please come to the Diary Room?
The Doctor looks
up at the ceiling trying to see where the voice is coming from, then
turns around at a buzzing noise behind him. A silver door with an
illuminated eye on the side awaits him. He walks over to the door,
opens it and goes inside.
INT. DIARY
ROOM
The Doctor finds
himself in the Diary Room. He plonks himself down in the bright red
chair, looking rather useless.
BIG BROTHER
You are live on channel forty-four-thousand. Please do not swear.THE DOCTOR
(raises eyebrows)
You have GOT to be kidding.OPENING CREDITS
INT. THE WEAKEST
LINK STUDIO
Rose is lying on the floor of a
darkened room, in a beam of light. She is just starting to regain
consciousness. She looks around, bemused, with a just-woken-up look.A man of 25 - Rodrick - is crouched beside her, observing her.ROSE
(blearily)
What happened?
RODRICK (CONT'D)Rose looks around at her surroundings, blinking.
It's all right... it's the transmat. Does your head in.
She looks around as a voice calls out.RODRICK (CONT'D)
Get a bit of amnesia. What's your name?
ROSE
(just about remembering)
Rose. But... where's the Doctor?
RODRICK
Just remember - do what the Android says. Don't provoke it. The Android's word is law.
ROSE
What d'you mean, android? Like... a robot?
Rose hangs on to him for support.FLOOR MANAGER
Positions, everyone! Thank you!
RODRICK
Come on. Hurry up!
(helps Rose to her feet)
Steady, steady...
She is standing next to an inactive robot, which is being attended to by technicians. The robot stands on a platform around which are six podiums, the contestants milling around.ROSE
(beginning to sound scare)
I was travelling. With the Doctor and a man called Captain Jack...? The Doctor wouldn't just leave me...
FLOOR MANAGER
That's enough chat! Positions! Final call!
Rodrick smiles slightly in anticipation and looks at Rose.FLOOR MANAGER (CONT'D)
Good luck!
Rose looks - and sure enough, her name lights up on one of the podiums. She stares.ROSE
(confused, frightened)
But I'm not supposed to be here.
RODERICK
Well, it says Rose on the podium...
He dashes off and climbs up to stand behind his podium. Slowly, confused but with a dawning revelation, Rose takes her places behind her own podium.RODERICK (CONT'D)
Come on!
She looks round at her surroundings... the technicians and Floor Manager are still attending to the inactive Android.ROSE
Hold on... I must be going mad.
The Android springs to life, raising her face up.ROSE
It can't be. This looks like the--
FLOOR MANAGER
Android activated!
Cue theme music.ROSE
Oh, my God. The Android. The Anne... Droid.
ANNE DROID
Welcome, to 'The Weakest Link'!
INT. WHAT NOT TO WEAR STUDIO
A white, clinical room. Blurry faces come slowly into clarity. Robotic voices.
Jack awakens. He's lying on a chair in the 'What Not To Wear' studio, being examined by the Trin-E and Zu-Zana droids. He blinks.TRIN-E
Here we go again. We've got our work cut out for us.
ZU-ZANA
I don't know - he's sort of handsome. That's a good lantern jaw.
Jack stands up and faces them, hands on hips, rather indignant but at a loss for words.TRIN-E
Lantern jaws are so last year.
JACK
Sorry... nice to meet you ladies, but where exactly am I?
TRIN-E
We're giving you a brand-new image.
JACK
Oh, hold on, I was with the Doctor-
(realises what she said, looks at them in alarm)
Why, is there something wrong with what I'm wearing?
ZU-ZANA
It's all very twentieth century - where DID you get that denim?
JACK
Little place in Cardiff... it was called 'The Top Shop'.
ZU-ZANA
(gliding around him)
Oh - design classic.
TRIN-E
But we're gonna have to find you some new colours. Maybe get rid of that 'Oklahoma Farm Boy' thing you've got going on...
They demonstrate. A beam of light hits Jack's clothing and relieves him of it. He does not seem in the least bit bothered.ZU-ZANA
Just stand still and let the Defabricator work its magic.
JACK
What's the Defabricator?
INT. THE HOUSEJACK
Okay... Defabricator. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Am I naked in front of millions of viewers?
TRIN-E/ZU-ZANA
Absolutely!
JACK
Ladies...
(glances down at his body, a smug smile spreading across his face)
... your viewing figures just went up.
The sonic screwdriver whirrs and buzzes as the Doctor tries to open a door. Then he stops.
No answer from the Doctor, who is walking swiftly to the other side of the room looking for any possible exits.THE DOCTOR
(to Lynda)
I can't open it.
LYNDA
It's got a deadlock seal. Ever since Big Brother Five Hundred and Four when they all walked out...?
Lynda leans against the wall next to him. It's as though she wants to say something. She lowers her voice.LYNDA (CONT'D)
You MUST remember that.
THE DOCTOR
(referring to a mirror)
What about this?
LYNDA
Oh, that's exoglass. You'd need a nuclear bomb to get through.
THE DOCTOR
(scanning the edges)
Don't tempt me.
The Doctor nods, grinning in an uninterested sort of way.LYNDA
I know you're not supposed to talk about the outside world, but you must've been watching. Do people like me? Lynda with a Y, not Linda with an I - she got forcibly evicted because she damaged the camera.
He looks at her properly now, almost pityingly.LYNDA
Am I popular?
THE DOCTOR
(indifferently)
I don't remember.
LYNDA
(quickly)
Oh, but does that mean I'm nothing? Some people get this far just 'cos they're insignificant. Doesn't anybody notice me?
He grins.THE DOCTOR
No... you're... you're nice. You're sweet. Everybody thinks you're sweet.
The Doctor looks over to one of the so-called windows. It is solid black.LYNDA
(flattered)
Oh! Is that right? Is that what I am?
(very pleased)
Oh, no-one's ever told me that before. Am I sweet? Really?
THE DOCTOR
Yeah. Dead sweet!
LYNDA
(grinning, touched)
Thank you!
He walks over to it. Lynda follows.THE DOCTOR
It's just a wall - isn't there supposed to be a garden out there?
INT. TARDISLYNDA
Don't be daft. No-one's got a garden anymore. Who's got a garden?
(gasps)
Don't tell me YOU'VE got a garden!
THE DOCTOR
(examining the wall)
No, I've just got the TARDIS...
(spins around, as though hit by sudden inspiration)
I remember.
LYNDA
That's the amnesia! So what happened? Where did they get you?
THE DOCTOR
(remembering)
We'd just left Raxacoriofallapatorius. Then we went to Kyoto, that's right. Japan in 1336, and we only just escaped...
Flashback to the Doctor, Rose and Jack laughing together in the TARDIS.
A bright light shines through the walls of the TARDIS. Bewildered and scared, Rose reaches out to the Doctor as she is sucked into the light...THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(voice-over)
We were together, we were laughing, and then... there was this light...
Rose is pulled back and back into the blinding white light... end flashback.THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(voice-over)
... this white light coming through the walls, and then...
INT. THE HOUSE
POV of the mirror, as though there is a camera hidden inside it.THE DOCTOR
And then I woke up here.
LYNDA
Yeah, that's the transmat beam. That's how they pick the housemates.
THE DOCTOR
Oh, Lynda with a Y... sweet little Lynda...
(walks a few paces into the room)
It's worse than that.
He places his finger on the camera lens threateningly.THE DOCTOR
I'm not just a passing traveller. No stupid little transmat gets inside my ship. That beam was fifteen million times more powerful, which means... this isn't just a game. There's something else going on.
(steps closer to the camera)
Well! Here's the latest update from the Big Brother house. I'm getting out.
(looks straight into the camera)
I'm gonna find my friends. And then I'm gonna find YOU.
INT. FLOOR 500
A male programmer watches these proceedings. He approaches a female programmer, who is working at a computer.
On her screen is the image of 'The Weakest Link' studio, where Rose is.MALE PROGRAMMER
Need a word.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
Hold on... let me finish this.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOFEMALE PROGRAMMER (CONT'D)
19... 18...
Agitated, Rose turns to Rodrick.FLOOR MANAGER
17... 16... 15... thank you people, transmitting in 12... 11... 10...
She smiles. Rodrick looks distractedly at her, clearly thinking she's slightly mad.ROSE
But I need to find the Doc--
RODRICK
(pushing her back impatiently)
Just-- shut up and play the game!
ROSE
All right then. What the hell? I'm gonna play to win!
Music, lights.FLOOR MANAGER
3, and cue!
ANNE DROID
Let's play 'The Weakest Link'!
She looks extremely pleased with herself.ANNE DROID (CONT'D)[Music]
Start the clock.
ANNE DROID (CONT'D)
Agorax - the name of which basic food stuff is an anagram of the word 'beard'?
AGORAX
Bread.
ANNE DROID
Correct. Fitch - in the Pan Traffic Calendar, which month comes after Hoob?
FITCH
Is it... Clavadoe?
ANNE DROID
No, Pandoff. Rose, in maths, what is 258 minus 158?
ROSE
One hundred!
Rose laughs. Broff's expression is genuinely distraught.ANNE DROID
Correct. Rodrick -
RODRICK
Bank.
ANNE DROID
Which letter of the alphabet appears in the word 'dangle' but not in the word 'gland'?
RODRICK
(after a second's thought)
E.
ANNE DROID
Correct! Colleen - in social security, what D is the name of the payment given to Martian Drones?
COLLEEN
Default.
ANNE DROID
Correct. Broff - the Great Cobalt Pyramid is built on the remains of which famous Old Earth Institute?
BROFF
T-- Touchdown.
ANNE DROID
No - Torchwood.
Rose giggles. Fitch looks as though her heart has just sunk into her shoes.ANNE DROID (CONT'D)
Agorax - in language, all five examples of which type of letter appear in the word 'facetious'?
AGORAX
Vowels.
ANNE DROID
Correct. Fitch - in biology, which blood cells contain iron - red or white?
FITCH
Um... white.
INT. FLOOR 500ANNE DROID
No, red. Rose - in the holovid series 'Jupiter Rising', the Grexnik is married to whom?
The show is watched by the programmers.
She laughs at the absurdity of the situation.ROSE
How should I know?
INT. WHAT NOT TO WEAR STUDIOANNE DROID
No, the correct answer is Lord Drayvole.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
Why's she laughing?
ANNE DROID
Rodrick - in maths, what is nine squared?
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
Oh, my God... I don't think she knows...
MALE PROGRAMMER
(leaning over her shoulder)
And I've got a housemate to appear out of nowhere. I told you - it's like the game's running itself.
Jack stands admiring himself in the mirror, flexing his muscles in the mirror. He's wearing black leather trousers and a white vest.
Jack shrugs into it in front of the mirror.TRIN-E
It's the buccaneer look. Little dash of pirate and just a tweak of President Schwarzenegger.
JACK
Nah, not sure about the vest. What about a little bit of colour to lift it?
ZU-ZANA
Absolutely not. Never wear black with colour. It makes the colour look cheap and the black look boring. Now, let's talk jackets.
JACK
I kinda like the first one...
ZU-ZANA
No, that's a bit too much Hell's Angel. I think I like the shorter one.
She pats his bum. Jack turns to her.ZU-ZANA
Look, waist length, nice and slimming, shows off the bum.
He places his hands on Zu-Zana's plastic breasts flirtatiously.JACK
Works for me.
TRIN-E
Once we've got an outfit, we can look at the face. Ever thought about cosmetic surgery?
JACK
Well, I've considered it, yeah. A little lift around the eyes... tighten up the jaw line... what do you think?
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOTRIN-E
Oh, let's have a BIT more ambition...
(takes a cap off her forearm revealing a chainsaw underneath)
Let's do something... cutting edge.
Rodrick, holding up a card saying 'Fitch', glances sideways at her.ANNE DROID
So, Rose. What do you actually do?
ROSE
(light-hearted, even relaxed)
I just travel about a bit. Bit of a... tourist, I suppose.
Fitch is staring at the ground, tears running down her cheeks.ANNE DROID
Another way of saying 'unemployed'.
ROSE
No.
ANNE DROID
Have you got a job?
ROSE
Well... not really, no, but--
ANNE DROID
Then you ARE unemployed! And yet, you've STILL got enough money to buy peroxide. Why Fitch?
ROSE
(completely wrong-footed)
Uh... I think she got a few of the questions wrong.
Fitch sobs silently. Rose doesn't understand. She's disturbed, confused.ROSE (CONT'D)
... that's all.
ANNE DROID
Oh, you'd know all about that.
ROSE
Well yeah, but I can't vote for myself, so it had to be Fitch...
Fitch ignores her and addresses the Anne Droid. She's terrified.ROSE (CONT'D)
(to Fitch)
I'm sorry... that's the game. That's how it works... I had to vote for someone.
She looks wildly around at her fellow contestants, pleading for help they can't give. Rose looks at her, still completely in the dark. Rodrick looks away. Broff sobs silently into the board he is holding up. Rose glances back at the Anne Droid.FITCH
(desperately)
Let me try again, it was the lights and everything - I couldn't think.
ANNE DROID
In fact, with three answers wrong, Broff was the weakest link in that round, but - it's votes that count.
FITCH
(begging)
I'm sorry. Oh, please... oh God, help me!
The Anne Droid's mouth opens, and a gun protrudes from it. Without a moments hesitation, it fires, a thick and fast bolt of yellow/gold light. Hits Fitch - and she is gone. The gun retreats back into the Anne Droid's mouth. Rose looks back, having hidden her face, to see only smoke billowing where Fitch once stood.ANNE DROID
Fitch - you are the weakest link. Goodbye!
Rose is uncomprehending. She makes a small noise at the back of her throat. Rodrick rolls his eyes.FLOOR MANAGER
And we've gone to the adverts. Back in three minutes...
ROSE
(to Rodrick, gesturing the smoke)
Wassat? What's just happened?
RODRICK
(wiping his board clean)
She was the weakest link - she gets disintegrated.
Her words ring around the silent studio. The contestants glance at her.RODRICK (CONT'D)
(with the air of addressing a dimwit)
Blasted into atoms.
ROSE
(stunned)
But I voted for her. Oh, my God. This is sick.
The Anne Droid turns to him slowly. Broff leaps off his podium and tries to run for it.ROSE (CONT'D)
All of ya, you're just sick! I'm not playing this--
BROFF
I'm not playing!
(whimpers, terrified, crying)
I... I can't do it.
She fires. Broff disappears in mid-run.BROFF
I'm not-- please, somebody let me--
ANNE DROID
You are the weakest link.
And the gun retreats back into her mouth. Rose is staring, mouth open, shocked and absolutely disgusted. Rodrick shuffles, uncomfortable. The Anne Droid turns back to the remaining contestants.ANNE DROID (CONT'D)
Goodbye.
INT. THE HOUSERODRICK
(to Rose)
Don't try to escape. It's play... or die.
Lynda, Strood and Crosbie are gathered on the sofa in front of the TV.
He is standing at one of the doors, whirring away with his sonic screwdriver.LYNDA
Doctor, they said ALL the housemates must gather on the sofa. You've got to.
THE DOCTOR
Busy getting out, thanks.
He grudgingly accepts this, and joins them on the sofa, clicking off his sonic screwdriver.LYNDA
But if you don't obey, then ALL the housemates get punished.
Lynda, Strood and Crosbie all grab each others hands, Crosbie hanging onto the Doctors, who rolls his eyes.THE DOCTOR
Well maybe I'll be voted out, then.
STROOD
How stupid are you? You've only just joined, you're not eligible.
LYNDA
Don't try anything clever or we all get it in the neck.
BIG BROTHER
Big Brother House - this is Davina Droid.
The three housemates all look extremely tense.BIG BROTHER (CONT'D)
Crobsie, Lynda and Strood - you have all been nominated for eviction.
Long, tense pause in which the Doctor looks bored and keeps rolling his eyes.BIG BROTHER (CONT'D)
And the eighth person to be evicted from the Big Brother House is...
Crobsie gasps. Strood and Lynda are immediately all over her.BIG BROTHER (CONT'D)
... Crosbie!
The Doctor relaxes back in the chair with his hands behind his head.LYNDA
I'm sorry! Oh, I'm sorry! Sorry!
STROOD
(an arm around her)
Oh, it should've been me, that's not fair... oh, Crosbie love...
Crosbie, Lynda and Strood all leap to their feet. The Doctor doesn't bother. They rush to the door. The Doctor shakes his head.BIG BROTHER
Crosbie, you have ten seconds to make your farewells, and then we're gonna get you!
She hugs her.LYNDA
I won't forget you.
CROSBIE
I'm sorry I stole your soap.
LYNDA
Oh, I don't mind, honestly.
The doors slide open, revealing a small, narrow, gleaming white room beyond, ending in a door.STROOD
Thanks for the food, you're a smashing cook.
(kisses her cheek and hugs her)
Bless you.
Crosbie stares into the room apprehensively]BIG BROTHER
Crosbie, please leave the Big Brother House.
Lynda and Strood catch each others eye and make an archway with their arms. Crosbie walks underneath. The Doctor looks at them in in disbelief over the back of the sofa. Lynda and Strood wave to Crosbie who waves back until the doors slide close.CROSBIE
(scared, looking at each of them)
Bye, then... bye Lynda...
LYNDA
Bye...
Crosbie stands in the middle of the white room, trembling.LYNDA (CONT'D)
(close to tears)
I don't believe it. Poor Crosbie...
THE DOCTOR
(from the sofa)
It's only a game show, she'll make a fortune on the outside! Sell her story, release a record, fitness video, all of that... she'll be laughing!
LYNDA
(staring at him)
What d'you mean, 'on the outside'?
Lynda and Strood dash back to the sofa and perch on the edge nervously. The Doctor sighs and relaxes back again. There are a few tense moments while Crosbie stands in the room, waiting, and Lynda and Strood watch her anxiously.STROOD
Here we go...
She turns back to the TV. The Doctor completely uncomprehending.THE DOCTOR
Well, what are they waiting for? Why don't they just let her go?
LYNDA
(tearful)
Stop it, it's not funny.
And with the same bolt of light that the Anne Droid used on Fitch, Crosbie is disintegrated. The tension is released and Lynda and Strood stare at the screen, distraught. The Doctor sits up, staring at the screen.BIG BROTHER
Eviction in... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1!
The Doctor looks at them, not fully understanding. They look back at him.THE DOCTOR
What was that?
STROOD
Disintegrator beam.
Cut to the Big Brother logo, stars swirling innocently behind it.LYNDA
She's been evicted.
(pause)
From life.
INT. FLOOR 500
The Male Programmer smiles at that.MALE PROGRAMMER
No one programmed the transmat, no one selected the new contestants... it is exactly like those stories.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
Oh, don't start that again. I think you need to take a session off.
MALE PROGRAMMER
Well, I would. If you'd take it with me.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
And don't start that again either.
They smile and then look to the other end of the room, where the Controller is wired up to the computers. She is deathly white and muttering under her breath, monitoring and controlling all the transmissions.MALE PROGRAMMER
But the rumours go back decades. Saying that something's been... hidden up here. Underneath the transmissions.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
(glancing at him)
But the Controller would know. She watches everything.
MALE PROGRAMMER
Maybe she just can't see it. Gotta allow for human error.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
Well, that's your problem, then.
(leans closer, whispers in his ear)
I don't think she's been human for years.
INT. THE HOUSECONTROLLER
18... 19... 20... 21... 22... 23... transmit.
The Doctor paces around the Big Brother house, laying into Lynda and Strood who are still sat on the sofa.
The Doctor stares at her for a few seconds, then strides across the room.THE DOCTOR
Are you INSANE? You just step right into the disintegrator? Is it that important, getting your face on the telly? Is it worth DYING for?
LYNDA
(standing)
You're talking like we've got a choice!
THE DOCTOR
But I thought you had to apply!
STROOD
Don't be so stupid. That's how they played it centuries back.
LYNDA
(frustrated)
You get chosen whether you like it or not! Everyone on Earth is a potential contestant. The transmat beam picks you out at random. And it's non-stop. There are sixty Big Brother houses running all at once.
THE DOCTOR
(shocked)
How many? SIXTY?
STROOD
(dejectedly)
They've had to cut back. It's not what it was.
THE DOCTOR
It's a CHARNEL house! What about the winners? What to they get?
LYNDA
They get to live.
THE DOCTOR
Is that it?!
LYNDA
Well, isn't that enough?!
Camera POV - zooms in on him.THE DOCTOR
Rose is out there. She got caught in the transmat. She's a contestant. Time I got out.
And he points his sonic screwdriver directly at the camera, destroying it.THE DOCTOR
That other contestant - Lynda with an I - she was forcibly evicted for what?
LYNDA
Damaged property...
THE DOCTOR
What, like this?
INT. WHAT NOT TO WEAR STUDIO
Jack is now dressed up in tennis garb, and is swishing a racket around in front of the mirror.
He stands in front of the Defabrictor so it can defabricate him. He stands naked in front of them once more.JACK
(stopping)
No. I'm just not getting this. It just too safe - too decent. And you'd never keep it clean.
ZU-ZANA
Stage Two ready and waiting!
JACK
Bring it on, girls!
And she holds up her arms - one with needles on the end of each of her fingers, and the other a chain saw. Jack stares at it, not scared but mildly surprised.TRIN-E
And now it's time for the face-off!
JACK
(enthusiastically)
What does that mean? Do I get to compete with someone else?
TRIN-E
No, like I said - face... off!
And she snips the enormous scissors that have replaced her forearm.ZU-ZANA
I think you'd look good with a dog's head.
Jack raises an eyebrow, not remotely perturbed.TRIN-E
Or maybe no head at all. That would be so outrageous.
ZU-ZANA
And we could stitch your legs to the middle of your chest.
Jack reaches behind him and produces a small gun. He points it at them.TRIN-E
Nothing is too extreme. It's to die for.
JACK
(warningly)
Now, hold on, ladies. I don't want to have to shoot either one of you.
TRIN-E
But you're unarmed!
ZU-ZANA
You're naked!
But Jack's ready - he fires and blows her head off. And then does the same to Zu-Zana.ZU-ZANA (CONT'D)
But... that's a Compact Laser Deluxe!
TRIN-E
WHERE were you hiding that?
JACK
You really don't wanna know.
TRIN-E
(moving towards him)
Give me that accessory--
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIO
Rodrick averts his eyes, and with a blast of the gun, Colleen is gone.ANNE DROID
You are the weakest link. Goodbye!
Rose looks tired and fed-up.FLOOR MANAGER
Going to the break! Two minutes on the clock.
Rodrick is wiping his board clean. Rose turns to him.FLOOR MANAGER (CONT'D)
Just a reminder - we've got solar flare activity coming up in ten.
Rodrick turns to her as if he can't believe she doesn't know this.ROSE
Colleen was clever, she banked all our money. Why'd you vote for her?
RODRICK
'Cos I want to keep you in! You're stupid! You don't even know the Princess Vossaheen's surname. When it comes to the final, I want to be up against you. So that you get disintegrated, and I get a stack-load of credits. Courtesy of the Bad Wolf Corporation...
ROSE
What d'you mean? Who's Bad Wolf?
INT. SNEED'S KITCHENRODRICK
They're in charge. They run the Game Station.
ROSE
Why are they called Bad Wolf?
RODRICK
I dunno, it's just a name. It's like an Old Earth... nursery rhyme sort of thing-- what does it matter?
ROSE
(pensively)
I keep hearing those words everywhere we go. Bad Wolf.
Flashback.
EXT. VAN STATTEN'S BASEGWYNETH
The things you've seen... the darkness... the big bad wolf--
INT. TOWN HALL, EXHIBITION ROOMTANNOY VOICE
Attention all personnel - Bad Wolf One descending.
EXT. POWELL ESTATETHE DOCTOR
Blaidd Drwg...
ROSE
What's it mean?
THE DOCTOR
Bad Wolf.
'Bad Wolf' graffiti'd on the side of the TARDIS.
INT. FLOOR 139, CORRIDOR
The Face of Boe on the Bad Wolf channel.
End Flashback.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIO
INT. THE HOUSEROSE
(haunted)
Different times... different places like it's written all over the universe...
RODRICK
(impatiently)
What're you going on about?
ROSE
If the Bad Wolf is in charge of this quiz, then... maybe I'm not here by mistake. Someone's been planning this...
The Big Brother logo on the screen.
The Doctor, Lynda and Strood are sat on the sofa.BIG BROTHER
The Doctor - you've broken the House Rules.
The Doctor raises his hand in triumph.BIG BROTHER (CONT'D)
Big Brother has no choice but to evict you.
The door slides open. The Doctor dashes through into the white room beyond.BIG BROTHER (CONT'D)
You have ten seconds to make your farewells, and then we're gonna get you!
THE DOCTOR
(leaping up and running to the door)
That's more like it! Come on then, open up!
LYNDA
(rushing after him)
You're mad! It's like you WANT to die!
STROOD
I reckon he's a plant! He was only brought in to stir things up!
Strood rushes back to the sofa and leaps over the back to watch on the screen, but Lynda stays at the doorway and slides sideways with the door anxiously as it closes, keeping him in vision for as long as possible. When the door is shut, she turns to the TV.BIG BROTHER
The Doctor - please leave the Big Brother house.
He looks impatiently and expectantly up at the disintegrator.THE DOCTOR
Come on then, disintegrate me! Come on, what're you waiting for?
INT. FLOOR 500LYNDA
He is, he's mad. He's bonkers.
The programmers watch the Doctor on the screen.
INT. BIG BROTHER CORRIDORTHE DOCTOR
Disintegrate me!
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
I told you to keep an eye on him, not KILL him.
MALE PROGRAMMER
He damaged the property. It's an automatic process.
The Doctor folds his arms and looks up the disintegrator, waiting, grinning.
INT. THE HOUSEBIG BROTHER
Eviction in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
Lynda screws up her eyes - but nothing happens. The sound of the power failing.
Lynda opens her eyes in surprise.THE DOCTOR
Haha!
INT. BIG BROTHER CORRIDOR
INT. FLOOR 500THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
I knew it! You see? Someone BROUGHT me into this game. If they'd wanted me dead, they could've transmatted me into a volcano.
INT. BIG BROTHER CORRIDORFEMALE PROGRAMMER
What did you do?
MALE PROGRAMMER
Nothing!
THE DOCTOR
They want me alive--
MALE PROGRAMMER
It's like... some sort of override.
THE DOCTOR
(at the door)
Maybe the security isn't as tight this end.
(looks mockingly up at the camera)
Are you following this? I'm getting out!
The Doctor points his sonic screwdriver at the lock at the door swings open. Then, the door leading back into the House also opens. Lynda pops her head through and the Doctor looks back at her.
Lynda looks at Strood who is kneeling on the sofa.THE DOCTOR
Come with me.
Lynda sees the logic in this. The Doctor holds out his hand and after a moments hesitation, she grabs it and off they go.STROOD
We're not allowed!
THE DOCTOR
Stay in there - you've got a fifty-fifty chance of disintegration. Stay with me - I promise I'll get you out alive. Come on!
LYNDA
(nervous)
No-- I can't, I can't...
THE DOCTOR
Lynda, you're sweet. From what I've seen of your world, d'you think anyone votes for sweet?
INT. FLOOR 56
After going through the door, they find themselves on Floor 56 of Satellite Five.
EXT. SPACETHE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(looking around, surprised)
Hold on... I've been here before. This is Satellite Five!
A shot of Satellite Five from space, looking as it did in 1x07 "The Long Game".
INT. FLOOR 56
The Doctor opens the door to the side room with his sonic screwdriver and they step through it. He whirrs on a control panel.
They leave the room again. The Doctor tests the walls with his sonic screwdriver.THE DOCTOR
No guards. That makes a change. You'd think a big business like Satellite Five would be armed to the teeth.
The Doctor places his hand on a touch-sensitive pad to open a door, with no luck.LYNDA
No one's called it Satellite Five in ages. It's the Game Station now. Hasn't been Satellite Five in about a hundred years.
THE DOCTOR
(checking his watch)
A hundred years exactly. It's the year two zero-zero/one zero-zero. I was here before. Floor 139. Satellite was broadcasting news channels back then... had a bit of trouble upstairs. Nothing too serious. Easy - gave 'em a hand - home in time for tea.
LYNDA
(smiling skeptically)
A hundred years ago?
The Doctor whirrs around the edges of the door with his sonic screwdriver.LYNDA (CONT'D)
What, you were here a hundred years ago?
He looks at the sonic screwdriver.THE DOCTOR
Yep!
LYNDA
You're looking good on it...
THE DOCTOR
(turns to her)
I moisturise.
He tries another door.THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Funny sorts of readings. All kinds of energy... the place is humming. It's weird. This goes way beyond normal transmissions. What would they need all that power for?
And he walks away to try the next door.LYNDA
I dunno. I think we're the first ever contestants to get outside.
THE DOCTOR
(scanning the door)
I had two friends travelling with me. They must've got caught in the same transmat. Where would they be?
LYNDA
I dunno. They could've been allocated anywhere. There's a hundred different games.
THE DOCTOR
(giving her his full attention)
Like what?
LYNDA
Well, there's ten floors of 'Big Brother'. There's a different House behind each of those doors. And then beyond that, there's all sorts of shows. It's non-stop. There's um... 'Call My Bluff'... with real guns... 'Countdown', where you've got thirty seconds to stop the bomb going off... 'Ground Force', which is a nasty one... you get turned into compost. Erm... 'Wipeout', speaks for itself... oh! And 'Stars In Their Eyes'. Literally, stars in their eyes. If you don't sing, you get blinded.
THE DOCTOR
And you watch this stuff?
LYNDA
(shrugs)
Everyone does. How come you don't?
THE DOCTOR
Never paid for my license.
LYNDA
(shocked)
Oh, my God! You get executed for that!
THE DOCTOR
(holding up his sonic screwdriver)
Let them try.
LYNDA
You keep saying things that don't make sense. But who are you though, Doctor? Really?
THE DOCTOR
Doesn't matter.
She smiles, waiting for an answer. He looks away from the lock and studies her properly.LYNDA
Well, it does to me... I've just put my life in your hands.
THE DOCTOR
(examining the lock)
I'm just a traveller, wandering past. Believe it or not, all I'm after is a quiet life.
LYNDA
So... if we get out of here, what're you gonna do? Just... wander off again?
THE DOCTOR
Fast as I can.
LYNDA
(tentatively)
So... I could come with ya.
Lynda smiles cheerily.THE DOCTOR
Maybe you could.
LYNDA
(brightly)
I wouldn't get in the way.
THE DOCTOR
(smiling)
I wouldn't mind if you did. Not a bad idea, Lynda with a Y.
She runs to the opposite end of the room and pulls down a lever, which illuminates huge letters on the wall. They say 'Bad Wolf Corporation'.THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(briskly)
But first of all, we've gotta concentrate on the getting out.
(scans the edges of a door)
And to do that, you've got to know your enemy - who's controlling it - who's in charge of the satellite now?
LYNDA
Hold on...
The Doctor gazes up at the letters in wonder and confusion.LYNDA (CONT'D)
Your Lords and Masters.
EXT. SPACE
Satellite Five revolves slowly.
INT. FLOOR 500
Several people on Floor 500 are busy working at their screens.
The Male and Female Programmers are working on the same screen, which is showing footage of the Doctor and Lynda on Floor 56.MALE PROGRAMMER
Okay, you win. The Controller's got to handle this. The Archive makes a record of all transmat activities.
He takes off his headphones and strides slowly across the floor to address the Controller.MALE PROGRAMMER (CONT'D)
Find out how they got on board... Archive Six.
The Male Programmer stares at her, brow furrowed.MALE PROGRAMMER (CONT'D)
Controller... we have a problem.
CONTROLLER
Continue working.
MALE PROGRAMMER
We have a security problem.
CONTROLLER
Continue working. 6... 5...
MALE PROGRAMMER
I'm sorry, but I can't. We have contestants outside of the games. But the alarms haven't gone off.
CONTROLLER
No security. The games continue.
MALE PROGRAMMER
(smiling confusedly)
But we can't just let them wander...
CONTROLLER
They are no one.
The Female Programmer places a hand on the touch sensitive lock to open the door to the Archive. The Controller gasps with pain.MALE PROGRAMMER
They are no one.
EXT. SPACEFEMALE PROGRAMMER
Erm... sorry. I was just, um...
CONTROLLER
Archive Six is out of bounds.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
But I need to check the transmat log.
CONTROLLER
(slightly crazed)
Archive Six is out of bounds. No one may enter Archive Six. Return to work.
(lapses back into herself, muttering numbers under her breath)
Return to work. Inform all staff - solar flares in delta point seven. 19... 20...
The Satellite revolves peacefully.
INT. WHAT NOT TO WEAR STUDIO
Jack is attaching his Compact Laser Deluxe to the Defabricator.
And off he goes, leaving the smouldering bodies of Trin-E and Zu-Zana.JACK
(to himself)
Compatible systems... just align the wave signature...
(laughs)
Thattaboy! Got myself a gun.
(picks up the Defabricator and glances at the dead Droids)
Well, ladies, the pleasure was all mine. Which is the only thing that matters in the end.
INT. FLOOR 229
Jack runs out onto Floor 299, and places his hand on a pad to open the door to the lift. He consults his wrist device.
He impatiently presses a few buttons on the lift and the doors close.JACK
Two hearts, that's him... which floor?
INT. FLOOR 56, OBSERVATION DECK
The Doctor and Lynda emerge onto an observation deck.
They stand before the window, observing the Earth. The whole planet is grey and ugly, a few patches of light here and there.LYNDA
Blimey! I've never seen it for real before! Not... not from orbit. Planet Earth...
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOTHE DOCTOR
(surprised)
What's happened to it?
LYNDA
Well, it's always been like that. Ever since I was born. See that there?
(points)
That's the Great Atlantic Smog Storm. It's been going twenty years. We get newsflashes telling us when it's safe to breathe outside.
THE DOCTOR
So, the population just sits there? Half the world's too fat, half the world's too thin, and you lot just watch telly?
LYNDA
(bright-eyed)
Ten thousand channels, all beaming down from here.
THE DOCTOR
The Human Race. Brainless sheep. Being fed on a diet of... mind you, have they still got that programme where three people have to live with a bear?
LYNDA
(delighted)
Oh, 'Bear With Me', I LOVE that one!
THE DOCTOR
And me. The celebrity edition where the bear got in the--
LYNDA
Got in the bath!
THE DOCTOR
(suddenly serious)
But it's all gone wrong. I mean, HISTORY'S gone wrong. Again. This should be the Fourth Great and Bountiful Human Empire - I don't understand. Last time I was here, I put it right.
LYNDA
No, but that's when it first went wrong. A hundred years ago, like you said. All the news channels - they just shut down overnight.
THE DOCTOR
But that was me. I did that.
LYNDA
There was nothing left in their place. No information. The whole planet just froze. The government - the economy - they collapsed... that was the start of it. One hundred years of hell.
THE DOCTOR
Oh, my...
(stares at the wasted planet, stunned)
I made this world.
Agorax screams as the disintegrator beam shoots him until there's nothing left but dust. The gun retreats back into the Anne Droid's mouth and the light behind Agorax's name on his podium goes out.
EXT. SPACEANNE DROID
That leaves Rose and Rodrick - you're going head-to-head... let's play 'The Weakest Link'.
RODRICK
(to Rose, without looking at her)
Right, that's the end of tactical voting... you're on your own now.
Satellite Five, sitting in Space.
INT. FLOOR 56, OBSERVATION DECJACK
(voice-over)
Hey, handsome! Good to see ya! Any sign of Rose?
Jack has managed to find the Doctor, and is now standing with him and Lynda on the observation deck.
Jack backs down and gives the Doctor his wrist-device.THE DOCTOR
Can't you track her down?
JACK
She must still be inside the games. All the rooms are shielded.
THE DOCTOR
(fiddling with the computer)
If we can just get inside this computer... she's GOT to be here somewhere.
JACK
Well, you'd better hurry up. These games don't have a happy ending.
THE DOCTOR
(snaps)
You think I don't know that?
The Doctor snatches it off him.JACK
There you go.
The system bleeps in protest.JACK (CONT'D)
Patch that in. It's programmed to find her.
THE DOCTOR
Thanks.
JACK
(to Lynda, shaking her hand)
Hey there!
LYNDA
Hello!
JACK
Captain Jack Harkness.
LYNDA
Lynda Moss.
JACK
Nice to meet you, Lynda Moss!
THE DOCTOR
(not even looking up)
D'you mind flirting outside?
JACK
(indignantly)
I was just saying hello!
THE DOCTOR
For you, that's flirting.
LYNDA
(to Jack)
I'm not complaining.
JACK
(kissing her hand)
Which is a good idea.
LYNDA
(laughing)
Oh!
He chucks the wrist-device to Lynda, and then wrenches the front of the computer away with Jack's help. He snatches the wrist-device from Lynda again.THE DOCTOR
(angry and frustrated)
It's not compatible. This stupid system doesn't make sense.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOTHE DOCTOR
(trying to patch in it)
This place should be a basic broadcaster. The systems are twice as complicated. It's more than just television... this station's transmitting something else.
JACK
Like what?
THE DOCTOR
(working frantically)
I don't know. This whole Bad Wolf thing's tied up with me. Someone's manipulating my entire life. It's some sort of trap and Rose is stuck inside it.
The TV footage shows a scoreboard on the screen. Rodrick has one tick so far, and this is Rose's first question.ANNE DROID
Rose, in geography, the Grand Central Ravine is named after which Ancient Britain City?
INT. FLOOR 56, OBSERVATION DECKROSE
Is it York?
ANNE DROID
No, the correct answer is Sheffield.
The wrist-device bleeps.
Lynda gasps with horror.THE DOCTOR
Found her! Floor 407!
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOLYNDA
(frantic)
Oh, my God! She's with the Anne Droid! You've gotta get her out of there!
A cross for Rodrick.ANNE DROID
Rodrick, in literature, the author of 'Lucky' was Jackie who?
RODRICK
(wild guess)
Stewart.
ANNE DROID
No, the correct answer is Collins.
A few second silence in which the Anne Droid and Rodrick both stare at her.ANNE DROID
Rose, the oldest inhabitant of the Isop Galaxy is the Face of what?
ROSE
Boe! The Face of Boe!
EXT. SPACEANNE DROID
That is the correct answer.
Satellite Five.
INT. LIFT
The Doctor, Jack and Lynda are in the lift, the Doctor impatiently watching the numbers racing up.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOTHE DOCTOR
(urgently)
Come on... come on...!
The scores are equal.ANNE DROID
Rodrick, in history, who was the President of the Red Velvets?
Rodrick is one-up. The Anne Droid turns her head sharply to Rose.RODRICK
Hoshbin Frane.
ANNE DROID
That is the correct answer.
The Anne Droid stares at Rose. Rose stares back, at a loss.ANNE DROID (CONT'D)
Rose, in food, the dish Gaffabeque originated on which planet?
ROSE
(without a clue)
Um... is it...
Rose gets a cross. The nasty pleasure in Rodrick's eyes is evident.ROSE (CONT'D)
... Mars?
ANNIE DROID
Nope, the correct answer is Lucifer.
EXT. SPACE
Satellite Five. The lift races upwards.
INT. LIFT
The counter rises rapidly. The Doctor's eyes are on it, intense.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIO
Rose glances at Rodrick. He doesn't know.ANNE DROID
Rodrick, which measurement of length is said to have been defined by the Emperor Jate as the distance from his nose to his fingertip?
Rodrick gets a cross.RODRICK
Would that be a goffle?
ANNE DROID
No. The correct answer is a paab.
Rodrick is still one ahead and there's only one question left for each of them...ANNE DROID (CONT'D)
Rose, in fashion, Stella Pok Baint is famous for what?
ROSE
(taking a firm but completely random guess)
Shoes.
ANNE DROID
No. The correct answer is hats.
INT. FLOOR 407
The Doctor, Jack and Lynda belt out of the lift onto Floor 407. The Anne Droid's voice rings out over the Floor.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOANNE DROID
Rodrick, in physics, who discovered the Fifteen-Dash-Ten Barric Fields?
THE DOCTOR
(frantically, drowning her voice out)
Game Room Six, which one is it?!
LYNDA
Over here!
INT. FLOOR 407RODRICK
San... Hazeldine.
ANNE DROID
No...
They've reached the door, the Doctor whipping out his sonic screwdriver.
He presses his sonic screwdriver to the touch-sensitive pad.ANNE DROID
... the correct answer is San Chen.
JACK
Stand back, let me blast it open.
THE DOCTOR
Can't, it's made of Hydra Combination.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIO
Rose stares at the Anne Droid, who stares right back at her. Rodrick glances at Rose. A tense silence.ANNE DROID
Rose, in history, which Icelandic city hosted Murder Spree Twenty?
Rodrick looks back the Anne Droid anxiously. There is a few seconds pause.ROSE
Reykjavik...?
Rose gets a cross. The game's finished and Rodrick is one point up. Music cue... an ecstatic smile spreads across Rodrick's face.ANNE DROID
No, the correct answer is Pola Ventura.
INT. FLOOR 407RODRICK
Oh, my God! I've done it!
(looks at Rose, without a trace of pity - even gloating)
You've lost!
The sonic screwdriver whirrs.
INT. THE WEAKEST LINK STUDIOTHE DOCTOR
(muttering in his desperation)
Come on, come on, come on...
Suddenly, the Floor Manager turns to look at a point off-set - the Doctor, Jack and Lynda barge in through the door which is just too far away...ROSE
(terrified)
But I'm not meant to be here. I need to find the Doctor, he's got to be here somewhere-- he's always here! He wouldn't just leave me!
ANNE DROID
(ignoring her, speaking over her)
Rodrick, you are the strongest link, you will be transported home with one thousand six hundred credits.
RODRICK
Oh, thank you, thank you so much.
ROSE
(strong but scared, leaning over her podium)
This game is illegal! I'm telling you to stop!
The Doctor runs across the wide expanse of floor as fast as he can. Rose begins to run towards him, pushing the podium out of the way.THE DOCTOR
Rose!
ANNE DROID
Rose, you leave this life with nothing--
JACK
Stop this game!
THE DOCTOR
I order you to stop this game!
FLOOR MANAGER
We're live on air!
She's running... the Anne Droid turns her head and her jaw hinges down - the disintegrator beams shoots out, hitting Rose squarely in the back. And with a scream, Rose is gone, mere feet away from the Doctor. Jack takes off towards the set, raging.ANNE DROID
You are the weakest link.
ROSE
Look out for the Anne Droid, it's armed!
The Doctor crouches down to the pile of dust that was Rose. The smoke clears. There's a moment where he's absolutely in shock... the voices in the background are meaningless to him. He picks up a piece of the dust between his fingers, feeling it... he's just staring - broken, hollow.JACK
(furious)
What the hell did you do to her??
A security guard appears behind the Doctor.JACK (CONT'D)
(brandishes the gun at the Floor Manager and Rodrick)
Back off!
FLOOR MANAGER
I need security and I need it here right now! It's this lot...
The security guard pulls the Doctor to his feet and places a gun to his head. The Doctor has lost the will to resist. He just lets him do it.JACK
Don't you touch him! Leave him alone!
His voice is distant to the Doctor. He's staring at the pile of ashes while his hands are tied. He looks empty. A tear is glistening in his eye.JACK (CONT'D)
(barking at the Floor Manager while his hands are tied)
You killed her! Your stupid freaking game show killed her.
And his voice fades away as the Doctor is lost inside his own head. He is as a man dead.SECURITY GUARD
(distant)
Sir, I'm arresting you under Private Legislation Sixteen of the Game Station Syndicate.
EXT. SPACE
The Satellite hovers over Earth, the sun behind it.
INT. FLOOR 407
The Doctor is slammed roughly against a gate as he is searched. The Doctor is completely unresisting, past caring. The sonic screwdriver is wrenched from his pocket. The Doctor is turned roughly back to face the security guard, who brandishes it in his face.
No response. The Doctor isn't even looking at it.SECURITY GUARD
(brusquely)
Can you tell us the purpose of this device, sir?
INT. FLOOR 407
Jack, the Doctor and Lynda are sat on a bench in a prison cell as they are interrogated.
The Security Guard grabs her chin, silencing her.SECURITY GUARD
Can you tell us how you got on board?
LYNDA
Just leave him alone--
He releases her and turns to the Doctor.SECURITY GUARD
I'm asking HIM.
INT. FLOOR 407SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D)
Sir? Can you tell us who you are?
The Doctor is against a wall having a convict's photo taken. First from the front - the camera flashes. He turns to each side and the camera flashes twice more, the sound echoing in the silence. The Doctor is still numb, still dead.
INT. FLOOR 407
They are back in the cell.
Neither Jack or the Doctor move or make any acknowledgment to this statement, but Lynda shifts uncomfortably.SECURITY GUARD
You will be taken from this place to the Lunar Penal Colony, there to be held without trial, you may not appeal against this sentence.
No response. The Security Guard goes to the gate and opens it.SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D)
(coldly)
Is that understood?
All three of them leap to their feet. Jack punches and kicks his way through the gate. He tosses one guard aside, the Doctor throwing another easily against the wall, knocking him out. They all grab weapons and leave. An alarm goes off.THE DOCTOR
(to Jack)
Let's do it.
INT. FLOOR 500
INT. LIFTMALE PROGRAMMER
(watching the proceedings)
Oh, my God. Now we're in trouble.
Jack, Lynda and the Doctor pile into the lift.
INT. FLOOR 500THE DOCTOR
Floor 500.
The Male Programmer presses a button on Floor 500, causing an alarm to go off.
The staff all stand hurriedly.MALE PROGRAMMER
Clear the floor! He's on his way up here. With a gun!
INT. LIFT
The Doctor releases the safety catch on the huge defabricator he is now holding. His face is dark, and he means business. The lift zooms upwards...
INT. FLOOR 500
And the lift doors open. All the staff turn around, and the Doctor, Jack and Lynda all stride out, armed to the teeth.FEMALE PROGRAMMER
(exasperated, trying to get through the Controller)
This is an emergency! You've got to close the lift!
CONTROLLER
(completely ignoring her)
All staff are reminded that solar flares commence in delta point two-
MALE PROGRAMMER
Never mind solar flares! He's gonna KILL you!
The staff scatter as the Doctor strides towards the Controller as though he has tunnel vision.JACK
Okay! Move away from the desk! Nobody try anything clever. Everybody clears!
The Doctor abruptly swings the gun around to the staff, making them all flinch.JACK
Stand to the sides. And stay there.
THE DOCTOR
(brandishing his gun at the Controller)
Who's in charge of this place?
CONTROLLER
... 18... 19... 20...
THE DOCTOR
This Satellite's more than a Game Station.
CONTROLLER
79...
THE DOCTOR
Who killed Rose Tyler?
CONTROLLER
All staff are reminded that solar flares--
THE DOCTOR
I want an answer!
CONTROLLER
... in delta point one.
MALE PROGRAMMER
She can't reply.
And he tosses the defabricator to the Male Programmer.MALE PROGRAMMER
Don't shoot!
THE DOCTOR
Oh, don't be so thick. Like I was ever gonna shoot.
Jacks device bleeps. He reads it and looks around.THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Captain, we've got more guards on the way up. Secure the exits.
JACK
Yes, sir!
THE DOCTOR
(to the Male Programmer)
You - what were you saying?
MALE PROGRAMMER
But... I've got your gun.
THE DOCTOR
Okay, so shoot me. Why can't she answer?
MALE PROGRAMMER
She's, um...
(completely distracted by the gun he's holding)
Can I put this down?
THE DOCTOR
(impatiently)
If you want, just hurry up.
MALE PROGRAMMER
Thanks.
(puts it down)
Sorry. Um... the Controller is linked to the transmissions. The entire output goes through her brain - you're not a member of staff so she doesn't recognize your existence.
THE DOCTOR
(looking up at her)
What's her name?
MALE PROGRAMMER
I don't know. She was installed when she was five years old. That's the only life she's ever known.
JACK
(calling over)
Door's sealed. We should be safe for about ten minutes.
THE DOCTOR
Keep an eye on 'em.
MALE PROGRAMMER
But that stuff you were saying about something going on with the Game Station - I think you're right.
Captain Jack places his hand on the door to Archive Six.MALE PROGRAMMER (CONT'D)
Unauthorized transmats... it's been going on for years.
THE DOCTOR
Show me.
He places his hand on the pad and the door opens.FEMALE PROGRAMMER
(making him jump)
You're not allowed in there! Archive Six is out of bounds!
JACK
(holding up his two guns)
Do I look like an out-of-bounds sort of guy?
INT. ARCHIVE SIX
Jack smiles - as there, in the middle of the room, stands the TARDIS. He fits the key into the lock and enters.
INT. TARDIS
The TARDIS is humming away, a comforting, familiar sound. Slung casually over the handrail just inside the door is one of Rose's jackets. He pauses, placing his hand on it briefly before moving on to the console. He checks the screen and leans closer to it, clearly puzzled.
EXT. SPACEJACK
What the hell...?
The sun rises over the Earth, also illuminating the Satellite.
INT. FLOOR 500
He sounds disgusted, his voice rising. Lynda flinches and the Female Programmer stares at him. One of the screens goes static and the lights flicker off, the sound of the power winding down.CONTROLLER
Solar-flare activity at delta point zero...
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
(impatiently, to the Doctor)
If you're not holding us hostage, then open the door and let us out. The staff are terrified.
THE DOCTOR
That's the same staff who execute hundreds of contestants every day--
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
That's not our fault, we're just doing our jobs.
THE DOCTOR
And with that sentence, you just lost the right to even talk to me. Now back off.
He hasn't heard the Controller and is still sore with the Female Programmer.MALE PROGRAMMER
That's just the solar-flares. They interfere with the broadcast signal, so this place automatically powers down. Planet Earth gets a few repeats. It's all quite normal.
CONTROLLER
(quietly)
Doctor...
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
Doctor?
The Doctor spins around to look at the Controller at the other end of the floor.THE DOCTOR
Whatever it is, you can wait.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
(ignoring this)
I think she wants you.
The Doctor hurries over to stand before her. She is still staring straight ahead with her milky eyes.CONTROLLER
Doctor...
Everyone is listening to her intently.CONTROLLER (CONT'D)
Doctor...? Where's the Doctor?
THE DOCTOR
I'm here.
CONTROLLER
Can't see. I'm blind. So blind. All my life, blind. All I can see is numbers, but I saw you.
THE DOCTOR
What do you want?
CONTROLLER
Solar-flares hiding me. They can't hear me-- my-- my masters, they always listen but they can't hear me now. The sun... the sun is so bright...
THE DOCTOR
Who are your masters?
CONTROLLER
They wired my head, their name is forbidden. They control my thoughts, my masters... my masters, I had to be careful. They monitor the transmissions but they don't watch the programmes. I could hide you inside the games.
But at that moment, the Controller gasps. The power flickers back on, and she goes back to counting.THE DOCTOR
(coldly)
My friend died inside your games.
CONTROLLER
Doesn't matter.
THE DOCTOR
Don't you DARE tell me that.
CONTROLLER
They've been hiding. My masters, hiding in the dark space, watching and shaping the Earth... so, so, so many years... they've always been there. Guiding humanity, hundreds and hundred of years--
THE DOCTOR
Who are they?
CONTROLLER
They wait. They plan and grow in numbers, they're strong now. So strong, my masters--
THE DOCTOR
(persistently)
Who are they?
CONTROLLER
(suddenly looking at him)
But they speak of you. My masters, they fear the Doctor.
THE DOCTOR
(stepping forward)
Tell me! Who are they?
He shoves the Male Programmer out of his chair.CONTROLLER
20... 21... 22...
THE DOCTOR
(to the Male Programmer)
When's the next solar-flare?
MALE PROGRAMMER
Two years time.
THE DOCTOR
Fat lot of good that is.
JACK
(emerging from Archive Six)
Found the TARDIS!
THE DOCTOR
We're not leaving now.
JACK
No. But the TARDIS worked it out.
The Doctor turns around to watch.JACK (CONT'D)
You'll wanna watch this.
Lynda complies, and stands in an empty area of floor.JACK
(indicating)
Lynda, could you stand over there for me please?
LYNDA
I-- I just wanna go home.
JACK
(fixed smile)
It'll only take a second. Could you stand in that spot, quick as you can?
He presses a button and a disintegrator beam shoots down from the ceiling and hits Lynda. There's nothing left but a billow of smoke.JACK (CONT'D)
Everybody watching? Okay... three, two, one--
He presses the button again, and Lynda reappears next to the Doctor, slightly dazed but completely unharmed.THE DOCTOR
(shocked)
But you killed her!
JACK
Oh, d'you think?
The Doctor looks to Jack for an explanation.LYNDA
... What the hell was that?
And the Doctor is realising what he's trying to say... his eyes light up...JACK
It's a transmat beam. Not a disintegrator - a secondary transmat system.
The Doctor laughs with ecstatic relief. They throw their arms around each other, grinning madly, so happy.JACK (CONT'D)
(walking towards him)
People don't get killed in the games! They get transported across space! Doctor, Rose is still alive!
INT. SPACESHIP
Rose is lying on the floor unconscious. After a few seconds, she begins to stir. The camera gives us a wider view, and we see that she's inside a spaceship, which is humming ominously. She sits up, sees something...
A horribly familiar alien POV, gliding towards her... Rose scrambles to her feet and stumbles backwards, gasping.ROSE
It can't be...
The alien backs her against a wall. She tries to edge sideways, but is stopped by a plunger shooting out.ROSE (CONT'D)
But you're dead... I saw you die!
INT. FLOOR 500
It's causing her pain to communicate with the Doctor and betray her masters, but determined, she carries on.THE DOCTOR
(dashing from console to console)
She's out there somewhere!
CONTROLLER
Doctor!
She screams. The Doctor looks up, and the wires she was attached to fall away, empty. There's nothing left but dust.CONTROLLER (CONT'D)
Co-ordinates five point six point one--
THE DOCTOR
(typing them in frantically)
Don't! The solar flare's gone, they'll hear you!
CONTROLLER
(crying out with pain)
Point four three four-- no my masters, no! I defy you! Stigma seven seven--
INT. SPACESHIPTHE DOCTOR
They took her.
The Controller reappears on the floor of the spaceship. There are holes all over her body where the wires once entered her. She stands, her blind eyes staring forward. She's defiant, proud.
And in the shining wall behind her, a Dalek glides towards her.CONTROLLER
Oh, my masters...
The sound of a ray gun. We can see right through to her skeleton as she glows negative, and then she slumps to the floor, dead.CONTROLLER (CONT'D)
(gleefully)
You can kill me. For I have brought your destruction.
EXT. SPACE
Satellite Five, seemingly serene from the outside.
INT. FLOOR 500
Jack is sitting at one of the computer terminals, the others gathered around him.
The Doctor takes it, points it upwards, and clicks. An image of an empty expanse of space materializes above thier heads.MALE PROGRAMMER
Look, use that.
(gives Jack a disk)
It might contain the final numbers. I kept a log of all the unscheduled transmissions.
JACK
(peering up at him)
Nice... thanks...
(holds out his hand, eyeing him in an entirely un-platonic manner)
Captain Jack Harkness, by the way...
MALE PROGRAMMER
(shaking his hand)
I'm Davitch Pavale.
JACK
(flirtatiously)
Nice to meet you, Davitch Pavale...
THE DOCTOR
There's a time and a place.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
Are you saying this entire set-up's been a disguise all along?
THE DOCTOR
Going way back. Installing the Jagrafess a hundred years ago. Someone's been playing a long game. Controlling the Human Race from behind the scenes for generations.
JACK
(handing a small device to the Doctor)
Click on this.
They all stare up at the blank expanse of space.JACK (CONT'D)
The transmat delivers to that point. Right on the edge of the solar system.
FEMALE PROGRAMMER
There's nothing there.
THE DOCTOR
It looks like nothing. 'Cause that's what this satellite does. Underneath the transmission, there's another signal...
MALE PROGRAMMER
Doing what?
THE DOCTOR
Hiding whatever's out there. Hiding it from sonar, radar, scanner...
Lynda chews her lip.THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
There's something sitting right on top of Planet Earth... but it's completely invisible.
He presses a few buttons, and when he looks back at the screen, the expanse of space is no longer empty. Right in front of them is a spaceship, revolving slowly. The Doctor stares at it, eyes wide. We zoom out... reveal more and more...THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
If I cancel the signal...
EXT. SPACE
Carry on zooming out, revealing ship after identical ship. Two hundred of them.
INT. FLOOR 500
INT. SPACESHIPJACK
That's impossible. I know those ships... they were destroyed.
THE DOCTOR
(hushed)
Obviously, they survived.
LYNDA
Who did? Who are they?
THE DOCTOR
(fearful)
Two hundred ships. More than two thousand on board each one. That's just about half a million of them.
MALE PROGRAMMER
Half a million what?
THE DOCTOR
Daleks.
A Dalek enters an area on the spaceship, where several others are crowded.
Rose, huddled against the foot of the wall, stares around at them all, her eyes wide.DALEK #2
Alert! Alert! We are detected!
DALEK #1
It is the Doctor! He has located us!
Dalek #2 swivels around to face Rose.DALEK #1
Open communications channel!
Rose stands. The Dalek looks up and an an image materializes in mid-air - the Doctor, Jack, Lynda, the Male Programmer and the Female Programmer all staring back at Rose and the Daleks.DALEK #2
The female will stand. Stand!
INT. FLOOR 500/INTERCUT WITH SPACESHIP
The Doctor is grim, looking at the three Daleks flanking Rose with distaste.
He waves at them mockingly, his fake grin fading rapidly.DALEK #1
I will talk to the Doctor.
THE DOCTOR
Oh, will you? That's nice. Hello!
Rose, shaking, looks up at the Doctor on the screen.DALEK #1
The Dalek Stratagem nears completion. The Fleet is almost ready. You will not intervene.
THE DOCTOR
Oh, really? Why's that then?
DALEK #1
We have your associate. You will obey or she will be exterminated.
As one, Jack, Lynda, the Male Programmer and the Female Programmer jerk their heads in his direction. Rose stares, mouth slightly open. What's he doing?THE DOCTOR
No.
Rose listens, the pride evident in her eyes. The others glance at him in awe.DALEK #1
(clearly not having anticipated this answer)
Explain yourself.
THE DOCTOR
I said 'no'.
DALEK #1
What is the meaning of this negative?
THE DOCTOR
It means 'no'.
DALEK #1
But she will be destroyed.
THE DOCTOR
(standing in his passion)
No! 'Cos this is what I'm gonna do - I'm gonna rescue her.
He clicks the device, and the communication line closes.THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(true hero, fiery)
I'm gonna save Rose Tyler from the middle of the Dalek Fleet, and then I'm gonna save the Earth, and then just to finish off, I'm gonna wipe every last STINKING Dalek outta the sky!
DALEK #1
But you have no weapons! No defences! No plan!
THE DOCTOR
(grinning)
Yeah. And doesn't that scare you to death? Rose?
ROSE
(eagerly)
Yes, Doctor?
THE DOCTOR
I'm coming to get you.
INT. SPACESHIP
They spin around wildly. Rose gasps but they take no notice of her, and she steps out of their way.DALEK #1
The Doctor is initiating hostile action!
DALEK #2
The Stratagem must advance. Begin the invasion of Earth!
The entire ship is filled with thousands of Daleks crying 'exterminate!' as one. Rose looks around in terror at the huge, insane army.DALEK #3
The Doctor will be exterminated!
DALEKS
Exterminate!
TO BE CONTINUED
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