🔴 Script 8:18 The Protean

 

Brief (Where we’re at):

Neville Townsend has issued a new Directive ~ against Liz and Red and “anyone [Red] cares about,” which Red reminds Cooper, “includes you.” And against Priya Laghari, who Red had placed in Townsend’s organization to assassinate him. Liz has escaped capture by both Townsend and the FBI, which is still technically pursuing her although they worked together to identify and try to capture Red’s long-time friend and associate, Ivan Stepanov, a Russian SVR agent and higher-up in the super-secret unit Zaslon that performs black ops around the world. But neither Liz or the task force captured Stepanov. Townsend did. By using an asset in the FBI to install malware in Ressler’s phone, Townsend’s people listened in on Liz and Ressler’s phone calls, from which they learned about Stepanov and moved in first to capture him.

Red turned to the task force to plead for help in extracting Stepanov from Townsend, at which point Cooper told Red of their own attempts to capture Stepanov in order to find out if Red is the mysterious operative code-named N-13. Red’s reply was to tell Cooper and the task force, “You have no idea of the harm you’ve done,” not because he’s concerned about his own vulnerability, but because of the danger it puts Liz in:

Red: … I told you I was withholding that information because sharing it would put Elizabeth’s life in danger. I asked you not to pursue that information, but you went behind my back and pursued it anyway, without being honest with me. And the result of your dishonesty? … Elizabeth is on the run, and Neville Townsend is after her.

While the FBI’s interest in pursuing Stepanov was to determine if Red is a traitor, Neville Townsend could care less about that. He wants to find out if Red is N-13 because he blames N-13 for releasing information from the Sikorsky Archive that caused the Russian Vory (mafia) to murder his wife and two sons while he was forced to watch.

Red was convinced that if Townsend tortured Stepanov, Stepanov could tell secrets that would put Liz’s life in danger. He deployed Priya Laghari, his only associate with proximity to Townsend, to try to intervene. But she was too late. Using a combination of torture and an SVR-developed truth serum, Stepanov gave up information that immediately caused Townsend to turn on Liz. When Red and his forces arrived to save Stepanov and Liz, Townsend’s sleep-deprived manic brain had hatched a unique plan to get revenge. As he had been forced to watch the murder of his family, he now wants Red to watch as he murders Liz:

Townsend: [ Loudly, dramatically ] Elizabeth? You in there? I do hope you’re in there, Elizabeth, because I’m gonna need you for this next part, which promises to be rather awful. While you have a moment, I suggest that you and Raymond reflect upon the concept of loss. I know it well. … Loss became a part of me when I watched my wife and children die before my very eyes! But today, Raymond, I’m gonna give you that burden! I’m gonna show you loss! Today, I’m going to kill Elizabeth while you watch.

With the help of an FBI TAC team, Red’s team was able to escape, but Liz, fearing capture by the FBI, escaped a clumsy attempt by Agent Park to apprehend her. She’s ordered her team to go dark. And Townsend, temporarily foiled, has issued a new kill-for-ransom “Directive” of the same type that kept her mother living in fear for 30 years.

 
For S8 Episode 8:18 The Protean 🎯 EW recap ¤ 🌅 Photo Gallery ¤ 🎹 Music Videos ¤ 📒 Script link: https://wp.me/pDKwi-btU [ “you are here” ]

 

༺✦ ♤ ✦༻

 
[ A cityscape with building cranes and a Ferris wheel ]
[ A man, face unseen, is sorting dossiers and photos on a table: Esi Jackson, Jax, Skip Hadley, Elizabeth Keen. The man’s face appears: nondescript, 40ish, trimmed light brown beard ]

 
Medical Examiner: Engel, Rhys. Weight, 12 stone. Height, 177 centimeters. He’s about your age. I think he’s perfect.
Man: Cause of death?
Medical Examiner: Heart failure. He’s American. Here on business.
Man: And what’s our window?
Medical Examiner: Just ordered toxicology report, so I won’t issue the death certificate for another 48.
Man: That’s good. That’s very good.
Medical Examiner: Is that a yes?
Man: It’s a yes. Sold.
[ The Man will be assuming the identity of “Rhys Engel” for 48 hours ]

 
Neville Townsend: [ On phone ] How do you plan to find them?
‘Rhys Engel’: I have resources.
Townsend: Keen’s in hiding. They all are. I can’t find them. If the FBI can’t find them, how the hell do you plan to do the job?
Engel: As I said – I have resources.
Townsend: Get it done. I don’t care who gets in the way, just get it done. And be careful with this one. She’s a mouse trap.
Engel: A mouse trap?
Townsend: More dangerous than she looks.

 
[ A hotel lobby ]
Concierge: Thank you. Alright. Here’s your room key–
Engel: Thank you.
Concierge: –And this case, which was left with instructions to give to you when you arrived.
[ Engel cracks open the brief case. Inside are a pistol and silencer ]
Concierge: Are you here for business or pleasure?
Engel: I have a few days to kill.

 
[ An apartment ]
[ Knocking on door ] [ Liz opens the door, leaving the door chain engaged ]
Esi Jackson: Hey. Came soon as I could. Thank God you’re okay.
Liz: Were you followed?
Esi: Mmm-mmm.
⋘⋙
[ Next, Jax arrives ]
Liz: Were you followed?
Jax: No. Just me. Rocco here?
Liz: Rocco’s gone.
⋘⋙
[ Finally, Skip Hadley ]
Liz: Did you bring the burner?
Skip: And soup. Thought you’d be hungry.
Liz: You’re an angel. Get in here.

 
[ Liz’s team gathers around the apartment’s dining room table ]
Skip: Liz, what the hell’s going on?
Liz: Townsend. He’s looking for me.
Esi: Townsend-our-partner Townsend?
Liz: That’s right.
Esi: Is he looking or hunting?
Jax: Hunting. All of us.
Skip: Liz, back up. What’s happened?
Liz: Okay. Reddington’s handler from Moscow, Stepanov, Townsend and I were questioning him, and whatever he told Townsend, whatever he knows–
Esi: And whatever he gave up, it caused Townsend to try to kill you? Woman, in what world does that make any sense?
Liz: That’s what I’m trying to figure out.
Jax: What do the feds know?
Liz: I’ll make a few calls.
Skip: This is good.
Jax: Rocco’s dead.
Skip: Okay, that’s bad, but this is good. Because the Russian can prove that Reddington’s N-13, right? He’s the key to all of this. The feds now know about him. This is good.
Liz: I think so. I think whatever Townsend learned, it’s what Reddington’s been trying so desperately to hide. I don’t know what any of this has to do with why Townsend is trying to kill me, but I get the sense that we are very close to the truth. I’ll make a few calls, see what Cooper knows. In the meantime, you guys just stay put.
[ Siren wailing in distance ]
Skip: Anyone like soup?

 
[ The Post Office. Red and Dembe get off of the elevator ]
Red: Donald, tell me what you’ve found out.
Ressler: We’re working sources in the field, breaking down satellite feeds, traffic cameras.
Agent Park: Local police are canvassing the perimeter now.
Red: What if Elizabeth is outside the perimeter?
Park: We don’t know that she is.
Reddington: And you don’t know that she’s not, which means the only thing you know is nothing.
Cooper: I hope you’re here because you have a lead on Keen’s whereabouts.
Red: I don’t. I have a lead on the hitman who’s been contracted to find her.
Aram: Townsend hired a hitman?
Red: He hired a hitman to find her. I suspect he’ll wait on the hit until I’m there to see it.
Ressler: So, what do we know about the guy?
Red: He’s known as the Protean, and like his mythic namesake who possessed the gift of prophecy, he escapes those who want to question him by changing his form.
Aram: A hitman who’s a shapeshifter?
Red: He’s an independent contractor hired by governments, corporations, bad guys. His allegiance follows the money.
Cooper: Do you know how to contact him? You have a photo? An alias?
Red: I know he’s based in Europe. I’ve never seen a photo. As for his name, it changes. He travels the globe, hunting his victims, using the names of the recently deceased to move from job to job.
Park: If he’s taking the identities of the dead, wouldn’t it be reported by loved ones, family members?
Ressler: Well, it would, unless the deaths have yet to be certified.
Aram: Meaning that if the Protean’s in the U.S., he entered using the alias of someone who just recently died.
Red: Which is why I need the names of people who have passed through U.S. customs in the last 48 hours.
Cooper: That’s a tall order, considering that you’re protecting Ivan Stepanov from the Bureau.
Red: Then I’ll narrow it down. White male, between 35 and 45, probably travelling alone with a U.S. passport.
Cooper: DOJ’s gonna have questions. Even if I can convince Homeland to expedite the approvals–
Red: We don’t have time for approvals.
Cooper: There’s a system in place.
Red: There’s a hitman hunting Elizabeth.
Cooper: I’m aware of that, and I’d like to help you. We all want to find her as badly as you, but to do that, we have to go through proper channels.
Red: Why?
Cooper: Because we’re the FBI.
Dembe: I told you this was a waste of time.
Red: We’ll handle it ourselves.
[ Telephone rings ☎️ in distance ] [ Elevator doors shut ]

 
[ Outside of the apartment building where Liz and her team are waiting ]
Voice on intercom: Hello?
Engel: Hi. Sorry. I have a delivery to make, and the unit’s not answering.
[ Door buzzes⚡️] [ Engel enters ]

 
Skip: Talk to the feds? What’s the word?
Liz: Nothing yet. I can’t get bars on this stupid burner phone. Hey, Skip?
Skip: Mmm-hmm?
Liz: Thank you.
Skip: Well, it’s no big deal. It was just soup.
Liz: No, I mean – Thank you.
[ Liz leans out of a large open window trying to get bars on the burner phone ]
[ Isley Brothers’ ♫ “Summer Breeze” plays on the radio ]
[ ⬇ Go to Full Lyrics ] or [ ♪ Tap square below to play ♪ ]

[ The front door of the apartment cracks open, but is stopped by the chain lock. Engel slips a knife in and undoes the lock ]

♪ Ah-ha-ha, yeah

Skip: You know, I know some bankers in Costa Rica. Say the word, and we can be in the rainforest in 24 hours.

♪ No-no-no-no It’s all in my mind ♪

[ Jax walks into a short hallway. Engel shoots her with a gun with a silencer (💥) ]
[ Jax grunts and falls ]

♪ Summer breeze
Makes me feel fine ♪

[ Skip rushes to help Jax, then sees Engel. He starts to raise his hands ]
Skip: Wait. Wait. No.
[ Engel shoots (💥) him in the chest below the heart ]

♪ Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind ♪

Esi: Skip. Skip, what’s goin– (💥💥) Oh!

♪ Ah, summer breeze Summer breeze Makes me feel fine ♪

[ Skip grunting ]

♪ Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind ♪

[ Engel walks over to Skip ]
Engel: Where is she?

♪ All in my mind ♪

 
[ Liz was finally able to get her burner phone to work by stepping onto a landing outside of the apartment ]
Liz: [ On phone ] What do you mean, took him? Took him where?
Cooper: One of his secret medical teams who then promptly helped Stepanov vanish.
Liz: So, he’s gone. We learned nothing.
Cooper: Elizabeth, you’re missing the point. You’re in danger.
Liz: Yes. From Townsend and Reddington.
Cooper: He’s trying to help.
Liz: The only one Reddington’s trying to help is himself, which is why I can’t come in until I know what Townsend knows and why he wants me dead. Until then, I’m on my own.
[ Cellphone beeps🔅]
Cooper: You get the trace?
[ Aram shakes his head “No” ]
⋘⋙
[ Liz makes another call, this time to Agnes’s caregiver ]
Liz: Mrs. French, hey, it’s me. Is Agnes with you? — School. — Something’s happened.

 
[ Inside the apartment ]
Skip: [ Gasping ]
Engel: Tell me where she is, and I’ll spare your life.

♪ Ah, summer
Summer breeze ♪

Skip: [ Laughing, blood gushing from his mouth ] She’s in the rainforest.
[ Suddenly, Esi attacks Engel. They wrestle on the floor for the gun ]

♪ Makes me feel fine
Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind
Ah, summer breeze
Summer breeze
Makes me feel fine
Blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind ♪

[ Engel regains control of the gun and shoots Esi. Then he shoots Skip (💥) ]

♪ Sweet days of summer
The jasmine’s in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune
When I come home from a hard day’s work ♪

⋘⋙
[ Outside, Liz continues to make calls ]
Liz: No, I’m sure I’m overreacting. Just give me a call when she gets home from school. I’ll give you more details then.

♪ Not a care ♪

Liz: Bye.

♪ In the world See the smile awaitin’ in the kitchen
Food cookin’ on a plate for two ♪

[ Liz re-enters the apartment ]
Liz: Hey, guys, bad news about Stepanov. Turns out Reddington already moved him.

♪ Feel that arms reachin’ out to hold me In the evening
When the day is through

[ Liz sees the bodies of her entire team. She stands frozen ]

♪ Ah, summer Summer breeze
Makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind ♪

 
[ Cellphone ringing✨ ]
Data Broker: Yeah.
Engel: I need another lead on Keen. A way to leverage her. What have you got?
Data Broker: She has a family. A half-sister and a daughter. Where do you want to start?

 
[ Max Frey arrives home from his I.T. job at the Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) ]
Max Frey: Hello, Mr. Beaks! [ Bird chirping ] Your daddy is home! How are we?
Red: Very chatty. Let’s hope it runs in the family.
Max: Reddington? What are you– How did– Are you feeding Mr. Beaks?
Red: I found some rather overcooked salmon in your refrigerator. Apparently, he’s not a picky eater.
Max: I only feed him in the morning.
Dembe: A creature of habit. Sounds familiar.
Red: My colleague finds my increasing attachment to certain habits to be a distinct liability, since in my line of work, predictability and mortality often go hand in hand. But you might be interested to know that one habit I’m particularly fond of is only asking for something once. After that, I start to become insistent.
Max: I told you over the phone, I can’t give you access to the database.
Dembe: You can. You choose not to.
Red: Yes, because after three years, you’re finally up for a promotion at Customs and Border Patrol. Come on.
Max: Six percent raise. Plus dental.
Red: Percy Spencer. Ring any bells? No? He was an American physicist. In the 1940s, he was working on radar technology when he stood too close to a magnetron and noticed that the candy bar in his pocket had melted. Then and there, he realized that radio waves could heat food. And with that, Percy Spencer invented the first microwave oven. And how did the company he worked for reward him? They promoted him, they patented his idea, and they paid him $2 for it. Two dollars. For one of the defining inventions of American life.
Max: I want to help. I-I do. But CBP has been good to me.
Red: I need your database. And I need it narrowcast to a white male, 30s, 40s, who entered the country alone in the past 48 hours, likely through an East Coast port of entry with a U.S. passport. Max, this is important. Otherwise, I nuke Mr. Beaks.
Max: You wouldn’t.
Red: I wonder, will he taste like squab or dove?
Dembe: I think I saw some mango sauce in the cabinet.
Max: Fine. Take my laptop. It contains the portal to ADIS. DHS’s Arrival and Departure Information System. I’ll talk you through how to narrow your search.
Red: See? That wasn’t so hard.
Max: If anyone finds out, I’ll be fired.
Red: You completely missed the moral of the story.
Max: It wasn’t that you’d kill Mr. Beaks?
Red: In a microwave? What do you take me for? Now, if you had a nice white burgundy we could braise him in? No. Come on, Max! The moral of poor Mr. Spencer’s tale of woe is that you should never worry about betraying your workplace, because, given the chance, your workplace will definitely betray you. Loyalty to individuals. Relationships. That’s what makes the world go ’round.

 
[ The task force is at the scene of the murder of Liz’s crew ]
Ressler: [ On phone ] We confirmed the I.D.s. It was her team.
Cooper: Everyone?
Ressler: Esi Jackson, Skip Hadley, and a Jane Doe. Probably security.
Cooper: But no Keen?
Ressler: No. Either she wasn’t here or she got away.
Cooper: Or Townsend got her. We have witnesses?
Ressler: No. Neighbors didn’t see a thing.
Park: Ressler.
Ressler: Hang on.
Park: They recovered blood from under her fingernails.
Ressler: She put up a fight.
Park: If the lab can find a match, she’ll have I.D.’d her killer.
Ressler: And the man who Townsend hired to hunt down Keen. [ To Cooper ] Hey, we’re running forensics on some DNA and some shell casings. Look, all we know for certain until it comes back is this, Keen had protection. Now she’s on her own.
Cooper: Can you reach out to her?
Ressler: Trust me, I would if I could.
Cooper: Reddington predicted Townsend would come after everyone close to Keen. In his mind, that includes us, so be careful. Keen’s not the only one with a target on her back.
Ressler: Copy.
[ Cellphone beeps🔅]

 
[ Liz is walking briskly along a sidewalk. A runner speeds up from behind, startling her ]
Liz: [ Gasps ]
[ People speaking indistinctly in distance ] [ Liz enters her apartment building ]
Liz: Hello?
[ Cellphone beeping🔅🔅] [ Cellphone chimes✨] [ Vivi Crabtree receives a message on her cellphone from an “Unknown” sender saying “Pick the Pumpkin” ]
⋘⋙
[ Vivi Crabtree shows up at a library, where a Librarian is reading to a group of children ]
Librarian: “There were few birds in this part of the forest, for birds love the open country where there is plenty of sunshine.”
Vivi: [ Whispers to the Librarian ] Hi. I just need to grab Agnes.
Librarian: Oh, yeah, sure. Agnes. [ Agnes gets up. The Librarian continues reading ] “Now and then, there came a deep–”
[ Agnes goes to Vivi ]
Vivi: Hi. Your mom called. You’re getting picked up early.
Agnes: What’s the password?
Vivi: Chocolate sauce.
Agnes: That’s two words.
Vivi: Yes, but it’s delicious.
Agnes: So, it’s you. The one Mom put here to look out for me.
Vivi: I don’t know what you mean.
Agnes: Does the school know you’re a secret agent?
Vivi: I’m just the math teacher. And you’re too smart for your own good.
[ Librarian speaking indistinctly ]

 
[ As Vivi and Agnes are signing out of the library, Rhys Engel walks up ]
Receptionist: Can I help you?
Engel: Hi. Uh, I’m new to the area. I’d like to speak to someone about enrollment, please.
Receptionist: Of course. If you’d just sign in.
Vivi: That’s it. Let’s go.
Engel: May I?
Vivi: Hmm?
Engel: The pen.
Vivi: Right.
[ Both chuckle ]
Vivi: Of course.
Engel: Thank you.
Vivi: Come on, sweetheart. We have to meet Mrs. French.
[ Vivi and Agnes go outside ] [ People chattering indistinctly ] [ They get into a waiting vehicle ]
⋘⋙
[ As he is signing in, Engel sees that Vivi has signed out Agnes as “Agnes Givens” ]
Engel: [ To the Receptionist ] Would you excuse me for one second, please?
[ Engel hurries outside and sees the vehicle pull away ] [ Children laughing ]

 
[ The kitchen of Red’s restaurant ] [ Paula Carter is looking at the data from Customs and Border Patrols’ ADIS system that Red got in exchange for sparing Mr Beaks ]
Paula: There have got to be more than 5,000 names here.
Red: Yes. Down from the 60,000-some-odd American men who enter the U.S. through customs each day. Between the probable entry points and what little I know about him, that’s the list of people who fit the description of the man I’m looking for.
Paula: The dead one?
Red: The man I’m looking for takes on the identities of dead people.
Paula: Golly. That’s smart. Who thinks of something like that?
Red: Someone resourceful, and dangerous, with a keen sense of irony. But, Paula, the phone company database, I know it won’t cover everyone, but can you scan the names through it to at least get some numbers?
Paula: Well, I bet he’s an interesting conversationalist.
Red: Paula, there’s some urgency here.
Paula: Then you’re lucky it’s bingo night.
Red: Bingo.
Paula: Betty-Lu’s calling the numbers. She’s a real hoot.
Red: About the database.
Paula: What do you think I’m talking about, silly?
Red: I think you’re talking about bingo.
Paula: Ah. The youth today. Don’t worry about the phone company. Getting the numbers is the easy part. The hard part is calling them all. That’s why you need Bingo. You want a quick answer to which one of these people is dead, fifty alta cockers is your ticket.

 
[ Cellphone ringing✨]
Liz: Mrs. French? Hey. Is she okay? — So you got her? There were no problems? — [ Sighs ] That is such a relief. Can you put her on? Hey, honey. How was your day? — No, everything’s fine. I was just being extra careful, okay? So, tell me about your day. I want to hear everything.

 
[ Cellphone vibrating ] Engel sighs ]
Engel: Hello?
Townsend: What’s going on? I told you that I wanted updates on Keen.
Engel: Work in progress.
Townsend: So, you don’t have her? Hello? I’m talking to you.
Engel: There was a fly in the ointment. But things seem to be back on track.
Townsend: W-What does that mean? I’m paying you a fortune. I expect more than three-word responses like–
[ Phone disconnects ] [ Cellphone beeping🔅🔅] [ Dialing and ringing✨] [ Cellphone vibrating ]
Townsend: Do not ever hang up on me. I am your employer. When I ask for specifics, I demand–
Engel: I don’t like being lectured, nor do I like conversing when there’s nothing of substance to discuss, so I suggest you hear me when I assure you this job isn’t as simple as the dispatching of a gun runner or a CEO. Now, our target is a very clever fugitive in hiding, which makes the task at hand decidedly more burdensome. That means it will take time, which you can’t change, which means you will need to demonstrate some patience, which is as unfortunate as it is true. Now, this is my explanation, as well as our last communication until I know I can deliver Miss Keen. When that time comes, I will notify you. Until then, try and compose yourself, and know you are in capable hands.

 
[ Raymond Reddington’s (the real RR’s) daughter, half-sister to Liz, gets out of her car and retrieves some bags from the back ] [ Car door shuts ] [ Note: Liz’s half-sister’s birth name was Jennifer. She changed her legal name to Lillian Roth when she went into Witness Protection. But both Liz and Red call her Jennifer, so that is used here ]

 
[ The Post Office ]
Cooper: Anything from the crime lab?
Park: Nothing good. No match in the database to the DNA pulled from under Esi Jackson’s fingernails.
Aram: And there are no prints on the shell casings found at the scene.
Ressler: This guy’s good. All we know for certain is that the shells came from a 9mm.
Cooper: If that’s what we got, that’s what we use. Advise local law enforcement. Push the ballistics. Anytime, anywhere a 9mm gets discharged, I wanna know about it.
Park: I’ll notify the D.C. field office.
Cooper: What about Keen? Any updates?
Ressler: No. Nothing. No further contact.
Aram: And we have no way of reaching her.
Cooper: Well, somebody better find a way to contact her soon, because wherever she is, she isn’t safe.

 
[ Jennifer is talking to Liz from her home ]
Liz: What do you mean found you? Who found you? They were in your house?
Jennifer: [ Emotional ] The lock to the back door was picked, and the office is a mess – and Liz, I think they were on my laptop.
Liz: Are you safe now?
Jennifer: Yeah. But can you tell me what’s going on? Am I crazy, or is this about Reddington?
Liz: It’s more complicated than that.
Jennifer: How complicated does it have to be for him to find me? I’m in Witness Protection, right?
Liz: Okay, Jen, listen to me. I think you need to leave the house. I don’t think you’re safe there. I’m gonna give you an address. Do you have a pen?
Jennifer: Yeah. Go.
Liz: 2319 Central, in D.C. It’s a paint store. There’s an alley behind it. Meet me there at 9:00.
Jennifer: Liz, will you tell me what’s going on?
Liz: I’ll explain everything tonight. Just meet me there at 9:00 – and, Jen, be careful.
[ Phone clicks ✵ ]
Jennifer [ Sobbing ]
[ Rhys Engel is sitting a few feet away from Jennifer, pointing his gun at her ]
Engel: Oh. No. Oh, no, no, no. Don’t cry, honey lamb.
Jennifer: [ Continues sobbing ]
Engel: You did the right thing.

 
[ It’s Bingo Night at the phone company ] [ Chattering indistinctly ]
[ Red – or Steven – tests the microphone ]
Red: Hello? [⚡️Feedback buzzes⚡️] Oh, sorry. [ Chuckles ] Sorry. Uh, good evening, everyone. I’m Steven. Uh, and I’m a good friend of your good friend Paula– [ All murmuring ] Uh, which I guess makes us all good friends. U-Unfortunately, Betty-Lu has come down with a little something, so I’ll be your, uh, caller tonight. Oh, uh, but before we begin, I’ve been asked to remind everyone of a few housekeeping items. Uh, okay. [ Reading from notes ]So, first, the rescheduled pancake feed is this Saturday at f-fire hall number three. Uh, tickets are $5 or $6 at the door. That’ll be good fun. Ooh, uh, what’s not so fun is the Member-At-Large dues are now due to National Headquarters. So, please, please don’t be late with those. And finally, Brandy says there are still a few raffle tickets left for the spring fundraiser. They’re $10 each, and first place is a quarter beef. Second place is five uncured hams. All donated by Merlin Degner. Thank you for that, Merlin. Yes. Absolutely. [ All clapping ] And of course, all proceeds go to the Veterans Lodge.
  Alrighty. Good. Okay, uh, now with that out of the way, I’m very excited, uh, because tonight, we’re gonna be doing things a little differently. Uh, tonight, instead of the “Pot of Gold Progressive,” we’re going to play a new variation of bingo. Does everyone, uh, still have the, uh, sheets of paper that were on your chair when you arrived? Okay, great. Yes. These are lists of names and telephone numbers. And the game tonight is to get out your cellphones and to call the people on your lists and verify that they are who they say they are. And each completed list earns you $100.
— What’d he say?
Red: That’s $100 for every completed list. And here’s the really fun part, uh, the grand prize winner will also receive $1,000 if he or she is able to reach someone who is– Who is dead.
— How’s that like bingo?
[ All murmuring ]
Red: It’s a game of chance. Which lucky winner will find the dead man? It could be you, ma’am. Or– Or it could be you, sir. I’m sorry. Excuse me– Excuse me, madam.
— I want to play bingo.
— This isn’t the routine!
Red: Right. Uh, I mean, don’t you sometimes wonder if the routine feels like just the same old thing, whereas tonight —
[ All muttering angrily ]
[ Paula gets up ]
Paula: [ To Red ] You’re losing them.
Red: [ To Paula ] Yes.
Paula; [ To the room ] Okay. Hold on. Everyone, listen up. Before you get your markers in a mash, what this man isn’t telling you is that his name isn’t Steve Homan. It’s Father Steve Homan from Prince of Peace, and he’s being too damn nice. The truth is one of his deacons stole 134 grand from the church’s gymnasium renovation fund and skipped town.
— How much did she say?
Paula: Now, if you need to know, Father Steve hired a private detective, and the private dick thinks the thievin’ heathen has fled the country and is using the identity of someone who is dearly departed and on this list.
[ All gasping and murmuring ]
Paula: Now, I shoulda been straight-up. But Father Steve is in a real bad place. His faith’s being tested, and I just– Well, I-I thought maybe we could help.
— Hell yeah. We can help.
— Yeah, why didn’t you just say so?
Paula: Well, okay, then. Whoever finds the dead man wins $1,000, the Good Lord’s blessing, and a year’s worth of my garlic-butter cockle dip!
[ All laughing and exclaiming ]
Red: [ Whispers ] My heavens, Paula. My faith in faith has been restored.

 
[ Jennifer looks for Liz’s car outside the meeting address. She sees it and gets in next to Liz ]
Liz: God. Just tell me you’re okay.
Jennifer: Drive.
Liz: What?
Jennifer: It’s a trap. The man, whoever he is, he forced me to call. He followed me here.
Liz: Get down!
[ Engine starts ] [⚡️Tires squealing⚡️]
[ Engel shoots at the car 💥💥 ] [ Liz runs the car into him; he bounces off the roof and falls. He takes out a notepad and writes down the license plate number. He dusts himself off and walks away, but his cell phone is left behind on the pavement ]
Jennifer: [ Gasps ] Liz, he shot me. [ Crying ] Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I’m gonna die.
Liz: No one’s gonna die.
Jennifer: Look at all this blood! I’m gonna die!
Liz: We’ll be at the hospital in 10 minutes. Here, take my hand. You’re not dying, okay? You’re hurt, and it’s pretty bad, but you’re not gonna die, so forget about that, okay?
Jennifer: Look at what he did to me. What did I ever do to him?
Liz: You didn’t do anything.
Jennifer: I did something.
Liz: This is not your fault.
Jennifer: [ Breathes shakily ] I was your sister.

 
[ Police are at the scene of the shooting, as are Ressler and Park ]
[ People chattering indistinctly ]
Uniformed Officer: We got blood on the scene, broken glass, and this. A 9mm shell casing. That’s consistent with the caliber of the gun on your BOLO.
Park: Someone was shot, but you don’t know who.
Uniformed Officer: Responding officers didn’t find any bodies, not the victim nor the shooter. But they did find this.
[ The Officer hands Park an evidence bag with the cell phone found on the pavement ]
Ressler: They took out her team. I mean, Keen must know that. So why get lured into an alley? I mean, what was the bait? [ Cellphone dialing ] Or who?
Concierge: [ On cellphone found on the pavement ] Good evening. Selden Hotel.
Park: Last call he made was to the Selden Hotel. Could be nothing, or that’s where he’s staying, and he was complaining about the Wi-Fi.
Ressler: Selden’s got over 1,000 rooms. I mean, we don’t even know if he’s staying there, and even if he is, we don’t know what he looks like, and we have no idea what name he’s registered under.
Park: Looks like we’re going door to door.

 
Jennifer: [ Gasps ] My cat – Sierra – You have to feed her.
Liz: I’ll take good care of Sierra. Don’t you worry. She’ll be fat and happy by the time you come home.
Jennifer:[ Crying ] I’m scared.
Liz: It’s gonna be okay. We’re almost there.
Jennifer: Hold me.
Liz: I am. I’m not gonna let go.
Jennifer:[ Crying ] Hold me.
Liz: I will, as soon as we get to the hospital. And when you get out of the hospital, this will all be over. All of it. No more running, no more Witness Protection. We can buy a place, a nice place, wherever you want. I got money now, so– Okay? And we can be together. You, me, Agnes, and Sierra. I promise. It’s gonna be a happy ending, okay?
[ Jennifer is dying ]
Liz: We’re gonna live happily ever–
[ Liz feels for Jennifer’s pulse ]
Liz: [ Sobs ]
[ Liz pulls the car over to the side of the road and hugs Jennifer ]
Liz: [ Crying ]

 
[ The Bingo Hall ] [ Red passes out sandwiches ]
Arthur, you had the egg salad.
[ ♪ Polka music playing ♪ ]
Man: [ On phone ] Yeah, I’m with LaGuardia Airport. I have Mr. Smelling’s suitcase.
— I had the liverwurst.
Red: L-Liverwurst.
Woman: [ On phone ] Yes, I’m calling from GemSoul. We produce diamonds from your loved one’s ashes. Has anyone in your immediate family died recently?
Red: Bernice, I have your Reuben.
Bernice: Thank you.
Red: [ To Paula ] Your friends are wildly imaginative.
Paula: About a year ago, I started a thrillers-only book club. Robert Ludlum. That Sue Grafton. A is for Alibi blew the wind right up my skirt.
Red: [ Laughs ]
Paula: Looks like B is for Bingo.
Red: And it doesn’t bother you? Helping me find some criminal? Not knowing what might happen to him if I do?
[ Paula shakes her head “No” ]
Red: [ Chuckles ] John. Matzo ball soup. Just broth and ball.
Paula: I think you’re a good egg. A bit poached for my taste, but you want to do what’s right, and I am tickled to carry on the family tradition of helping you get it done.
— Bingo!
Red: What did you find, good sir?
— The dirty deacon. His name is Rhys Engel from Carlsburg, Illinois. Died in London two days ago.
Red: Bingo, indeed. As soon as I have confirmation, the grand prize is yours. [ Chuckles ] The dirty deacon. Tell me his name again.

 
[ Cooper’s office ]
Copper: Rhys Engel. That’s The Protean’s alias?
Red: That’s the needle. Now all we need is the haystack.
Cooper: We have it. The Selden Hotel. Ressler and Park are on their way there now.
[ ♪ Polka music playing ♪ ]
Cooper: Is that polka music?
Red: Yes, it is, and I must say, it makes for a very productive work environment. Keeps the energy up.
Cooper: [ Chuckles ]
[ Phone clicks ✵]
⋘⋙
[ Telephone beeping🔅and dialing ]
Ressler: Ressler.
Cooper: Reddington got The Protean’s name. The man you’re looking for is Rhys Engel.
⋘⋙
[ Engel keys in Liz’s license plate number. It comes up with “Lisa Grant, 237 Tacoma Drive “ ]

 
[ Ressler and Park approach the Concierge at the Selden Hotel ]
Ressler: Excuse me. Agents Ressler and Park, FBI. We need to know if a Rhys Engel is registered here, and if he is, we need his room number.
Concierge: Uh, Mr. Engel is in room 1212.
⋘⋙
Park: I’ve got a good feeling about this.
Ressler: Yeah? Why’s that?
Park: Twelve’s my lucky number.
[ Ressler literally bumps into Engel as Engel heads out and he and Park head up to Engel’s room ]
Engel: Excuse me.
Ressler: It’s all good.

 
[ Liz sits alongside Jennifer’s body in the back of her Subsru ]
Liz: I used to believe in salvation. That good was rewarded and evil punished. [ Voice breaking ] But I don’t believe in that anymore. Not in this life.But if there is a next life, and you do exist, please take care of my sister. [ Sniffles ] And Esi. And Skip. They were good people. Good people, and I didn’t do right by them. I pray that you will. [ Sniffles and sighs ]
[ Liz presses her hand on Jennifer’s forehead, then covers her face with a jacket ] [ She lowers the hatch door and locks the car ]
[ Car alarm chirps🔅]

 
[ Chattering indistinctly ]
[ The Comcierge shows Ressler the recent surveillance video ]
Concierge: That’s Mr. Engel.
Ressler: That’s Engel?
[ Ressler sees himself on the video when he bumped into Engel a while earlier ]
Park: Forensics says the room’s clean. [ Seeing Engel and Ressler on the surveillance: ] No.
Ressler: Yeah.
[ Aram walks over ]
Aram: Okay, so, I just talked to the hotel. I.T. guy. Huge Gordon Lightfoot fan, by the way.
How cool is this? We both want “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” playing at our funerals. [ ⬇ Go to bonus song ]
Park: And because of that pathetic bonding experience–
Aram: I got access to Engel’s hotel Wi-Fi account, and the first thing he did was access the DMV database to run a license plate.
Park: You think it could be the car Keen was driving?
Ressler: Well, if it is, he would be on his way to her right now.
Aram: It was a blue Subaru Outback registered to a Lisa Grant, 237 Tacoma Drive.
Ressler: Okay, well, it could be someone who’s either helping her or someone whose car she stole.
Park: Either way, it’s our best lead.
Aram: Proving once again that Gordon Lightfoot is anything but pathetic.
[ Ressler’s cellphone ringing✨] [ Cellphone beeps🔅]
Ressler: Ressler.
Liz: [ On phone ] I need you to send someone to Holland Point.
[ Liz is packin clothes ]
Ressler: Thank God it’s you, Keen.
Liz: There’s a blue Subaru Outback.
Ressler: Is that where you are, Holland Point?
Liz: Uh, the car. I need you to send someone there now. To pick up my sister.
Ressler: Wait, y-your sister? Jennifer?
Liz: Yeah, he got to her. To get to me. Like he got to the others.
Ressler: Okay, we’ll send someone right away to pick her up.
Liz: Uh, I don’t just want you to pick her up. I want you to bury her. Uh, I’ll pay for it. Maybe somewhere with a view.
[ Car horn beeps in distance ] [ Engel drives up in a dusky pink sedan ] [ Engine shuts off ] [ He gets out ]
Ressler: I’m so sorry.
Liz: The man Townsend hired to find me. I hit him with my car. Somewhere on Roscoe, uh, between – Clark and Broadway.
Ressler: We know. We’ve been there.
Liz: How did you know about that?
Ressler: What matters is that we do.
Liz: Did you arrest him?
Ressler: No. Listen to me, Keen. He’s got the plate off your car, the Subaru. He knows the address it’s registered to. Please tell me that you’re not there right now.
Liz: [ Panting ]
Ressler: Keen.
[ Phone disconnects ]
Ressler: [ To Aram and Park ] Hey. 237 Tacoma. We gotta get there.
[ They rush off ]

 
[ Rhys Engel calls Townsend ]
Engel: I have her location.
Townsend: Her location, but not her.
Engel: Well, one thing leads to another.
Townsend: [ Laughs ] I love how you think I’m some high school English teacher, handing out extensions on essays. I’ve opened up a new directive, like the one for Rostova, but double the bounty.
Engel: That won’t be necessary. I told you I would notify you when I could deliver Keen. That time is now.
Townsend: Is that a fact?
Engel: Give me a location. I’ll bring her there by this time tomorrow.
Townsend: Remember that job in Petworth?
Engel: Yeah.
Townsend: We keep a safe house there.
Engel: Yeah, I know it. I’ll be there. With Keen.
[ Gun cocks ✵] [ Liz presses her gun to the back of Engel’s neck ]
Liz: Looking for me?

 
[ Liz sits in the back seat of Engel’s car, pointing her gun at his head. He is in the driver’s seat ]
Engel: Miss Keen, please. This is a terrible blunder.
Liz: Are you the one?
Engel: If you would put the gun down–
Liz: The man who killed my sister? And all my friends?
Engel: Were they really friends?
Liz: They were people. And now they’re gone because of you.
Engel: My only job was to safely deliver you to Mr. Townsend.
Liz: Well, that’s not gonna happen. What you are gonna do is you’re gonna tell me everything I want to know about Townsend, starting with the meeting that’s been set.
Engel: [ Chuckles ]
Liz: Answer me.
[ ⚡️Tires screech⚡️ and 🚨siren wails🚨 ] [ Aram and Ressler jump out of their FBI SUV and run toward Engel’s car ]
Liz: Start the car.
Engel, I don’t think that’s a good–
Liz: Start the damn car! Drive!
[ ⚡️Tires screech⚡️ as Park’s vehicle arrives ]
Ressler: Hands!
Park: Show me your hands! Liz.
Aram: Liz, put the gun down.
Liz: Aram, do not come any closer!
Engel: I’m unarmed.
Ressler: [ To Engel ] Alright, I want you to place your arms through the steering wheel, then lace your fingers. I’m gonna step closer and open your door. After I open your door, you’re gonna release the seatbelt and step out.
Liz: Ressler, so help me God, if you open that door–
Aram: Liz, put the gun down.
Liz: Not until I get the answer I’m looking for! Ressler, listen to me, he killed my sister, and Esi and Skip–
Park: Keen, put the gun down!
Liz: Please, do not do this!
Ressler: [ To Engel ] I’m gonna open the door now. You’re gonna keep that right hand on the steering wheel. Your left hand’s gonna move across your body. Release your seatbelt and step out.
Liz: I am not letting him out of this car.
[ Liz puts her left arm around Engel and points the gun at his neck ]
Engel: She’ll shoot me.
Park: Keen, do not pull that trigger.
Ressler: Undo the belt.
Engel: But the gun–
Aram: Nobody is gonna shoot anyone. Right, Liz? Liz, please.
Ressler: Undo the belt.
Engel: I’m going to undo the belt now.
[ Seatbelt clicks ] [ Suddenly, Engel tries to grab the gun from Liz ]
[ Liz and Engel struggle for the gun ] :[ Grunting ]
[ Ressler shoots Engel 💥💥 in the chest ]
Liz: No! He knows where Townsend is! [ To Engel ] Where is he?
[ Engel’s eyes go blank; blood seeps out of his mouth ]
Ressler: Get her off him!
Liz: You cannot die until you tell me where he is! He knows where Townsend is! Where are you meeting him? No! Do not die before you tell me where he is! No! No!
[ Aram opens the back door and pulls Liz out ]
Aram: It’s okay. It’s okay.
[ Police radio chattering ]
Liz: [ Crying ] No!
⋘⋙
[ Minutes later, at the scene ]
Cooper: [ On phone ] We have her in custody. I wanted you to know she’s safe.
Red: [ Gently ] Harold, bring her here.
Cooper: Excuse me?
Red: You can’t take her in.
Cooper: That’s exactly what I’m going to do.
[ Liz is restrained and cuffed by Aram and Park. Ressler calls in the shooting ]
Cooper: It breaks my heart, but Elizabeth is a fugitive and a criminal, and she’s gonna be treated as one. You can’t save her from that.
Red: I’m the only one who can save her.
Cooper: Not today.
Red: Harold, I know you. I know how you think. What you hope in your heart. That the system works. That Elizabeth can be prosecuted, incarcerated, and rehabilitated. It’s a lie.
[ Ten Years After’s ♫ “I’d Love to Change the World” plays ]
[ ⬇ Go to Full Lyrics ] or [ ♪ Tap square below to play ♪ ]

Red: This is the last thing I ever wanted or intended. But you and I both know — Elizabeth Keen is a criminal. She will never be an agent again. She will never be a civilian. Her only hope for survival exists in my world.
Cooper: I hope you’re wrong.

♪ Population ♪

Red: I wish I were.

♪ Keeps on breeding ♪

Cooper: Well, we’ll soon find out.

♪ Nation bleeding, still more feeding economy
Life is funny
Skies are sunny
Bees make honey
Who needs money?
No, not poor me

[ The day’s wreckage is surveyed: Skip and Esi in the morgue; Jennifer in the back of Liz’s car. And lastly, Engel, the Angel of death sent by Townsend. Liz and Cooper stare directly at one another as she is escorted past him to a waiting vehicle ]

♪ I’d love to change the world
But I don’t know what to do
So I’ll leave it up to you
I’d love to change the world
But I don’t know what to do ♪

 
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❌❌❌ 8:1 End Protean

 
For S8 Episode 8:18 The Protean 🎯 EW recap ¤ 🌅 Photo Gallery ¤ 🎹 Music Videos ¤ 📒 Script link: https://wp.me/pDKwi-btU [ “you are here” ]

 

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[ Embed : ] 🔘 [See Note]
Trivia:
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🔴 Episode Songs

 
♫ ⋙ Check Tunefind for any additional music for this episode

♫ Summer Breeze
By The Isley Brothers
(originally by Seals & Crofts)

[Chorus:]
♪ Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind

♪ See the curtains hanging in the window
In the evening on a Friday night
A little light shining through the window
Lets me know everything’s alright

[Repeat chorus]

♪ Sweet days of summer, the jasmine’s in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune
When I come home from a hard days work
And you’re waiting there, not a care in the world

♪ See the smile waiting in the kitchen
Food cooking and the plates for two
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me
In the evening when the day is through

[Repeat chorus]

🎹 Return to where this song occurs in script above
Lyrics: http://bit.ly/3wlfQZu
YouTube: https://youtu.be/T88fbHOmvRk

 


 

♫ I’d Love to Change the World
By Ten Years After

♪ Everywhere is freaks and hairies, dykes and fairies
Tell me where is sanity?
Tax the rich, feed the poor, ’til there are no rich no more
I’d love to change the world – but I don’t know what to do
So I’ll leave it up to you

♪ Population – keeps on breeding, nation bleeding,
Still more feeding economy
Life is funny, skies are sunny, bees make honey
Who needs money? Monopoly!
I’d love to change the world – but I don’t know what to do
So I’ll leave it up to you… Oh yeah

♪ World pollution, there’s no solution, institution, electrocution
Just black and white, rich or poor, them and us
We’ll stop the war!
I’d love to change the world – but I don’t know what to do
So I’ll leave it up to you… It’s called luck

🎹 Return to where this song occurs in script above
Lyrics: http://bit.ly/3vd3N0b
YouTube: https://youtu.be/CTUsFm0BAu8

 


 

♫ The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald ~ Bonus Song (for Aram)
By Gordon Lightfoot

♪ The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
When the skies of November turn gloomy
With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more
Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty
[Former version:] That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
[Latter version:] That good ship and crew was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early

♪ The ship was the pride of the American side
Coming back from some mill in Wisconsin
As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most
With a crew and good captain well seasoned
Concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms
When they left fully loaded for Cleveland
Then later that night when the ship’s bell rang
Could it be the north wind they’d been feelin’?

♪ The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound
When the wave broke over the railing
And every man knew, as the captain did too
‘Twas the witch of November come stealin’
The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait
When the gales of November came slashin’
When afternoon came it was freezing rain
In the face of a hurricane west wind

♪ When suppertime came, the old cook came on deck
Saying, “Fellas, it’s too rough to feed ya.”
[Former version:] At seven PM a main hatchway caved in
[Latter version:] At seven PM it grew dark, it was then
He said, “Fellas, it’s been good to know ya.”
The captain wired in he had water comin’ in
And the good ship and crew was in peril
And later that night when his lights went out of sight
Came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

♪ Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they’d have made Whitefish Bay
If they’d put fifteen more miles behind her
They might have split up or they might have capsized
They may have broke deep and took water
And all that remains is the faces and the names
Of the wives and the sons and the daughters

♪ Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings
In the rooms of her ice-water mansion
Old Michigan steams like a young man’s dreams
The islands and bays are for sportsmen
And farther below, Lake Ontario
Takes in what Lake Erie can send her
And the iron boats go as the mariners all know
With the gales of November remembered

♪ [Former version:] In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed
[Latter version:] In a rustic old hall in Detroit they prayed
In the Maritime Sailors’ Cathedral
The church bell chimed ’til it rang twenty-nine times
For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
Superior, they said, never gives up her dead
When the gales of November come early

🎹 Return to where this song is referred to in the script
Lyrics and Credits: http://bit.ly/3uaG9QI
YouTube: https://youtu.be/PH0K6ojmGZA

This is a song about the wreck of an iron ore freighter on Lake Superior in 1975. Though the song is a bit monotonous, it commemorates a tragedy that gripped the Great Lakes States at the time. Wikipedia: http://bit.ly/3wn8R2r

 

 

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🔴 General

 
⭕ Script 8:18 The Protean https://wp.me/pDKwi-btU Status: FNAL @NBCBlacklist #TheBlacklist My site: BlacklistDCd.com https://twitter.com/BlacklistDCd/status/1396470144474533891?s=20/photo/1

⭕ Easy-Search Scripts updated thru Episode 8:18 The Protean https://wp.me/pDKwi-awu#protean #TheBlacklist @NBCBlacklist My site: BlacklistDCd.com https://twitter.com/BlacklistDCd/status/1396638036423847936?s=20/photo/1

 
 

 
 

🔴 Episode Photos

 
⭕ Gallery Photos: Last Scene
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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