TITLE SEQUENCE
CUT TO: OFFICE BUILDING, 18 MONTHS AGO
Jessica sits in a cubicle in an office building. Most of the people around her are working. She's bouncing a rubber band ball off of her computer monitor. After a few moments, a man comes and grabs the ball off the rebound.
MAN: Do you think rubber bands just buy themselves, Miss Jones? Last week it was a 20-foot paper clip chain, and it's been reported that you've been taking six-packs of Diet Coke home from the employee kitchen.
JESSICA: Two! I took two cans.
MAN: If you're lucky, they won't fire you. Just dock your pay again.
Jessica smirks, then whirls around and prints something.
JESSICA: It doesn't take a genius to know that you can't afford that suit on mid-management salary.
MAN: What are you talking about?
JESSICA: Not to mention these weekly trips to Atlantic City. Then there's this non-existent employee, Jane Smith?
MAN: You are way out of line.
JESSICA: What doesn't line up are these missing funds. What is that word? Embezzlement? Or is it that other word? Starts with an 'f'. Fa... Fa... Felony?
MAN: What do you want?
JESSICA: Same thing as you.
MAN: For you to quit.
JESSICA: Actually, it's better if you fire me and give me six months severance pay. And a glowing recommendation, or I email that to HR.
MAN: A budding extortionist. Your parents must be so proud.
Jessica stops in her tracks for a moment. Without a word, she single-handedly knocks over a row of filing cabinets. She pulls out her phone and calls Trish.
JESSICA: Hey! Turns out I'm free for happy hour. Well, it's 5:00 somewhere, and I need to update my resume. Would you put day drinking under 'experience' or 'special sk**s'?
CUT TO: BAR
Trish and Jessica are drinking in a bar.
TRISH: What was it this time?
JESSICA: He was an a**hole.
TRISH: And the job was siphoning your soul through a Xerox machine?
JESSICA: No, that was my last job. This job was s**ing my brains out through the air vent.
TRISH: You're bored because you're overqualified for all these crappy jobs.
JESSICA: Yet I'm uniquely unqualified for anything else.
TRISH: Bullsh**. Hey, you're good at bullsh**!
A man approaches them.
MAN: Hey, play a game of Love Tester with me? I think we'd be a match.
TRISH: Um, while that's an amazing offer, I'm kind of busy right now.
MAN: Hey, I know you! But you were a redhead. I watched your show. (Singing) It's Patsy! Patsy! I really wanna be your friend!
TRISH: It was a long time ago.
MAN: I was twelve. I learned a lot from Patsy.
TRISH: Uh-huh.
MAN: Patsy taught me how to hold a remote with one hand, and box the bald-headed bishop with the other.
JESSICA: I'll play you.
MAN: Yeah, sure, why not.
TRISH: Jess, it's not worth it.
JESSICA: I think it is. But I'm not really feeling the love tester right now. How about the Strength Tester instead? I win, you pick up our bar tab, apologize to my friend, and find somewhere else to drink.
MAN: And when I win?
JESSICA: I'll take you out back and meet that bald-headed bishop of yours.
MAN: Okay.
The man puts some money into the Strength Tester. Trish watches. The man punches a punching back and scores a 507.
JESSICA: This looks so hard.
MAN: Yeah, not yet, but I'm sure you could get me there.
Jessica effortlessly scores a 999 and smirks.
MACHINE: It's a knockout!
MAN: Sorry.
JESSICA: I didn't hear you a**hole.
MAN: (Louder) Sorry.
The man gives Jessica some money for the bar tab. A bartender notices what has taken place and is surprised.
TRISH: She did the 30 Day Shred. Jillian Michaels changed her life.
The bartender walks away. Jessica sits down, looking smug.
TRISH: You could use your abilities for something more useful. I mean, you can fly! Well, jump.
JESSICA: It's more like guided falling. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you put on a cape and go run around New York?
TRISH: You know I would if I could.
JESSICA: I don't get you. You have money, looks, a radio show, creepy if not adoring fans, and you're a freaking household name. What more do you want?
TRISH: To save the world, of course.
JESSICA: You wanna be a hero? I'll show you how to be a hero.
She picks up some money and holds it in the air triumphantly.
JESSICA: Shots on Trish Walker, everybody! (Narrating) There's before Kilgrave...
Cut to Jessica on the computer while Trish watches.
JESSICA: And there's after Kilgrave.
TRISH: Oh, my God.
On the computer is a picture of Malcolm, but a very clean, well-dressed, and happy Malcolm.
TRISH: That photo was taken just six months ago.
JESSICA: (Shot of Malcolm as he is now in the park). Then Kilgrave got a hold of him. I hear him shuffling down the hall every morning, at a quarter to ten, like clockwork.
TRISH: Junkies aren't known for keeping a regular schedule.
JESSICA: I never thought too much about it. (Shot of Jessica tailing Malcolm). But...
Jessica continues to follow Malcolm through the park. He stops at a tree. Jessica stops at a hat stand nearby to watch. She checks her phone's clock, which says ten. After a moment, Malcolm moves from the tree. Jessica moves to follow him and hides behind a bush. He meets with Kilgrave at a table. He hands Kilgrave a large yellow envelope. Jessica looks away, distressed.
JESSICA: Main Street. Birch Street. Higgins a**hole Drive.
She looks back over at Malcolm and Kilgrave. Kilgrave takes some photos out of the envelope and examines them.
JESSICA: Oh, sh**.
She gets the Sufentanil ready and looks back over. Kilgrave slips a much smaller envelope onto the table. He says something, after which Malcolm takes the smaller bag and leaves.
JESSICA: (Narrating) Four months ago, he also moved in down the hall.
Cut back to the apartment.
TRISH: After Kilgrave got him hooked. That's a lot of effort on Kilgrave's part.
JESSICA: It's a good cover though. Everybody dismisses a junkie. Malcolm's got a knack for spying. It could be his alt career if Kilgrave doesn't OD him first.
TRISH: We'll pull him out.
JESSICA: Not before I get Kilgrave.
CUT TO: THE PARK
Malcolm walks in the park. Jessica follows closely behind. She watches as Malcolm goes to the same tree as the last time. Jessica notices a woman walk over and say something to Malcolm, who then goes off to meet Kilgrave. Jessica walks over to the woman.
JESSICA: Excuse me, excuse me. What did you just tell that man?
WOMAN: Sorry, I'm late.
JESSICA: Please, I'm just trying to help a friend.
WOMAN: I told him to go to the kiosk on 16th, off Park.
JESSICA: Why?
WOMAN: Some British guy said to find the man wearing a blue and white scarf and... I don't have time for this.
The woman walks away. Jessica goes in the direction Malcolm went. She sees Malcolm meet Kilgrave at a small bookstand. The man there is addressing Kilgrave.
MAN: Hey, pal, you gonna buy something or what? This isn't a public library. Hey, buddy, I'm talking to you. You want me to call the cops? Hey! I said this isn't a library!
KILGRAVE: Pick up that coffee. (The man picks it up). Throw it in your face.
The man throws the coffee in his own face. He begins screaming. Jessica gasps.
KILGRAVE: Come on, Junkie.
Kilgrave and Malcolm walk away. Some women come over to check on the man.
CUT TO: JESSICA'S APARTMENT
Jessica sits in her apartment, on her phone.
JESSICA: Check your damn messages, Trish. I know what he's doing. I mean, how he's meeting. Whatever. Call me.
She hangs up, then takes a swig of Whiskey. She tosses it to the trash but it breaks. She cleans up some of the gla**. Someone knocks on the door, and she looks up.
JESSICA: Who is it?
RUBEN: Your neighbor, Ruben.
She walks over and opens the door.
RUBEN: I heard a crash and got worried about you. Everything okay?
JESSICA: I'm fine.
RUBEN: Oh, me and my sister have been baking all day. I brought you some banana bread. Don't tell her, okay? Do you like banana bread?
JESSICA: No.
She takes the bread and closes the door. Ruben watches her eat some through the gla**.
CUT TO: TRISH'S APARTMENT
Trish is naked in bed. She starts gasping. The camera pans to show someone eating her out. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door.
JESSICA: Trish, it's me. What the hell, Trish, the doorman told me you're home!
TRISH: Can you come back later?
JESSICA: Later? You said you wanted to help Malcolm. It's time to put on your cape.
Trish opens the door in a bathrobe.
JESSICA: We'll never know where Malcolm is going to meet Kilgrave, because he compels someone at the last minute to tell Malcolm where to go.
TRISH: Kilgrave's taking precautions because he knows you're on to Malcolm?
JESSICA: No, or Malcolm would be dead. But he's not gonna let me sneak up on him. So I need to deliver the Sufentanil with a long-range dart gun.
Simpson comes out of Trish's bedroom wearing just underwear.
SIMPSON: It won't work if he's on the move.
Jessica turns around to see Simpson.
SIMPSON: A long-range sniper attack takes setup. Your subject needs to be in a predetermined location, preferable removed from civilians.
JESSICA: So I guess you're over him trying to k** you and all.
SIMPSON: It'll take a pistol, up close and personal. He'll be dead before he hits the ground.
JESSICA: I need him alive, Rambo. I'll keep him doped up, I just need a place to stash him.
SIMPSON: A bullet to the head is more effective.
JESSICA: Not for the girl who's sitting in prison, taking the blame for his murders. Without proof that he exists, she's done. And that's on me. So this is my call! My call.
SIMPSON: Look, whatever abilities you have, I'm guessing they don't include rendition, exfiltration, and isolation of enemy combatants.
TRISH: He's a war hero.
JESSICA: He's also the guy who was filled with remorse about attacking you, until he decided to turn it into a booty call.
SIMPSON: That is not what happened.
TRISH: And that is not your business, Jess!
JESSICA: As long as I don't have to work with him. I need you to rent a van and drive.
TRISH: You still don't have a license? What is it with you and cars?
SIMPSON: Wait, Trish is the driver?
TRISH: I'm in.
SIMPSON: No, no, no. One of my boys from my old unit will drive.
JESSICA: The hell he will!
SIMPSON: But we need someone who's trained, not a talk radio host.
TRISH: Hey, last night was fun, but that doesn't mean I want your opinion.
JESSICA: I know I don't.
SIMPSON: You're right, I'm out of line. I'm sorry.
Trish's cell phone dings.
TRISH: Oh. Damn it. I have to be on air in an hour. You know what? Screw it, I'll cancel.
JESSICA: No, things have to appear normal to Kilgrave.
SIMPSON: I can help!
JESSICA: Thanks, but I don't need you!
SIMPSON: Uh, yeah, you do!
TRISH: No, she doesn't. But seriously, he could be useful. (Nobody says anything for a moment.). Okay, great! So, call me later and fill me in on the plan.
Trish leaves.
SIMPSON: I'll just grab some pants.
JESSICA: Good call.
CUT TO: ROAD
Jessica and Simpson are driving along a road.
JESSICA: You'll have to come in close.
SIMPSON: A dart gun's accurate up to twenty feet.
JESSICA: He'll always keep his back to a wall. He'll see you coming.
SIMPSON: He won't see me.
JESSICA: If you're so great, why'd they let you out of Spec Ops?
SIMPSON: It's cla**ified.
JESSICA: Of course it is.
They arrive in what looks to be an abandoned facility.
JESSICA: This is a safe house? It looks like a '70s furniture outlet.
Simpson parks the car.
SIMPSON: The second floor is a decommissioned CDC facility. One of my boys was their investigator. Held some patient zeros here. It has a hermetically sealed room.
JESSICA: You know a lot of commando sh**.
SIMPSON: Yep.
JESSICA: But you don't know anything when it comes to Kilgrave.
SIMPSON: Right.
JESSICA: Wrong.
SIMPSON: Right, meaning I don't know.
JESSICA: Anything. You don't know anything.
SIMPSON: I don't know anything.
JESSICA: Just show me this hermetically sealed room.
SIMPSON: No, I do know one thing.
JESSICA: Oh, Christ.
Jessica gets out of the car. Cut to inside the facility.
SIMPSON: I know that tomorrow is too soon to move on Kilgrave. An exfil takes planning.
JESSICA: I have a plan. Plus, Kilgrave knows I have the photos. He knows I'll figure out it's Malcolm.
SIMPSON: Yeah, true. You know, I figured out it was Malcolm.
JESSICA: You dismissed him just like I did.
SIMPSON: Well, all the more reason not to go in half-a**ed.
They arrive at the hermetically sealed room. Simpson knocks on the gla**.
SIMPSON: It's soundproof, too. Nothing gets in or out. I can rig a safeguard, but I need till day after tomorrow. And that's a Sunday. It's a commercial area. It'll be dead. No witnesses.
JESSICA: Fine, day after tomorrow.
SIMPSON: Good. You just get me close enough to dart him and grab him up.
JESSICA: You dart hi, I grab him up.
SIMPSON: A woman running an unconscious man through Union Square to a van... That's not conspicuous at all.
JESSICA: Not if I'm quick.
Simpson opens a door. They go into a smaller room on the side that leads to the sealed room.
SIMPSON: Someone might try to stop you to help.
JESSICA: How fast is your mile?
SIMPSON: Six minutes.
JESSICA: Under four.
SIMPSON: Fine. You grab him up.
JESSICA: Just go inside.
Simpson opens the door into the sealed room and goes inside.
SIMPSON: Listen, once he's in here, he'll become -
Jessica closes the door behind him. His voice is cut off. She walks outside to observe him.
SIMPSON: ...can you? You can't hear me, huh? Anything?
Outside, Jessica can only see his mouth moving. There is no sound at all.
JESSICA: You G.I. Joe. You definitely have a screw loose. I'm guessing you left the military because you gunned down a small village.
Inside the room, Simpson can't hear Jessica either.
SIMPSON: So, what, you think because you have these abilities you're a hero? I've seen heroes. You're not even close.
Simpson and Jessica both give each other thumbs up.
CUT TO: SIDEWALK, MONTHS EARLIER
Jessica is dressed as a hoagie sandwich, serving as a mascot for a restaurant.
JESSICA: Two for one hoagies all day. Two for one hoagies all day. Two for one. Two for one hoagies all day. Two for one hoagies all day. Two for one hoagies. Two for one hoagies...
A little girl and her father walk past Jessica. The father doesn't notice his daughter walk ahead of him. A taxi quickly approaches. The taxi honks its horn and squeals its breaks as it comes close. Jessica runs over and stops the taxi with her hand.
MAN: Hey, get off the road, you stupid sandwich!
GIRL: Hi.
FATHER: Sweetie! I told you to stay close.
GIRL: The sandwich saved me. Thank you.
Jessica smiles and walks away.
CUT TO: JESSICA'S APARTMENT
Jessica gets into the elevator. She sees Malcolm pa**ed out of the floor. She tries to shake him awake. Ruben comes in.
RUBEN: Is he alive?
She just nods. The elevator door closes.
RUBEN: We should take him to hospital. Maybe they'll put him into rehab.
JESSICA: He's better off in his on bed.
RUBEN: He might OD.
JESSICA: I'm taking him home.
They stand in awkward silence for a few moments.
RUBEN: You wanna go to a movie some time?
Jessica just stares at him.
CUT TO: INDUSTRIAL AREA
Simpson and Trish approach a blue van.
SIMPSON: I borrowed it from a buddy. No rental record. Nondescript. False plates.
TRISH: Your basic pedophile's kidnapping van.
SIMPSON: Yeah. And it has automatic transmission.
TRISH: You know, I could've driven a stick shift if necessary.
SIMPSON: Wasn't necessary.
TRISH: Seriously, Simpson. Stop worrying. I'm an excellent driver.
SIMPSON: Yeah, I read that about you on your Wikipedia page.
TRISH: You've been googling me.
SIMPSON: Highest-paid child star in television history? That's a pretty charmed life.
TRISH: Yeah, nothing but sunshine and rainbows.
SIMPSON: And apparently you're a saint. You know, the part where you took in an orphan named Jessica when her family died? So, uh, she get her powers in that car accident? What exactly can she do?
TRISH: You won't find that on Wikipedia.
Trish gets into the van.
SIMPSON: Well, you know, she's strong, that's for sure, and I'm guessing she has other powers?
TRISH: If you want to know about Jessica why don't you just talk to Jessica?
SIMPSON: I don't think she likes me very much.
TRISH: She's protective. She doesn't like any of the guys I date.
SIMPSON: Right. And you approve of all of her boyfriends?
TRISH: They never stick around long enough for me to form an opinion.
SIMPSON: Yeah, she probably scares guys off.
TRISH: You should stop there.
SIMPSON: I need to know who I'm throwing in with.
TRISH: Do you trust me?
SIMPSON: With?
TRISH: Do you trust that I'm a decent human being?
SIMPSON: I know you are.
TRISH: And I know Jessica is. And I'm pretty sure you are, too. And that is all any of us need to know right now.
SIMPSON: Fair enough. Though, uh, I would like to see your license.
They laugh, and then kiss.
SIMPSON: Yes.
CUT TO: MALCOLM'S APARTMENT
Malcolm is asleep in bed. Jessica walks over and kneels beside him. He moves his head a little bit, but doesn't wake up. Jessica leaves, closing the door, which wakes him up. Cut to the hallway. Jessica answers her phone.
JESSICA: Hope?
OPERATOR: Collect call from Northeastern Correctional Facility. Do you accept the charges?
JESSICA: Yes, I'll accept.
HOPE: Jessica?
JESSICA: Hope, are you all right?
Cut to the correctional facility. An officer leads Jessica to a meeting room where hope is. A few other inmates stand outside. Jessica sits down across from Hope.
HOPE: Did you bring it?
JESSICA: You've lost weight. Are you sick?
HOPE: Did you bring the money?
JESSICA: You still haven't told me what it's for.
HOPE: Candy. Cigarettes. What do you care?
JESSICA: I'll have Hogarth put money in your commissary account.
HOPE: Did you bring the cash or not? Cause if not, visiting hours are over.
JESSICA: Hey, I'm doing everything I can to get you out of here.
HOPE: Just give it to me.
Another inmate calls out.
SISSY: Hope-ster! Come on, our show's coming on.
HOPE: I'll be right there, Sissy. (To Jessica). Please.
Jessica gives in and slides Hope a bunch of money.
JESSICA: I'm close, Hope, to getting him.
Hope stands up and walks away.
HOPE: I'll hold my breath.
CUT TO: TRISH'S APARTMENT, MONTHS AGO
Jessica sits on the couch eating chips.
TRISH: This is it! This is the one!
She holds a costume up. It's white and blue, with a large purple j**el at the waist.
JESSICA: Tell me you're kidding.
TRISH: Look! Superheroes wear costumes.
JESSICA: The only place anyone is wearing that is trick-or-treating, or as part of some kinky role-playing scenario.
TRISH: Well, this is just a mock-up. Ultimately, it's gonna be a lightweight, highly durable fabric, waterproof, flame resistant, and it will hide your identity!
JESSICA: No.
TRISH: Well, you can't keep saving people dressed as a giant hoagie!
JESSICA: Put on that mask.
TRISH: Fine.
Trish puts the costume down, picks up the mask, and puts it on.
TRISH: Oh, this is rad.
Trish does an action pose. Jessica moves the mask so that it covers Trish's eyes.
JESSICA: Try and hit me now.
TRISH: Fine. Be the naked superhero. That can be your alias.
JESSICA: Well, it's better than the name you came up with.
TRISH: Jewel is a great superhero name!
JESSICA: Jewel is a stripper's name. A really s*utty stripper. And if I wear that thing, you're gonna have to call me cameltoe.
TRISH: Okay, okay, fine. So you're really gonna do it? You're gonna be a hero.
JESSICA: We'll see.
CUT TO: JESSICA'S APARTMENT
Jessica sits cross-legged on her desk. She hears a door open and close. She gets up and goes into the hallway, where Malcolm is walking to the elevator. He drops his keys. Jessica hits the elevator bu*ton.
JESSICA: Going down?
MALCOLM: Thanks.
They both get into the elevator. Jessica stares intently at Malcolm. He's visibly uncomfortable. They both get off of the elevator. Malcolm hurries in one direction. Jessica calls out to him.
JESSICA: Hey. Hang in there.
MALCOLM: Yeah, you too.
He walks away. After a few moments, so does she. Cut to her picking up a bunch of syringes. She, Simpson, and Trish are in the van. Trish is wearing a hat and sungla**es. Jessica has a hoodie on. Simpson hands them some bluetooth headsets.
SIMPSON: These are dialed into the conference number.
TRISH: Hello? Can you hear me?
SIMPSON: Check.
JESSICA: Get the van as close as you can.
TRISH: On it.
SIMPSON: Yeah, just don't let anyone see you.
JESSICA: And you're gonna have to haul a** to the sealed room before he wakes up.
TRISH: Got it.
SIMPSON: If anyone walks up, just pretend to be on the phone. Do not engage.
JESSICA: She's a celebrity. She's used to dealing with weirdos. Usually.
SIMPSON: Yeah, well, she's dealt with you all these years, so...
TRISH: Okay, let's go back to tense silence, I think.
After a few moments, Jessica breaks the tense silence.
JESSICA: It's time.
Jessica and Simpson get out of the van, and begin walking.
JESSICA: If Kilgrave gets me -
SIMPSON: I'll take you out.
JESSICA: I was gonna say dart gun me, but sure, shoot me in the head.
SIMPSON: Same here.
Some kids in the park run around playing. One is wearing a Captain America costume. Malcolm walks towards the tree in the park. Jessica follows closely behind.
JESSICA: Is everyone in position?
TRISH: I'm ready.
SIMPSON: Standing by.
A man approaches Malcolm and says something to him. Malcolm takes off from the tree. Jessica begins to follow him.
JESSICA: Here we go.
Jessica follows Malcolm to a nearby restaurant, where Kilgrave is sitting.
JESSICA: He's exiting the park at 16th Street. Outdoor cafe, 16th Street and Union Square West.
Elsewhere, Simpson puts on his shades and stands up.
TRISH: I'll park at the corner, a half block down.
She begins driving. Jessica watches the transaction being made between Malcolm and Kilgrave. Trish drives past and parks nearby. Simpson approaches on the sidewalk, his hand with the dart gun hidden in a paper bag. Suddenly a balloon at a balloon vender's stand pops. Kilgrave and Malcolm look up in response. Simpson is approaching from the same direction.
JESSICA: sh**. Turn back.
SIMPSON: I'm almost in position.
JESSICA: No, he's looking right at you. If he sees the gun...
SIMPSON: I have a shot, I'm taking it.
Jessica, with little time, walks towards Kilgrave, yelling with her hands in the air.
JESSICA: Hey! Hey, sh**head! Over here!
Kilgrave sees her, shocked. As he's looking at her, Simpson shoot him with the dart gun. He gets up, but falls over, pa**ing out and knocking over a table. Malcolm looks up shocked.
MALCOLM: I'm sorry, I... I had too....
Malcolm runs away. Some large men come out of the restaurant.
MAN: Excuse me ma'am, we got this.
JESSICA: Hey, hey, sorry.
She throws the first man on top of the other.
JESSICA: Help, they just attacked my brother!
WOMAN: I'm calling an ambulance.
JESSICA: No, it's too late! I have to get him to the hospital.
Jessica picks up Kilgrave and begins walking.
JESSICA: Trish, I'm coming to you. There's two guys right behind me.
TRISH: Guys? What guys?
Simpson opens the doors of the van. Jessica tosses Kilgrave's body in.
SIMPSON: Let's go! Go, go!
The van takes off as the two men try to catch up.
SIMPSON: We're clear.
Jessica squats over his body. Trish looks back.
TRISH: Jess, we need him alive.
JESSICA: I remember.
Jessica punches Kilgrave in the jaw.
JESSICA: See? He's alive.
Trish and Simpson exchange looks. Cut to them arriving at the building with the sealed room. They park.
SIMPSON: Alright, let's get him inside. Quickly and quietly.
JESSICA: Wait, there's something...
She pulls something out of his jacket. Cars can be heard outside of the van.
JESSICA: sh**! He's wearing a tracker!
SIMPSON: Oh, God. Let's get out of here! Go!
A man walks up and breaks the driver's side window. He tases Trish. Another man approaches the pa**enger side, but Simpson slams the door into him. Simpson punches a third man. A fourth man opens the back doors of the van. Jessica kicks him in the face. A fifth man comes up and she kicks him out of the van, as well.
JESSICA: You're being controlled, a**holes!
Another man comes around the side of the van and tases Jessica, followed by another. Jessica throws one of them into the open door of the van. She takes the arm of the other one and turns the taser back on him. She throws another man down, followed by the one she tased. She punches another man in the face. Simpson is beating one man on the side of the van. Another man comes up and get Simpson off him, tasing him. He punches the man and throws him down. He beats that man. The first man punches Simpson and throws him off. One man tackles Jessica to the ground. A few men come over and tase her. Simpson keeps fighting a man in front of the van. A number of men surround Jessica.
MAN: Hey! She won't go down! It's not working!
Simpson flips the man he's fighting on the ground and engages another. One of the men grabs Kilgrave from the van. Another comes to help.
MAN: Grab his legs.
Jessica lies on the ground in pain. Simpson knocks out the man he's fighting. The rest of the men leave, with Kilgrave. Simpson checks on Trish, who's out cold. Jessica starts tearing up. Simpson cuffs the man who he knocked unconscious. Trish comes out of the van, having awoken.
TRISH: I'm sorry.
JESSICA: We were outmanned.
TRISH: One tase and I'm useless.
JESSICA: Don't, okay?
TRISH: I'm just a goddamn radio talk show host.
JESSICA: I can't do that thing where I make you feel better, all right? I don't know how.
SIMPSON: He's coming to.
Trish goes to the van.
SIMPSON: Hey. You did good.
Cut to later that night. The man they have is awake, and very sweaty. Simpson begins cutting his pants.
MAN: No, no, no, no, no.
SIMPSON: Where'd they take Kilgrave?
JESSICA: We know what he did to you.
MAN: Did to me?
SIMPSON: There's a pain center right below the kneecap.
MAN: Oh, come on, man. That's not necessary -
Simpson puts the knife below the man's kneecap. He gasps.
JESSICA: Forget it. You could torture him until he's dead, he's not gonna tell us anything. He's not in control.
MAN: I am in total control! You don't need to torture! Ah!
JESSICA: Wait, Kilgrave didn't tell you to do this?
MAN: Is he a client? I never spoke to him.
SIMPSON: But you work for that psychopath?
MAN: No, I work for a firm. I just guard who I'm told. The client thought that he might get attacked. Frankly, I just thought he was some paranoid nutjob with a lot of cash.
JESSICA: Oh, my God, I'm such a goddamn idiot. Kilgrave knew I had the surgical d**. Malcolm would have told him.
SIMPSON: He's lying.
MAN: Oh, come on, man! I mean, the job pays well, but not good enough to lose a kneecap over. You know what I mean?
JESSICA: Kilgrave knew he needed paid backup, in case he lost his ability.
SIMPSON: Where'd they take him?
MAN: They don't tell us until we need it. It's a precaution. I just show up.
JESSICA: Forget it! He doesn't know.
SIMPSON: Names of your firm, names of the boys in your detail, how Kilgrave stayed in contact.
MAN: Sure, yeah, whatever you need.
JESSICA: Doesn't matter, he's just gonna change it all when he wakes up anyway.
SIMPSON: Well I'll just make sure. Then we can go find your junkie friend.
JESSICA: Come here.
Jessica hits Simpson, then walks away. He follows her.
JESSICA: I'll find him. You come to terms with this guy and that means serve and protect. You're a cop, Simpson. Remember?
CUT TO: JESSICA'S APARTMENT
Jessica gets off the elevator. She can hear Malcolm and a woman arguing in his apartment.
MALCOLM: You don't understand.
WOMAN: I understand all right. I understand you're full of sh**.
MALCOLM: Look, I'm sick. I... I gotta have it. Now, please.
WOMAN: You made me come all the way over here, and you ain't even got the money? b**h, please.
MALCOLM: No, but you can have my TV, all right? And this printer.
WOMAN: I got a better TV than that. Got the HD and everything. And what the hell am I gonna do with a printer?
MALCOLM: You don't understand, I need it! Now please, just give it to me!
Malcolm approaches her. She pulls out a gun and co*ks it.
WOMAN: Come a step closer and I'll shoot your dick off! Stay back!
The woman backs up towards the door. Jessica comes in and takes her arm and twists it around her back, taking the gun. She pushes the woman out of the room.
WOMAN: Well, if your b**h here got any money, we can still do a deal if you want.
Jessica closes the door on her and turns around.
MALCOLM: No. No, what the hell are you doing? (She pushes him back). No, you let go of me!
She throws him on the ground. He tries to get up, but she throws him down again.
MALCOLM: God damn it, you can't save me! You can't save me again.
Jessica has a flashback. She's walking down a sidewalk. She sees two men mugging a third man on the ground.
MAN 1: Give me your wallet! Give me your wallet, a**wipe!
MAN 2: Just end him, bro. He saw our faces.
The first man co*ks his gun. Jessica runs over and beats the men. After they're both out cold, she goes over to check on the man on the ground.
KILGRAVE: All right, yes!
Jessica looks up to see Kilgrave with two women. They're all clapping.
KILGRAVE: That was absolutely tremendous! I thought I was good. You are a sight to behold. Isn't she amazing?
The two women nod.
KILGRAVE: You bore me. Leave. Go on.
Both of the women leave.
KILGRAVE: Leave him, he's fine.
JESSICA: Yeah, he's fine.
KILGRAVE: Here I am, just debating where to eat, and then, bam! There you are. Performing feats of heroism. Come here, let me look at you. Come on.
Jessica walks over.
KILGRAVE: Jesus, you're a vision. Hair and skin. Appalling sense of fashion, but that can be remedied. And underneath it all, the power. Just like me. Though not quite as good, of course. Tell me, did you enjoy beating those thugs?
JESSICA: Yes.
KILGRAVE: Yeah? Why?
JESSICA: Because I helped someone. I made a difference.
KILGRAVE: Well. How noble. What's your name?
JESSICA: Jones. Jessica Jones.
KILGRAVE: No, no, no, your superhero name. You must have one.
JESSICA: Just Jessica Jones.
KILGRAVE: Really? Hmm. Rather prosaic, but it's fine. Fine. Jessica Jones, fine. There's a fantastic Szechaun place around the corner. You like Chinese. Come on.
He extends his hand to her. She takes it and they begin walking.
KILGRAVE: Come on. I have to know everything about you.
The camera pans down to reveal that Malcolm was the man being mugged. His face is bloodied. Cut back to his apartment. Jessica has handcuffed him to a pipe in his bathroom.
JESSICA: I made you a peanut bu*ter sandwich. You ate all the chunky; all I have is smooth.
MALCOLM: I'm sick.
JESSICA: Yeah, and you're just gonna get sicker, so try not to miss the toilet.
She hands him a water bottle. He grabs it out of her hand and tosses it.
MALCOLM: Go to hell!
JESSICA: Already been there. So have you.
MALCOLM: f**, I just... I need a little bit, you know? Just... Just to wean myself off.
JESSICA: I'm not gonna help you k** yourself.
MALCOLM: I mean, why not? I'm useless to you. To anybody.
JESSICA: Yeah, at the moment. Yeah. But a while ago, you were gonna help people. Social work, right?
He sinks to the floor and laughs.
MALCOLM: Look at me. Who am I gonna help like this?
JESSICA: You have a choice now.
MALCOLM: I took pictures of you.
JESSICA: Because he made you.
MALCOLM: Sometimes I did it just for the d**. Think about it. I met him once a day. Ten a.m. His controls don't last that long. You know they don't.
JESSICA: That's why he got you hooked. So you would show up.
MALCOLM: I'm telling you that I had a choice!
She says nothing. After a moment, Malcolm starts throwing up in the toilet. Jessica clears her throat and leaves the room.
MALCOLM: Kilgrave will find me. I'll be dead anyway. Please just give me my goddamn d**. Just give me... Just give me my goddamn d**!
JESSICA: You're right. I can't save you.
She comes back in the room with a pillow and a blanket. She squats on the floor.
JESSICA: The whole time he had me, there was some part of me that fought. There was some tiny corner of my brain that tried to get out. And I'm still fighting. I won't stop fighting. But if you give up, I lose. Do you get that? He did this to you to get at me. To isolate me. To make me feel like an infection. One more person dead, or dying, because of me. So why don't you remember how to be a goddamn human being again, instead of this self-pitying piece of sh** that he turned you into, and save me for once.
She takes out a packet of d** and throws them on the floor.
JESSICA: You choose.
She gets up and leaves. Malcolm reaches for the d** and pulls them out. He begins sobbing.
CUT TO: TRISH'S APARTMENT
Trish holds the gun in her hands and loads it. She puts it away and looks out the window.
CUT TO: PRISON
In the dead of night, two of the prisoners gets out of bed. They look in the cell across the hall, where Hope is sleeping. Hope opens her eyes as Sissy rises behind her. Sissy shushes her, then flips her over and begins beating her.
CUT TO: NICE BEDROOM
Kilgrave wakes up in bed. His face is bruised where Jessica punched him. He gets up and walks over to a mirror, where he investigates the bruise. He pulls one of his teeth out, which is covered in blood. He laughs.
CUT TO: JESSICA'S APARTMENT
Jessica's phone rings. She walks over and picks it up.
KILGRAVE: Well, I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted. So rare for me to feel powerless. Well, I would have felt it, had I been conscious. But in retrospect, it's exhilarating. My life was literally in your hands. And I have the bruise to prove it. Which proves that you want me alive. Tell me why. I could just turn up on your doorstep and make you tell me. Oh, you're mad about the junkie, aren't you. That is completely unfair! I didn't make him do anything he didn't want to do. He was... He was an addict waiting to happen! Come on, Jessica. Come on. Don't play the hero with me. Fine, fine. Pretend you saved the junkie, but we both know that was down to me. I tell you what, I will let him go down his own self-destructive path. I won't come near him, if... You do his job for him. Keep the pictures coming. Say, one a day, at ten a.m.? Don't forget to smile. Hmm? Send the picture, save the junkie. Sounds like an ad campaign. Let's start, um, now. Come one, Jessica. Tell me we have a deal. Let me hear your voice.
She hangs up. After a moment, she gets a text from Kilgrave. 'I'm waiting Jessica...' She scoffs, and throws her phone on a nearby table. She goes back to check on Malcolm. He's moving around, distressed. She sees that he threw the d** in the toilet. Cut to Kilgrave. He gets a text from Jessica. It's a picture of her. He smiles.
END EPISODE