Update

Hey everyone. Just wanted to let you know. The deadline for the Walking Dead is approaching in ten days. And I NEED confirmation. Please contact me and assure me you're in. Thanks.

WWD? Photos

Here are some pics I made for the video shoot this Fall Break! Hope you like them!

After some thought and discussion, I've decide to change the due date for the film requirements. September 21 & 22 is now the new due date.

Who Are The Walking Dead? Film Requirements

 

Who Are The Walking Dead? – Film Requirements

For those who are interested in the “Who Are the Walking Dead?”, this is an update for you.

First, I want to say I’m very excited to do this and I would love for anyone who is interested come participate. I know there are some people who are skeptical about this project, but I want to assure everyone that this will be a very well-planned, dedicated, and exciting project. This fan mini-series will not be about only the slaughtering of zombies. It will also be about how humanity will react to near extinction; much like The Walking Dead on AMC. However, the difference with this mini-series is religion and belief. In The Walking Dead, the creators have been trying to create a realistic experience, however I keep seeing everyone losing faith and doubting. However, what I have witnessed in the real world is when people are being pushed, they will run to their beliefs or religions. Specifically, when Christianity is being stomped on, it prospers and explodes. Now, I’m not stating that there isn’t doubt or loss of faith, but there is also the rising of faith, hope, and love, and the discovery of purpose and God. China is a great example.

Now, there will be attacking and confrontation of religions. However, I promise that as the story progresses, it will not end with malice, and I promise to respect all religions, beliefs, and opinions.

If you are still interested and you wish to participate, then here are some ways you can become interested. (If you are gifted in these areas, it would be greatly appreciated.)

1.)    Make-up artists

2.)    Special effects

3.)    Actors:

a.)    Main Character

b.)    Walkers

If you wish to be a Make-up artist, Special Effects Designer, and a Main Character, I need you to audition. Ugh-I know right! :D I need to see what you all can do, and it’s only fair to everyone who wants a chance to have their chance.

Order of events:

1.)    Send me a video of your work to ssipe1@memphis.edu or message me on my Facebook page. (I’d prefer email.)

2.)    In the video, state your name and in which way you wish to help. (Actors tell which character you would like to be.)

3.)    Show off your talent! Give me a good way to contact you.

After that, I will then choose my team.

If you wish to a Walker, then here are the requirements.

1.)    You will need to create two costumes. (I recommend going to the Thrift Store in order to create your costume. Also, PLEASE take time to create your zombie. It sounds funny, but I don’t want some zombie in an undershirt. Give a jacket. Blood stains. BE CREATIVE!)

2.)    Send me a picture of each of your costumes to ssipe1@memphis.edu.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. The due date for everything above is August 9-11.

Who Are The Walking Dead? Episode 2 Script

Written by Seth Sipe

Episode 2: Keep Hope Alive

Intro

(Black Background immediately vanishes to a backyard blocked by a small fence. Someone walks up, and unlatches the latch. He is armed with a pistol and a machete. It’s Chris. He sees the back door is slightly cracked open. He opens the door with his gun drawn. He checks doors and corners throughout the entire house. His walkie talkie goes off.)

Sam: Chris? (Chris reaches for his walkie talkie.) Chris?

Chris: Yeah, Sam, I’m here. I’m in a house, pal.

Sam: Sorry. Are you good? (Chris looks for a minute.)

Chris: Yeah.

Sam: Alright just wanted to let you know; Jacob’s worried by you, and is kinda freaking out.

Chris: Tell him not to worry me. I’m getting food right now. See you in an hour.

Sam: Copy that. (Chris continues to search. Once he finds the computer room, he sees a bill. He reads it and becomes very interested. He goes to flip on a light switch. The lights turn on.) I love generators. (The scene cuts to Chris taking canned food. He goes to check the refrigerator and sees fresh food. He sighs with relief. The scene cuts to Chris set a place for himself in the dining room. He takes off his pouch, machete, and gun. He slowly sits down, and begins to eat. He looks down the table and sounds like a family laughing together are heard.  Because he is lost in thought he doesn’t notice the walkers at the window ahead. He becomes a little startled when he finally sees the walkers ahead. He slowly grabs his weapons and bag. He makes his way out to the backyard and over the fence and into the woods.)

(Walking Dead music plays. Logo appears.)

 

Scene 1: Department Store

(Jacob pulls up to a building and parks. As he hops out of the truck he gently shuts the door. He signals everyone to go forward. They pull up to the side of a wall and slide along it. They are very cautious. Clips of them walking through different parts of town take place. They kill walkers along the way.

Jacob: (He begins to draw in sand on the ground. whispers) Ok there should be a department store here. This is where all the market used to be. Hopefully there is something still there.

Chris: (whispers) I say we split up.

Jacob: (whispers) No way!

Chris: (whispers) No. I’m saying you hang with Sam while I cut through the woods to see if that neighborhood back there had anything left.

Jacob: (whispers) That’s Rich District.

Grace: (whispers) Rich District?

Jacob: (whispers) Yeah the richest part of this town. That’s what we call it. Sounds like a good plan, I guess. Grace and Xavier head to department store. Sam and I are going to see if we can get into the high school. We’ll back at the department store in an hour. Questions? (Sam raises his hand.) What?

Sam: (playfully whispers) I like to whisper too. (Chris chuckles slightly while Jacob rolls his eyes.)

Jacob: (whispers) On the hour. Let’s move.

Sam: (whispers) It’s from a movie.

Jacob and Chris: (whispers) We know.

Sam: Buddy the elf.

Jacob: Shh!

(They find a little department store.)

Jacob: Chris this place is really ransacked. I’m not sure this was a good idea, man.          

Chris: Don’t worry. We’ve barely got through a quarter of this place. We’ll find something.

Grace: We’ve got something here. (She’s found boxes of food.)

Chris: Nice catch, Grace.

Grace: Don’t look at me. Xavier found them.

Chris: Oh, well. Nice catch, Xavier!

Jacob: Shh. Party when we get back home.

Sam: Hold on. The boxes out in the open like this. This looks like someone’s already claimed this. We can’t take these. (They all stop and think.)

Jacob: We need this food, buddy.

Grace: So does someone else.

Xavier: Why don’t we just take half? This seems a little excessive anyway.

Grace: I like that.

Chris: Let’s vote on it. All those in favor of taking half of the food, raise your hand. ( They all raise their hands.) Alright. (Scene cuts forward. They have gathered all the food and are walking back to the truck.)

Sam: Why do we have to carry this all the way back to the truck?

Chris: The truck makes noise, bro.

Sam: Can’t we try to get a little closer?

Jacob: Keep it down. You want walkers to hear ya.  (Jacob’s walkie turns on and makes loud staticy noise.)

Sam: Yeah try not to trip over that.

Jacob: Blue Jeans, what’s up? (Static.) Blue Jeans.

BJ: (Over the radio) Jacob. Something’s happening.

Jacob: What’s up?

BJ: I see something in the binoculars. Someone’s coming. Get back here quick.

Jacob: We’re on the way. Let’s move everyone. (They all hurry. When suddenly Chris and Sam stop because they see a walker.) What? Haven’t you guys seen a walker before? (Jacob stops and takes a closer look.) Brother Rob. (They continue to stare.) Guys we gotta go. I’ll take care of him. Don’t worry. I won’t leave him like this. (Sam and Chris go with their supplies. Jacob removes his handgun tucked back behind his pants. Aims and says…) Love you, brother. (Fires. Scene cuts to Jacob starting the car. The car is now hurrying to the church. The team looks ahead and sees someone ahead. They’re shooting at walkers.)

Chris: Jacob what’s the play?

Grace: This is pretty close to the church. Is this the thing Blue Jeans called us about?

Chris: Jacob what’s the play? (Jacob thinks for a moment.)

Jacob: Get ready to jump! (Chris checks his gun. Jacob pulls up.) Go! (Chris jumps out and fires. There seems to be two people. A guy and a girl. They’re fighting off walkers. The team helps out. The guy is caught by surprise and is bitten and on the ground. The girl goes crazy on a dead walker.)

Sam: Uh, ma’am, I think you got ‘im.

Ali: They’re never dead.

Chris: Ok. Uh, I’m Chris.

Ali: Ali.

Guy: (In pain) Help. Help me. Help me, please.

Grace: We got to do something.

Sam: I can make a run to the church. Grab whatever medical supplies we’ve got. Grace you’re a doctor.

Grace: I’m a nurse kiddo.

Jacob: And you’re not going alone. (Pause) We’re going to have to leave him.

Xavier: What?

Chris: No we can do something.

Jacob: He’s bitten. He’s lost a lot of blood. We’ll have wasted a trip.

Chris: We can’t leave him like this!

Jacob: Fine then we’ll have to shoot him! (The two squabble for a second. Then the whole group begins to squabble. Then a shot is heard. It’s Ali.)

Ali: Standing around isn’t going to do anything. (They all kind of stare at her.)

Xavier: Guys. (Xavier sees walkers in the distance.)

Jacob: Alright time to go. Everyone in. Stay safe miss.

Chris: We aren’t going to leave her.

Jacob: We can and we are.

Chris: We—uh—we just attracted a ton of walkers. She doesn’t stand a chance.

Jacob: They’re slow. She seems able to run.

Grace: Walkers will come from everywhere. Not just down the street.

Xavier: I say we vote.

Jacob: What?

Chris: Good idea, and until we do. We aren’t going anywhere.

Jacob: Ok fine! She can come! Where is she? (They look she’s gone.)

Ali: (In the back of truck) Dumb rednecks. (They all hop in. Jacob cranks the car. Nothing happens.)

Jacob: Oh come on. No! No! Why now!? Everyone out! (Everyone gets out.) Run! (They run. They’re come into viewing distance of the church.)

Ali: Is that where we’re going?

Xavier: Yeah, come on.

Ali: No. I change my mind.

Xavier: What?

Ali: No. (Jacob gets to the church and ushers everyone in.)

Jacob: Come on! Sam back room, now!

Ali: I’ll go somewhere else!

Xavier: There is nowhere else to go!

Ali: Let go of me!

Xavier: No it’s suicide.

Ali: Better than going in there! (They keep struggling.)

Xavier: Help! (Chris comes to help.)

Chris: What’s wrong?

Xavier: She won’t come into the church.

Chris: Come on lady! (She pulls out a knife and cuts Xavier’s hand. She swings and swings.  Chris then abandons her for Xavier, and gets him inside. Ali turns around, sees the walkers ahead, holds out her arms, and says…)

Ali: Kill me God. Take me. (She is hit in the back of the head. It’s Chris.)

Chris: Not today I guess.

Jacob: Chris, hurry. (Chris picks her up and carries her. They shut the doors.)

Grace: Xavier, are you alright?

Xavier: It’s fine. Just a scratch.

Grouch: Who is she? Did you help her and bring this nightmare on us?

Jacob: Don’t start. (To everyone.) Alright people. Get against the walls away from the windows and remain quiet. Xavier help Sam. (Sam opens a door in the sanctuary. Xavier groans from the smell. Dead animals are inside.)

Sam: It never gets old. Well, actually it does. You know, it decays.

Jacob: Sam.

Sam: Coming. (Sam grabs ropes attached to the animals and hangs them on the nails nailed into walls. Xavier follows. He also throws them into at the front door.) We’re good.

Jacob: Alright everyone. Shh. (Time slowly passes. As they sit in fear, they wait for what happens. Soon the walkers begin banging on the doors.)

 

Scene 2: Goodbye to the Good Ole Days

(Walkers continue to bang on doors, and they start to look in the windows. Grace is hiding by Blue Jeans and she covers her mouth. Chris hides between windows. After a few seconds of terror, the walkers seem to have lost interest. Everyone stays quiet for a few more seconds.)

(The scene switches over. everyone is no longer hiding. And they are all sitting around.)

Grouch: So, why did you bring her here?

Chris: We had no choice. She would’ve been torn apart.

Grouch: It could have bought you all time. And we wouldn’t have experienced this little incident.

Chris: Well, we’re alright, aren’t we? The dead animals cloaked our scent. We’re all alive.

Grouch: Yes and now we have one more mouth to feed. Speaking of which where’s the food?

Jacob: Back in the truck and the truck is dead, and most likely surrounded by walkers.

Chris: They aren’t going to eat it. It isn’t meat. (Grace comes in.)

Grace: She’s awake. (Jacob pulls up a chair. Chris and Xavier walk her over and sit her down. She sits in silence for a moment.)

Ali: Why have you tied me up?

Jacob: Because you’re having suicidal tendencies. It’s for your good.

Ali: I’m not suicidal.

Chris: Then can you explain why you attacked my friend?

Ali: Because he wouldn’t let go of me.

Chris: He wouldn’t let go of you because you wanted to be a meal for the walkers. I say my friend saved your life.

Ali: I didn’t want to get eaten by the walkers, you moron. I just didn’t want to come in here. Don’t assume so quickly you heathen.

Grouch: Finally, someone who agrees with me.

Jacob: Why didn’t you want to come in here?

Ali: Because this place is unholy and I am Muslim. (They all react to this.) My name is Alishba. And now I’m filthy in the eyes of god because of you. (Jacob and Chris turn around and whisper to each other.)

Chris: Oh this is so screwed.

Jacob: Maybe it would have been better if we had left her.

Chris: Don’t say that!

Jacob: You’re right. Sorry. We did the right thing.

Ali: Yeah right. You should have left me in that field. It’s better than being forced to survive in this place.

Jacob: We didn’t mean to offend you.

Ali: Well, you have!

Grouch: Preach like these guys can’t. I like her already.

Ali: You’ve taken away my choice.

Jacob: Yeah, but not all choices are good.

Ali: I was talking. Do not interrupt me. Besides even if it was a bad choice, it was mine to make. My right.

Jacob: And it’s our right to look after you.

Grouch: By whom, your god?

Jacob: Not just Him, but by the laws written in this land. We have a right to look after our fellow men.

Ali: Those laws are gone with the government that abandoned you. Speaking of that how would you describe this?

Jacob: Describe what?

Ali: The dead. If your god is so merciful, as you claim, then why is this happening? This is the wrath of god. People return from the dead. They hunt down what’s living, and they never stop. They have endless amounts of energy, and they chew through your flesh and bones. Some of them are actually family members of yours. And when they catch you and they will, do you really think they will let you have a quick and painless death? Can you really be that ignorant? Oh, and I forgot the icing on the cake. Turning even if you’re not bitten. (Everyone reacts.)

Jacob: What are you talking about?

Ali: You all don’t know. Haha. Are you really that aloof? That’s right if you die without a shot to the head, you’ll still come back. That’s how the camps failed. (Jacob sits down.) So, answer my question? (Pause) Answer it!

Jacob: After you answer mine. If this is as bad as you have described then why didn’t you give up sooner and what does your god think?

Ali: That’s two questions. And I’ll answer both. I can’t claim to know what god’s plan is, but I know his will. And if that is for me to die, I accept. But I’m waiting to be with my family. Now answer me…even though I know you don’t have an answer. (Jacob smiles.)

Jacob: Chris (Chris looks at Jacob with a grin on his face.) take it away. (Brief pause.)

Chris: Who are the walking dead? Are they the walkers? The ones that hunt us down and give us slow painful deaths? The ones that stink and rot, and terrify us? They live up to every word that was mentioned on the radio and by you. But we…we are living. We are smarter and faster and stronger. We hold the morals that they do not possess and yet…here we are bickering, complaining, and arguing. We are supposed to protect our fellow man according to natural law, but we destroy one another. Who are the walking dead? I disagree with what you said about this being the wrath of god. Because if I were God I would come up with something a little more creative on how to punish my creation. He could set us on fire and be torn apart walkers. So, no I don’t think this is torture. I think this is teaching. But Chris what would God be trying to teach us? Well as I said before we don’t live up to our expected title. Maybe just maybe God is teaching us that we are as ugly as the walkers. And also because we’re alive I think he’s also teaching us: Keep hope alive and leave fear with the dead. (Ali has a blank stare on her face.) So, Ali, I’ll ask again, and this time it’s up to you to answer: Who are the walking dead?

Jacob: (Jacob cuts Ali free.) You can leave if you want. If you do leave, I hope you can forgive us for splitting your head open. If you want, we can give you some food after we go down to the truck for your journey ahead. (Ali nods her head.) I hope you find your family.

Xavier: (Xavier is on the binoculars looking through the window.) I don’t think she’ll be able to leave quite yet. (Jacob walks over to Xavier. Xavier hands over the binoculars.) Some walkers are hanging by the food.

Jacob: Well, looks like we’ll be sitting tight for a while.

Ali: That’s my food, by the way. (They all look at her.) You got that from that department store didn’t you? That’s where I was storing my food. You monstrous heathens.

Sam: Hey, if you’re going to call my brothers heathens. Call me one too. Cause I took food too.

Grace: We all took half of your food. We had a feeling someone was staying there.

Sam: We were all hungry, and we all voted on it. (Ali stands and thinks. Then walks away.)

(Scene cuts to Grouch in the kitchen. Ali appears.)

Grouch: Well, if it isn’t at this point my favorite Muslim friend. Hm. Hm. Hm.

Ali: Tell me how many Muslim friends do you have?

Grouch: Now, now. I just paid you a compliment. You won’t get that from the brotherhood of Christian rednecks. By the way, I love what you did early. You smoked their pale behinds.

Ali: Hm. What are you working on?

Grouch: Repairing these wires. If I can fix them, then we can have the lights working again. I haven’t told Jacob yet. I should have them up before tonight.

Ali: Hm. You think I won, earlier?

Grouch: Winning is a matter of letting yourself know, you won. No matter what. Even if they have all the evidence in the world, as long as you believe it’s right, it’s right. I agree with what you said.

Ali: About God and his wrath upon us?

Grouch: No. That they’re ignorant and aloof. They think holding onto their belief will keep their innocence, but I know they are anything but innocent.

Ali: You know what I honestly believe. I believe that those who have kept God’s law will be saved from this nightmare. We’ll get bit, we’ll die, but we won’t turn because we have remained loyal to him. And whoever hasn’t shall suffer the consequences.

Grouch: Are you one of those extremists?

Ali: (Offended) No! We’re not all like that! Thank you!

Grouch: Just asking. I’m looking out for my granddaughter.

Ali: They believe in the same thing too. If you don’t keep THEIR God’s law, you’ll suffer the consequences. Hypocrites.

Grouch: Finally someone who understands. (Ali smiles.) It will be great to have you around. Might be able to put some sense into these people now.

Ali: Oh, I’m not staying. I can’t stand this place. I’m leaving once I get the chance.

Grouch: Good for you. I wish I could that. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like you’re going to get that chance anytime soon. We’ve been sitting here for the last two hours and nothing seems to be inspiring those walkers to move. And once night time comes, there’ll be more of them out there. We could be here for a few days. (Brief pause.) Hey, are you fast?

Ali: Hello. I took all that food from town by myself. I have to be fast.

Grouch: You ever run through a group of walkers?

Ali: Quite often.

Grouch: Impressive. Maybe you could do that here. Maybe you could snatch a backpack when no one’s looking and run right out into those walkers. Along the way, you could grab some food and head back to your department store. Then maybe you’d have a chance of boarding it up before any walkers got there. But the only time you would be able to do that is when no one’s looking which means you would need the cover of night. But if you were fast enough you could probably do it. Agh, but Jacob would say that’s a bad idea.

Ali: I don’t think you care about what Jacob says. (Ali walks off with a grin on her face. Grouch goes back to his business. He is smiling also. On the other side of the wall, Blue Jeans has overheard everything. Black out.)

(The scene cuts to late at night. Walkers are roaming around outside still unaware of the team inside. Inside the team has blankets covering the windows, and they have candles lit. And they are all asleep. Camera focuses on each of their faces noticing how asleep they are, except for Blue Jeans. Scene cuts to the front doors of the church. Someone is opening the front door just a crack, and someone is pushing a pew in front of the girl’s room. Blue Jeans is in the girls’ bathroom washing her face nervously with the rain water bucket. The hall lights are turned on. Blue Jeans notices. Ali is now seen leaving the church and running through the group of walkers. Blue Jeans comes out of the bathroom looking at the lights on the ceiling. She walks over to where Ali is sleeping and she knocks.)

BJ: (Whispers) Ali? Ali? (She opens the door. Ali is gone. She shuts the door and turns around. WALKER! BJ screams. Everyone is awake.)

Jacob: What was that? (He notices the lights are on. The guys get up and grab weapons.) Why are the lights on?! (They open their doors and walkers start pouring in.)

Chris: Whoa! (They kill that small group of walkers. BJ screams.)

Sam: Brittney!

Chris: Go around to the other door, pal.

Jacob: No wait!

Chris: I’ll cover him! (Sam and Chris run to the other door. Grace however is up and opens her door and she is barricaded in because of the pew. Walkers spot her and begin reaching over. Grace backs away screaming. Scene cuts back to Sam and Chris at the other door.)

Chris: Go! (Sam opens the door. Chris walks out. He looks right then left. Sam follows. He sees BJ on the ground who is still screaming and the walker has almost bitten her. Sam shoots it. Scene cuts back to Grace who is crawling on the ground, watching a walker crawl under the pew toward her.)Grace! (Jacob comes out with Xavier he shoots the walkers to his right. Grace grabs the ax she kept in her room and gets it in the head. She comes out of the room through the other door.) Come on! (Jacob shoots at the walkers coming in from the door in the hallway.)

Jacob: Why is that door open?! (He shoots the next walker coming in.) Grace, get Grouch! Xavier, get Ali! Sam grab our stuff! (Xavier runs to the door of Ali’s room and pokes his head in. Sam runs back into the guy’s room. Grace goes into Grouch’s room.)

Grace: Grouch, come on. It’s time to go. (Jacob reaches the door and tries to shut the door but it’s dead bolted.)

Jacob:  Everyone into the sanctuary! (Sam runs back out with bags of their stuff. Grace brings Grouch. Chris runs to the sanctuary door and opens it. Walkers are in the sanctuary too. Chris shuts the door.)

Chris: Yeah, I don’t think so.

Jacob: They’re in there too?!

Grace: Lock it!

Chris: There is no lock! (Walkers start bounding on the door.)

Jacob: Everyone into the kitchen! (Everyone does so.) What’s going on?! Why is this happening?! Did anyone leave the door open?! (Blue Jeans is seen in the arms of Grouch. Grouch doesn’t know she overheard, but BJ is still terrified.) Where’s Ali?!

Xavier: She’s not here!

Grace: She’s left us. She left us and left the doors open.

Jacob: That woman! I’m gonna find her!

Chris: Jacob not now! We need to get to a safe place!

Xavier: What about the truck?

Chris: Probably still surrounded with walkers.

Grace: Can we make it to the department store? We can catch Ali and get to a safe place?

Grouch: No. Not with my ailment. You’d need the truck to move as fast as possible.

Chris: Carrying you might make us go faster. (Jacob hears that.)

Jacob: Ok. Yes. Let’s do that. (Chris and Xavier grab Grouch and lift him up.) Everyone out this door! If we can’t make it to the department store, we’ll hideout in the woods tonight. Just follow my lead. (They bust out the door and run. Sam takes Chris’s machete and kills some walkers. They head into woods then runs toward the street.) Whoo! Oh I hate running!

Chris: This is why you shouldn’t smoke, bro.       

Jacob: You’ve been waiting to tell me that.

Chris: Yes I have. (As they are crossing the street. Jacob notices Ali stealing food from the truck and escaping the walkers. Jacob aims his rifle.) Ali!

Chris: Jacob! Shh! Not now brother. We’ll get her another time. (Jacob lowers his weapon. And takes a deep breath, and looks back at the church.)

Grouch: Say goodbye to the good ole days, boys. While you’ve still got the chance. (They keep running. The scene fades and day is here. Everyone sits around exhausted, and disappointed. Jacob plays around with his knife.)

Chris: Look I know we’ve lost the church, but we can take it back. Cleanout all the walkers. Have our stable home back.

Jacob: Ali knows how to beat us now. She knows our tricks. Maybe she’ll get wise and ask others to help her.

Chris: Then we need to go after her. That doesn’t mean we can’t go back and get our water, and the rest of our stuff.

Jacob: Alright. We get water, food, and supplies. Then we go get Ali. Then we find a new place.  It was just alright for the three of us, Chris, but it’s not just the three of us anymore.

Chris: Right. Let’s go then.

Jacob: They’re tired. Give them a minute.

Chris: Ok. (Sam is sweaty and is breathing hard.)

BJ: You alright?

Sam: I’m a little winded is all. You alright?

BJ: I thought I was going to die. Do you think I’m alright? (She starts to cry. Sam hugs her.)

Sam: I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

Xavier: (To Grace) Do you think it was a right thing? Bringing Ali? We just lost our home.

Grace: I-

Chris: Of course it was.

Xavier: Can you really be optimistic after all that?

Grouch: That’s being realistic.

Jacob: Of course. He can keep it up. We need it.

Grouch: Oh that whole, “Keep hope alive, Leave fear with the dead,” thing again. Even after what Ali did tonight.

Jacob: I say it just proves the- Who-are-the-walking-dead-question. (Grouch crinkles his face.) Alright we’re going back to the church to get some water, food, and supplies. Stay on your guard.

(The scene cuts to the water supply, and it’s been drained.)

Chris: She’s smart.

Xavier: There’s no water left. (Jacob walks over and kicks the church wall.)

Chris: We still have water bottles inside. She could’ve taken all of those. She needed to have room to carry more supplies. (Sam groans and falls over.)

BJ: Sam! (She gets on her knees. Jacob and Chris turn around. They go to his aid.) Sam! Sam! Are you alright?

Sam: (Kind of disoriented.) Of course not. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have fallen over. (Grace looks him over. Checks his head.)

Grace: You’re burning up! (She sees blood at the right ankle.) Hon, you’re bleeding. (She rolls up his pants leg.) Oh no. (He’s been bitten.)

Jacob: No! No! No! What happened?

Grouch: Where’s your god, now?

Chris: (In tears) Where’s yours?!

Jacob: Buddy. Pal. What happened?

Sam: Oh-when I went back for the supplies. I guess one walker wasn’t put down. I stepped over him and he got me. I kicked him off, but it was too late.

Chris: No it’s not too late.

Sam: I didn’t want to tell you guys. I wanted to be as much help as I could. But now-agh-now I feel awful. My bones feel like shattered glass. You need to put me down.

Jacob: What?

Sam: I can feel it comin’. I’m losing my grip here. I can’t help you guys anymore.

Jacob: No. No. I’m not putting you down.

Sam: You gotta.

Jacob: No. no. I can’t.

Chris: Just hangout for a little while.

Sam: Alright, but once I’m gone…you’ve got to shoot me in the head. If you don’t, you’ll see what I really am, and I won’t be any more help to you. (Pause) Please do it. (Chris and Jacob nod.)

Chris: Any last requests.

Sam: Take care of them. (BJ is crying beside Grace. Xavier wipes a tear. Even Grouch seems touched.) And can you sing one more song.

Chris: Which one would you like?

Sam: I’ve always liked the song “Raise Up.” Rob liked to play that one.

Chris: Alright. (Jacob and Chris sing the first verse of “Raise Up.” By the time they’re done, Sam is dead. Jacob gets to his feet and removes his handgun tucked in his pants behind him. He aims… and lowers his gun. He aims again… and lowers his gun. He drops to his knees again. Chris takes the gun from him. He stands straight, points his gun and says…) Love you, brother. (Fires. A few seconds pass. Silence. Then walkers appear from the forest. The team sees them coming. Jacob is still on the ground. Xavier pulls out his gun. Chris continues to hold his hand. He looks at it. Then he tightens his grip. He looks at the walker without any fear in his eyes.)

End.

 

Credits

(While the credits role, the main theme from “The Walking Dead” plays. Once the song ends, credits should still be playing. Then voices are heard while the credits play:

Chris’s Voice: Next time on, “Who are the Walking Dead?”

Jacob: I’m gonna find Ali! And when I do, I’ll kill her!

Chris: This rage of yours is going to get us all killed.

Grace: Is it wrong not to love someone because you know you’re going to lose ‘em?

BJ: I’ve lost my mom, my dad, and now my friend. Do you think God will forgive me if I made one sin to gain peace?

Grouch: You had better keep it yourself! You understand me, young lady!

Xavier: Can He really just be trying to make us stronger?

Ali: You should stop assuming. Cause you’re about slaughter an innocent woman.)

Who Are The Walking Dead? Episode 1 Script

Written by Seth Sipe

Episode 1: Definition

Intro

(Rolling opening credits. The screen is black, but noises are heard in the darkness. A single solid noise is being heard and is building. Other noises are being heard. Sentences of a man over a radio: “Haha! Now that is funny. I’m a little winded from that. Ok. If you heard from this past week- this was pretty weird-this guy went into the hospital for acting without any control and had major schizophrenia. And I just said, Did he say hi to his cousin in Florida?” Static. “There seems to be a virus spreading throughout the states. Citizens are acting delirious, unresponsive, and with uncontrolled violence. If you have witnessed any of these people and any attacks, please call the following number.” Static. Sounds of simple gunshots are heard. Scream. “The killing of the derange man has taken a complete turn. A scientist from Atlanta, Georgia has discovered that the man that was killed was already dead.” Static. A woman begins to speak. “We have discovered that the victim’s organs had all shut off before hand, and decomposition had started long before gunshot.” “Ma’am, are you saying that this man was attacking while already dead?” “Yes.” Static. Screams and ripping and growling are heard. “This invasion of the dead continues, and the casualties mount. They are no longer only located in a few states, but now nationwide. We hope that you are continuing to call the emergency number. We are just receiving word of evacuation camps all across the south. The major ones are in Nashville, TN, Jackson, MS, and Atlanta, GA. Please begin making your way there.” Static. Machine guns are heard and helicopters. “The camps have failed! The DCA have abandoned hope for curing the plague! Nothing seems to be able to hold the dead back! Rounds are pouring from the turrets, but nothing is happening! Whoa!” Growls are heard. Static. The solid noise from earlier has built so much that it can’t be ignored, and then it ends. Microphone is heard. A man sounds out of breath, “Huh. Huh. Listen-agh-Listen everyone. Whoever is left. I am broadcasting on all stations. Take my advice. Hunker down, gather food, stay alive, and whatever you do don’t get bit. If you are bitten, then it is too late. If you are bitten, you –agh- you will be joining me. You will join the dead.” Static.)

(The black screen vanishes. A white church is all that is seen and it remains that way for a few seconds. Then a few people are panting as they run to the church. There is a brown haired woman, a blonde hair teenage girl, an African American man, and an elder in a wheelchair. They run into the church, and shut the doors behind them. The brown-haired girl can’t shut the door.)

Grace: Xavier. Xavier. I can’t get it to shut. (Xavier sets the man in the wheelchair down and investigates. The blonde-haired girl looks around in the sanctuary.)

Xavier: Someone’s dead bolted the door.

Blue Jeans: Xavier! (Xavier comes to her aid. She is staring at a body.)

Xavier: It looks dead. (Grace looks out the door. Growl at the door.)

Grace: Oh sh-(Walker is at the door.) Walker! (Xavier comes to the rescue. Grace opens the door for a second and Xavier stabs under the neck. Blue Jeans slides down the wall to where she sits on the floor. The elder still sits in his chair and in the background the walker sits and slowly begins to move. Xavier pushes him out, and looks, steps outside and sees a group walkers coming. He gets back inside.)

Xavier: (To Grace. Whisper.) There is a whole group of walkers coming our way. Hopefully they haven’t seen us. We need to keep quiet. (The walker inside grabs the elder man’s chair. Blue Jeans screams. He falls out of his chair, pulls his gun, aims--)

Grace: NO! (Fire! Another grabs BJs arm. The elder grabs his knife and stabs it in the eye. BJ pants. Walkers pound on the door.) Ah! Push!

Grouch: (To BJ) Go! (BJ goes to help. Pounding still occurs.)

Grace: Push! Push!

BJ: OH, thank you Grace! (Pounding continues. Then classical music is heard.)

Grouch: What is that? (The pounding has ceased. Then after a few seconds, they look out the door to see walkers have lost interested in them and have begun attacking two other guys who are slaughtering the walkers. From a distance they see a boy shooting the walkers. Soon they are all dead. Chris walks up and Jacob walk toward the group together. Sam catches up.)

Sam: Sup? (The group stares at the three brothers.)

(Intro begins. The Walking Dead theme music plays. Opening credits.)

 

Scene 1: Resurrection

Jacob: I’m Jacob Richards. These are my brothers.

Chris: I’m Chris.

Jacob: That kid over there is our little brother, Sam.

Sam: That kid? (Sam seems to be checking the bodies.)

Jacob: You found anything good yet.

Sam: Lint, lint, lint. Oh look more lint. (He feels around and he seems to have found something.) Wait. A pack of cigarettes. (Sarcastic.) Great. That’s useful.

Jacob: (Suddenly interested.) Then that could mean that he has a lighter. If he has a lighter, we could be a little warmer tonight. (He goes over to Sam.)

Chris: What are your names?

Grace: I’m Grace. This is Xavier. (She looks behind her.) The older gentleman in the wheelchair is Grouch, and the girl helping him up is Brittney. We call her Blue Jeans.

Chris: Interesting nicknames. Very creative. I like that.

Jacob: We’ve got it! We’ve got a lighter! Haha!

Chris: Whoo!

Jacob: That’s a little taste of heaven right there, bud.

Grouch: Keep it down! (Grouch is being pushed by BJ.) I don’t need your help! (He rolls up.) I’m still able. (He rolls up to Chris.) I want to say thank you for helping us today.

Chris: You’re welcome. It wasn’t a problem. (Jacob meanwhile inaudible asks Sam for the cigarettes and Sam gives them to him.) We’d do it again if we had to. (Instinctively Chris looks over at Jacob and notices Jacob receiving the cigarettes.)

Grouch: Yes, yes very grateful. And now that we have all of our gooey sh-

Grace: Grouch.

Grouch: … stuff together again. I hope that you wouldn’t mind if we went on our way.

Chris: Excuse me.

Grouch: You’re excused. We’re heading to a camp that is still operational. Wherever that is. We’ll get out of your hair.

Chris: W-wait.

Grace: Grouch.

Jacob: (Jacob’s overheard.) I think that’s fair.

Chris: Jacob.

Jacob: It’s your choice. We’ll see you down the street. Least we can do.

Chris: We can also give you some supplies. (Jacob gives a faint look of disapproval.) And THAT is least we can do. You’re welcome to stay.

Grouch: Thank you son, but we’ll be nothing but burdens. Come on let’s go. (He begins rolling away.)

Grace: But Grouch… (He strolls a little down the driveway.) These people saved us.

Grouch: Grace, you may be too young to realize the truth about others. (Whispering) Look you trust me, right? I don’t like these boys. They don’t sit right with me.

Grace: Why?

Grouch: I can’t explain it. It’s a gut feeling I have. Look, we’re unarmed, weak desperate people. They are three strong healthy boys. What will happen if they take advantage of that?

Grace: You don’t know that will happen. They could be good guys.

Grouch: Keep up that enthusiasm all you want, but it will cost you. (Grace glares at him.) … But this is your group. Make your own choices. You guys are my legs after all.

Jacob: (Whispering to Chris) What do you think you’re doing?

Chris: (Also whispering) Trying to save lives.

Jacob: Chris you can’t get teary eyed for every stranger that comes our way.

Chris: These are the first strangers that have come our way. We got to do something. Look, can’t we at least get to know them and get the chance to know they’re intentions?

Jacob: I don’t think so.

Chris: Why?

Jacob: What if they’re lying? What if they’re putting on a show? I overheard their names. Blue Jeans, Grouch. Odd names, huh? And what if that guy in the wheelchair is putting on a façade? Plus, I’m looking out for you, man. You can become emotionally attached fast. You know, once you name it you start getting attached to it. You could get hurt. What if they’re lying and I’m right?

Chris: What if they’re not lying and I’m right? Just trust me on this one. We can be careful about this. We can get to know them for the next few days, let them pull their own weight, and put them in the sanctuary at night away from anything valuable. And if there’s a problem, then we can do something about it? We can figure it out. And don’t use me for an excuse ever again!

Grace: Excuse me. We’ve been talking about it and we want to stay. You three seem to have a nice place here. And we’ve been looking for a place like this for a while. (Pause) We’ll pull our weight and everything. Just please don’t send us away. (Chris seems to be waiting for Jacob.) So?

Chris: I’m ok with you staying. But the choice has to be unanimous. (Waiting on Jacob.)

Sam: I don’t have a problem with them staying. You should have seen the walkers they took down inside.

Jacob: You can start by taking the bodies outside and burning them. Then we’ll show you around. (Grace puts her hands over her mouth. Blue Jeans jumps and hugs Xavier. Grouch and Jacob aren’t too happy.)

Grace: Thank you so much.

Grouch: Yeah, Yeah. Keep it down. I have a request, though. If we’re staying, I’m gonna need that pack of cigarettes. (Grouch holds his hand out to Sam. Sam and Chris look to Jacob. Grouch also looks to Jacob, but with an evil grin on his face. Jacob looks unwilling.) I thought you said you didn’t need ‘em? (Jacob pulls out the cigarettes and tosses them to Grouch.) And the lighter. (Jacob squints.) Don’t worry I’ll give it back to you later. (Jacob gives Grouch the lighter. The scene changes. The bodies are piled. The wood is gathered. Everyone is gathered around.)

Xavier: Alright. Let’s do it.

Jacob: Hold on, there’s something we have to do first.

Grouch: (He hands Jacob the lighter.)Let’s hurry up. We want to get settled.

Jacob: Just hang on. (Jacob, Chris, and Sam bow their heads. Xavier, Grace, and Blue Jeans don’t quite know what to do, so they do whatever the brothers do. Grouch doesn’t follow the crowd.) Father, we pray for these souls whoever they were. We don’t know them, but once they were people. They could be father, brother, son, or mother, sister, daughter. We just hope that they knew who you are and what you did.

Chris: You are giver and taker, and you are good. So take these lives and do with them what you wish. And that goes for the souls before us and the ones that stand here. Thank you for giving our guests and for giving us your son. Amen.

Jacob: Amen.

Sam: Amen. (Blue Jeans and Xavier don’t quite know what to do. Then Grace says something. Something she hasn’t said in a long time…)

Grace: Amen. (Pause.)

Grouch: If you’re finished with being with god, that lousy mother f–

Grace: Be nice.

Grouch: I’ll say what I want. Just hurry up so we can get comfortable.

Jacob: Sam.

Sam: I know. I’ll keep an eye out. (Chris shows them into the sanctuary.)

Chris: This way everyone.

BJ: (To Grace.) Can I hang-out here? I’ll go check what’s inside later.

Grouch: No. I don’t want you being alone with one of them.

Grace: You can hang-out here Blue Jeans. (Grouch glares. To BJ.) Go on. (BJ goes to Sam. The others head inside. Sam is sitting on the ground.)

BJ: Can I sit with you?

Sam: In front of a pile of burning, stinking corpses? It’s not very romantic. But sure.

(Back inside…)

Chris: Welcome to our home. You’ve already seen the sanctuary. (There are bloodstains, and the new group covers their nose.)

Grace: It kind of stinks.

Jacob: We let the walkers come in and sit inside for a while.

Grouch: You mean you let walkers in where you sleep? That’s stupid.

Chris: You’re right. That would be stupid. That’s why we sleep here. (He opens the doors.) Home sweet home. We have the kitchen over here. Bathrooms here, although we don’t really use them, because the power doesn’t work, but in case you need some privacy. No showers of course. Oh speaking of privacy, the walls are kind of thin so sometimes we can hear what you say.

Grouch: (Sarcastic.) Oh that’s great. We’re under their thumb now.

Xavier: So why do you let them into the sanctuary?

Jacob: Hey he speaks.

Chris: Well, it’s this plan we have. We figured that if we wipe this thing out we can go back to our everyday lives again. So we use the sanctuary to lure them in and then take them out when they’re trapped. We’ll just keep doing that until the military comes in. (Pause. Grace and Xavier look at each other. Grouch makes a sour face.) What?

Grace: There is no military.

Jacob: What?

Grace: There is no army. No government. Anywhere.

Jacob: Anywhere? What do you mean anywhere? Is this thing worldwide? (Pause) What about the camps?

Grouch: They really don’t know. I knew something was up.

Xavier: Grouch.

Grace: The camps failed. They were trying to cure the plague inside the camps, but the victims turned before they could.

Chris: And it’s worldwide?

Grouch: Idiots!

Grace: Yes. We heard the French were the only ones left trying to figure this out. But they fell to this thing too. (Pause.) Didn’t you guys hear the radio broadcasts?

Chris: Yeah, we heard but we were told by our elder…

Jacob: We did listen to the radio when this first started. We stayed indoors like we were told. Our mom and Dad both got grabbed. We looked to our church. We knew we could find guys who could lead us, but all that was left was one of our elders and some other friends. His name was Robert.

Chris: We called him brother Rob.

Jacob: He held onto the radio. He told us the camps were open two months ago. That’s when everyone else left. Our elder decided it was good for him to stay in case anyone else was left in the town. We stayed to help too. We heard nothing of this.

Chris: That means he kept the truth from us.

Jacob: He went on a run. We never saw him again.

Xavier: What’s a run?

Chris: A run into town. A term I came up with.

Grouch: Well, well, well, looks like your elder was a lying, two-faced, piece of crap and a thief. You fellas had that comin’.

Jacob: We’re saying he never came back. That could mean he’s dead. Don’t assume so quickly.

Grouch: With all of my experiences involving church, I think I’m inclined to assume whatever I want. Don’t judge me son for assuming! (Begins to stroll down the hallway.) I’ve been judged enough by people like you. You hypocritical people with your rules and regulations… (is now muttering to himself.)

Grace: He doesn’t mean to offend you.

Grouch: Shut up!... Can I see that lighter again? (Jacob pulls out a lighter.)

Grace: Can I give it to him? (Jacob gives Grace the lighter.)

Chris: (To Grace. Politely.) Could you ask him to smoke outside, please? It smells fairly bad in here already.

Jacob: Xavier, could you give me and my brother a minute, please?

Xavier: Sure. I need to go check on Blue Jeans anyway. (Xavier walks away. Jacob pulls Chris aside by the arm.)

Jacob:  What was that, huh? What was that?!

Chris: I don’t know what you’re—

Jacob: I just wanted to let them know where we generally sleep and that’s all. You told them and showed them where our food, water, and beds were. What in the world is wrong with you?

Chris: Let go of my arm, man. (Jacob lets go.) Given the circumstances I think there’s a lot more things to worry about than me being a little talkative.

Jacob: You just put our lives in danger.

Chris: What danger?

Jacob: You can’t trust these people so blindly.

Chris: Why? Because of that Grouch guy?

Jacob: Yes.

Chris: He’s just a man in a wheelchair!

Jacob: No he’s not. Sam told me that that little girl outside--

Chris: Blue Jeans.

Jacob: She said that Grouch took down two walkers by himself today, and I can see it in his eyes, bud. He’s a former military man who has spent time in war. And you know as well as I do. He doesn’t like us.

Chris: He has experience. He can help us. Besides that shouldn’t be much of a problem. We used to deal with people like him every day.

Jacob: Then what about that story they told us? That there is no government? There can’t be no government. They’re trying to scare us.

Chris: Brother, there are a lot of things that you can do, and I know one of them is reading others. You can read people like there’s no tomorrow. You just read that poor old man. So you should know they’re telling the truth.

Jacob: If they are lying or aren’t following orders and we aren’t careful, then you have put our lives on the line. And maybe you don’t give a fart about me, but for Sam’s sake be careful.

Chris: A fart?

Jacob: I’m trying to hold back some language right now.

Chris: Look go take a breather. We’ll be ready. (Chris walks away. Grace catches up.)

Grace: Hey, I wanted to give this back.

Chris: Thanks. Jacob. (He tosses Jacob the lighter.)

Grace: I’m sorry about Grouch. He’s a really nice guy once he gets to used you. However, when I was his nurse it took me a few years. So, maybe he won’t get used to you. (They both chuckle.)

Chris: Shame. Jacob and I are starting to like him. (She smiles.) I don’t mean to pry, but what is his… ailment? I’m just trying to put it nicely.

Grace: Oh well, good job then. He struggles with polio. It’s spreading from his legs to his brain. Soon he won’t be able to move his own wheelchair. We’re going to have to start carrying him eventually.

Chris: I’m sorry. How’d y’all meet? (Scene flips over to Sam and BJ.)

Sam: So how did you guys meet?

BJ: Well, I was at my grandfather’s already. Grouch is my grandfather.

Sam: Whoa. Really? (Scene flips back to Grace and Chris.)

Grace: Grouch didn’t normally see Brittney before all this, but they happened to be together when this started.

Chris: And Xavier? (Scene switches again.)

BJ: Just a stranger who helped us and he’s tagged along for the last month or so.  He saved my life at one point.

Sam: Huh? I wouldn’t be able to tell. He’s pretty quiet.

BJ: He doesn’t cause any problems. He just knows, when people need help, he’ll do what he can. (Scene returns to Grace and Chris.)

Grace: He’s a natural leader though. He’ll fill the role of helper or leader if he has to.

Chris: Hmm. He’s a good friend to have then?

Grace: Yeah. (Quick pause.) Hey, I saw what you guys did this morning. I’ve never seen anyone be so clever and quick about taking down walkers. (Scene flips back again.)

BJ: How’d y’all do that?

Sam: We just practiced and planned. Kept together. (Scene flips over again.)

Grace: You guys aren’t military?

Chris: No. I’m, uh, a college student—or was a college student. I did receive some defense training though. Sam is a runner. Jacob’s the hunter. (Scene flips.)

Sam: We just all use what we have and stay in shape. Jacob taught me and Chris to shoot. Chris however, came up with a whole bunch of ideas on how to stop them. He’s really observant of the walkers. He came up with idea of using noise to lure them, and the idea of using the sanctuary to trap them. And if you think that’s all we can do, you ain’t seen nothing yet. (Scene flips.)

Chris: I just thought that if we were going to bring these things down, then we’ve got to study them. And you won’t believe what we found out. We discovered they are attracted to sound, light in darkness, the cover of night, and can smell more than see. Specifically, they can smell what’s living.

Grace: Really. I didn’t know that. I only knew that you shouldn’t get bit or scratched, and aim for the head.

Chris: To be honest, I don’t think scratches do anything, but better not take chances.

Grace: Right. So, when do guys plan to go on another run? Is it soon?

Sam: Jacob doesn’t want to go on a run because he’s worried about me. However, Chris wants to go on a run because he’s worried about me. And you saw earlier, we don’t do anything unless the vote is unanimous. They’re exact opposites my brothers. Jacob is normally worried about our group in general. Chris is worried about anyone and everyone. Me? I’m the grounds between the two of them. They argue a lot when I’m not there though. They’re working on it hopefully. (scene changes again.)

Chris: Well in this case, Jacob’s worried about Sam. I understand. I’m worried about him too which is why I think we should go for a run now, but he wants to put it off for Sam’s sake. He’ll be forced to make that run sooner or later. (Scene switches again.)

Sam: So I hope you don’t mind me asking. Where’s your family? (She looks away.) I’m sorry.

BJ: We were heading to the evacuation camp. When we… they came out of nowhere. I only got away because the walkers were eating my mom and dad. (Sam holds her hand.)

Sam: I feel ya’. (Scene switches.)

Grace: No kid should ever have to go through anything like that. She’s going to need someone who cares for her.

Chris: Well, don’t look now, but I think Sam’s doing a good job with that. (They both look at Sam and BJ.)

Grace: Is your family religious?

Chris: I would say no. But I guess speaking generally, according to the former public, yeah we’re religious.

Grace: Even through this mess?

Chris: Yep.

Grace: And you have no doubts?

Chris: Noo-ho-ho. We’ve been doubting like crazy, but if leave behind our belief, where will we go?

Grace: Hmm. There are others though, and I won’t mention names-Grouch-who would disagree with you.

Chris: He has the right to disagree. We’re still on American soil. It’s still a free country.

Grace: Yeah. But Grouch can’t stand the idea of a loving God or even the idea of talking to someone who believes in one. And I can’t imagine how he would react if he heard his granddaughter was dating a Christian. Maybe, just for good measure, you should let Sam know that. I don’t mean to be blunt, but I don’t want there to be trouble.

Chris: Ok. Well, thank you for the warning. I’ll let him know. Maybe for good measure, you should let Blue Jeans know too.

Grace: I’m sorry I’ve offend you.

Chris: It’s ok. That’s fair.

Grace: But you don’t think that’s going to keep them apart.

Chris: Knowing my little brother. Probably not.

Grace: (Laughing.) Ditto. (Both laughing. Grouch is seen staring at Sam and BJ as they both laugh.)

 

Scene 2: The Place We’re Leaving

(The scene fades in on the church. Some birds are heard. The scene cuts to Grace sleeping and music faintly heard. She wakes up.)

Grace: Xavier. Blue Jeans. Grouch. Wake up. You hear that? Come on. (They all run to the double doors blocking the sanctuary. Chris, Jacob, and Sam are all up playing music. Jacob’s got his guitar, Sam is on the piano, and Chris is on the drum.)

Jacob: Okay you want me to take it down a little? (The brothers see them all come in.)

Chris: Good morning.

Grace: Morning?

Grouch: What in the name of God is this?

Jacob: Good choice of words. It’s the songs we sing Sunday mornings.

Grouch: You’re going to attract walkers.

Jacob: Not unless they can’t hear it. The architect built this place to be generally sound proof. The moment you walk out and close that door, you’ll barely hear a thing. Go on. Try to see if you can hear anything. (Xavier walks out. Jacob starts playing “I Will Worship.”)

Grouch: Cut that out!

Chris: But if he doesn’t play, how will Xavier know for certain the church is sound proof? (Grouch chokes. Xavier comes back in.)

Xavier: I can’t really hear anything.

Grouch: Can you hear something?

Xavier: Just a little, but--

Grouch: I thought so. You punks are endangering our lives for a little kumbaya moment.

Jacob: If it makes you feel better, we’ve done this a hundred times before you came, and we have an escape plan in case things go poorly. We’ve been careful about this. Look, the reason this thing conquers us is because we let it. Music is another form of our humanity that has been lost to us because we’ve been afraid. We’re sick of being afraid.

Grouch: Well, -- not all of us believe in this religious crap of yours. So, you won’t force this on us.

Jacob: You can stay in the hallway if you want.

Grace: Besides they’re not religious. And this is their home which means we live by their rules. I want to listen. (Grouch looks shut down.)

Grouch: Fine. Come on Blue Jeans. We’re going to leave them to their private time.

BJ: I want to stay and listen, too.

Grouch: Brittney come on!!! (He calms down.) You’ll be in their way.

BJ: I’ll stay with Grace.

Grouch: Xavier?

Xavier: I’m ok. (Grouch looks angry. He turns around and rolls away muttering to himself.)

Sam: Ok. Here we go. (Jacob begins playing. “Move” by Mercy Me is the song they play. While they sing that song, scene clips representing the passing of time begins to play. They play as followed:

Grace walks out in front of a girl walker. Walker sees her and goes toward her. Chris comes up behind her and sticks a machete in its head. Then Grace grabs a basket, and starts taking off the jacket it’s wearing.

Sam is teaching BJ how to shoot.

Grace brings a whole basket of gross dirty clothes back. She starts cleaning them.

A walker stands inside this house. Grace and Xavier bang on this window. The walker comes closer. While its distracted, Jacob, Chris, and Sam get in. They steal what they can, and get out.

Grace has the clothes clean. She, BJ, and Xavier try them out.

 Jacob, Sam, Chris, and Xavier are working out together. Xavier is slower than the brothers.

BJ is getting better with her shooting.

Jacob’s found food in the forest.

Grouch is throwing his knife at one of the church walls.)

(Chris is now sitting with Jacob. They’re sitting in this treetop that they obviously constructed themselves.)

Jacob: Haha! Ok how about this? You remember this guy from high school. He wants to be bold, ok? So, he decides to run to McDonalds at lunch and plans to make it back to the class on time, but instead he’s twenty minutes late for class. He comes back to class panting and ready to throw up a lung and the teacher asks, (Impersonating) “Where have you been?” (Panting) “In the bathroom” Get that, he claims his excuse is in the bathroom. So, one the students replies, “Dang, that must have been massive hernia.” (They both laugh.) Oh. Man. I’ll admit. Keeping the new people wasn’t a bad idea.

Chris: Hmm. Glad you’re coming around.

Jacob: Grouch is still stubborn though. He’s going to be hard to get along with.

Chris: Yep. (There’s a brief pause.) So, I wanted to talk to you in private to tell you something.

Jacob: We’re low on supplies, aren’t we?

Chris: I rationed it for the three of us to make it last another month, but with the new people, we’ve only a week left. Even though we’ve ransacked houses, and I mean we’ve stripped them down to the bone, we’re now scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Jacob: As I expected.

Chris: And I wanted to push that idea of going on a run into the town. We can do more than get supplies. We can scout the area, find good safety points, and we can study the walkers in urban areas.

Jacob: What about Sam?

Chris: The kid isn’t a kid anymore. Hello, he’s teaching someone else how to shoot. He’s ready. I know it.

Jacob: (Pause) What about everyone else?

Chris: Come on, man. Grace and Xavier are skilled. And now Blue Jeans can shoot. Blue Jeans can look after her grandfather while we’re gone.

Jacob: Let’s do it. (The scene changes. They’re all in the sanctuary.) Alright, everyone, I’ve talked to my brothers and we’ve found out that the supplies are running low. In a few days, we’ll be out. So, we’ve come to the hard decision to make a run. Which means, Grace, Xavier, buckle up, we’re going to town. Blue Jeans. Grouch.  Look after each other and the fort. Let’s go.

Grouch: Hold on. Hold on. This isn’t your group anymore. It’s our group now. We all need to discuss this. You aren’t going to dictate us.

Jacob: Well, uh, -- ok.

Grouch: So, you’re saying we’re out of food?

Jacob: Yes.

Grouch: Then why don’t you go out and get some Mister hunter?

Jacob: Food is not the only worry. Water too. We’re running out of rain water. We should have a massive supply if we go to the town.

Grouch: Can’t you just keep scouting houses around here?

Chris: They’re picked clean.

Grouch: I don’t believe you.

Grace: They’re picked clean. Believe me. I’m in.

Xavier: Me too.

Grouch: You haven’t heard what I have to say. Who here has seen the supply of food and water other than you three? Cause I know I haven’t.

Jacob: You’re wasting our time. Can’t you just take our word for it?

Grouch: No. I want to see.

Chris: Look it’s been a great week getting to know everyone, but we’re still getting to know you. And we think it’s better we just know where the location of the food is.

Grouch: Well, I’m not doing nothing unless you show me the water supply. Oh by the way, it hasn’t been a pleasure cruise trying to get to know you either. This whole week you all ignored me. I sat inside doing nothing, while y’all went out. Which by the way, no one told me anything about leaving. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway I would have let you go. And I’m perfectly able to help too, but you left me alone. I shouldn’t be too surprised. You would naturally judge me and say, “The old fart’s not worth our time.” You bunch of hateful, judgmental, hypocritical rednecks.

Chris: (Breathes deeply) Fine. (Chris shows Grouch the water supply.) Happy?

Grouch: (He sees the supply.) Why didn’t you tell us about this earlier?

Jacob: Oh, come on. (They all walk out of the church.)

Chris: I know, I know. I shouldn’t have shown him.

Jacob: He got to you, brother.

Chris: I’m sorry.

Jacob: We’ll talk about it later. Where’s Sam? (They both look behind, and see Sam inaudibly talking to BJ. The brothers smile.) Take your time, bro. (Sam hugs BJ.) Blue Jeans. I actually have a favor to ask you. Could you hold on to this? (Jacob gives BJ a walkie-talkie.)  Give us a call if things go bad. (She nods her head.) Alright, everyone. (Jacob pulls a tarp off of the truck the brothers have hidden.) Before we get there, I’ll signal everyone by knocking to try to avoid noise. When we get there, stay together. I’ll give hand signals if walkers are in range.

Chris: (To Grace. While Jacob is talking.) Ladies first.

Jacob: Stay focused though. Anything can happen on the way there and back.  As of right now the only place that is safe is the place we’re leaving. (Chris looks at the church as they drive away. Clips of the truck driving into town. Chris spots a cross in the road and it says God Forgive Us.)

Credits

(As credits roll “Lead me Home” plays. Then Chris’s voice is heard over the credits.

Chris: Next time on “Who are the Walking Dead?”…

Sam: (Someone is grunting like they are in major pain.) Someone help him. Grace you’re a doctor.

Grace: I’m a nurse kiddo.

Xavier: There is nowhere else to go!

Ali: Let go of me!

Jacob: (Walkers scream) Why are the lights on!?

Grouch: Say goodbye to the good ole days boys.

Chris: Maybe God is teaching us: Keep hope alive, and leave fear with the dead.