In this episode, as in “Revenge is Sweet”, we see a male Immortal tiring of his mortal female lover and dumping her, in this case, killing her. Even worse, this nasty Immie has a high profile job as Chief of Detectives for local law enforcement. This also points out the danger Immortals face when they reveal their Immortality to mortals, even their most intimate lovers. Few have a trusting relationship like Mac and Tessa’s. Anne was so desperate to keep Ballin with her, she threatened to expose him to the world, knowing the consequences. And that’s not all! Tessa is an eyewitness, can identify the killer, and this male prophylactic contraceptive device, (scumbag, to us New Yorkers), is in charge of her safety. He’s protecting her from himself...so of course, he tries to blow her up. Good thing she’s chummy with a Boy Scout. New Characters: ANDREW BALLIN — a nasty Immie, who happens to be Chief of Detectives. He feels that murder is an acceptable way of ending his relationship with Anne. ANNE WHEELER — mortal, an artist who is Ballin’s former lover. She cannot accept the end of their relationship. While she no longer finds joy in her own art, she recognizes Tessa’s talent. Local Art Gallery Tessa Noël, Artiste extraordinaire. Her most recent works— On display with a flair. The patrons are wealthy, The crème de la crème, Tess mingles and chats, Clothed in brilliance—a gem. Good food, pretty women, Thinks Rich, with a grin, “I can get used to this.” Where to begin? Well groomed and stylish— In his tailored tuxedo, He observes a chic blonde— Who ignites his libido. Tess offers some pointers— On how to impress her, But soon he flies solo, He’s a natural finesser, Her Duncan’s away, Rich has his conquest, Tess values the chance— To greet every guest. A middle-aged woman, Admires a piece, Heaps praise upon Tessa, For her expertise. She once was an artist, No longer, however, “You are talented now, But it won’t last forever.” Tess feels a connection— Like two kindred souls— With the woman named Anne, As if they could switch roles. How shocking, when later— Through a window Tess viewed— Her new friend assaulted, And roughly subdued. On a bridge, in the dark, In the grip of a man, Tess turns for an instant, Looks back, no more Anne! Peering over the railing— The man’s not aggrieved. Tess gazes with horror, As he hurriedly leaves. At the River near the Bridge Tessa calls the police, And next morning—quite early, Sgt. Bennett believes— That Tessa is squirrelly, “Did you see her go over? Did you watch the whole time? There’s no witness, no body, No sign of a crime!” The Antique Shop Richie’s also an artist, Deserving of praise, He’s creating a sandwich— Dripping with mayonnaise. Mac and Tessa are stumped, Don’t know Anne’s last name. Richie: “I signed the guest book, Maybe she did the same.” How simple! Such brilliance! “Stick with her,” bids Mac, To the gallery, Rich goes, His sandwich unsnacked. She did sign the guest book. Anne Wheeler’s her name. Tessa takes Richie with her, Probing further, her aim. Anne Wheeler’s House Anne’s maid and companion, Verifies Anne’s a no-show, So Tessa and Richie, Let Bennett know—pronto! Tess wants quick results, Bennett says, “It takes time.” Tessa’s mad, “Do your job, Start solving this crime!” The Antique Shop Mac’s in Tessa’s workshop, Sensing something amiss! The Buzz! An Immortal! An old nemesis? “Who are you?” Mac screams, From the Immie, no clue. Mac’s katana whips down, Immie’s sword’s cut in two! The Immie escapes— Mac is pinned by a rack, He breaks free, but he’s sure, This Immortal will be back. Later, a visit— From Randi, the curious. As usual, Tess finds, Randi’s comments injurious. Since Tessa is named— In the police report, She is questioned by Randi, Her answers are short. Randi notes Tessa’s coolness, “Why doesn’t she like me?” “Perhaps,” observes Duncan, “It’s your personality.” Tess declares, “It’s a life! To you, it’s a story— That buys you air time, You crave only glory!” Randi is chastened, She is no match for Tess, Maybe the next time, She’ll have more success. The Police Station Sgt. Bennett updates— His dour Chief Detective, His name—Andrew Ballin, He seems quite effective. But, as he turns his head, Look! He’s the man! The Immie in the shop! Same one that killed Anne! The Antique Shop Mac tries to convince— Rich and Tessa to leave— For just a few days. Tessa isn’t naïve, There must be a reason— Mac wants her to go, What is he hiding? What troubles him so! “Is it an Immortal? Don’t patronize me! I’m NO little woman! I don’t WANT to be! I’ll never be barefoot— And pregnant, I know, But I choose to be with you, And I WILL NOT go!” Anne Wheeler’s House Working together— They visit Anne’s maid. She tells them that Anne— By her man was betrayed. Abandoned, alone, She could not bear the pain, Her artistic soul— Never flourished again. Tessa’s heart empathizes, She’s an artist, bottom-line, Mac tells her, “You’re stronger, If I died....you’d be fine.” They look at each other, Both know it’s not true. “You’re only saying that, Because it suits you.” Outside the Antique Shop As Mac parks the T-Bird, He senses the Buzz, The glint of a gunsight— Is THAT what it was? His body shields Tessa, Protecting her bravely— He takes the bullets, While she runs to safety. Inside the Antique Shop Rich is eating again— As they crash through the door! “I just love this attention,” Mac gasps from the floor. Why would an Immortal— Use a gun, can you guess? It’s not Mac that he wants, He is coming for Tess! Later on—Outside the Shop Anne’s body was found, Now Bennett’s concerned, “The killer is out there, You’ve seen him, he’s learned. We’ll keep you in custody, Orders from my Chief, You’ll stay in a safe house, To save you more grief.” Off to the Safe House Mac and Tess kiss goodbye, Mac draws Richie near, “Does your bike still haul ass?” “Like Madonna’s underwear!” Rich tails Tess too closely, When he blows his cover— Unseen behind him, Mac’s T-Bird takes over. Outside the Safe House Mac observes from his car. He’s nervous, no doubt. Ballin phones to his men, “No one in, no one out.” Ballin needs a clear field, To plan Tessa’s demise, When he blows up the gas-line, They will all atomize! When MacLeod feels the Buzz— He reacts with alarm. Ballin’s planted a bomb— That Mac can’t disarm. “You’ve got less than two minutes!” Mac shouts by the door. As they exit the house, It explodes with a roar! “He followed you, Tess.” “You followed me too.” “I have good reason, I’m obsessed with you. This cannot continue, I’ll stop him somehow.” Mac calls up Chief Ballin, “We’ll settle this—NOW! The Battle Near a Geodesic Dome, Duncan faces his foe. “Why Anne?” says MacLeod, “She would not let me go! She threatened exposure, Of my Immortality,” Duncan hears this and knows— They must fight to finality. Of course, Mac’s the victor, The Chief’s head goes arcing, The bulbs on the Dome, Explode—loudly sparking, The light show is brilliant, Its colors—fantastic! The Quickening—powerful, Duncan’s howls—orgiastic! Outside the Shop Sgt. Bennett’s resolved— The remaining details. Coat fibers, skin scrapings— From Anne’s fingernails— Prove that Chief Ballin— Killed Anne, like Tess said. Bennett never inquires, “Who cut off his head?” Home Tess teases Duncan, “I’ll leave you first!” Mac: “I’ll follow you,” In her warmth, he’s immersed. She playfully asks, “Would you like some coffee?” “I’d love some,” he murmurs, Kissing her softly. Tess: “I have to make it.” Mac whispers his love, “Don’t you want coffee?” They fit hand in glove. They quip about coffee, Meantime, Mac caresses her, Pulls her into the bedroom— And slowly undresses her. Peace, Emit © 2001-2003 Under the Kilt from Highlander: The Official Site: Don Paonessa, Creative Consultant, Post Production “We played around with black and white images. I shot second unit for the Quickening; that was fun, just going out and blowing things up.” Home ~ Band of Brothers