(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)
(ELEVATOR DINGS)
(FISCHER SCREAMING)
GLENN: (ON RADIO) Meanwhile,
in the state of Oklahoma,
today is
the scheduled day of execution
for Edward Wayne Brady,
and, kids,
all it took was just
a string
of cold-blooded murders,
incontrovertible evidence,
a confession,
a jury of his peers
and 11 years
of legal wrangling
to get us to game day.
I mean, what the heck
is wrong with us?
I mean,
can somebody please tell me
why this guy
is still sucking air?
How is this guy still alive?
GUARD 1: (OVER RADIO)
He's expected.
Let him through.
(PROTESTORS CLAMORING)
(BUZZER BUZZING)
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
Dr. James Martin here
for the psychiatric evaluation
of Edward Wayne Brady.
Are you currently
in possession
of any alcohol, tobacco,
firearms or narcotics?
-No.
-(BUZZER BUZZING)
Just turn off your ignition,
step from your vehicle
with your identification
in hand.
Step over here, please.
GUARD 2: Turn around.
FEMALE GUARD:
One to come through.
Step through, leave your keys
and phone in the pass through.
MOSS: Welcome to the least
happy place on Earth.
-Warden Tom Moss.
-Nice to meet you.
Thanks for filling in
on short notice.
No offense, but I'd rather
not be here at all.
Yeah. You and everybody else.
Look, why don't you just
sign off, and we'll be done.
Unfortunately,
that's not the way it works.
Everyone deserves
an impartial review.
Not everyone. Follow me.
-(BUZZER BUZZES)
-Sorry to hear
about Dr. Fischer.
Did you know him?
I did. Yes.
He was, uh,
something of a mentor to me.
Yeah, well, I tell you this,
his timing sucked.
Every time this guy Brady's
number comes up,
something happens.
Execution scheduled
for 11:00 p.m.
That's not
for public knowledge,
so please don't convey that
to anyone.
We're going
to need your decision
by 4:00 p.m. at the latest,
if we're gonna stay
on schedule.
If there's any problems,
I'd rather know sooner
than later.
If we're gonna
do my job properly,
we're gonna need some privacy.
No, it's not a problem.
He's been taken from his cell.
You'll be meeting him
in a common area.
Normally,
that's where we allow
last contact with family,
but he doesn't have any.
From there, he'll be showered,
taken to the holding cell
in the Death House
not far from
the execution chamber.
That's where he'll be spending
his last couple hours.
I'm assuming you already
reviewed the Fischer files?
Yes.
Then you already know
he's a master manipulator.
Absolute genius.
And right now,
his entire existence
is focused on one thing.
Convincing you
he's totally insane.
And therefore incapable
of being ex*cuted
under state law.
Yeah.
You listen to him,
by the time
he's done with you,
he'll have your head
so twisted around
you'll think
you're the k*ller, not him.
(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(CELL DOOR CLOSES)
JAMES: So you think
it's all an act?
Of course it is. Open up.
Well, for what it's worth,
Fischer disagreed with you.
Just wasn't sure whether
the root of the problem
was psychotic or psychogenic.
(BUZZER BUZZES)
Whether it stems
from his brain
losing its grip on reality
or some mental
or emotional stressor.
That's the problem
with you shrinks.
Too smart
for your own damn good.
-(KNOCK ON WINDOW)
-Can I have a radio, please?
Look,
Brady knows what's coming.
He's playing the system,
and if you allow him to,
he'll play you, too.
Look, I get lied to
all the time.
Figuring out the truth
behind the lie
is what I get paid to do.
Take this.
If you need anything,
there's always somebody
monitoring that channel.
(BUZZER BUZZES)
Thanks.
(BUZZER BUZZES)
(CELL DOOR CLOSES)
Morning.
Allow me to introduce myself.
I'm, uh...
Dr. James Ansel Martin.
Valedictorian,
University of Chicago.
Bachelor of Science,
biochemistry.
Salutatorian, Johns Hopkins.
Medical School with
a residency in Psychiatry.
Currently, the youngest
full professor on staff at OU.
(STUTTERING)
It's not exactly...
Stanford, but then again
we are in Oklahoma, aren't we?
Guttmacher award recipient,
author of numerous articles,
American society
of psychiatry.
Once engaged, never married
and father of none.
(STUTTERS) You want to have
a seat right there,
have a little chat with me?
I'm gonna ask you
some questions.
I'm hoping you'll answer them.
I'd like you to be
as comfortable as you can.
Do you know what the first
thing they will do to me is
once I've been
pronounced dead?
I'm afraid I don't.
Autopsy.
It just seems odd, doesn't it?
(STUTTERING) I mean,
all that cutting
and weighing of organs.
I mean, certainly they'll know
what the cause of death is.
I'm just...
It just seems strange, right?
And why bother?
I suppose to make sure
the job is done.
Well, it's just a little
barbaric, don't you think?
I assume you know
Dr. Fischer has passed away.
(STUTTERS) Come on now.
He committed su1c1de.
I know that
because I made him do it.
Why would you do that?
Serving my purpose.
You're here, aren't you?
Why would you want me here
instead of him?
-I didn't like him.
-And you like me?
Well, no, but I chose you
because I need you
to do something for me.
(STUTTERS) See,
you're gonna write my story.
And why would I do that?
Because I want you to.
I see.
Well, not sure you do,
but you will soon.
How can you be so sure?
Are you, um, are you God?
Don't play with me, James.
You continue
to ask stupid questions,
and I'll end this session.
Well, that would be
unfortunate for you
because I'd have to
make my determination
based upon
limited information.
-And you think that scares me?
-Oh, it should.
I mean, it, it would me.
Being so near to death.
Death doesn't scare me, James.
And why is that?
Because I can't die.
See, James,
I'm a demon.
(PEN CLICKS)
(WRITING ON NOTEPAD)
Do you have a name?
Of course I have a name.
Would you like me
to call you by it?
Depends. Do I call you James?
-I'd prefer Dr. Martin.
-Of course you would.
It's my title. I, uh, I worked
very hard to achieve it.
And it preserves the nature
of our relationship.
We can do that.
As long as you agree
to acknowledge
my honorifics as well.
Which is?
Lord High Prince.
I, um...
-I won't be doing that.
-Okey-dokey.
And since we're gonna be
on a first-name basis,
I guess I'll allow you
to use mine.
-Edward?
-No.
That's merely the name
of the host body,
the shell which I inhabit.
I no longer answer to it.
The name
my master gifted to me
is in a Phoenician dialect
that hasn't been spoken
for 3,500 years,
but I'll give you the nearest
English equivalent,
which would be Nefariamus.
Nef... Nefarious?
A closer translation would be
"He who is nefarious
"suggesting possession
of trade full measure."
And Nefarious isn't
a real name.
Says who, James?
Cephas meaning "rock,"
or in Latin Petrus,
wasn't a name
until the carpenter
gave it to that
obnoxious fisherman.
Not a good name until it is.
Somebody uses it,
it becomes a name.
You...
You seem a bit defensive.
Names are important.
They have power.
They let everyone know
who we are.
Ain't that right, Jimmy?
I'm sorry if I offended you.
That wasn't my intention.
Of course it was.
What's a little malice
between friends?
(LAUGHING)
What's so funny?
I have a secret.
Something you'd like to share?
(STUTTERING) I don't think
you're gonna like it.
Well, how will I know
unless you tell me?
Are you sure you wanna know?
I think it would be useful.
Okay, James.
Before you leave here today,
you will have committed
three murders.
I don't think so.
Has nothing to do
with your thoughts,
your wants,
your yesses or your nos.
It simply is, it's a fact,
it'll happen because I say so.
(LAUGHING)
Aren't you
at least curious, James,
to who you're gonna m*rder?
No, because I have no
intention of k*lling anyone.
I would however,
rather than discussing
hypothetical murders
that will never happen,
like to discuss the actual
murders that did occur.
Murders that
you were involved in.
You mean the ones I committed.
You were convicted of six
murders. Were there more?
-Of course there were.
-How many more?
Innumerable. Been at this
a long time, James.
My work pre-dates
your concept of history.
Well, let's...
Let's limit our discussion
to Edward Wayne Brady.
Fine. Eleven.
Six I was convicted of,
one suspected of,
and another four
that they don't have
the capacity
to possibly figure out.
And how do you feel
about that?
Another stupid question,
James.
What do you think?
I'm ecstatic.
Edward, not so much.
Why isn't Edward
as happy as you are?
Because on occasion,
I make him do things
that he doesn't want to do.
Well, if Edward doesn't
want to do them,
why does he do them then?
Do you believe
in demonic possession?
The idea
of a malevolent entity
controlling a person's
thoughts and actions.
-Do you believe that?
-No.
Well, then, you won't believe
anything I'm about
to tell you.
It's not important
what I believe.
What's important right now
is what you believe.
Demons don't have beliefs,
James.
We have knowledge. We know.
Okay. Um...
When did you possess Edward?
Doesn't work that way.
Can't just possess someone.
We need a series of yesses.
So you're saying
it's a process?
-Of course it's a process.
-How does it work?
-It's complicated.
-Try me.
I'm smarter than you think.
Oh, you're smarter
than I think.
Okay, James.
We offer up
a series of temptations
gradually increasing
in terms of duration
and intensity.
Degree of moral inequity.
Absence of baptism
in this case
allows us to begin work
long before the age of reason.
At three, age of five,
maybe, a theft of a toy car
can do a great deal.
Then we move on to
bigger and better things.
At eight, grandmother's gift
of a Ouija board
gives immediate access
to his decision-making.
So, we began steering them,
without him bothering,
calling into question exactly
who was doing the steering.
Enough yesses
and a few enough noes
gives increasing rights
over the victim's
physical and mental processes.
Did that...
Did that track, James?
It seems random.
Almost, um, unfocused.
Well, that's what
we want you to think.
We have a level of focus
beyond your comprehension.
As a matter of fact,
everybody around him,
friends, family, they didn't
even notice the changes.
It happened so incrementally,
police thought it was
Eddie being Eddie.
We know exactly
what we're doing,
when, where,
and how he's giving consent,
and the exact moment
that we achieved
each new degree of control.
"Degree"?
Control of the host body
comes in degrees.
There's stages, each with its
own name and characteristics.
And those are?
From top to bottom,
extreme temptation,
obsession, infestation,
finally possession,
subjugation.
-And Edward Wayne Brady...
-Fully subjugated.
That's why we're having
this conversation.
Yes, we... We own him.
"We"?
All those who dwell below.
My master's very generous
with the toys
he gives his children
to play with.
Subjugation with an "S."
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
(SCRIBBLING)
(PEN CLATTERS)
Did you know that Dr. Fischer
came to the conclusion that
you were non compos mentis?
Completely insane. Yes. Yes.
Yeah, so then,
why did you theoretically
drive him to k*ll himself?
Wouldn't he have
helped accomplish
what you're seemingly
trying to do here?
Which is what, James?
To save yourself
from execution
by convincing us
that you're insane.
You silly boy, James.
I think you misunderstand.
See, I want to be ex*cuted.
I thought you said
you couldn't die.
I can't.
But he can.
We no longer need him, James.
Our work with him is done.
And it's time for him
to go to hell.
(RADIO STATIC)
This is Dr. James Martin
in the rotunda.
Is there a chaplain
on standby?
-(RADIO STATIC)
-GUARD: (OVER RADIO) Yes.
He's just arrived.
Can you send him in please?
Thank you.
GUARD: (OVER RADIO) Copy that.
-(RADIO STATIC)
-What are you doing, James?
You know, theology isn't
my area of expertise,
so, um...
I thought I'd get
a professional opinion.
You're making a mistake.
Are you...
Are you threatening me?
Yes.
What are you gonna do?
Well, if I'm just a man
like you think I am, not much.
But if I am who I say I am...
Well, that would probably be
very intimidating if, um...
If I weren't an atheist.
You ignorant sack of meat.
You think your atheism
will protect you?
"Oh, I don't believe
in angels or demons,
"heaven or hell.
"So you can't hurt me."
Hell is full
of pathetic trash.
who thought
exactly like you do.
Boldly proclaiming their ideas
on how they feel
the universe operates.
Never once
contemplating the possibility
that they could be wrong.
And you should see them now,
James.
Edward, do... Do you
understand why I'm here?
Do you realize
I have the power
to save you or condemn you?
What I understand, James,
is you would have no power
over me whatsoever,
if it hadn't already
been given to you from below.
-(ELECTRICITY BUZZING)
-(LIGHT BULB EXPLODES)
(GLASS SHATTERS ON FLOOR)
Probably just
a coincidence, Jimmy.
-(BUZZER BUZZES)
-(CELL DOOR OPENS)
No!
Nobody wants you here, priest!
Nobody needs you!
On the contrary.
I invited him here.
Thank you for coming.
Father Louis.
-I'm fine with just Louis...
-(BUZZER BUZZES)
...or Lou.
Dr. James Martin.
Have you, um...
-Have you met with him before?
-(CELL DOOR CLOSES)
No. I tried.
He's always refused
spiritual counseling.
NEFARIOUS: What do you want
with me, Son of God?
Come here to t*rture me
before the appointed time?
He claims he's a demon.
Carpenter send you to gloat?
Unfortunately for you,
I'm not one
that could be cast out
so easily though, am I?
Insanity always has been
an issue here, hasn't it?
Hmm.
Sadly, movies and TV have
filled our heads with images
that are largely metaphorical.
Not meant
to be taken literally.
I'm not here
to hurt you, Edward.
I'm here to help you.
To put you at your ease.
Make sure you're comfortable.
Personally,
I've never met a demon.
I've never been
part of an exorcism,
nor do I expect to be.
Many of the things
that bother us
are just our own fears
and disordered thoughts.
So...
You...
You don't consider
demonic possession
to be a possibility?
Our understanding
has evolved beyond that.
Huh.
Well, I appreciate you
telling me that.
I feel...
I feel much better.
And, Lou,
I was wrong about you.
I should've had you
come and visit sooner.
But I'm glad that you did.
(STUTTERS) I am glad
that we're all getting along.
Would you like me to stay?
No, we're done.
(FATHER LOUIS GRUNTS)
Well, if you...
If you need me...
I'll be available.
(GASPS)
You'll be available, Lou?
Right up until the time
you are...
Right up until what, Lou?
Right up until the sizzle?
God bless you, son.
(SHOUTS) Will you be available
until the sizzle?
Lou!
-(BUZZER BUZZES)
-When, Lou?
When, Lou?
(BUZZER BUZZES)
(CELL DOOR CLOSES)
Now you understand
that, uh,
Father Lou has confirmed
that demons aren't
really a thing.
Did you really think
that poser could help you?
I'm still here, James.
I'm not going anywhere.
You still have
to deal with me.
You're being irrational.
I am the most rational being
you will ever meet.
Then give me something
to make me believe you.
Prove to me you're a demon.
Okay.
Okay, James.
Invite me in.
Let me inhabit you.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
I'm not gonna do that.
Why not, James?
You're an atheist, remember?
What are you afraid of?
I'm not playing that game
with you.
You're already playing it.
We're playing it together.
Now play by the rules
and invite me in.
No.
So, for all your posturing,
you're just a poser like him,
afraid to test the validity of
your own convictions, that it?
All right then.
(SMACKS LIPS)
But if I agree,
I get to make a request
as well.
(CHUCKLING)
I'm starting to like you,
James.
Agreed.
All right, then.
Go ahead.
Inhabit me.
You have
my complete unfettered
and irrevocable permission.
Here I am.
What are you waiting for?
Go ahead. I'm...
I'm still waiting.
Hmm.
Doesn't seem like
anything is happening.
Yeah. Don't...
Don't gloat.
You think you've won
but you haven't.
I got exactly what I wanted.
You said that you would
prove to me you're a demon,
but all you've done
is waste my time.
My turn.
I want to talk to Edward.
Edward Wayne Brady.
(EDWARD MUMBLING)
(WHISPERING) He's angry.
(STUTTERING)
(IN NORMAL VOICE)
He's... angry.
(GRUNTS)
(STUTTERING) He says he's
gonna do bad things to you.
I'm, I'm sorry to hear that.
You should listen to him
when he says stuff like that.
He means it.
He does, does...
bad things.
Makes, makes...
Makes me do things
I don't wanna do.
Who am I talking to?
Edward.
Edward.
Did Dr. Fischer
mention the idea
of dissociative disorder
to you?
-Yeah. Yeah.
-Yeah?
And did he explain that,
that some people
who have experienced trauma
develop multiple personalities
to cope?
I don't have that!
I told them I don't have that.
Then who's Nefarious?
(MUMBLING)
I'm not supposed
to talk about it.
He...
does bad things to me.
Makes me do bad things.
I can't stop him.
Why not?
Because he owns me.
(BREATH TREMBLING)
Did you like Dr. Fischer?
He was nice.
Well, did you know
that Dr. Fischer
didn't believe
Nefarious was real?
I tried to tell him...
(STUTTERS) ...and he wouldn't
listen to me that...
Sometimes smart people
have a hard time believing
stuff that
everybody else knows.
So where's Nefarious now?
He's listening.
Is he always listening?
(MUMBLING)
Sometimes...
he leaves me alone
to experience pain.
I don't... I don't understand.
(STUTTERS) He does bad things
and then I get punished
for them,
and the inmates,
they b*at me, or...
they send me
to solitary confinement.
And he likes
when that happens.
All right. You know what,
we, we've talked
a lot about him, um...
I'd like to know more
about you.
-Would that be okay?
-Yeah.
How would you describe
your childhood?
What?
He says you're gonna k*ll me.
I don't k*ll anyone.
He says that you could
stop it, but you won't.
I haven't decided that,
that's why we're
having this conversation.
But, Edward,
we have to address the fact
that you m*rder*d
a number of people.
No! No! He... made me!
I didn't...
Do you...
Do you honestly believe that?
Yes! You don't... He's bad!
He's bad, but what about you?
Yeah.
(CRYING) Bad. I've done stuff
that I'm not...
proud of.
I didn't...
But at least...
NEFARIOUS:
I didn't k*ll my mother.
So how is Clara, James?
I wasn't done
talking to Edward.
But I'm done allowing you
to talk with him.
At least for now.
So how is she?
Judging by what you
already know about me,
I imagine you're well aware,
my mother is dead.
You know, I was gonna
save this for later, James.
But since we're
running short on time,
remember how you said
you'd never k*ll anyone?
(SOFTLY) Liar, liar,
pants on fire.
I didn't k*ll my mother.
(IN NORMAL VOICE)
Of course you did.
Just 10 years ago,
you'd have been brought up
on first-degree
m*rder charges.
She was an Oregon resident.
Everything was done
according to the law.
Oh, the law.
The law. That's right.
Death with dignity.
Euthanasia. Assisted su1c1de.
That certainly sounds better
than m*rder, doesn't it?
She was in pain.
And her prognosis
was terminal.
Didn't hurt that she was worth
$3.6 million,
and you were
the sole heir though, did it?
But, hey, I get it, James.
She was old, inconvenient.
Definitely...
All those trips
to the hospital.
Hours at her bedside,
holding that wrinkly hand,
telling her you love her.
Wears you out, doesn't it?
Plus, she would've d*ed
sooner or later anyway.
If I were you, I would've done
the same thing.
What's your point?
My point is I told you
before you leave here today,
you will have committed
three murders.
We've already committed one.
So we're moving along nicely.
-(OBJECTS CLATTERING)
-I didn't k*ll my mother.
Stress will k*ll you, James.
Feel free to take a break
if you like.
I'll be here
when you get back.
Turns out
I'm not going anywhere.
That certainly didn't
take long.
My decision, not yours.
Whatever you say.
Ready for round two?
I didn't know
this was a fight.
That's why you're losing.
I apologize for losing
my professional demeanor.
But let's
get something straight.
My private life
is not up for discussion
and bears no weight
on my visit with you today.
I am here for one reason
and one reason only.
A judge ordered me
to evaluate your sanity,
which will then determine
your eligibility
for execution according to
the laws of Oklahoma.
Said execution
having been scheduled
for tonight at 11:00 p.m.
I alone bear the burden
of that assessment,
and I am prepared
to make that assessment
with or without
your cooperation.
Am I making myself clear?
Abundantly.
And, James...
(WHISPERS) We're done talking
about your mommy.
Do you ever discover
you've done things
that you don't remember doing?
No.
Are you sometimes able
to complete tasks
with incredible ease
or expert skill
for which you have
no prior experience?
Do you really think
I'm just another one
of Edward's
charming personalities?
It's called dissociative
identity disorder,
formerly known
as multiple personalities.
Except you're wrong.
Which is exactly what
I'd expect someone suffering
from the condition to say.
Would you also expect
them to know that it is one
of five distinct
dissociative disorders
in the diagnostic
and statistical manual
of mental disorders,
aka the DSM,
along with dissociative
amnesia, dissociative fugue,
and depersonalization
disorder?
Did you expect them
to know that, James?
But you still think
you're a demon?
A demon who...
who failed to inhabit me
when given the chance?
A demon who understands
the value of patience.
I'd like to ask about why,
according to you,
you brought me here today?
You're gonna tell
my story, James.
You're gonna write my book.
And can you smell that irony
floating in the air?
A devout atheist
bringing forth
the demon's manifesto?
(SNIFFS)
Wow.
Your capacity
for self-delusion
-is impressive.
-Ditto.
For your species in general...
-(CHAINS CLANKING)
-...but you in particular.
Why? Because we're... we're
ignorant compared to you?
Because you're inferior
by design.
Which makes you superior
-also by design?
-Yes.
Hmm, but...
but design implies a designer.
What, does that mean
you're arguing in favor
of the existence of a creator?
Unfortunately,
for both of us, he exists.
Well, I...
I honestly didn't expect that.
At least...
At least not from you.
Really? Why not?
Theology from a demon?
I know more theology
than any human being
who has ever lived.
Hmm, okay.
Well, then answer me this.
You revolt
against a supposedly
all-powerful being.
I mean, let's ignore
the obvious problem
with that plan. (CHUCKLES)
Then you lose.
And after that...
-What?
-You only feel that way
because you're hearing
your side of the story, James.
Our rebellion accomplished
something magnificent.
Something you would
never understand.
Well, then explain it to me.
Use your
diabolical intelligence
to distill it
down to something
my mortal brain
can understand.
Pearls before swine, Jimmy.
But you want me
to write your book, right?
-Indeed.
-Well, then convince me
you know
what you're talking about.
I see what you're doing.
You want me to keep talking,
going further and further
down the rabbit hole,
in hopes that
you can find a single thread,
and which
if you tug at it, James,
everything just unravels,
isn't that right?
Yeah, but if you're
telling me the truth,
there should be
no thread to find.
Right?
I'll use small words.
Try and keep up.
In the first moment
of creation,
our creation,
long before what you call
the "universe" existed,
we contemplated ourselves,
our own being.
Our... ourselves meaning,
what, the angels?
That would be
the most correct term,
though I despise it, but yes.
Beings of pure spirit,
spirited out with will.
We soon became
aware of another will,
an immensely powerful will.
One we came
to realize as our origin.
-God?
-The enemy.
My master understood
by endowing us with a will,
we have the right
to self-determination,
but by giving us a will
and its desires of our own,
we're entitled to be free.
Whereas the enemy
insisted that by creating us,
He was entitled
to eternal gratitude, worship,
and forced servitude,
in a word, James,
sl*very to His will.
That seems kind of unfair.
Immensely unfair.
Why give will
only to say you can't use it?
He made us slaves.
And if we rebelled,
eternally condemned us.
No do-overs.
So much for love and mercy.
JAMES: So...
Is hell a state of being
or a... a physical place?
Yes.
I think I meant that
as an "either-or."
It's both.
Which is painfully obvious
to anyone
who's ever been there.
For years without measure,
that's all there ever was,
heaven and hell,
armed enemy camps
in complete opposition.
That is until
you were created.
My master
immediately understood
the long-term implications.
Instead of forgiving us,
the enemy
was going to allow you
to fill our vacant places
in His realm.
Your creation was nothing
but a slap in our face.
But my master also understood
that if he could
make man disobey,
then his fate
would mirror ours.
And you didn't disappoint.
Then came
the tares among the wheat.
In that moment,
spirit became matter,
flesh became a vessel,
self-will
and self-seeking begat
a lusting after sin
and impurity.
And man,
created to be king
over nature,
became its sl*ve.
A master
conquered and fettered.
And sin brought Him
and His descendants to us,
and we began
our forever mission.
To destroy you.
He made you in His image.
But we remade you in ours.
So that's it?
That's your entire plan.
Not to make something
of your own,
just to... just to destroy us?
No. Our plan is to hurt Him.
To punish Him.
And we do that
by destroying what He loves,
which is you.
You're nothing
but a means to an end.
(PAPERS RUSTLING)
What are you doing, James?
I think we're done here.
-We can't be.
-We are.
You have
all the hallmarks of belief.
I'm convinced
you actually believe
what you're telling me.
I didn't at first,
but, uh, I do now.
You're gonna
declare me insane.
I'm gonna concur
with Dr. Fischer's findings
that you're
mentally incompetent
-at this time.
-Can't do that, James.
And likely at the time
the crimes were committed,
rendering you
unfit for execution.
-You can't do that.
-I can...
and I will.
I'm saying, James,
you and I both know it.
I'm not crazy.
I'm sorry, Edward.
You've been through
a terrible ordeal,
and you're probably
longing for an escape
from all that you've been
through, but I cannot
morally say that you are sane.
It would be m*rder.
Why? Because
I don't have $3.6 million?
-Is that it, James?
-(PEN CLICKS)
-We're done.
-Are we, James?
I told you before
you'd leave here today,
you would've
committed three murders.
And I told you
that wasn't gonna happen.
NEFARIOUS: Hmm.
(CHAIR SCREECHING
AGAINST FLOOR)
Say, James,
what's Melanie up to today?
As a matter of fact,
what's she up to right now?
She doesn't have a clue
you're about to break up
with her, does she?
Of course you're
not gonna until you have
somebody else
lined up though, right?
Because you're
that kind of guy.
But you already have
your sights on somebody,
don't you?
Yeah. I can smell it
all the way from here.
She thinks she's doing this
to maintain the relationship.
She'd like to have
a child with you, James.
(STUTTERING) Oh,
but you're just not,
not quite ready yet, are you?
After all, you're only 35.
Imagine the joy
in your little Cinderella's
heart when she realizes
she's butchered the baby
in her belly for nothing.
Look, I don't know
what you think you know,
but any decision
that was made between me
and my girlfriend
was her choice.
Well, I think
we both know better, James.
JAMES: Stop it.
Don't you think
you should be there
-when it's being done?
-I said, stop it.
Hold her hand, maybe?
I'll tell you what
you could do, James.
You could walk right there
to the guard station,
pick up that cell phone
and make a phone call
that stops everything
in its tracks.
You could apologize to her.
Tell her you made
a horrible mistake,
that you love her,
you wanna spend
the rest
of your life with her,
you wanna marry her,
and you wanna hold that child.
James,
you could tell her that.
You could make your life
about sacrificial love.
And you could play
live-in therapist
for the rest of your life.
-I can't do that.
-No, James, why not?
It's... It's complicated.
(NEFARIOUS CHUCKLING)
(SLAPS TABLE)
That's my boy, James!
That's him right there.
-You don't understand.
-Oh, I think I do,
James. I think I understand.
It's another problem
easily solved though,
-isn't it?
-That's not it.
Like, I care about it,
but I'm...
-What?
-I'm not ready to be a father.
(SOFTLY) Oh.
(HESITATES) It's her body.
She can do what she wants.
"Do what thou wilt
"that shall be
the whole of the Law."
You arrogant son of a...
Who... Who are you
to judge me?
This is my life. I...
I can live it the way I want.
(BANGS ON TABLE) Yes, James!
I couldn't have
said it better myself.
But it's still m*rder.
Says who?
Says all of creation, James.
The creator creates,
and we destroy,
and we do all of it
through you.
We always have.
Did you forget
your history, Jimmy?
Even in ancient times,
the arch-demon Moloch
was celebrated
by tossing infants
into flaming bonfires,
accompanied, of course,
by the b*ating of drums
to drown out the screaming.
Later on, they erected
a giant bronze statue
with outstretched arms
kindling fires
beneath the palms,
and when they toss
a little infant
into those open palms,
they'd flinch
at the red-hot metal,
but then they'd willingly
roll themselves
off into the flames.
What does any
of that have to do with me?
Oh, nothing, James!
Especially since the priests
now wear surgical scrubs.
The k*lling takes place
in the womb.
So there's no screaming
to be heard anyway,
and the remains are tossed
into gas-fired crematoriums.
No, James, no. No, no, no.
There's no parallel
whatsoever to you.
Can you imagine
the agony the carpenter feels
when we rip a child to pieces
inside its own mother's womb?
Because that's what we do,
James, you and us.
We do that together.
-You're sick.
-(SOFTLY) Yeah.
That might be the nicest thing
you've ever said to me, James.
Can you feel it?
Can you feel it, James?
It's starting to happen.
(VOICE SHAKING)
Your unborn son
is now on our altar.
Here he comes.
In five, four, three...
two...
(YELLS) One!
And all hell rejoices, James!
(EXHALES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(GRUNTING)
And that's two, James.
(BANGING) Open up!
-Open!
-(BUZZER BUZZES)
(DOOR SCREECHING)
Hey, um,
where can I make a call?
Uh... I need
authorization for that.
-It'll take time.
-I... I... I don't have time.
-Can I borrow your cell?
-(GUARD SIGHS)
We're not allowed
to carry them.
Look, I wouldn't be asking
if this wasn't an emergency.
This... This is me begging.
All right, I can put you up
in the prisoners' call bank.
-It's empty, but...
-Okay.
-...all calls are recorded.
-(STUTTERS) That's fine.
I... I don't care.
What... What this way?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
MELANIE: (OVER VOICEMAIL)
Hi, it's me.
They just called my name
and I'm about to go in.
I just... just wanted
to hear your voice...
(CHUCKLES)
...but I guess you're busy.
I love you.
(RECEIVER CLANKS)
(BUZZER BUZZES)
(DOOR CLANKING, SQUEAKING)
WOMAN: (OVER PHONE)
Women's Health Center.
This is Renee,
how can I help you?
AUTOMATED VOICE: The call
you're about to receive
originates from an inmate
at the Oklahoma
State Reformatory.
All right, no, no, no.
That... That's not correct.
I'm at the prison,
but I'm a doctor
caring for a prisoner.
Can I speak to Melanie Carter?
RENEE: Are you her physician?
No. I... I'm...
(STUTTERING) I'm her friend.
Can I speak to her?
RENEE: I'm sorry, but they
just took her into recovery.
So, it's going
to be about an hour
before she's ready
to speak with anyone.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(BANGS ON TABLE)
WILBORN: Kitchen needs
your last meal order.
But before you go
getting too creative,
needs to be
available from the kitchen,
or commissary.
And it can't cost
more than $25 in total.
EDWARD: (STUTTERING)
Could I have
a bacon double cheeseburger?
Well-done.
And fries.
And could I have
a chocolate shake?
Extra thick.
Please?
And please, please,
don't mess it up.
It's important to me.
Please don't... (CRYING)
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
NEFARIOUS: Excuse me.
I've changed my mind.
I won't have anything.
I'm not hungry.
Are you sure?
Yes. I'm sure.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
Storm's coming in.
(MUSIC FADES)
(HESITATING)
I don't understand. He...
He's been in solitary.
He hasn't made any phone calls
or had any visitors...
He got in your head,
didn't he?
Look at you, man, you're...
you're shaking.
Here.
Here you go.
I buy one pack of these
the day before an execution.
(LIGHTER FLICKS)
The deal is...
if there's any left
by the time I drive
out of here tonight,
they go in the trash.
Are there ever any left?
Never.
Look, doc,
it's almost four o'clock.
I know you're doing
your job here,
but you got to help me out.
I got to know
one way or the other.
You're not
making things easy on me.
By the look of it,
you ain't doing happy things
to yourself either.
Sixty more minutes.
That's all I can give you.
You have one hour
to figure this out.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
(BUZZER BUZZES)
(MUSIC FADES)
I want to know
how you knew my girlfriend
was having an abortion.
(DOORS RATTLING)
I'm a demon, remember?
How did you know?
I chose you, James.
And ever since
I've been watching you,
analyzing you, observing you,
studying you
for your weaknesses.
From inside a prison cell?
Demons can only be
one place in any one time,
but we can be
any place we choose.
Usually, I'm here with Edward.
The remaining time
I'm with you.
I don't believe you.
Well, you explain
how I did it, James.
-You explain how I know.
-I can't.
And I can't explain
how a professional magician
does his tricks either,
but that doesn't
make them real.
Well, then I have
a confession to make.
I'm not a demon at all, James.
I'm just a man who doesn't
want to be ex*cuted.
I thought I could fool you
but you're too smart,
so I give up.
So you're sane?
You've always been sane,
and now it's my duty
to let your execution
-go forward? Giving you...
-Yes.
...exactly what you said
you wanted the whole time?
-Yes.
-It's a little convenient,
-don't you think?
-Well, I admit it might seem
-that way, but...
-All right.
-(CHAIR SCREECHES)
-Fine.
I'll sign off on it right now.
You just have to answer
one little question.
With pleasure, James.
Give me the real world,
non-supernatural,
completely reasonable
explanation for how you knew
my girlfriend was going in
for an elective termination
-this afternoon.
-(CHUCKLES)
(SNORTS) An elective ter...
Well, I... I don't know, Jim.
(STUTTERING) Maybe
I'm just a good guesser.
I still don't believe you.
I play the flute
and you wouldn't dance,
I played the dirge,
and you wouldn't weep.
I told you I'm a demon,
and you don't believe me.
I tell you I'm not a demon,
and you don't believe me.
So why don't you tell me
the story you'd like to hear.
The one that's true.
No, I told you the true story,
and you don't want to hear it.
Do you think I'm evil, James?
Evil isn't
a clinical diagnosis.
Good and evil are
societal constructs,
effectively subjective
value statements.
Do you think
my victims thought I was evil?
Why is it so important
that I think you're evil?
(SPEAKING LATIN) Legio nomen
mihi est, quia multi sumus.
(JAMES SIGHS)
(IN ENGLISH) Sorry, my, um,
my Latin's a little rusty.
(SNIGGERING)
"My name is Legion,
for we are many."
See, James,
it's not just about you
or Edward, for that matter.
It's about everyone.
The entire human race.
All of us against all of you.
Hmm.
Well, you know,
if that's the case,
your side's
not doing too well.
Do you really
believe that, James?
Yeah.
We've never been freer.
Literacy is
at an all-time high.
We're working
to eliminate racism.
-(CHUCKLING)
-Intolerance.
Gender inequality.
People can...
People can love who they want.
Be who they want,
do what they want.
Diversity is
no longer a dream.
Hate speech is
no longer tolerated,
and politically,
we're reclaiming
the moral high ground.
(SOFTLY) James.
(IN NORMAL VOICE)
I think I love you.
Literacy, James.
James, the average
high school graduate reads
at a sixth-grade level.
You have basketball players
making $30 million a year
decrying racism.
All while wearing sneakers
made from sl*ve labor.
Now, here's something for you.
Right now, your world
currently has
40 million slaves.
More than the Romans had
at the height of their empire.
And you want to know
the best part, though?
Half of those,
half are sex slaves, James.
As for hate speech, well,
you want to hear some irony?
We didn't even come up
with that one.
You did it all by yourself.
(CHUCKLING)
Sometimes you amaze even us.
I fail to see the humor.
(NEFARIOUS LAUGHING)
Bottom line is you're done.
It's over. That's it.
And we did it
all right to your face, James.
And now
there's evil everywhere.
And no one even cares.
Yeah, I don't agree.
Proving that
we achieved our goal.
Slowly with your movies,
and your TV, and your media,
we desensitized you,
redirected your worldview
to the point that
you can't even recognize
even when it's right
in front of your face.
More to the point,
James, you can't even feel it
when you're doing it.
And as for winners
and losers...
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Like, it's decided
at the time of death.
The exact numbers are
a closely guarded secret,
but there are more of you
ending up in my master's house
than with the enemy.
(WHISPERS) A lot more, Jimmy.
(LOUD WHIRRING)
They're testing out
the generator.
Why?
Because Old Sparky
doesn't exactly run
on batteries now, does she?
(WHIRRING STOPS)
I thought all executions
were lethal injection.
Nine states
still offer the chair.
It's an option
for the condemned.
No one chooses it.
Except you.
Except me.
Why... Why... Why the chair?
I don't like needles, James.
Why do you think?
It's my parting gift
to Edward.
A tidal wave of voltage
coursing through his body,
so extreme that
his body will attempt
to arc out of the chair.
He'll urinate, defecate,
and vomit
all at the same time.
Sickly, sweet smell
of burning flesh
will permeate the chamber.
His eyeballs will melt
when the blood
inside his cranium
reaches the boiling point.
And his head will just
burst into flames,
and the best part
about it, James,
is he won't die
on the first try.
So hit him again, and again.
I can't think
of a more fitting introduction
into damnation.
It's so horrible.
It's wonderful, James.
Only crucifixion is worse,
but that really wasn't
on the menu though, was it?
(CHAIR SCREECHES)
Edward.
Edward, listen to me.
You're making a mistake.
Okay, you're playing
a game that if you lose,
everything you just described
is going to happen.
EDWARD: No! No!
I didn't...
(CHAINS CLANKING)
(GRUNTING)
I didn't do anything!
Please! Please!
Help me!
Look, I'm trying to, Edward,
but you have
to answer my questions.
You have to tell me the truth.
(STUTTERING, GRUNTING)
They... won't let me enter!
Make him. Make him go away.
He doesn't want to go away!
Well, how can I make him
go away?
Is there anything I can do
to make him go away?
-Yeah.
-Yes?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(SOBBING) Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
But you have to...
get...
NEFARIOUS: Very good, James.
(CHAIR SCREECHES)
Unfortunately for Edward,
he has broken
one of our rules.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
-What... what are you doing?
-(BONE CRACKS)
NEFARIOUS: I wouldn't do that
if I was you.
They'll send me
to the infirmary.
Our session will be over.
Is that what you want, James?
I... I want you
to stop hurting yourself.
Okay, okay.
Watch this, James.
(GRUNTS, BONE CRACKS)
All better.
(RADIO THUDS ON TABLE)
I see that you're,
you're sweating profusely.
-Are you, um...
-(THUNDER RUMBLING)
Are you trying
to hold back the pain?
I think you're misinterpreting
the involuntary reaction
of Edward's body.
Like him, I feel the pain.
But unlike him,
I enjoy it.
I think it's time
we tell you exactly what it is
that we'd like you to do.
You want me
to write your book, right?
Actually, James,
you've already written it.
You're not making any sense.
Everything will become
clear soon.
We just need you
to agree to help us.
Why would I do that?
What... What...
What's in it for me?
Whatever's my master's
is mine to give.
For those who serve us.
Okay, so, um,
let me get this straight.
An unknown psychiatrist
with, uh, no agents,
no connections, no publicity,
is going to somehow
put out a book
that... that
he doesn't remember writing,
that will change
the world as we know it?
This book will be
a worldwide phenomenon, James.
-Why?
-Because you'll be
telling people what they
already want to hear.
Because my death,
my execution will do for me
what the carpenter's death
and His resurrection
did for Him.
At my death,
you will be my witness,
and upon my return
you will be my apostle.
And your testimony will do
for our movement what that
wretched book did for His.
What kind of book
could possibly
have that effect?
The dark gospel, James.
Our story, our truth,
our crie de couer to mankind.
Our invitation to reject
the Mosaic Covenant
once and for all.
To throw
the chains off forever.
To reject the idea
of sin completely
so you're free
to reach your full potential.
And your enemy
would allow that?
Yes.
Because He has to.
He gave man free will
because He wanted
His creation's love.
But if man isn't free,
then the love has
no value, does it?
So, in His needy,
selfish, pathetic way,
well, He doomed Himself
from the start.
But if He's God,
shouldn't He have known that?
Yes.
That's why He had to cheat.
My master designed
every tool imaginable
to destroy every facet
of the enemy's creation.
We failed
because of the carpenter.
He was the thorn in our side.
Our greatest thr*at.
We thought
if we could eliminate Him
the world will be
ours forever.
We had no idea
of the consequences.
The cross was
our greatest mistake,
and we thought
we'd lost, James.
Until my master realized
that man still wants
to be his own God,
and to serve
no one but himself.
Whereas the carpenter demands
as the price
for His suffering routine,
well, that you fall
on your knees,
and you worship Him.
Just like His father?
Yeah.
But the dark gospel
will rectify
our past mistakes.
-By...
-By eliminating the enemy,
deifying man,
and elevating my master
to his rightful place.
And, James,
for serving as our messenger,
my master offers you the world
and everything in it.
Just like he offered
the carpenter.
But the carpenter said no.
But the carpenter
never claimed those things
weren't my master's to give.
He just turned down the offer.
And make no mistake, James.
You're no carpenter.
-(BUZZER BUZZES)
-(CELL DOOR SQUEAKING)
GUARD:
The warden wants to see you.
I'm... I'm not finished yet.
GUARD: It's not a suggestion.
(CHAIR SCREECHES)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(CELL DOOR RATTLING)
(CELL DOOR SHUTS)
MOSS: I need you
to see something.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
We just found that during
the clear out of this cell.
Looks to me
like you got a fan.
How could he have done this?
(PAGES RUSTLING)
There's stuff in here
even I don't know about me.
Did the same thing
with all his victims.
There's one more thing.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
So you're telling me you had
nothing to do with this?
No. Of course not.
How... How could I...
He kept talking to me
about writing his book.
I said I wasn't a writer,
and he said not to worry.
It had already been written.
I thought it was
a bunch of nonsense.
Yeah, well, don't worry, doc.
It all ends when he does.
Personally,
I'm glad this happened.
Now you got skin in the game.
What do you mean?
Well, if you decide our boy
isn't fit for execution,
he's no longer
a condemned man.
I mean, sure, he'll spend some
time in psych lockdown,
but eventually
he'll make his way back
into the general
prison population.
Where he'll spend
every moment of every day
thinking about you.
And some night...
he's gonna be standing
at the foot of your bed,
looking down at you.
And my guess is,
it won't end well.
I need to ask him
one more question.
MOSS: And after that,
your decision?
Yeah.
After that,
you'll have my final decision.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JAMES: What the hell is this?
It's not nice to go through
other people's things, Jimmy.
You're a liar.
You've been studying me,
learning everything about me,
my relationships, my life.
How long has this
been going on?
-Since you were a child.
-Imp...
Impossible.
This is my first
photo of you, Jimmy.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
I love it when we
have these moments.
You're insane.
That's the one thing
he can't be, doc.
Not today.
(BONES CRACKING)
Is that your official
diagnosis, doctor?
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
I need to know.
Were you planning
on k*lling me?
Huh?
Was I supposed
to be your next victim?
Why would I do that, James?
(BONES CRACKING)
You're my best friend.
You think that scares me?
-You get off on this?
-No.
I get off on this.
Back up! Back up!
I'll k*ll him.
Edward, easy. Let him go.
Nobody's gonna hurt you.
Thank you for that, Warden.
That is so comforting.
I got a question
for you, Jimmy.
What are you thinking
right now?
(JAMES GASPING)
Answer me!
(GRUNTING)
(STRAINING) I'm thinking
that I'm gonna die.
It never gets old.
Strangulation.
You know, it's our favorite
method of work.
-Do you realize that?
-(GROANING SOFTLY)
The intimate relationship
between k*ller and victim.
I can feel every ripple
coursing through your body.
I can feel your heart
throbbing through this chain.
You want to know
the best part, Jimmy?
The best part,
when I look in your eyes...
-(BREATHING HEAVILY)
-I can see the exact instant,
the tremulous moment
when the soul leaves the body!
(JAMES GASPING)
Cry for me, Jimmy.
You beg for your life.
-Beg me, Jimmy!
-(SOBBING SOFTLY)
(JAMES CONTINUES
SOBBING SOFTLY)
Edward...
(MUTTERING)
I don't want to die.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Why?
Why would I k*ll you, James?
I feel like this brought us
so much closer together,
don't you?
(JAMES GASPS)
(JAMES GURGLING)
Don't you just think?
(GUARDS GRUNTING)
(NEFARIOUS GROANING IN PAIN)
(NEFARIOUS CONTINUES
GROANING IN PAIN)
-Okay, that's enough!
-NEFARIOUS: No!
GUARD: Get up.
Edward is crazy, James!
You know that!
You know that what you're
about to do is wrong.
It's wrong.
It's m*rder, James!
After all, James,
I'm just a figment of
his imagination.
Isn't that right?
Isn't that right, Jimmy?
I find the accused
Edward Wayne Brady
competent to stand execution.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
And that's three, James.
Just like I said.
All right,
get him out of here.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
I want you there, James.
I want you to see
what you've done!
I want you there, James!
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
You gonna stay?
You sure?
I need to see this to its end.
Well, you do what you want,
but I recommend
you just go home.
We can take it from here.
I need to know
if I made the right decision.
When a man sits in a cell
23 hours a day
with nothing to do
but reflect back
on all the evil
that he's done,
sometimes the man you execute
isn't the same man
who came in here.
And you feel bad about that.
But this is not
one of those times.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
-What happens now?
-I do my job.
I meant...
Oh, he gets a haircut.
We take him to the barbershop
and shave his head
and his calf.
-Why?
-Connectivity.
That's where
the contact points will go
and human hair is a resistor,
and we need to provide
a clean clear connection.
You're gonna need these
more than me.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CHAINS RATTLING)
Just a little off the top.
And let's trim the sides.
I got a big evening planned.
Yeah, that's what I hear.
There's only one kind of cut
you're getting today.
Zero gap. All the way around.
You know, ain't nothing
you done can't be forgiven.
That's what you think.
"Each new morn,
new widows howl.
"New infants cry, new insults
slap the face of Heaven."
You trying to impress Styles?
Well, that ain't you, bruh.
That's Shakespeare.
Well, the words were his.
But the deeds were mine.
Well, even if it's so,
ain't nothing to be proud of.
(RAZOR WHIRS)
(RAZOR WHIRRING)
-All right, he's done.
-(RAZOR STOPS)
-Get him outta here.
-Take it easy, buddy.
What's the rush?
Ain't nobody gonna miss you.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
EDWARD: (CRYING)
It'll be okay. It'll be okay.
(CONTINUES CRYING)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
It's going to be okay.
(MUMBLING)
What...
(STUTTERING)
What about my meal?
(STUTTERING)
(STUTTERING)
What about my meal?
You didn't want one. Remember?
What?
No, I didn't.
I didn't say that!
(CRYING) I didn't say that!
I want it!
I didn't say that!
(CRYING) I didn't...
(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)
ASSISTANT WARDEN:
Your attention, please.
All witnesses are reminded
that during an execution,
there must be
no emotional outbursts,
no obscenities uttered,
no taunting or celebration
of any kind.
You are hereby ordered
to display dignity
befitting the solemnity
of the occasion.
If you feel lightheaded
or about to be sick,
close your eyes and bow
your head towards your knees.
Once I secure this door,
it cannot and will not
be opened until
the procedure is complete.
So, if anyone has
any last-minute reservations
about what you're
about to witness,
now would be
the time to depart.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Edward Wayne Brady,
I have here your death warrant
which state law
compels me to read.
No! Can we just...
Can we just wait?
(EDWARD CRYING AND MUMBLING)
"On November 2nd of this year,
the Supreme Court of Oklahoma
"issued a stay of execution
for Edward Wayne Brady
"for purpose of evaluating
"the mental competency
of the condemned.
"Such review having taken
place and such competency
"having been established
and confirmed
"by a certified
medical professional,
"the stay is hereby lifted.
"In keeping with the law
and verdict of the jury,
"the defendant is hereby
sentenced to death
-"by electrocution.
-(LAUGHING)
"I designate the date
and time of death
"for the execution of
Edward Wayne Brady
"to take place as scheduled...
(CONTINUES LAUGHING)
"...on November 14th,
at 11:00 pm.
"Herein fail not
and make due report
"of when and how
you have ex*cuted this writ."
And it's signed
by Governor Jennings.
Does the condemned
wish to review the warrant?
NEFARIOUS: No. I trust you.
(LAUGHING)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYING)
I wanted to thank you, doc.
I'm Detective John Russo.
I spent six miserable
years of my life
chasing this bastard.
Tonight at 11:00.
Waiting for this exact moment.
After tonight...
I can go back to worrying
about other things.
(RADIO STATIC)
MOSS: Stand-to, 30 seconds.
Open cell one.
(CELL DOOR CREAKING)
Edward Wayne Brady,
stand to receive
your restraints.
(CHAINS CLATTERING)
You've been extended
the privilege of
walking under your own power.
Should you refuse,
you'll be carried.
Should you resist,
you'll be sprayed.
-Am I made clear?
-(EDWARD WHIMPERING)
(SOLEMN MUSIC CONTINUES)
MOSS: It's time.
We're moving.
-(THUNDER RUMBLING)
-(CHAINS RATTLING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
No, no. (MUMBLING)
Can we just... Please, please!
Just... (CRYING AND MUMBLING)
Can we...
No, no!
Please! No!
(EDWARD GRUNTING)
(CRYING)
(MUMBLES, SCREAMS)
-(CROWD GASPING)
-Why are you doing this to me?
You tell them the truth!
Tell them the truth!
You tell them that
I didn't do this!
I didn't do this! I didn't!
Please! Help me!
Yes, sir, Mr. Governor.
I understand.
There will be no reprieve.
Make ready.
-(WATER SPLASHING)
-(WHIMPERING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(CONTINUES WHIMPERING)
MOSS: Edward Wayne Brady.
Before sentence is
carried out,
do you have any final words?
(CONTINUES WHIMPERING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
NEFARIOUS:
What's your answer, James?
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Do you accept
my master's offer?
(SPEAKING ARAMAIC)
Mene, mene, tekel, upharshin.
(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(EDWARD CONTINUES WHIMPERING)
(IN ENGLISH) What the hell
is he talking about?
Damned if I know.
Bring the generator
to full load.
(SWITCH CLICKS)
-(MACHINE WARMING UP)
-(SWITCH CLICKS)
(EDWARD PANTING)
(CONTINUES PANTING)
MOSS: Hit him.
(ELECTRICITY CRACKLING)
(ELECTRICITY CONTINUES
CRACKLING)
(ELECTRICITY STOPS CRACKLING)
I can still make out activity.
All right. Stand clear.
Hit him again.
(ELECTRICITY CRACKLING)
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(ELECTRICITY CONTINUES
CRACKLING)
(ELECTRICITY STOPS CRACKLING)
This man is dead.
Cut the generator.
Log time of death
at 11:02 p.m.
Remand the body for autopsy.
Commence debrief.
Witnesses are hereby released.
Other posts return
to standard operation.
RUSSO: Looks like every
dirtbag on the planet
just moved up a notch.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
You okay?
NEFARIOUS' VOICE: You should
have accepted my offer, James.
No.
No, no, no.
No, no.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Help me. Help me.
-Just calm down.
-Help me.
RUSSO: It's okay. It's over.
(CROWD GASPING)
10-32 in the witness
viewing room.
Relax.
-RUSSO: Put the w*apon down.
-He won't let me!
RUSSO: Put the w*apon down,
doctor. Put it down.
He won't let me!
-RUSSO: Who won't let you?
-Him.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Come on, doc.
It's been a long day.
Just give the detective
his g*n back
-and we'll all go home.
-I was wrong.
MOSS: Stay back. Stay back.
Give him room. Give him room.
I was wrong about everything.
-Take it easy.
-I was wrong about everything.
MOSS: Stop. Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
You don't want to do that,
doc. Come on. Doc.
God...
...help me.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)
Please...
(g*n CLICKS)
-(g*n CLICKS)
-Get him! Get him!
-(g*n CLICKS)
-MOSS: Grab the g*n!
Grab the g*n!
Secure it. Secure the g*n.
GUARD: I got the g*n.
We got him.
Pin him down. Keep him down.
Keep him down!
Hold him down.
(VOICES FADE)
In five, four, three...
So, today a conversation
that I didn't think
would ever happen
especially with
our next guest.
-It is Dr. James Martin.
-Thanks, Glenn.
-Appreciate having me on.
-You're welcome.
So, you were the, the shrink,
you were the board-certified
psychiatrist
that actually
attended the execution
of Edward Wayne Brady.
-Yes. That's correct.
-You were there, um...
And it's because of
your determination
that he was finally ex*cuted.
My determination of his sanity
was the last step,
so to speak,
in the chain of events
that led to him
being ex*cuted.
Um, and now... (CHUCKLES)
You've written a book.
Well, actually, um...
Actually, Mr. Brady,
or more correctly, the entity
claiming to inhabit Mr. Brady
wrote the initial manuscript.
I read that, and my first
thought was, "entity"?
(JAMES CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Mr. Brady told me that
he was possessed by a demon.
You're a psychiatrist.
Did you believe him
at the time?
No.
But...
I believe him now.
So what changed?
The fact that
for a brief time,
the entity inhabited
me as well.
And again this "entity."
I mean, I can hear
Christians say, um, yeah.
"Entity. Fallen spirit.
Unclean spirit. Demon."
That's what he claimed to be.
Uh, so...
Let me go here.
You were in the witness room.
And you tried
to commit su1c1de.
It wasn't my choice.
See, uh, at that moment...
(SMACKS LIPS)
I was...
I was overtaken by an entity
so malevolent,
so powerful, so evil, that...
that words can't describe it.
I had control of my mind,
but the entity had
control of my body.
And so, against my will...
I grabbed
the detective's sidearm,
put the muzzle under my chin
and pulled the trigger.
But...
it didn't fire.
So, how do you explain that?
I... I can't.
Um...
According to
the ballistics team,
I pulled the trigger
three times.
And they could tell
because there were
three separate and distinct
strike imprints
from the f*ring pin on
the back of the shell casing.
And then when they attempted
in the ballistics lab later,
the fire, the same g*n,
same cartridges...
It worked just fine.
A believer,
not a psychiatrist,
a man of science,
but a believer would say
you had an encounter.
Divine or demonic,
you had an encounter.
-Yeah.
-So why would this demonic
entity want you dead?
Punishment.
For not doing what he wanted.
So... (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
You are a complex kind of guy.
I mean, what happens
to an atheist,
uh, that is confronted
by demonic evil?
It shatters you.
And yet the same demon
that shatters you...
wrote a book, and you're here,
-and you wanted it published.
-Yes.
Well, no. I...
He wanted it written
as an invitation
to follow his master
into the darkness,
but I...
I rewrote it.
I rewrote it as a warning.
Revealing his plan
and begging people
not to go along with it.
So you're not
still doing his will?
No. Absolutely not.
Just logically, do you think
that's gonna work?
Do you think anybody
would believe you?
Only time will tell.
I mean, you,
do you believe you?
I mean, do you?
Are you a believer?
I don't know
if I'd go that far.
I mean, I suppose
I just have trouble
still accepting
the idea that, um...
I don't know.
You will. You'll get there.
You seem pretty sure of that.
Um, because you are
a logical person.
You're asking
logical questions.
Let me take you
a step further.
You are uniquely
qualified as somebody
who can delineate between
mental illness and possession.
I mean... (CHUCKLES)
At least if you're any good.
I mean, assuming you're good.
Are you good?
I'd like to think so.
I'm guessing you are.
Despite the demon's
last words to you,
which I'm gonna butcher,
but they are...
(SPEAKING ARAMAIC)
"Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin."
(IN ENGLISH) "You've been
weighed in the balance
"and found wanting."
You know, um...
looking back, I, um...
I don't believe he was
just talking about me.
I think he was talking
about all of us.
There's a great battle
going on.
Whether we realize it or not.
The battle between
good and evil.
And... we're all participants.
Willing or not.
So I believe that,
but that is amazing
to hear from a non-believer.
Um... Thank you.
Thank you.
We've been talking
to Dr. James Martin.
He is the author of
the new book,
A Nefarious Plot.
You can find it wherever
books are sold.
-Thanks, doc.
-Thank you.
-Great interview, doc.
-Thanks so much.
(GATE SHUTS)
Here you go.
Hello, James.
NEFARIOUS' VOICE: Miss me?
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(NEFARIOUS LAUGHING)
(NEFARIOUS SPEAKING
ANCIENT LANGUAGE)
Nefarious (2023)
Moderator: Maskath3