Episode Four

- Boyage. - Last resort contains adult themes and language. Listener discretion is advised. - Hey, any of you gauntlet public servants want to tell me what time it is?

How long have I been here? I know my rights, okay?

“And I think I've been pretty fucking accommodating”

when you consider that-- - Please sit. - Where's my coke?

- Have you always had a temper, Nicky?

- I don't know what you're talking about. - I'm just gonna shame in it. We all get mad sometimes, especially when someone's heart and people we care about. - Okay, whatever Michelle's telling you,

she's got her own agenda. You figured that out, right? - This doesn't concern Mr. Gubian. I'm interested in what you might call a pattern of behavior. - Careful.

You're about to double standard yourself to some trouble, detective. - We looked up your folks. Thought they might be worried. Mother dad two years ago, cancer.

Father wasn't in the picture at all.

“Just a big black hole, where his name ought to be,”

but your stepfather, though.

- Also dead. - Sorry for your loss. - Thanks. - Original cover. Shot in the face with a colpotha double action revolver.

- Don't see those around much anymore. - He was... - Cleaning. Cleaning. - What's that?

- He was cleaning it. And it went off. - And you found him? - Yep. - My must've been hard.

- It was no puppy party. - Still, I noticed that no one called 911 until your mother got home. Some two hours later, is that right? - Over 16.

I mean, it's all there. - Shock, mental distress. I get it. I do. It's just...

- Just what?

“- Seems like a long time to sit there, you know?”

- I didn't sit there. I went outside. - Outside the trailer. - And I had a smoke. And I guess I thought about things,

but who knows what they were, because all I could see was that hole in Rick, and my stepfather's face, and the blood, and the way his body lay on the floor,

like he'd been tackled by a grizzly bear, and a smell of sulfur in that stupid dank room. - And I couldn't go back in there, okay? Not for anything. - Says here, old Reggie was abusive.

- He could be. - Well, he broke fob bones in your mother's left hand with a baseball bat. Doesn't get much worse than that. - He was a shit.

Did he deserve to die? Maybe. But we don't get to decide those things, do we?

- Is that why you never talk about him?

- What? - On my feed, don't tell me you've watched those. - A few. - I don't talk about my family, because no one wants to hear it.

- So Heather, Finklestein wasn't the first dead person you've seen. - No. - What happened when you found her? - I didn't know what to think. Fillis said she'd gone home.

- But that's when I knew if something was wrong. Really wrong with all of us. - How so? - There were pieces missing. You know when you wake up from a dream

and you've forgotten what it was about, but the feeling lingers, like it's not attached to anything concrete, but the dream is still kicking around inside you. Making you

do things. - What kind of things? - I still want to help you, Nicky,

Time is not on our side.

- Will you promise me something?

- Sure. - Let me shall go. She's innocent. Let her go. And I'll tell you everything I remember

about what happened next. - Episode four, by Sense and by Faith. (birds chirping) In, and out. Thank you all for being on time this morning.

It really makes a difference. - Where's Heather? Has anyone seen her? - Nope. - I'm afraid I have some disappointing news.

Heather decided to go home.

- When? - She left very early this morning before any of you were awake. I chartered a special ferry for her. - She didn't say anything to me.

- Why would she, Dean? - No reason.

“- The truth is, Heather was in a difficult place in her life.”

I tried to unblock her, but she couldn't let go of her obligations, her distrust, her old flawed story. It was consuming her. - I only hope she'll be able to find peace

out there among all that sickness. Now then, how did your workshops go? - Kwame and Alvaro, I noticed you made headway. - I guess so. I mean, we weren't sure where we should did.

- How did you decide? - We just picked a spot, but it seemed right, didn't it? - Yes, we both agreed. - Like once we started, we couldn't stop. Not until we finished.

- And how did you know you were finished? - Well, we dug four homes about three feet deep and a shallow trench connecting them. - A big circle. - Yes, as wide as the clearing.

- And why that shape? - I'm not sure. - Remarkable. Isn't that remarkable?

“Talk about people who understood the assignment.”

They let themselves be guided by sense and by faith, their bodies commanded them to dig in that place in that way and there was no argument about it. - Well, what's it for?

- It's for them, for you, Susan, for all of us. Some things have value beyond what you can use them for. - Ah, it's done exactly something you can prove is that when a universe isn't about proof, it's about being and listening.

Humans are baptized and sound. We're hard-wired for it.

The inner ear is the first sense organ we develop

floating in the echo chamber of our mother's womb and the auditory nerve connects to every other organ and the body, each with its own resonant frequency. So when I say, be careful what you listen to, I mean it quite literally.

Sound will shape you. Sound will harness your true power

“and bring you face-to-face with the energizing spirit”

of the cosmos. Sound will save you, my friends, because we're not here to wade through the sonic sludge of our satellite radios and our TVs and our social media feeds.

We're here to synchronize and to evolve. Nicky, let's go on. I'm right here, talk to me. Nothing, something, I can't. OK, here are your headphones.

I adjust for you. I understand. Tell me what you hear. My mother, good. What'd you say?

Yes, she's-- Yes, yes, yes. Nicky, what's your mother's name? She's-- she's blaming me for what? For killing him.

Who? Who did you kill, honey? My stepmother. He pulled a gun on me, an old revolver

I'd seen him load it.

“I knew what it felt like, how sensitive the trigger was.”

And I knew he had weak wrists and a fatal over confidence

in his grip pressure. So I turned it on him, and I shot him, and I'd do it again if I could. I'd do it again. The headphones are coming off now.

You're here with us. Shit. How do you feel? I feel good. Yes?

Better than good. Fucking fantastic. That was a very brave. Thank you, Nicky. Thank you for taking the next step.

I want this for all of you. You're on the threshold.

A bigger world is opening up, but your will

is standing in the way like a security guard. You need to retire that guy. Let him sit down and rest his feet. He's not serving you anymore. I'm starting to grasp the full import

of those confidentiality agreements. Hey, Susan, wait up. Where you headed?

“I'm headed to the C-shore where I expect”

to be pummeled with vitamin D like a hydrangea. What about the birds? What about them? We need to keep tabs on those little fuckers find out where they're going.

Eavesdrop on all the juicy bird gossip. You've got that handle. Come on, ginger ale's on me tonight. Can't. Why?

Is it about what I shared? I've already forgotten it. Full shed, niki. I like you.

I always tell people when I like them because it saves time,

but I don't know what to do with that. I mean you. I solved a problem. Yeah. And now it's my problem.

How so? I'm incriminated. We all are.

“And we get to walk around with this secret of yours”

for the rest of our natural life. Thanks for the support, Susan. Listen, there's something dangerously weird about this place. Alvaro and Kwame digging ditches like methout zombies, Heather's headaches that janky sound machine.

I get it. You're jealous. What? You can't stand a CS thrive. That's what we came for, isn't it?

Sure, some of the exercises might be a little whatever, and Jonah gives serious stalker vibes. But I really do feel better than I have in months. Year is actually. You might want to give it a try.

The thing is, I can't afford to take any chances right now. Well, that's supposed to mean. It means-- it means I'm pregnant eight weeks. Congrats, Susan.

That's wonderful. It's a Hail Mary, a very expensive Hail Mary and an excuse to do something right. But if it doesn't work out, it's not going to be because I fucked up. I think you're overreacting.

Take these earplugs. I have another pair. No, that's not where them for a few hours. See if you feel any different. If you don't.

Great. If you too, consider why. I should get going. You were smart girl Nikki, act like it. Yeah?

It's Jonah. Oh, hey, is it time for dinner? What? I said it's a time for dinner. Maybe you could turn this down a little.

Sorry, hey, Ross. Yes, Dean. Pause music. Helps me concentrate. It seems to be working.

He's made remarkable progress here. Not bad, right? I'd say I'm three quarters done. And here's the crazy thing. I had no idea how to make a net before yesterday.

Like none. The technique just came to me. Well, it's too bad your partner couldn't help.

I'm sure she's fine if he airport by now, probably. I don't suppose you have our number.

“We're not really supposed to give out that info,”

but you could call her gallery once you're back in the mainland. Sure. Sure. Los Angeles, you know? I'll leave you to it.

Hey, Jonah, yeah, did Heather ever talk about me? I don't think so. Why? I just-- I feel like I'm running out of road.

You've got filis, and that's great. You guys are in sync. But I've never had that.

I always went for the lust, which has its charms.

Don't get me wrong. These days, though, I spend most of my time looking at clocks, or trying not to look at them. The next minute used to be about promise, expectation. The end was just something people wrote about.

Anyway, I'm-- Ah, Dean? My head. It's-- It's OK.

Must be the weather. Do you want something to drink? No. What I want is to know how you did it. Did what?

Found the right girl, Einstein. It's more accurate to say, she found me. I mean, we met at a silent meditation retreat, so we didn't say a word to each other for 10 days. She was watching me.

I didn't know why. Maybe because I didn't fit in. I kept pulling the volunteers aside and asking for things, which is a great distraction, a way of avoiding what I'd come there to do.

What were you there to do? More than my mother. Well, mostly I was there to get away from people, all the sad invites, and sorry for your losses. The last thing I expected was Phyllis.

She came up to me on the final day and said buckle up because you're about to fall in love. That does not explain how we stick together, though. I'm not sure I can't explain it. She was sick for a while.

Then she got better. I did what I could, I guess.

“I guess the answer is you have to be willing to bleed for someone.”

I've never bled for anyone, I just listened to songs about it.

This power cord isn't going to tie itself. There's a boat. What? A dinghy with an upward motor about a half a mile down shore. OK.

You could fight Heather. Catch her before her flight. But she's-- No, that's crazy. What's crazy?

So being here, making a giant net in a draft-y old barn or looking for the woman who might be the answer to everything? Is there a ferry? Not to tomorrow. If you leave now, you'll beat the storm.

Just don't tell anyone. Just pack and go. Fuck. Jonah, you're right. I know I am.

I don't even care what she says.

I mean, of course I care. But that's not the point.

“I'm going to rom-com this shit straight to the finish.”

That are hurry, then. Nice. And thank you, wife. Oh, and tell her there's an anomaly. What?

In a sound she played us. It's underneath a tone, like more scot or something. Ros. Yes, Jonah? Delete the last three minutes of my conversation

with Mr. Rusk from your long-term memory, please. Yes, Jonah. Hello, Michelle. She picked up. I can hardly believe it after how many messages.

Nikki Delgado answers her own phone, guys. Sorry. I just wanted everyone in this right age to know what a down-to-earth basic bit you are. Even though you still can't call me MJ.

I'm glad you reached out. Are you? Because I was starting to think you'd forgotten something important. I didn't forget. You asked for five days.

I gave you three, which means that-- How are you? [LAUGHS] Really? You're going to play that card?

I'm not playing. I want to know. Well, I'd be a lot better if someone honored their promises. Are you dating?

And no, I'm fucking great. You know him, actually. He's about to sign a deal with Prada. Delmer? He's attentive when he concentrates,

which is about half the time. But I don't need to tell you, huh?

No. No. I slept with Bridget. Who was Bridget? She was the barista who used to comp us on Sundays.

Short, chesty.

Always asking if I'd wear one of her cheap,

box-chain necklaces. You-- when? Couple of months before we broke up. But it was more than once. Of course it was.

Of course it was you, horror.

“I'm telling you so that everything's on the table, OK?”

You think that fixes it? It made you relying on us all sunshine and unicorn come? You can't treat people like this. I'm sorry. That's who I was.

Not who I am. I can't be jerked around like this. I'm going to have a baby with you. Michelle? Michelle?

Michelle. Why? Bridget, the barista.

Because she could have been me, I guess.

In some parallel universe, I'm because I figured I could get away with it. Anyway, you were right. In the larger scheme, you were right. Yay, me. One more is a good guy.

I'm happy for you. You found different. This place-- I can't describe it. Phyllis is amazing. She's our host, her and her husband.

“They've helped me come to terms with some things.”

OK, well, it's still going to cost you. I want double-- 20,000. I can't do that. Yeah, but you will. No.

It's over. It's over when I say it's over. I'm not giving you any more money. We're talking about your career, Nick. More than that, you'll do time.

I might. That means nothing to you. Phyllis told a story the first night we were here. I didn't understand it then. But I do now.

I trust you to make the right decision. Oh, what are going on? Nothing. Nick, this is stupid. Let's-- can we get together with your home?

I am home, Michelle. [MUSIC PLAYING] Glue by a div chunk. Shut up, mother.

You'll never be rid of me.

“And you'll never be rid of this girl if you don't do something.”

Like what? Like what do you think? She has big mouth. And you are not so trusting as you want to believe. You don't understand.

Oh, I understand. You are making it worse. And worse, Nikola. And one way or another, you will pay the price. I've been paying.

That's what you think. [MUSIC PLAYING] Anyone sitting here? Not yet. It's really coming down.

It did side to my to float. Should we go out there? See if they have a tarp or something. Feel this little snow. Guess what I found?

A coin. Look at the date. 1653. Pretty cool, right? This was in the ground.

I almost missed it, dude. But it's got to be worth something. Collectors pay mint for this stuff. Well, you need to show it to fill us. Why?

It's highlighted. And my ancestors, hello, Spanish colonists. Still. You know, they probably kept slaves here in the 1850s or whatever.

Are you going to tell me that if you found some pottery or some little wooden doll, you'd just fork it over like it was nothing? My parents are from Nigeria. Come on, Kwame.

That's-- You're making assumptions. And I don't appreciate this lack of historical considers. I hope you gentlemen are hungry. Starting.

Smells great. Ew. My own recipe. Heather was allergic, but she's gone.

Really?

It's tiny, hardly worth mentioning.

Can I see?

“People might poems about the sort of thing.”

Is that what you're going to do, Alvaro? Right, an ode. Probably not. You attracted it. So you should keep it.

Sorry, I-- I got it. Thanks, Phyllis. I can't find Dean. He's not in his cabin.

First place I checked. Ross? Yes, Phyllis. Locate, Dean Rossk. I'm sorry, Mr. Rossk doesn't seem to be on the property.

What about the dog? The storm has affected my outdoor cameras. I guess you better go look for him. Out there?

We're responsible for the safety of all our guests, Jonah.

Take a flashlight and the walkie. OK. Ladies. Where's he going? Oh, just collecting stragglers.

Have a seat, please. We'll be starting soon. Can you pass the water?

“You are spying on Rossk yesterday, won't you?”

They were. It was my idea. Susan had nothing to do with it. True. What did you learn?

Learn? Yes. You went to all that trouble. I hope it was worth it. It wasn't.

He is testing you in the corner. Quiet. Excuse me? They are all testing you. And you are failing.

I'm going to see if Phyllis needs a hand. Nikki, can you clear the picture? What the fuck is that doing here? You were brought to Ecos for a reason. All of you.

This amplifier was built to do exactly that. Amplify you to enhance your best qualities to heal your pain. We are so close to unlocking the true essence of what I'm going to stop you right there, Phyllis.

“Susan, I'm not trying to be mercenaries.”

I've heard enough. Really? I admire your commitment and your, exuberance. It's been quite a ride.

But I'm going to have to pass on the investment. Are you now? My mind's made up. It's just not a good time. So if you could flag down one of those toxic barges

for me, I'll be on my way. Come on. Yes, Turner. [INAUDIBLE] If we're trying to crash on the rocks, over it.

What about Dean, over? No sign, over. OK. Come on back, Connie. We'll figure it out from here.

Out. Well, that's that. No one's going anywhere tonight. Shouldn't we help? I'll go.

You guys stay. Sit. I'm not losing any more of you. I need you to make this work. Susan, you were going to be my greatest triumph.

How special it would have been for you.

Beautiful, powerful, egocentric you to have

recognize the gift I'm offering and surrendered to it. But sometimes we need a little yank. Nikki? What the hell? You've been naughty, Susan.

Sliping those earplugs in when no one's looking. Get off me, Nick. I'm sorry. But you have to feel what we feel. Both of you.

Funny quame, all of a row. Let's follow the best. Trust us. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Don't fight, let it enter you.

Fucking traitorous bitch. Oh, no. Oh. Oh. Oh.

Kill us. Stop. It's too strong. I can't. I can't.

Re-time. I can't reach the dial. What? Get your helmet. Put all power to the me and house.

Are you sure you want to do that? Yes. Susan? What? I'm bleeding.

Down there. Why am I bleeding down there? Last resort, produced by Nerf Tank Media, written and created by Chance Mielek,

Featuring Jennifer O'Donnell, Jessica Blank, Eric Jensen, Robin Kurtz, George Sheffy, Ashley

“Atkinson, Jennifer Lane Williams, Jason Howard, Michael Luoya, Adam Irrigoyan, Adrienne D.”

Williams, Dio Oletokun, Lisa Bosner, Will Manning, and Erin Crone, Sound Design and

Mix by David Tata-Shore, Music by Chad Rains, recorded at Silver Sound Studio in New York City.