Original subtitles

NARRATOR: In the city of Betaville, in the near future,

the technology we developed confronts us.

The science we created seduces us.

But will our dreams of tomorrow be turn into a nightmare?

Welcome to Paradox.

[theme music]

Be careful what you wish for.

Nothing is impossible anymore.

In Betaville, society has come up with a new way

to deal with criminals.

A prison without walls.

The new deterrent is a computer chip.

But the chip and its champion are

about to be put to the ultimate test

by a new inmate who refuses to give up

his most precious possession--

his free will.

[punching]

[grunting]

[weapon firing]

That's good VR right there, man.

That almost looks real.

It was real.

You've been on a desert island or something?

Yeah, baby, and I'm rested and ready.

The only place you can find VR these

days is in an over '90s club.

Look, man, I've been in the joint too long.

I've got a lot of catching up to do.

Listen, when you bust out of prison, even though, security,

they watch for you. That's what they do.

Cops are kind of funny that way.

That's right.

That's their job.

[laughing]

Come on.

No!

Now, that's real.

Oh, come on.

What are you nuts?

It just got quiet enough around here for you

to be back in town.

Come on, Revell.

Let me handle this.

Excuse me.

Did he do that to you?

Why don't you save yourself some trouble.

Go back to your friend.

You had something you wanted to say to me?

Yeah, I was gonna say, maybe you been plugging

so many feelies into your head that you forgot

real people feel real things.

Oh, the sensitive type.

Two-timing me, sweet cakes?

A cop.

You're right. Three's a crowd.

My mistake.

Hey, you, show me some identification.

Real slow.

Yeah, just like grown-ups.

COP: [grunts]

[thud]

COLE: [grunts]

Revell!

Hey, leave him alone.

He's got nothing to do with this.

[inaudible],, it looks like we got a real hero.

Let's book them both.

REVELL: Cole.

What the hell did they do to him?

DOCTOR: Revell.

Sit down, please.

[groans]

[yelling]

What did they do to us in there?

My throat's kind of closing up.

I don't know.

There's no walls here.

And these guards, what's with them?

They seem kind of polite.

This place is a summer camp.

I'm out of here.

Rec director.

They're ready just in time for you.

You can track their adjustment from the beginning.

I give you complete access.

I'll take it.

That's very obliging of you, Warden.

This facility represents the future of prisons, Miss Klein.

From its reduced cost to the profound psychological impact

on its inmates, I want the Betaville

council to learn everything there

is to know about Clearwood.

That's why I welcome your assessment.

So you believe your methods actually

encourage rehabilitation?

Put the walls inside the prisoner,

before long he begins to make them his own.

KLEIN: When can I start my evaluation?

WARDEN: As soon as they're settled.

Why not bright and early in the morning, how does that sound?

KLEIN: Excellent.

There's one other thing I'm curious about, Warden,

if you don't mind my asking.

Please.

What drives a man to make the devising of new penal systems

his life's work?

Sometimes a system is best defined by the character

of its creator.

Human society is like a child, Miss Klein.

It thrives when it knows what the limits are.

There are those of us who believe that enough to devise

and impose those limits.

[beeping]

[beeping]

I'm Revell.

Yeah, I've heard.

Heard?

Three time loser gets his friend sent up

with him 'cause of his mouth.

Oh, that's what the welcome wagon was doing out there.

What is this anyway?

[droning hum]

You'll learn.

GUARD: Locking down the library.

OK, so what we do is we lease this plane, right.

Make the whole passenger area into this nice, pink boudoir,

right.

Start selling package deals.

You know, take your own personal flight across the desert

with your own private sweetheart.

I provide that, of course, you know.

Everything took off until it got to the point--

Until you run for president and get elected?

Did you decide to serve from the joint?

Oh, this guy's a comedian.

You know you're a natural, man.

Ah, forget him.

I got a little hand-ball action going on in the yard.

Bam! You in?

Well, I'm out of here.

What do you mean you can't do it?

I can't help you if you're gonna lie to me.

This is my last shot.

I'm aware of that, Judah.

That's why you've got to sit here and try

to remember every detail.

There's nothing going on out here.

What are you talking about? COLE: That's just it.

There is no action.

There's no bets, no smokes, nothing.

Everything's by the book.

Something ain't right and nobody's saying what it is.

Nobody told you what's going on around here?

Yeah, some kind of biochip they put in everybody

in the back of your throat.

Yeah, but it sends connections up to your brain.

This guy downstairs on the block he tells me,

if you stay in the yard you're fine,

but they got this machine up there

on the tower that scrambles whatever the thing does.

So if you try crossing this line of posts,

you find out real quick what it's gonna do to you.

You know that hard-ass cellmate of yours?

He tried to make a run for it.

He ended up in the hospital for six months

with nerve and muscle damage.

He got brain damaged too.

I think that's the plan here.

Well, I ain't scared.

Let's keep checking.

All right.

See you later.

GUARD: You're not the first one to think about it.

You couldn't tell with all these sheep.

They don't need to see another failure, Revell.

How do you know my name?

The warden always tells us about the new arrivals.

He fills us in on what to expect.

I'm Franklin.

No handshakes.

The warden says so we can't pass contraband.

I say so we don't feel like human beings.

What do you think you are, the local charity?

[inaudible] we can deal with this together.

Some of us petitioned the District government

claiming the implants constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

It took a lot of time for an inspector to come out, but--

Look, Franklin, I'm really happy for you

and I hope you have a nice meeting.

[grunts]

Are you looking for me?

What?

You think she's not?

[laughter]

What?

You just don't know who I am, that's all.

[snaps]

[beeping]

[groaning]

Do you want some too?

I'm sorry about that, Miss Klein.

Is that really necessary?

[sighs]

The new ones have to learn.

That's barely a taste.

This is Inspector Sarah Klein of the District government.

Some of you were petitioning for a government

review of our methods.

That's what she's here for.Miss Klein.

The warden has assured me that you--

INMATE: We can't hear you.

--about your experiences here with

no fear of any consequences.

I-- I would just like to encourage you to do so.

I have several points I'd like to make

with the inspector, Warden.

I expect you would, Franklin.

You'll get your chance.

Anything to add, Miss Klein?

No.

I think I'll just start to have a look around.

You.

Bring him to my office, please.

Burglary one.

Aggravated assault.

That guy had it coming.

Grand theft auto.

Either that or get shot.

Resisting arrest twice and your escape from the state pen

over at Betaville.

Yeah.

Getting locked up, that's the worst crime of them all.

And finally, assault on a federal law

enforcement officer.

If I had to custom make an inmate for Clearwood,

I couldn't have done a better job.

Yeah, we aim to please.

If you ever even dream of intervening

in another prisoner's punishment again,

I'll throw you in the box so fast you'll think

you died and went the hell.

Do you understand me?

The box?

Is that like the hole?

[chuckles]

I thought you were into a more advanced approach here, Warden.

It's diverse.

The guard said you were standing at the perimeter looking things

over.

A nice, open field.

It soothes the soul.

I thought so too.

That's why I put the garden there.

Go ahead, make a run for it.

Test things out.

It's been a while since anyone was that stupid,

and the other inmates can always use a reminder.

INMATE: [yelling]

Hey, Meggs, you awake?

What's it like, man?

What?

When you walked, what happened?

I'm here, aren't I?

I mean, was it--

was it just the pain?

It's better.

And let me know when so I can watch.

[grunting]

Hey, I got a booze connection.

Cigarettes, a month's time, the guards will be setting

us up Saturday night's shakers.

That's nice, Cole.

That's real nice.

Like you plan on staying here.

Don't do it.

Come with me.

I can't.

Nobody can.

This place is a bomb with no where to blow.

Yeah, but they're gonna drag your body back here for more.

You heard when he said. That was just a little taste.

Cole, they make dreams out there in the world

with their machines, then they put

them in you like they're yours.

Talk about holograms that look, touch, and feel real.

Now they're trying to put them inside your head?

Ha.

The only thing left that's real is what you got inside,

and I ain't about to let them take that from me.

[thumping]

[whistles]

[grunting]

[scream]

[scream]

What'd you do to me?

Something for the pain.

Not that, before.

When you pulled me off the yard.

Bio chip fuses with the nervous system.

If it's set off, readjustments have to be made,

or there's a risk of permanent damage.

Yeah, no kidding.

Activate the chip, and the intensity ratchets up.

It gets to know you a little bit better.

The more you try to escape, the better it knows you--

and knows how to stop you.

Like a woman.

Even if by some miracle you'd have gotten across that field,

you'd have never made it.

I'd have got somebody to take it out.

That chip can't be removed without killing you.

What about when I get out of here?

Oh, we deactivate it--

until the next time.

REVELL: This warden had one tormented childhood,

I can tell you that.

Maybe you should start to take your situation a little more

seriously, Mr. Revell.

You know, that's what my first, second, and third wives

said.

Why did you do it?

And why did you walk?

Didn't you believe the chip would

do what they said it would?

Let me ask you something.

What is a beautiful woman like you doing in a place like this?

Well, maybe a device that controls you from the inside

is exactly what you need.

What, like a conscience?

Something like that, yeah.

Who are you to be handing them out?

I have a conscience.

If you did, you wouldn't need one of ours.

I don't need one.

I just need a stiff drink and a woman

that don't ask any questions.

You know any of them?

We'll talk again before I go to see how you're getting on.

Hey, wait up, man.

Wait a minute.

OK, look, when I was 15, I used to sell

tickets in the Feely district.

Nothing but zombies coming in there all day.

Why are you telling me all this?

Because I said I'd blow my brains out

before I let myself become like one of them zombies.

And I haven't changed my mind.

Does this usually win women's sympathies in your experience?

Yeah, usually does.

The world needs places like this for people like you.

We simply extend the jammer's range at gardening time.

Messages, self-control, useful endeavor, discipline

create beauty.

Both sides of the coin have to be learned and embraced.

I intend to see this entire garden in bloom.

The same garden that threatens them?

Exactly.

Depending on one's approach, the garden that terrifies--

blooms.

I want to make that part of all these inmates,

so that one day they can leave here as free men.

With chips in their head.

Before you feel yourself troubled

by misplaced sympathies, Ms. Klein,

remember the kind of men we're dealing with here.

Difficult problems require difficult solutions.

This gardening work fosters a spirit of cooperation.

You're pretty cold.

Had the whole yard betting on how far you'd make it.

I wouldn't expect any different.

Sorry to hear that.

Different kind of [inaudible] I'm used to, I guess.

I got him in here, might as well make something off him.

Well, he did.

So did everybody else who didn't think you'd last 30 yards.

Surprised he had anybody to bet against.

You never know what a man is capable of by how he looks.

Always somebody willing to take the long odds.

Save your breath.

What?

Being bet on like a damn animal, that really do it for you?

Man, all the appeals and petitions in the world

ain't going to get these things out of our heads.

So go on and plant the wardens plant.

[music playing]

Cole, I need to talk to you for a second.

How about later?

I'm on a bit of a roll here.

Relax, man, this is right up your alley, man.

It's only going to take a second.

I fold.

Hey, it's counted.

I'm coming back.

You bet against me, didn't you?

Yeah.

You make like you're gonna kill yourself, I gotta move on.

How'd you like to really kick some ass?

I'd rather get some than kick some.

With enough cash, that too.

What are you talking about?

I'm walking again.

Oh, that thing make you stupid, too?

What kind of odds you think you can

get on me since the last time.

A million to one.

Only, who's gonna bet on you?

You.

What, like a big staircase is gonna come down out of the sky

and carry you away?

You haven't been listening.

This is it.

Nobody makes it out there.

Nobody.

How long you been knowing me?

Long time.

OK, this is what I'm gonna do.

I get myself hurt.

I lift some pain killer from the clinic.

I know I can make it half way to the road.

That's all you've got to believe-- half way.

You take the long shot.

We kill them.

Make them cry.

I know I can do it.

You don't want to make it all the way?

Listen, I can't do what I can't do.

Then for what?

Come on, Cole, take this chip stuff too seriously,

it's gonna kill you for sure.

COLE: Man.

Hey, Revell.

Makes you crazy the second time out.

Busts you right open.

How do you think I know.

I'm looking forward to it.

[music playing]

INMATE 1: 20 he don't make it.

INMATE 2: 12 on Revell.

Yeah.

INMATE 3: 50 against Revell.

Hey, Revell, so when's it gonna be?

I'm gonna surprise you guys.

A couple of the boys are starting to take the long odds.

You think you can do this?

Look, my lips are sealed, man.

I'm not trying to influence.

Revell, you realize not one of them

is thinking about what this is gonna do to you?

What the hell, Cole, put me down for 10 on the wild man.

All right.

Something I want you to get for me, all right?

We're closed.

Make you think you can cover me, boy?

You don't know nothing about this.

Come on, get off me.

Come on, what's up.

What's up.

Man.

You've been in jail too long, partner.

You don't know nothing about this.

Man.

Didn't I tell you to get back?

[grunts]

[music playing]

You don't think the hot shot is gonna get

himself some medicine, do you?

I don't know what you're talking about.

If old Franklin only knew what he just did.

What are you going to do with all the cash, anyway?

Get yourself a little painkiller from the clinic?

Lucky guess.

Doc's a friend of mine.

We've both been here since the beginning.

He knew?

He's a con.

Chip and everything.

He works for the warden?

He's working off his time.

Just like Franklin.

Just like me.

You know what's going to happen after?

After they all see what's left of you.

They're gonna crawl back into their holes.

You're gonna make everybody feel just a little bit smaller.

Meggs, you breakin' my heart.

Big stones don't mean much when you're dead.

We would've spoken sooner, Franklin,

but I wanted to observe the facility objectively,

and come to my own conclusions.

That mean you already have?

I have to tell you, I've never seen a better run facility.

At what cost?

None.

If the men abide by the rules like the rest of us,

I fail to see a problem here.

Men aren't men any more with these devices

planted in their heads.

And they never can be again.

They can still leave prison and become

productive members of society.

Like dogs trained with electrical shocks.

Where do you think this ends?

With prisoners?

How about anybody who doesn't act just right?

What would you do?

Some of these guys are hopeless.

But the rest of them, they need to see

there's more to life than how hard you are,

or how easy you are to train.

Show them!

Society just might get as much out of it as they do.

[music playing]

[cracking]

Unfortunately, reality doesn't quite measure up to your ideal.

It was my understanding you were going

to visit the prison over the course of several weeks

before making up your mind.

I'm just staying a few days to implement the warden's approach

throughout the district.

What would make you do something like that?

For example, this man Revell, a man

completely lacking in remorse, lacking in any sense of--

of what behavior is and isn't appropriate.

[music playing]

Take your medicine?

Get rid of the evidence?

- Flushed. - All right.

I'm ready when you are.

You-- you say a man isn't a man with one

of these devices inside of him.

After speaking with this Revell, I have to ask myself--

is he a man without one?

Get up, you son of a bitch.

You barely got started.

Take it easy.

He ain't done yet.

[grunting]

[cheering]

[cheering]

Aren't you going to stop this?

Wait until he's finished.

You look upset, Franklin.

Anticipating the consequences?

You're gonna have to kill this one to stop him.

And he doesn't even know why.

He's like something wild.

Ms. Klein, do you really want to destroy that?

[cheering]

Now, put him in the box where everybody can see him.

And leave him there.

[music playing]

Get this thing out of me!

There he is, gentlemen--

your hero.

No one speaks to him.

No one brings him anything to eat or drink.

Do I make myself clear?

He'll have a good long time to think about it.

So will you.

That's it?

That's the box?

No, man, the box is in his head.

[music playing]

[banging]

[metal thud]

[coughing]

I haven't heard a sound out of him in a week.

The warden's just gonna leave him in there to die?

MEGGS: He'll let him out before then.

How do you know?

More useful to him alive.

I never should have listened to his crazy ass scheme.

[music playing]

Revell.

You in there, buddy?

REVELL: Who's that?

It's me, Franklin.

I brought some water for you.

Get out of here, man.

They'll put you in here, too.

Come on, Revell.

Take the water, please.

Back off.

You don't want to get mixed up in that.

You remember what I told you, Revell.

We're all in this together.

Hey, Franklin, get over here!

Remember, Revell.

Franklin.

What the hell is he doing?

Stay where you are.

REVELL: Don't do it, man!

Nobody makes a move!

Come back, man!

Don't do it!

Well, he's dead.

Weak heart.

Now, why would a man like Franklin

pull a stunt like that, hm?

As if you care.

Well, never mind.

I wanted to thank you, you see.

Franklin was a real pain in my ass.

We'll be seeing a lot more each other over the next 10 years.

Mr. Meggs, keep a special eye on our friend here for me,

will you?

Yes, sir.

Good.

Ms. Klein.

He knew.

What?

Franklin.

He knew all about his heart.

That's why he never tried getting out.

Just spent all his time trying to get the rest of us out.

Why'd he just try now?

You really don't know?

To make what you did mean something.

Poor sucker never did get what he was after.

I've completed my review, Mr. Revell.

I must say, it's been a very interesting stay.

I'm glad you had a nice time.

Goodbye.

I did want to speak with you again before I left,

as I said I would.

Haven't you milked this thing enough already?

Milked what?

Come on, give me a break.

I was pay dirt for you.

Make your little job nice and easy--

all your little tough decisions.

Too bad Franklin had to come along and complicate things.

But I'm sure you'll get through that, won't you?

Franklin saw things a little differently than you.

Even believed he could change someone like you.

Now, thanks to you, the idea of any resistance

is crushed completely.

The warden wins, hands down.

Do you have any feelings about that?

Wait a minute, you brought me in here to ask me that?

I suppose I did.

I don't feel a damn thing.

Do you?

Well then, I won't waste any more of your time.

No shaking hands with the animals.

They'll do this to every joint in the district now.

At least we don't have to get one of these suckers put

in us twice.

Sad, in the end.

Effective, but sad.

What's sad is seeing someone being forced to submit

to a will other than their own.

I just can't help wishing things were different.

What?That inmates could be subdued?

No, no, I'm speaking theoretically.

Oh, unfortunately, we have to deal in realities, Ms. Klein.

I have my job.

You have yours.

Hey, Revell, come sit down.

Take a load off.

That ain't exactly the kind of broad

to pine after, you know what I mean?

Hey, just a second.

Something I gotta do.

[music playing]

The hell is he doing?

[grunting]

Please stop this.

It's enough!

It won't be enough until it's over, once and for all.

Get up!

You can do it, Revell!

Come on, Revell!

You're killing him.

[cheering]

[grunting]

You don't understand.

It's not gonna stop Look at them.

Turn it up!

[grunting]

We are all human.

Yes.

[yelling]

We are.

He's still out?

He'll be all right.

But it will take a while.

A lot of muscle and nerve damage to repair.

Mr. Revell, are you back with us?

I didn't think I'd be.

You almost weren't.

You're a lot tougher than you look.

You're a lot softer than you look.

I recommended that the device never be used on anyone again.

I wanted you to know that.

Your friend Franklin would be very proud of you.

What's that?

You did something for a reason.

You did something for other people.

Yeah, I guess, uh, somebody's doing

things were better than others.

Yeah.

I'll try to remember that.

Good.

Thank you, Mr. Revell.

Hey, Doc, did I ever tell you about the time

I sold the same house to 10 different people?

It would have worked.

It was an expert plan.

But they all showed up to close at the same time.

It was-- almost did it.

Betaville authorities just learned

there is no technology, or force, more

powerful than the human spirit.

And Steven Revell has learned that a man

can defeat incalculable odds if he truly believes in something.

Welcome to "Paradox."