Original subtitles

With this sash comes all the privileges of a Messenger.

Wear them with pride.

I think George Washington likes his new outfit.

You can joke, but this was the goal.

Being a Messenger gets us access and information.

The Morse code has been compromised.

Thankfully, not before they could warn us.

Someone's approaching.

I'm Reynie Muldoon's teacher from the Stonetown Orphanage.

And my name is Nicholas Benedict.

-These are my associates, Number Two... -Where is Reynie?

He's in school, just not the one you expected.

The man behind this is a master manipulator.

He is very real, and he's also my brother.

This is all such a blatant disregard for the safety

of Reynie and his companions.

This gallery contains my most prized invention.

The Whisperer.

I can hear George Washington.

"Missing aren't missing..."

They're only departed.

Sticky just went to Messenger duty. That's what it is!

The voices you've been hearing, they're Messengers!

These testing protocols are just wasting time.

Fast track all of it.

Both farm and forest need to be ready tomorrow for a trial run.

We have to figure out a way to disable the Whisperer without getting caught.

Okay. What's the plan?

We'll exfiltrate the children at first light.

What?

Nicky, there you are.

So, how do I look?

Uh, shiny? What's that stuff in your hair?

It's not stuff. It's my house-made hair pomade.

One part water, one part mineral oil, some melted wax,

and, last but not least, four drops of sage essence

I extracted myself from some kitchen herbs.

Steam distilled?

Of course! Come on. Get up.

Nobody's looking to adopt a couple of scruffy street urchins, Nicky.

They want kids who are clean, well-groomed.

Presentation is everything. Right?

I guess.

We might know how special we are, but no one else will unless we show them.

You'll thank me later when we're with our new parents in our rooms

with bunk beds that don't rattle and sag.

I want to be supportive. I do.

Is it even seaworthy?

She was fashioned by the world's finest sub-nautical artisans and engineers.

I've run a battery of tests on her engines, passed them all.

And you condone this voyage?

We must get the children.

A surface vessel would be far too risky at this point.

But this vessel?

Once on the island,

I'll commence exfiltration and be back in the water,

heading towards base by nightfall.

I'll run silent, run deep.

I do have one, one question.

Is there enough room in there for one rather, um...

significantly-sized adult and four children?

Have the children grown?

-Uh... -Just when you get there,

paint a rock on the south shore to let us know you arrived safely.

Ah, just like Theseus.

But didn't that story end horribly?

Yes, it did. But this will work.

Permission to speak freely.

Yes, of course. But haven't you always had that?

This is a terrible mistake.

To abort mission because some enraged middle school teacher...

She has a name.

...shows up with a slew of ridiculous accusations?

Gross negligence? Child endangerment? It's absurd.

No, no. Ms. Perumal is absolutely right.

I placed children, innocent children, in grave danger.

I cannot let it continue a minute longer.

Not just any children, exceptional children.

We chose them from thousands.

-Yes, but-- -She's right.

They all volunteered of their own free will.

And as you've said, they and everyone else will be in more danger if they fail.

They are smart, capable, courageous children.

And you put them in that position to succeed.

No. It's too late. It's too late.

I have been fighting this battle for so long,

it is time for me to admit that I have already failed. Done.

You haven't failed.

You just haven't finished yet.

Please!

Your concern is very much appreciated, but the truth is you don't understand.

Neither of you do.

Understand what, exactly?

I must prepare for the children's return.

Do you know what today is, Isaac?

Um, well, yesterday was Tuesday, so--

Yes, it's Wednesday.

But it's also the day we make history.

It's a big day.

And which Messenger gets to participate in this historic moment?

Hmm.

I have the perfect candidate.

Whatever this Improvement is, it's happening soon.

We have to figure out a way to communicate with Mr. Benedict.

Maybe the Improvement will make things better.

I mean, it is the definition of improvement.

When has Curtain ever made anything better?

Guys...

It's go time.

Tonight, after lights out,

we storm the boulder-hatch, take the laboratory.

Finally, you talk sense.

You said there's a scientist down there.

She will be weak from lack of sunlight.

Easy to neutralize.

We're not neutralizing anyone.

Any number of nonlethal weapons will work.

I could craft a basic arsenal in no time.

I can make paralytic from spider venom.

No. No paralytics. No weapons.

You lack spine.

Look, we know his plan involves a farm and a forest.

Farm? I haven't seen a pig or a chicken or a cow.

There are other types of farms.

Oyster farms, honey farms...

Organ farms.

What?

If we can figure out what the farm is,

then we can figure out how to stop the Improvement.

And destroy the Whisperer once and for all.

Maybe there's another way to stop the Improvement

without destroying the...

Whisperer.

I mean, the Whisperer itself isn't evil.

It's just a tool.

You're not serious.

Sticky, I know how you feel.

I felt the same thing.

It makes all your anxiety and stress just evaporate.

Is that a bad thing?

For us, no.

But for everyone else getting those messages, it is.

It's causing nothing but anxiety and stress.

He's drinking the Kool-Aid.

Gulping it.

Look, the only people we can rely on are each other.

That means we have to work together and trust each other more than ever, okay?

Mr. Washington.

You're wanted for Messenger duty.

I didn't realize I'd get called back to the Whisperer so soon.

Not all thoughts need to be vocalized.

Right, right. I'm just a little excited.

Perfectly understandable.

Sticky Washington.

Friend.

Welcome back.

Thank you.

It's a testament to your tremendous mind.

What you did yesterday was outstanding.

Exhilarating, actually.

Really? I don't remember anything.

Do you remember how calm and assured it made you feel?

Yes.

It feels the same way about you.

The machine?

The Whisperer was humming.

Alive with possibilities.

Inspired to be paired with such a fertile mind.

You're special, Sticky.

You really are.

So many Messengers unconsciously fight the Whisperer.

They push back.

Reynie Muldoon, for instance.

But you somehow learned how to become one with the machine.

Thank you, sir.

Please... have a seat.

Let's get started.

Did you see his face light up at the mention of Messenger duty?

It's kinda creepy.

He's jumping ship. Savvy play.

He's not jumping ship. It's just... the Whisperer.

It's so... soothing.

If you two are Messengers, you know what he's going through.

Even if we were Messenger material, no, thank you.

I'd take a taste.

Look, right now, we need to focus on the farm and the forest.

I'll talk to S.Q., see what he knows.

Kate, you talk to Martina. She's an Executive now.

She has access everywhere.

I'll try, but getting her to talk about anything

other than tetherball won't be easy.

What about me?

What's my mission?

Why don't you stay the course?

Go to class, keep your eyes and your ears open.

Hurry up. Time is wasting.

Put on your shoes and grab your coat.

Don't stay indoors.

Avoid the rain and cover your head.

When you look good, you feel better.

Hurry up. Time is wasting.

Put on your shoes and grab your coat.

Don't stay inside.

I'm glad I finally got you to turn off the television.

And how many game shows can one person watch?

I like game shows.

-Sue me.

-Sue me in court.

I'll go get the tea.

Avoid the rain and cover your head.

When you look good, you feel better.

-Mom? -I wanna go shopping.

Hmm.

Here's another one dealing with radio waves.

Ah, the sleep pattern of the North Egyptian wood mouse.

Yes.

Describing how these patterns were disrupted

by a new TV transmission tower.

You're grasping at straws.

Obviously, he wants to stop Curtain more than anyone, especially now.

But if he says he's tried everything here and none of it's worked,

I believe him.

I hear that. I honor that.

But isn't that just another way of saying he came this close to solving the puzzle,

but just couldn't crack it?

One could argue that a great puzzle solver knows when to move on to the next puzzle.

Or maybe the great puzzle solver is just discouraged.

S.Q.

What are you up to?

Actually, I was just noticing the light on the water.

Yeah, those sparkles are pretty hard to get right with pencil.

You draw?

As much as I can.

-Definitely. -Hmm.

Didn't know that.

Oh, yeah. I love to draw.

Especially nature, trees.

There's an amazing forest right here on the island.

Really? A forest?

I go there to draw.

Or just sit, listen to the sounds.

Oh, nice. So how do you get there?

I'm the only student allowed. Authorized access only.

You can't bring a friend?

My dad won't allow anyone but me.

You know, my teacher, Ms. Perumal, she really didn't want me to come here.

She was sure this school wasn't for me.

But, eventually, I just had to decide for myself.

Look who decided to show her face.

What do you mean?

I'm, like... three minutes and 28 seconds early.

I'm talking about last night.

Where were you?

I knocked on your door after curfew.

I was sleeping. I'm a very, very deep sleeper.

-Coma deep. -Mm-hmm.

What about your roommate?

I was knocking pretty hard.

Partial hearing loss. Fireworks.

What did you want, anyway?

I thought you might want to come by the Executives Colonnade

and see my new single room.

All to myself.

But, anyway...

You have your own room? Wow.

Yeah. One of the many perks.

Seems like there are a lot.

Yeah, well... they come with a lot of duties, so we earn them.

What... what kind of duties?

Oh, a bunch of high-level stuff.

Admin. Logistics, security...

...and cleaning.

What are you cleaning? I thought the Helpers did that.

Oh, no. Only Executives are allowed to clean the server room.

They call it dust abatement.

You dust the server... farm?

Yeah. That's what I said.

Tons of computers, which means lots of dust.

Not my favorite part of the job if I'm being honest.

I wouldn't blame you.

Well, it's very important.

So... best of the best. All right. Let's volley.

You know, I just want to say, playing tetherball...

easily the best part of my day.

Thanks for bringing me on the team.

I could tell right away. Tetherball's in your blood.

You know, if the offer still stands,

I wouldn't mind coming by and checking out your sweet new room.

Done.

Come over after study hour. We could watch the WTA quarterfinals.

All four matches.

Cannot wait!

Oh.

I thought I politely asked you to give me my space today.

You did.

Yes. My personal space.

It's important for any relationship, much less the parent-child dynamic.

Sorry, I'm leaving. Just needed to grab the binoculars.

Oh.

I'm going to the forest.

Fine.

With a friend.

Interesting, um...

When I told you you could go past the bollard fence,

I, I'm really sure I gave you a few conditions.

Maybe I'm misremembering?

No, you did. I'm allowed to take in art supplies only.

I'm permitted in during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, but not midday.

Alone. Completely. Alone.

Yes.

That's it.

This friend of yours, um...

Do they have a name?

Reynie.

Reynie Muldoon.

S.Q., I need to tell you something, um...

When students at the school are friendly towards you,

you need to put that in context

and ask yourself what their motives might be, all right?

Why would they need a motive?

Well, you're in the unique position of having my ear,

so people may act a certain way toward you.

Reynie's not acting.

He's my friend.

Your friend. I see.

Son, I've always told you

that the past is a good indication of the present, correct?

And in the past, let's face it, you haven't had many friends.

In fact, how many friends have you had?

I'm just trying to protect you.

Listen, when I was your age, I was misunderstood also.

But you know what?

It's a good thing.

It fueled me.

Dear Ms. Perumal,

I think of you often and hope you're well.

I'm pretty good, I guess.

This mission I'm on, it requires a large amount of deception.

Which is really just a way of saying I have to lie...

a lot...

to people that I like.

It's strange.

It seems like the more I lie, the better I get at it.

And the worse I start to feel.

It's like I'm losing who I am.

I understand that our mission is important,

but this feeling I get when I'm lying, sometimes I wonder if it's even worth it.

Oh. Hey, Reynie.

Hey! So, how was the Whisperer?

Oh, fine. No big deal.

Really?

Yeah, you know, a little boring.

Dr. Curtain asked me to join him for lunch today.

What?

I don't know.

I just think it's kind of weird how eager you are to be having lunch with him.

You're the one who's always saying, "We need to get into his inner circle."

This is different. It's almost like you're... enjoying it.

Why wouldn't I?

Being acknowledged?

Wait.

You're jealous.

What? No, I'm not.

It's okay. You were the golden child.

And now... it makes sense. I'm not upset.

I'm not jealous. I'm worried.

Kate's right, Sticky.

Ever since you started spending time in the Whisperer, you've changed.

You're right. I have changed.

I used to be a nervous mess, and now--

The Whisperer is manipulating your mind, your emotions.

I know.

For the better.

I see what this is.

Somewhere deep down, you like when I'm anxious, don't you?

What? No. That's crazy. Of course not.

Makes you feel better about yourself.

Admit it.

Sticky!

Mom, slow down.

Oh, look at these beautiful beets.

Better stock up. Who knows how long we'll have 'em.

What do you mean?

The season just began.

Soil depletion. Drought. Just read the papers.

- Mom? Where are you rushing off to? - I need a new hat.

What good's that gonna do me when the banks close?

I need my paper.

-I need to know what's going on! -I need cash.

Are you kidding me?

Give me the cash.

Hey! Is everything all right?

Yeah.

Are you sure?

I asked my dad if I could take a friend to the forest.

He yelled at me for even considering it.

If anyone happens to think being friends with me is a way to impress my dad...

they're wrong.

We don't have that kind of relationship.

That's not what I'm doing.

Most of the kids here don't want to talk about anything real.

You're different.

Did you do that?

Oh, this? Yeah.

-I can't draw like you can, but... -No, that's cool.

You actually captured the light pretty well.

You have a good eye.

Sorry I can't take you to the forest.

Maybe you can.

You know what they say,

"Sometimes it's better to apologize than to ask permission."

Such great parents. Here we are!

Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Nathaniel Benedict.

-Well, hello. -Great show.

"Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious summer by this sun of York.

And all the clouds that lowered upon our house..."

Impressive.

"In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.

Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths,

our bruised arms hung up for monuments."

It's Richard III.

My brother, Nicholas, he can do long division in his head.

I taught him how.

With us, you get two for the price of one, no strings attached.

He doesn't take up much space, really. Or eat much, for that matter.

I'm sorry to say that we only have room for one, buddy.

If you can only take one, we understand. We want what's best for each other.

- That's really sweet. - He's right over here.

Hello.

We hear you like to read.

There are times in life

where one must stand in the spotlight and take a bow.

At first, you might find it difficult to outshine those people

that are close to you.

But that thinking is weak. It's a trap.

It's grass-finished, dry-aged prime wagyu.

Wagyu.

That's a prized breed of steer. Originated in Japan, right?

I tell you.

Unlike others around here,

I do not find your knowledge of facts and figures annoying at all.

Go ahead, dig in.

After what you did in the Whisperer today, you more than deserve it.

Your compatibility index scores are staggering.

Projection sub-coherence, relative congruity...

You set Institute records in all of them.

I gotta be honest with you,

I actually thought it was your roommate that had the potential.

But after seeing his compatibility scores...

Oof.

Who? Reynie?

Oh... It's perfect.

Look at that marbling.

Try the horseradish.

So, tell me. How well do you know Reynard Muldoon?

Oh...

I don't... know him all that well.

He's kind of quiet.

Oh, that's interesting. I would have thought the opposite.

Kind of a classic outgoing introvert.

Keenly interested in others all the time.

But you know him better than I do.

Actually, I've only known him since I've gotten here.

You ignored each other in the vehicle you arrived in together?

I meant, I met him on the car ride over. He was... friendly.

Like I said, outgoing.

But I worry... Sometimes that focus on others...

not always, of course, but sometimes, it's a means to hide.

To divert attention away from some...

...ulterior motive, you know?

The only motive I see from Reynie is getting good grades.

Most of the time, he just studies.

Oh.

Yeah, well...

I guess I have a more nuanced view of success in an academic context.

It's not just hours of your face in a book.

I see it as a process of revealing what's within.

That's where your greatness lies, Sticky.

Within.

Thanks.

Oh.

Don't ever thank others for your success.

You earned it.

And don't over-sauce.

It's clumsy and dishonors the animal.

You're gonna be spending a lot more time in the Whisperer, Sticky.

A lot more time.

Careful of poison ivy from here on out.

It's everywhere.

You were right. This place is incredible.

Why is it off-limits?

Something to do with my dad's work.

He's here a lot with his friend.

Well, I guess she feels like she has to be his friend.

Chief scientist.

What type of scientist?

I'm not sure. Neuroscience, maybe?

That's what my birth father did with Dr. Curtain.

They worked together?

When I was a baby.

Then he got sick and, you know...

Curtain adopted you.

It all comes down to this.

The last two points between two bitter rivals

in what might be the last of Nygård Jorgenson's storied career.

The flag is up, and Norway serves.

A flyover and a backhand follow-up strike by Jorgenson.

Oh!

-Did you see that reverse catapult slam? -And right into a reverse slam.

How could I not?

Let's take another look.

A perfect crossover spin step sets her up

-for the spectacular reverse slam. -You were right.

The Norwegians have the best foot technique I've ever seen.

Masterful.

-Norway is now one step closer to victory. -Watch Nygård.

-If just joining us, we have an... -You could learn from her.

She's a strong hitter, but all her power comes from her footwork.

And it is as close of a match-up as I've seen in years...

Totally.

I want to try that. Doesn't seem too complicated.

It's not. Classic approach, nothing revolutionary.

Knees bent, step across, and back with a swing.

She just does it with absolute precision.

What are you doing?

Uh...

You have to keep your hip in.

Can't open up too early, or else you're gonna have to overcompensate.

No wonder it didn't feel right.

Nygård now serves.

Baaken avoids the wraparound, goes on the attack.

Baaken does not want to lose.

Her knuckle-down technique

is the only thing keeping her in this thing.

The Executive snack stand we passed, do they have protein bars?

'Cause after practice, I always try to top off my B12 levels. Maybe--

No way. I don't want to miss anything.

Takes back control, goes on the attack

with a slam points scored...

- Wraparound! Let's go! - Stay with us, folks!

We will be back with more excitements after these messages.

Tired of spending your hard-earned cash on plumbers?

Pipestop stops leaks in minutes! Use our Pipestop...

Commercials. Now's your chance.

I'm not really that hungry.

Eat strong, be strong.

Athletes like us, nutrition's our gasoline.

You know what? You just reminded me.

Got so caught up with the match, I almost forgot.

I know it's in here somewhere.

Oh. Here it is.

-What is that? -Huh?

On your hands. Those dots.

I was just marking down foot patterns.

I'm gonna study these.

Those don't look like foot patterns.

I have my own shorthand?

You know what I think?

I think you're a winner, Kate Wetherall.

A stone-cold killer.

Just like me.

I...

I made this for you.

-For me? -Mm-hmm.

Wow! This is actually... really nice, Martina.

Almost there.

Here we are.

Wow. It's incredible.

Right?

What are you looking for?

Oh, nothing.

I mean, all I can see are trees.

I guess I was expecting to see more wildlife.

If all you can see are trees, then you're not really looking.

There. Below that tree. A deer.

- That's weird. - Not really. Deer like leaves.

-Can I see the binoculars? -Sure.

-Those aren't real trees. -They're antennas. Part of my dad's work.

There must be hundreds of them.

What are they for?

I don't know, but he says, once they're turned on,

I have to stay away for a while.

They cause tumors or something. Hope somebody tells the deer.

When is it gonna be turned on?

Tomorrow...

Twenty-two hours from now.

Hurry.

- We got it. - A line this long for a haberdashery?

I don't get it.

I told you we should have come in earlier.

So weird.

Everyone's getting that same blue hat.

It's a beret.

Are they running a lot of ads for it on TV?

I don't know. I just need one.

I don't know what I'll do if they sell out.

-Should have been me. -I know.

-What do they even see in you? -I have no idea.

You'll come back for me, right, Nicky?

Of course. I'll convince them to adopt you, too.

And if they say no, I'll come back and get you anyway.

I promise.

Turns out, Mr. Benedict had a lot more here than he let on.

No doubt.

Oh, that's a wonderfully executed parabola.

- It is. Hmm. - Hand-drawn.

Although, he may have missed a French curve.

I'm sorry.

- What? - You have nothing to be sorry for.

I lied.

I lied the worst possible lie.

What did you lie about?

It wasn't the size of the house that impressed me.

It was just that it was so quiet and peaceful.

And there were books.

So many books. Great books.

Fiction and nonfiction, science fiction, and narrative memoirs, and biographies...

-And then, finally, I was alone. -Deep breaths.

I was left to be,

without my brother trying to constantly control my every move.

It was... Oh...

Hate to admit.

It was delightful.

-Okay, stop. -Go on.

I waited too long.

But I finally built up the nerve.

I was going to ask my parents to consider also adopting my brother.

It was over Sunday breakfast.

I steadied myself, I took a deep breath.

Then, when I opened my mouth to speak, I said...

Nothing.

I said nothing.

-It's all right. -It's very much not all right.

My brother. My blood. My best friend.

And I betrayed him in the worst possible way.

-You were just a child. -You didn't know any better.

I most certainly did. The Emergency, the Improvement...

If I had returned, if I had come back the way I promised,

if I had an ounce of loyalty, none of it would have happened!

That's pure speculation, sir.

Really? Imagine if, instead of being abandoned and betrayed,

he was adopted into a loving family and raised like I was.

Would he have become the madman he is today?

I highly doubt it.

The eternal debate of nature versus...

-Nurture. -It'll never be settled.

And to beat yourself up over something that was not

and has never been your fault won't help.

In fact, it'll make it far worse. We need you. The children need you.

It's the truth.

So, please.

I'll beg forgiveness from those brave children when they return.

You both are so kind,

but after hearing my moral smallness,

I would understand if you two would like to...

resign.

-Never. -Never.

Seven hundred and sixty-three berets purchased.

Even higher than my projections.

-Tremendous work. -Thank you.

I've just taken the messaging transmitters off-line to prepare for tomorrow.

Nineteen hours and counting.

A toast, doctor.

I've been sober for five years.

I've always said,

when you have a good thing, improve on it and make it great.

And when you have something great, make it greater.

-Never stop, only grow.

Because beyond the edge of what's possible lies the magnificent.

We're about to go beyond the edge of possible, my friend.

Solid work, Kate.

Round the edges, a coat of quick-dry lacquer,

Executive access granted.

I'll do it on the way. Let's go.

Not without Constance. It's not like her to just disappear.

Have you seen her today?

How would you if she wasn't on a steak cart?

None of us have seen Constance at all since this morning.

I'm starting to worry.

Constance will be fine.

The rest of us? Not so much.

Unless the Whisperer is trashed once and for all.

I don't know. Sounds kinda risky.

I saw the antennas, Sticky. They were giant.

And S.Q. confirmed it.

The Improvement's signal goes wide tomorrow.

I'm just saying, shouldn't we know Curtain's plan exactly

before we get into commando mode?

-I did not need the spot. -Where have you been?

In the ceiling.

-Before that. -What's with the hat?

Not hat. Beret.

Blue beret.

You know it better than anyone, don't you, George?

Huh?

This morning, I had a thought.

Not my thought. Voice in my head.

It was you!

- Me? - Yeah.

Telling me to buy this stupid beret, making me want to buy it.

So I go to Stonetown to investigate.

- You went to Stonetown? How? - It does not matter.

What matters...

blue berets on everyone.

Berets were listed in Curtain's journal,

but why is Curtain telling people to buy a blue beret?

The berets are just a dry run. He's just getting his feet wet.

They're not subliminal suggestions anymore.

They're commands.

Straight into the coconut.

Textbook mind control.

And not just of Stonetown, of the whole world.

Let's go. Right now.

Wait.

If the Whisperer is that powerful,

we could put good thoughts into people's heads.

Make them feel happy.

Sticky, you're not thinking straight. You're not yourself.

I'm more myself than I ever have been.

I'm finally happy.

Thank you, cult.

- Shut up! I'm sick of you! - Sticky!

I've never heard you talk to anyone like that.

-She doesn't believe in anything. -I pity you.

We don't have time for this, Reynie.

-Leave him behind. -No!

No one gets left behind,

especially when they're not thinking straight.

Oh, I'm not thinking straight?

I'm the only one here who is thinking!

Fine! You wanna hash things out?

Go ahead. I've got work to do.

Kate!

Wait! You can't do it alone!

not while we're living