LOST
"Confidence Man"
Written by
Damon Lindelof
TEASER
1 EXT. BEACH - SECLUDED AREA - DAY (DAY 9) 1
A LONE FIGURE walks down the beach. We're nowhere near the
WRECK. This is straight up PRISTINE. And the figure is --
-- KATE. Carrying canvas bags overflowing with BANANAS as
she comes upon A PILE OF CLOTHES, folded neatly beside A PACK
OF CIGARETTES and a worn PAPERBACK of WATERSHIP DOWN.
Curious, Kate kneels to examine the book -- then, a SHOUT --
SAWYER (O.S.)
Helluva book.
Kate stiffens, turns to the WATER. Finds SAWYER, bare-
chested as he wades back to land. Smiles --
SAWYER (CONT'D)
It's about bunnies.
Sawyer emerges from the water, walking toward her. The look
on Kate's face says it all as he steps into frame to reveal --
-- he's BARE-ASS NAKED... and yeah, he could put his clothes
on, but nope, he's gonna stand here, waiting for a reaction.
Kate just looks at him -- and he just looks at her. Daring
her eyes to drop. Finally:
KATE
Water's cold, huh?
Ouch. But Sawyer GRINS --
SAWYER
You bet. How `bout you come a
little closer and warm me up?
Okay, she reviles the guy, but damn if there isn't chemistry
here. Not that she'd ever cop to it.
KATE
Does this ever actually work?
SAWYER
Depends on what you mean by "this?"
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 2.
1 (CO NT'D): 1
SAWYER
KATE
This. This macho... -- "Macho?" Ain't heard that
one in awhile. Makes me
wanna grow a mustache.
Kate just shakes her head. Why fucking bother?
KATE
You sure know how to make a girl
feel special, Sawyer.
We PUSH IN TIGHT ON SAWYER as Kate walks off --
2 2
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY - FLASHBACK
-- and, in LOUD, vocal response to Kate's comment --
JESSICA
OH YEAH, BABY, YEAH--!!!
-- a SILHOUETTED COUPLE in the throes of passion: it's SAWYER
and JESSICA (32), as attractive as she is acrobatic --
SAWYER
-- I LOVE YOU --!!!
-- and we avoid most Standards and Practices issues with this
GOLDEN AFTERNOON BACKLIGHT: we barely see them at all. But
gimme a break -- it's clear what's up. So to speak.
CUT TO VARIOUS SHOTS: HIS JEANS ON THE FLOOR. HER BRA AND
DRESS. A PAPER-WRAPPED BOUQUET OF FLOWERS (From Sawyer?
Wow, that's unlike him...) And that's when we HEAR A BLOODY-
MURDER-SCREAM of female ecstasy --
-- and they both collapse, breathless, sweaty, and HAPPY.
JESSICA
...boy oh boy...
SAWYER
...Boy oh boy is right...
He laughs, kissing her hand. Still catching their breath, he
looks at her. Touches her face. Uncharacteristically sweet.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
...look at you.
(then, with a smile)
What do you want? Right now.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 3.
2 (CO NT'D): 2
Staring at him, her eyes actually fill up. Quietly:
JESSICA
How could I want anything else...?
Sawyer hugs her. Kisses her. Holds her tight. She
obviously means a great deal to him. But she sees something:
JESSICA (CONT'D) SAWYER
Uh-oh, Baby--
What?
JESSICA (CONT'D) SAWYER
I thought you had a meeting--
Yeah, it's not until six-
thirty--
JESSICA (CONT'D)
Baby, it's six-twenty-eight.
And Sawyer bolts back -- sees the time --
SAWYER
Are you --? Oh, damnit -- damnit --
Honey, listen to me--
Jessica smiles: post-coital bliss.
JESSICA
Go, you go, I'll stay here, watch
TV, order room service, get fat--
Sawyer kisses her stomach -- then bounds for the closet,
pulling up his pants.
SAWYER
You order a chocolate sundae. When
I get back I'll use you as a dish.
Jessica laughs, sitting up, sheets covering her breasts as
Sawyer pulls down a SUITCASE, which FALLS, SPILLS OPEN --
Jessica looks over to see the case... FILLED WITH CASH.
Awkward. Sawyer freezes. Jessica is shocked. Sawyer stands
there, motionless and guilty. He avoids her gaze - but
finally his eyes meet hers. And all he can muster is:
SAWYER (CONT'D)
...You, uh... weren't exactly
supposed to see that.
And on the shock and oddity of the moment, we're BACK ON:
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 4.
3 EXT. JUNGLE - DAY 3
SAWYER -- hair still wet and a smile on his face.
He walks through the jungle. Off the beaten path. It's
dark. SECLUDED. Hears a NOISE up ahead and he tenses up.
The sound has triggered an alarm. ANIMAL INSTINCT takes
over. Sawyer RUNS -- bursting through the BRUSH to find --
A fellow CASTAWAY (RICHARD, 50's.) Rifling through some
SUITCASES - tossing aside booze, cigarettes, sunscreen...
And
...this is a CACHE OF BOOTY from the plane crash.
there's no doubt it belongs to --
SAWYER
What're you doing in my stuff, son?
Richard JUMPS at the sound of Sawyer's voice from behind him.
A SHARP INTAKE OF BREATH PRE-LAPS into --
JACK (O.S.)
This is gonna hurt.
INT. THE VALLEY - INFIRMARY CAVE - DAY
4 4
A small amount of PEROXIDE spills onto a cloth in the hands
of JACK. Sitting outside what we'll call THE INFIRMARY CAVE,
Jack cleans a nasty HEAD WOUND on --
SAYID
I can do this myself...
JACK
You ready to tell me what happened?
SAYID remains focused, denying himself the pain. We stay
CLOSE -- this conversation feels private, CONSPIRATORIAL.
SAYID
We were trying to triangulate the
transmission. The French woman.
(OW; but talks on)
I saw the flare from the beach --
Then the flare from Sawyer's
position in the jungle. I turned
on my antenna, activated the
transceiver, then -- darkness.
(intense)
Whoever hit me came from behind.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 5.
4 (CO NT'D): 4
JACK
They destroyed the equipment?
SAYID
(that motherfucker)
Yes.
JACK SAYID
Any idea who it...?
-- A coward.
JACK
We'll figure this out, man. Don't
do anything that...
And when Sayid looks at Jack, there is an ANGER -- a FIRE
that we have not seen in his eyes before.
SAYID
I will do what I need to do to find
the man responsible.
ON JACK as that sinks in for a moment before -- A SHOUT
echoes through the caves --
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
Where's the doctor?! Help us!
Please!!!
Jack rushes out to see a frantic WOMAN hobbling in. Her name
is MARYBETH (40's, pretty.)
Marybeth breathes heavily -- the result of supporting her
beaten and bloody husband, whom we recognize as Richard: last
seen pillaging Sawyer's stash.
Jack ducks under Richard's arm and helps him to the cave:
JACK
Who did this to you?
And with fierce determination, the man manages a single word--
RICHARD
Sawyer.
And OFF JACK --
CUT TO BLACK:
END OF TEASER
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 6.
ACT ONE
5 INT. THE VALLEY - INFIRMARY CAVE - DAY 5
Sitting on a ledge, Jack dabs another cloth infused with
peroxide on a cut over Richard's eye. Richard winces:
RICHARD
I'm fine. It's just a scrape.
JACK
Lots of scrapes today. I'm running
out of peroxide.
RICHARD
I should've been able to take him.
Sonofabitch fights dirty.
JACK
-- yeah, I've seen that -- so you
wanna tell me what happened?
Richard points out MARYBETH, at the stream with HURLEY.
RICHARD
Marybeth's - my wife's - asthma.
(off Jack's look)
I packed a few inhalers for our
trip. Marybeth said put them in my
carry-on, but I said - hey -
vacation's over, we're on the
plane, she can't need more than the
one - right?
(beat)
The one ran out yesterday. So I'm
scouring the wreckage - Marybeth's
freaking - and then I see that
bastard Sawyer just sitting there
reading "Watership Down."
JACK
You're losing me...
RICHARD
"Watership Down." It's a book. It
was in our luggage -- the stuff we
checked. Looked for the last week,
but we couldn't find it.
(before Jack can ask)
If he's got my book, then he's got
my suitcase. He's got my suitcase,
he's got the inhalers. If she has
an attack...
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 7.
5 (CO NT'D): 5
Richard STOPS. Looks up at Jack, complete desperation in his
eyes:
RICHARD (CONT'D)
It'll be bad, man.
And we're TIGHT ON JACK -- The look in his eyes makes it
clear that he is ready to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT --
6 6
EXT. BEACH - DAY
WAVES CRASH as we find a more sparsely-populated BEACH. Many
of the castaways have moved to the caves...
...but not CLAIRE, who wears her FLOPPY HAT and sits in her
disembodied PLANE SEAT as she writes in her JOURNAL. So
engrossed, she doesn't see --
CHARLIE (O.S.)
Morning delivery!
CHARLIE, offering TWO BOTTLES OF WATER. She smiles. There's
a nascent connection between these two, and yeah, even hints
of ROMANCE.
CLAIRE
You're sweet.
CHARLIE
Figured in your condition, y'know
with the extra "baggage"...
CLAIRE
I can still walk, you know.
CHARLIE
Barely. Anyway, I worry about you.
Out here. It's very... sunny.
CLAIRE
Thus my hat.
CHARLIE
Right. Hat. Sun hat. Brilliant.
(then)
Lots of hats at the caves. And hey
-- we've got a doctor, too.
That'll come in handy, eh?
CLAIRE
(giggles; but)
I like the beach, Charlie.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 8.
6 (CO NT'D): 6
Claire smacks her leg. Something just BIT her.
CHARLIE
Yeah. Who wouldn't want to spend
their day with sand fleas?
CLAIRE
I want to be here, Charlie.
(serious; believing)
For when we get rescued.
CHARLIE
Right. For when we get rescued.
And OFF CHARLIE, knowing full well that ain't gonna happen...
7 7
EXT. BEACH - SAWYER'S TENT - DAY
Sawyer sits and smokes just outside his TENT on the beach,
doing something we haven't seen him do since the PILOT --
Reading his LETTER.
Worn. Creased. A mystery. But whatever it says, it
provokes a strong, emotional reaction in Sawyer - and it
looks a lot like PAIN. But Sawyer's reverie is broken as he
hears a question -- posed more as a guttural threat:
JACK (O.S.)
Where is it.
Sawyer quickly folds up the letter, but he does not get up.
SAWYER
Hey, Doc. Long time, no see.
JACK
Where is it?
SAWYER
Where's what?
JACK
The woman's asthma medication.
Her inhalers.
SAWYER
Oh. That.
JACK
You attacked a man because he was
trying to help his sick wife.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 9.
7 (CO NT'D): 7
SAWYER
No -- I whooped a thief `cause he
was going through my stuff--
JACK
Yours? What makes it yours, man?
You think because you take it out
of a suitcase --
SAWYER
Look -- I don't know what kinda
Commie sharefest you're runnin'
over in Cave Town -- but down here,
possession's nine tenths and a
man's got a right to protect his
property.
Jack's had just about enough of this shit.
JACK
Get up.
SAWYER
Why? You wanna see who's taller?
JACK
Get. Up.
SAWYER
You sure you wanna make this your
problem, Doc?
JACK
Yeah. I'm sure.
And so, Sawyer gets up. Jack takes a step toward him -- so
ready to fucking rumble that he misses the arrival of --
KATE (O.S.)
What's going on.
-- Sawyer turns to see KATE.
SAWYER
We were just exchangin' recipes.
Jack REACTS to Kate's presence. FUCK. Doesn't want to kick
Sawyer's ass in front of her. Eager to take advantage of
this, Sawyer flashes that GRIN --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 10.
7 (CO NT'D): (2) 7
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Sorry we couldn't work things out,
Doc.
And as Kate wonders what she just stepped into, we STAY WITH
SAWYER as he walks off -- CLOSING in and once we're TIGHT,
PAN DOWN to see his fist closed tightly around THAT LETTER.
And off that image we SMASH INTO:
8 8
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY - FLASHBACK
The SUITCASE FULL OF CASH. Over this we HEAR:
JESSICA (O.S.) SAWYER (O.S.)
You told me you were going to I am -- Jess, this isn't
Baton Rouge to close a deal -- exactly the kind of thing
you said it was "too boring that's easy to describe--
to explain"--
And we see SAWYER AND JESSICA -- she's in a bra and panties,
he's in his jeans, shirtless:
SAWYER
Just trust me. There isn't time to
explain. I'm already late and if I
don't make this meeting, this whole
thing's a bust, all right?
SILENCE. The two just stare. Sawyer feels guilty... and
then -- because he likes her -- he reluctantly decides "fine
at the risk of losing it all, here it is:"
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Ever heard of Incentive Law?
Of course not. He sighs, and then, in a kind, quiet voice:
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Encourages foreign business here in
New Orleans -- Tax breaks. Shared
investments. The government sets
up these private funds. To
supplement foreign trade.
JESSICA
Do I need an Economics degree to
understand why you have a suitcase
full of cash?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 11.
8 (CO NT'D): 8
SAWYER
You're looking at everything.
Everything I got. Hundred and
forty thousand dollars.
She watches him. Though that's a lot of money, her reaction,
her lack of shock at that number, tells us a lot. She's
familiar with money. Sawyer's almost sad as he speaks:
SAWYER (CONT'D)
There's an oil mining operation in
the Gulf of Mexico -- drilling
platforms. Three-hundred thousand
dollars buys you one share.
(beat)
But as soon as you make that
investment, that fund kicks in and
triples your investment in two
weeks. Triples it.
JESSICA
Three-hundred thousand.
(off his look)
You got a hundred and forty.
SAWYER
That would explain my meeting,
wouldn't it?
JESSICA
You're meeting with someone who has
the rest of the money?
SAWYER
(a sigh, then)
There's this Canadian guy, wants in
fifty-fifty. Two weeks - we'll be
splitting almost a million bucks.
Is it shady? Yeah. A little.
(beat, a slow smile)
But I gotta. All right? I meet
the Canuck and make this deal
happen -- I can pay for a lot more
hotel rooms, lemme tell you.
A beat. Jessica's wheels turning. Then, ALL BUSINESS:
JESSICA
There's another option.
SAWYER
...what's that?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 12.
8 (CO NT'D): (2) 8
JESSICA
That you don't go to the meeting.
That you stay here. That we make
love again. And that I give you
the hundred-and-sixty thousand.
And we split it.
Sawyer stares at her -- a smile creeping up on his face.
SAWYER
How the hell you gonna scare up a
hundred-and-sixty thousand bucks?
Now it's her turn to smile.
JESSICA
My husband.
OFF SAWYER, CLOSE ENOUGH to get the sense that he is most
definitely running some kind of GAME here --
JACK (PRE-LAP)
I'm gonna kill him.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
9 9
Kate trails.
Jack storms down the beach, fucking FRUSTRATED.
KATE
That won't get us the medicine.
JACK
Maybe not. But it'll feel good.
KATE
Okay. So what's stopping you?
He thinks
Jack looks at Kate -- SURPRISED. She's serious.
about it. Shakes his head --
JACK
We're not savages yet, Kate.
She nods. Then --
KATE JACK
Let me talk to Sawyer.
-- What?
KATE
I can reason with him.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 13.
9 (CO NT'D): 9
JACK
This guy doesn't know reason.
KATE
Maybe not. But my plan is still
better than yours.
Jack looks at her. Fortunately, he likes Kate more than he
hates Sawyer. Smiles despite himself.
JACK
What makes you think he'll listen?
KATE
He says we have a connection.
And although he's probably not aware of this consciously,
Jack might just be a little JEALOUS when he says:
JACK
Do you?
KATE
Please.
And as we can't help but notice that wasn't exactly a
denial...
INT. THE VALLEY - LOCKE'S AREA - DAY
10 10
LOCKE stands in front of his "cave cubby," weaving palm
fronds between bamboo poles to make a wall that will provide
him with some privacy from the others.
SAYID (O.S.)
Locke...
Locke turns to see Sayid approaching him, a man on a mission.
SAYID (CONT'D)
Where were you last night?
(off Locke's look)
Last night. Around sunset.
Locke narrows his eyes at him, getting the gist.
LOCKE
Oh, yes. You were attacked. Heard
about that.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 14.
10 (CO NT'D): 10
SAYID
And I heard you were in the jungle.
Alone. Not terribly far from where
it happened.
Locke squints at him --
LOCKE
Well, I'm afraid the only witness
to my whereabouts is the boar I was
skinning for our dinner.
Sayid glares at the ground. Locke studies him, then...
LOCKE (CONT'D)
You were attempting to boost the
signal on the transceiver. Send
out a distress call.
SAYID
More or less.
LOCKE
So it would seem whoever attacked
you has reasons for not wanting to
get off the island.
(pointedly)
Maybe someone who is... profiting
from our current circumstances?
Sayid eyes him for a long beat. Understanding.
SAYID
Is there someone you're meaning in
particular?
LOCKE
Oh, you know who I'm meaning.
(beat)
And from what I've seen... you and
Mr. Sawyer do share a certain
animosity.
SAYID
He has an alibi. Just before I
was... struck... he set off a
bottle rocket, a signal we'd worked
out, two kilometers away... he
could not have had the time to --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 15.
10 (CO NT'D): (2) 10
LOCKE
Unless he'd found a way to time
delay the fuse on his rocket.
Sayid looks at him --
SAYID
How could he possibly--
LOCKE
Anyone with basic military training
knows how to improvise a slow fuse.
(then)
Use a cigarette.
As Sayid loses himself in this thought, Locke reaches into
his gear, pulls out a large KNIFE, and holds it out to Sayid.
LOCKE (CONT'D)
In case there's a next time.
Sayid stares at the knife, then at Locke, deciding it may not
be a bad idea to be prepared. As Sayid takes the knife...
11 11
EXT. BEACH - CLEARING - DAY
An AXE slams down into a piece of WOOD, splitting it in half.
REVEAL SAWYER, sweating as he tosses the pieces into a PILE.
He reaches for another piece of DRIFTWOOD AS --
KATE (O.S.)
So what do you want?
Sawyer glances to see KATE, but just keeps on chopping:
SAWYER
`Scuse me?
KATE
What do you want, Sawyer?
SAWYER
Freckles, I got so many answers to
that question I wouldn't even know
where to start.
KATE
What do you want for the inhalers?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 16.
11 (CO NT'D): 11
SAWYER
Huh. Good question. Hang on a
tick. What do I want?
CRACK. Splits another piece of wood. Then, turns to Kate.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
A kiss ought to do it.
KATE
What?
SAWYER
A kiss. From you. Right now.
Kate just stares. He can't possibly... but he stares back.
Yeah. He's serious. Kate shakes her head, ANGRY now --
KATE SAWYER
I don't buy it.
-- Buy what?
KATE
The act. You try too hard, Sawyer.
I ask you to help a sick woman and
you want me to kiss you? No one
can be that disgusting.
ON SAWYER, getting pissed. Why? Because maybe Kate's a
little close to the mark here. And she's not done --
KATE (CONT'D)
I've seen you, y'know.
SAWYER
Seen me what?
KATE
With that piece of paper. The one
you keep in your wallet. I've seen
your face when you read it. And
the way you fold it up so
carefully. It means something to
you. So play your games all you
want -- but I know there's a human
being in there somewhere.
(beat: compassionate)
Give me the medication. Please.
And that just sits there for a few beats. Just let it sink
in. Did she actually get through to him? Then:
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 17.
11 (CO NT'D): (2) 11
SAWYER
You think you understand me?
KATE SAWYER
Yeah. I think I --
-- Shut up.
Kate recoils. The pure VENOM in Sawyer -- not the playful
rogue we're used to. No. This is serious.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Wanna know what kind of human being
I am?
And he reaches into his pocket. Removes the ENVELOPE.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Read it.
Kate takes a few steps back -- scared -- but he grabs her
wrist. TIGHT. Stuffs the letter into her other hand.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Read it.
He lets go of her, but doesn't step back. Let there be no
misunderstanding here -- Kate better fucking do what he says.
So she unfolds the letter. A beat. Then:
KATE
"Dear Mr. Sawyer. You don't know
who I am. But I know who you are.
And I know what you done. You
slept with my mother...
(beat; slower now)
And then you stole my dad's money
all away. So he got angry and he
killed my mother. And then he
killed himself, too."
SAWYER
Don't stop now. You're gettin' to
the good part.
Kate looks at him. Trying to process all this. Not wanting
to continue, but not really having a choice.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 18.
11 (CO NT'D): (3) 11
KATE
"All I know is your name. But one
of these days I am gonna find you
and I am going to give you this
letter so you'll remember what you
done to me.
(beat)
You killed my parents, Mr. Sawyer."
And that's it. Sawyer waits a moment. Hoping Kate's eyes
will come back up to meet his...
...but she can't. He reaches out, snatches the letter and
gets in real close -- his voice part whisper, part GROWL --
SAWYER
(more a vitriolic "fuck
you" than any real
request)
Now how `bout that kiss.
But of course Kate is just frozen -- stunned -- and so, after
a long beat.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
...I didn't think so.
And Sawyer turns and walks away. But we're settling into an
ECU OF KATE -- stricken.
And as her eyes finally come up to him go...
CUT TO BLACK:
END OF ACT ONE
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 19.
ACT TWO
12 INT. THE VALLEY - OUTSIDE THE INFIRMARY CAVE - NIGHT 12
The IMPACTFUL SOUND OF DRY WHEEZING BRINGS US INTO -
C.U. on MARYBETH. On a blanket against the outside of the
INFIRMARY CAVE. Jack tends to her. Richard looks on.
JACK
You need to try to relax.
(beat)
How often do you get these attacks?
MARYBETH
At home... maybe once a week...
RICHARD
She's been getting them almost
every day since the crash.
Marybeth is suddenly struck by a COUGHING FIT. Jack helps
her sit up. The coughing calms, replaced by a DRY WHEEZE --
JACK
Marybeth. Just hang in there,
okay? I'll get you through this.
-- and OFF JACK, his eyes betraying his words...
13 13
ANGLE ON SUN - ACROSS THE VALLEY
We find SUN, watching. She then crosses to JIN, filling up a
bottle of water at the SPRING. She speaks to him in Korean:
SUN
That woman... She's very ill.
JIN
The doctor is taking care of her.
SUN
I think I can help her.
JIN
Leave it to the doctor. This is
not our problem.
SUN JIN
But--
-- Let it go.
And OFF SUN, not willing to let it go at all...
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 20.
14 RESUME ON JACK 14
Going through his MEDS. Looking for anything that could help
-- and then he senses something -- even before he sees it --
Jack looks across the valley to find:
SAWYER. Striding in like he owns the place, he crosses to
the STREAM to refill his bottles.
Jack is BUMBLEFUCKED: he can't believe this guy...
Jack moves
...but that quickly wears off. Playtime's over.
STRAIGHT TOWARD SAWYER. Sawyer sees him coming. Rises to
meet the welcome party as --
JACK
What are you doing here?
SAWYER
Getting water. That a problem?
JACK
Give me the inhalers. Now.
SAWYER
Hell -- I was wonderin' when you
were gonna stop asking nice.
Sawyer SMILES, raises the bottle to his mouth -- and Jack's
fist moves so fucking fast we barely register it -- WHAM!
Sawyer stumbles back -- hand goes to his BUSTED LIP. Looks
at his own blood. Then back up to Jack --
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Well it's about time, cowboy.
Didn't think you had it in...
Sawyer's head whips around...
WHAM! Jack POUNDS HIM again.
drops to ONE KNEE.
And by now some of the OTHERS have gathered around. Notably,
SAYID and RICHARD. Sawyer looks up, revels in the attention--
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Whoo! That's it! I've been
telling you since day one that
we're in the wild.
And Jack draws his fist back to give him some more... but
it's CLEAR that Sawyer has no intention of fighting back.
He's just WAITING FOR IT.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 21.
14 (CO NT'D): 14
And maybe it's his awareness that the others are watching
him... or maybe it's the fact that Sawyer is just begging for
it -- that he wants Jack to hit him again --
But Jack lowers his fist. Not calm, but CONTROLLING it --
And knowing that if he lets this go any further, he won't be
able to STOP.
So with an almost inhuman display of self-control, Jack
STRIDES OFF --
-- and as we settle CLOSE ON SAWYER, his eyes flickering with
the defeat of a man whose bait has not been taken...
15 EXT. NEW ORLEANS DINER - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT - FLASHBACK 15
DAVID (PRE-LAP)
The money comes from -- what?
16 16
INT. NEW ORLEANS DINER - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
A dive -- a place for shady deals. Jessica sits beside DAVID
(36), her good-looking husband. David leafs through a thick
PROSPECTUS on the oil-drilling operation.
SAWYER looks up from across their shared booth. He's sharp.
Suit, designer glasses: this guy cleans up good -- and it's
clear that David likes Sawyer, wants to believe him.
SAWYER
Incentives from a foreign
investment. Listen -- David, I'm
not sure this is a good idea--
JESSICA
Why not?
SAWYER
`Cause business between friends is
always a little sticky.
(to David)
I don't know you well, but I know
your wife. Working with her at the
bank, I'm not sure I'm comfortable--
DAVID
(back to the Prospectus)
-- Louisiana will invest two-thirds
of the drilling cost? What is
this... a loophole?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 22.
16 (CO NT'D): 16
SAWYER
Look, David -- you're reluctant and
I get it. You got your car
dealership, you don't need this--
JESSICA DAVID
We should do this --
-- Jess, I don't even know
this guy--
JESSICA
(to Sawyer)
Show him the cash.
DAVID
You have it with you?
Sawyer looks around. Pulls out a briefcase. Spins it toward
David. David pauses, opens it slightly. Peeks. Holy shit.
DAVID (CONT'D)
...How do I know this is real?
SAWYER
(incredulous)
The money? Hell --
(smiles, friendly)
-- Take it, check it out, I don't
care. I know where your wife
works, you aren't going anywhere.
Sawyer watches David, pondering -- until Sawyer unexpectedly
gets up, grabs his briefcase and slaps down a twenty for
their food:
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Listen. Don't worry, I got other
investors lined up --
JESSICA
-- David--
SAWYER
(shakes hands with David)
Great to meet you --
(to Jessica)
-- And I'll see you Monday.
Sawyer heads out. David and Jessica recede as we stay tight
on Sawyer - walking - and JUST AS HE GETS TO THE DOOR:
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 23.
16 (CO NT'D): (2) 16
DAVID
Wait!
Sawyer allows himself a snide little smile. He owns these
people now. Sawyer takes his time walking back --
DAVID (CONT'D)
(salivating)
You said we could... take the
money... check it out?
SAWYER
I need to know in twenty-four
hours. You're in? Great. You're
out. Great.
Sawyer puts down the briefcase, patting it like a child, then
turns and goes... and as he walks away, the hook baited, we
CLOSE IN ON HIS cold, sharklike intensity...
A17 A17
EXT. BEACH - MORNING - ESTABLISHING (DAY 10)
The sun rises on another DAY. Those remaining on the beach
doing their morning routines. And we find --
EXT. BEACH - MORNING
17 17
Charlie and Claire, hanging WET CLOTHES on a makeshift
CLOTHESLINE strung between two pieces of wreckage --
CLAIRE
Warm, clean towels. Like when they
first come out of the dryer.
(then)
Your turn.
CHARLIE
Banoffi pie.
CLAIRE
You said that already.
CHARLIE
(can taste it)
The toffee and cream. And crumbled
biscuits.
CLAIRE
Is food the only thing you miss?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 24.
17 (CO NT'D): 17
CHARLIE
Forgive me if the practicality of a
clean towel eludes me. For God's
sake, you're a pregnant woman!
Don't you crave anything? Pickles?
Ice Cream? Fried Chocolate -
CLAIRE
- Peanut butter. I'm the only
Australian who loves peanut butter.
Charlie processes this for a moment. Then, with a smile:
CHARLIE
I can get you peanut butter.
CLAIRE
Right. Sure you can.
CHARLIE
Indeed... and when I provide you
with your revered peanut butter,
you must vacate this sandy strip of
depression and move to the caves.
(puts out his hand)
Deal?
Claire laughs. Doesn't quite think he'll get any peanut
butter, but still likes this guy. Puts her hand in his.
CLAIRE
You're on.
And OFF CHARLIE, wondering where the hell he is going to find
fucking PEANUT BUTTER, we drop right into the middle of:
18 INT. THE VALLEY - INFIRMARY CAVE - DAY 18
This is how LOST does E.R.
A WHITE KNUCKLE MEDICAL CRISIS.
RICHARD
HELP! SHE'S NOT -- HELP!
A FRANTIC Richard leans over MARYBETH as LOUD RASPS emerge
from her throat -- trying to get AIR. Jack rushes over:
RICHARD (CONT'D)
It's an attack -- she needs her...
Jack pushes Richard aside -- his emergency training kicking
in -- Marybeth tries to rise, but Jack holds her down --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 25.
18 (CO NT'D): 18
JACK
Marybeth? Listen to me. Look at
me, okay?
-- GASP. GROAN. She SUCKS at the air. Shit. It's scary.
JACK (CONT'D)
(stern, but gentle)
You need to listen now. This isn't
just your asthma. It's anxiety.
It's in your head.
MARYBETH
N... No...
A SMALL GROUP has gathered, including Sayid and Hurley... but
Jack is focused on Marybeth -- his eyes never leave hers --
his only option is to TALK HER DOWN --
JACK
You know you're out of medicine, so
you're panicking. But we can fight
this. Together. Okay?
(no response)
Nod your head, Marybeth.
She nods. More RASPY ATTEMPTS at breath.
JACK (CONT'D)
Breathe in through your nose.
Slowly.
She tries to suck in air through her mouth.
JACK (CONT'D)
No. Through the nose. Like this.
He demonstrates. She tries to copy him. Her breaths are
shaky. It's like she's convulsing.
JACK (CONT'D)
Now hold one of my arms and squeeze
as hard as you can. Squeeze my
arm, Marybeth.
(as she does)
Harder.
She digs her fingernails into his forearm. Practically draws
blood. But Jack can't feel it.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 26.
18 (CO NT'D): (2) 18
JACK (CONT'D)
Good. Good. Now again... In
through the nose.
She looks over at Richard.
JACK (CONT'D)
Don't look at him. Look at me! In
through the nose. Slow. Now --
loosen your grip. Let go...
She lets go, relaxing... finally breathing.
JACK (CONT'D)
Okay. You're getting air. Your
color's coming back.
He's lying. But her eyes flash with hope.
JACK (CONT'D)
See? I knew you could do this.
It's passing. Can you feel it?
MARYBETH
(weakly)
Yes.
JACK
Now. Again.
He draws a deep breath through his nose. She does the same --
draws a full, deep breath and exhales. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS
OF CONSISTENT BREATHS -- Jack looks up at Richard, beckons
him to come take over. As he does, Jack stands and says in a
hushed tone, so only Richard can hear --
JACK (CONT'D)
Try to get her to sleep.
Richard nods as he tends to his wife, and Jack heads for the
cave entrance, fuming. Sayid and Hurley are there.
HURLEY
Wow, man. That was awesome. That
was like a... Jedi moment.
But Jack just walks on -- and Sayid falls in beside him.
SAYID
What will happen if she doesn't get
her medicine?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 27.
18 (CO NT'D): (3) 18
Jack answers that one with a LOOK. Sayid understands.
SAYID (CONT'D)
Then we must make Sawyer hand it
over.
JACK
That's what I'm gonna do--
SAYID
No: not you. Me.
(off Jack's stare)
I served five years in the
Republican Guard.
JACK
I thought you were a communications
officer.
Beat. Sayid doesn't like to talk about this. But --
SAYID
Yes. And part of my training
entailed getting the enemy to
communicate.
PUSH IN on JACK, getting his meaning --
SAYID (CONT'D)
Give me ten minutes with him.
He'll give us the medicine.
(beat, wanting Jack's
approval)
Yes?
ON JACK -- wrestling with his ethics. Seconds hand like
hours -- until he finally looks hard at Sayid and says,
firmly:
JACK
Yes.
CUT TO BLACK:
END OF ACT TWO
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 28.
ACT THREE
19 INT. SAWYER'S TENT - DAY 19
TIGHT ON Sawyer, napping in his tent. NOISES. Something
coming INSIDE. Sawyer's eyes FLY OPEN -- SEES --
Sayid standing over him with a crowbar-sized PIECE OF
WRECKAGE --
SAYID
Good morning.
And as the wreckage SWINGS TOWARDS CAMERA... BANG!
EXT. BEACH - DAY
20 20
HANDHELD. INTENSE. Jack & Sayid, fierce determination,
literally DRAGGING an unconscious Sawyer off the beach.
FIND KATE riding in their wake --
KATE
What are you doing?
SAYID
We're solving a problem. Do not
concern yourself.
KATE
(catching on)
You're going to torture him?
Jack's eyes FLASH. But he says nothing. Ain't happy about
it, but COMMITTED to it. He and Sayid have now reached the
TREE LINE. Kate reaches out, grabs him by the arm --
KATE (CONT'D)
Jack -- if you do this...
(beat)
You're no better than he is.
JACK
This was his choice. Not mine.
And with that, he gently pulls his arm out of her grasp and
disappears into the JUNGLE. OFF KATE --
INT. THE VALLEY - SECLUDED AREA - DAY
21 21
MICHAEL, sitting near the entrance to the caves,
frustratingly trying to GUT A FISH -- and it's a MESS. He
tries to scoop out guts and spatters himself in the face.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 29.
21 (CO NT'D): 21
MICHAEL
Damn stupid --
SUN
Michael?
Michael reacts with a start to find SUN standing just outside
the caves, looking around nervously.
MICHAEL
Oh. Hey.
He puts his fish down, brushes himself off as best as he can
and joins her behind a stone wall just outside the caves.
SUN
The sick woman...
Sun simulates RASPY BREATHING. Michael gets it --
MICHAEL
Yeah. Asthma.
SUN
Yes. Asthma.
(beat)
I think I can help her.
And OFF MICHAEL, wondering just what she needs HIM for --
22 22
EXT. THE VALLEY - DAY
We find CHARLIE, man on a mission, nipping at HURLEY's heels.
HURLEY
All the food from the plane's been
gone over a week, dude.
CHARLIE
No secret stash for "emergencies?"
You and Jack have all sorts of crap
in that cave...
HURLEY
Sorry, man. There's no peanut
butter, no peanuts, no nothing.
CHARLIE
There's got to be something. I
mean -- look at you...
Hurley stops dead in his tracks. Turns back.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 30.
22 (CO NT'D): 22
HURLEY CHARLIE
Look at what?
-- Nonono, listen--
HURLEY
Fat guy hoarding the food. That
what you think?
That's exactly what he thinks. Tries to find the response.
It's complicated:
CHARLIE
--Well no, that's not what I think--
no -- I... we have been here two
weeks and you haven't really, uh...
HURLEY
Slimmed down much?
CHARLIE
All I need's a bag of peanuts---
HURLEY
I have no food, okay? And for that
record, I'm down a notch on my
belt! All right? I'm a big guy,
okay? It'll probably be a while
before you'll wanna give me a
piggyback ride.
Hurley shakes his head, starts walking again. Charlie
follows, feeling like quite the shit --
CHARLIE
Sorry. I shouldn't've... Bad form.
HURLEY
(beat; forgiving)
Yeah. I'm used to it.
A beat. They walk on. Another beat. Then --
CHARLIE
So, not even a single bag of...?
HURLEY
Dude.
CHARLIE
Okay. Sorry.
And OFF CHARLIE, bummed about letting Claire down, we go to:
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 31.
23 EXT. JUNGLE - DARK CLEARING - DAY 23
WATER SPLASHES INTO THE FACE OF --
SAWYER, his lip bleeding -- ROUSED AWAKE with a blast of
water to the face. COMING TO -- sputtering, spitting - gets
his bearings and sees...
SAYID, standing over him, tossing aside the empty plastic
pail that held the water.
BACK ON SAWYER, recognizing, as he pulls at them, his HANDS
are tied behind his back, around the trunk of a tree. He
shakes his head and glares at Sayid.
SAWYER
Well, ain't you the brave one?
Jumping a guy when he's nappin'--
Sayid crosses away, revealing -- JACK, standing a short
distance behind him, his arms crossed.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Huh. Well now we got ourselves a
party. Couple more fellas, we can
deal a little stud.
Jack doesn't say a word, just stares at Sawyer.
SNAP -- a dry CRACK brings Sawyer's attention back to Sayid
who has just BROKEN OFF A BAMBOO STALK.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
(faux frown)
Uh oh. I'm in trouble, ain't I?
JACK
We gave you every chance to do the
right thing, Sawyer. All we wanted
was the asthma medicine. Just tell
me where your stash is. Where the
medicine is. And we'll stop.
SAWYER
Stop what, Chico?
SNAP! Jack looks over as Sayid breaks off another piece of
BAMBOO. Turns back to Sawyer --
JACK
It doesn't have to be this way.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 32.
23 (CO NT'D): 23
Sawyer's smirk is gone, replaced by STEELY RESOLVE --
SAWYER
Yeah. It does.
Jack and Sawyer stare at each other, then...
CLOSE as Sayid kneels down beside Sawyer, just behind him,
close enough to speak into his ear. Begins to strip CHUTES
from the bamboo --
SAYID
We do not have bamboo in Iraq,
though we have something similar.
Reeds. But their effect is the
same when the chutes are inserted
under the fingernails.
Sawyer turns his head a bit to face Sayid --
SAWYER
Know what I think, Ali? I think
you've never actually tortured
anybody in your life.
Sayid takes that in, then...
HE GRABS Sawyer's hand on the other side of the tree. BENDS
THE FINGERS BACK.
ON SAWYER, chuckling, despite himself...
SAYID
Unfortunately for us both, you're
wrong.
And this all happens mercifully BELOW FRAME as --
Sawyer
Sayid JAMS A CHUTE under one of Sawyer's fingernails.
GRUNTS -- let's out a sharp hiss of PAIN.
ON JACK, standing by, averts his eyes. Conflicted. And
Sawyer?
SAWYER
That's it? S'all you got?
Splinters? No wonder we kicked
your ass in the Gulf War.
And Sayid pushes the chute in deeper...
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 33.
23 (CO NT'D): (2) 23
PUSH IN ON JACK, an agonized expression on his face, as
Sawyer SCREAMS OUT in pain...
24 24
EXT. BEACH - MEANWHILE
The CAMERA pans off various beach dwellers, reacting to the
DISTANT SCREAMING coming from the jungle, looking at each
other, perplexed... We HEAR a couple ad-libs -- "Oh my god."
and "It's about time someone did something about him." as we--
PAN OVER to CLOSE-UP ON KATE, staring off into the jungle
knowing all too well what that sound it...
25 25
EXT. JUNGLE - DARK CLEARING - MEANWHILE
ON JACK, still suffering through this as he hears SAWYER'S
SCREAMS. Finally, he moves towards them --
JACK
Sayid...
(not hearing him)
SAYID!
ON SAYID as he looks up at JACK --
JACK (CONT'D)
Let him catch his breath.
ON SAWYER, his head lolls, exhausted from his punishment as
his screams...
SAWYER
Don't... Don't stop now... Think my
sinuses are finally clearin'...
And Jack's had enough -- lunges at Sawyer -- GRABS his head
and holds it face to face with him as he demands:
JACK
What the hell is wrong with you?!
Why are you making us do this?!
Just tell us where the medicine is.
SAWYER
More bamboo! Let's go! C'mon!
C'MON!!!
SAYID
Enough of this --
And Sayid slides up next to Jack -- and he's got LOCKE'S
HUNTING KNIFE. Brings it within an inch of Sawyer's eye --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 34.
25 (CO NT'D): 25
SAYID (CONT'D)
Perhaps losing an eye will loosen
your tongue...
SAWYER JACK
Man, you're just a big,
walking cliche, ain't you? -- Sayid, this isn't--
But Sayid is moving the knife even CLOSER. MACRO-CLOSE. And
he's actually gonna fucking do it --
SAWYER
Okay! Okay, you win.
Sayid holds the knife steady --
SAYID
Where is it?
A beat. Then --
SAWYER
Only person I'll tell --
(directly to Jack)
Is her.
Jack knows exactly who "her" is. Sayid looks at Jack, his
knife still poised at Sawyer's eye.
JACK
...Kate?
SAYID
He's stalling...
SAWYER
That's the deal.
(serious)
Take it or leave it.
ON JACK, actually considering Sawyer's offer as we hear a
GRAVELLY VOICE --
KILEY (PRE-LAP)
Tell me, Sawyer - do you want to
die?
INT. NEW ORLEANS POOLHALL - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
26 26
Dark. Smoky. Decked out in deep red and nicotine yellow.
SAWYER sits on a stool, smiling, looking straight ahead at --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 35.
26 (CO NT'D): 26
KILEY (late 40's) - a bull-necked J.T. Walsh type in rolled
up shirtsleeves and a tie - knocking pool balls into their
pockets without looking away from Sawyer.
KILEY
`Cause when a man walks into my
place and tells me he left a
hundred and sixty thousand of my
hard-won dollars in the care of a
civilian, I gotta ask myself if
what I'm hearing isn't a desperate
cry for the sweet release of death.
Kiley sinks the second to last ball on the table... then with
a FLICK of his wrist, has his cue against Sawyer's throat.
SAWYER
That's why you're an accountant and
I'm a genius, Mr. Kiley.
Sawyer's smirk remains firmly planted on his face as he
maneuvers his Zippo around the cue to light a cigarette --
SAWYER (CONT'D)
I closed a deal today. Big one.
(off Kiley's look)
See, women are easy. A few cosmos
and a couple of stunts they haven't
seen between the sheets and they
think the scam is their idea. The
husbands -
Sawyer sticks up his index finger, uses it to move the cue
away as he speaks.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
- They need to touch the money.
Smell it. Believe that if they had
the brass to put that suitcase in
the trunk of their Ford Taurus and
speed away they might just have a
chance at being an honest-to-gosh
outlaw. They need the rock-hard
conviction that I handed them the
chance to screw me.
(then)
(MO RE)
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 36.
26 (CO NT'D): (2) 26
SA WYER (CONT'D)
That kind of trust don't come
cheap, but by the time Ken n'
Barbie realize I blew out of town
with their life savings, she'll be
too ashamed to call the cops and be
shown up as a whore and he'll be
too afraid to call the cops and be
shown up as a sap.
(beat)
Thing of beauty.
Kiley's impressed, but not TOO impressed --
KILEY
Okay, Tex -- You've got your grift
so pat, what'd you need my money
for? Where's your seed from the
last couple you roped?
SAWYER
What can I say? I like earning it
as much as I like spending it.
KILEY
(laughing)
No, Sawyer -- That's not why.
And Kiley's laughter abruptly stops as he bores into Sawyer
with a stare so intense it could freeze vodka.
KILEY (CONT'D)
The reason you can't hold on to
money is you aren't in it for
money. You're in it to make people
suffer, and in this "accountant's"
mind, that makes you a liability.
And for the first time, Sawyer's grin falters. Kiley just
nailed him. A beat. Then --
SAWYER
You got your baggage, I got mine.
KILEY
Be that as it may, I know a thing
or two about making people suffer
myself...
(leans in; scary)
You have my money -- plus fifty
percent by noon tomorrow -- and
I'll tell you all about it.
And OFF SAWYER, completely at this man's mercy...
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 37.
27 EXT. JUNGLE - DARK CLEARING - DAY 27
We came back OUT OF SAWYER'S HEAD to find --
JACK standing, looking down at Sawyer -- arms still trussed
behind the tree. His eyes come up, full of VENOM for Jack.
But what Jack offers in return is CURIOSITY --
JACK
What's your problem, Sawyer?
And that just hangs there for a few moments. And we're
anticipating Sawyer's response when -- NOISE from the
surrounding jungle. Jack turns to see --
SAYID returning. Behind him, KATE. And as soon as she sees
Sawyer tied up like an animal -- no matter what she thinks of
the guy -- There's a flash of VULNERABILITY.
SAYID
Okay. She's here. Now tell us.
SAWYER
Uh uh. No.
(beat)
I want to talk to her alone.
Jack uncrosses his arms -- PISSED -- Sayid already moving
back towards Sawyer --
SAYID
You are through making requests...
KATE
Stop.
(then)
I'll be okay. Just go. Let's get
this over with.
SAWYER
You heard the lady. Scram.
Man... Jack want to YANK this guy's head off, but --
KATE
Jack --
(he looks at her)
I've got it.
A BEAT. Jack turns his look to Sawyer, who offers up this
shit-eating GRIN. Back to Kate --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 38.
27 (CO NT'D): 27
JACK
We'll be close.
And as Jack and Sayid (grudgingly so) walk off into the
jungle, CAMERA DROPS DOWN on the OTHER SIDE OF THE TREE to
find --
SAWYER twisting his wrists around inside the bungee rope
binding them -- starting to working himself free.
Kate oblivious to this as she approaches him. Matter-of-fact
tone undercut by concern --
KATE
What did they do to you?
SAWYER
Nothin'. Just got a manicure.
KATE
(shakes her head; then)
So I'm here. Where is it?
SAWYER
Happy to tell you...
(beat)
Soon as I get that kiss.
KATE
What? -- Are you serious?
SAWYER
Baby, I'm tied to tree in the
Jungle of Mystery and I just got
tortured by a damn spinal surgeon
and a genuine I-raqi.
(beat)
`Course I'm serious.
Kate just looks at him. Not knowing quite WHAT to think.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
You're not seeing the big picture
here, Freckles. You really gonna
let that woman suffocate `cause you
can't bring yourself to give me a
little kiss? Hell -- it's only
first base... lucky for you I ain't
greedy. I'm making it real simple
here -- you wanna be a hero or not?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 39.
27 (CO NT'D): (2) 27
ON KATE. Yeah. It's fucking ridiculous... But dammit if he
doesn't make a compelling argument. And dammit if there
isn't a strong contingent of women out there watching this
show who WANT her to do it.
And we can see the moment in which she makes up her mind.
KATE
Okay.
SAWYER
Okay.
Kate approaches him. Squats down on her haunches. Gets
close. Looks into his eyes. He looks back.
And her is the first kiss on LOST.
What makes it interesting is that even though it starts out
as a chore -- a necessity -- somewhere about three or four
seconds in, it becomes something ELSE. And just before it
actually goes from something else to REAL...
Kate pulls away.
And we milk this delicious moment afterward for all it's
worth. And despite the insanity of the circumstances under
which it happened, both of them felt something. Finally --
and when Sawyer talks to her now, it's softer -- that kiss
did something to him -- some of his swagger is gone -- he's
just a man now --
SAWYER (CONT'D)
I don't have it.
KATE
What?
SAWYER
The medicine. I don't have it.
Never did.
WHAT? Kate's head is spinning --
KATE
Your book -- they said you got it
out of their suitcase...
SAWYER
Went in the drink with the rest of
the damn luggage from the tail.
Book washed up on shore.
(MO RE)
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 40.
27 (CO NT'D): (3) 27
SA WYER (CONT'D)
Had to dry it out, but it's still a
damn good read. You'd like --
SLAP! We didn't even see Kate's hand move. Sawyer's face
rocks to the side. Damn -- she hit him hard. Sawyer turns
back to her, blood trickling from his lip --
But she's already walking away.
28 28
EXT. JUNGLE - NOT FAR AWAY - DAY
Kate strides up to JACK AND SAYID --
KATE
He doesn't have it.
JACK
What?
SAYID
He's lying. He...
KATE
No. He's not. Not about this.
Jack can't believe it. It makes no fucking sense. But while
he's stymied...
Sayid is fucking INCENSED. And he UNSHEATHES his KNIFE as he
heads back the way Kate came as we CUT BACK TO --
29 29
EXT. JUNGLE - DARK CLEARING - DAY
SAWYER. Working through the pain, he keeps his eyes on the
prize - loosening the bonds around his wrists.
-- and they're coming free - not a moment too soon - as
Sawyer looks up to see -
SAYID arriving at the clearing - knife in hand - just as the
cord finally comes undone-- Sawyer pulls his arms out and he--
Throws himself at Sayid, holding out his arm to block Sayid's
knife. Sayid twists, THUMPS Sawyer in the KIDNEY but --
- Sawyer LUNGES for Sayid's KNIFE HAND, grabs his wrist --
the two in close quarters -- GRAPPLING as --
JACK arrives at the clearing, Kate right behind him -
JACK
HEY!
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 41.
29 (CO NT'D): 29
HAND-HELD -- DIRTY as Sayid and Sawyer ROLL ON THE GROUND,
PLAYING FOR FUCKING KEEPS and suddenly --
SAWYER LETS OUT A CRY OF AGONIZING PAIN.
Sayid instantly freezes -- looks down to see his white shirt
STAINED WITH BLOOD --
But Jack is here and he's pushing Sayid aside because -
The knife is literally STICKING OUT OF SAWYER'S ARM -- lodged
deep in his BICEP -- and it is fucking GUSHING BLOOD --
SAYID JACK
-- He... he got loose --
attacked me -- -- You hit an artery -
Sawyer in PAIN, but in some degree of SHOCK too. KATE
arrives, sees the knife impaling Sawyer's arm --
KATE
Ohmygod...
And Jack, medical instincts kicking in, wraps his head around
the hilt and --
PULLS THE KNIFE RIGHT OUT!
Sawyer CRIS OUT IN PAIN - clenches down his teeth as Jack
sticks his hand into the wound - trying to find the artery as
Sawyer reflexively SQUIRMS --
JACK
Stay still, dammit!
Sawyer's fist clench around the earth - his fingernails
digging into the ground as Jack does his grim duty -- SHIT --
Jack's hand -- already SOAKED with Sawyer's blood...
KATE
Can you stop it?
Jack just looks at her. Then at SAYID. And this is not
exactly a look of CONFIDENCE. Sawyer registers it...
And off these two men -- one literally holding the other's
life in his HAND..
END OF ACT THREE
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 42.
ACT FOUR
30 INT. THE VALLEY - INFIRMARY CAVE - DAY 30
RICHARD holds Marybeth's hand as she gasps for air. SAYID
blasts in. Richard brightens, releases his wife's hand -
RICHARD
Where's Jack? Is he with you?
- but Sayid is a freight train - madly rifling through a
knapsack, to no avail.
RICHARD (CONT'D)
He said he'd be back with my wife's
medicine. He promised to --
(realizing)
You're bleeding.
Sayid wipes his forehead - notices the spray of Sawyer's
blood - but has no time to explain. Finally spots Jack's
SUPPLY BAG - does a quick inventory. GAUZE. SCISSORS.
SUTURE KIT. He grabs the bag and heads out - then STOPS.
Sayid looks at Richard, whose fear for Marybeth's health
hangs over him like a pall. Sayid's expression softens -
SAYID
I'm... I'm very sorry. The doctor
will be here as soon as he can.
Sayid hurries out the Cave's Entrance, a flash of something
crossing his face. SHAME? No time to know as he exits to -
31 31
INT. THE VALLEY - CONTINUOUS
Sayid races out - almost knocking down Michael, who passes by
with hands full of EUCALYPTUS LEAVES.
MICHAEL
Hey!
But Sayid is long gone as Michael spots Sun, walks over --
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Are these the right ones? I think
I got the right tree but --
Sun speaks low, under her breath. Hurriedly --
SUN
Let me see.
(examining the leaves)
(MO RE)
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 43.
31 (CO NT'D): 31
SU N (CONT'D)
Yes. Good. I need some... I need
to boil --
But Sun's interrupted by a SHOUT in Korean. OH SHIT. Did he
hear her speaking English? Jin strides forward. PISSED.
JIN
What are you doing with him?
Sun stares at her husband - a deer caught in headlights.
JIN (CONT'D)
Why are you sneaking around with
this man? What's going on?
And there it is - Sun has no choice. Take the time to explain
that she went behind Jin's back to help the sick lady or
disobey again and save Marybeth's life.
Sun steps forward. DETERMINED. She takes the leaves from
Michael. And walks away.
Jin watches in DISBELIEF as she heads off. Openly DEFYING
HIS AUTHORITY -- HIS MANHOOD. His shock dissolves to anger
as he turns to face Michael.
They hold an intense look. Things could get ugly --
MICHAEL
Don't, man.
(means this)
Just. Don't.
OFF JIN, not getting the words, but getting the sentiment...
EXT. JUNGLE - DARK CLEARING - DAY
32 32
Sawyer GRITS HIS TEETH -- SEVERE FUCKING PAIN.
Kate is here, but it's JACK who's holding Sawyer's artery
closed with his bare hand -- Sawyer completely dependent on
Jack and hating every fucking second of it.
SAWYER
Let go. Just -- leave it.
(hisses through his pain)
-- I know you want to.
JACK
Shut up. Stop moving.
And the blood loss is making Sawyer a little light-headed.
Almost plays DRUNK --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 44.
32 (CO NT'D): 32
SAWYER
You've been waiting for this,
haven't you? Yeah -- I'll bet you
have. You get to be a hero again
`cause that's what you do. You fix
everything up all nice.
(looks to Kate)
Tell him to let go, Freckles. We
already made out -- what I got left
to live for?
Jack REACTS to this. Looks to Kate -- her adverted gaze
answer enough that Sawyer isn't completely full of shit.
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Hey, Jack? You should know
something -- Right now? Tables
were turned?
(blinking to stay
conscious)
I'd watch you die.
And Sawyer barely manages a smile as his eyes finally CLOSE.
And after a moment of COMPLETE DARKNESS --
INT. JESSICA & DAVID'S HOUSE - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
33 33
SAWYER
Allrighty. Looks like we're in the
oil business.
PULL BACK to find Sawyer with David & Jessica in their LIVING
ROOM. Nice. Upper Middle Class. Before them --
Sawyer's BRIEFCASE. Neatly packed with stacks of HUNDRED
DOLLAR BILLS. It's a beautiful sight. Especially since --
There's ANOTHER SUITCASE STACKED WITH CASH right beside it.
DAVID
We're cool?
Sawyer CLOSES the case --
SAWYER
Oh, we're cool.
The fish has been hooked. David is most certainly IN.
Yup.
DAVID SAWYER
We get the money back...?
-- Week from tomorrow.
Tripled.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 45.
33 (CO NT'D): 33
DAVID
(half-joking)
You're not gonna skip town, are
you?
JESSICA
David, for godssake -- He left all
his money with us. We could've
skipped town.
SAWYER
You got a smart woman there, David.
(winks)
Don't let go of her.
And that's when --
CHILD'S VOICE (O.S.)
Mommy?
Sawyer's attention instantly drawn to the HALLWAY -- an EIGHT
YEAR-OLD BOY stands there, bleary-eyed. Blonde curly hair.
Flannel PJs. Rosy cheeks. Too adorable.
And Sawyer freezes. HE CANNOT TAKE HIS EYES OFF THE KID.
JESSICA
Hi, baby. What are you doing up?
BOY
Will you read to me?
JESSICA
In a minute, sweetheart. We have
company right now.
BACK ON SAWYER. Just FIXATED on this kid. All the charm --
all the swagger -- instantly GONE. And it hits us -- This
must be the boy who's going to write the letter to Sawyer.
That's why we've been watching this entire story. And Sawyer
stares at this boy -- shocked -- for an odd, long moment...
DAVID
...You okay?
But Sawyer can't take his eyes off the boy... it's like
seeing a GHOST for Sawyer... his eyes practically fill...
SAWYER
(finally, quietly)
...Deal's off.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 46.
33 (CO NT'D): (2) 33
DAVID
Excuse me?
SAWYER
Deal's off. Forget it.
He reaches for his briefcase. Jessica distressed -- this
wasn't part of the plan --
JESSICA DAVID
What are you doing? -- Hold on -- You're not
walking out of here, man...
SAWYER (CONT'D)
I'm calling it off. Walking away.
No harm, no foul.
And this isn't making any sense -- why is he bailing? Why
the sudden change of heart? But Sawyer has his briefcase
now, ready to head for the door when -- David's hand clamps
down on his WRIST.
DAVID
Jessica, call the police.
SAWYER
Take your hand off me, boy.
And Sawyer would DECK this fucking guy, but again his
attention is drawn to THE BOY...
DAVID
Call the police, Jessica!
And this is going South real fucking fast -- TENSION --
Jessica not knowing what to do. Betrayed. Confused --
JESSICA
Sawyer?
And David's no dummy -- can hear it in her voice just as well
as we can, turns back to Sawyer, REALIZATION --
DAVID
What's going on here?
JESSICA DAVID
(to Sawyer)
This isn't how it's supposed
to work! You said -- -- What he said? What'd he
say, Jessica?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 47.
33 (CO NT'D): (3) 33
BOY
Mommy?
And Sawyer is still looking at the kid. And we are EXTREMELY
CLOSE ON HIM. Close enough to see him make the decision.
Sawyer LETS GO OF THE BRIEFCASE. Pushes David back --
SAWYER
Keep the money.
And Sawyer walks right out of the living room and into --
34 34
INT. JESSICA & DAVID'S FOYER - CONTINUOUS - FLASHBACK
TIGHT ON SAWYER, striding for the front door. Blank look in
his eyes. Pulling open the FRONT DOOR. David and Jessica in
the b.g. doorway, SHOUTING, their words muted because we're
IN SAWYER'S HEAD -- CLOSING ON HIS EYES.
And as we wonder what could possibly have happened to make
him leave HIS money behind guaranteeing certain PUNISHMENT...
Sawyer BLINKS, bringing us into --
INT. SAWYER'S TENT - LATE AFTERNOON
35 35
Sawyer's eyes FLUTTER OPEN. Groggy. And the first thing he
feels is PAIN. Looks down at his ARM. THICK BANDAGE AROUND
IT. Tries to move it -- WINCES as we --
WIDEN to find him propped up in his makeshift BED, back in
his TENT on the beach. And he's not alone --
KATE
You're lucky to be alive.
Find Kate, literally sitting by his "bedside." We should
note something about Sawyer here -- He is real.
SAWYER
The doctor -- ?
KATE
Ignored you and saved your life
anyway.
SAWYER
Where is he?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 48.
35 (CO NT'D): 35
KATE
He headed back to the caves to
check on that woman.
And that's when Sawyer notices Kate's holding something. An
ENVELOPE. His letter. And she SEES him notice it --
KATE (CONT'D)
I read it again. And then again.
Last couple hours -- I don't know
how many times.
Sawyer a little vulnerable here. A little guarded --
SAWYER
Why would you -- ?
KATE
(simple; straight)
Because I'm trying to figure out
why you made me read it.
(beat)
Why you beat up that man instead of
just telling him you didn't have
his wife's medication. Why you
pretended to have it anyway.
(beat)
Why you let yourself get tortured.
(beat)
And the thing I kept coming up with
was -- it was that you want to be
hated. And maybe that's why you
made me read this letter.
(opens it up; reads)
"You killed my parents, Mr.
Sawyer."
And now Kate SIGHS. Almost like she SHES IT. Then --
KATE (CONT'D)
And then I looked at the envelope.
Kate turns over the envelope and we see A COMMEMORATIVE
EMBOSSED SEAL. ON SAWYER, feeling totally NAKED...
KATE (CONT'D)
"America's Bicentennial --
Knoxville Tennessee. 1976."
We let that sink in for a second. Then --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 49.
35 (CO NT'D): (2) 35
KATE (CONT'D)
You were a kid in 1976.
(then)
Eight, maybe nine years old.
SAWYER
-- Kate...
KATE
This letter wasn't written to you.
(long beat)
You wrote this letter.
Sawyer's eyes DROP -- holding them in a real TIGHT TWO-SHOT --
the pure INTIMACY of the moment impossible to avoid --
KATE (CONT'D)
Sawyer isn't your name, is it?
And a LONG beat passes before --
SAWYER
(quietly)
...It was his name.
And he starts speaking slowly at first, in his own head...
SAWYER (CONT'D)
First heard it at my momma's wake.
My daddy didn't get one -- You
don't get a wake when you kill
yourself.
(then)
Was my Uncle Doug who pulled me
aside. Told me it was a confidence
man who killed them. Told me how
he rolled into town, marked my
folks. Romanced my momma, used her
to get to their money. Wiped `em
out clean, left the mess behind.
Only thing the cops had was his
name on a bogus business card.
(beat)
So I wrote that letter. Wrote it
knowing I'd find him one day.
(then)
You want all the sad parts? `Cause
I spent the next ten years getting
passed off from one place to
another. Lady from the State wrote
me off -- "adjustment problems."
Don't that just say it all?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 50.
35 (CO NT'D): (3) 35
CAMERA STARTING TO PUSH IN on him now as he tells this story.
A story he has probably never told out loud --
SAWYER (CONT'D)
And then I was nineteen -- needed
six grand to pay off some guys I
was in trouble with. So I found a
pretty lady with a dumb husband who
had some money.
(owning it)
And I got them to give it to me.
(shakes his head;
chuckles)
How you like that for tragedy?
Became the man I was hunting.
(a long beat; then)
Became Sawyer.
And finally, he's done. LOOKS to Kate --
And she is empathetic. Vulnerable. Something about this guy
is so wounded, so HURT she can identify with it. It is an
intense moment because it is so TRUE...
But Sawyer quickly becomes self-aware -- doesn't like the way
she's looking at him. And as RAW as he just was, it only
takes a second for him to transform back into a WILD ANIMAL --
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Don't you feel sorry for me...
KATE SAWYER
What? I...
-- Get the hell out.
Sawyer PULLS the letter from her hand. Kate surprised --
SAWYER (CONT'D)
Get out.
And Kate's eyes narrow. Can't believe she almost actually
just cried for this fucker. And now, her own walls going up,
she stands. Looks down at him for a moment...
But there's nothing left to say. So she goes.
Once she's gone, SETTLE ON SAWYER. Watching her walk away.
Clutching that letter.
END OF ACT FOUR
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 51.
ACT FIVE
36 INT. THE VALLEY - LATE AFTERNOON 36
ON SUN, rubbing salve from a small bowl onto the upper chest
of Marybeth, who seems to be breathing easier, her face
flush. As we WIDEN, we find JACK and an elated RICHARD
standing over them as Richard explains...
RICHARD
...I dunno... It was like this...
miracle. She just showed up with
that... mixture. Rubbed it on
Marybeth's chest and ten minutes
later she was breathing again.
Jack reaches into the bowl, takes a dab of the SALVE, rubbing
it between his fingers. He brings it to his nose and smells.
JACK
(recognizing it)
Eucalyptus?
(upset he didn't think of
it)
Smart, Jack. Real smart.
Jack shakes it off -- looks at Sun and smiles --
JACK (CONT'D)
Thank you. Very much.
Sun accepts his gratitude with a smile and a nod, until she
notices...
JIN standing against a wall some distance away, glaring at
her, intensely.
ON SUN, as her smile fades, and she defiantly goes back to
tending to Marybeth.
37 37
EXT. BEACH - LATE AFTERNOON
CLAIRE dozes. Peaceful. Lovely. Astrology Book by her
side. Charlie arrives. Trying not to wake her, he starts to
fold and pack her clothing. As she does, Claire wakes up --
CLAIRE
What... what're you doing?
CHARLIE
Packing your stuff.
He reaches for her Astrology Book.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 52.
37 (CO NT'D): 37
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
I'm guessing you'll be taking this
with.
CLAIRE
Where?
CHARLIE
The caves.
(off her look)
You're moving.
CLAIRE
(a beat; gets it)
You didn't -- Peanut butter?
Charlie nods.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(psyched)
No way.
CHARLIE
Just like you ordered.
Charlie reaches into his bag. Before pulling his hand out --
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
There's one thing, though. It's
extra smooth.
CLAIRE
That's okay.
And finally, Charlie produces... An EMPTY GLASS JAR.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
(disappointed)
It's... it's empty.
He unscrews the cap, digs his fingers in, swirls them around.
CHARLIE
What? No it's not. It's full,
see? Full to the top with stick to
the roof of your mouth, god, it
makes you want a glass of milk so
bad, extra smooth...
Lifting his fingers out, popping them in his mouth. Ecstasy.
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 53.
37 (CO NT'D): (2) 37
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Best sodding peanut butter I've
ever tasted. Want some?
She's looking at him like he's crazy (so are we.) Doesn't
want to play along. But the sheer brilliance of Charlie's
ploy can't be denied. Claire dips her fingers in. Takes a
taste.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Good, isn't it?
Claire considers. Then, despite her reluctance, just plain
CHARMED with Charlie's gesture, plays along --
CLAIRE
No. It's great.
CHARLIE
(re: Astrology book)
So... you'll be wanting this with
you? In the caves?
Claire NODS. Ready to leave the beach. OFF that, we go to:
38 38
EXT. BEACH - SECLUDED SPOT - LATE AFTERNOON
Kate sits alone - her mind still spinning from the events of
the day - when a shadow falls upon her. She turns to see -
- SAYID, walking over, head downcast, a bag slung over his
shoulder, loaded with supplies.
KATE
Sayid?
Sayid looks at Kate for a moment, then:
SAYID
I can't be here.
KATE
What do you -- ?
SAYID
I'm going off.
KATE
...What?
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 54.
38 (CO NT'D): 38
SAYID
I'm leavin. I don't know for how
long.
KATE
Sayid, you can't -- we don't know
what's out--
SAYID
(turns, strong)
-- What, it's too dangerous?
(beat)
No more than staying here.
(then)
I have worse things to fear than
what's in the jungle.
(off her look)
What I did today - what I almost
did... I swore never again. Never
again.
(almost to himself)
If I can't keep that promise, I
have no right to be here.
KATE
But there's nowhere to go.
SAYID
Someone has to walk the shore. Map
the island. See what else there
is. Find a means of escape.
(beat)
I can't think of a better person to
do it then the only one I trust.
Kate looks at Sayid - she knows better than to try to talk
him out of it, so she merely nods -
- and Sayid returns the nod.
SAYID (CONT'D)
I hope we meed again. Under...
happier circumstances.
And with that he's gone. Kate turns back to the beach, takes
a deep breath, and that's how long it takes for her to
realize that a tear is dragging down her cheek.
Off the moment, as Sayid moves farther and farther away down
the beach...
MUSIC COMES UP --
LOST "Confidence Man" (NETWORK DRAFT) 9/8/04 55.
38 (CO NT'D): (2) 38
LOST MONTAGE
QUICK POPS AS MUSIC PLAYS OVER THE FOLLOWING IMAGES --
39 39
INT. THE VALLEY - SUNSET
CHARLIE brings CLAIRE into the valley...
40 40
INT. THE VALLEY - CONTINUOUS
JIN looks over at his wife, then RACK FOCUS to him looking
across the valley at Michael. Sensing something...
41 41
INT. THE VALLEY - CONTINUOUS
RICHARD brings MARYBETH some water... smiles, relieved that
she's pulled through.
And back at...
42 42
EXT. BEACH - SUNSET
SAWYER sits on the beach, off in the distance, ALONE. Holds
up his LIGHTER to the letter -- But he can't bring himself to
burn it. Can't let it go. So he folds it up and places it
back in his pocket...
And we END the MONTAGE as --
EXT. BEACH - SUNSET
43 43
Sayid looks back over his shoulder, far, FAR down the beach,
the skeleton of the fuselage almost lost in the distance.
And as he keeps going...
CUT TO BLACK:
END OF EPISODE
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