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... I think I've now reached "pathetically obsessed"
The Highlander DVDs have all the scripts. ALL THE SCRIPTS, YOU GUYS. And I, like the obsessed little fangirl I am, have been reading them.
In my defense (sort of), I'm basically skimming favorite scenes to see how things changed from the shooting script to the final version. The actors ad-lib a lot and it's fun to see what bits they put in. And, also, seeing the directions to the actors is really interesting because it gives me a better idea of where the writers were headed with the characters' motivations and so forth.
Still. PATHETICALLY OBSESSED, that is me.
I also ran into something at the end of "Forgive Us Our Trespasses" where some things were switched around and it actually changes the meaning of the scene a little bit, compared to how it was originally written. Originally, Methos's "We all have mistakes to forgive" line was spoken by Duncan, and the reconciliation was a great deal more than just subtext.
The scene as written went like this:
It's interesting that the final version of the scene leaves things a little more ambiguous between them; I still think they're definitely getting there, but the emotional fallout of the Horsemen arc isn't tied up quite as neatly. It looks like the original intent with the script was to make the callbacks to Duncan and Methos's falling-out more explicit, and they toned it down a bit in the final version.
While I'm quoting things from the scripts anyway, I think I'm just gonna quote the entirety of that final, cut scene on the barge, from the series finale. Because ... just ... OH, EVERYBODY. ♥
"THE PEOPLE HE LOVES." IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE SCRIPT. ♥ ♥ ♥ I could wallow in this scene forever, I really could. I thought I couldn't possibly love it any more AND NOW I DO.
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comments.
In my defense (sort of), I'm basically skimming favorite scenes to see how things changed from the shooting script to the final version. The actors ad-lib a lot and it's fun to see what bits they put in. And, also, seeing the directions to the actors is really interesting because it gives me a better idea of where the writers were headed with the characters' motivations and so forth.
Still. PATHETICALLY OBSESSED, that is me.
I also ran into something at the end of "Forgive Us Our Trespasses" where some things were switched around and it actually changes the meaning of the scene a little bit, compared to how it was originally written. Originally, Methos's "We all have mistakes to forgive" line was spoken by Duncan, and the reconciliation was a great deal more than just subtext.
The scene as written went like this:
AMANDA
And what if he comes after you again?
MACLEOD
He won't.
AMANDA
How do you know?
MACLEOD
Because I wouldn't.
AMANDA
He's not you.
MACLEOD
And he's not that different.
MacLeod shoots a look at Methos, measuring, before continuing:
MACLEOD (CONT'D)
None of us are. We all make mistakes... and we all have mistakes to forgive.
Methos meets his eyes, lifts his glass in silent acknowledgment of the unspoken message.
MacLeod returns the toast.
The moment between the two men is broken as Amanda puts her glass down and stands.
It's interesting that the final version of the scene leaves things a little more ambiguous between them; I still think they're definitely getting there, but the emotional fallout of the Horsemen arc isn't tied up quite as neatly. It looks like the original intent with the script was to make the callbacks to Duncan and Methos's falling-out more explicit, and they toned it down a bit in the final version.
While I'm quoting things from the scripts anyway, I think I'm just gonna quote the entirety of that final, cut scene on the barge, from the series finale. Because ... just ... OH, EVERYBODY. ♥
INT. MACLEOD'S BARGE - NIGHT
Methos, Dawson and Amanda are hanging around the barge as MacLeod enters, coat on, with a magnum of champagne.
Methos looks up and moves to him.
METHOS
(re the champagne)
I'll take that.
Methos takes the champagne.
MACLEOD
Methos...
Methos holds up his hand.
METHOS
Please. No thanks are necessary.
MACLEOD
(a smile)
I was going to say that was the worst Irish accent I ever heard.
METHOS
(beat)
Next time your butt needs saving, get Lawrence Olivier.
MACLEOD
I don't have a clue about who or what you are, Methos. But you taught me that life is about change. That what you were isn't necessarily who you are.
METHOS
(deeply felt)
Thank you.
MacLeod moves to Dawson as Methos opens the champagne bottle. Amanda approaches with a glass. Methos pours.
DAWSON
(re Methos)
Was he really going to kill me?
METHOS
(overhearing, reacts)
It was a dream, okay?
DAWSON
I can't see my life without you, Mac. And the truth is, I don't want to.
MACLEOD
You're my friend, Joe. No matter what. Thanks for believing in me. Even when I haven't believed in myself. And for reminding me that I'm human.
MacLeod takes a glass of champagne from Methos. He lifts it.
MACLEOD
To you guys...
(beat)
And to Tessa... and to Richie. And Fitz... whatever world you're in...
They all raise their glasses --
AMANDA
To Duncan MacLeod.
DAWSON
Of the Clan MacLeod.
METHOS
Long may he live.
They drink... MacLeod is looking at Amanda. He turns and speaks gently to her.
MACLEOD
I love you.
AMANDA
(innocently, delighted)
Really?
MACLEOD
You make my heart glad. You always have.
She kisses him. Methos approaches to pour more champagne. Amanda turns away, just for a moment.
As Macleod looks at
MACLEOD'S POV
METHOS, AMANDA AND JOE
the people he loves.
RESUME SCENE
He turns away, and as he exits the barge, Joe begins to follow. Methos touches his arm to stop him, sensing that MacLeod needs to be alone.
METHOS
(lightening the moment)
It's good to have a moral center to the universe -- even if he can be a pain in the ass.
AMANDA
(smiling)
You know, Methos, you're not nearly the arrogant, self-absorbed jerk you were when I met you.
METHOS
Well thank you... I think.
"THE PEOPLE HE LOVES." IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE SCRIPT. ♥ ♥ ♥ I could wallow in this scene forever, I really could. I thought I couldn't possibly love it any more AND NOW I DO.
This entry is also posted at http://friendshipper.dreamwidth.org/342298.html with