Written by Marta Victoria
Directed by Michael Levine

First US Airdate 6 April 1990   Episode 1.18

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Felipe run down a road.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda gate as Felipe runs up to it.  He goes through the gate then stops as a woman who is kneeling on the ground planting flowers, turns and looks at him.  She then goes back to her planting.  Felipe starts running again.]

[Interior shot of the de la Vega hacienda as Diego walks up to a chair, carrying a book.  He turns and sits down in the chair, opens the book then starts to read it.  Felipe runs into the hacienda and looks into the library then to his left.]

Diego [looking up at Felipe]
What is it, Felipe?

[Felipe makes a very large ‘Z' in the air with his right index finger then beckons with both hands.  Diego, looking a little perturbed, sets down his book as he gets up.  He and Felipe walk over to the library fireplace.]

[Exterior shot of a farmhouse.]

[Interior shot of the farmhouse as a young boy sits at a table, drawing a picture.  He drops his pencil then pulls a plate of food toward himself.  He starts to bring a forkful of food to his mouth when the door behind him opens and an old man enters.  The boy puts down his fork as the man shuts the door.]

Boy [turning in his chair]
Grandfather!  Did you bring Firestar?  Where is he?

[The boy stands up.  The old man puts his left hand on the boy's right shoulder.]

Old Man
Miguel, listen.  There's going to be no horse.

Miguel
But Don Antonio promised. . .

Old Man [shaking his head]
On your eleventh birthday, I know.  And there's worse news.  Don Antonio's son has come from Mexico City to claim his inheritance.  As soon. . .

[The farmhouse door is flung open and a well-dressed young man steps inside, followed by another not so well dressed man.]

Young Man [sneering]
Santos Rodero?

Santos [to Miguel]
The chickens need feeding.

Miguel
But Grandfather. . .

Santos
Mijo, go outside.

[Miguel takes a wooden sword off the table then goes toward the door.  He stops and looks up at the young man.]

Miguel
Where's my horse? [The young man sneers at him.] Where's Firestar?

[The young man looks at him in disgust.]

Santos
Miguel, now!

[Miguel goes outside.]

Santos [to the young man]
Your father did leave Miguel the horse in his will.

Young Man
Did he indeed?  Then perhaps you should get yourself a lawyer.

Santos
Don Pedro, I served your father faithfully for thirty years.

Don Pedro
My father is dead.  You'll join him if you're not off this land by tomorrow.

Santos [agitatedly]
Where is your sense of justice?

[Don Pedro backhands Santos across the face.  Santos spins around and lands face down on the table.]

Don Pedro
Justice favors the strong, old man.  [Santos stands back up and faces Don Pedro.] Make sure you and the brat are gone by morning.

[Santos rushes Don Pedro and tries to grab him by the throat.  Don Pedro pushes Santos away and into his minion who wraps his arm around Santos' throat then cocks a pistol, pointing it at Santos' chest.  A shadow passes across the open door then the door closes.  Don Pedro whips his head around to see Zorro standing in the farmhouse.]

Zorro
Perhaps you'd prefer a fair fight?

[The minion tosses aside Santos then aims his pistol at Zorro.  Zorro flicks his whip and knocks the pistol out of the minion's hand.  The man falls to the floor.  Don Pedro pulls out a pistol from his waistband then turns quickly and points it at Zorro.]

Don Pedro [as he walks up to Zorro]
Well, well. . .  My first day home and I capture the infamous Zorro.

[Zorro just stares at him calmly.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Interior shot of Santos' farmhouse as Don Pedro holds his pistol on Zorro.]

Don Pedro
So, Señor Zorro, you are mine.

Zorro [smiling]
Yours?  Boldly spoken, Señor. . .  And prematurely.

[Zorro knocks Don Pedro's arm holding the pistol to his own right as Don Pedro fires.  Zorro then elbows Don Pedro in the face.]

Don Pedro [as he falls to the floor]
Aah!

[Zorro unsheathes his saber and places its tip between the fingers of the minion as he reaches for his pistol.]

Zorro
Ah-ah-ah. . .

[The minion gets to his feet then Zorro punches him in the face.]

Minion [as he falls to the floor]
Aah!

[Zorro spins around as Don Pedro stands up and draws out his sword.  Don Pedro lunges at Zorro who parries then traps Don Pedro's sword against the top of a chair with his saber.  Don Pedro pushes the chair out of the way.  He comes at Zorro again with his sword raised up in the air.  Zorro parries, then punches Don Pedro in the face, knocking him on his bottom.]

Don Pedro [as he lands]
Ugh!

[The minion starts to stand up and Zorro spins around to face him.  The minion uses the table to steady himself so Zorro tips it over, knocking the minion back down on the floor, now with the table on top of him.  Zorro spins around to face Don Pedro who is now on his feet.  Their swords clash twice then Zorro pushes Don Pedro into a wall.  Zorro then turns to face the minion who pushes the table off of himself.  Zorro reaches down and picks up the minion's pistol.]

Zorro
Yours, I believe.

[Zorro spins the pistol in his hand and grips the barrel before throwing it at the minion, hitting him between the eyes with the pistol's butt.]

Minion [as he falls backward with crossed eyes]
Aah!

[Santos watches the fight, open mouthed.  Don Pedro gets to his feet again and lunges at Zorro.  Zorro knocks the sword from Don Pedro's hand.  Don Pedro backs up against the door as Zorro points his saber at him.]

Zorro [as he and Don Pedro circle each other]
Since I was yours for such a brief time, allow me to leave you with something to remember me by.

[He slashes a ‘Z' into Don Pedro's jacket.  Don Pedro looks down at it then looks up at Zorro with a scared expression.]

Zorro
Your father was always kind and generous to those who worked for him.  Try to be like a De Soto in more than name only.

[He salutes with his saber as Toronado whinnies off camera.  Zorro then turns and goes out the door.  Don Pedro goes over and bends down, picking up his minion's pistol.  He then runs to the door.]

Santos
No!

[Exterior shot of Santos' farmhouse as Don Pedro comes out the door, looking to his right then to his left.]

Don Pedro
Zorro!

[He raises his pistols as Zorro rides away on Toronado.  Don Pedro fires the pistol and Toronado whinnies loudly then rears.  Zorro looks downward.]

[Closeup shot of a bullet wound on one of Toronado's legs.]

[Exterior shot of Santos' farmhouse as Don Pedro runs over to his horse and unties it from a hitching rail.  The minion comes out of the house.  Zorro looks in their direction then rides toward them.  Don Pedro and his minion, now on horseback, ride away to their right.  Santos comes out of the house as Zorro rides past it on Toronado.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Don Pedro and his minion ride past a stone fence and trees as Zorro chases them.  They ride away as Toronado pulls up, whinnying.  Zorro looks down at Toronado's leg then looks up ahead.  Zorro dismounts and kneels down beside Toronado's front left leg then looks at the bullet wound.]

Zorro [stroking Toronado's mane]
Ah, you'll be all right, boy. [He pats Toronado's neck as he stands up.] You won't be doing any riding for awhile. [He starts to undo the saddle.] If there's trouble, I don't want you trapped.

[He pulls the saddle off Toronado's back.  Then he pat Toronado on the rump.]

Zorro
Go on, old boy.

[Toronado neighs and walks off.  Zorro goes toward the stone fence and hides the saddle behind a bush near it.  Zorro then starts walking to his right.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Victoria drives a one horse wagon down a road.  A blanket covers the back of the wagon.  Victoria looks to her right and sees Zorro walking toward her.]

Victoria [pulling on the reins]
Whoa!  Zorro!

Zorro [waving his hand]
Señorita.

Victoria
What a pleasant surprise.

Zorro
And a lucky one.  As you can see, I'm without a horse.

Victoria
Is something wrong with Toronado?

Zorro [as he walks up to the wagon]
Ah, a flesh wound from a young blade's pistol.  Nothing to worry about.

Victoria [scooting over and indicating the empty seat beside her]
Can I offer you a ride?

Zorro
Well, that would be most kind.

[He climbs up into the wagon and sits down next to Victoria.  She flicks the reins and the wagon starts moving.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as the saddleless Toronado roams around through a rocky field.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro and Victoria ride in the wagon down the road.]

Victoria
My tavern is full of people Don Pedro has evicted.  They can't pay for rooms but what am I going to do?  I just can't put them out on the street.

Zorro
Your generosity knows no bounds, dear lady.  Why is Don Pedro so anxious to dismiss all his tenants?

Victoria
All I know is that the Alcalde does nothing.

[Zorro nods and smiles knowingly.  They continue on down the road.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Miguel walks into a clearing, slashing his wooden sword in the air as he walks along.  He then sticks the tip of the sword into the ground and looks to his left.  Toronado is running up a rocky hillside.]

Miguel
I can't believe it.

[He looks out from behind a tree as Toronado comes toward him.]

Miguel
What a beautiful horse.

[Miguel approaches Toronado, holding his wooden sword in his right hand.]

Miguel
Don't be afraid.  I'm not going to hurt you.

[He looks at his sword then tosses it aside.  He points at Toronado.]

Miguel
Look at your leg.

[He undoes the striped sash from around his waist then slowly walks up to Toronado.]

Miguel
Let me help you, boy. [He kneels down and ties his sash around Toronado's injured leg.] It's all right.

[He adjust the sash then stands up, putting his hand on Toronado's neck.]

Miguel
There.  Does that feel better? [He strokes Toronado's mane.] You're even more beautiful than Firestar.  I'll have to give you a name.

[Toronado nibbles on a tree as Miguel looks upward.]

Miguel
Thank you.  I knew you wouldn't let me down.  What a wonderful present.

[He keeps stroking Toronado's mane as Toronado nibbles on the tree.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro and Victoria ride along in the wagon.  Victoria stares ahead with her mouth open.  Mendoza and several other lancers come riding up to the stone fence.]

Victoria [pulling on the reins]
Whoa! [She turns to Zorro.] Soldiers.

Zorro
Sergeant Mendoza.  You must not be seen with me.

[He climbs down out of the seat then ducks under the blanket covering the wagon's bed.  Mendoza and the lancers ride up to Victoria.]

Mendoza
Señorita Escalante, have you seen Zorro?

Victoria [acting frightened]
Good heavens, no!

Mendoza
We got word he attacked Pedro De Soto somewhere near here.

Victoria
Perhaps he had good cause.

Mendoza
Well, that may well be, but I still have to go after him. [He flicks his horse's reins.] Hah!

[He and the lancers ride away.  Victoria watches them leave.]

Victoria [turning to look at the wagon's bed]
You can come out now. [She turns in the seat.] Zorro? [She starts to lift up the blanket.] You can. . .

[She lifts off the blanket but Zorro has disappeared.  Victoria looks around then tosses the blanket back over the wagon's bed, looking disappointed.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro runs along a narrow arroyo then goes through a bush.]

[Interior shot of the secret cave as Felipe hangs a currying brush on the cave wall.]

Zorro [off camera, causing Felipe to spin around]
Troublesome afternoon, Felipe.

[Felipe walks over to Zorro who comes into the cave.]

Zorro [looking around]
Where's Toronado?

[Felipe shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders.]

Zorro
I sent him back alone.  He should be here by now.

[A worried looking Felipe points at Zorro with his right hand.]

Zorro
No, no, everything's fine.  But we have to hurry.  There's so much work to do.

[He pulls off his gloves and hands them to Felipe then walks to his left.  Felipe follows.]

[Exterior shot of Santos' farmhouse as it gets dark.  Santos comes out of its front door and looks around.]

Santos
Miguel!  Miguel!

[He looks to his left then to his right.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Miguel ties a rope bridle onto Toronado.  Miguel pats Toronado's nose.]

Santos [off camera]
Miguel!

Miguel [to Toronado]
I have to go for supper.  But I can't tell Grandfather about you yet.  He might want to sell you now that he doesn't have a job.

[He pats Toronado's neck then starts running away.  He stops and turns to face Toronado.]

Miguel
I love you, Blackstar.

[He turns back around and runs off.]

[Interior shot of the secret cave as Felipe walks from Toronado's stall up into the laboratory area of the cave.]

Diego [coming into the cave]
Saddle a horse that no one will recognize.  Take one from that new herd we bought last month. [He starts to take off his jacket.] Zorro is going to pay Don Pedro a little visit.  Meantime, I want you to look for Toronado.  I left him near Vejar, where I hid his saddle near some rocks. [He pats Felipe's left shoulder.]  Now hurry.  It'll be dark soon.

[Felipe runs out of the cave as Diego takes Zorro's hat off a hook and looks at it worriedly.]

[Exterior night shot of the De Soto hacienda as Zorro runs out from the side of a building and across a open space to another building.]

[Interior shot of the De Soto hacienda as a male servant passes in front of some red drapes.  Zorro emerges from behind the drapes and goes over to a desk.  A black leather portfolio sits on the desk and Zorro opens it.  He takes out a flattened scroll which is tied with a red ribbon.]

[Exterior night shot of the tavern.]

[Interior night shot of the tavern as Victoria carries a candlestick.  She covers a boy sleeping on a table with a blanket.  She then walks to her right then looks around.  People are sleeping everywhere.  She sighs deeply then turns and goes up the staircase.  She opens a door to a bedroom then looks surprised.  A ‘Z' of red roses lie on white lace trimmed pillow.  Victoria goes over and picks up an envelope that rests among the roses.  She flips it over and smiles.]

[Exterior night shot of the countryside where Toronado is tied to a tree.  Miguel walks up, carrying his wooden sword and a blanket.]

Miguel [tossing the blanket on the ground]
Grandfather went to sleep early.  But I know he's worried about where we'll go tomorrow.  But I'm not worried.  Not as long as you're with me.

[He thrusts his sword into the ground then sits down and rests his back against the base of the tree.]

Miguel
Good night, Blackstar.

[He closes his eyes as Toronado snorts.]

[Interior shot of the secret cave where Felipe is sleeping in Toronado's stall.  Zorro walks into the cave then stops.  He then walks past Felipe who wakes up and gets to his feet.  Zorro turns around to face Felipe.]

Zorro
I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to disturb you.

[Felipe shrugs.]

Zorro
No sign of Toronado?

[Felipe shakes his head as he looks downward.]

Zorro [putting his left hand on Felipe's right shoulder]
Not to worry.  He'd never allow himself to be captured and if he hasn't returned, it's for a good reason.  Let's get some rest.

[They turn and walk forward.]

[Exterior day shot of the countryside as Miguel sleeps against the tree as Toronado nibbles at its base.  Zorro rides down a rocky hillside, carrying Toronado's saddle on his left shoulder.  He stops his horse, smiles, then tosses the saddle onto the ground.  Zorro then dismounts and walk over to Miguel and Toronado.]

Zorro [putting his left hand on Toronado's neck]
Toronado. [He crouches down and looks at the sash tied to Toronado's left front leg.] Not bad, not bad.  [He stands back up, stroking Toronado's leg.] I understand you didn't have the heart to leave him.

[Zorro continues to pat Toronado as Miguel wakes up and grabs his sword which he then points at Zorro.]

Miguel
This is my camp!

Zorro [turning to face Miguel]
Well, thank you for looking after my horse.

Miguel [brandishing his sword]
He is not your horse.  Blackstar's mine.

Zorro
Blackstar?  Well, I must be mistaken.  My horse's name is Toronado.  Tell me something. . . [He walks away from Toronado.] My stallion comes to me when I whistle.  Does yours?

Miguel [defiantly]
Yes!

Zorro [indicating Toronado]
Show me.

[Miguel tries to whistle but can't.  Zorro smiles disappointedly.  Miguel tries to whistle again.  Toronado shakes his mane.  Miguel looks at Zorro.  Zorro whistles sharply.  Toronado comes up to Zorro who holds his right hand out to him.  Toronado nibbles at Zorro's hand then Zorro pats his nose.]

Zorro
All right, boy.

Miguel [raising his sword at Zorro]
Blackstar's mine!  I found him!

Zorro [unsheathing his saber]
Are you sure you want to go through with them?

Miguel [brandishing his sword]
Blackstar's worth dying for!

Zorro
Judging from that excellent bandage, if I lose this match, Toronado'll be in good hands.  Might at least I know the name of the man who would heal my horse yet kill me?

Miguel [brandishing the sword]
Miguel Santos.  Who are you?

Zorro [saluting with his saber]
Call me Zorro.

[Miguel stares open mouthed then starts brandishing his sword at Zorro.]

Zorro
Not bad.  I'd sure hate to kill a budding swordsman.

[He reaches out and grabs Miguel's sword.  Miguel gulps nervously.]

Miguel [as he drops to his knees]
Zorro would never lose his horse!

[Zorro crouches down and sighs.]

Zorro
I set him free when he was wounded.  I didn't have the heart to ride him.  He understood.  I think you will  too.

[He hands the wooden sword back to Miguel.]

Zorro [standing up and patting Miguel's right shoulder]
You looked after him well and I intended to return that favor.

[He and Miguel walk over to Toronado.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Mendoza and Victoria ride their horses side by side.]

Mendoza
The least you could do, Señorita, when you drag a man out of bed at such an unearthly hour is to tell him why.

Victoria
The note said I mustn't.

Mendoza
Note?  From who?

Victoria [smiling secretively]
A friend.

[Mendoza yawns loudly as they continue to ride.]

[Exterior shot of Santos' farmhouse as Santos comes out its front door.]

Santos
Miguel!

[He stares open mouthed.  Don Pedro and four minions wait on horseback in front of the house.  Don Pedro and one of the minions are carrying lit torches.]

Santos
Oh, no!  Please, your honor!  I cannot find my grandson.  Please give us more time!  A day more!

Don Pedro
Stand aside, you old fool.  Or you'll burn along with the shack.

[Mendoza and Victoria ride their horses up to the farmhouse and come to a halt.]

Victoria
Don Pedro, you can't do that!

[She dismounts as does Mendoza and they both walk over to stand by Santos as Don Pedro sneers.]

Don Pedro
I can do as I please on my own property, Señorita.  Isn't that so, Sergeant?

Mendoza
Yes, unfortunately yes.  But. . .

Don Pedro
Then stand aside.

[He rides forward with his torch.  The minion with the other torch rides to his right.  Mendoza, Victoria, and Santos all watch.  Don Pedro turns to his right as a horse whinnies off camera.  Zorro rides upon Toronado, with Miguel sitting in front of him on the saddle.  Don Pedro glares at them.]

Zorro
Some people only learn the hard way.

[He lifts Miguel off Toronado and onto the ground.  Miguel runs over to Santos.]

Miguel
Grandfather!

[Santos hugs Miguel.  Victoria bends over and touches Miguel's cheek.]

Don Pedro [still glaring at Zorro]
I knew you would come. [Then over his right shoulder.] Kill him!

[Three of the minions ride forward.  Two of them point pistols at Zorro while the other holds a musket.]

Zorro
I know you are only here because you fear for your jobs and your homes.

Don Pedro
Don't listen to him, you imbeciles.   Kill him!

[The three minions waver nervously.]

Zorro
Gentlemen, I have no wish to kill you and I have no wish to be killed.  Go in peace.  You have my word your homes will be safe from this man.

[The three minions turn their horses around and ride away.]

Don Pedro [angrily]
Come back here!  I'll destroy everything you own!

[He turns and glares at Zorro.  Zorro flicks out his whip and it coil around Don Pedro's torch.  Zorro yanks it out of Don Pedro's hand and it goes flying backwards into the air.  Zorro does the same with the remaining minion's torch.  Zorro then rides off to his left.  Don Pedro and the minion ride off after him.]

[Exterior shot of the countryside as Zorro and Toronado ride down a road with Don Pedro and his minion chasing him.  Zorro rides under a tree, then reaches up and grabs a low-hanging branch.  Toronado keeps going.  Zorro spins up over the branch then lands on the back of the minion's horse as the minion passes under the tree.  The minion falls off his horse.  Zorro lands on his feet.]

Minion [as he hits the ground]
Oof!

[Zorro smiles.  Don Pedro comes up to him with his sword raised.  Zorro blocks Don Pedro's sword with his saber, then reaches out,  grabbing Don Pedro's foot out of its stirrup then flipping him out of his saddle.]

Don Pedro [as he hits the ground]
Oof!

[He immediately jumps up and uncoils a brown leather whip.  Zorro stands in front of Don Pedro and smiles as he holds up his black leather whip.  Don Pedro cracks his whip at Zorro, who pretends to be impressed.  Zorro uncoils his own whip.  Don Pedro spins his whip at Zorro's head.  Zorro ducks.  Don Pedro spins his whip at Zorro' head again with the same result.  Don Pedro does it a third time then flicks his whip forward.  Zorro steps on the whip, pinning it to the ground with his boot.  Zorro cracks his whip and hit Don Pedro's hand, causing him to drop his whip.]

Don Pedro [shaking his injured hand]
Ow!

[Zorro then cracks his whip at Don Pedro's feet, making the other man dance around in order to avoid being hit.  Zorro finally coils his whip around Don Pedro's legs and yanks him off his feet.]

Don Pedro [as he lands on his back on the ground]
Oof!

[Zorro walks over to Don Pedro, calmly coiling up his whip.  Don Pedro looks nervous.]

Zorro
Now that we have witnesses. . .

[He holds up the flattened scroll then tosses it at Don Pedro.  Miguel, Mendoza, Victoria, and Santos all come running up behind Don Pedro as he gets to his feet.]

Zorro
You'll have the privilege of reading your father's will.

Don Pedro [as he opens then unrolls the scroll]
How?  When?

Zorro
Last night, before you could destroy it.  Read the last few lines.

Don Pedro [reading reluctantly as Mendoza stands behind him]
To all those who served me so well over the years, I hereby make them freeholders.  Their homes are theirs along with two acres of land each.

[Victoria puts her hand on Santos's shoulder and smiles at him.  Don Pedro glares at Zorro.]

Zorro
Read on.

Don Pedro
And lastly, I bequeath my horse, Firestar, to my honorable stableboy. [Victoria puts her hands on Miguel's face.] Take care of him well, Miguel.

Zorro
The De Soto estate is an awesome responsibility.  Govern it with generosity and there is nothing these good people will not do for you.

[Don Pedro looks over at Victoria, Santos, and Miguel, then over at Mendoza.  A horse whinnies loudly off camera.  Miguel runs over to his right, where Toronado stands facing a bush.]

Miguel [grabbing Toronado's reins]
Toronado.  Here, boy.

[He leads Toronado over to Zorro.]

Miguel [with a big smile on his face]
Here, Señor Zorro.  Here's Toronado.

Zorro [patting Miguel's head]
Gracias.

[Mendoza pats Don Pedro on the back and smiles.  Zorro rubs Toronado's nose and smiles.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Closeup shot of a bookshelf holding several books and two statues of soldiers in blue uniforms.  Diego's hand grabs a blue bound book off the shelf.  The camera pans back as Diego flips the book into the air then catches it.  He walks out of the library and into the parlor? where he sits down in a chair.  He opens the book but looks up when a male servant leads Victoria into the room.]

Diego [standing up]
Señorita. . .

Victoria
Has Don Alejandro returned from his trip?

Diego
Not yet, but I expect him soon.  There hasn't been any more trouble with young Don Pedro, has there?

Victoria
Happily no.  Zorro knocked some sense into him and our new caballero has become a changed man.  He even helped Santos to repair his cottage with his own hands.

Diego
Ah, welcome news. [He turns away from Victoria.] And finally we can relax again.

[He sits back down in his chair.]

Victoria [with thinly veiled sarcasm]
Of course, Don Diego.  We wouldn't want anyone to upset your day.

Diego
Well, thank you.  Actually I'm on the last chapter of a new novel.  Very exciting.

Victoria
Very well, I will leave you alone to your, um, excitement.

[She smiles then turns and leaves the room.  She passes Felipe on his way into the room.  Felipe stops in front of Diego and makes a large ‘Z' in the air with his right index finger.]

Diego [frowning]
Ah, not another emergency?

[Felipe nods vigorously then beckons urgently with both hands.]

Diego
I wonder if the author had as much trouble writing the last chapter as I am reading it.  Right, let's go.

[He stands up then tosses the book into the chair.  The camera zooms in on the book, whose titles reads "Robin Hood".

*****END OF EPISODE*****