"The Discovery"

Written by Robert L McCullough and Philip John Taylor
Directed by Ray Austin

First US Airdate 30 January 1993   Episode 4.13

(Added scene:

[Exterior shot of a grassy hillside as two riders appear at its crest.]

Don Alejandro [one of the riders]
I must confess, Diego, I'm not shedding any tears for Emissary Risendo.  Now perhaps we can get back to running our hacienda.  Where do you suppose that calf got to?

Diego [the other rider]
It looks as if it went down here towards the creek.

Don Alejandro
Uh huh.  You may be right.

[They continue riding down the hill.]

End of added scene)

[Exterior night shot of the pueblo's plaza.]

[Exterior night shot of de Soto's office.]

Risendo [off camera]
Tell me, Mother.

Inez [off camera at first]
And when Diego was born a few moments later. . .

[Interior shot of de Soto's bedroom as Inez bends down.]

Inez [wringing out a wet cloth then standing up]
Alejandro de la Vega lifted him up and said ‘This is my son.  This is my heir.'

Risendo [as he lies in bed while Inez puts the cloth to his forehead]
Why would he say such a cruel thing, Mother?

Inez
You know why.  How many times do you need to hear it?

Risendo [grabbing Inez's right wrist]
I need to hear it again.

Inez
You were born first but your legs were misshapen.  I tried to tell them it was nothing to be worried about.

Risendo [shaking his head]
But they didn't believe you.

Inez [picking up a tray]
No.  God forbid Don Alejandro should be ashamed of a deformed child bearing the de la Vega name. [She sets the tray down off to her left.]  He was going to send you away to an institution that takes care of such children.  That very night, I took you away.  I left Madrid so they'd never find us. [She sits down on the bed next to Risendo and puts her arms around him.] And I brought you up as my own. [She hugs him then pulls back.] Don't forget Diego.

Risendo
Oh, I won't.  When Alejandro is gasping his last on the ground, I shall rip out Diego's heart and show it to our loving father.

[He imitates grabbing something then opening his hand.  Inez smiles evilly.]

[Interior shot of de Soto's office as the front door opens and de Soto and Mendoza step inside.]

Mendoza [laughing]
En hora buena, mi Alcalde.  You are back where you belong.

[He and de Soto walk over to the desk.  Mendoza puts his hat on the desk as de Soto sits down in his chair.]

de Soto
Well, it may only be cheap California pine, but it's my desk. [He slaps his hands on the desk top.] Mine. [He pounds his right fist on the desk top.  He then lifts up his white gloved hand and see the palm is covered with dust.] Oh, Emissary Risendo was not only ruthless, he was extremely unsanitary.

[He takes out a white handkerchief and wipes at the desk top with it.]

Mendoza
You know, Alcalde, I never thought I would say this but I'm kind of glad. . . [He holds his right hand up in the air.] he's gone to meet his maker.

[He and de Soto laugh giddily.  A door to their left opens and Risendo steps through it.  Two soldiers stand behind him.]

Risendo
You are sitting at my desk.

[Mendoza puts his hand to his chest as de Soto leans back in his chair, staring openmouthed.]

de Soto [flustered]
Emissary. . . [He stands up.] You recovered. [He turns to Mendoza and whispers loudly.] You said he was dead.

Mendoza
Me?  You're the one who said to build the coffin.

de Soto
Quiet, ! [He looks back over at Risendo.] Don Gilberto, it's wonderful to see you. . .alive.

Risendo
Unfortunately I cannot say the same for either of you. [He starts walking toward them.] You have now failed twice to capture Zorro.  Therefore, you can report for execution tomorrow at sunset.  Go.

Mendoza
Excuse me, Your Excellency.  I don't understand.  You mean you're not going to lock us up?

de Soto
Yes.  What's to keep us from just leaving?

Risendo
Because you have a choice.  You can either be executed mercifully by a firing squad at sunset or you can set one foot outside Los Angeles and die in the most excruciating manner I can devise.  And trust me, I can be remarkably inventive.  If one of you tries to escape, the other will meet an equally painful end without delay.  So, gentlemen, I suggest you keep a wary eye on each other [Mendoza and de Soto look at each other warily.] and make the most of your last days on this earth. [He turns to the two soldiers.] Throw them out!

[The two soldiers march over to Mendoza and de Soto and grab their arms and lead them from the office.]

de Soto [as he is being pushed out the door]
All right, all right.  There's no need for this.  I'm the alcalde here.  Take your hands off me!

[The soldier pushing him out shuts the door behind them.]

de Soto [off camera]
Do you understand?

[Risendo walks from the side of the desk to its front.  Inez walks through the door behind him.]

Inez
Well done, my son. [Risendo turns to look at her as she walks up behind him.] So you think this Zorro in in league with the de la Vegas?

Risendo
He always rides out to defend them.

Inez
Very well, first Zorro, then the de la Vegas.

[Inez stares at Risendo, giddy with excitement.]

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

(Added scenes:

[Exterior night shot of the cuartel yard as a rooster crows.]

[Interior shot of a bedroom where de Soto is sleeping wearing a white nightshirt and a tasseled cap.]

Risendo [voiceover]
. . .die in the most excruciating manner I can devise. . .

[De Soto wakes up and gets out of bed.  He stubs his toe.]

de Soto
Aah!

[He hops over to a curtained window and looks outside.]

[Shot from de Soto's point of view of the still dark plaza.]

de Soto [off camera]
Dawn.  The last dawn I shall ever see.

[Closeup shot of Mendoza sleeping in a bed.  He tosses and turns.]

Risendo [voiceover]
You can either be executed mercifully by firing squad at sunset. . .sunset. . .sunset. . .

[Mendoza moves restlessly then opens his eyes.]

Risendo [voiceover]
. . .or die in the most excruciating manner I can devise. . .devise. . .devise. . .

[Mendoza sits up in bed, looking frightened.  His eyes looks to his left then to his right.]

End of added scenes)

[Exterior day shot of the tavern as a woman stands by the stagecoach as a man carries a piece of luggage. (scene from "A Love Remembered)]

[Interior shot of tavern as de Soto, Mendoza, and Don Alejandro stand in front of the bar as Victoria wipes out glasses behind it.]

de Soto
With a good horse, I could be out of California in two days.  There's a territory east of here that no civilized man has ever set foot in.

Don Alejandro
And maybe with good reason.  Be careful, Alcalde.

Mendoza
Alcalde, if you escape, then I am left here alone.  Who knows what the emissary might do to me.  We're responsible for each other.

de Soto
Then come with me, Sergeant.

Mendoza
Risendo will not rest until he found us.  I prefer a quick bullet to the heart than to boil in oil like a. . .beef empanada.

de Soto
More like a chicken empanada, ay, Sergeant?

Don Alejandro
That's not nice, Alcalde.  I like the way Sergeant Mendoza is philosophizing about this whole thing.

de Soto [shaking his head]
Risendo. . .  What a diabolical fiend.  Imagine, allowing us to wander around free on our last day.  Letting us savor everything we're about to lose forever.

[The tavern door opens and two of Risendo's soldiers walk in.  They go over to a post and nail a piece of paper to it.]

Victoria [in an annoyed tone]
What now?

[She comes out from behind the bar and Don Alejandro follows her over to the post.  The soldiers move out of the way.]

Don Alejandro [reading from the paper]
‘Zorro. . .a truce.  Meet at Diablo Canyon.' [He looks over at Victoria.] Do you believe him, Victoria?

[She stares at Don Alejandro then back at the paper.  Don Alejandro leaves.  De Soto stares at the paper then goes back over to the bar, his right hand up against his forehead.  He lowers his hand, looking determined.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda as the sound of swords striking each other is heard.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard where Diego and Felipe are fencing.  Diego grimaces in pain as he fights.  He grabs his right wrist with his left hand before blocking Felipe's sword.  Diego doubles over in pain.]

Diego
Ahh!

[He straightens back up and slices at a plant several times with his sword.]

Diego [angrily as he grabs his right arm]
This arm is practically useless.  It's no where near healed. [He looks left then right.] I'm sorry, Felipe.  My anger distorts my judgement.  Why do I harbor such animosity toward Risendo?

[Felipe lightly touches Diego's right shoulder then moves his hand to the left then makes a thrusting motion with his right arm then touches his left hand to his forehead then holds it out to Diego.]

Diego
Well, the man is evil, no question.  So poisoned by malice there's none of the true man left.

[Felipe touches his left hand to Diego's right arm.  Hoof beats can be heard coming closer.]

Diego
Hide the swords. [He rushes to his right as Felipe picks up the sword and walks over to a small tree.] I don't think anyone saw Zorro get hit but there's no point in testing our luck.

[Felipe hides the swords behind the tree then starts walking back toward Diego.]

Diego
Father!

Don Alejandro [riding his horse through the gate into the courtyard]
Diego!

[Diego puts on his jacket, covering the blood stain on his right shirt sleeve.]

Don Alejandro
The strangest thing has happened. [He dismounts.] Risendo has offered Zorro a truce.  He wants to meet him in Diablo Canyon at noon.

Diego
Strange indeed. [He looks over at Felipe.] I wonder if Zorro will go.

Don Alejandro
Why should he?  I mean it's obviously a trap.

Diego
Obviously, but. . .um. . .  If I were Zorro.  I would go.

Don Alejandro
But you're not.

[He comes over and slaps Diego on his wounded arm then walks away.  Diego grimaces in pain and clutches his upper right arm.  He tips his head at Felipe who turns around and walks away as Diego follows him.]

(Added scene:

[Interior shot of the secret cave where Felipe is wrapping white fabric around a shirtless (yah!) Diego's upper right arm.  Felipe presses his hand to the wrapped cloth.]

Diego
Ow!

[Felipe shrugs and holds out his left hand, palm up.  He then puts his left hand toward this chest, then out again.]

Diego [as Felipe starts wrapping the bandage again]
I know.  It's very bad.  I'll do my very best to avoid a sword fight.  Risendo is like. . .  Is like a Gordian knot.  An impenetrable riddle.  You remember how Alexander the Great solved its mystery?

[Felipe makes a motion as if slicing downward.  Diego tips his head.  Felipe finishes wrapping the bandage and indicates it to Diego.]

End of added scene)

[Exterior shot of the hidden cave exit as it opens up and Zorro and Toronado ride out of it.]

(Added dialogue:
Zorro [voiceover as he rides away from the cave exit]
Let's see what Risendo is up to.

End of added dialogue)

(Added scenes:

[Multiple shots of Zorro as he and Toronado ride across rocky fields, through some trees, and jumping over a narrow, deep ravine, then riding away.]

End of added scenes)

[Exterior shot of a wooded area as Zorro slows Toronado to a walk.]

Zorro [voiceover]
Noon precisely.  So much for punctuality.

[Zorro and Toronado come to a halt near some boulders.]

[Closeup shot of Risendo looking downward from the canyon rim as he holds the reins of a horse with one hand and fingering the ‘Z' carved into his right cheek with the other.]

[Exterior shot of the canyon as Zorro throws up his hand and starts to turn Toronado around.]

[Closeup shot of Risendo as he stands on the canyon rim looking downward.]

Risendo
Not so fast, Zorro.

[Closeup shot of Zorro looking upward.]

[Exterior shot of the canyon rim where Risendo is standing with his horse.]

Risendo
I find it amusing you're so prompt for your own death.

[Closeup of Zorro.]

Zorro [angrily]
Your message promised a truce.

[Closeup of Risendo as he pulls a pistol from his waistband.]

Risendo
I lied.

[He aims the pistols to his right and fires.]

[Closeup shot of a cloud of dust then a fire as it burns down a trail of gun powder.]

[Closeup of Zorro as he turns and urges Toronado forward.]

[Exterior shot of Zorro and Toronado racing out of the canyon.]

[Exterior shot of the fuse burning across the canyon rim.]

[Exterior shot of Zorro and Toronado racing out of the canyon.]

[Closeup shot of the fuse as it reaches a barrel.]

[Exterior shot of an explosion.]

[Exterior shot of Zorro and Tornado as the explosion shoots dust and rocks into the air right above them.]

[Closeup shot of Risendo trying to hold onto his agitated horse as he watches.]

[Closeup shot of boulders as they fall on top of Zorro.]

Zorro [off camera]
Ahh!  Ahh!

[Closeup shot of the explosion's dust cloud.]

[Exterior shot of Toronado standing next to a pile of rocks.  A black gloved hand can be seen sticking out of the pile.]

[Closeup shot of Risendo looking downward still holding his pistol.  He takes a couple of steps then slides a little way down the canyon wall.  He keeps looking downward.]

Risendo [gesturing with his pistol]
Ah, so much for the masked legend.  And now for the de la Vegas.

[He climbs back up to the canyon rim.]

[Exterior shot from the de la Vega courtyard looking at some trees in the distance.  A rider approaches.]

Don Alejandro [off camera at first]
Well, whoever it is, they mean business.

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard as Felipe holds the handle of some kind of garden implement and Don Alejandro holds a bunch of flowers.  They are looking to their right.  Don Alejandro goes from Felipe's left side, passes behind his back, then stands on Felipe's right and stares.]

[Exterior shot of the rider nearing the hacienda.]

Don Alejandro [off camera]
Is that Risendo?

[Closeup of Don Alejandro and Felipe staring.]

Don Alejandro
Better go inside, quickly. [Felipe nods and looks at him.] Prime a pistol, just in case.  Hurry.

[Felipe sets aside his garden tool and goes to his left.  Don Alejandro stares angrily as he throws down the bunch of flowers.]

[Closeup shot of a black gloved hand sticking up through a pile of rocks at the bottom of Diablo Canyon.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado as he whinnies and paws at the rock pile with his right front hoof.  He knocks loose several of the rocks and they roll away.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega hacienda gate as a dismounted Risendo throws down his horse's reins.  He starts walking to his left.]

Don Alejandro [off camera at first in a somewhat sarcastic tone]
Something I can do for you, Emissary?

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard where Risendo walks up to Don Alejandro and without breaking stride, punches him in the face.  Don Alejandro falls backward to the ground as Risendo marches to the front door of the hacienda.]

[Closeup of Don Alejandro lying unconscious on the ground.]

[Interior shot of the de la Vega hacienda as Felipe loads a pistol.  Risendo comes up behind him and grabs Felipe's left arm, spinning him around.  Risendo grabs the pistol from Felipe's hand and tosses it aside.]

Risendo
Ahh! [He grabs both of Felipe's arms.] Where is de la Vega?

[Felipe holds his hands out palms up.]

Risendo [as Felipe struggles to get free]
De la Vega!

[He spins Felipe around and holds his wrist together.  He then grabs a cord from some nearby curtains and ties Felipe's hands behind his back.]

Risendo [mockingly]
You won't be needing a gag, now will you?

[Closeup shot of Zorro trapped under the rock.  He groans as he moves his head.]

[Closeup shot of Toronado nudging at the rock pile with his nose.]

[Exterior shot of the rock pile as it falls apart.]

Zorro [off camera at first]
Atta boy, Toronado.

[Exterior shot of Zorro as he pushes himself up.]

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

[Closeup shot of Don Alejandro as he groans then starts to sit up.  Risendo comes up and grabs him by the throat and pulls Don Alejandro to his feet.]

Don Alejandro
Ahh!

Risendo
Get up!

[Exterior shot of Risendo pushing Don Alejandro away then tossing him a sword.  Don Alejandro catches the sword then looks at it groggily.]

Don Alejandro
Why are you doing this?  Gilberto Risendo, answer me, please.  Why?

Risendo
Let's save that for your final moment on earth, shall we?  Then you can die with that knowledge shattering your cold, sinful heart. [He draws out his sword.] Defend yourself.

[Don Alejandro brandishes his sword with a determined look in his eyes.  He and Risendo cross blades a couple of times then Risendo turns away, laughing.]

Don Alejandro
You're insane.

[Risendo turns back around and lunges at Don Alejandro who defends himself.  Risendo makes a mocking face as he toys with Don Alejandro.  Don Alejandro turns Risendo's sword aside.]

Don Alejandro
No!

[He vigorously attacks Risendo, driving him backward a few steps before lunging at Risendo.]

Don Alejandro
Ahh!

[Risendo slices Don Alejandro's left thigh with his sword.  Don Alejandro turns around and drops to his left knee, grimacing in pain.  Risendo grins evilly before trying to stab Don Alejandro in the back.  Don Alejandro turns and blocks Risendo's sword.]

[Interior shot of de Soto's office where Inez is sitting behind the desk, writing with a quill.  She slams down the quill then puts the paper under a blotter.  She then gets to her feet and goes over to look at a clock on top of the safe.  She then steps in front of the desk.]

Inez
Guard!

[The office door opens and a soldier steps inside the room.]

Inez
Get me my carriage.

Soldier
Si, Señora.

[He goes back out the door.  Inez turns and picks up her gloves off the desk then puts them on.]

(Altered scene:

[Interior shot of the tavern where Mendoza sits at a table while de Soto stands nearby propped up against the wall.  Victoria comes up to them, carrying a bottle.]

Victoria [looking at the glasses on the table]
Um. . .  More wine, Alcalde?

de Soto [putting his hand over his glass]
No, thank you, Señorita.  Not for me.

Mendoza [as Victoria walks away]
Why not, Alcalde?  At least you won't wake up with a hangover.

[He chuckles.  De Soto glares at him.  Mendoza chokes back his laughter.]

End of altered scene)

[Closeup exterior shot of the tavern's front doors.  One of them stands open.]

de Soto [off camera at first]
Five hours to live.

[Interior shot of the tavern where Mendoza sits at a table while de Soto stands nearby propped up against the wall, looking at his pocketwatch.]

de Soto
I think I'll take a walk.

[He puts away the pocketwatch.  Mendoza starts to get to his feet but de Soto puts his left hand on Mendoza's left shoulder.]

de Soto
No, Sergeant, please.  Stay here.  A man needs sometime alone when he feels the grim reaper's icy hand on his shoulder.

[He picks up his gloves from the table and walks away.  Mendoza turns to watch him leave.]

[Closeup exterior shot of the tavern's front doors as de Soto walks out the opened one.]

[Closeup shot of Inez in her buggy as she starts to drive away.]

[Exterior shot of the tavern as de Soto walks onto the porch.]

[Shot from de Soto's point of view of a deserted plaza.]

[Closeup shot of de Soto as he flicks his finger to his lips.]

[Exterior shot of the tavern as de Soto walks off to his left.  He stops and looks over his shoulder then starts running toward an archway.]

[Exterior shot of the back of the tavern as Victoria (wearing a totally different outfit from the earlier scene) comes out the back door, carrying a bucket.  She tosses out the dirty water it contains onto the ground.]

[Exterior shot of de Soto as he is running toward the open countryside.]

Victoria [voiceover]
Where is he going?

[Closeup shot of Victoria at the back door of the tavern with a puzzled look on her face.  She turns and goes back inside the tavern.]

(Added scene:

[Exterior shot of the tavern.]

Victoria [off camera]
Sergeant!  The alcalde has double crossed you!

Mendoza [as he runs out of the tavern]
Madre de Dios!

[He runs across the plaza.]

End of added scene)

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard where Don Alejandro and Risendo continue their duel.  Don Alejandro leans against a wall, darting his sword out every so often at Risendo, who parries every thrust.]

Don Alejandro [as he lunges at Risendo]
Ayah!

[Risendo stabs Don Alejandro in the right thigh.  Don Alejandro drops to his knees, grimacing in pain.]

Risendo [pointing his sword at Don Alejandro's throat]
Time to die, old man.  Time to learn a secret.

Don Alejandro [shaking his head]
What secret? [Risendo just stares at him.] Dear God, you are insane.

[Closeup shot of Diego appearing in a doorway leading out to the courtyard.]

[Closeup shot of Risendo as he brings his sword back.  The camera pulls back to show Diego standing in the doorway behind Risendo.]

Diego
Father!

Don Alejandro
Diego!

[He tosses his sword to Diego, who catches it and uses it to block Risendo as he thrusts his sword at Don Alejandro.]

Diego [to Don Alejandro as he and Risendo circle each other warily]
Can you stand?

Don Alejandro
I think so.

Diego
Go and untie Felipe.

Don Alejandro
But. . .

Diego [impatiently]
Do it!

[Don Alejandro gets to his feet and limps toward the doorway, staring angrily at Risendo as he passes by him.]

Risendo [grinning knowingly]
I see.  I see.

Diego [through clenched teeth]
You see what?

[Diego attacks Risendo with his sword.  They duel until Diego drives Risendo up against a wall.  They stare at each other with their swords crossed near their hilts.]

Risendo
You cannot let your father witness you skill with a sword because he doesn't know your secret. [He punches Diego's upper right arm.] You are Zorro!

Diego [as he stumbles away, grabbing his right arm]
Aah!

Risendo [pointing his finger at Diego]
Zorro received a musket wound in the plaza when he rescued Toronado.

[Diego looks down at his right arm as blood seeps through his shirt sleeve.]

Risendo
You had thought no one had noticed. [He lunges at Diego.] I've found you out, Diego!

[Diego fights back while holding his right elbow with his left hand.  Their swords circle each other, drawing Diego and Risendo up against each other.]

Risendo
I left Zorro under a pile of rocks in Diablo Canyon.  And now you stink of cordite from the explosion. [He grabs Diego's upper right arm.]

Diego
Aah!

Risendo
Zorro and Diego are one and the same, aren't they?  The enigma's solved.  The secret is out!

[He pushes Diego away then lunges at him.  He slashes at Diego's head but Diego ducks down.  Risendo's sword hits a wall before Diego kicks Risendo in the face.  Risendo falls backward.]

Diego [through clenched teeth]
It will never leave this garden.

[Risendo smiles triumphantly as Diego switches his sword from his right hand to his left.  Diego and Risendo circle each other warily again.]

[Closeup of Don Alejandro and Felipe appearing in the doorway leading to the courtyard.  Don Alejandro is holding a pistol as Felipe looks worried.]

Don Alejandro
Out of the way, Diego.

[Closeup of Diego as he stares down Risendo.]

Diego
No, Father.  He's mine.

[He lunges at Risendo and they begin to duel.]

[Closeup of Don Alejandro and Felipe in the doorway.]

Don Alejandro
Diego?  I've never seen such fierceness.

[He looks over at Felipe, who looks worried and nervous.]

[Closeup of de Soto hopping over a fence then grabbing the halter of a white horse.]

de Soto
There you are. [He rubs the horse's neck.] Here you are, my beauty.  De la Vega's pride and joy.  You'll be the one to carry me to safety.

[He picks up a saddle.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard as Risendo and Diego continue their duel.]

Don Alejandro [off camera at first]
Diego's magnificent.

[Closeup shot of Don Alejandro and Felipe in the doorway.]

Don Alejandro [turning to Felipe]
Felipe, where did he learn to fence like that?

[Felipe shrugs but looks worried.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard as Diego turns Risendo's sword aside then kicks out Risendo's right left from under him.  Risendo lands on his back on the ground.  Diego points his sword at Risendo's throat.]

Risendo [sitting up defiantly]
Go ahead.  Kill me.  You can't do it.  You don't have the courage.

Diego
Murder is a coward's solution.

Risendo
You really believe that? [He laughs mockingly.] I once told our father you have a lot to learn about the real world.

Diego [incredulously as Don Alejandro and Felipe walk up beside him]
Our father?

Risendo
That's right, Diego.  I am your brother.

Diego [incredulously]
Brother?

Risendo
You sensed it all along.

Diego [scornfully]
This is absurd.

Inez [off camera at first]
It's true.

[Everyone turns to see Inez standing under an archway in the courtyard.]

Inez
What Gilberto says is true. [She walks toward them.] I am Inez Risendo.

Don Alejandro [closing his eyes and bringing his hand to his head]
Inez. . .  Inez Risendo.

Diego [somewhat worriedly]
Father, you know this woman?

Don Alejandro
Sadly, yes, Diego. [He looks at Inez.]  Señora Risendo.  I haven't laid eyes on you in years, since Diego was born.

Inez [nodding toward Risendo]
He was born two minutes before Diego.  He is the true heir to your property.  His real name is Gilberto de la Vega.

[Risendo smiles and nods.]

Don Alejandro [shaking his head]
No. . . [He chuckles.] It's preposterous. [He points his hand at Risendo.] Look, I don't know who you are, Gilberto Risendo, and I also don't know the lies the señora has told you.  We hired her.  She was our midwife.  A few days before Diego was expected, my wife had these suspicions about this lady.  She could not have children of her own.  She was an angry, bitter, and jealous woman. [He waves his hand.] Oh, enough.

Inez [to Risendo]
You see what he is doing, Gilberto?  He's perverting the truth all over again.

[Risendo starts to get up but Diego presses his sword tip closer to Risendo's throat.]

Don Alejandro
If you had been my son, no power on earth would have taken you away from me.

Diego
If he were your son, he wouldn't have tried to kill you.

Inez [to Diego]
He is your brother and he can prove it.  You have a birthmark on your inner thigh in the shape of a cross.

[Diego gives don Alejandro an odd look.  Risendo reaches down and tears open his right pant leg, revealing a cross shaped birthmark.  Diego stares at it in disbelief.  Don Alejandro shakes his head.]

Diego
Very well.  You are my brother.

[He looks over at Don Alejandro who nods.  Risendo reaches into his right boot and pulls out a pistol.  He gets to his feet and aims the pistol at Diego.]

[Exterior shot of a gate as de Soto comes up to it and stares.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard.]

Risendo
Say goodbye to your beloved son, old man.  And I have one more secret for you.  When I kill Diego de la Vega, I also kill. . .

[Closeup shot of the gate as de Soto aims his pistol and fires.]

[Exterior shot of the de la Vega courtyard as Risendo crumples to the ground.]

Inez [off camera]
Gilberto!

[Diego crouches down beside Risendo as do Inez and Don Alejandro.  Risendo reaches up with his hand to Don Alejandro, who grasps it tightly.]

Risendo [in a barely audible whisper]
Father.

[His hand slips out of Don Alejandro's grasp as he dies.]

de Soto [standing over them]
It was either Risendo or you, Diego.  What else could I do?

[He starts to chuckle but stops himself.  Diego stands up as does Don Alejandro.  Inez stays next to Risendo's body.]

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

[Exterior shot of the pueblo as don Alejandro and Mendoza ride in a wagon.  De Soto rides alongside them as they come into the plaza.  Diego and Felipe follow behind the wagon on horseback.]

[Closeup shot of Victoria as she looks to her left from the tavern porch.]

[Exterior shot of the plaza as the wagon pulls up in front of the cuartel.  Inez is seated on the bed of the wagon, next to Risendo's sheet covered body.]

de Soto
Whoa!

[Inez gets down from the wagon.]

de Soto [to one of Risendo's men who comes up to his horse]
Corporal, I am now reassuming full command of this pueblo.  You and your men shall leave here at first light tomorrow.  You understand what I'm saying?

Soldier
Si, mi Alcalde.

de Soto [pointing at the wagon]
Take the body away, please.  Private, take it away!

[The wagon starts to move away.  Don Alejandro turns to confront Inez.]

Don Alejandro
You stole my son and filled him with hatred.  I can forgive him, but you, Señora.  Never.

[She turns and walks away, seemingly unmoved.  Don Alejandro shakes his head.]

Mendoza [stepping forward]
Gracias a Dios. [He makes the sign of the cross.] It's over.

de Soto [who is now off his horse]
Sergeant! [Mendoza looks over at him.] Report to me in my office. We have much work to do.

[Mendoza salutes and clicks his heels together.]

Mendoza
Si, mi Alcalde.

[He turns and puts on his hat as he walks past Don Alejandro.]

de Soto
Don Alejandro.

Don Alejandro [looking up at de Soto]
Hmm?

de Soto
I had no idea he was your son.

Don Alejandro
None of us did.  But you also saved a son of mine.  And that I will never forget.

Diego
Nor I.

de Soto [nodding]
Well. . .  If you'll excuse me, I have a compelling need to see Padre Benitez.

[Don Alejandro nods as de Soto walks away.  Victoria comes up to where Diego, Felipe, and Don Alejandro are standing.]

Victoria
I heard what happened. [She looks over sadly at Don Alejandro.] I'm so sorry.

Don Alejandro
It's hard to gain a son and then lose him all in the same hour.

Diego
Gilberto was suckled on vengeance.  I wish I had known him as a brother and not as an enemy.

Victoria [looking over at Diego]
Perhaps if he would had a different life, you could have been proud of him instead, Diego.

[Diego nods as does don Alejandro.  Diego then gets a strange look on his face.]

Diego
There is something I have been meaning to tell you all for quite some time.

[Victoria looks at him with a confused expression.]

Diego
Now would seem an appropriate moment.  Felipe, with your permission.

[Felipe looks at him with worried confusion.]

Diego
I. . .  I. . . am . . .going to adopt Felipe.  He's to be a member of our family.

[Victoria laughs happily.]

Don Alejandro [smiling broadly]
This is wonderful news. [He hugs Felipe who is grinning.] This is wonderful news. [He lets go of Felipe.]  I now have two sons.  The de la Vegas will never be divided.  Never.

[Felipe lets out a sigh of relief as Victoria giggles.  Diego exhales and smiles.]

Don Alejandro [getting a strange look on his face]
Diego, there's something that's been gnawing inside of me.

Diego
Father, there is something I've been meaning to tell you for quite some time.  Felipe, Victoria, if you will excuse us for a moment.

[He holds out his hand and leads Don Alejandro away.  Victoria goes over to stand next to Felipe, who looks worried.  Victoria looks over at him and he waves his hands then shrugs.]

Don Alejandro [as Diego has his hand on his right shoulder as they walk toward the tavern]
Do you remember when Gilberto was just about to shoot you, he said he was not only going to kill you, he was going to kill. . . [He stops and turns to face Diego.] Then he never finished.  What do you suppose he was going to say?

[The camera moves in on them then freezes.  The screen goes black.]

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

*****END OF SERIES*****

Transcribed by Pamela Elbert Poland 9 February 2007

This transcription is a not-for-profit publication produced solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and is not intended to infringe upon any rights of Goodman/Rosen Productions, New World Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.

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