[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Sleeper at buffyology.com.]
There's a persistent knock at the front door. XANDER staggers out of his bedroom, groggy and grouchy.
Okay, okay, I'm coming. I'm up. It's 4:30 in the morning. Sweet mamalooshin. Who is it?
BUFFY's voice comes from outside.
It's me.
He opens the door.
Buffy?
Where's Spike?
Spike?
Spike. Xander, is he here?
No, he's out. At least he was when I got home.
Any idea where he went?
I don't know. Creature of the night, Buff. He's probably out creaturing. Why, what happened? Is he in trouble?
I hope not.
SPIKE hums a song to himself while he digs a hole in the basement's dirt floor. He stops, dusts off his hands and looks down at the corpse of the blonde YOUNG WOMAN he killed earlier that evening. He picks her up by her jacket, ponders face for a moment, then callously tosses her into the shallow grave. He picks up the shovel and starts burying her, still humming.
Opening credit sequence.
ROBSON, a middle-aged British man in a tweed suit, enters the apartment, perusing a book. He looks up and immediately sees that someone has broken into his place.: a broken vase, furniture overturned.
Nora? Nora!
He rushes into the next room to find a teenage girl lying dead on the floor, a pool of blood surrounding her. She's been stabbed. Suddenly a cloaked figure leaps out of the shadows and attacks him with a silver ceremonial dagger. Robson's reflexes are quick, though, and he blocks the blow with his briefcase. He tries to take a sword off the wall to defend himself but he's attacked from behind by a second hooded figure. This time the dagger finds its mark and the Watcher falls to the floor, landing next to the young girl who was his charge.
WILLOW dashes through the front door in a p anic.
Buffy?
She starts up the stairs but stops when DAWN calls to her from the living room She sits on the floor in front of the couch, hugging a pillow, the destruction from her demonic encounter litters the room around her.
She's not here.
Willow rushes to her side.
Dawn? Oh, my god. What are you... Dawn, what happened here? You're cut.
I'm all right.
Let me see, make sure.
I saw Mom.
What?
She was here, Willow. I saw her. She was here and she spoke to me.
Oh, sweetie...
No, she was right here and... and then she wasn't. She--
It wasn't her.
What?
At least, I don't think. I saw something too and it looked like... someone else but it wasn't.
I don't understand.
It's the Big Bad, Dawn. The one we knew was coming.
But that's what she said. Mom. She said that things were coming, that things were on their way and that she loves us. So it had to be her, right? I mean, her warning was true.
I don't know. I just don't think we can trust anything right now.
So maybe the evil thing messing with you was here, too. Only maybe it was the thing trying to keep Mom away. 'Cause she was trying to protect me. (hopeful) Maybe.
Xander makes himself a cup of coffee while talking with Buffy.
Why would a vampire lie about who sired him. What's that? Some kind of status symbol for the undead? My sire can beat up your sire.
I'm not saying I don't believe him.
You just don't want to. Okay, let's look at this objectively. Figure it out in a cold, impersonal, CSI-like manner because we're a couple of carpet fibers away from a case.
Spike can't be the one doing this. He couldn't if he wanted to.
Why not?
Well, for one thing, pain chip, remember? He can't hurt anyone.
Didn't stop him from hurting you. Hey, objective here. Maybe the chip's not working anymore.
Oh, it's working. I've seen it.
Is it? Or is that what Spike wants you to think?
You think it's an act?
I don't really know. And neither do you.
No, there's something. I can feel it. He's different. He's changed. And if it is an act, then the Oscar goes to...
Spike walks in and Buffy and Xander both stare at him. He stops in his tracks.
Well, this can't be good. You here at this hour. There trouble?
No, no trouble. I was just... we were just...
Right. None of my business. No worries.
Spike, I... how was your night?
Was all right. And yours? Did you bag any baddies?
One. Vampire. Someone I used to know, actually, a little. Holden Webster.
You knew him, huh? That must've been a picnic.
Yeah.
Well, I'm going to turn in before I drop. Goodnight.
He walks into the guest bedroom and closes door behind him.
You see that? You see how he reacted when you mentioned Webs? Cool as Cool Whip. What's up with that?
The sun's coming up. I need to get home and check on Dawn. We need to keep an eye on Spike.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. When you say "we" you mean me. And me's gotta go to work. I've got a big client meeting in a couple of hours.
Xander, this is serious. We cannot let him leave this house until we know if he's killing again. We need to find someone that can watch him.
Later. An upset ANYA watches Xander as he opens all the blinds in the living room.
Uh-uh. Forget it, Harris.
Come on, Anya. You said you'd do it on the phone.
Yeah, but that... (lowers voice) That was before you told me Spike's killing again and now you want me to be alone with him?
You didn't mind being alone with him before.
What was that?
Nothing. Look, we don't actually know that he's killed anyone... you know, lately. Might all just be a mistake.
Yeah, but you don't think so. Okay, have you searched his room for clues? Trophies from victims? Killers like to keep trophies sometimes. Scalps, necklaces made from human teeth.
You know, it didn't occur to me to look but thanks for the tip. Okay, so you'll be safe in here. Plenty of sunlight for you to hide in.
What? That's it? You're not at least going to like leave me a crossbow or a flame thrower? Something to protect myself?
We don't want him to know we suspect anything. Besides, if he tries to leave, I don't want you confronting him. Call Buffy and just let her know that he's on the move. You're going to be fine.
He gets his hardhat and briefcase and heads for the door.
Better be, because if I get vamped, I'm going to bite your ass.
Wouldn't be the first time.
What was that?
Willow quietly closes the door to Dawn's room as Buffy runs up the stairs panicked.
Dawn? Dawn!
Buffy, it's okay. She's okay. Not hurt. She's just exhausted. Finally fell off to sleep.
What the hell happened? Downstairs looks like...
Hell happened? Yeah. This big evil that's been promising to devour us... well I think it's started chomping.
Oh, god. And it started with Dawn?
Both of us. Buffy, this thing knows us. It made us think that we were talking to people we knew. Mine said it came with a message from Tara. But Dawn actually saw... your mother. This thing, it had me for a while. I mean, before it started letting loose with the pulse-pounding terror. But before that, the lies were very convincing. It just seems real.
Lies.
I mean, maybe... maybe to confuse us, to mess us up. Or maybe just to be cool.
Vampire I killed last night told me Spike sired him... two nights ago.
Well, that's impossible, right? So maybe it was another one. A fake-out. You got one, too. It wasn't a real vamp.
It dusted real enough.
Buffy, do you think Spike is...
I can't. (sighs) I hope not. But if I'm wrong and he is, then I have to see it for myself. I have to be there to stop it.
Anya sits on the couch near the windows well within the pool of sunlight. She stares at Spike's door, then finally stands and goes over to it.
Anya quietly sneaks into Spike's room holding a stake ready. Spike sleeps soundly in the bed. She heads for his dresser and goes through each drawer. Finding nothing, she picks up his pants and goes through the pockets. She's about to go through his shirt when his hand shoots out and seizes her wrist.
Anya, do be specific and tell a fellow just exactly what you're doing here.
Well, Spike... I'm here, obviously... for... sex.
Beg pardon?
You and me. Here and now. Let's go. Let's... get it on, you big bad boy.
Wait, wait, Anya. Just a minute. This is not exactly... is that a stake?
Yes. Kinky.
Well, yeah, but what do you--
She presses her finger to his lips.
Shh. No questions. No talking. I can't help it. I can't stop thinking about you and us and our brief but unforgettable time together. I mean, it's... why else would I be here? I mean, it's not like I'm snooping around looking for proof that you're some sort of wacked-out serial killer. (nervous laugh) I don't know why I said that. Forget I said that. It's craziness talking. It's just nerves. Nerves. Nerves and horniness. Oh, just shut up, William, and take me. Take me now.
She starts kissing his neck. Shocked, Spike lies still and unresponsive.
Anya...
Hmm?
It's not that I'm not tempted. Obviously, if things were different, you're a ripe catch.
I got it. No problem, I understand. (beat) You think I'm fat.
What?
Well, it's either that or the haircut.
Ridiculous. The do's quite fetching.
Oh, right. Now you like the haircut.
Love it.
Sure, as a friend.
Anya.
You know, you were a lot more fun when you didn't have a soul.
Oh, come on. Now I've just explained to you--
All I'm saying is soulless Spike would have had me upside down and halfway to Happyland by now.
I need my pants.
Anya pouts and tosses him his pants.
Anya sits in Xander's easy chair, reading a magazine, still pouting. Spike leaves his room, buttoning his shirt.
Didn't mean to hurt your feelings, luv.
Who's hurt. I'm fine.
Right. Look, I got things to do.
Don't stick around on my account.
Spike heads out. Anya puts down the magazine and picks up the phone.
It's me. He's leaving.
The Promenade is crowded with shoppers. A street musician plays his harmonica on the corner. As Spike passes by, the song changes and Spike hums along. Buffy follows only a few paces behind. The crowd is dense and it's difficult for her to keep him in sight. She watches as he approaches LINDA, a young woman standing in line for a nightclub. He whispers in her ear and she walks off with him, hand-in- hand.
So what kind of name is Spike?
Buffy loses Spike completely now and rushes forward, trying desperately to locate him.
Spike leads Linda into a nearby alley. She turns to him and pulls him into an embrace.
What... are you going to make me guess? (giggles) All right. I'll guess you're a little bit bad, huh?
She kisses him.
Buffy is worried. She walks faster and faster until she's running.
Linda kisses Spike more passionately, moving down along his neck.
Am I right? Are you a bad boy? 'Cause I don't mind. You know, I was getting pretty bored waiting over there in that line. I hate waiting. Know what I mean?
As Spike kisses Linda in return, Buffy walks into the alley. Spike looks up in surprise.
You know you want it. You know I want you to.
Linda follows his gaze but sees no one.
Is everything--
Spike buries his fangs in her neck and she screams.
There's my guy.
Spike drinks Linda's blood while Buffy calmly watches.
Now doesn't that feel better?
Spike suddenly reverts back to his human form, stares at Buffy for a moment, then drops Linda, shudders and runs away. Buffy smiles and her body shifts and changes into Spike.
How could you use a poor maiden so?
Buffy bursts into Spike's bedroom and yanks him out of bed.
Did you kill her?
What?
The girl. Last night.
What girl? What are you talking about?
I caught the first act. I missed the curtain call. Did you kill her? Did you turn her? Is she one of your kind now?
Did you... are you following me?
Answer the question. Where is she?
Who knows? I talked to her is all.
Really. Looked like more than talking to me.
Well, I certainly didn't off her. Where are you getting this? You know I can't.
Right. The chip.
No, not the chip! Not the chip, damn it. You honestly think I'd go to the end of the underworld and back to get my soul and then... (sighs) Buffy, I can barely live with what I did. It haunts me. All of it. If you think that I would add to the body count now, you are crazy.
So what? You just troll the Promenade looking for drunk co-eds because you're hungry for conversation?
Oh, is that what this is? Right.
What?
You're jealous!
Don't play games. Not now.
Yeah, you saw me chatting up another bird, giving the eye to somebody else. Touched a nerve, didn't it?
Don't flatter yourself.
It burns, huh? But you can't admit it, so you trump up some charge about me being back on the juice.
This vampire I killed told me--
Told you what? That I go out? Yeah, I talk to people. Women. Talk to them 'cause I can't talk to you.
Oh, Spike, save it.
As daft a notion as Soulful Spike the Killer is, it is nothing compared to the idea that another girl could mean anything to me. This chip, they did to me. I couldn't help it. But the soul I got on my own... for you.
I know.
So yeah. I go and pass the time with someone. But that's all it is is time because... god, help me, Buffy, it's still all about you.
Spike, this vampire told me you sired him.
That doesn't mean--
He said you killed him. Dumped him in a parking lot somewhere.
And you believe him? Vampires aren't--
I did follow you last night and you know what? You didn't look lonely or casual to me. You looked like you were on the prowl.
You can't know that.
So then tell me. Tell me what happened. You talked to her, then what?
We talked. That's all I remember.
All you remember?
I don't know. I go out. I talk to people or I don't. It's boring. It all bleeds together.
Well, if you seem to forget that much, then...
Not that. The taste of human blood. That I'd remember.
You were camped out on the Hellmouth talking to invisible people. Recently. How can you be sure of--
No! You are wrong. You've got an accusation from a pile of dust and not a shred of proof.
So I'll get some.
Willow works on her laptop while Anya looks through some books with Dawn.
Okay, guys, find me some evidence that he did this.
Really? Are you sure that's what you want.
Find me the proof that he didn't.
You only think Spike is turning people because that vampire told you so, right? But that night we were all told things that weren't true.
Maybe.
What? What maybe?
Well, just because those weren't the spirits of, you know, our people... just because it was some evil thing, doesn't mean what they said can't be true.
I used to tell the truth all the time when I was evil.
Look, we can't assume anything. We need hard facts.
Well, if Spike is biting people again, there should be more dead people with neck trauma right? We can find that.
No.
No, we can't find that? But that's easy. That computer's a moron.
I mean, no, there's not really an increase in neck injuries but...
But what?
Oh. Missing people. Eight, maybe. No, ten of them. No bodies, they're just missing. Mostly young. Lots of girls.
So it's true? What that vampire told Buffy turned out to be true.
Maybe. But it still doesn't prove that it's Spike. Right now he's the only one who knows for sure.
Spike is about to head out; he puts on his jacket and feels something in his pocket... it's a pack of cigarettes. Holding it, he flashes back to meeting the young blonde woman at the bar and killing her.
He stares at the cigarettes, shocked.
Xander watches television while keeping a watch on Spike. The vampire comes out of his room and heads for the door but Xander intercepts him.
No, no, no. You're not going out.
I have to go.
Buffy was very clear about the not leaving of you.
I know what the Slayer told you. It's not true. Now let me go and I'll find a way to prove it.
Okay, I'm going to list the reasons that won't happen. One...
Spike decks him, knocking him unconscious. He instantly grabs his head in pain.
Ow!
AIMEE MANN is on stage performing. Spike is at the bar, interrogating the bartender.
She had blonde hair. A nice looking girl. I was here talking with her.
Now a waitress.
The other night. I was looking for someone who might've seen her.
No, sorry.
Spike looks around the club, frustrated, and finally heads upstairs.
Buffy's on the phone with Xander.
He hit you?
Knocked me out. He's been gone at least half an hour.
Any idea where he's headed?
Spike sits in the shadows of the upper balcony, drinking from a flask. CHARLOTTE, a beautiful young woman, approaches him.
One of them take your wallet?
What's that?
The way you're scanning that crowd... you look like you're out for blood.
I'm just looking for a certain bird I met here the other night.
Hmm... was it me?
Sorry, luv. Don't think so.
Not even if I ask nice? Or are you the type that has to be convinced.
She sits next to him.
Friendly warning, pet. I'm the type best left alone.
Her face shifts. She's a vampire.
Huh. I get it. You'd rather I slip into something more comfortable. Should we pick off the crowd one-by-one or block the exits and ravish the place?
Get away from me.
What's with the wallflower act? You didn't seem so shy when you were biting me. I'm not asking if you want to be soul mates, just figured you'd want to have some fun. (re: crowd) I take him, you take her... or the other way around. Whatever.
Spike seizes her by the arms.
No, you're lying!
She punches him and he attacks.
Is that all I was to you... a one-bite stand?
Spike and Charlotte fight the length of the catwalk. She tries to stab him with a piece of decorative bamboo but he wrestles it away from her and stabs her through the heart with it instead.
Charlotte flips off the catwalk and lands in the center of the dance floor before exploding to dust. The music stops and everyone stares. After a moment, the music starts again and the crowd goes back to normal.
A long line stretches from the front of the club. A BOUNCER guards the entrance as Buffy approaches.
Hey, sweetheart. If you want to go in, go ahead.
Oh, actually, I need some help. I'm looking for this guy. Bleach- blonde hair, leather jacket, British accent? Kind of sallow but in a hot way?
Yeah, yeah, I know the guy. Billy Idol wannabe?
Actually, Billy Idol stole his look from... never mind. Has he been here?
This guy your boyfriend or something?
No, I just... I need to find him as soon as possible.
Yeah, he comes in here a lot lately. Every night leaves with a different girl. Chicks like Billy Idol.
How many girls?
Look, this guy-- this not-your-boyfriend guy-- if I were you, I'd lose him. He's a real player.
Spike uses the pay phone as Aimee Mann and her band leave the stage.
Man, I hate playing vampire towns.
Hello? It's me. I'm seeing... I think I'm remembering. I think I've done some very bad things.
Where are you?
I need... I need to see you. There's a house. 634 Hoffman Terrace.
I'll meet you.
Spike hangs up. When he turns around, his double is there, talking to him.
You shouldn't have done that. It's not time yet. Not nearly. You're going against the plan... but we can make it work.
An enormous brick Tudor-style home. Spike leads Buffy down to the basement.
Down here. (Buffy hesitates) You won't come down? I understand. It's a risky proposition.
There's an order. The Slayer's not in order. But it can't hurt to play. Get your claws in the mouse, you know?
You are not here.
Buffy gives in and comes down the stairs.
All right. What do you want to show me?
I've been remembering. The girl. I walked her home. The one you saw. And the one before that. And I think I killed her. And I think I... I think I killed the lady who lived here. And there might be others.
Oh, my god.
Here. I think I buried them here.
Spike, why?
Well, I don't know, do I? I don't even know how. Shouldn't be able...
Spike's doppelganger is visible only to Spike. He paces in the background and softly sings the same song Spike was humming when he buried the girl earlier.
Early one morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard the fair maid sing in the valley down below. Oh, don't deceive me. Oh, never leave me. How could you use a poor maid so?
Spike is distracted, mesmerized by the song, unable to respond to Buffy.
What? What is it? Spike!
Spike's face suddenly shifts and he attacks Buffy. He wrenches her stake away from her and throws it, shattering a shelf full of bottles. Buffy hurls him across the room.
What are you doing?
He grabs a shard of glass and swings it at her, slicing her shoulder. Buffy kicks him and beats him down to the ground.
Spike, listen to me. You don't want to do this.
And it's just about to get fun.
Behind her, a half-dozen vampires rise from the dirt of the basement floor.
Oh, god!
The creatures pick up various tools and objects scattered around the basement and square off with Buffy.
You know what I want you to do.
Buffy is overwhelmed by the number of vampires. They hold her down for Spike.
They're waiting for you. Take her, taste her, make her weak.
Spike stands and walks toward Buffy, fangs glistening.
Spike, no!
Spike sniffs her neck, then moves his mouth downward and sucks on the wound he made when he sliced her with the glass. As he tastes her, he flashes back to all of his recent kills. His face reverts back to human.
I remember.
Spike reels backward, horrified. Buffy seizes the advantage and rips free of the vampires' hold on her. She picks up an old broom handle and attacks. Her moves are fluid and graceful as she dodges their blows and methodically stakes each vampire, one after the other.
Spike cowers in the corner, covering his ears as his double whispers to him.
You failed them. Now she's going to kill you. You lose, mate.
An elderly vampire, the former owner of the house, is still stuck in the dirt of the basement floor. She can't seem to claw her way free. Buffy grabs her hand, pulls her up, and stakes her.
Sorry, ma'am, but it's my job.
Buffy stands in front of Spike, looking down at him, stake in hand. He holds his shirt open for her, tears in his eyes.
Do it fast, okay? He said you'd do it.
Who said?
Me. It was me. I saw it. I was here the whole time, talking and singing. There was a song.
What are you talking about?
I don't know. Please, I don't remember. Don't make me remember. (to double) Make it so I forget again! I did what you wanted!
There's something here.
She tosses away the broom handle.
Oh, god, no, please. I need that. I can't cry the soul out of me. It won't come. I killed and I can feel them. I can feel every one of them.
There's something playing with us. All of us.
What is it? Why is it doing this to me?
I don't know.
Will you... help me? Can you help me?
I'll help you.
Spike's double watches from the stairs. He sighs, disappointed.
Spike sits in the living room, wrapped in a blanket, while the others talk in the dining room. Buffy, Xander, Anya, Willow and Dawn are all there.
And you believe him?
You didn't see him down there. He really didn't know what he'd done. It wasn't in his control.
Oh, an out of control serial killer. You're right. That is a great houseguest.
Wait, is he... is he staying here?
I don't know. But I'm not letting him out of my sight, that's for sure.
Buffy, he's been feeding... on human blood. That's gotta do stuff.
I'm not keeping him around just to help him. I think there was something there, talking to him, making him do things.
Something like what was talking to us?
Maybe. But if it was, it's been screwing with Spike big time.
So you want him around because...?
Look, there's something evil working us and if we are ever going to have a chance to fight it, we need to learn everything we can about it. This thing has been closer to Spike than any of us.
And if you want to understand it...
I'm going to have to get close to Spike.
No, it's too dangerous.
I don't have a choice. Whatever this thing is, from beneath us, it's bad and it's only getting worse.
GILES enters the flat, looking around. He sees Nora lying dead on the floor.
Oh, dear god! Robson, are you here? Robson!
Giles looks around for Robson and finds him slumped against a chair in the next room. He kneels beside the man, checking for a pulse.
You too? Dear god, I thought you--
Robson's eyes snap open. He speaks in a strangled whisper with the last of his strength.
Gather them. It's started.
One of the robed assassins creeps up behind Giles, a gleaming battle axe in hand. He raises it and aims for Giles' neck.
It's all right. I understand. I'll take care of it--
The axe falls.
Early one morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard a fair maid sing in the valley down below; O don't deceive me, O never leave me! How could you use a poor maiden so?
O gay is the garland, fresh are the roses I've culled from the garden to bind on thy brow. O don't deceive me, O never leave me! How could you use a poor maiden so?
Remember the vows that you made to your Mary, Remember the bow'r where you vow'd to be true; O don't deceive me, O never leave me! How could you use a poor maiden so?
Thus sung the poor maiden, her sorrow bewailing, Thus sung the poor maiden in the valley below; O don't deceive me, O never leave me! How could you use a poor maiden so?