Mr. Robot - Season 5, Episode 1 - Salvation Asymmetry
FADE IN:
INT. ALLSAFE CYBERSECURITY OFFICES - NIGHT
A dark, contrast-filled space. Elliot sits at his workstation, hacking away at a new target.
DARLENE (voice-over):
Hey, brother. It's been a while. Too long. But the world doesn't slow down just because you're gone.
INT. DARK ARMY CONTROL CENTER - NIGHT
Members of the Dark Army are monitoring security footages from all over the city, communicating softly in Chinese.
DARLENE (voice-over):
The Dark Army... they're not finished. They've gotten stronger. More dangerous.
INT. NEW YORK CITY APARTMENT - NIGHT
Darlene is sitting on the floor, surrounded by printouts of news articles, a map of the city, photographs of Whiterose, and blueprints of E Corp buildings.
DARLENE:
And they're planning something big. We need to stop them before it happens. What we did before wasn't enough. We have to hit harder.
Elliot (voice-over):
Well then, you know what we need to do.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS - NIGHT
Elliot walks through the crowded streets, his hoodie pulled over his head, eyes focused on the ground, paranoid of being followed.
MR. ROBOT (voice-over):
You're never going to escape them, kiddo. They're like a shadow, always there, watching.
Elliot (voice-over):
I know. That's why it's time we bring everything to them.
INT. SAFE HOUSE - NIGHT
Elliot and Darlene huddle in the dimly lit room. They share information about the Dark Army's new plan, strategies to take them down, and their next target.
DARLENE:
I've heard the Dark Army's hiding something huge.
ELLIOT:
Yeah, their encrypted servers storing their most lethal cyber weapons.
DARLENE:
You found those servers?
ELLIOT:
I accessed them, but the encryption is tight. We need to find that key.
MR. ROBOT (voice-over):
And you know where that key is, don't you?
ELLIOT:
Yes, with the one person we never thought we'd work with.
CUT TO:
INT. TYRELL WELLICK'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Tyrell Wellick opens the door, his expression surprised.
TYRELL:
Elliot. You're alive.
ELLIOT:
Not if we don't stop the Dark Army.
TYRELL:
I've heard the whispers. They're preparing something terrible. But what could I possibly do to help?
ELLIOT:
You have access to the encryption key. We need it.
Tyrell's eyes narrow. He hesitates, but finally, he nods.
TYRELL:
All right. But once this is over, we part ways. Agreed?
ELLIOT:
Agreed.
Suddenly, the POUNDING of boots echoes through the hallway. Whispers in Chinese grow near.
DARLENE:
Shit, they found us. Let's get out of here.
The trio makes their way out the back door and into the city.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED
Mr. Robot: Lost Connection
INT. ALLSAFE CYBERSECURITY OFFICE - DAY
Elliot sits at his desk, head down, intently focused on his computer. Angela approaches, visibly anxious.
ANGELA
(whispering)
Elliot, have you seen the news? There was a major cyber attack on the Department of Transportation.
ELLIOT
(quietly)
I know, I've been tracking it.
Elliot hesitates for a moment and considers whether or not to share more information.
ELLIOT (CONT'D)
It's got the Dark Army's fingerprints all over it. I think they're trying to provoke a response from the government.
Angela sits down, her face filled with concern.
ANGELA
How do we stop them? What can we do?
ELLIOT
Maybe nothing. We'll just end up playing right into their hands.
INT. UNDERGROUND HACKER DEN - NIGHT
Darlene sits with Mobley and Trenton, all three hunched over their screens.
DARLENE
We've got to counter their move. They're waiting for the government to launch a massive offensive. We can't let that happen.
MOBLEY
But how do we prove that they're behind this?
TRENTON
Track their digital footprints. Find the key hiding places in the dark corners of the web.
DARLENE
(skimming her screen)
Right. We have work to do.
INT. ALLSAFE CYBERSECURITY OFFICE - DAY
Elliot, Angela, and Gideon gather in Gideon's office.
GIDEON
I admire your vigilance with the Dark Army exploits, Eliot. We need to make sure our clients are safe. But the situation with the Department of Transportation is beyond our jurisdiction.
ELLIOT
The more time we waste, the stronger their position becomes. This is a power play, and these people won't stop.
Gideon sighs, conflicted. He looks into Angela's determined eyes and then back at Elliot.
GIDEON
Alright, you've got my permission to look into this. But remember: our priority is the safety of our clients. We don't want to attract any unwanted attention.
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot sits at his desk, the glow of his computer screen casting an eerie glow on his pale face.
VOICEOVER: Elliot:
My entire world is at my fingertips. But now, the invisible lines that connect us all are under siege. It's a battle I've fought countless times, but this time, the stakes are higher. The world, more dangerous.
INT. UNDERGROUND HACKER DEN - NIGHT
Darlene, Mobley and Trenton are working tirelessly against the oppressive atmosphere in the room.
DARLENE
I found something.
Darlene casts her findings across their screens.
TRENTON
Good. Let's find them before they find us.
Cutting back and forth between Elliot's apartment and the hacker den, the intensity rises as both parties work to uncover the truth.
VOICEOVER: Elliot:
Can we outsmart them? How do you anticipate the unpredictable? I have to... We have to...
Elliot stands up and steps back from his computer, his world shaken. He has found information that ties the events closer to home than anyone could have imagined.
TO BE CONTINUED
Mr. Robot: Unfinished Business
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot sits at his desk, the glow from the computer screen illuminating his face as he types furiously. Darlene paces behind him.
DARLENE: We can't just let this go, Elliot. They've gone too far this time.
ELLIOT: I know... but we need to be smart about this, Darlene.
Elliot's fingers continue to race across the keyboard.
INT. FSOCIETY HQ - NIGHT
Mobley, Trenton, and Romero huddle around a table, a map of the city sprawled out before them.
MOBLEY: So, what's the plan? Are we just going to hit them and hope for the best?
TRENTON: No chance. We need something more... targeted.
ROMERO: (smirking) Patience, my friends. We'll get our revenge, but it must be precise and calculated.
INT. ALLSAFE - DAY
Gideon addresses the staff in a meeting.
GIDEON: Ladies and gentlemen, we are not out of the woods yet. Remaining vigilant is key in these times.
Angela listens intently, concern written on her face. She glances over at Elliot's empty desk, absent from the meeting.
GIDEON: Now, I'd like to discuss some recent threats we've encountered...
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - LATER
Darlene watches as Elliot's code fills the screen.
DARLENE: So what does it do, exactly?
ELLIOT: (pauses) When we run it, we'll gain unrestricted access to their servers... and then we can decide their fate.
Darlene grins, malicious excitement flashing in her eyes.
DARLENE: Finally, some good news.
INT. FSOCIETY HQ - NIGHT
The hackers continue to plan, their determination and focus evident.
MOBLEY: I feel like this should be bigger. I mean, we're really about to make history here, right?
TRENTON: (nodding) We are. But we can't let that distract us from the task at hand.
ROMERO: We need precision. Like a surgeon's knife.
The screen fades to black as we hear Elliot's voice.
ELLIOT V.O.: But is it worth it? Can we ever truly dismantle the system, or will we always be dancing with the darkness...
TO BE CONTINUED
Mr. Robot: Episode X
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot is at his computer, staring at the screen blankly.
ELLIOT (V.O.)
I see it all. The connections they never want us to make. A tangled web weaved by the puppet masters. But I'm starting to find the threads.
ANGLE ON COMPUTER SCREEN
Various news headlines displayed, highlighting a potential conspiracy.
INT. ALLSAFE - DAY
Gideon talks with Elliot, Angela, and a few other AllSafe employees.
GIDEON
Our priority is to protect E-Corp. We have reason to believe that they'll be targeted soon. Our job is to lock them down before it happens.
Angela looks concerned, Elliot nods slowly, and the others share nervous glances.
INT. FSOCIETY HQ - NIGHT
Darlene is pacing back and forth, stressed. Mobley, Romero, and Trenton sit around, waiting for instructions.
DARLENE
Alright, guys. Word is out. We've got to up our game fast. This new conspiracy against E-Corp? It's going to be big. We need to be prepared.
MOBLEY
I'm working on a new exploit that could buy us some time. We can escape their watchful eyes for a little while longer.
TRENTON
I'm in. We just need to get the information out so others can help us uncover this mess.
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot sits at his computer again, with Mr. Robot appearing beside him.
MR. ROBOT
Are you ready to bring down the kings and queens of this world, my wayward son? This is only the beginning.
ELLIOT
But at what cost? Innocent people could be caught in the crossfire. It's going to be all over the news.
MR. ROBOT
The news? Controlled by them. They don't want to be exposed.
INT. ALLSAFE - DAY
Elliot approaches Angela, cornering her away from the others.
ELLIOT
Take a look at this. It's just as I feared – something bigger than anything we've ever dealt with.
ANGLE ON ELLIOT'S PHONE SCREEN
The phone shows a list of code snippets and vague connections to E-Corp executives.
ANGELA
Elliot… what are you planning to do with this information?
ELLIOT
I haven't decided. But if we're going down this path… I need you on my side.
ANGLE ON ANGELA'S FACE
She looks unsure, hesitant to make a decision. She glances around the room at their colleagues.
TO BE CONTINUED
Mr. Robot: The Mask of Truth
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot (Rami Malek) sits at his computer, typing furiously. The room is dimly lit, reflecting the chaos in Elliot's mind.
ELLIOT (V.O.):
I can't shake this feeling...like there's something I've missed. Something crucial.
Elliot brings up a series of code on his screen, scanning it with focus.
DARLENE (Carly Chaikin) enters, nervously pacing.
DARLENE:
Tell me you found something. Did you find the connection between the Dark Army and White Rose?
Elliot shakes his head. Darlene sighs, frustrated.
DARLENE (CONT'D):
We're running out of time, Elliot.
ELLIOT:
I'm close...I know it.
INT. ALLSAFE CYBERSECURITY - DAY
Angela (Portia Doubleday) sits at her desk, taking a deep breath as she looks over files. She is clearly stressed.
ANGELA (to herself):
I need to find a way to outsmart them.
EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DAY
Mr. Robot (Christian Slater) walks through the city, engaging with occasional passersby, but nobody seems to notice him. His mind is racing.
MR. ROBOT (V.O.):
It's always the small details that can change the game. The ones that slip through the cracks...and drown you.
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - LATER
Elliot and Darlene are discussing their next move.
ELLIOT:
We need a fresh approach. A new perspective on this.
DARLENE:
The only fresh perspective would be if we could see what they see.
Elliot stops, considering Darlene's words.
ELLIOT:
That's it!
DARLENE (confused):
What's it?
ELLIOT:
We'll hack their newest recruit. She has access to their entire database...and doesn't have her guard up.
DARLENE:
But that's Angela. We can't just...
Elliot interrupts her, already typing away.
ELLIOT:
It's our only choice. I'll make sure not to do anything that would compromise her safety.
INT. ALLSAFE CYBERSECURITY - DAY
Angela returns to her desk after a heated conversation with her boss. She opens her email, noticing a new encrypted message. She hesitates, then opens it.
The message displays a series of code that seems to change as she reads it. It then displays a countdown timer - 5 minutes.
Angela's eyes widen. She recognizes the code. Frantically, she tries to decrypt the message and stop the timer.
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
Elliot watches the timer on his computer screen as Darlene looks on.
DARLENE:
If this backfires...
ELLIOT (interrupting):
It won't.
TO BE CONTINUED
Mr. Robot: Reboot of the Century
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot sits at his computer, focused on the screen. Darlene stands behind him, pacing.
DARLENE
What have you got?
ELLIOT
Someone compromised the firmware of Philip Price's pacemaker. They could initiate a lethal shock at any moment.
DARLENE
Our mission was to take down E Corp, but not like this. Not murder.
Elliot types rapidly, trying to trace the source of the breach.
ELLIOT
It's deeper than I thought. I picked up a signal leading to a warehouse.
DARLENE
Where's it at?
ELLIOT
Brooklyn. But it also links back to another location... China.
DARLENE
Whiterose and the Dark Army.
ELLIOT
I can't be sure. There's something else, Darlene. The connection keeps rebounding...
CUT TO:
INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
An unmarked van pulls up outside. Elliot and Darlene slip out, wearing stealthy outfits and hacker gear.
INT. WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Elliot distributes gadgets to Darlene while explaining his plan.
ELLIOT
This signal scrambler will cloak us for fifteen minutes. We need to get in, find the control device, and disable it.
DARLENE
And if Whiterose's goons are inside?
ELLIOT
They won't see us coming.
Elliot starts the signal scrambler.
SEQ. WAREHOUSE INFILTRATION - NIGHT
Elliot and Darlene slip past security cameras, hack digital doorlocks, and avoid guards.
INT. WAREHOUSE - CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT
Elliot hacks into the server, searching for the pacemaker controls.
ELLIOT
I found the kill code.
DARLENE
(grins)
You always do.
ELLIOT
I'll wipe the firmware, just in case. It's strange... This doesn't feel like the Dark Army's work.
DARLENE
What do you mean?
ELLIOT
Whiterose always has a clear objective. But this feels... Chaotic.
The room's lights suddenly turn on. The whir of cooling fans fills the air.
DARLENE
(whispers)
We've been set up.
TO BE CONTINUED
Mr. Robot: Unchained
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
The camera slowly pans across a bustling city street. People are hurrying by, their faces hidden by hoods and coats.
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot sits at his computer, typing furiously, his back to the door.
ELLIOT (voice-over):
There's a storm coming, not just any storm, but one that has the potential to bring down the whole system. The question is... what side am I on?
The room is dark, lit only by the glow of the multiple computer screens. Elliot takes a sip of his coffee.
INT. F SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
Darlene is hunched over her laptop, working. She pulls up an image of a woman's face on her screen.
DARLENE:
I found her. The one that's been helping E Corp. The weak spot. The next key.
Darlene sends a message to Elliot.
INT. ELLIOT'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Elliot receives the message and opens the image of the woman. He stares at it for a moment, then starts typing again.
ELLIOT (voice-over):
Infiltrate. Find out her weaknesses. Eliminate the threat. Then move on to the next one. Sometimes I wonder if there's an end to it all. Sometimes I wish...
EXT. E CORP BUILDING - DAY
Executives filter into the building, dressed in suits, briefcases in hand. They pay no attention to inconspicuous workers around them or the world outside.
INT. TYRELL WELLIK'S OFFICE - DAY
Tyrell enters his dark office and looks out the window toward the city.
TYRELL:
What have you done, Elliot? What have you unleashed?
He checks his phone for messages, clenches his fist in frustration, and starts pacing around the room.
EXT. CITY PARK - DAY
Angela is sitting on a bench, clutching at her phone. She hesitates and doesn't send the message. She breathes deeply, trying to find a sense of calm as the turmoil around her continues to escalate.
INT. CITY COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Elliot discreetly watches the woman Darlene found. He wears sunglasses and headphones; his laptop is open on the table.
ELLIOT (voice-over):
Watch. Wait. Strike. But be careful. Things aren't always what they seem. And sometimes, not knowing is worse.
Elliot drinks his coffee, typing something unseen.
INT. F SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
Darlene is developing a plan when a sudden sound distracts her. She gets up and checks her surroundings cautiously.
DARLENE:
Show yourself. I know you're here.
Mr. Robot quietly emerges from the shadows.
MR. ROBOT:
If anyone can do this, it's us. But we're running out of time. Are you ready?
Darlene nods, determined.
MUSIC SWELLS AND CUTS TO BLACK.
TO BE CONTINUED
