1.11 Scarecrow

BURKITSVILLE, INDIANA
ONE YEAR AGO
EXT. BURKITSVILLE - NIGHT
Camera pans around a town street. Harley is pumping gas at the gas station. Camera pans to a café. A married couple, Holly and Vince Parker, are leaving. With them is an older couple, Harley and Stacey Jorgeson, and their teenage niece, Emily.
Stacey: And before you leave, one of our apple pies.
She hands Holly a box.
Stacey: On the house.
Holly: Oh, my God, thank you so much!
Stacey: You're welcome.
Both chuckle.
Holly: (to Vince) Hey, we should get lost more often. I mean, everyone in this town is so nice.
Vince: Yeah, what's the catch?
Harley is finished filling the couple's car with gas, returning the nozzle.
Harley: You're all set.
Vince: Thanks.
Vince and Harley shake hands. Emily notices an intricate tattoo on Vince's arm.
Emily: That's a cool tattoo.
Vince: Thanks.
Harley: So, let's get you back to the interstate.
Vince: Yeah, please.
Harley: Take Laskey straight out of town.
Stacey: And then you're gonna turn right on Orchard Road.
Vince: Ok. Thank you.
Vince waves goodbye and goes to climb in the car.

EXT. ROAD NEXT TO TOWN ORCHARD - NIGHT
The couple's car breaks down, and they pull to the side of the road.
Holly: What happened?
Vince: I don't know. Car just died.
Holly: Oooh.
Vince sighs. He takes his cell phone out of his pocket.
Vince: Cell phone, too.
Holly: How is that possible?
They get out of the car and look around the orchard. Holly sighs.
Vince: Come on, looks like a house over there.
He starts walking away.
Holly: No, I'm not going in there.
He steps up to her.
Vince: Holly, we need help, we can't just wait here. Come on.
He heads into the orchard.
Holly: (very reluctantly) Okay.
She follows Vince.

EXT. TOWN ORCHARD - NIGHT
Holly and Vince walk for a bit, before they stop by a scarecrow raised on a wooden post. They exchange a look and walk closer to it. They stop under it, looking up at it.
Vince: Check it out.
Vince looks at Holly.
Vince: If I only had a brain...
Holly looks at Vince.
Holly: We wouldn't be lost.
Vince: Thanks.
They both look back up at the scarecrow.
Vince: That has got to be the freakiest damn scarecrow I've ever seen.
Holly: It scares me.
She sighs loudly. They start walking away, but Holly sees the scarecrow's head move. She gasps, grabbing Vince's arm tightly. She turns to face Vince, trying to ignore the scarecrow.
Holly: Please, let's just hurry, okay?
She pants a few times, glancing back at the scarecrow. They start walking away. A few seconds later, they hear a rustling in the trees. Holly gasps, and they both turn around. No one is there.
Vince: Did you hear that?
Holly nods.
Vince: Hello? Who's there?
They hear a groan. They start running through the orchard towards the lit house. She glances back, but no one is there. They both continue running. A minute later, Holly turns to look behind her again, only now Vince is gone.
Holly: Vince?
She pants, looking around.
Holly: Vince?
She pants some more, and stops running. Looking around, she doesn't see Vince anywhere, and her panting is growing panicked. She moans a few times, hearing something before she starts running back towards the car to find Vince. She hears something behind her, looks back, gives a small scream before facing forward. She trips and falls on the ground. She turns her head and sees Vince's mutilated body on the ground. She screams several times, before she sees the scarecrow towering over her. She tries to crabwalk back, and continues to scream while the camera pans to the scarecrow's now empty post.

INT. MOTEL - DAY
Sam and Dean are sleeping. Dean's phone rings but he does not wake up. The camera pans down from the two brothers asleep, to focusing on the cell phone.

SCARECROW

Sam: Dean.
Dean still doesn't wake up. Sam answers the phone with eyes closed, half asleep.
Sam: Hello?

EXT. PAYPHONE IN CALIFORNIA - DAY and INT. MOTEL - DAY, alternating
Camera focused tightly on John's mouth, and nothing else.
John: Sam, is that you?
Sam sits up in bed.
Sam: Dad? Are you hurt?
Camera is tightly focused on John's eyes, and face.
John: I'm fine.
Sam: We've been looking for you everywhere.
Sam glances over at the other bed, where Dean is still asleep.
Sam: We didn't know where you were, if you were okay.
John: Sammy, I'm all right. What about you and Dean?
At the motel, Dean is waking up.
Sam: Well, we're fine.
Sam glances over at Dean, before switching the cellphone from right ear to left ear.
Sam: Dad, where are you?
Dean sits up in bed.
John: Sorry, kiddo, I-I can't tell you that.
The camera shows a tantalizing view of a phone booth that John is in, but only from shoulders up.
Sam: What? Why not?
Dean: Is that Dad?
John: Look, I know this is hard for you to understand. You're just... you're gonna have to trust me on this.
Sam: You're after it, aren't you? The thing that killed Mom.
John: Yeah. It's a demon, Sam.
Sam: A demon? You know for sure?
Dean: A demon? What's he saying?
John: I do. Listen, Sammy, I, uh... I also know what happened to your girlfriend.
Dean puts on a shirt, watching Sam closely and listening in.
John: I'm so sorry. I would've done anything to protect you from that.
Sam: You know where it is?
John: Yeah, I think I'm finally closing in on it.
Sam: Let us help.
John: You can't. You can't be any part of it.
Sam: Why not?
Dean: Give me the phone.
The camera shows the phone booth with the word "Sacratel" on the side, with a large warehouse in the background.
John: Listen, Sammy, that's why I'm calling. You and your brother, you gotta stop looking for me. Alright, now, I need you to write down these names.
Sam's starting to get upset.
Sam: Names? What names, Dad-talk to me, tell me - what's going on.
John: Look, we don't have time for this. This is bigger than you think. They're everywhere. Even us talking right now, it's-it's not safe.
Sam: No. Alright? No way.
Sam's fighting tears. Dean's getting upset, reaching for the phone.
Dean: Give me the phone.
John: I've given you an order. Now, you stop following me, and you do your job. You understand me?

Credit:

Starring JARED PADALECKI

John: Now, take down these names.
Sam is getting furious. Dean can not stand it anymore, and grabs the phone from Sam.
Dean: Dad, it's me. Where are you?

Credit:

JENSEN ACKLES

A pause. Sam looks over at Dean. Dean is looking at Sam, but then Dean straightens up, as if a soldier being given orders.

Credit:

Guest Starring NICKI AYCOX (Meg Masters)

Dean: Yes, sir.
A pause. Dean swallows.

Credit:

JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN (John Winchester)

Dean: Uh,
Dean starts looking around on the nightstand.
Dean: Yeah I got a pen. What are their names?
Sam is fuming inside.

EXT. IMPALA - NIGHT
On a dark highway with wisps of fog, the Impala comes around the corner.

Credit:

TANIA SAULNIER (Emily Jorgeson)

The Impala continues to come at the camera.
Sam (voiceover): Alright, so, the names Dad gave us,

INT. IMPALA - NIGHT
Sam is driving, Dean is holding a flashlight, looking at a map.
Sam: they're all couples?

Credit:

TOM BUTLER (Harley Jorgeson)

Dean: Three different couples. All went missing.

Credit:

P. LYNN JOHNSON (Stacey Jorgeson)

Sam: And they're all from different towns? Different states?
Dean: That's right.

Credit:

WILLIAM B. DAVIS (Professor)

Dean: You got Washington, New York, Colorado. Each couple took a road trip cross-country. None of them arrived at their destination, and none of them were ever heard from again.
Sam: Well, it's a big country, Dean. They could've disappeared anywhere.
Dean: Yeah, could've. But each one's route took 'em to the same part of Indiana. Always on the second week of April.

Credit:

Producer PETER JOHNSON

Dean: One year after another after another.
Sam: This is the second week of April.
Dean: Yep.
Sam: So,

Credit:

Supervising Producer PHIL SGRICCIA

Sam: Dad is sending us to Indiana to go hunting for something

Credit:

Co-Executive Producer JOHN SHIBAN

Sam: before another couple vanishes?
Dean: Yahtzee.

Credit:

Co-Executive Producer RICHARD HATEM

Dean: Can you imagine putting together a pattern like this? All the different obits Dad had to go through? The man's a master.
Sam looks annoyed, pulls over to the side of the road. Dean looks up and around, then at Sam.

Credit:

Co-Executive Producer KIM MANNERS

Dean: What are you doing?
Sam turns off the car.

Credit:

Executive Producer McG

Sam: We're not going to Indiana.
Dean: We're not?
Sam: No. We're going to California.

Credit:

Produced by CYRUS YAVNEH

Sam: Dad called from a payphone.
Sam looks over at Dean.
Sam: Sacramento area code.
Dean: Sam.
Sam: Dean, if this demon killed Mom and Jess,

Credit:

Created by ERIC KRIPKE

Sam: and Dad's closing in, we've gotta be there. We've gotta help.
Dean: Dad doesn't want our help.
Sam: Well I don't care.
Dean: He's given us an order.
Sam: (firmly) I don't care.
Dean tilts his head.
Sam: We don't always have to do what he says.
Dean: Sam,

Credit:

Teleplay by JOHN SHIBAN

Dean: Dad is asking us to work jobs, to save lives, it's important.
Sam: Alright, I understand,

Credit:

Story by PATRICK SEAN SMITH

Sam: believe me, I understand. But I'm talking one week here, man, to-to get answers. To get revenge.
Dean: Alright, look, I know how you feel.
Sam: Do you?
Dean seems shocked at Sam's tone. A pause. Sam scoffs.
Sam: How old were you when Mom died? Four? Jess died six months ago. How the hell would you know how I feel?

Credit:

Directed by KIM MANNERS

Dean: Dad said it wasn't safe. For any of us. I mean, he obviously knows something that we don't, so if he says to stay away, we stay away.
Sam: I don't understand the blind faith you have in the man. I mean... it's like you don't even question him!
Dean: Yeah, it's called being a good son!
Sam, angry, gets out of the car. Dean rolls his head, but he also gets out and watches Sam unloading his backpack from the trunk, along with another bag.
Dean: You're a selfish bastard, you know that? You just do whatever you want. Don't care what anybody thinks.
Sam: That's what you really think?
Dean: Yes, it is.
Sam huffs, and grabs the last bag, swinging it over his shoulder, before facing Dean once more.
Sam: Well, then this selfish bastard is going to California.
He starts walking away.
Dean: Come on, you're not serious.
Sam: I am serious.
Dean: It's the middle of the night!
Sam's head gives a half shake.
Dean: Hey, I'm taking off! I will leave your ass, you hear me?
Sam stops walking and turns around. A lone dog howls in the background.
Sam: That's what I want you to do.
They stare at each other for a few seconds, waiting.
Dean: Goodbye, Sam.
He closes the trunk, walks around to the driver's side. Takes one more look back at Sam before he climbs in the car, starts her up, and drives away. Sam watches him leave, then turns and continues to walk away.

BURKITSVILLE

EXT. BURKITSVILLE, INDIANA - DAY
A small church sits between tall pine trees. A boy riding a bike rides in front and around the curve of the road. The Impala is driving up, past several houses, and stops at the town gazebo. Most of the small town can be seen. Everything looks wet.

INT. IMPALA - DAY
Dean pulls out his cell phone. He scrolls down the list, until he selects the name "Sam Mobile". He thinks about calling Sam for a long minute, then angrily he changes his mind and closes his cell phone. He shuts off the car and gets out.

EXT. SCOTTY'S CAFE - DAY
Scotty is sitting in a chair on the porch. Dean walks up to him.
Dean: Let me guess.
Dean pointedly looks at the sign.
Dean: Scotty.
Scotty looks at the sign.
Scotty: Yep.
Dean gives a nod.
Dean: Hi, my name's John Bonham.
Scotty: Isn't that the drummer for Led Zeppelin?
Dean is taken aback, and smiles.
Dean: Wow. Good. Classic rock fan.
Scotty: What can I do for you, John?
Dean clears his throat and takes two pieces of paper out of his pocket. They are Missing Person flyers for Holly and Vince Parker.
Dean: I was wondering if, uh, you'd seen these people by chance.
Dean hands the flyers over. Scotty looks at the flyers.
Scotty: Nope. Who are they?
Dean: Friends of mine. They went missing about a year ago. They passed through somewhere around here, and I've already asked around Scottsburg and Salem-
Scotty: Sorry.
He hands the flyers back to Dean.
Scotty: We don't get many strangers around here.
Dean nods.
Dean: Scotty, you've got a smile that lights up a room, anybody ever tell you that?
Scotty stares at him strangely, with a frown. Dean chuckles.
Dean: Never mind. See you around.
He walks away.
Thunder crashes.

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Sam is walking along the side of the road, watching for vehicles. Thunder crashes again. He turns around and sees a young girl with short blonde hair, Meg, sitting with her back to him. She is listening to music - "Puppet" by Colepitz.

Music:

...beginning

Sam: Hey.

Music:

I think it's true They are using you

She can't hear him.

Music:

He walks over to her and puts his hand on her shoulder.

Music:

Yes I know that it's true

She inhales, jumps, and scrambles to stand up. Seeing him, she takes off her headphones.
Meg: You scared the hell outta me.

Music:

They are using you

Sam's hand is up, placating, trying to calm her down.
Sam: I'm sorry. I just thought you might need some help.
Meg: No, I'm good, thanks.
Sam: Uh, so where you headed?
Meg: No offense, but no way I'm telling you.
Sam: Why not?
Meg: You could be some kind of freak. I mean, you are hitchhiking.
Sam chuckles.
Sam: Well, so are you.
Meg laughs and smiles at him. A van honks its horn. Both Sam and Meg look over, and straighten up next to the side of the road. The van pulls over.
Van Driver: Need a ride?
Sam and Meg: Yeah.
Sam: Yeah.
Van Driver: (to Sam) Just her. I ain't takin' you.
Sam gives him a disbelieving look, giving a half shake of his head. Meg gathers her things and gets in the van. She looks back at Sam.
Sam: (to Meg) You trust shady van guy and not me?
Meg: Definitely.
She smiles. They drive away, leaving Sam shaking his head and scoffing.

EXT. JORGESON GENERAL STORE - DAY
Camera pans closer to the store.
Dean (voiceover): You sure they didn't stop for gas

INT. JORGESON GENERAL STORE - DAY
Dean: or something?
Harley shows the pictures to Stacey. Stacey shakes her head.
Harley: Nope, don't remember 'em. You said they were friends of yours?
Dean: That's right.
Emily comes downstairs carrying some boxes.
Emily: Did the guy have a tattoo?
Dean: Yes, he did.
Emily hands the boxes to Stacey on the counter, and walks over to look at the picture of Vince.
Emily: (to Stacey and Harley) You remember? They were just married.
Harley: (suddenly remembering) You're right. They did stop for gas. Weren't here more than ten minutes.
Dean: You remember anything else?
Harley: Well, I told 'em how to get back to the Interstate. They left town.
Dean: Could you point me in that same direction?
Harley: Sure.

EXT. IMPALA - DAY
The Impala is driving through back roads, near an orchard.

INT. IMPALA - DAY
Dean is driving by the orchard when he hears a noise coming from the backseat. He glances around, trying to find it.
Dean: What the hell?
He tries to reach back while driving, but he can't quite grab it. He pulls over and reaches into his bag. He pulls out the EMF meter, which is beeping frantically. He glances around, concerned.

EXT. ORCHARD - DAY
Dean is walking through an orchard, just looking around to see what there is to see. Doesn't see anything out of the ordinary, until he sees the scarecrow on its post. He walks over to it and looks at it for a second.
Dean: Dude, you fugly.
Dean notices a sickle in the scarecrow's hand and a design on its arm. Dean takes a ladder from a nearby tree and climbs to the top so that he is eye level with the scarecrow. He looks the scarecrow over carefully. He moves its shirt sleeve and recognizes the design from Vince's tattoo. He pulls out Vince's flyer and compares the designs, which are exactly the same. He looks at the scarecrow again, knowing who it is.
Dean: Nice tat.
The screen goes black.

EXT. BURKITSVILLE GAS STATION - DAY
Dean pulls up in the Impala, turns it off, and gets out. A dog is barking in the background, along with some church chimes. Emily is standing by the gas pumps.
Emily: You're back.
Dean: Never left.
Emily: Still looking for your friends?
Dean nods, and then notices Emily's nameplate necklace.
Dean: You mind fillin' her up there, Emily?
She grabs a pump and starts filling up Dean's tank.
Dean: So, didya grow up here?
Emily: I came here when I was thirteen. I lost my parents. Car accident. My aunt and uncle took me in.
Dean: They're nice people.
Emily: Everybody's nice here.
Dean: So, what, it's the, uh, perfect little town?
Emily: Well, you know, it's the boonies. But I love it. I mean, the towns around us, people are losing their homes, their farms. But here, it's almost like we're blessed.
Dean nods.
Dean: Hey, you been out to the orchard? Seen that-that scarecrow?
She huffs.
Emily: It creeps me out.
Dean chuckles.
Dean: Whose is it?
Emily: I don't know. It's just always been there.
Dean nods towards a red van parked by the garage.
Dean: That your aunt and uncle's?
Emily turns around to look, before responding.
Emily: Customer. Had some car troubles.
Dean: It's not a couple, is it? A guy and a girl?
Emily nods.
Emily: Mmhmm.
Dean looks concerned.

INT. BUS STATION - DAY
"Lodi" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is playing
Sam is talking to the clerk.

Music:

Clerk: Sorry, the Sacramento bus doesn't run again till tomorrow.
She checks the schedule.
Clerk: Uh, 5:05 PM.
Sam: Tomorrow? There's got to be another way.
Clerk: Well, there is. Buy a car.

Music:

sick a by way to go to

Sam, annoyed, huffs, gathers his bags, and leaves the ticket window.

Music:

Got paid, then got a bird

He looks around the station. He takes out his PalmPilot and selects Dean's phone number.

Music:

Oh no, smoking on a dire way

Meg sits on the floor with her bags.
Meg: Hey.

Music:

on a frame out

Sam looks at her, confused, and turns off his PalmPilot without calling Dean.
Sam: Hey.
Meg: You again.

Music:

walking down at New Orleans

Sam: What happened to your ride?

Music:

Meg: You were right. That guy was shady. He was all hands.
Sam raises his eyebrows.
Meg: I cut him loose.
Sam looks out at the buses, disappointed.
Meg: What's the matter?
Sam: Just trying to get to California.
Meg: (surprised) No way.
Sam: Yeah.
Meg: Me too.
She stands up and walks toward Sam
Meg: You know, the next bus isn't until tomorrow.
Sam: Yeah. Yeah, that's the problem.
Meg: Why? What's in Cali that's so important?
Sam: Just something I've been looking for. For a long time.
Meg: Well, then I'm sure it can wait one more day, right?
Meg smiles at him. Sam chuckles. Meg extends her hand and Sam shakes it.
Meg: I'm Meg.
Sam: Sam.
They smile at each other.

LEAVING TOWN

INT. SCOTTY'S CAFE - AFTERNOON
Scotty is serving the couple whose car broke down. He puts two plates of apple pie in front of them.
Scotty: We're famous for our apples. So, you gotta try this pie.
Pauly: Oh, no. It-please.
Scotty: It's on the house.
Dean walks in.
Dean: Heyya, Scotty. Can I get a coffee, black?
Scotty walks away to get it. Dean looks over the couple's table, and sees pie.
Steve: Mmm-mmm.
Dean: Oh, and some of that pie, too, while you're at it.
He sits at a table next to the couple.
Dean: How ya doin'?
The couple waves and smiles.
Dean: Just passing through?
Pauly: Road trip.
Dean: Hm. Yeah, me too.
They nod. Scotty walks over to refill their cider. He gives Dean a look.
Scotty: I'm sure these people want to eat in peace.
Dean: Just a little friendly conversation.
Scotty walks away, glaring at Dean.
Dean: Oh, and that coffee, too, man. Thanks.
Scotty looks agitated. Dean keeps talking to the couple.
Dean: So, what brings you to town?
Pauly: We just stopped for gas. And, uh, the guy at the gas station saved our lives.
Dean: Is that right?
Steve: Yeah, one of our brake lines was leaking. We had no idea. He was fixing it for us.
Dean has a look of concern.
Dean: Nice people.
Steve: Yeah.
Dean: So, how long till you're up and runnin'?
Steve: Sundown.
Dean: Really.
He thinks about it for a minute.
Dean: To fix a brake line?
Steve nods.
Dean: I mean, I know a thing or two about cars. I could probably have you up and running in about an hour. I wouldn't charge you anything.
Pauly: You know, thanks a lot, but I think we'd rather have a mechanic do it.
Dean: Sure. I know.
He pauses.
Dean: You know, it's just that these-these roads. Uh, they're not real safe at night.
The couple exchange a look.
Pauly: I'm sorry?
Dean: I know it sounds strange, but, uh-you might be in danger.
The couple exchanges an annoyed look.
Steve: (annoyed) Look, we're trying to eat. Okay?
Dean: Yeah.
He looks disappointed. The couple seems worried by Dean.
Dean: You know, my brother could give you this puppy dog look, and you'd just buy right into it.
The bell above the café door jingles and someone walks in. Scotty comes out from a back room.
Scotty: Thanks for coming, Sheriff.
Dean looks nervous and frustrated. Scotty whispers something in the sheriff's ear, and they both look at Dean, who looks away. The sheriff walks over to him.
Sheriff: I'd like a word, please.
Dean: Come on. I'm having a bad day already.
Sheriff: You know what would make it worse?
Dean nods slowly.
There is a noise of a police car's siren running.

EXT. INTERSTATE - DAY
The sheriff's car is following Dean's car to make sure Dean leaves. When Dean drives past the Burkitsville sign, the sheriff turns off his siren and slows down. He then turns around and drives back to Burkitsville.
Sam (voiceover): So, what, are-are you

INT. BUS STATION - DAY
Sam and Meg are sitting at a table with beers and different foods around them.
Sam: on some kind of vacation or something?
Meg chuckles.
Meg: Yeah, right. It's all sipping Cristal poolside for me.
They laugh.
Meg: No. I had to... get away from my family.
Sam shakes his head.
Sam: Why?
Meg: I love my parents. And they wanted what's best for me. They just didn't care if I wanted it. I was supposed to be smart. But, not smart enough to scare away a husband.
Sam smiles.
Meg: No. It's just... because my family said so, I'm supposed to sit there and do what I was told. So I just went on my own way instead.
Sam stares at her, a sad smile and softly shaking his head.
Meg: I'm sorry. The things you say to people you hardly know.
She gives a sad chuckle.
Sam: No, no, it's okay. I know how you feel. Remember that brother I-I mentioned before, that I was road-tripping with?
Meg nods.
Sam: It's, uh, it's kind of the same deal.
Meg: And that's why you're not riding with him anymore?
Sam shakes his head, also giving a small, sad chuckle. Meg raises her beer bottle.
Meg: Here's to us. The food might be bad, and the beds might be hard. But at least we're living our own lives. And nobody else's.
Sam taps his bottle against hers and they both drink.
The sound of the Impala is roaring closer.

EXT. INTERSTATE - NIGHT
The Impala is passing the sign - Burkitsville 3 miles. As she goes under the bridge, a train crosses it.

EXT. ORCHARD - NIGHT
The couple's car has broken down and they are walking through the orchard.
Pauly: I can't believe it. We just got the car fixed.
Steve: This way.
They start walking towards a clearing. The scarecrow moves quickly behind them. Pauly gasps and they turn around.
Pauly: Steve?
They look, but don't see anything. They hear more noises, like heavy breathing or growling. Steve spins around, looking ahead of them. Pauly turns to look where he's looking.
Steve: Who's there?
The scarecrow comes out from behind the trees, its sickle in its hand. It begins walking purposefully towards them. She gives a small yelp, and they turn to start running away. Running through the orchard, they are panting loudly. The scarecrow is keeping up with them, purposefully striding. They are almost at the clearing when Dean runs in front of them. She yelps again. They stop, afraid, seeing Dean is holding his shotgun.
Dean: Get back to your car.
Steve looks behind them and sees the scarecrow getting closer.
Dean: Go! Go!
The couple runs by Dean. Dean pumps his shotgun and shoots the scarecrow, which stumbles but keeps walking. Dean begins running, pumps his shotgun again, and shoots. Again, the scarecrow keeps going. Dean tries one more time, but the scarecrow keeps moving. Dean keeps running.
Dean: Go! Go!
Finally, the couple and Dean reach the clearing where the Impala is parked. Dean pumps his shotgun, taking a stance in front of the couple and looks around, but the scarecrow has disappeared.
Steve: (panting) What-what the hell was that?
Dean: Don't ask.
The screen goes black.

INT. BUS STATION - MORNING and INT. IMPALA - MORNING, alternating
Meg is sleeping on the floor. Sam is sitting by his bags, on the phone with Dean.
Sam: The scarecrow climbed off its cross?
Dean (voiceover): I'm tellin' ya. Burkitsville, Indiana. Fun Town.
Sam: It didn't kill the couple, did it?
Sam glances over at a sleeping Meg.
Dean is driving the Impala.
Dean: No. I can cope without you, you know.
Sam: So, something must be animating it.
Sam (voiceover): A spirit.
Dean: No, it's more than a spirit. It's a god. A pagan god, anyway.
Sam: What makes you say that?
Sam keeps glancing sideways to make sure Meg's still asleep.
Dean (voiceover): The annual cycle of its killings?
Dean: And the fact that the victims are always a man and a woman. Like some kind of fertility rite. And you should see the locals. The way they treated this couple.
Dean (voiceover): Fattenin' 'em up like a Christmas turkey.
Sam: The last meal. Given to sacrificial victims.
Dean: Yeah, I'm thinking a ritual sacrifice to appease some pagan god.
Sam: So, a god possesses the scarecrow...
Dean (voiceover): And the scarecrow takes its sacrifice.
Dean: And for another year, the crops won't wilt, and disease won't spread.
Sam: Do you know which god you're dealing with?
Dean (voiceover): No, not yet.
Sam: Well, you figure out what it is, you can figure out a way to kill it.
Dean: I know. I'm actually on my way to a local community college. I've got an appointment with a professor. You know,
Dean (voiceover): since I don't have my trusty, sidekick, geek boy to do all the research.
Sam chuckles.
Sam: You know, if you're hinting you need my help, just ask.
Dean: I'm not hinting anything.
Dean turns serious after a pause.
Dean: Actually, ah-
He chuckles, then clears his throat.
Dean: I want you to know... I mean, don't think...
Sam: Yeah. I'm sorry, too.
Dean: Sam. You were right.
Dean (voiceover): You gotta do your own thing. You gotta live your own life.
Sam is surprised.
Sam: Are you serious?
Dean: You've always known what you want. And you go after it.
Dean (voiceover): You stand up to Dad.
A soft chuckle from Dean.
Dean (voiceover): And you always have.
Dean: Hell, I wish I... Anyway... I admire that about you. I'm proud of you, Sammy.
Sam: I don't even know what to say.
Dean: Say you'll take care of yourself.
Sam: I will.
Dean gives a sad chuckle.
Dean: Call me when you find Dad.
Sam: (sadly) OK. Bye, Dean.
Dean hangs up.
Sam hangs up, looking at the phone, then off in the distance, thinking. He sighs. Meg wakes up and moves next to Sam.
Meg: Who was that?
Sam: My brother.
Meg: What'd he say?
Sam: Goodbye.
Sam gives her a sad look.

THE PROFESSOR

INT. COMMUNITY COLLEGE - DAY
Stairwell leading up. The college professor is walking down the stairs, Dean right behind him.
Professor: It's not every day I get a research question on pagan idolatry.
Dean: Yeah, well, call it a hobby.
Professor: But you said you were interested in local lore?
Dean: Mm-hmm.
Professor: I'm afraid Indiana isn't really known for its pagan worship.
Dean: What if it was imported? You know, like the Pilgrims brought their religion over. Wasn't a lot of this area settled by immigrants?
The professor mumbles an affirmative, shaking his head up and down.
Dean: Like that town near here, Burkitsville. Where are their ancestors from?
Professor: Uh, northern Europe, I believe. Scandinavia.
Dean: What could you tell me about those pagan gods?
Professor: Well, there are hundreds of Norse gods and goddesses.
Dean: I'm actually looking for one. Might live in an orchard.

INT. OFFICE - DAY
The professor puts a large book down on a table and opens it. He works on putting on his glasses.
Professor: Woods god, hm? Well, let's see.
He leafs through some pages. On one page, Dean notices a picture of a scarecrow on a post surrounded by farmers in a field.
Dean: Wait, wait, wait. What's that one?
Professor: Oh, that's not a woods god, per se.
Dean: (reading) The V-Vanir?
The professor nods.
Dean: The Vanir were Norse gods of protection and prosperity, keeping the local settlements safe from harm. Some villages built effigies of the Vanir in their fields. Other villages practiced human sacrifice. One male, and one female.
The professor is looking at Dean with a calculated look. Dean points to the picture.
Dean: Kind of looks like a scarecrow, huh?
Professor: I suppose.
Professor smiles.
Dean: (reading) This particular Vanir gets energy sprung from a sacred tree?
Professor: Pagans believed all sorts of things were-were infused with magic.
Dean: So what would happen if the sacred tree was torched?
Dean stands back up to address the professor.
Dean: You think it'd kill the god?
The professor laughs at Dean.
Professor: Son, these are just legends we're discussing.
Dean: Oh, of course. Yeah, you're right. Listen, thank you, very much.
He shakes the professor's hand.
Professor: Glad I could help.
Dean walks to the office door. When he opens it, the sheriff hits him on the head with the end of his rifle. Dean falls to the ground, knocked out, and the sheriff and the professor exchange a knowing look.

EXT. STREETS OF BURKITSVILLE - DAY
Stacey, Harley, Scotty, and the sheriff are standing in the rain, upset.
Scotty: You don't understand, Harley. All of us here, it's-it's our responsibility to protect the town.
Harley: I understand. Better than all of you. I'm the one that gives 'em directions. I'm the one that sends 'em down to the orchard.
Sheriff: Harley, please.
Harley: We all close our doors. Look the other way. Pretend we can't hear the screams. But this is different, this-this is murder.
Stacey: It's angry with us. Already the trees are beginning to die. Tonight's the seventh night of the cycle. Our last chance.
Harley: If the boy has to die, the boy has to die. But why does it have to be her?
They say nothing. Harley looks from one to another for an answer. The camera pans up from them, standing under umbrellas, clustered in a group.

INT. CELLAR - AFTERNOON
Dean is by himself. He has a bruise on his face where the rifle butt hit him. He looks up as the cellar door opens. Emily is there, being held by her aunt and uncle. She is crying, looking from one to another.
Emily: Aunt Stacey. Uncle Harley, please.
Dean stands up. Harley bring her down the stairs, next to Dean. He looks at Dean before turning and going back upstairs. Emily turns to look up.
Emily: Why are you doing this?
Stacey: For the common good.
She shuts the cellar door and Dean and Emily are left in the dark. The screen goes black.

INT. BUS STATION - AFTERNOON
Meg is gathering her things. Sam is trying to call Dean on his cell phone.
Meg: Hey. Our bus came in.
Sam hangs up the phone, shaking his head.
Sam: You better catch it. I gotta go.
He puts on his backpack.
Meg: Go where?
Sam: Burkitsville.
Sam starts to walk out of the bus station. Meg hurries to catch up to him.
Meg: Sam, wait.
Sam: I've been trying to call my brother for the last three hours. I'm just getting his voicemail.
Meg: Maybe his phone's turned off.
Sam: No, that's not like him.
Sam looks away, then back.
Sam: Meg, I think he might be in trouble.
Meg: What kind of trouble?
Sam: I can't really explain right now. I'm sorry, look, I don't want you to miss your bus.
Meg: But... I don't understand. You're running back to your brother? The guy you ran away from? Why? Because he won't pick up his phone?
Sam gives her a sad look. She switches tactics.
Meg: Sam. Come. With me, to California.
Sam: I can't. I'm sorry.
Meg: Why not?
Sam: He's my family.
Sam leaves. Meg watches him go, close to tears.
Emily (voiceover): I don't understand.

INT. CELLAR - AFTERNOON
Emily: They're gonna kill us?
Dean is trying to open the cellar door by using his body to heave upwards, but he fails.
Dean: Sacrifice us. Which is, I don't know, classier, I guess?
He walks over to her.
Dean: You really didn't know anything about this, did you?
Emily: About what? The scarecrow god? I can't believe this.
Dean: Well, you better start believing, cause I'm gonna need your help.
Emily: Okay.
Dean: Now, we can destroy the scarecrow, but we gotta find the tree.
Emily: What tree?
Dean: Maybe you can help me with that. It would be really old. The locals would treat it with a lot of respect, like it was sacred.
Emily: There was this - one apple tree. The immigrants brought it over with them. They call it the First Tree.
Dean: Is it in the orchard?
Emily: Yeah, but I don't know where.
The cellar door opens and the four elders are standing there. Scotty has a gun trained down on Dean.
Stacey: It's time.
Dean and Emily look at each other. She's scared, he's nervous. Dean looks back at the elders.

SACRIFICE

EXT. ORCHARD - EVENING
The elders are tying Dean and Emily to two adjacent trees. Scotty is holding a gun on Dean.
Dean: How many people have you killed, Sheriff? How much blood is on your hands?
Sheriff: We don't kill them.
Dean: No, but you sure cover up after. I mean, how many cars have you hidden, clothes have you buried?
The sheriff walks away from Dean.
Emily is fighting tears.
Emily: Uncle Harley, please.
Harley: I am so sorry, Em. I wish it wasn't you.
She gives a half laugh, starting to cry.
Stacey: Try to understand. It's our responsibility. And there's just no other choice. There's nobody else but you.
Emily: I'm your family.
Stacey: Sweetheart,
Stacey walks over, kneels down, and rubs Emily's hair back lovingly.
Stacey: that's what sacrifice means. Giving up something you love, for the greater good.
Stacey is fighting tears.
Stacey: The town needs to be saved. The good of the many outweighs the good of the one.
Emily is crying. The four elders walk away.
Dean: I hope your apple pie is freakin' worth it!
Emily is pulling herself together. She looks over at Dean
Emily: So, what's the plan?
Dean: I'm workin' on it.
Dean doesn't look her way, but looks around the tree he's tied to, frustrated. Scene fades out.

EXT. ORCHARD - NIGHT, LATER
Scene fades in.
Emily: You don't have a plan, do you?
Dean: (slightly panicked) I'm workin' on it. Can you see?
Emily: What?
Dean: Is he moving yet?
Emily: I can't see.
Footsteps are heard moving near the trees. A shadow is barely seen.
Emily: Oh my God.
Louder footsteps.
Emily: Oh my God!
As it moves closer, Dean struggles to free himself from his ropes.
Sam: Dean?
Sam comes out from behind the trees, looking at Dean.
Dean: (overjoyed) Oh! Oh, I take everything back I said. I'm so happy to see you. Come on.
Sam begins untying Dean from the tree.
Dean: How'd you get here?
Sam: I, uh... stole a car.
Dean laughs.
Dean: That's my boy! Keep an eye on that scarecrow. He could come alive any minute.
Sam looks over, after finishing untieing Dean.
Sam: What scarecrow?
Dean gets up and sees the scarecrow's post is empty. He and Sam exchange a nervous look. The screen goes black.

EXT. ORCHARD - NIGHT
Sam, Dean, and Emily are running.
Sam: Alright, now, this sacred tree you're talking about-
Dean: It's the source of its power.
Sam: So let's find it and burn it.
Dean: Oh, in the morning. Let's just shag ass before Leatherface catches up.
The three of them reach a clearing. Waiting for them are the elders and a few other townspeople. Harley has a gun trained on them.
Dean: This way.
They turn around, but Scotty pulls a gun with a flashlight on them as well. Dean turns in a different direction but there is a flashlight on them from that direction, too. The last direction Dean starts to head, another flashlight comes up. The sheriff has a gun trained on them. They are blocked in all directions. Sam huffs in frustration. Stacey and Harley stare at Emily, who stares back. The scarecrow makes a growling noise. The boys and Emily are panting.
Emily: Please. Let us go.
Harley: It'll be over quickly, I promise.
Emily: Please.
Harley: Emily, you have to let him take you. You have to-
All of a sudden, the scarecrow sticks his sickle through Harley's stomach. Dean and Sam are surprised, eyes wide. Emily and Stacey scream. Emily dives into Dean's arms. Harley gasps, staring down at the sickle. It yanks the sickle out of Harley's body, before grabbing a still screaming Stacey around the neck. Some of the townspeople run away in fright. The scarecrow uses it's sickle to grab Harley's leg, and it takes them, dragging them away. The rest of the townspeople run away in fright, leaving Emily, Dean, and Sam.
Dean: Come on, come on, let's go.
Sam, Dean, and Emily start running. They hear a growling breathing noise and turn around, but the scarecrow and its victims have disappeared. The three of them stay there panting and looking around. Scene fades out.

EXT. ORCHARD - MORNING
Scene fades in. Sam, Dean, and Emily walk to the sacred tree with gasoline and a lighter. It's a peaceful scene, with birds singing. The tree is marked with an old tattoo design. Sam goes to the tree and pours the gasoline on it. Dean picks up a long branch and lights it.
Emily: Let me.
She takes the branch from Dean.
Dean: You know, the whole town's gonna die.
Emily: Good.
Sam is finished, and steps away from the tree. She waits a brief moment, then throws the burning branch at the base of the tree, and it goes up in flames. The three of them watch it. Sam and Dean exchange a look, then they watch the tree burn. Soft rock music starts. Scene fades out.

EXT. BUS STOP - DAY
Scene fades in. Music starts. Emily is getting on a bus to Boston. She climbs up, and on the top step she turns to smile at Dean, who waves to her. She waves back and takes a seat. Music stops. Dean and Sam watch the bus leave.
Sam: Think she's gonna be alright?
Dean: I hope so.
Sam: And the rest of the townspeople, they'll just get away with it?
Dean: What'll happen to the town, will have to be punishment enough.
Soft rock music starts. They start walking to the Impala.
Dean: So. I drop you off somewhere?
Sam huffs.
Sam: No, I think you're stuck with me.
They stop at the car. Dean looks over at Sam.
Dean: What made you change your mind?
Sam: I didn't. I still wanna find Dad. And you're still a pain in the ass.
Dean acknowledges.
Sam: But, Jess and Mom-they're both gone. Dad is God knows where. You and me. We're all that's left. So, ah, if we're gonna see this through...
Sam gives him a small smile.
Sam: We're gonna do it together.
Dean pauses.
Dean: Hold me, Sam. That was beautiful.
He puts his hand on Sam's shoulder, who hits it away.
Dean: Come on.
Dean chuckles.
Sam: You should be kissing my ass. You were dead meat, dude.
Dean: Yeah, right. I had a plan, I'd have gotten out.
Sam: Right.
Music stops. Dean sighs, and climbs in the Impala. Sam smiles, and looks around. "Bad Company" by Bad Company starts playing.

MEG

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
Another shady guy is giving Meg a ride.

Music:

Now these towns, they all know our name 6-gun sound

Van Driver: So, where to, pretty lady?

Music:

is our claim to fame.

Meg: How about you pull over?
Meg looks at him. Van driver looks at her, and grins.
Van Driver: Okay.

Music:

I can hear him say

Van Driver: That works.
She's smiling.

Music:

Bad company And I won't deny

He pulls over.

Music:

Bad, bad company Til the day I die, oh yeah

He stops. He looks at her and smiles. Meg reaches into her bag and pulls out a silver bowl.

Music:

Til the day I die. Oooooo

Van Driver: What's that?
Meg: I've got to make a call.
She reaches into the bowl to get something.
Van Driver: I've got a cell phone you could use.
Meg: It's not that kind of call.
She pulls out a knife and quickly slits the van driver's throat. She holds the bowl under his neck and lets his blood pour into it. He's choking and gagging as he bleeds out.
Meg: Thanks for the ride.
As she has enough blood, she leans back into her own seat. She pushes the driver's body over against the window callously.

Music:

Bad company I can't deny

She begins stirring the blood in the bowl with her finger.

Music:

Bad company

Meg: Tire quiero patem me a di.

Music:

Til the day I die

The blood swirls around and a silver orb appears in the middle of the liquid.

Music:

And I say

Meg: It makes no sense.

Music:

It's bad company, oh yeah yeah

Meg: I could've stopped Sam. Hell, I could've taken them both. Why let them go?
She pauses, seemingly listening to someone the audience cannot hear.

Music:

Bad company

Meg: Yes.

Music:

Til the day I die

She pauses again.
Meg: Yes.
She pauses one more time.

Music:

ooooooooooo

Meg: Yes, Father.

Music:

Tell me that you're...

The music stops. The screen goes black.

911 Scarecrow - SC 24 - 2:14 RT

INT. SCOTTY'S CAFE - DAY
Dean is talking with Steve and Pauly.
Dean: So what brings you to town?
She shrugs.
Pauly: We just stopped for gas, and the guy at the gas station saved our lives.
Dean looks surprised.
Dean: That right?
Steve: Yeah, one of our brake lines was leaking. We had no idea. He's fixing it for us.
Dean: I'll be damned. Nice people.
Steve: Yeah. Huh.
Steve nods before going back to eating.
Dean: So, how long until you're up and runnin'?
Pauly looks at Steve, who looks at her, before turning to answer Dean.
Steve: Sundown.
Dean's eyebrows raise, as he gives a slight nod.
Dean: Really?
He leans closer to the couple, with a concerned look on his face.
Dean: To fix a brake line?
Steve: Mm-hmm.
Dean: You know, I know a thing or two about cars, I could probably have you up and runnin' in about an hour and wouldn't charge you anything.
Steve looks at Pauly, who's smiling refusal to Dean.
Pauly: You know, thanks a lot, but I think we'd rather have a mechanic do it.
Dean: Sure, yeah.
Pauly: Mmmm.
The couple goes back to eating.
Dean: You know, it's just that - these-these roads, um, they're not real safe at night.
The couple gives him confused looks.
Pauly: I'm sorry?
Dean: I know it sounds strange, but uh, you might be in danger.
The couple is clearly uncomfortable now.
Steve: We're trying to eat. Okay?
The couple is trying very hard to ignore Dean.
Dean: Yeah. Well, you know my brother could give you his puppy dog look and you'd just buy right into it.
Scotty comes walking out from the back.
Scotty: Thanks for comin' Sheriff.
Dean turns back to his table, while Scotty walks over to the Sheriff. They talk in low whispers, looking at Dean. Dean glances at them, rolling his eyes as the Sheriff strolls over to him.
Sheriff: Like a word, please.
Dean: Come on, I'm having a bad day already.
Scotty walks behind Dean, and back to the kitchen. The sheriff watches Scotty walk away, before leaning down on the table talking low to Dean.
Sheriff: You don't want to make it worse.
Dean give a slow nod, noticing the Sheriff's hands, before standing up.
Dean: Okay.
They stand next to each other, taking each other's measure, before Dean starts to walk away.
Sheriff: Gettin' a lot of complaints about you, son.
Dean stops and turns to face the Sheriff.
Dean: For what?
Sheriff: Disturbing the peace, vagrancy...
The couple is disturbed by what the sheriff is saying.
Dean Uh-huh. Let me take a wild guess. You want me out of town.
The sheriff nods slowly, smiling slightly.
Sheriff: That's right.
Dean: Well, what if I don't want to go?
Dean gives a slight shrug of shoulders, and gives him a slight smirk.