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Sins of the Past

EZRA:

Take these you hear that, gentlemen? That is the sound of opportunity knocking. Don't be slow to answer the door.

JD:

I still can't believe you did it, slapping all the money down on the saloon.

EZRA:

Well, I've been living parsimoniously.

JD:

Parsi--what?

EZRA:

I've been saving.

JD:

Oh.

EZRA:

Now that the down payment's been made, all that's needed are a few prudent investors to infuse a little working capital. Mr. Jackson?

NATHAN:

Oh, I don't know, Ezra. I mean, what do you know about running a saloon?

EZRA:

I spent my whole life in saloons. You may trust I have ample experience. What about you, Josiah?

JOSIAH:

Money... is like manure. Not good except it be spread.

EZRA:

May I take that as an affirmative?

JOSIAH:

No.

EZRA:

Gentlemen, gentlemen, envision the future. Glistening wood, sparkling mirrors, a new piano, lush, green-felt tables.

JD:

That does sound good.

EZRA:

And it proves you're a smart lad. You know the answer to the question.

JD:

You bet. Yeah. What's the question?

EZRA:

The question is, what does everyone in this town want to do? What does every visitor here want to do?

NATHAN:

Leave?

EZRA:

They want to drink, my friends. They want to hear music and gamble, and where's the only place they can do that? I give you the Standish Tavern. I can hear the jingle of the cash box now. Come along, gentlemen. Let's inspect our private gold mine.

WOMAN:

Whoo! Whoo!

JD:

Jeez, Ezra, you sure are right about this place.

CROWD:

Whoa! Whoo!

NATHAN:

Excitement's over yonder.

EZRA:

Hey, Buck. What's all the commotion?

BUCK:

Poker. High stakes. Ol' Gundersson, he's losin' his shirt, but he's not backin' down. I think you better take a look at this.

GUNDERSSON:

I call.

[crowd oohs]

GUNDERSSON:

Ja, dat's it. I'm wiped out, sure. You own da place.

WOMAN:

Oh, ho! Sorry, sorry. Whoo!

EZRA:

Mother?

MAUDE:

Hello, darlin'! I just won that sweet lil' hotel across the boulevard.

EZRA:

Oh!

[whistling]

CHRIS:

Hey!

YATES:

Hold it! No need for gunplay here.

CHRIS:

I wouldn't be so sure.

YATES:

This ain't your fight, Mister. It's him we want.

VIN:

And who the hell are you?

YATES:

Name's Yates. I'm a US federal marshal. Vin Tanner, you're under arrest for murder in the sovereign state of Texas. We've come to take you back. Let's go!

MARY:

Marshal Yates, all I'm saying is that a man's actions should speak for him.

YATES:

Couldn't agree more, Ma'am, but I got papers say this fella Tanner's actions in Tascosa, Texas, were that of a murderer.

MARY:

Well, just because some papers say it doesn't make it true. A lot of people here will attest that Vin Tanner has risked his life many times to protect this town.

YATES:

Mrs. Travis, I'm not the judge, and I'm not the jury. I'm not even after that bounty on Tanner's head. I'm just a lawman, sworn to bring him to trial for the killing of Jess Kincaid. Good afternoon, ma'am.

CHRIS:

Marshal, you ever heard of a man by the name of Eli Joe?

YATES:

Should I?

CHRIS:

He's wanted in the state of Texas for the slaughter of 2 families.

YATES:

What's that got to do with me?

CHRIS:

Tanner claims this Eli Joe set him up.

YATES:

You know that for a fact? Then what you have to say don't count for much.

MARY:

I'll wire the judge.

YATES:

You can do that, ma'am, but, uh... territory judge don't have jurisdiction over this.

MAUDE:

You be careful with that sign. That cost a lot of money.

MAN:

We'll be careful, Ma'am.

MAUDE:

Bring it up on the left. Make sure that's well-secured, now. That's it. That's good. That's good.

EZRA:

"World Famous Ritz." Oh, how optimistic.

MAUDE:

I have every reason to be, dear.

EZRA:

So tell me, Mother, which con did you use on our recently dispossessed Swedish friend? The floating king? You're very good at that one.

MAUDE:

There was no need to use sleight of hand. The man's dumber than a shovel. So what do you think?

EZRA:

Well, frankly, of all the endeavors I thought you might undertake, hotel proprietress was not one of them. Why are you in town?

MAUDE:

Well, I just wanted to be close to my sweet little baby boy. And look at you. I never thought you'd become a bartender.

EZRA:

Owner, Mother. I've become a man of commerce.

JOSIAH:

Madam. May I have the pleasure of welcoming you back to our humble town?

MAUDE:

Well, thank you...

EZRA:

Josiah.

MAUDE:

Josiah. You're as handsome as ever.

JOSIAH:

If eyes were meant for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being.

EZRA:

If you'll excuse us, Josiah, heartwarming family reunion and all. You understand.

JOSIAH:

Oh, of course.

MAUDE:

Honestly, Ezra, you've been as sour as a grape since I arrived.

EZRA:

Well, perhaps that's because I have a distinctly uneasy feeling about you and I both owning businesses on the same street in the same town.

MAUDE:

Why ever for? It's not like we're in competition with each other. We're not, Ezra. I provide beds and baths and food for weary travelers.

EZRA:

True. And I offer music, gambling, and liquor.

MAUDE:

Well, there you are. Now, you make sure to secure that real well.

MAN:

Yes, ma'am!

MAUDE:

I don't want that toppling over on my patrons.

VIN:

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! How could I be so stupid?! I got too wrapped up with this town and these people. I should've never quit hunting that bastard Eli Joe till I cleared my name.

CHRIS:

All those years lookin' over your shoulder, sleepin' with one eye open... it's got to wear on a man.

VIN:

It's no excuse. I let my guard down. Ah, you know me, Chris. I ain't afraid of dyin'. I just don't want to go out like that, strung up like some mangy dog.

CHRIS:

Ah, I ain't gonna let that happen.

VIN:

Ah, no, Chris. You go messin' with the federal marshal, they're gonna string you up right alongside me. Chris. Larabee! Chris!

EZRA:

Gentlemen, can you not picture this becoming the finest entertainment emporium in the entire territory?

JD:

All I can picture right now is them fixin' to take Vin away and hang him.

EZRA:

Now, Son, don't fret. Besides, when we rescue him, we'll need a fit place to celebrate. So, what say you, boys? Are you ready for success?

NATHAN:

I don't know, Ezra. My daddy used to say, "Best horse you ever saw was only as good as the man riding it."

EZRA:

Pure wisdom.

BUCK:

Oh, morning, Luce.

LUCY:

Buck. Gentlemen. How have you been, Buck? I've missed you.

BUCK:

All due respect, doesn't look like you've been missing meals there, Lucy.

LUCY:

Well, that happens when you're going to have a baby.

BUCK:

Oh! Well, congratulations! Boys, can you raise your glasses here? Our sweet Lucy's gonna have a baby.

LUCY:

Uh-huh.

JOSIAH:

Congratulations.

LUCY:

Same as you.

BUCK:

As me? ha!

LUCY:

You're the father, Buck.

JD:

Hey, Buck and Lucy are having a baby!

LUCY:

Yeah, and a wedding, too.

BUCK:

What?!

LUCY:

Oh. My pa's gonna insist on one, and you know how mad he gets.

EZRA:

A wedding! Well! Someone should buy a round of drinks.

JOSIAH:

The Lord blesses the union of 2 lovers. Lordy behold!

BUCK:

No, no. This is nonsense. All right? It's nonsense. I'm not the father of that baby. I'm not the father of that baby, and I'm not about to get married. No. No-o.

LUCY:

[crying]

NATHAN:

Well, Buck, looks like it's time to get yourself a ring and a new suit.

BUCK:

[laughing]

CHRIS:

Well?

MARY:

I've wired lawyers, courthouses, anyone who would respond. From what I can tell, there's nothing to prevent them from taking Vin.

CHRIS:

What about Judge Travis?

MARY:

He's 2 days away from the telegraph office, and it seems the marshal is right. He has no jurisdiction. Why don't we try going to Tascosa? Fight it there.

CHRIS:

The minute he sets foot in that town, they'll hang him.

VIN:

Mind givin' me some of them beans? Might slow y'all down if I'm goin' empty.

YATES:

What's go--

VIN:

Ugh! Unh!

MAN:

Could be that she wants to take care of.

MAN 2:

I figure 10 ought to be enough.

MAN:

How you doin', huh?

MAUDE:

... in ammonia and water.

EZRA:

Mother, what are you doing?

MAUDE:

I'm redecoratin'.

EZRA:

Yes, but poker tables? Selling liquor? I thought we had an understanding.

MAUDE:

Well, I found those gambling tables in the hotel cellar. Ha ha ha. Now, am I supposed to let those lovely furnishings languish in a dark and dusty hole?

EZRA:

Don't start with me, Mother. I won't sit back and watch you take my business.

MAUDE:

Your business? Where in the city charter does it say that only you can serve drinks and offer gambling?

EZRA:

You know what this means.

MAUDE:

A little war, dear?

EZRA:

I'll run you into the ground.

MAUDE:

Well, we'll just see who buries whom.

EZRA:

Well, then, the gauntlet is thrown. Good day.

MAN:

There. Yeah. There you go.

YATES:

Go. Come on.

JD:

You can sit here and watch them take him. I'm not lettin' them.

MARY:

They're federal marshals, JD

JD:

That's Vin Tanner, Mrs. Travis. You're not taking him, Marshal.

VIN:

Kid...

sinsofthepast/DDjd.wav

JD:

I can handle this, Vin.

YATES:

You gonna shoot us all, boy?

JD:

No, just you. Let go of me, preacher!

JOSIAH:

Excuse the boy, Marshal.

YATES:

Head out, boys.

MAN:

Let's go.

JOSIAH:

No disrespect.

YATES:

None taken. Come on. Come on.

JD:

You know he's innocent, Buck!

BUCK:

Chris is right. They'll see 6 riders comin' a mile away. Easier for one man to cut Vin loose.

NATHAN:

Chris, we'll be ready when you get back.

JOSIAH:

Hey, Chris.

CHRIS:

Vin's?

JOSIAH:

Vin may be needin' his gun.

YATES:

Come on. Hold up. Just in case you get any fancy notions.

EZRA:

The war has begun.

[bell clanging]

EZRA:

To commemorate... a special at the roulette wheel. All our numbers are-- Excuse me. did I-- gentlemen?

[bell clanging]

[cymbal banging]

MAN:

4 cents?! "All drinks 4 cents"?

CROWD:

Aah! Aah! Aah!

MAUDE:

Scat! Go away, you foul creature!

[shouting]

MAN:

You tryin' to kill us here?

EZRA:

Somethin' wrong?

MAN:

This stuff is crap! Ugh! Oh, boy! It's foul!

EZRA:

How much did she pay you? Come back here, you coward!

BUCK:

You haven't seen me.

sinsofthepast/AAyouhavent.wav

EZRA:

I haven't seen him.

LUCY:

[crying]

MAN:

A pleasure palace unrivaled anywhere in the world!

CROUPIER:

Place your bets, gentlemen. It's the last chance to place your bets.

JD:

13. 13. Come on, 13! Come on, Mr. Croupier. Come on, 13. Come on, 13! Come on, 13!

EZRA:

Hello, Judas.

JD:

Oh, hey, Ezra. 13! 13!

EZRA:

Listen, JD, I just want you to know that despite your betrayal, I'm still holding you a spot in the investment and--

CROUPIER:

Red 7 is the lucky number!

JD:

Damn!

EZRA:

Now, for an initial buy-in--

JD:

I can't believe it! I was winning, Ezra. I had this system. It was working.

EZRA:

Would that be Maude's system, by any chance?

JD:

Yeah. Yeah. It was working great.

EZRA:

Until you got cleaned out?

JD:

Damn!

MAN:

You sure you can handle all that? That pays double.

CROUPIER:

No problem, sir. Number 12. Place your bets, please.

MAN:

Let it ride.

MAUDE:

Ezra, dear. Drop in for an aperitif?

EZRA:

Physician on premises?

MAUDE:

Well, I thought it would be a nice amenity for the patrons. Dr. Jackson is fitting in very well.

EZRA:

Dr. Jackson? He's not a doctor.

MAUDE:

Well, he should be.

EZRA:

Hey, Nathan, get back here! You can't have Nathan. He's one of my investors.

MAUDE:

Funny. He didn't mention that when he signed on. Now, can we discuss this some other time? I have a rendezvous.

JOSIAH:

Good afternoon, Maude. Woman like this renews a man's faith.

EZRA:

In what?

LUCY:

Hi, Buck.

BUCK:

Lucy, what are you doin' in here? You're gonna have to leave.

LUCY:

That's not what you said last time we were in here together.

BUCK:

Well, that was a long time ago.

LUCY:

Oh, Buck. Ha ha. I've seen all that. You certainly don't have to be modest in front of me, of all people.

BUCK:

I think I do now. Lucy, we got to talk.

LUCY:

Oh, don't I know it? There are a thousand things to discuss. The honeymoon, where we'll live--

BUCK:

Lucy--

LUCY:

And baby names. I like Randolph for a boy and Eudora for a girl. Ha ha ha. What do you think?

BUCK:

What I think is that you can't see or hear anymore. There isn't gonna be a place to live. There isn't gonna be a honeymoon because there isn't gonna be a wedding. Ok! And one other thing. No little girl of mine is gonna be named Eudora.

WOMAN:

Oh!

WOMAN 2:

Oh! Ha ha ha! Oh, my! Ohh!

VIN:

I figure it's been a while since you boys were in Texas.

YATES:

That right?

VIN:

Yeah. Texas is that away.

YATES:

Just shut up and ride.

EZRA:

There we go, gentlemen, here you go.

MAN:

Hey! I need me another drink over here.

EZRA:

I was not made for honest labor.

INEZ:

Then let me do it.

EZRA:

Do what?

INEZ:

Tend your bar. I clean and make repairs... till you and I really get the place going. By then, you'll make me your partner.

EZRA:

Uh, listen, Senorita, uh, I'm not lookin' for a partner, and you... certainly cannot tend bar here.

INEZ:

And you can?

EZRA:

You see that gentleman at the end of the bar?

INEZ:

Mm-hmm.

EZRA:

He'd eat you like half a sandwich.

INEZ:

Would you care to bet? One dollar. I serve him. Any trouble, you win.

EZRA:

Fine. It'll be a dollar more than I made yesterday.

INEZ:

What will it be?

MAN:

Well, now, ain't you just a pretty little frijole? I need me a rye whisky. Comprende?

INEZ:

Si, Senor.

MAN:

Now I need me a kiss.

INEZ:

Do you?

MAN:

Yeah. No kiss... no money.

INEZ:

I see.

MAN:

Get ready for some heaven.

INEZ:

There's your kiss.

EZRA:

What's your name?

INEZ:

Inez Recillos.

EZRA:

Well, Senorita Recillos... welcome to your new job.

VIN:

All these men deputies, too?

YATES:

Sure, soon as I steal them some badges.

VIN:

Well, well. You're a long way from home, Eli Joe.

ELI JOE:

Well, I figured I'd see some more of this beautiful country... look up old friends. Hang him.

VIN:

You sure went to a whole lot of trouble not to face me alone.

ELI JOE:

You're thinkin' it's cowardly. I think it's smart. See, I know all about your 6 amigos. You all have been making quite a name for yourselves around here.

VIN:

Real proud of yourself, ain't ya?

ELI JOE:

Yeah, I suppose, but it had to be done. You see, I ain't been sleeping too well ever since I pinned that murder on you.

VIN:

Your conscience bothering you?

ELI JOE:

I ain't got a conscience.

VIN:

How about Jess Kincaid? You killed an innocent farmer just to frame me for murder.

ELI JOE:

Got you off my trail, didn't it? Course this little voice inside keeps tellin' me Vin Tanner's gonna

Come lookin' for me, settle up old scores. So I figured I'd find you first. I'm glad I did. Let's do this. Gotta get back on the trail.

MAN:

Take cover!

ELI JOE:

Don't let him get away!

VIN:

What took you so long?

CHRIS:

Thought you might need this. Hyah!

EZRA:

Now, now, no need to rush in all at once. One at a time, if you please. Yes! You, sir, a whiskey?

Why, of course. Be my pleasure. This here is our finest single malt. Join you? I'd be honored. To your health, sir.

INEZ:

I have an idea!

EZRA:

About what? A bank we can rob?

INEZ:

About food. I think we should offer something to eat, like the hotel does. Try it.

EZRA:

Muchas gracias, Senorita, but I am drinkin' my dinner.

[footsteps rushing]

MAUDE:

Have you lost your mind? The sign outside says "Drinks for a penny." What next? Pay people to come in here? My God. At this rate, you'll be broke in no time.

EZRA:

Well, isn't that the object of your little exercise, Mother? Might as well help it along.

MAUDE:

Oh, and that you have. I have just come from the bank, where I discovered that you paid your own money to buy this glorified shack!

EZRA:

Well, who else's money was I supposed to use?

MAUDE:

Somebody else's. Anybody else's.

EZRA:

Right, right.

MAUDE:

Ezra, rule number one-- never run a deal on your own money. Good Lord, I thought I taught you better than that. What have all my efforts been for?

EZRA:

Your efforts? Your efforts?

[crash]

EZRA:

Exactly what effort have you ever exerted that wasn't entirely self-serving?

MAUDE:

Children.

INEZ:

Would you like to try some?

MAUDE:

Mmm! Muy bueno. Who made this?

EUDORA:

For you, Daddy.

BUCK:

Oh, thank you, Eudora, my little pumpkin. You ready? Hush, little baby, don't say a word papa gonna buy you a mockingbird and if that mockingbird don't sing papa gonna buy you a diamond ring

WOMAN:

Wake up, Bucky. Wake up, Bucky. Ooh! Sorry, honey, I gotta go. I don't want to be late for work. Bye, honey.

BUCK:

Ohh.

JOSIAH:

Go on in, Brother Buck. Sanctuary's always available for the troubled soul.

BUCK:

I'm not troubled. What makes you think I'm troubled?

JOSIAH:

Ok. Forget I said it.

BUCK:

Say, Josiah?

JOSIAH:

Yep.

BUCK:

Have you ever thought about marriage?

JOSIAH:

Well... animals mate, plants grow, flowers bloom. Seems to be the natural order of things.

BUCK:

Maybe that's it. It oughta be natural, right? It's not something that's forced on you.

JOSIAH:

Exactly. Then again... could be the fates sendin' you a blessin'.

BUCK:

Yeah?

JOSIAH:

Fine wife, delights of a child. Most men would live and die for that.

BUCK:

Yeah. Well, tell me this. How do I know that Lucy is the one for me? I mean, I hardly know her.

JOSIAH:

Seems to me that'd be a good starting point if you want it.

BUCK:

Well, what do you mean?

JOSIAH:

Get to know the girl.

CHRIS:

I circled back 2 miles. Looks like they gave up on us.

VIN:

Probably fixin' to break camp and get the hell out of here.

CHRIS:

If they're smart, that's what they'd do.

VIN:

He ain't gettin' away this time. I'm going to drag that murdering sack of dirt back to Texas, and he's going to tell the jury the truth.

CHRIS:

I don't know, Vin. Truth and Eli Joe don't seem like a likely mix.

VIN:

I've lived with Kiowas and Comanches. I know a thing or two about getting the truth out of people.

CHRIS:

I look forward to seein' that. Too bad we got to keep him alive. Since we do, we best get us some help. Come on.

JD:

Hey, Buck. Josiah. We gotta ride.

CHRIS:

Split 'em up. Everybody takes a man.

VIN:

Fella in the serape's mine.

CHRIS:

All right, boys, like we planned.

CHRIS:

Hold it right there!

MAN:

Unh.

MAN 2:

Unh.

CHRIS:

Hyah!

MAN:

Don't shoot! Don't shoot!

VIN:

You're finished, Eli. Yates! Where is he? Where is he? I got no problem killin' you.

YATES:

It won't change the fact that he's gone. Took off early. Got a head start out of the territory. Guess he knew you were coming.

VIN:

I'm gonna find him. Wherever he is.

MAUDE:

I think you'll find this room delightful. It has a lovely view down Main Street, just as you requested. I call it the Presidential Suite. The very best appointments. I'm expecting new linens from the capital soon.

ELI JOE:

Oh, this is gonna do just fine.

MAUDE:

Well, you enjoy your stay now.

ELI JOE:

Mm-hmm.

NATHAN:

Go on. Move it. Come on.

MAN:

Don't push.

MARY:

I hear you're going after Eli Joe.

JD:

Yes, we are, ma'am.

MARY:

How long will you be gone?

JOSIAH:

However long it takes.

NATHAN:

Way we figure, Eli Joe is just a day ahead of us.

JD:

Where to first?

VIN:

What's this all about?

CHRIS:

Thought you could use some help.

VIN:

Much obliged, but, uh, my business with this man is mine and mine alone.

JOSIAH:

Got no argument there, it's just... it's awful big country out there is all.

BUCK:

We all ride in a different direction, one of us is bound to cross his path.

EZRA:

It's a mathematical certainty.

CHRIS:

You got a chance to finish this now. You may not get another one.

VIN:

All righty then. Meet up at my wagon in, uh, 20 minutes.

MARY:

Vin... good luck to you.

VIN:

Thank you, Ma'am.

BUCK:

20 minutes? Long enough for a man to get to know someone, right?

[man and woman laughing]

LUCY:

Buck? Uh... Buck, honey.

BUCK:

I think you can drop the "honey" part.

LUCY:

Oh, Buck, I'm sorry. I sure never wanted you to find out about Luther this way.

BUCK:

Luther?

LUTHER:

What?

BUCK:

Is that your name, boy?

LUTHER:

Well, yeah.

BUCK:

Luther?

LUCY:

You--you gotta understand, Buck.

BUCK:

What do I gotta understand?

LUCY:

Luther's the father of my baby. But he wouldn't admit it, so I... well, I made a play for you, Buck.

BUCK:

Oh, wait. Are you tellin' me I was second choice to--to--to him?

LUCY:

No, I, no, it was only a play to force his hand.

BUCK:

So I wasn't, uh, any choice at all?

LUTHER:

Listen, Mister, I love her, and we're getting married. And besides, I couldn't stand by and watch her marry another man 'cause 'cause she's, you know... she's, you know, and I'm...

BUCK:

What you, uh?

LUTHER:

Well, not you.

BUCK:

You sure got a way with words there, Luther. You certainly do.

LUCY:

Thank you.

ELI JOE:

So long, bloodhound.

MAN:

Buenos dias, Senor Vin.

VIN:

Howdy.

BUCK:

Don't ask.

[clicks]

CHRIS:

Vin!

VIN:

Hold your fire! Hold your fire! Don't kill him!

CHRIS:

Surround the hotel!

JD:

We got you, Buck

VIN:

Take him alive!

MAUDE:

Oh! Oh! My presidential suite!

VIN:

I'll take the roof.

JD:

There! There he is!

NATHAN:

Up here.

VIN:

Oww!

ELI JOE:

Argh! Aah!

VIN:

We got some unfinished business in Texas.

JOSIAH:

All right. Take him away.

CHRIS:

I know you wanted him alive.

VIN:

You did what you had to. I can't clear my name if I'm dead.

EZRA:

Well... you win, Mother. You always do.

MAUDE:

Well, of course, Darling. I've known you since you were an itty-bitty baby. That's always gonna be my trump card. That's a mother's advantage. Now, come here and give me a kiss before I leave.

EZRA:

You're leaving? But your place is a gold mine. It's booming.

MAUDE:

Well, that's the whole idea. You buy depressed property, you get it going, and then you sell it at the height of its popularity. I made a fortune.

EZRA:

Spend it in good health, mother.

MAUDE:

Oh, I already did. I reinvested it in another very depressed property.

EZRA:

You aren't-- you can't possibly be--

MAUDE:

Yes. The new owner of the Standish Tavern. Banks are delighted to sell paper on imminent foreclosures.

EZRA:

Foreclosure?!

MAUDE:

Well, you don't have to thank me. I knew that you'd just about die with embarrassment. I just dropped by to make final arrangements. I can't leave without ensuring my interests are looked after by someone I can trust.

EZRA:

Oh, no. Never! I will never work for you.

MAUDE:

Well, fine, if that's your attitude. I'll find another bartender.

EZRA:

Bartender? Then who's the manager?

MAUDE:

I came, I saw, I conquered.

EZRA:

Wait! Just tell me one thing. Why? I mean, why here? Why me?

MAUDE:

Somebody's got to keep you sharp, son. We're business people. And we're the best at what we do. Don't ever forget that.

EZRA:

Yes, indeed. An amazing woman.

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