The Mule

Episode One
"Pilot"

Written and Created by

Daniel Ivory

3rd February 2024

 A title fades in:
The Mule
Distant machine beeps fade in...
FADE IN:

1 INT. HOSPITAL WARD - MORNING

EMILY lays asleep in a hospital bed, all sorts of machines
connected to her. Two men stand on the other side of the room
looking over at her, a DOCTOR and her brother, JACK.
JACK
Two weeks?
DR. BALLENTINE
(composed)
At an estimate, yes. It will take
two weeks before the cancer becomes
inoperable, then another before she
succumbs to it.
JACK
Is there anything we can do?
DR. BALLENTINE
At this moment, surgery is your
final option. A comprehensive
tumour resection, coupled with a
lymph node evaluation. Trouble
is... we cannot perform the surgery
here.
JACK
Why not?
DR. BALLENTINE
There's a waiting list and she can
be placed onto the waiting list,
but, truth be told, she'd be lucky
to recieve the treatment within the
month.
Jack's face tightens.
DR. BALLENTINE (CONT'D)
We will have to move her to a
private clinic, of your choice of
course. The cost of which will have
to be added onto the clinic's
bills.
 2.

JACK
And what will it come out to?
DR. BALLENTINE
...I would estimate £15,000.

2 INT. COFFEE SHOP - LATER

A busy street, pedestrians, cars passing. On which a quiet
cafe sat in the middle. Jack is sat by the window, a coffee
to himself, scrolling on his phone.
MIKE
Hey, Jack.
Jack looks up.
JACK
Oh hey, Mike.
Mike notices Jack's demeanour.
MIKE
You alright?
JACK
I'm fine, yeah.
MIKE
Good... Look, I have something for
you... a job.

JACK
You do?
MIKE
It's the same as mine. They need an
extra pair of hands.
JACK
Become a drug mule? What, so I can
get addicted to the stuff like you
are?
MIKE
(unenthusiastically)
I'm clean now.
Jack looks in distrust. Mike sighs.
 3.

MIKE (CONT'D)
Look, all I'm saying is I've been
doing this for a month and made
double what you made at your
internship. I don't even have a
GCSE and you're getting your degree
soon.
Jack, still unconvinced.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Alright, how about I call the boss,
you two can talk, and you can still
say no if you don't want to?
Beat.
JACK
I can't deal drugs. I'm sorry.
Jack leaves, leaving his coffee. Mike looks out the window in
disapointment.

3 INT. FAMILY HOME (FRONT DOOR) - EVENING

Jack unlocks the door to his home. Tiredly steps through the
door and walks down the hall. A picture on the table catches
his eye and stops him in his tracks, a picture of him and his
sister. He picks it up and stares at it in pain, before
sighing and putting it down and walking off.

4 INT. FAMILY HOME (KITCHEN) - CONTINUOUS

Jack steps in, grabs a small tree, waters it, sets it down
carefully. A notification on his phone, he opens it.
ONSCREEN: Calendar: HR Internship Interview TOMORROW!
Jack smiles at his phone.

5 EXT. OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS HEADQUARTERS - DAY

Jack steps into frame looking up at the building. His suit is
crisp; hair is neat. After a moment, and a deep breath, Jack
walks into the building.
JACK (PRE-LAP V.O.)
Finally, transparency and
accountability.
 4.

6 INT. INTERVIEW ROOM - MID-MORNING

"S. ROBERTS, HR DIRECTOR" is stenciled into the glass door.
In the room sits two men, MR. ROBERTS and Jack. Both dressed
in smart attire, Jack in a navy blue suit and Mr. sat in
just his dress shirt with a coloured tie, and black trousers.
JACK
I like to group these together.
Transparency in our decisions and
accountability for our actions, for
me, is essential.
MR. ROBERTS
I must say that is pretty
impressive, Mr Taylor. I mean most
people who come in here don't even
pick that question and still
struggle with the others.
Mr. Roberts and Jack chuckle...
JACK
Well, you know, I've always felt
like my feelings and belief towards
"the ends justifying the means"
have been present throughout my
life.
MR. ROBERTS
Well, your resume is well put
together, it shows your
qualifications for this position
well.
JACK
(still smiling)
Why do I get the feeling there's a
'but' coming?
MR. ROBERTS
The truth is, Jack, I put out that
advertisement a week ago. Two days
later, we get a budget cut out of
nowehere. We just don't have the
money to hire someone new.
Obviously, I took off all of the
job postings but I took a look at
your application and it was...
amazing, it really was. You checked
all the boxes. So, I went to one of
the higher-ups, told him the
situation, and he said "he'd see
what he could do".
(MORE)
 5.
MR. ROBERTS (CONT'D)
As you came in he sent the email
letting us know that "it wasn't
possible". I'm sorry.
Jack sits in disappointment, eyes directed just passed Mr.
Roberts.
JACK (PRE-LAP V.O.)
How are you feeling?

7 INT. HOSPITAL WARD - EVENING

Emily is now barely awake. Jack is sat at her bed side.
EMILY
I'm alright.
(sarcastically)
They unplugged a machine today;
it's only another nineteen to go.
Jack and Emily chuckle. Jack's laughter fades quicker than
usual. Emily picks up on it.
EMILY (CONT'D)
Something else on your mind?
Jack avoids eye contact.
JACK
You need surgery and... I didn't
get the internship this time. I've
got nothing coming in.
EMILY
The best thing you can do is keep
looking for work. You're smart,
your minds brilliant.
Jack looks back into Emily's eyes, but he cannot get his
words out.
JACK
I love you, Em... and just the
thought of you not being here, it
just-
Jack is almost in tears. She grabs his hand.
EMILY
It'll be okay. I'll be okay.
JACK
I might have a way, Em.
 6.

8 INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - LATER

Distant door knock. Mike walks down the hallway, opens the
door to a defeated Jack.
MIKE
Jack?
JACK
What do I have to do to get in?
MIKE
What... what do you mean?
JACK
What's your boss' name?
MIKE
Well, he just goes by Mr Blackwood.
JACK
Tell him I want to meet him.
Mike, now suprised.
MIKE
Yeah, sure.
Jack stares at Mike, nods, turns, walks. Mike still bemused.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Jack!
Jack stops, turns.
MIKE (CONT'D)
What made you change your mind?
Like, why are you doing this?
Beat.
JACK
Why do you do it?
MIKE
Money?
JACK
There's your answer.
MIKE
Bullshit, a straight guy like
doesn't just do this for the money.
 7.

Another beat.
JACK
Give me the time and place for the
meet.
Jack turns, walks.

9 EXT. BRIDGE - DAY

A rusty, old bridge is where Mike and Jack stand. Jack paces
back and forth. Mike leans, hands in pockets.
JACK
How long is he going to be?
Mike looks up at Jack quite shocked.
MIKE
Okay, you keep that tone with him
and you two are not going to get on
well.
JACK
I'm the one who's doing the dirty
work, he should be on his knees
thanking me.
MIKE
(frowns)
Just be respectful, will you? Look
here he is now.
A man walks out from the forest, alone. Dressed in black,
smart clothing. He gets onto the bridge, stands across from
Jack, but only looks toward Mike.
MR. BLACKWOOD
Mike.
MIKE
Blackwood.
Mr. Blackwood turns his head to Jack. Pulls out a gun.
MR. BLACKWOOD
Who's this?
Jack and Mike shocked at the sight of the gun, both stay
composed.
 8.

MIKE
This is Jack. Jack Taylor. He wants
an opportunity like we discussed.
He wants in.
MR. BLACKWOOD
(to Jack)
Jack Taylor?
Jack nods.
JACK
(looking at the gun)
What's that for?
MR. BLACKWOOD
(chuckles)
Precaution.
JACK
Forget it.
Jack turns, walks.
MR. BLACKWOOD MIKE
Excuse me? Jack...
Jack turns back around.
JACK
(getting progressively
more agitated)
I'm a businessman, I'm a
professional. I'm here to make
money, not to intimidate people, or
frighten people, or convince people
that I'm hard. I'm a businessman.
Let's do business. So, if you
insist on bringing that weapon-
MR. BLACKWOOD
(butting in)
I do.
JACK
(sternly)
Then, you can forget it.
Jack turns, walks.
MR. BLACKWOOD
Alright.
Jack stops, smiles.
 9.

MR. BLACKWOOD (CONT'D)

No weapon.
Jack's smile fading as he turns. Mr Blackwood hands the
weapon to Mike.
MR. BLACKWOOD (CONT'D)
Just business.
Jack walks back to the two. Mr. Blackwood pulls out a
package, hands it to Jack. A note is attached with the
location and time for the drop-off.
JACK
Two hours? That's cutting it a bit
close.
MR. BLACKWOOD
Well, you need to prove yourself
first. I don't give out
opportunities very often, so take
it.
Jack nods, walks.

10 EXT. DARK STREET - LATER

Jack stands under the feeble glow of the streetlight, note in
hand, package in other. His eyes dart to the street name,
then back to the note, then to his watch, "7.58". His eyes
close, he takes a deep breath in... out.
He turns the corner, purposeful strides toward the drop-off
point. He stops, places down the package. A pause. Jack
stares at the package, lost in a reverie of his detachment.
This lasts only a moment, before a jolt back into reality. He
takes a photo of the package and walks.

11 INT. FAMILY HOME (FRONT DOOR) - NIGHT

Jack strolls down a dark street. He steps into the house.
Emily stands at the entrance, silently observing his arrival.
Briefly, Jack is startled, but, naturally, a composed facade
swiftly takes over.
JACK
(startled)
Hey.
EMILY
Hey.
 10.

JACK
(more composed)
Wha- what are you doing here?
EMILY
I got let out of hospital, this
morning. I've been waiting for you.
Jack steps in further, noticing a newspaper with the headline
of "TEEN OVERDOSES LEAVING FAMILY DISTRAUGHT". A remorseful
look from Jack.
JACK
Oh... right. Well, I've been busy
all day, looking for jobs,
actually.

EMILY
Any luck?
Jack thinks.
JACK
Yeah... I think I've got something.
Emily continues to stare at Jack. Her eyes widen in
anticipation of the "something" Jack has.
JACK (CONT'D)
It's sort of a work gig, you know?.
Payed per day of work type-of-
thing.
EMILY
(pause)
That's good.
Emily half-smiles. Jack too.
JACK
Yeah, it is.
Jack's phone buzzes, he opens it. His eyes cut to the screen.
ONSCREEN: It's an unknown number. The text reads: "Well done,
Jack. Here is your next job, as promised." A zipped document
is sent to Jack. Jack types back: "and the money?" Three dots
linger on the screen, then another text: "Check your
account." Promptly, Jack swipes up, opens his bank app. Jack
refreshes the app "£534.84" stares back at him. He taps on
the account. The most recent payment is: "£500 from
BLACKWOOD". Another text appears "This next job will be for
£1,000, if done correctly." He struggles to contain his
excitement.
 11.

Emily is watching him, squinting inquisitively.

EMILY
I saw Jacob today.
Jack looks up from his phone, facing the same way.
JACK
(flustered)
Jacob?
He turns to face Emily.
JACK (CONT'D)
I haven't seen him since he left
EMILY
He wanted to see you, you know; to
see how you were getting on.
JACK
Only took him 3 years.
Jack turns around as he says the previous line, returning to
his phone. A long beat. An idea seems to pop into Emily's
head.
EMILY
Remember the woods...? When you
guys built that flimsy tent from
sticks?
Jack fights the smile creeping onto his face.
EMILY (CONT'D)
Or the time he taught you how to
ride the new bike he got for
christmas-
Jack loses the battle, his smile widens.
JACK
And I didn't get off it for two
weeks so he had to beg mum to get
me my own.
EMILY
He's still the same Jacob that you
shared all those times together.
Smile on Jack's face fades. He turns back around, facing
Emily.
 12.

JACK
He's still the same Jacob that left
us.
EMILY
He's your brother. We haven't even
told him about me.
JACK
Okay, then... if you want me to
meet him, I'll meet him.
Jack's phone buzzes. ONSCREEN: A text from Mr. Blackwood
reads "The details are below." There is a document attached
to the text. Jack smiles.

12 BEGIN DRUG MULING MONTAGE - VARIOUS

Quick cuts:
A) EXT. STREET - DAY - Jack looks for a package. A pedestrian
walks past, Jack acts natural. Jack spots the package as the
pedestrian walks off. He picks it up.
B) EXT. FRONT DOOR - LATER - Jack knocks on a door, two men
answer.
MAN 1
You Blackwood's lad?
Jack nods.
Man 1 pushes Jack up against the wall, pats him down.
JACK
What are you doing?
MAN 2
It's just a precaution.
Man 1 finishes, nods to Man 2. He hands over a package. Jack
looks at it, looks back at the men in distaste, they smile
back, he walks, fast.
C) INT. FAMILY HOME - STILL LATER - Jack walks through front
door and down the hallway. He pours himself a glass of water.
A text from Mr Blackwood. The message reads: "Another
successful delivery, Jack. Well done. Payment has sent." Jack
opens the banking app. ONSCREEN: £1,602.32 in his account.
Jack smiles, he looks over to his right, a newspaper front
page reads: A young man overdosed on cocaine in Gilesgate.
Jack's smile fades.
 13.

D) EXT. BACKSTREET - DAY - Jack walks down a back street,

hood up, meets a man, waiting. They shake hands, exchanging
cash at the same time. Jack walks.
E) INT. FAMILY HOME (KITCHEN) - EVENING - Jack is packing
money into a box on his kitchen table. He gets a text, it's
his brother. ONSCREEN: Hi Jack, I'm in town and would love to
see you. It's been a while. Jack reads, but sighs and
continues packing in a more angered fashion.
F) EXT. FRONT DOOR - AFTERNOON - Jack walks up to a door,
knocks on it. The door opens, they exchange packages.
G) INT. FAMILY HOME (LIVING ROOM) - NIGHT - Jack is scrolls
through social media. A news post appears. ONSCREEN: Drug
related deaths sky-rocketing in the north of England worries
mothers.
Jack puts phone down in his lap, the title clearly getting to
him.
H) EXT. STREET - NIGHT - Jack takes a photo of two rival
dealers during their deal.
I) EXT. PATH - MIDDAY - Mr. Blackwood is walking his dog. A
notification buzzes his phone, he pulls out his phone to
check. ONSCREEN: Photos taken by Jack of the deal.
He smiles.
END MONTAGE

13 INT. FAMILY HOME (LIVING ROOM) - DAY

A text on Jack's phone. He opens. ONSCREEN: Mr. Blackwood:
"Meet me, Broompark Picnic Area, 1 hour."

14 EXT. FIELD - DAY

The sun, high, shining through the trees.
MR. BLACKWOOD (PRE-LAP V.O.)
You know, this path was originally
a railway track.

15 EXT. FIELD - CONTINUOUS

Jack and Mr. Blackwood stand next to each other.
 14.

MR. BLACKWOOD
It was built in 1862 and
transferred iron ore and coal
before closing in the 50s. Now,
it's just a public path.
JACK
What am I here for?
Mr. Blackwood looks to Jack, then back forward.
MR. BLACKWOOD
I believe there's a snitch working
for me. Someone's talking. They
pinched one of my guys the other
day, he says the officers showed up
but there was no buyer. They're
shifting their focus onto me, it
only means one thing. I need you to
find out who it is.
Jack, more appalled than shocked.
JACK
But, you don't even know if it was
one of your employees. It could
have been one of the buyers or-
MR. BLACKWOOD
See, that's not the point, though,
is it?
Jack knows to be quiet. He nods.
MR. BLACKWOOD (CONT'D)
(intensely)
What do you think happens when
someone goes to the police over me?
They get confident. They offer
their services to the police. They
undermine me. I've been running
this since I was 16. Old things get
taken apart. Just look at what they
did to the train tracks. You don't
see a trace of them anymore. So, if
you think I'm going to let someone
take it away from me that easily,
you're mistaken.
Mr. Blackwood walks. Jack thinks for a moment, turns to him.
 15.

JACK
I could've gone to the police just
as easily as anyone else who works
for you.
Mr. Blackwood stops, turns to face Jack.
JACK (CONT'D)
Why do you trust me?
MR. BLACKWOOD
I wouldn't think the police could
help me, either. Not after the NHS
had failed to help my sister.
Jack is stunned.
MR. BLACKWOOD (CONT'D)
I trust that is enough motivation
to keep you in the right.
Mr. Blackwood turns, walks.

16 INT. FAMILY HOME (KITCHEN) - EVENING

A dimly lit cramped kitchen. Jack paces back and forth, the
bonsai tree slowly dying in the corner, phone to ear.
JACK
No-no-no I need more than that. We
can't just go off of a hunch... Yes
I get that you need more time-
Call ends.
JACK (CONT'D)
H-hello?
Jack checks the screen, call ended. Jack frantically scrolls
through call list. He stops at Mike. ONSCREEN: Last called:
one week ago.
JACK (CONT'D)
Shit.
He calls Mike. Phone rings... no answer.
JACK (CONT'D)
Not you, too?
A text appears. ONSCREEN: Witton Street, 11.30pm. Tonight.
 16.

Jack checks the time. 10.43pm. He stuffs a camera in his bag

and a coat then walks out.

17 EXT. STREET - 11.30PM

Jack crouches behind cover, spots THE RAT waiting. Jack pulls
out the camera, turns off the flash, turns up the exposure.
He zooms into where the rat is, adjusts the focus. Snap. Two
men walk up to the rat. Snap. The conversation seems to go
against the rat. They walk off, angrily, leaving the rat. The
rat's clearly disappointed. Snap. Jack checks the photos. His
eyes widen. It's Mike. He puts the camera down, watches Mike.
His expression gets angrier the longer he stares.

18 INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - MORNING

Jack bangs on Mike's door.. His phone rings, it's Mr
Blackwood. He declines the call. Begins an audio recording on
his phone. Mike opens the door.
MIKE
(surprised)
Jack?
Jack invites himself in.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Yeah, of course, come in. You want
me to make you some tea, maybe
clean your shoes too?
JACK
(unimpressed)
Where've you been, Mike?
MIKE
I've just been given a lot of
work... you know how it is with
Blackwood.
Jack holds up the pictures.
MIKE (CONT'D)
Where did you get these?
He goes to grab them, Jack pulls them away.
JACK
It doesn't matter, why are you
there?
 17.

MIKE
Are you accusing me of something?
JACK
(pointing at the two
policemen)
These two, they have collar numbers
connected to them. I know they're
policemen... Took me two days to
get that information, but it'll
only takes thirty seconds for me to
call Mr Blackwood, so I'm going to
give you one chance to explain
yourself, Mike. The fuck are you
doing with the police?
Mike contemplates.
MIKE
(voice trembling)
I need out.
Jack angered and in disbelief.
MIKE (CONT'D)
After I heard about that guy who
got set up, I couldn't do it
anymore. I can't risk going to
jail!
JACK
You don't want to risk it?
MIKE
There's too much at stake. What
happens to me? You know how long
I've been doing this for! How much
time do you think I'm on?
Jack sighs, takes a step back to calm himself.
JACK
I don't have much left, Mike, but
all you've done is try to take it
away.
Mike, now very confused.
MIKE
Why are you doing this? Why go
through this elaborate plot?
Jack stares angrily, still quiet.
 18.

MIKE (CONT'D)
You know I thought, out of
everyone, at least you'd
understand. Seen as though you
willingly dealt drugs and cleaned
money. Did you know I was going to
include you in the deal I made?
But, fuck you, you can figure a way
out of this shit on your own. Now,
get the fuck out of my house. Next
time, call me if you're going to
accuse me of some bullshit.
Mike fixes his clothes, walks. Jack tries to hold in his next
words, he can't.
JACK
(stone faced, pained
voice)
My sister's dying.
Mike stops, turns, a pained look on his face.
JACK (CONT'D)
And I became a mule to pay for her
surgery...
MIKE
Jack, I-
JACK
Did you know Blackwood was onto
you? He's been looking for a rat in
his ranks.
Jack pulls out his phone, stops the recording whilst showing
so to Mike.
JACK (CONT'D)
(smiling)
But, I guess I found him.
Jack stares down Mike for a moment, then turns, leaves. Mike
stands there, defeated.

19 EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON

Jack walks down the street, his head glued to the floor.
 19.

20 EXT. OUTSIDE CHURCH - EVENING

Jack walks, head down, body closed. He looks up. A church. He
pauses, staring at the building. He walks inside.

21 INT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS

Jack walks down the aisle, sits on a bench, numb.
JACK
Hey, God, you there? It's Lucy's
boy, Jack. It's been a while. I've
never thought you were real. My
parents believe in- believed in
you, my sister believes in you, I
think my brother does too. But me?
No. Never have. But if I'm somehow
wrong, and you have a plan for my
life... I want you to prove it.
Jack sits there silently, after saying his piece. Distant
door opening. A few moments later a hand is placed on his
shoulder. Jack looks up to see who it is... It's his brother.
JACOB
Long time no see.

22 INT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS

Jack and Jacob sit together.
JACOB
How long has she got left?
JACK
Less than a week.
JACOB
You should've told me. I could've
helped.
JACK
It wasn't like we were in contact
or anything.
Jacob goes quiet.
JACK (CONT'D)
I didn't think that you wanted
anything to do with us. After mum
and dad died, you vanished. You
didn't even say goodbye.
 20.

JACOB
That was because of me not you. I
didn't deal with their passing
well.
JACK
(snapping)
No one did! Our parents died,
Jacob. That's not exactly something
you can fix with a couple of
therapy sessions. Especially not at
that age.
JACOB
How much more do you need for the
surgery?
JACK
Four-thousand.
JACOB
(jokingly)
You got eleven-thousand in less
than two weeks? How'd you manage
that?
Jack sighs, accepts defeat.
JACK
(serious)
Drugs.
Jacob is shocked, but composes himself.
JACOB
I get it.
JACK
What?

JACOB
You did what you had to. No shame
in it.
Jack smiles, nods.
JACOB (CONT'D)
But, it's got to stop.
JACK
(pause)
It's no use. Yesterday, I was a
different person... and, either
way, today is different.
 21.

JACOB
But, is this what you want to be
doing tomorrow?
JACK
I want to keep the principle of it
all.
JACOB gives an inquisitive glance.
JACK (CONT'D)
Doing whatever it takes for the
people you love. Even if it means
destroying what little you had.
JACOB
Jack, the only person you're
destined to become is the person
you decide to be.
Jack nods, slowly.
JACOB (CONT'D)
So, pick.
Jack sits there silently, after saying his piece. A ringtone.
ONSCREEN: Blackwood is calling.
Jack stares at the screen, answers.
MR. BLACKWOOD (V.O.)
(over phone)
Have you got what I asked?
JACK
(pause)
I do.
MR. BLACKWOOD (V.O.)
Let's have it, then.
JACK
I think it's best if you see this
in person.

23 EXT. BRIDGE - AFTERNOON

Jack walks up the path toward the bridge, he spots Mr
Blackwood, already there. He stops to look, then continues
forward.
JACK
It's Mike... he's flipped.
 22.

Jack shows the pictures.

MR. BLACKWOOD
Are you sure?
Jack pulls out the audio recording of him confronting Mike.
THE RECORDING PLAYS:
MIKE (V.O.)
I need out. After I heard about
that guy who got set up, I couldn't
do it anymore. I can't risk going
to jail! There's too much at stake.
THE RECORDING STOPS.
Mr Blackwood smiles.
MR. BLACKWOOD
Well then, Jack, I think it's time
we dealt with him.
Jack does not smile, but he nods.
END OF EPISODE