I got the script for EVE today and there were some interesting differences from the aired version so I thought I'd post this.
I'll eventually move this to the scripts forum but for now posting it here where more people will see it.
This is the shooting draft. Its listed as:
Written by George Strayton and Tom ONeill
Rewrite by Chris Black (shooting)
Revisions by: Chris Black (pink)
Chris Manheim (blue, yellow, green, 2nd white)
Current revisions by Chris Manheim (2nd pink)
The cast of characters lists Archangel Michael; presumably there were some scenes with him in the original script that were later cut.
There are some interesting differences between the script and the aired version, mainly in the first scene between Xena and Ares (under the crosses), Joxers death scene, Xenas prayer, and the final fight between Xena and Livia. For comparison, the transcript of the aired episode is here. (This is on the B*tch of Rome site -- I like these transcripts better than the ones at Whoosh! because they have some description of whats happening onscreen.)
* During Livias rampage in the village when one of the villagers says, Weve seen worse than you we lived through Callistos raids, Livia replies: Hmm. She did some good work. But youre looking at a whole new ball game now.
In the aired version that was changed to, But Im not Callisto. (Much better IMO.)
In the script, after Livia beheads the villager, there is also this line that was cut:
* There are also some fairly big differences in the scene between Xena and Ares, which in the episode takes place under the crosses. Here is the scripted version. (Btw, the capitalized words are apparently meant to make it easier for the props and f/x department to go through the script and figure out what they need to do without reading the whole thing.
) O.S. means offscreen.
The scene between Ares and Livia is basically the same as in the aired version minus the chaste kiss on the forehead.
In the next scene, where Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer and Virgil are tracking Livia and her men, there was a Joxer/Virgil exchange that was cut.
(In the aired version it was just Virgils first line and then Joxers comment about never losing ones warrior instinct.)
Also, Xenas line, These tracks are fresh. I can't believe that it's my daughter we're tracking, that it's Eve who's doing these terrible things was originally broken up with:
In the scene where Livia threatens to cut Joxers throat and Xena begs her to let him go, Livias line Its time for some payback, Xena was preceded with this:
Etc.
A slight difference in the scene where Xena first fights Liva in the village. In the aired version Ares appears on a rooftop. Here
In the next scene, the conversation between Ares and Livia, Ares line, Now who are you gonna listen to? The mother who abandoned you twenty-five years ago? Or the god who's gonna make you an empress? (which currently ends the scene) was followed with:
The scene in which Gabrielle talks to Xena about whether she can kill her own daughter had an explicit reference to Hope, both in the stage directions and in a line that was changed. (In the aired version Gabrielle asks, If that's true, if Eve can't be changed, could you kill your own daughter? and Xena replies, I had toyes I could.)
(continued with Joxer/Virgil scene where Joxer confesses he made up his exploits)
Joxers death scene:
Originally act 2 was supposed to end here (in the aired version it ends after the conversation between Xena, Gab and Virgil).
One minor difference: Gabrielles line, We should take him home. He would do the
same for us, was originally written as, We should take Joxer home. He wanted to do the same for us. That was a nice reference to FA I wonder if they changed it on purpose or Renee just flubbed the line and they kept it that way?
The scene between Gabrielle and Virgil where he talks about the conflict between his Elijan beliefs and his desire for vengeance originally took place after Xenas wheres your infinite love prayer. Also, the scene between Ares and Xena was witnessed by Gabrielle.
The prayer scene was written quite differently. For one thing it took place on a cliff overlooking the sea, not in a field. The dialogue differed quite a bit as well.
Major differences here! For one thing Xena addresses God rather than Eli (as in the aired version). She also credits God with making her a warrior, and mentions her way in other words, were back to the karmically/divinely ordained Way of the Warrior! (Thank you, thank you, whoever changed that.
) Interestingly, there is also an overt acknowledgment from Xena that it was the God of Love (not Angel Callisto) who gave her the baby.
There was also a cut scene where Livia and her men ride toward Ostia.
In the scene where Livia and Xena battle each other in the temple, when Ares materializes on the balcony there are a couple of villagers there and he tells them, This box is reserved, making them scuttle away in fear.
Ares infamous Whos my girl? You are! You are! was originally, Atta girl.
During Xenas battle with Livia, at one point the camera panned below to show Gabrielle battling Livias lieutenant, Senetus.
After Xenas line, Eli, save my daughter I couldnt, there was an I love you from Xena to Livia and a Noooooooo! from Gabrielle.
After Xena stops Virgil from killing the now-reformed Livia/Eve, there was also this:
That explains two questions Ive always had about the ending of EVE: what happens to Ares (we never see him after somewhere in the middle of the Xena/Livia fight in the script the camera is supposed to focus on him watching as Livia seems to be about to kill Xena, but that wasnt in the episode either) and what Gabrielles What did she say to you? was in reference to, since in the episode we didnt see Livia say anything to Xena.
I wonder if this scene was actually filmed and cut?
And that, boys and girls, concludes our original script presentation for today.
Sometime in the next few days I hope to bring you excerpts from the shooting script for The God You Know.
Icons by Kimber and Cila (Aria Icons); avatar by XenaAresGoddess
Xena changed people. Sometimes she changed them into dead people. But she always changed them.
~ With apologies to Terry Pratchett, "Small Gods"
Visit Xena Online Community * See my artwork and fanfiction at The Muse's Corner
I'll eventually move this to the scripts forum but for now posting it here where more people will see it.
This is the shooting draft. Its listed as:
Written by George Strayton and Tom ONeill
Rewrite by Chris Black (shooting)
Revisions by: Chris Black (pink)
Chris Manheim (blue, yellow, green, 2nd white)
Current revisions by Chris Manheim (2nd pink)
The cast of characters lists Archangel Michael; presumably there were some scenes with him in the original script that were later cut.
There are some interesting differences between the script and the aired version, mainly in the first scene between Xena and Ares (under the crosses), Joxers death scene, Xenas prayer, and the final fight between Xena and Livia. For comparison, the transcript of the aired episode is here. (This is on the B*tch of Rome site -- I like these transcripts better than the ones at Whoosh! because they have some description of whats happening onscreen.)
* During Livias rampage in the village when one of the villagers says, Weve seen worse than you we lived through Callistos raids, Livia replies: Hmm. She did some good work. But youre looking at a whole new ball game now.
In the aired version that was changed to, But Im not Callisto. (Much better IMO.)
In the script, after Livia beheads the villager, there is also this line that was cut:
Quote:
LIVIA
(roaring)
I AM THE DAUGHTER OF XENA!
* There are also some fairly big differences in the scene between Xena and Ares, which in the episode takes place under the crosses. Here is the scripted version. (Btw, the capitalized words are apparently meant to make it easier for the props and f/x department to go through the script and figure out what they need to do without reading the whole thing.
) O.S. means offscreen.Quote:
A large FUNERAL PYRE consumes the remains of Livias victims. Through the shimmering WAVES OF HEAT, we find Xena, staring deep into the flames. Her reverie is broken by the voice of:
ARES (O.S.):
Nothing like a roaring funeral pyre to take the chill off. Cozy.
Xena turns to face ARES, whos briskly rubbing his palms and warming his hands off the blazing pyre.
ARES:
Livias racked up nearly the body count you had at her age.
XENA:
You sick b@stard. Shes my daughter.
ARES:
What do you think made turning her so easy?
He moves closer.
ARES:
But thats blood under the bridge. You still havent responded to my latest offer. Give me a child and I promise the other gods will never learn Eve is still alive.
XENA:
Id rather go back to hell.
ARES (no more Mr. Nice Guy):
You dont get it. Im not asking anymore. Im telling you. Give me what I want or Ill bring all of Olympus down on your daughter.
XENA:
Youre the one who doesnt get it. So lemme spell it out. The thought of being with you having your child (eyes full of loathing) It makes me sick to my soul.
They hold a look as Ares searches her eyes, amazed to find
ARES:
You really mean that.
Xena drills Ares with a hard look.
XENA:
Ill do anything to keep Eve from spilling more blood. But if the prophecy is true. If the Twilight is coming? Dont think Id raise a finger to keep her from killing you.
Ares looks like Xena has driven the Dagger of Helios through his chest. Then he hardens his heart, pain transforming his love to hate as he holds her gaze, then dematerializes.
The scene between Ares and Livia is basically the same as in the aired version minus the chaste kiss on the forehead.
In the next scene, where Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer and Virgil are tracking Livia and her men, there was a Joxer/Virgil exchange that was cut.
Quote:
VIRGIL:
It must feel great to be back on the road. Leading Xena and Gabrielle into battle again after all these years.
Joxer nervously eyes Xena and Gabrielle, but they dont seem to have heard Virgil.
JOXER (keeping his voice low):
Yes, son. The old armor may be a bit snug, but you never outgrow your warriors instincts.
VIRGIL:
I just cant believe all your old stories are true.
JOXER (nervously):
What do you mean?
VIRGIL:
You told me you were a fierce fighter. Brave men trembled at your name. Xena and Gabrielle owe you their lives a hundred times over. But I look at you and see the man who tucked me in at night, who sang me to sleep when I had a nightmare. Youre my dad.
Joxer seems torn, nagged by the guilt of having deceived the son who trusts him so completely.
JOXER:
Well, it just shows you how there are two sides to every man. (then, loudly) Say, how about a few rousing choruses of Joxer the Mighty to get the juices flowing?
He clears his throat, but stops short when he sees
XENA AND GABRIELLE
glaring back at him.
JOXER (to Virgil):
Better still, let me teach you about the virtues of stealth.
(In the aired version it was just Virgils first line and then Joxers comment about never losing ones warrior instinct.)
Also, Xenas line, These tracks are fresh. I can't believe that it's my daughter we're tracking, that it's Eve who's doing these terrible things was originally broken up with:
Quote:
XENA:
These tracks are fresh. Eve cant be more than a few hours ahead of us.
GABRIELLE:
You sure you dont want to double check with Joxer the Mighty?
They smile. A short beat, then
XENA:
This is my daughter were tracking, Gabrielle. Its Eve who's doing these terrible things.
In the scene where Livia threatens to cut Joxers throat and Xena begs her to let him go, Livias line Its time for some payback, Xena was preceded with this:
Quote:
LIVIA (mocking):
Let Joxer go. Why? Does this pathetic excuse for a fighter means something to you?
Joxer flinches, stung. He cant look at Virgil.
LIVIA:
Youve managed to ruin everything that meant anything to me. Its time for some payback
Etc.
A slight difference in the scene where Xena first fights Liva in the village. In the aired version Ares appears on a rooftop. Here
Quote:
Ares MATERIALIZES
near Gabrielle, Virgil and Joxer. He smiles thinly.
ARES:
Things are getting interesting now, huh?
Off Gabrielles look of disgust
BACK TO XENA AND LIVIA
In the next scene, the conversation between Ares and Livia, Ares line, Now who are you gonna listen to? The mother who abandoned you twenty-five years ago? Or the god who's gonna make you an empress? (which currently ends the scene) was followed with:
Quote:
ARES (continues; a sneer):
Make up your mind, Eve.
Livias face hardens. She swings at Ares, but he catches her wrist.
LIVIA:
My name is Livia.
A smile creeps across Ares face. He releases her wrist and slams one of her strewn maps onto the table and jabs a finger at a spot on it.
ARES:
This is where Elis followers will gather. This is where you will put an end to it all.
The scene in which Gabrielle talks to Xena about whether she can kill her own daughter had an explicit reference to Hope, both in the stage directions and in a line that was changed. (In the aired version Gabrielle asks, If that's true, if Eve can't be changed, could you kill your own daughter? and Xena replies, I had toyes I could.)
Quote:
GABRIELLE (softly):
If that's true, if Eve doesnt come around (knowing the anguish firsthand) could you kill your own daughter?
Seeing Gabrielles pain, Xenas heart breaks for them both.
XENA
You did. How can I do anything less?
As the two friends reach to comfort each other, we
NEAR THE CAMPFIRE
(continued with Joxer/Virgil scene where Joxer confesses he made up his exploits)
Joxers death scene:
Quote:
VIRGIL:
Father. (to Xena) Can you help him?
Xena goes to work on Joxers wound.
XENA:
I dont know what wed do without you, Joxer. You saved our butts again.
Joxer takes Xenas hands and holds them. She looks into his eyes.
JOXER:
Its okay, Xena. Virgil knows the truth about his old dad.
XENA:
He does now that hes seen you in action.
GABRIELLE (losing it):
Joxer, why didnt you wait for Xena?
Joxer takes Gabrielles hand as well.
JOXER:
I couldnt live with myself if I let you down again.
GABRIELLE:
You never let us down.
JOXER:
Thanks for the adventures.
XENA:
Dont thank us, old friend. You earned em. Every one of them.
Joxer turns to Virgil.
JOXER:
Take care of Mom, son.
Virgil nods numbly.
JOXER:
And maybe you can put my helmet up in the tavern back home? I think theres a spot next to one of Gabrielles old staffs. (to Gabrielle) Is that okay?
She cant even speak. Her eyes welling with tears, she manages to nod yes.
And with his son and his best friends gathered around him, Joxer slowly closes his eyes and dies, a content look on his face.
Originally act 2 was supposed to end here (in the aired version it ends after the conversation between Xena, Gab and Virgil).
One minor difference: Gabrielles line, We should take him home. He would do the
same for us, was originally written as, We should take Joxer home. He wanted to do the same for us. That was a nice reference to FA I wonder if they changed it on purpose or Renee just flubbed the line and they kept it that way?
The scene between Gabrielle and Virgil where he talks about the conflict between his Elijan beliefs and his desire for vengeance originally took place after Xenas wheres your infinite love prayer. Also, the scene between Ares and Xena was witnessed by Gabrielle.
The prayer scene was written quite differently. For one thing it took place on a cliff overlooking the sea, not in a field. The dialogue differed quite a bit as well.
Quote:XENA:
I dont understand. You made me a warrior, but then you tell me to fight my enemies with compassion instead of a sword. Is this what you wanted? Eli murdered. Now Joxer. You gave me this child. And I loved her. With all my heart.
(anguished)
And now Im supposed to choose between my way and my daughters life?
(shouting at heaven)
What do you want from me?
Of course, there is no booming voice from heaven to soothe Xenas spirit. Only the crashing of the waves.XENA:
Are you enjoying this? I thought you were different. Maybe youre just like the other gods.
Xena stares out into the vast blue of the sky and sea.XENA (defeated):
Where is your infinite love?
Major differences here! For one thing Xena addresses God rather than Eli (as in the aired version). She also credits God with making her a warrior, and mentions her way in other words, were back to the karmically/divinely ordained Way of the Warrior! (Thank you, thank you, whoever changed that.
) Interestingly, there is also an overt acknowledgment from Xena that it was the God of Love (not Angel Callisto) who gave her the baby.There was also a cut scene where Livia and her men ride toward Ostia.
Quote:
SENETUS:
The men are in place.
LIVIA:
Wait for my signal.
SENTUS:
The longer we delay, the greater chance Elis followers may scatter like rats
LIVIA:
I said wait for my signal!
She whirls on Senetus.
LIVIA:
I wont destroy them until Xena is there to see it.
Senetus nods and moves off. ARES MATERIALIZES.
ARES:
Dont worry, shell be there. Killing her friends tends to get her attention.
LIVIA:
Then, once Xena is dead, we move on to the next prize. Rome.
ARES:
If you win.
Livia bristles.
LIVIA:
You dont think I can kill her?
ARES:
I now youve got the will for it, lets hope you find a way.
Her anger rising, Livia hisses in Ares face.
LIVIA:
My destiny is to rule Rome. Xena made the mistake of trying to change that. Today Im taking my destiny back. And after today, I dont ever want to hear the name Xena again.
ARES:
Then destroy her.
They hold a look as a temple BELL TOLLS in the distance.
In the scene where Livia and Xena battle each other in the temple, when Ares materializes on the balcony there are a couple of villagers there and he tells them, This box is reserved, making them scuttle away in fear.
Ares infamous Whos my girl? You are! You are! was originally, Atta girl.
During Xenas battle with Livia, at one point the camera panned below to show Gabrielle battling Livias lieutenant, Senetus.
Quote:
Nearby, Virgil fights with a vengeance, brutally cutting down anyone in his way. Gabrielle sends Senetus sprawling. Virgil spots the downed Roman captain. He spins and plunges his sword into Senetus.
GABRIELLE:
Virgil!
Virgil looks up at Gabrielle. There is no remorse in his eyes as he pulls his sword from the dead Roman and leaps back into the fray.
ON THE BALCONY
Ares frowns to see Livias troops are taking a beating.
ARES:
Lets heat things up.
He hurts a couple of LIGHTNING BOLTS down into the fight.
THE LIGHTNING BOLTS
EXPLODE amongst the Roman reinforcements, sending Augustus men flying.
After Xenas line, Eli, save my daughter I couldnt, there was an I love you from Xena to Livia and a Noooooooo! from Gabrielle.
After Xena stops Virgil from killing the now-reformed Livia/Eve, there was also this:
Quote:
GABRIELLES POV
Livia says something to Xena, turns and starts to walk away. Xena tries to follow, but a LIGHTNING BOLT EXPLODES between them.
XENA
looks up and sees Ares glaring at her from the balcony, his fingertips still SMOKING.
ARES:
Dont think youve won. When Olympus finds out shes alive, youll wish youd killed her yourself.
He DEMATERIALIZES.
That explains two questions Ive always had about the ending of EVE: what happens to Ares (we never see him after somewhere in the middle of the Xena/Livia fight in the script the camera is supposed to focus on him watching as Livia seems to be about to kill Xena, but that wasnt in the episode either) and what Gabrielles What did she say to you? was in reference to, since in the episode we didnt see Livia say anything to Xena.
I wonder if this scene was actually filmed and cut?
And that, boys and girls, concludes our original script presentation for today.
Sometime in the next few days I hope to bring you excerpts from the shooting script for The God You Know. Icons by Kimber and Cila (Aria Icons); avatar by XenaAresGoddess
Xena changed people. Sometimes she changed them into dead people. But she always changed them.
~ With apologies to Terry Pratchett, "Small Gods"
Visit Xena Online Community * See my artwork and fanfiction at The Muse's Corner
But i suppose LK is right, Xena wouldn't really want to say that. 
However, they did (very wisely) cut Gabrielle's, "Noooooooooooooooo!"
