AirDate: December 14 1996

Episode Notes

• Miss Parker gives Sydney a Christmas present
• Jarod gives Miss Parker a Christmas present
• Jarod visits Jacob
• Jarod reads 'Twas The Night Before Christmas to kids.

Episode Quotes

Dr. Fujimora: Yeah, the red hat's a dead giveaway. (Santa)

Harry: Christmas doesn't count for squat without family, son.

Miss Parker: Merry Christmas.

Jarod's Euphemisms

Truth is, I've never really had Christmas Eve off.

Locations

Cleveland (last lair)

Baltimore, Maryland

Jarod's Discoveries

Fruitcake

Santa Claus

Jarod's ignorance

Lambada

Last name origin

A Christmas Carol

Aliases

Jarod Marley

Occupation

M.E.

Jarod's ignorance

First lines

Young Sydney: Find him.

Jarod: A live one?

Miss Parker: I don't even want to know.

Last lines

Jarod: Could it be--?

Miss Parker: We'll do it next year.

Sydney: Jarod was here?

Music

Jingle Bells

Coventry Carol

Silent Night

O Holy Night
O Come All Ye Faithful

The First Noel

Transcript

SCENE OPENS on DSA video of young Jarod sitting on a floor, alone, cutting out paper snowflakes. He is seated right in front of a vent. Date on the DSA reads "Christmas Eve, 1971." After he cuts out the snowflakes, Jarod lifts them up and lets them fall, simulating the fall of snow. It's not real enough to him. His glance comes to rest on the vent in front of him. He furrows his brow slightly, picks up his scissors slowly and looks at it. He moves forward to the vent and puts the end of the scissors into one of the screws holding the vent cover to the wall.

DSA continues

Flashlights beaming in the dark, voices heard, inarticulate. Sydney comes into view giving instructions with an urgency in his voice.

Syd: Find him. Go!

An emergency alarm honks.

Man: Already checked corridor 2, nothing there

Man 2: Nothing at all?

Man: Where is he? Syd's voice is worried.

Syd: Find him! Come on! (claps his hand in urgency) Go! Let's go!

Sydney stands, looking around him, worry on his face.

CUT to a door opening on the outside. Jarod peeps through, he smiles at the sight of real snow. Walks slowly forward, letting the door slam shut and comes to stand with his hands stretched up to the sky, reaching for the snowflakes as they fall down. He turns around, hands still up, a happy smile still on his face. He's enjoying the real snow, wiping it off his face as it falls, when the door bursts open with the sound of an emergency signal. The sound of the chopper is heard whirring overhead. Two men rush out. The lights from the helicopter above almost blind Jarod. He squints and shields his eyes.
(End of DSA)

CUT TO Present. View of city lights. Screen reads Baltimore, Maryland. Sound of "Jingle Bells" melody is heard. View of a store window with a Santa display, .... Man: Well I guess Mama won't be kissing Santa Claus this year. ....and then another Santa, this time in the snow. Santa Claus is barely recognisable, almost completely covered in snow.

Detective: Just tell me what you saw

Elf: Hey, I'm just an elf. I do what I'm told you know, "be jolly. " Besides, I haven't seen the Big guy since the party last night.

Detective: Oh yeah?

Elf: When are you gonna shovel him out?

Van backs into the area, as he speaks, to come in front of the snow covered Santa Claus

Detective: ..... Meat wagon's just here

Elf: Don't you mean the meat sleigh?

Detective: Ho Ho Ho

Dr. F: Hi

Detective: Evening

(Dr. F opens the back door of the van to reveal the back of someone wearing the uniform of the M.E.'s office.)

Dr. F: Ok we've got a live one

(Uniform reads (District Medical Examiner?) The person turns around. It's Jarod.)

Jarod looks sincerely confused.

Jarod: A live one?

Dr F does not blink. Purses lips and explains.

Dr. F: It's a joke.

Dr. F: Snowblowers must have covered him.

J: Isn't that Santa Claus?

Dr. F: Yeah the red hat's a dead giveway

Dr. F: Anybody got a shovel

Jarod: No, but I've got the gift wrap. (as he holds up the body bag)

Dr. F smiles with Jarod.
CUT TO opening credits.

SCENE OPENS: Dr. F. walking down a corridor, pushing a large cart laden with Christmas presents, gaily wrapped with bows.

Dr. F: Dr. Drake, these just came in from the Mayor's office

Dr. F. is smiling (private joke) Dr. Drake looks around as her name is called. She has red hair.

Dr. Drake: Same gift as last year?

Dr. Drake keeps walking the way she was going, only giving a backward glance at the presents.

Dr. F: Smells like it

Dr. Drake:......Pass them out. We'll see who survives this year.

Dr. F.: Yes Ma'am.

Dr. F. leaves the cart to come to stand next to Dr. D.

Dr. Drake looks at Jarod through the small window in the door

Dr. D: Um.. so how's the new guy doing?

Dr. F.: A lot better than Santa

Dr. Drake rolls her eyes as they push through the door. Jarod is holding up Santa's hat. He puts it down. They go in and as they approach Jarod, he has picked up a cup of something. Dr. F looks playfully reproachful as she teases him.

Dr. F: Drinking on the job?

Jarod: Uh. Actually this was from the scene.

Dr. F: Dr. Jarod Marley, meet Dr. Lisabeth Drake, the chief coroner.

Jarod: Hello.

Dr. D: Hi! Are you finished with Saint Nick?

J: Yes I am

Jarod puts down the cup. At the same time Detective walks in, coming to stand next to Dr. Drake.

Dr. D: Detective Guerra. (looks down at her watch) Gee, right on time. Now can we get this over with?

Dr. F: Victim is not Kris Kringle as we first suspected but ? Hargrove... ...played Santa at one helluva Christmas party downtown (laughs as she says this, looks at Jarod) Doctor?

Jarod: He died of a combination of ...mainly heart attack.

Dr. D: ......thought you were going with exposure

Jarod: Well I thought...but further examination revealed the truth (says this meaningly)

Detective Guerra: Folks at the office party say St. Nick was doing one helluva lambada that night.

Jarod: Well, I don't know who lambada is, but yes, lividity (of the body) was affected by the cold, but the blood distribution suggests he was doing strenuous acts.

Detective Guerra: What about the time of death?

Dr. D: No (?) way...we can't pull that off in this weather.

Jarod: Actually that's where this came in. (picks up eggnog as he says this)

Dr. D looks at Jarod.

Jarod (continues): It was hard when we found it but it wasn't completely frozen through because Mr. Hargrove had put quite a bit of brandy in it

Detective Guerra: Oh there's a shocker.

Jarod: The milk had started to curdle. So I compared the bacteria levels in the cup with that of a similar sample that fell in the snow and I deduced that Mr. Hargrove succumbed to his heart attack somewhere between 1:45 and 2 am. My guess would be 1:48 ...ish

Detective whistles.

Dr. D: I ask for an autopsy he gives me eggnog.

Jarod smiles. The telephone rings. Dr. F answers it.

Dr. F: Yeah

Dr. D looks at Dr. F as she listens.

Dr. F: Oh, ok

Dr. F hangs up the phone.

Dr. F: Dr. Drake...from the mayor's office are here.

Dr. D: Damn they're early. We're done here. (She turns and leaves without a backward glance)

Jarod: Career anxiety? (asks almost innocently)

Detective: Oh you haven't met the mayor.

(nice cue for Dr. F who waltzs in with two gaily wrapped presents from the cart)

Dr. F: But hey, he gives killer Christmas presents and I mean...killer. (She stresses the last word suggestively)

Detective frowns.

Detective: again?

Dr. F laughs as she holds out the other tin to give to Jarod.

Jarod looks surprised.

Jarod: Is this for me?

Dr. F: Geez Jarod, don't tell me you never got a Christmas present before? (looks almost shocked)

Jarod looks down at the gift.

Jarod: Not in a very long time. Thank you.

He looks sincerely grateful. Dr. F is speechless. Detective looks slightly unbelieving. Jarod takes the wrapping off and removes the lid from the tin to reveal a fruit cake.

Jarod: A pastry with candied cherries?

Detective: It's fruit cake.

Jarod: A cake with fruit baked right in. (he says this as he recites it from a dictionary definition) Thank you! This..this has to be delicious.

Dr. F looks as if she cannot believe what he is saying. She and detective walk away together.

As they walk away in amazement at Jarod's reaction to the mayor's gift, Dr. F and Detective Guerra consider correcting Jarod's obvious ignorance.

Detective: Shall we tell him?

Dr. F: Let him discover it.

Detective: Yeah. (cracking a smile)

Jarod meanwhile has already begun the new taste experience.

CUT TO a snow ornament. Instrumental Christmas music is playing. (Song? from the rising of the sun....to the going down of ...la la la la la la la la) View of a record player, the fruit cake half eaten in the tin, and someone putting a DSA into a slot. Jarod is watching another DSA of himself. Screen reads: Jarod 12/21/69 For Centre Use Only

On DSA

Young Sydney comes into a room with some Christmas presents. He rests them on a table and looks directly at a camera

YSydney: Jarod has been moved to his room. As always I begin my Christmas hiatus tomorrow. I will be reachable at the usual number.

Jarod manipulates the computer to fast foward to 12/23/70.
DSA screen reads: Jarod 12/23/70 For Centre Use Only.

On DSA

yJarod is playing with something. ySydney comes into view and speaks directly to the camera

Y Sydney: It is the Christmas season. The tower has deemed it better to isolate Jarod from the trappings of popular culture. (turns to Jarod) Jarod, I'll be gone for the week and I wanted to say goodbye

yJarod: (confused) Why do you go away every year when it's cold outside?

ySydney: Business, Jarod. That's all. If you can keep it a secret. I brought you a little something.

Hands Jarod a small gift.

yJ: A gift? (opens the gift, takes a snowglobe out of the wrapping.)

yJarod: This is snow.

ySydney (smiles): Yes.

yJarod: Take me outside Sydney, to see the real snow.

yJarod: But I want to see it for myself.

ySydney: Enjoy this snow. And I'll see you again soon. Ok?

yJarod: Yes

CUT TO two boys throwing snow balls at each other. They are having fun, laughing. Boy 1: I got you! Boy 2: Aah! Boy 1?: Okay They fall to the ground and start making snow angels. One of them sees a hand sticking out from under the snow. (Gasps) They start to scream Boy: Let's get out of here. They run away.

Dr. F: Two kids found her buried in the snow a couple hours ago.

(There are flashes of light, sounds of a camera photographing the body. It's a young woman.)

Detective Guerra: Now that's criminal.

Dr. F: A vagrant

Dr. Drake: After you thaw her, check for needle marks.

(Jarod stoops down to look at the body)

Dr. Drake: We'll never know. LGL. Bag her and tag her. And next time, please, don't make me wait.

Jarod: LGL?

Dr F.: Little girl lost. No witness, no id.

Jarod: Her family must be worried sick wondering where she is.

Detective Guerra: That's the sad part. Probably a runaway. Nothing to go on, so she becomes a case number, just like all the rest.

Dr. F: Are you okay?

Jarod: No

CUT TO inside the Centre.

Someone turns a button up. We see a pair of twins sitting side by side in separate glass (?) compartments. As one of them feels the effect of the shock they both react. It is Sydney experimenting. Miss Parker takes one look at the twins then walks across to Sydney.

Sydney: Fascinating. Only 1 twin is wired but they both feel the shock.

Miss Parker turns away from the twins, looks at Sydney.

Miss P: I don't even want to know. Clean up crew just came in from Cleveland.

Sydney: Any luck?

Miss P puts a box of some items onto Sydney's table.

Miss P: Jarod's last life in a box.

Miss P: You're the shrink. Maybe you can figure out their meaning

Sydney: Jarod's trying to tell me something.

Miss P: Makes a great greeting card. But face facts, Syd. At this rate your boy won't be home for the holidays.

Sydney: Maybe not, but he'll contact me. He has to.

Miss Parker: Well, it is Christmas.

Jarod: I worry about him. Out there at this time of year.

Miss P: Relax. He's probably holed up in Whooville experiencing the Grinch for the first time.

CUT TO Jarod on the street, walks up to Harry.

Jarod: Would you like some? It's called fruit cake.

Harry: Fruitcake? I'm not that homeless.

Harry: What are you writing, a book?

Jarod: Uh no, not exactly.

Jarod: You miss him don't you?

Harry: Who

Jarod: George. Christmas George

Harry: You knew George?

Jarod: Not exactly, but I feel like I do.

Harry: George was the only family I had. He was all the family a lot of people had

Jarod: The children at the shelter miss him.

Harry: Yeah foster kids, runaways. They knew the real George. Everybody thought he was a bum because he didn't have a home, and he panhandled to get by but he took all that money and one day a year he made sure the had presents and a special meal. Every christmas eve, he'd dress as Santa and read to those kids all night night long.

Jarod: That's why they called him Christmas George (realization dawns)

Harry: When George was alive, they all had family for at least one day. Christmas doesn't count for squat without family, son.

Jarod: No. I'm beginning to realize that.

CUT TO outside view of St. Catherine's Children home.

Nun: Oh there you are Jarod! I just wanted to thank you for all you've done ....

Jarod: I'm just happy I could help.

Nun: For a happy man, you sure look perplexed.

Nun: "The night before Christmas"? That's a classic.

Jarod: It's very good but I'm a little confused about something. Now if Santa Claus were to deliver a present to every child on earth, Nun: uh hmm Jarod: He'd have to visit 830 homes a second, which would mean his reindeer would have to travel about 700miles per second and he'd have 1/1000th of a second to park his sleigh, to crawl down the chimney, to pass out the presents and to eat cookies and milk, and for a middle-aged overweight man, that's quite a feat.

Nun: Santa works in mysterious ways.

Jarod: But it's so fantastical, why would anybody believe it?

Nun: It's Christmas, Jarod. (laughs) Anything's possible.

(Nun turn to go away, pauses to look at Jarod then leaves)

Jarod: Angel, they're getting ready to string some popcorn. Don't you wanna help? Don't you wanna talk to Santa?

Angel: He's not Santa

Jarod: What's wrong?

Angel: Is Christmas George coming back?

Jarod: No, no he isn't.

Angel: Why not?

Jarod: Angel, Christmas George died. Do you know what that means?

Angel: It means we're never going to see him again.

Jarod: It's true and then again it isn't.

Jarod: Why did you like Christmas George?

Angel: Cause he was nice. He made sure the kids always had something under the tree on Christmas.

Jarod: So what you're saying is he had a spirit a feeling that made you feel good. As long as you have that feeling Christmas George is gonna be right here

Jarod points to Angel's heart.

Angel: So everytime it's Christmas, I can think about Christmas George and he'll be here?

Jarod: Every time.

Angel gets up, hugs Jarod and goes over to help.

Angel: Can I help?

Boy: Sure. Come on.

(Instrumental version of O Holy Night plays)

Miss P uncovers a large box of ornaments, takes out an ornament from a box. Smiles as she looks at it, reminiscing. On the ornament, the words, "To Mom, Merry Christmas, Love MP" are written in a neat handwriting. Miss P puts the ornament on the tree, looks at it again and smiles, thinks for a moment, loses the smile as she becomes pensive, then smiles again.

FADE TO girl on a slab. It is LGL. Jarod is looking at her, concerned.

(Instrumental "O Come All Ye Faithful" plays)

Dr. F: Geez Jarod, you've run 137 tests. Any luck with LGL?

(Jarod is obviously upset at the girl being called LGL)

Jarod: That's not her name.

Dr. F.: I didn't mean anything.

Jarod: She should have a real name. Her family should know, especially at this time of year.

Dr. F.: You're not gonna give up are you?

Jarod hangs from a beam using his hands. He drops down and then examines his hands to see calluses begin to form.

CUT TO Miss P sitting, wrapping Christmas presents. The phone rings. She picks it up and answers in the usual way.

Miss P: What?

Mr. Parker: Angel (?) I'm having a holiday gathering at the club. It wouldn't be the same without my little girl.

Miss P: I'll be there

Mr. Parker: Christmas eve 7 o'clock. Some European associates will attend. Be prompt.

Miss P: Of course daddy.

Miss P: Merry Christma- (phone cuts off before she completes the greeting)

Miss P. turns off the phone, sighs in disbelief, slightly irked, puts phone down.

CUT TO view of things at Jarod's place, the Christmas poetry book, the fruit cake. Jarod pours something over a document from a jug.

CUT TO Jarod opening a door. He walks into the room where Kim is dissecting a puffer fish.

(Jarod folds his arm and says in mock seriousness.)

Jarod: Gunshot wound to the gill?

Kim: Not a patient, lunch.

Jarod: Aren't you a little young for poisoned fish

Dr. F.: Pufferfish is only poisonous before it's prepared.

Jarod: Kim, Fugu toxin is 500 times stronger than cyanide.

Kim: Yeah yeah ....Christmas dinner

Jarod: I'll stick with fruitcake.

Dr. F.: And relax, my uncle was a master chef in Tokyo

Jarod: Was?

Dr. F. : He's retired.

Jarod (laughs): Good. I'm glad to hear that.

Dr. F: Man what'd you do - spill a whole mug?

Jarod: Actually, I spilled a whole pot.

Dr. F: I'll get you a duplicate...

Jarod: No that's okay just.. show me where the old files are.

Jarod cuts piece of fruit cake and eats it. reads medical examiner file on Doe, John aka Christmas George

CUT to the 911 call center.

Woman #1 on phone: Yes, it should take a few seconds to start working.

Woman #1 on phone: Yes, I've already dispatched the ambulance.

Man #1 on phone: No, Ma'am. An overflowing toilet is not a 911 call. Would you please hang up and call a plumber.
(Another woman is talking on the phone while having a sandwich)

Woman #2 on phone (with her mouth full): Um you need to induce vomiting

Caller: indistinguishable dialog?

Woman #2 on phone: Yes

Caller: indistinguishable dialog?

Woman #2 on phone: uh no your finger will be fine.
Caller: indistinguishable dialog?

Woman #2 on phone: Yes.

Male caller (sounds distressed): It's not working! It's not working!

Jarod: Your son is going to be fine, Mr. Hodges. Just listen to me carefully.

Mr. Hodges:
Jarod is searching on the computer as he speaks to the Mr. Hodges.

Jarod: .... if you just listen carefully.

Mr. Hodges: ok

(Screen shows Jarod accessing logged 911 calls)

Jarod: Now remember clear the airway and tilt his head back

Mr. Hodges: repeats(?)

Jarod: Now let's focus on the breathing

Mr. Hodges: ok

Jarod: Now continue the up and down motion on his chest

Mr. Hodges: ok

(Computer screen shows Jarod has selected the call for the Lawson and Hill which is the location of Christmas George's accident)

Jarod: ok

Mr. Hodges: O my God he's breathing he's breathing

Jarod (smiling): That's fantastic

(Screen shows Jarod downloading the call recording to an external tape drive)

Mr. Hodges: They're here. The ambulance just arrived.

Jarod: You see that wasn't so difficult. Merry Christmas!

Mr. Hodges: Thank you so much! Thank you!

(Jarod removes his headphone, disconnects the recording device and picks it up.)

CUT TO the street of the accident. Scene shows a busy street with cars, people... at the center is a telephone booth on the sidewalk.

Jarod is standing on the sidewalk opposite the phone booth and listening to the 911 call recording.

Recording

(voice of Harry): Hello my name's Harry and I'm calling from the corner of Lawson and Hill. My friend..oh God...

(Jarod is looking at Harry from across the street as he listens. Harry is wandering up and down looking a little lost? Street signs show Lawson... and Hill Ave.)

Recording (voice of 911 responder): Tell me what problem is Sir.

Recording (voice of Harry): They hit him. They ran George down.

Right in front of the Children's shelter. (Hurry you gotta hurry. )

Recording (voice of 911 responder): I'm calling it in sir

Recording (voice of Harry): Hurry you gotta hurry. No. They just hit him and they left. I didn't see no car.

Recording (voice of 911 responder):
Recording (voice of Harry): God

(Recording ends. Jarod takes out his earphone and crosses the street to where Harry is squatting next to some flowers in the snow. Jarod gestures to the spot where the flowers are and asks Harry....)

Jarod: This is where it happened?

Harry: This is where I found him. They just left George here to die.

Jarod: Who did?

Harry: I don't know. Crash woke me up. I didn't see it.

(Jarod comes to squat next to Harry.)

Jarod: I'm sorry.

Harry: I never left his side. Never, not until the coroner showed up

(Jarod looks slightly mystified)

Jarod: Coroner? (leans in closer) Not the police?

Harry: Better directions I guess

(Jarod looks away thoughtfully, but Harry in his grief does not notice.)

Harry (sighs): You know he..held my hand and...we got to say goodbye.

Jarod (looks back at Harry, puzzled): You mean..he didn't die instantly?

Harry: (shakes his head) No....old George is a fighter. Coroner tried to save him. Gave George a shot and everything but...(shakes his head again) didn't help. I never knew Coroners carried doctor bags.

(Jarod has a thoughtful look on his face)

Jarod: Neither did I.

Harry: She did what she could I guess but by the time the ambulance arrived... she told them George had passed.

Jarod: She?

Harry: Yep

Jarod: Was she alone?
Harry: Yep.
(Jarod looks lethal)

Jarod: And she had red hair?

Harry: Uh...yeah. How'd you know?

(Jarod does not reply. He is pondering the new information)

CUT to the Dr. Drake walking to the autopsy room.

(Dr. Drake is holding a clipboard and consulting it as she opens the door and asks...)

Dr. Drake: Why haven't you shipped the LGL? We need slab space for the holidays.

(Jarod is looking at x-rays for the deceased girl, thinking.... Turns to Dr. Drake)

Jarod: I found stress fractures in her legs.

(Dr. Drake is reading some papers on her clipboard. Looks up at Jarod.)

Dr. Drake (tonelessly): Forget about it. We've done our due diligence. Finish up the paperwork and send her along.

Jarod: I understand.

Dr. Drake: By the way...new guy works Christmas eve. Don't worry about it. Last year was so slow, we broke out a bottle of Christmas cheer. Too bad I won't be here with you (tears off a sheet from her clipboard and hands it to Jarod) to share a toast.

Jarod (as Dr. Drake walks away): Well...you never know, Doctor. Christmas has its way of bringing people together.
(Dr. Drake turns around to look at him. Jarod smiles. Dr. Drake exits. )

CUT TO Jane Doe on the slab. Coventry Carol starts to play as Jarod begins to speak.

Jarod: Jane Doe's real name is Gabrielle.
(Jarod is standing next to the slab and talking to Detective Guerra)

Jarod (continues): Gabrielle Ryan. She's from Nashton. She would have been 18 next month.

(Hands something to the detective. Screen shows a newspaper clipping with pictures of Gabrielle. Title "Local Gymnast Gabrielle Ryan Wins Scholarship to U. of Maryland" Detective Guerra is impressed with Jarod's work)

Detective: How'd you do it?

Jarod: Lower tibial fractures to the medial malleoli.

Detective: Media who?

Jarod (looks at the Detective, with a hint of a smile): Bad ankles....

That and there were calluses on her hand like that...(indicates his hands) Parallel bars were her specialty.

(Detective looks at Jarod in some amazement)

Jarod (looking concerned): Will you tell her family right away?

Detective (nods): Count on it. (looks down at file, shakes head, looks up again) Hey...good work Jarod.

Jarod (smiles somewhat sadly):
(Detective exits. Music playing is the Coventry Carol, sung by a female voice.

"..this poor youngling,

for whom we sing

bye bye lully lullay...."

Jarod turns to the corpse and slowly, carefully covers it then turns away to leave. Fade to black)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scene reopens on the Center, front view of main building. Coventry Carol is still playing. Sydney is sitting at a desk, a gift is on the desk, but he has picked up a paper snowflake and is looking at it thoughtfully but in deep thought. He holds it up to the light and we see a vague hint smile on his face. He puts his hand to his chin thoughtfully.

Scene pans out. Miss Parker enters.

Miss P: Face it Sydney. It's Christmas eve. He's not going to call.

(Syd looks at Miss P. Miss P continues)

Miss P: I see you're clearing out for you usual holiday hiatus so...here

(her hand reaches forward from behind, and she gives a gift to Sydney)

Miss P: Merry Christmas.

Sydney: A Christmas present (smiles) from you?

Miss P: Don't go hanging any mistletoe. (but not crushingly, hint of a smile)

Sydney just looks at her. Miss P turns and is walking away.

Miss P: See you after the 1st.

Syd raises his eyebrows with resignation. He understands.

Sydney: And a Merry Christmas to you too Miss Parker.

CUT TO FORENSIC MEDICINE CENTER. CAMERA IS ON THE BUILDING NAME. STATE OF MARYLAND IS IN SMALL LETTERS BELOW THE BUILDING TITLE.

(unintelligible dialog)

Jarod comes into a room where Kim is ...

Jarod: Kim. Hi. I was going over last year's duty roster and I see that you were working Christmas eve

Kim (removes her mask, looks at Jarod): I was (the rookie) new last year. That means that this year you get to wait up for Santa.

(Laughing)

Jarod (laughs): I don't mind working the holiday. The truth is, I've never really had Christmas eve off. I came to ask you about the autopsies that were performed that night.

(Kim looks vaguely curious)

Kim: Shoot.

Jarod: Well, I noticed there were two. A homeless hit and run victim, named Christmas George...and an 80-year old woman named Edwina Morris. Do you remember anything about them?

Kim: (Nods head a little and smile) I remember the Morris woman. Dead ringer for Grandma Walton, only fat. (Looks down at file) But I really wasn't involved in the hit and run.
Jarod: I thought you said you were the only one on duty that night?

Kim: I was until Drake came in with the hit and run. She did that autopsy.

(Jarod replies in some amazement, he speaks almost deliberately as if trying to understand)

Jarod: The chief coroner came in on Christmas Eve to perform an autopsy on a homeless man?

Kim: With karma like hers, (gestures knowingly...) she's probably not that popular on the party circuit, if you know what I'm saying.

(Kim laughs at her own joke. Jarod continues)

Jarod: The other body Edwina Morris. Was she a psychotic victim.

Kim: No just a very large grandmother of 6 (consults the file) who died of natural causes. Why?

Jarod: According to the toxicology report there were traces of Phenotripticol in her blood.

Kim: Phenotripticol?

Jarod: Yes

Kim: Isn't that used to subdue patients during psychotic episodes?

Jarod: In stronger doses it induces a state of paralysis. The patient is conscious but rendered immobile. Dead but not dead

(Kim begins to look horrified)

Kim: Oh my God. Please don't tell me that I performed an autopsy on someone who was alive? ...?..

Jarod: (moves to reassure her) No. No, you didn't.

Kim: Well this couldn't have happened. Someone must have messed up the toxicology reports.

(She hands the file to Jarod, almost loathe to hold them anymore)

Jarod: Or switched them. (looking thoughtfully at the files)

Jarod: on purpose

CUT TO THE ENTRANCE TO JAROD'S APARTMENT. Woman's choir on radio: "What Child Is This?" is PLAYING.

(Jarod is trimming a Christmas tree. He removes the glass star from the top of the tree, looking at it thoughtfully and walks to a table and sits. He picks up a snow globe and crushes the star. He puts in a DSA and presses some keys on the keypad of his computer. DSA date reads "JAROD 12/20/69 FOR CENTRE USE ONLY")

(On the DSA:
a young Miss Parker peeps into, then enters a room smiling. She goes over to look at some rabbits in an enclosure. Young Jarod looks at her from another part of the room but she hasn't seen him yet. He comes closer as she looks at the rabbits with a happy smile on her face. She hears his approach and stops smiling, turns to him, looking startled. Jarod reaches her.)

Young Jarod: You're Miss Parker aren't you?

Young Miss Parker: I didn't know anyone was here. Please don't tell anyone I was here (she looks worried and starts to retreat)

Jarod looks puzzled: Why'd you come?

Miss Parker smiles again coming forward.

Young Miss Parker: My mom lets me see the rabbits when no one's here. I want one but my father won't let me have pets at home. (in a resigned voice)

CUT TO JAROD LOOKING AT THE DSA

On DSA

Young Jarod: We've been studying them. There are 3 sets of twins. Now watch.

(CUT BACK TO THE DSA SCREEN. Young Jarod removes the partitions separating the rabbits)

Young Jarod: They've never been together before but somehow, the ones that are genetically identical just seem to find each other.

(Young Miss Parker looks at Jarod and at the rabbits smiling)

Young Jarod: Like something inside them draws them together. See?

(Young Jarod picks up a rabbit.)

Young Jarod: Look

He places the rabbit in Young Miss Parker's hand and she cuddles it. He smiles. They pet it together until Miss Parker turns around as she hears something. Miss Parker hands the rabbit to Jarod and retreats, gesturing, the runs away.

Young Miss Parker: ?

(Young Sydney walks in after Miss Parker left. Young Jarod looks at Sydney, with a hint of frown on his face. Sydney looks at Young Jarod)

CUT TO JAROD, HE PUSHES A BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE RECORDING. HE STRETCHES HIS RIGHT HAND OUT, PULLS UP HIS SLEEVE AND PROCEEDS TO ROLL AND PRESS HIS HAND ONTO THE BROKEN REMAINS OF THE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT HE HAD JUST CRUSHED WINCING A LITTLE AS THE SHARP GLASS CUTS HIS SKIN. HE RAISES HIS HAND AND DEFTLY REMOVES TRACES OF GLASS FROM HIS HAND, AND ADMIRES HIS HANDIWORK

CUT TO Dr. Drake, EXITING A BUILDING (THE MORTUARY?) BAG IN HAND, SEARCHING FOR HER CAR KEYS. AROUND A CORNER JAROD LEANS OUT AND WATCHES HER PROGRESS. HE IS CLAD IN VERY THICK CLOTHES UP TO HIS NECK. Dr. Drake GOES TO HER CAR AND GETS IN.

Beggar: Excuse me can you please spare....

Dr. Drake: (Without looking) Not my neighbourhood.
(Turns ignition key. Beggar steps away and Dr. Drake drives off. As she comes down the road we see Jarod walking towards the street. Dr. Drake looks up and brakes hard)

Dr. Drake: Aah!

(She screams just as she hits Jarod and he looks directly at her as he slides down the front of the car and falls onto the street, his body rolling. Dr. Drake disengages the gear and gets out of the car. She runs to Jarod, reaches out to help him and asks if he's okay)

Dr. Drake: O my God, Jarod.

Jarod: I'm okay. (He's holding his cut hand) It's only a scratch. (He looks at her as if concerned) Are you okay?

Dr. Drake: Yeah I'm fine. Uh, come on I can help you out with that.

(She leads him to her car and opens the back door, takes out her medicine bag)

Jarod: You certainly come prepared.

(Dr. opens her bag)

Dr. Drake: Our patients may be dead but we're still doctors right?

Jarod: I suppose.

Dr D.: I always keep it on hand. You never know when somebody might need one of us.

Jarod: You never know. (hint of a smirk in his smile as he looks at her)

CUT TO JAROD LOOKING AT ANOTHER DSA. DSA SCREEN READS
"JAROD 12/23/68

FOR CENTRE USE ONLY"

ON THE DSA YOUNG J IS WORKING ON SOMETHING. HE SMILES AS HE GETS IT TO WORK. SOMEONE ENTERS AND AS THEY DO WE SEE THAT JAROD IS IN A CAGE LIKE ENCLOSURE AND THE PERSON WHO HAS ENTERED IS ON THE OUTSIDE OF IT. THE PERSON HAD TWO PRESENTS TIED WITH RIBBON. HE LAYS THEM ON A NEARBY TABLE AND SPEAKS. WE HEAR SYDNEY'S VOICE.

"Jarod. I thought they had taken you back to your room."

JAROD IS SQUINTING TRYING TO GET A GOOD LOOK AT WHAT SYDNEY HAD PUT ON THE TABLE BUT SYDNEY IS MOVING THEM OUT OF SIGHT

Young J: What are those Sydney?

Young Sydney: Another project I'm working on

Voice on intercom, Miss Gantry: Your car is ready to take you to the Mount Pleasant home

Sydney: Yes thank you tell them to wait.

Y. J.: You will come back?

CUT TO JAROD SITTING WATCHING THE DSA WITH THE SNOW GLOBE IN HIS HAND.

YJ: ...Won't you, Sydney?

YS: I always come back, Jarod.

JAROD IS UNCONSCIOUSLY TURNING THE SNOW GLOBE UPSIDE DOWN. HE REWINDS THE DSA TO REPLAY WHEN MISS GANTRY TALKS TO SYD ON THE INTERCOM. THEN STOPS THE DSA? JAROD LOOKS AT THE SNOW GLOBE AND TURNS IT UP AND DOWN WATCHING THE FAKE SNOWFLAKES.

CUT TO THE CENTRE FRONT VIEW OF THE DARK DOORS.

VOICE ON INTERCOM: Your car is ready to take you to the Mount Pleasant home

CUT TO SYDNEY, REPLYING AS HE RISES FROM HIS SEAT, CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ARE ON THE TABLE.

Sydney: I'll be right there.

CUT TO A CAR, A BLUE BENZ LICENSE PLATE 932 AMC. CAMERA PANS OUT TO JAROD WALKING DOWN A STREET NEXT TO THE CAR. HE REMOVES A TOOL FROM HIS COAT AND DISCREETLY PRIES OPEN THE BACK DOOR OF THE CAR, LOOKING AROUND AS HE OPENS IT AND STOOPS DOWN. HE THEN LOOKS INSIDE THE CAR. HE PICKS UP A DOCTOR BAG, OPENS IT, AND EMPTIES THE CONTENTS ONTO THE BACK SEAT. HE PICKS UP SEVERAL DIFFERENT BOTTLES TILL HE FINDS WHAT HE'S LOOKING FOR: A BOTTLE LABELED Janeway Pharmaceuticals. PHENOTRIPTICOL, 30 ML, MULTIPLE DOSE...CHOCAGO, IL. Not for use in newborns. HE LOOKS AT THE BOTTLE CLOSELY. HE LOOKS SMUG AFTER READING THE LABEL.

FADE TO BLACK.

SCENE REOPENS AS A HAND PICKS UP A SNOW GLOBE AND DEFTLY TWIRLS IT UPSIDE DOWN THEN RIGHT SIDE UP. IT IS JAROD. HE SMILES AS HE LOOKS AT THE SNOW. Big band version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is playing. CUT TO SOMEONE MIXING A SMOOTH (CAKE) BATTER. IT IS JAROD AS THE PERSON DIPS HIS FINGER IN AND TAKES A TASTE. HE SPRINKLES SOMETHING INTO THE BATTER. SOUND OF A TELEPHONE RINGING.

CUT TO JAROD CUTTING PIECE OF HIS FRUIT CAKE. CUT TO JAROD PLACING SOME DOCUMENTS INTO A GIFT BOX WITH A BOTTLE OF PHENOTRIPTICOL. HE COVERS THE BOX. HE IS ON THE PHONE AT THE SAME TIME.

J: Last minute gifts? I need a last minute gift. (with a smile)

CUT TO JAROD WRITING DETECTIVE GUERRA'S NAME ON AN ENVELOPE WITH A RED MARKER. HE PUTS THE ENVELOPE UNDER THE BOW OF A BOX?.

CUT TO JAROD PICKING SOMETHING FLESHY OUT OF A DISSECTED PUFFER FISH. HE EXAMINES IT THEN DROPS IT INTO THE BATTER AND STIRS IT IN. AS HE STIRS, HIS FACE ATTAINS A WICKED SMILE.

CUT TO JAROD TAKING SOMETHING OUT OF AN OVEN AS HE TALKS ON THE PHONE.

J: Dr. Fugimora? Well I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings. But you're going to need to come to work today.

(He empties the cake pan onto a table.)

J (smiling): Something terrible has happened. I'll tell you about it when you get there.

CUT TO DR. Drake LOADING PRESENTS INTO HER TRUNK. WE HEAR JAROD'S VOICE

J: I love Christmas, don't you?

(She looks around to see Jarod standing in a corner by a wall.)

J (smiling): It's so Christmassy.

Dr. Drake : Jarod. I thought you were working today.

J: I am. But I wanted to surprise you with something.

(Dr. Drake looks a little touched. She looks at the gift tin Jarod is holding)

Dr. Drake: For me? Mm

(She puts down the rest of her stuff. Jarod hands it to her)

J: Open it.

(Dr. Drake opens the tin and looks at the contents)

Dr. Drake: Ohh. Fruitcake. (a little flatly and sounding a little disappointed?)

(She bends her head to smell.)

Dr. Drake (sounding surprised): This actually smells good.

J.: I was so impressed with the Mayor's gift I tried baking one myself and I wanted you to be the first one to taste it.

(Dr. Drake resignedly sighs and picks up a piece of cake. Offers the tin to Jarod)

Dr. Drake: Mmm?

(Pops the cake into her mouth as Jarod refuses politely.)

J.: Oh, no thank you.

(Dr. Drake's face lights up as she gets the flavour of the cake)

Dr. Drake: Mmm! Mmm! It's actually good! (Pointing to the tin as she takes another piece)

(Jarod says nothing only looks at her as she enjoys the cake)

Dr. Drake: So are you going to be with family for the holidays?

J.: I don't think that's going to be possible this year.

(Dr. Drake's face turns serious as the puffer fish begins to take effect. She turns as if trying to shake her head clear.)

J.: Are you okay?

Dr. Drake: I'm.... feeling a little. Oh my God. (She falls down)

J. (feigns concern): Dr. Drake?

(J. bends over to help her)

J.: Let me help you.

(He helps her into the car.)

Dr. Drake moans and twists.

Dr. Drake: Uh Oh....my stomach...oh my God...what was in that cake?

J.: I went through great pains baking that cake. It couldn't possible have been the...uh-oh..

Dr. Drake: What?

J.: Well Fujimora's been teaching me how to prepare puffer fish and I was practising while I was making the fruit cake and some of it might have accidentally slipped into the batter. (He gestures, looking at her remorselessly)

Dr. Drake: Puffer fish?

J.: I'm afraid so.

Dr. Drake: You idiot? You've poisoned me. Uhhh uh

J.: I'm sorry.

Dr. Drake: Call 911

J.: Ok.

(Jarod closes the car door)

J.: Ohhhhh

(Dr. Drake is breathing painfully)

J: I can't.

Dr. Drake: What are you doing?

J.: I can't call 911.

(Jarod closes the car door)

Dr. Drake: Are you crazy?

J.: No. But I am thorough. If I call 911 they'd be able to help you. But they could hurt me.

Dr. Drake: What?

J.: They would come out. They would see that you were sick and they would realize that I accidentally poisoned you. And that could cost me my career.

(Twisting in obvious pain and distress)

Dr. Drake: You can't do this.

(Jarod plays the 911 emergency call recording for Christmas George)

J.: You're a coroner. Your business is dead people. Even when you're the one who kills them, right Doctor?

(Dr. Drake is still twisting in distress...looking at Jarod)

J.: Did you have a little too much to drink at last year's Christmas party? Now can you imagine how Christmas George must have felt when you hit him with your car and left him in the snow? He went into the alley to recover and you heard over the police scanner that he was still alive. You couldn't have that, could you? That could hurt your precious career. So you went back to the scene....before the police got there. Now you didn't have anything in your bag that would actually kill him, but you did have something that would paralyze him. He was conscious of everything that was happening to him but he looked dead to the police. He was just a homeless man. You figured, "no one would miss him" right? But like you always say "Bag 'em and tag 'em."

(Dr. Drake is writhing and choking looking at Jarod)

Dr. Drake: Uh No, don't do that. I'm not really (struggling to speak) dead

(Jarod moves to cover her face with a body bag)

J: Well if it makes you feel any better I'm not really a coroner. But everybody thinks I am....So I'm just going to declare you dead and they can finish you off on the slab, just like you finished off George. Merry Christmas!

(Camera shows bag coming over the face of Dr. Drake covering the lens. Music: Instrumental version of Jingle Bells)

CUT TO DR. DRAKE ON A WHEELIE, A SHEET IS PULLED OFF HER FACE. HER EYES ARE OPEN BUT SHE IS IMMOBILE. She is being wheeled into the ...by Jarod and Dr. Fujimora. Camera shows her seeing their faces blurry and coming into focus and blurry again. Light comes on in the autopsy room. Screen shows Dr. Drake's view of Dr. Fujimora and an assistant coming to stand over her

Dr. Fujimora: Wow! I never got to work on a boss before. We'll start cutting on her after lunch. Who wants Puffer fish?

(Dr. Drake is completely immobile though her eyes remain open)

J: The effects of the Phenotripticol should wear off in a few hours but she's gonna wake up with a wicked case of diarrhea from the fruit cake. (laughs)

Dr. F (as she laughs too): Merry Christmas, Jarod

J: Merry Christmas!

(Dr. F exits. Jarod looks over into the room where Dr. D is on the gurney apparently awaiting her autopsy. Chuckles and walks away)

(CUT TO Harry knocking on Detective Guerra's door)

Messenger: Detective Guerra? He said to give you this.

(Hands Det. Guerra a box and turns away)

Detective Guerra: He who? (The messenger is already walking away)

(Det. Guerra opens the card and reads "Detective Guerra -- The truth about the death of Christmas George. Merry Christmas, Jarod" Det looks up as if thinking deeply)

CUT TO Jarod in the hospital? holding a file? walking along a corridor. A receptionist is speaking with a man and then points to Jarod. The man turns around and speaks to Jarod, causing Jarod to turn around to look.

Mr. Ryan: Excuse me. Dr. Marley?

J: Yes. (Nods)

Mr. Ryan: I'm Timothy. (pause) Timothy Ryan.

J.: Gabrielle's brother.

Mr. Ryan: I just wanted to say "Thank you." Well this detective said you identified her, went the extra mile, he said.

J. (genuine remorse in his voice): I'm sorry that it took so long. And I'm sorry that you had to find out at this time.

(Ryan smiles)

Mr. Ryan: I'm not. Imagine the horror of not knowing if she was somewhere out there. Thank you for saving my family that hell.

(Jarod smiles at Timothy. They shake hands and Timothy leaves. Jarod turns around to look after him...looks somewhat sad yet happy)

SCENE FADES TO SNOW FALLING OUTSIDE ON A VERY DARK NIGHT. VOICES OF CHILDREN SINGING "SILENT NIGHT" (1st verse) ARE HEARD.

CUT TO SOMEONE LIGHTING A SINGLE CANDLE. MISS PARKER

(MP blows out the match and discards it into the fireplace. She is dressed elegantly and her hair beautifully styled. She turns around and walks to her chair picking up a glass of wine from a table on the way. She sits down carefully arraying her skirt so as not to ruffle it and takes a sip of wine. She smiles savouring the taste. The phone rings. She looks at it. Picks it up and answers on the second ring)

MP: (clears throat) Hello? Daddy hello, (smiles) I was just getting ready to...(Voice on other end interrupts her, her smile fades)

MP: I understand. No, we'll do it next year. (Caller rings off. Parker turns off the phone with a click, her short laugh is almost a sigh. Sighs again then whispers.)

MP: Merry Christmas (sadly looking up)

(Silent Night on piano continues.)

FADE TO SNOW FALLING OUTSIDE A WINDOW. SILHOUETTE OF A MAN IS SEEN STANDING LOOKING OUT. IT IS SYDNEY.

Woman: He's ready now.

(Sydney turns around to look)

Woman: You know I admire you Sydney. For 30 years he just lies there and yet, you've never missed a Christmas. (smiles)

Syd: It's all I can do. He's the only family I have.

Woman: What about your son?

Syd (puzzled): My son?

Woman: Yes. Jarod.

Sydney smiles.

Sydney: Jarod was here?

Woman: He stayed just long enough to leave the gift.

CUT TO Sydney PICKING UP A SNOW GLOBE LIKE THE ONE JAROD WAS PLAYING WITH EARLIER.

(Syd turns the globe upside down and looks at it)

Woman: I don't know what he said to him... but when he placed that in his hand I swear I thought I saw your brother smile.

(Camera shows Syd's sleeping brother, no hint of motion from him)

(Sydney smiles. Puts the snow globe on the "bed tray" as voice of Jarod comes on over the music. He is reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Syd chuckles and looks at his brother.)

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

CUT TO MISS PARKER IN HER NIGHTCLOTHES BRINGING A CHRISTMAS PRESENT OVER TO THE SOFA TO OPEN IT. JAROD'S VOICE IS STILL BEING HEARD AS HE CONTINUES TO READ.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

had just settled down for a long winter's nap

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

(Card reads: "To: Miss Parker From: Jarod Merry Christmas" Miss P opens the gift to find a rabbit inside. She takes it out and her mouth is open in surprise and wonder. She looks up as if remembering something then holds the rabbit close to her and caresses it, smiling delightedly. Camera pans out to include Miss P and the giftbox which has green paper and red ribbon. Miss P is laughing in delight at her unexpected Christmas gift and continues to caress and cuddle it.)

CUT TO NUN AND CHILDREN LISTENING INTENTLY AS JAROD READS THE CHRISTMAS POEM.

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!

Now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid!

On, Donner and Blitzen!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

(View expands over the room, showing Angel sitting with the children listening to Jarod, coming to rest on Jarod holding a book and reading from it. Cuts back to Angel chuckling as Jarod reads. Cut back to Jarod as the poem ends. He smiles. Angel giggles. Jarod looks up.)

J: Did you hear that?

Children: what?

(Angel looks around. Jarod feigns shock..and looks at the children)

J.: From the other room? Could it be...?

Children: Santa!

(They run laughing from the room as music fills the air. The First Noel is playing on a piano. Cut to children coming to the Christmas tree and picking up gifts. Angel looks down at one gift and picks it up)

Child: Let's go in the other room. Under the tree!

Angel: A present for me? (She goes over to the corner to open it as the nun looks on. Gives the gift to the nun to hold and opens the card.) Who's it from?

Nun: Ohh.

Angel (reading from card): To Angel, Merry Christmas, From Christmas George

(Nuns looks arounds, a little surprised. Gasps. Jarod's chair is empty Only the book is leaned up on the armrest. Nun turns back. She hugs Angel who is smiling.)

CUT TO SCENE FROM OUTSIDE WINDOWS ADORNED WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. SNOW IS FALLING. CAMERA IS PANNING DOWNWARDS

(Camera pans down to Jarod. He is smiling. He raises his hands and face up to the snow, spins around, stops continuing to look up with his hands outstretched, smiling enjoying the snow. Fade to black)

Guest stars:

Wendell Maldrum

Tony Plana

Bruce Bohne

Kimiko Gelman

Ryan Merriman Young Jarod

Alex Wexo Young Sydney

Carol Locatell

Kevin E. West

Ashley Peldon Young Miss Parker

Kelsey Mulrooney Angel

Creative Consultant Rick Wallace

Produced by Harvey Frand

Producer Marianne Canepa

Supervising Producer Kimberly Costello

Co-executive Producer Tommy Thompson

Executive Producers Craig W Van Sickle & Steven Long Mitchell

Written by Juan Carlos Coto

Directed by Thomas J. Wright

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