As an actor in film and television, you don't always get the "Journey" of the story like in theater. The scene you're in at the beginning of the script may not be shot until the very last day of filming. This is why it is important to know the most important thing "What is happening in this scene?" A lot of times, actors don't read the entire script, especially in television, because they simply don't have time. They just have to know what the show is about (or watch a few episodes) know their character's WANT and the RELATIONSHIP the other character(s) in the scene. An actor that can do this well enough fits into the piece. Screenplays are designed with that in mind.


EXT. WOODS- DAY

Tessa walks on a narrow worn path through the thick brush with her recurve ready at hand. There is someone lurking in the distance behind her and though she is not oblivious to the figure and keeps her cool. Finally, Tessa stops. The slight noise made by her follower distracts her true intentions.

TESSA

Ya know, when you're stalking someone they're not suppose to hear you.

She turns to Daryl now stepping out from the thicket.

TESSA (CONT'D)

Or see you.

DARYL

What the hell are you doing out here?

TESSA

Getting into trouble. Are you here to be my chaperone?

Daryl just eyes her down.

TESSA (CONT'D)

Well if you must know, I'm tracking a deer I saw while on watch not long ago.

DARYL

So you just abandoned your post?

TESSA

Eugenie's covering so no, it's not abandoned. Besides, we could

use a little change from the diet of fish, don't you think?

Tessa examines the area for signs of the prey as Daryl watches her for a moment with curiosity.

DARYL

What you know 'bout this?

TESSA

Country girl. It's one way I've survived this long.

(Beat) There should be water up ahead. It went there.

Tessa walks as he validates tracks. She's right. He follows.


EXT. WOODS- DUSK

Daryl and Tessa are tracking the recently shot deer.

TESSA

We won't have time to dress it if we lose anymore light.

DARYL

Blood's gettin' thick so we're closing in. It was a good shot.

At a closer range you would have dropped 'em.

They continue to track as Tessa studies Daryl for the moment. Curiosity.

TESSA

Michonne told me that at one point you stopped looking for people.

DARYL

Not "one point" I still don't.

TESSA

Why?

DARYL

(hesitatingly)

There ain't nobody worth saving.

TESSA

You saved me.

DARYL

I found you.

TESSA

You saved me. You didn't know who I was.

You could have very well left me dying but didn't.

So was I worth saving?

DARYL

(Beat)You tracked and shot a deer. So yeah.

Suddenly, they react the groans of three walkers closing in on something in the distance. One is already on the ground preparing to feed. Daryl realizes it to be the kill and they dash towards it.

He shoots the one nearest the kill as Tessa takes aim for another. No time to reload, he smacks the third across the head with the crossbow, and draws his knife to attack the fourth. Daryl delivers a final blow to the recovering third walker as Tessa checks the deer.

DARYL (CONT'D)

Is it good?

She continues to check as Daryl recovers. Then, Tessa discovers a bite on the rump of the deer.

TESSA

No. It just started to chew. You think we could just-

DARYL

Naw. I wouldn't risk it.

Tessa gets up clearly discouraged. She takes the arrow from its side.

DARYL (CONT'D)

C'mon. We lost light anyway.