Episode Report Card M. Giant: B | 1 USERS: C- YOU GRADE IT Dead Boss Walking
By M. Giant | Season 3 | Episode 18 | Aired on 04.17.2004
This is a tough scene right here, and both guys act the shit out of it. Kiefer says, "We have to go, Ryan," and slowly gets out of the helicopter. He walks around to Chappelle's side and opens the door for him. Chappelle doesn't move. "My legs are shaking," he confesses. Kiefer tells him, "I got you." He helps Chappelle out of the chopper and walks with him some distance off, but still in sight of the van. Kiefer offers Chappelle a moment to call someone. Chappelle says, "I have a brother I haven't spoken to in years. I don't have that many friends. Just people at work. So, no. No one." Which sucks for him, especially in light of his last exchange with Special Agent Charlie Brown, but we're almost out of time anyway. I don't know why Kiefer doesn't offer him one of his Camel Lights. Maybe he thinks it would be too clichéd, or simply too incongruous if unaccessorized with a jaunty blindfold. Kiefer gently directs Chappelle to get on his knees, and steers him down with a hand on the shoulder. Chappelle asks Kiefer one last time whether there's an out. Sympathy is pouring off of Kiefer in waves, but he's out of ideas. He jacks a round into the chamber of his handgun as loudly as he possibly can.
Chappelle says, "Wait," just as a tear spills from one eye. He begs Kiefer to let him do it himself. Kiefer doesn't want to take the chance. Chappelle admits that he was indeed trying to flee earlier when Kiefer stopped him, but now he realizes what needs to happen and he only wants the dignity of taking his own life. He gives Kiefer his word that he won't run. Well, that word-giving thing always works for Kiefer, so he can't exactly say no to Chappelle now. He does something with his gun -- I assume he's taking out all of the bullets save one so Chappelle can't try to shoot his way out of this, but it's not at all clear since this particular moment is filmed from fifty yards away. In any case, Kiefer then hands the gun to Chappelle, who, still on his knees, puts the muzzle to his temple, screws up his face, musters all his courage, and finds it lacking. "I can't," he says. So much for dignity. "It's all right," Kiefer says. He takes the gun back and goes behind Chappelle again. He says, "I'm sorry we all let you down." Chappelle just shakes his head. Kiefer trains the weapon on Chappelle's bald spot, displaying a degree of tact by not pointing out that in ten seconds it won't be there any more. Kiefer says, "God forgive me." The camera is close on Kiefer's devastated face as he pulls the trigger. From fifty yards off, we see Chappelle's body flop forward onto the ground. Bye, Chappelle. You kind of sucked a little less towards the end there. A mournful train whistle is the only sound as the clock ticks silently to 7:00:00.