He is immortal.
Born in the Highlands of Scotland 400 years ago.
He is not alone. There are others like him.
Some good, some evil.
For centuries, he has battled the forces of darkness...
with holy ground his only refuge.
He cannot die unless you take his head and with it, his power.
In the end, there can be only one.
He is Duncan MacLeod... the Highlander.
Here we are
Born to be kings
We're the princes of the universe
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings
I have no rival No man can be my equal
Take me to the future of your world
Looks like you went swimming without your life preserver.
You made a mistake, May-Ling.
If you want to fight, let me get my sword.
Oh, no. I don't want to fight. No, I want your head.
It was flawless. Exactly as I had planned.
And you were superb.
Although you could have been a little quicker.
She's dead, isn't she?
I was perfect.
You're good, Michael. But you only get one mistake.
Well, I won't make it.
Unless you get careless, or lazy, or you don't choose your targets carefully.
Everything in the proper place at the right time.
And never move unless you're ready.
And always be ready.
I'm ready.
Excuse me?
Get you something? Glenmorangie, if you have it.
Comin' up.
Excuse me.
Ian. Oh, it's good to see you.
How are you? Mike Barrett!
Ian Bancroft.
It's a pleasure, Mr. Bancroft. A real honor.
The pleasure's mine. I've heard good things about you.
Okay. So. What do you think of the joint?
I give high marks to any club that serves fine single malt.
It suits you.
Must be true, what they say.
"You can take the boy out of Chicago, but you can't take Chicago out of the boy."
You know, you're still the only person I know who gets away with calling me "boy".
So. Who needs reassignment?
I do.
- May-Ling? - She's gone.
I'll be damned.
Here we go again, ladies and gents. Five-card draw.
Joe? I didn't know we were having a party.
Well, the more the merrier. Grab a chair. You can make a contribution to my retirement.
Oh, uh, Justin Russell, Maureen Russell.
Rita Luce. Uh, no thanks.
You know I don't like to gamble.
Well, Mike's off duty, so it's serve yourself at the bar.
Ian. I'm sorry about May-Ling.
Why? I know how hard it is to lose one.
When Casper got killed, it was like losing family.
Casper was your first assignment. You didn't know any better.
But you should know better now.
Your bet.
Check.
So it looks like Trent is definitely moving to Boulder, Colorado.
I'll open for five. In this.
Okay. So, are you gonna go with him?
We haven't decided yet. Maureen's nervous...
about moving to a new city.
- What's Trent like? - Does it make a difference?
Keeps to himself.
Maureen thinks he's been writing historical romances under a pseudonym.
- He is. - Raise you ten.
I'll see that. They any good?
Lot of sword fighting.
He must be basing them on someone else's life.
We've been watchin' the guy for three years, and I don't think he used his sword once.
- Call. - Must be rusty as hell.
Mm. Fold. What was that kid, uh, remember? What was his name?
Took out Richland. Voyer. Uh, flush.
- Nine high. - Pair of queens.
What was I doing in this game?
Full house, kings and threes.
Voyer, yeah. Five-feet-two, and skinny as a rail.
- Didn't think he'd last a year. - He's still around?
Last I heard. It's like anything else. Never know until the last card.
The one that surprised me was Grayson. No one thought anybody would nail that son of a bitch.
I only saw the beginning. Looked like MacLeod was finished.
I didn't want to stick around and see it happen.
Another century and you might have beaten me!
Let there be only one!
There can be only one.
I guess the lesson is, never underestimate MacLeod.
Yeah, he's surprised a few people.
The man doesn't seem to have any weaknesses.
No. Not that I've noticed.
To tell you the truth, Rita, I'm surprised your guy Christian's still around.
As young as he is, I'd have thought he was easy pickings.
Maybe he just works harder than anybody else.
You sound like his manager. Why?
Because I think he's as good as anybody out there?
Objectivity. Objectivity.
Oh, gimme a break. You put two years of your life into May-Ling Shen,
and when she's killed, you just go off to a poker game as if nothing happened?
Well I'm sorry.
- I'm not like that. - Then it sounds to me like you better find a new assignment.
Don't even think about it.
She's been with Christian since the beginning.
Perhaps that's the problem. She's lost her perspective.
- That's crap! - Come on, Ian.
Everyone tends to root for their guy a little.
- It's an occupational hazard. - That doesn't make it right.
- You're too close to him. - Who are you to judge me?
Is this all they are to you? Cards in a game?
Here's May-Ling. The game is over, right?
The game goes on without her.
Here is Xavier. And this one: here is Sarah.
And here is Stanton, and here is Darius!
Rita! Rita! Go on. Keep on playing.
They're just cards!
Perhaps we've, uh, played enough poker for tonight.
Hey, Dawson, what's up?
Want some coffee?
MacLeod.
What is it?
May-Ling Shen.
When?
Two days ago.
In Hong Kong.
Who was it? Does it matter?
Michael Christian.
Never heard of him.
He's quite young.
Became immortal about 20 years ago.
Look, I...
I did some digging, and, well...
I found this.
-One of your Chronicles? -May-Ling's.
From the end of the 18th century.
We had a man in Mongolia. I thought you might want to have a look at it.
Our local champions.
In five years, he has not been defeated.
Perhaps he needs a stronger opponent?
Would that be you?
Some day.
I have heard it said...
that experience is the best teacher.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Perhaps you wish to learn how to do that.
No. Maybe later.
I seek a master, one who knows the Way of the White Crane, not the Bull.
- Do you know of him? - Only one can teach you that.
At the end of the village...
you will find what you seek.
Thank you.
May-Ling Shen. Duncan MacLeod, of the Clan MacLeod.
I've not come to fight you. Then why are you here?
To learn.
I was told I could find a master here.
Who told you that? A man named Kiem Sun.
A good man, but a poor student.
You were his teacher? If you choose not to believe me, that is not my concern.
No! No, forgive me.
But you are a woman.
Are you always this observant?
Body is not particular about the hand that throws it.
True. It must have been hard for you to find a master who would take you on.
Because women are refused training? Oh, aye.
I'm one who refused to be refused.
When one's life is in danger, one is capable of doing extraordinary things.
Great. Twice in one day.
You have to be a reed in the wind.
Neither opposing nor giving way.
Thought I would feel the weight of the mountain.
The weight of the mountain must pass through you.
Not anchor you.
Sounds like you had a samurai for a teacher.
- Aye. - One of us?
No.
Do you wish to rest for a while?
This must be another Western custom.
Shall I have a servant bring you a pillow?
I will let you know when I have had enough.
- I'd like to see you try that one again. - As you wish, honorable guest.
I think I have had enough.
I thought I faced a gaijin with the spirit of a samurai.
What was that superior Western art you wished to show me?
Ah, yes. The manly art of... "roxing"?
That was boxing, and you can forget it.
Just show me what you do. Whatever... Whatever that was.
Hideo was obviously a master.
Did you have a disagreement?
No. Then, why did you leave him?
He died.
It is as it must be.
But not if our friendship has cost you your life. That is not right.
If my Lord chooses to have me die,
that is his right.
And my duty.
So, you're just going to wait here until they come for you?
My Lord has been generous. They will come when it is done.
- When what is done? - When I have taken my own life.
And it would be an honor if you would assist me.
I cannot do that!
You are my friend.
And that is why I ask.
Because if I should falter, you must keep me from shame.
You must end my pain with a pure stroke.
But there must be some other way.
We can get a boat and leave Japan.
I could no more run than I could fly.
Koto is a noble samurai name.
A name I have been honored to borrow.
To dishonor it for all who follow me...
would be unthinkable.
So why Trent? I thought we were here for MacLeod.
Patience.
It's nice to have a real kitchen,
instead of a minibar for once.
Almost like a real home.
I suppose.
At least it's better than living out of a suitcase.
Yeah, but I'm ready for MacLeod. Why wait?
Because...
the timing is not right.
First, Trent.
From what I hear, he'll be easy.
Chopping the head off a librarian.
What's the point?
Because I said so.
You'd be dead without me.
You want to stay alive? You do as I say.
Don't you think you were a little hard on Rita?
No. I meant what I said.
She's getting too close to Christian.
Aw, so what if she's projecting a little?
After her son died, Christian became much more important to her.
We have rules.
Come on, Ian. I mean, getting attached... it happens sometimes.
It comes with the job. You know that.
At least, cut the woman some slack.
I don't like it.
She was right about Darius, wasn't she?
- I don't know what you mean. - Yes, you do.
You spent 30 years watching the man.
You're gonna try to tell me that you didn't feel something after he was killed?
Darius was different.
Would it please you that much to destroy me?
Immensely.
You could have been...
one of the greatest rulers in the history of the world.
Instead, you cower on holy ground.
That was 1,400 years ago.
But for you, the world hasn't changed.
Look outside your cloister.
What has changed? The means of destruction only.
You are a fool.
I should have stopped him. It's...
Debraun was right. People will die because of me.
Not because of you, because of him.
Perhaps it's time that...
Perhaps it's time that I should leave my sanctuary.
Darius!
We killed him. No, we didn't kill him.
Horton did.
No, what you felt for Darius, she feels for Christian.
Michael Christian is no Darius.
Maybe Rita thinks he is.
Hey, Joe.
MacLeod! Um, Ian Bancroft...
Duncan MacLeod. Nice to meet you.
Um, I was leaving town for a couple of days.
I was wondering if I could take this with me.
Sure. Fine.
Look, I'll, uh... I'll see you later, okay, Mac?
Sure.
Nice to meet you.
What the hell was that? How long has this been going on?
Easy, Ian.
What did you think, Joe? No one would ever find out?
Was that why you were defending Rita?
I defended Rita because I don't think she's wrong.
Then you're as far gone as she is.
You gave an Immortal one of our Chronicles. Are you out of your mind?
You think I planned this?
He found me. What was I supposed to do?
Drop a cyanide tablet to keep our secret?
You should have been reassigned. Immediately.
You should have left town. There are rules, Joseph!
You have your vow!
Sometimes in life, you have to do more than just watch.
It's finished, James!
Joseph. We're family!
I'll light you a candle.
He always had a way out.
I would have done it.
No, MacLeod.
We make mistakes, we clean them up.
Dawson.
I'll see you around.
There have been Watchers for centuries.
If we start ignoring the Code, the whole thing falls apart.
It's not always black and white, Ian. This is.
It has to be.
Why do you think Christian is in town?
Perhaps MacLeod is next on his list.
What are you going to do, Joe?
MacLeod doesn't need my help.
Christian doesn't stand a chance against him.
He didn't have a chance against May-Ling, either.
I'm his friend, I'm not his guardian angel.
You know damn well I'm not about to interfere in an Immortal battle.
Don't think he's your friend.
He's an Immortal. You're a Watcher.
He's not your friend. He never will be.
You must have had a remarkable teacher. Yes.
Although we did have some minor differences. Differences?
Yes.
From the beginning, he treated me as more than just a student.
I'm not surprised. I could see where a situation like that could be complicated.
So the student was obliged to teach the teacher a lesson.
And what was that?
Simple, eh? That one of man's greatest assets can also be...
his greatest liability. Had to ask.
I believe the teacher has taught you all she can.
It is time, then, for the pupil to leave.
Yes.
But perhaps... the man will remain.
Are you regarding me as more than a student?
I'm inviting you to be.
I may have to teach you a lesson.
Someone's coming. Who is it?
It's Ian. Better get in the bedroom.
I had a hell of a time finding you. What do you want?
Rita,
I want you to come off this assignment. Thanks for your concern.
Christian seems to have piled up an awful lot of victories...
in his 20 years as an Immortal, hasn't he?
And a lot of them were pretty damned unlikely.
So he's good. So what?
Someone's been feeding him inside information.
Sort of information only the Watchers have.
Rita, why don't you ask for reassignment?
Get out of the field. Take a break.
Forget it. Christian killed your Immortal,
and nowyou're taking it out on me.
Well, get used to it. He's gonna kill a lot more before he's done.
Forget reassignment. I'll see to it that you're out. For good.
And we'll see how your precious golden boy does without you.
It's okay.
Nothing. Nothing is going to happen to you.
Perfect.
I'm sorry.
It's never easy, losing a friend.
You know, coming here...
is the last thing Ian would have wanted me to do.
Do you think he was right?
The last thing we did before he died was argue about it.
Rule number one: A Watcher and an Immortal can't be friends.
Come on, Joe. You don't have to choose.
Don't I? I took an oath.
And I broke it.
And the Watchers have been around for a long time.
What gives me the right to say, "I'll do this my way"?
Because you're a man. And part of life is deciding.
Making your own judgment calls.
And choosing who your friends are.
Do you regret our friendship, Joe?
No!
I don't know.
I should go.
I'll see you out.
Unfinished business is always hard.
If you didn't believe Ian was right yesterday,
dying doesn't make him right today.
Follow your instincts. It's all you can do.
What if you're wrong?
Then you're wrong.
You know, the life I live, sometimes you fight and kill.
It never leaves you untouched.
I know.
Thanks.
I'll see you around, Joe.
Hey! Just the two fellas I was looking for. Check it out.
Guy owed me a favor, and boom! Courtside seats.
I am telling you, Jack Nicholson does not have a better view.
You thought we'd all go together?
Well, I don't know. Let me see, Joe.
Uh, one, two, three...
One, two, three! Hey! Check that out!
It's very nice of you, Rich. Thanks. You're welcome, Mac.
So what do you say, Joe? Will you be there?
No.
No, I won't be there.
Did I say something?
I'm taking a little trip.
Where to? The island.
Mac, is um... everything okay?
Everything's fine. Just have some thinking to do.
I'll be back tomorrow.
Keep an eye on this for me.
Mac, that's one of the first things you taught me.
Make it part of you. Keep it with you.
Yeah, I know. It is part of me.
But it's not my life.
For 24 hours, I'm walkin' away from it.
Take it.
Don't worry, Richie.
It's holy ground.
Joe? Hello, Rita.
I heard about Ian. What a loss.
Joe, I know we had words, but that doesn't mean that we still weren't friends.
No, it doesn't.
Joe. Hey, ah, can I talk to you for a second?
Sure. Excuse us.
What's up? Um.
Mac went off on some kind of vision quest to the island.
So? So he didn't take his sword.
Look, MacLeod's been around a long time.
He can take care of himself. Yeah. Sure.
He can take care of himself.
Hi. Look what he done!
What'd you do that for?
You've got better things to do.
It's time.
Time to take out MacLeod.
Where is he?
He's on an island. A place the Indian shamans used.
Rita, that's holy ground.
He's got to come back, doesn't he?
Yes, he does.
I want you to do something for me.
What do you need?
You help me find this son of a bitch!
-I want your files. -No chance.
I need to know more about him: where he's lived, his habits.
What he's done. We have rules.
Then break 'em. This is my business now, not yours.
- Understood? - Yeah.
Why, thanks, MacLeod. What is this? An act of friendship?
This is so we're not enemies.
You're why I'm here, MacLeod.
I been tracking you for 15 years.
Should I be flattered?
He's gotta be stopped, MacLeod!
Then why don't you stop him?
I'm not a cop, Dawson.
Knock, knock?
Over here. Are you pouring coffee, or am I too early?
I'll put a pot on.
So, how is Christian?
Oh, nothing exciting happening.
Then you didn't hear, did you?
Hear what? Justin called me last night.
Christian took out Trent yesterday.
You set him up! Just like you set up May-Ling!
Where's Christian now? It's too late to stop it.
Maybe not.
Dojo. This is Richie.
- What have you done? - I just leveled the playing field.
No.
Now, we do what we're supposed to: we wait.
Michael Christian.
And you're not on holy ground now, MacLeod.
You're so right.
You're good, MacLeod. But you haven't got a chance.
My God.
Mac!
Hey, Richie. How ya doin'? I'm good.
How are you? Good.
It's nice to see you.
Nice to see you, too.
Thanks.
Thank you, Joseph.
For everything.
What are friends for?
And here we are
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong fighting for survival
We've come to be the rulers of your world
I am immortal
I have inside me blood of kings Yeah!
I have no rival
No man can be my equal
Take me to the future of your world
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