Taskforce: Shadows United
Series Finale – Episode 10: "The Light After the Shadow"
Full Script – Extended Edition
TEASER
INT. KELLY CLARKSON SHOW STUDIO – DAY
The studio is alive with anticipation. Crew members hustle, cameras roll, and the audience murmurs with excitement. KELLY CLARKSON sits center stage, her warmth radiating through the room. Beside her, OLIVIA BENSON—eight months pregnant, poised, and glowing—smiles at the crowd. In the front row, PENELOPE GARCIA, SYLVESTER DODD, and OLIVIA'S SON NOAH, age 10, watch with pride and a touch of nervousness.
KELLY:
Welcome back, everyone! Today, we have a very special guest—Captain Olivia Benson of the NYPD. Olivia, congratulations on your pregnancy! How does it feel to be about to welcome a new life?
OLIVIA:
Thank you, Kelly. It's been a challenging journey. There were moments I wasn't sure I could do it all, but I'm surrounded by an incredible support system. I couldn't be more grateful.
The camera lingers on Noah, who waves shyly at his mom. The audience "awws."
KELLY (smiling):
And Noah, how do you feel about becoming a big brother?
NOAH (softly, but with pride):
I'm excited. A little nervous, but mostly excited. I've been practicing how to hold a baby with my Aunt Penelope.
Penelope gives Noah a thumbs-up and a big grin.
OLIVIA:
He's been my rock through all of this. He's already the best big brother.
KELLY:
That's so sweet. Olivia, you've inspired so many people with your strength and compassion. What do you hope your children learn from your journey?
OLIVIA (reflective):
That no matter how dark the world gets, there's always hope. And that family isn't just who you're born to—it's who you choose to stand with.
Suddenly, Olivia's face tightens. She gasps softly, clutching her belly. The studio hushes.
KELLY (concerned):
Olivia? Are you all right?
OLIVIA (breathing deeply, trying to steady herself):
I think… she's ready. The baby's coming.
The audience erupts in nervous whispers. Kelly signals to the crew. Penelope and Sylvester are already on their feet, moving quickly toward the stage.
ACT 1: BACKSTAGE CHAOS
INT. KELLY CLARKSON SHOW BACKSTAGE – CONTINUOUS
Penelope's fingers fly over her laptop, hacking into the studio's security system. Sylvester grabs the emergency medical kit, checking the contents with clinical precision.
PENELOPE (to a frazzled producer):
I need you to clear the hallways and keep the press out. No one gets in or out without my say-so.
PRODUCER (panicked):
The ambulances are stuck in Midtown gridlock. We can't get paramedics here for at least 30 minutes!
SYLVESTER (calm, focused):
We're going to deliver this baby right here. Penelope, call up the telemedicine line and patch in the nearest OB on video.
Penelope nods, her hands steady despite the chaos.
PENELOPE (to Sylvester, quietly):
You ready for this, Sly?
SYLVESTER:
We've handled worse. And we're not alone.
ACT 2: SUPPORT ON STAGE
INT. KELLY CLARKSON SHOW STAGE – CONTINUOUS
Kelly kneels beside Olivia, squeezing her hand. Noah rushes to his mother's side, eyes wide with concern but filled with bravery.
NOAH (softly):
It's okay, Mom. I'm right here. Just like you were for me.
Olivia's eyes fill with tears as she squeezes his hand back.
OLIVIA (whispering):
You're my hero, Noah.
Penelope and Sylvester arrive, setting up a makeshift delivery area with towels and blankets. Penelope's voice is gentle but commanding.
PENELOPE:
Liv, you're in good hands. I need you to focus on your breathing. Noah, can you help Mom breathe with us?
Noah nods, looking to Penelope for guidance. He starts deep, slow breaths, and Olivia follows.
NOAH (encouraging):
In… out… in… out…
The audience is silent, many with tears in their eyes. Kelly addresses the viewers, her voice steady.
KELLY:
Folks, we're witnessing something extraordinary. Please stay calm and send all your love to Olivia and her family.
ACT 3: THE LABOR
Olivia's contractions intensify. Penelope supports her head and shoulders, while Sylvester checks her pulse and times contractions.
SYLVESTER:
Contractions are two minutes apart. We're progressing quickly.
PENELOPE (to Olivia):
You're doing beautifully. You're the strongest person I know.
OLIVIA (between breaths):
I couldn't do this without you. Any of you.
Noah wipes sweat from Olivia's brow with a towel.
NOAH:
You're almost there, Mom. I'm so proud of you.
Penelope smiles at Noah.
PENELOPE:
You're a natural, kiddo.
The TV crew, now under Penelope's calm command, brings water, extra towels, and a privacy screen for Olivia. Kelly holds Olivia's other hand.
KELLY:
You've got this, Olivia. We're all with you.
ACT 4: THE BIRTH
Olivia cries out, pushing with all her strength. Penelope and Sylvester guide her, voices steady and encouraging.
PENELOPE:
One more big push, Liv. You're almost there!
SYLVESTER:
Vitals are stable. Baby's crowning.
Olivia gives a final, determined push. The baby's first cries fill the studio. The audience, crew, and even Kelly are in tears.
KELLY (tearful, to the audience):
Welcome to the world, little one.
Penelope gently wraps the baby in a soft blanket and places her in Olivia's arms. Noah leans in, eyes wide with wonder.
NOAH (whispering):
Hi, baby sister. I'm your big brother.
Olivia kisses Noah's forehead, overcome with emotion.
OLIVIA:
We did it, Noah. She's here.
PENELOPE (beaming):
You did amazing, Liv. She's perfect.
SYLVESTER:
Family by choice, and now by birth.
The audience erupts in applause and tears. Viewers around the world watch as Olivia, surrounded by her chosen family, welcomes her daughter.
ACT 5: THE THREAT RETURNS
INT. TASKFORCE COMMAND CENTER – NIGHT
The team regroups. Olivia, now in a hospital bed with her newborn, video-conferences into the command center. Penelope and Sylvester are at her side, with Noah holding his baby sister.
OLIVIA:
The cult isn't finished. They're planning one last move. We intercepted a message—something about "the Eye's final vision."
William Lewis, under heavy guard, stands at the edge of the room. His demeanor is different—less arrogance, more gravity.
LEWIS:
They want to break you, Olivia. But you're stronger than they know. The Eye's followers are desperate. They'll come for you, or for the child.
Penelope's face hardens.
PENELOPE:
They'll have to get through all of us first.
SYLVESTER:
We've already mapped every possible entry point to the hospital and the studio. We're ready.
OLIVIA (resolute):
Then let's finish this. For good.
ACT 6: FINAL RAID
EXT. CULT COMPOUND – NIGHT
The taskforce, led by Olivia (now on comms), Penelope, and Sylvester, surrounds a derelict warehouse. Tactical teams move in. Inside, cultists gather around their leader, who clutches a tattered book and rants about prophecy.
CULT LEADER (wild-eyed):
Tonight, the Eye will see its future! The child is the key!
Penelope, monitoring security feeds, spots a hidden passage.
PENELOPE (into comms):
Team Bravo, there's a concealed door behind the altar. Move in now!
Sylvester coordinates the breach, relaying tactical data.
SYLVESTER:
All teams, synchronize entry. On my mark—three, two, one—go!
SWAT bursts in. The cult leader tries to flee, but is tackled by Olivia's team. The cultists are subdued.
OLIVIA (over comms):
It's over. No more shadows.
ACT 7: CLOSURE AND REFLECTION
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Olivia holds her newborn, Penelope and Sylvester at her side. Noah sits on the bed, gently stroking his sister's tiny hand.
OLIVIA:
We faced darkness, and we found light. I couldn't have done it without you.
PENELOPE (tearful):
You're our family, Liv. Always.
SYLVESTER:
And we'll always have your back.
William Lewis appears on the hospital room's video monitor, flanked by guards. His expression is somber, almost respectful.
LEWIS (softly):
Olivia… I've spent my life in the shadows, believing that's all there was. But you—you proved me wrong. Strength isn't just fighting monsters. It's finding the courage to let others in. To let yourself heal.
(beat)
Don't ever doubt the light you bring to this world.
Olivia meets his gaze, her eyes full of forgiveness and resolve.
OLIVIA:
Thank you, William. For helping us end this. I hope you find your own peace, someday.
Lewis nods, a single tear escaping as the feed cuts out.
FINAL SCENE: THE FUTURE AWAITS
EXT. CITY SKYLINE – SUNSET
The city glows golden. Olivia, holding her daughter, stands on a rooftop with Noah, Penelope, Sylvester, and the rest of the taskforce. The wind stirs, carrying laughter and hope.
OLIVIA (V.O.):
We rise together. We fight together. And together, we build a future worth living for—one where shadows don't win, and the light always finds a way in.
The camera pulls back, the city alive and full of promise as night falls and the first stars appear.
FADE OUT.
END OF SERIES