LONGHORNS Pilot Synopsis

Strange Visitors From Another Planet

Framed by a description of the discovery of the new planet, the subsequent scientific exploration launch, and the mysterious return of the shuttle whose crew will not respond, the opening is segued to the Longhorn in the early evening, highlighting the advances made in everyday life, and at the ranch in particular, over the past seventy years. The audience is introduced to the cast already present at the ranch through character interaction, focusing on Samuel, Chris, Luke and Daniel, with Alexander in the background. The interaction is interrupted by a visible pulse in the sky, followed quickly by all electronics shutting down, including the camera.

The next day, the ranch tries to figure out what has happened. Gathering everyone together, they soon realize that all forms of electricity is gone, not only eliminating the use of all technology, but also cutting them off completely from the outside world. Samuel divides up his group to address their various needs. Alexander is put in charge of finding out what has happened. Luke and Daniel are sent to re-secure the farm, putting up fences and corralling the animals. Samuel takes a group to clear away the now-defunct technology, tend to the wounded, and bury the dead. Finally, much to her chagrin, Chris is sent in to lead the house help in preparing meals and cleaning. Time passes while focusing on Samuel's group, as we see him as a leader and further delve into his personality. It is during this time that the group spots the first outsider to arrive at the ranch, Carlos. He is introduced to the ranch and, through much discussion, it is agreed that a group should be sent out to empty his truck of its cargo. As they are loosing light, however, it is determined that the recovery team should head out at daybreak.

Taking most of Samuel's crew, Luke and Carlos head out on horseback after Chris expresses her feelings for the foreman through seeing them off. The ride out to the truck allows Luke and Carlos to exchange background stories and for the former to go into more detail about the social structure of the ranch. Time is allowed to pass until they reach the truck, at which point Luke's advanced physical abilities are illustrated.

Back at the ranch, Samuel circulates around the ranch. Stopping in on Alexander, he finds that his friend has learned very little. The two debate whether he should leave the ranch to try to learn more, but in the end deem it unwise. The two also reflect on their past together, allowing for Alexander's background to be revealed. Samuel then asks Alexander to try to help Chris and heads out to check in with Daniel. He finds Thunderfoot caring for an injured cow that had been caught up in the new barbwire. As the two men discuss the security measures on the ranch, Daniel's personality is highlighted while delving into the changes the will have to face if the power doesn't return.

The frustration felt by Chris with both the lack of technology and being relegated to the kitchen is shown upon Alexander's arrival. Samuel's chauvinistic tendencies and their origins are discussed, as well as Chris' rebellion against them. The steady disappearance of the household help is also revealed, suspecting their departure to find friends and loved ones during the time of crisis. In an attempt to elevate her concerns, Alexander agrees to help out. The final bit of conversation, focusing on her history of feelings for Luke, allows for segue back to the group returning with weapons. Carlos is trying to learn more about Luke, only to discover that there isn't more (due to the amnesia), when they find the unconscious Becky on the path.

Once back to the ranch, the group discusses the health of the teenage girl, as well as Carlos' desire to leave again to travel to Dallas. Arguments ensue and tempers rage until everything is brought to a halt by warning yells from the guards. The point of view is switched to the cliffs overlooking the ranch as torches are brought out to see what is happening. Switching back, the ranch turns out to discover that Mac has arrived. He quickly reveals the facts of the invasion and what he knows about the invaders (their speed, the fire blasts, the attacks at night), even though he cannot describe what they actually look like. As if on cue, screams from outside draw their attention. The ranch, under attack, quickly becomes controlled chaos as fireballs are launched from speeding blurs of white. Those capable of doing so make their way to the weapons brought in. Trying to direct the crowd, Samuel is hit by the fiery collapse of a barn frame. Against orders from him, Chris rushes out to help. With men dieing on all sides, Luke steps up to direct the fight. The scene once again moves to the cliffs to show Vincent watching the hopeless fight unfold.

Returning to the ranch minutes later, the death and destruction is evident, though the survivors are shown firing into the darkness, having repelled the invasion force. With Carlos, Daniel and Mac taking guard, Chris, Alexander and Luke take the seriously injured Samuel inside the main house. While Alexander does his best to deal with the evident damage, the men outside are greeted by the arrival of Vincent, who offers medical help in exchange for protection. Once inside, he kicks the rest of the group out in order to examine Samuel. Several hours later, he immerges to inform them that the patriarch will survive, but will be crippled. A question / answer session quickly ensues with the group outraged by his true background and inactivity during the attack. The argument is once again interrupted, this time by the now-conscious Becky asking what is going on. The pilot ends with Luke beginning to tell the story.

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