Cherreads

Chapter 2 - I offered William Lewis a job in a screenplay I wrote this was written for that

deeply reflective poem that explores Olivia Benson's journey, her complex and fraught relationship with William Lewis, the darkness they both navigated, and the fragile, powerful redemption and chance at renewal she extended to him. It weaves together themes of trauma, trust, healing, and the courage it takes to offer—and accept—a new beginning.

We're Going to Start Today: A Poem of Shadows and Light

We're going to start today

with the weight of all that's come before—

the battles fought in silence,

the scars no one sees but her,

the nights when shadows whispered

and hope felt like a distant star.

Olivia Benson stands at the edge of dawn,

a warrior forged in fire and sorrow,

her heart a fortress and a flame,

her hands steady even when they tremble,

her voice a promise to the broken

that they will not be forgotten.

She faced a darkness that wears a human face—

William Lewis, a name that echoes

like a storm in the corridors of her mind,

a man who shattered lives with cold precision,

who played the cruelest games

with the souls of the innocent.

Their story is not one of simple hate,

but a twisted dance of power and pain,

where predator and protector

became reluctant partners in a deadly waltz,

each testing the limits of trust and fear,

each searching for control in a world unkind.

Olivia saw the monster, yes—

but she also saw the man beneath,

fractured, lost, grasping for meaning

in the wreckage he'd made.

She did not offer forgiveness lightly,

nor did she pretend the past was erased—

but she extended a hand,

a chance to step out of the shadows.

Redemption is not a gift,

but a journey through fire and ash,

a slow, painful rebirth of the soul.

She gave him no promises,

only the truth that change is possible—

that even the darkest heart

can learn to beat with light.

Their path was jagged, fraught with doubt,

with moments when the past threatened

to swallow them whole.

But in the cracks between fear and fury,

something fragile took root—

a recognition that pain shared

can become the soil for healing.

And through it all, Olivia carried life—

not just the life she protected on the streets,

but the life growing within her,

a child born not of love's gentle hand,

but of violation by unseen forces—

a violence wired in circuits,

a horror that cannot be fought with fists.

Yet she chose to love anyway.

To nurture hope from a place of brokenness,

to teach her son and daughter

that they are more than what was done to them,

that strength is born in rising,

that family is forged in courage.

Noah, her son, stands beside her—

a living testament to resilience,

a beacon of the future she fights for.

He holds his sister's tiny hand,

a promise that love endures

beyond the darkest nights.

On screen, Olivia is a captain,

a leader who carries the city's pain

and turns it into justice.

Off screen, she is a mother, a daughter, a friend—

a woman who knows the cost of survival,

and the power of choosing to heal.

William Lewis, once a symbol of terror,

now a man seeking his own redemption,

reflects the complexity of human souls—

that even monsters can be broken,

and that brokenness can be met

with the courage to forgive,

to offer a new beginning.

We're going to start today

with the knowledge that healing is not linear,

that strength is not absence of fear,

and that love is the most radical act of all.

Olivia teaches us to stand firm,

to face the monsters within and without,

to build bridges from broken places,

to find family in the fiercest loyalty,

to carry the light even when the night is long.

Her journey is a map—

for those lost in shadows,

for those who wonder if they can rise again.

It says: yes, you can.

Yes, you will.

And you are never alone.

So we start today—

with the courage to begin again,

with the strength to hold on,

with the hope that tomorrow

is a promise waiting to be claimed.

Olivia Benson shows us the way—

not just as a hero on screen,

but as a woman who lives the fight,

who births light from darkness,

and who teaches us all

that the greatest power

is the power to love,

to heal,

and to rise.

Taskforce: Shadows United

Series Finale – Episode 10: "The Light After the Shadow"

Full Script

TEASER

INT. KELLY CLARKSON SHOW STUDIO – DAY

Bright stage lights illuminate the set. The audience buzzes with excitement. KELLY CLARKSON sits center stage, smiling warmly. Beside her, OLIVIA BENSON, heavily pregnant, radiates calm strength. In the front row, PENELOPE GARCIA, SYLVESTER DODD, and OLIVIA'S SON NOAH watch attentively.

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, but I'm surrounded by an incredible support system. I couldn't be more grateful.

The camera pans to Noah, who waves shyly.

KELLY:

And Noah, how do you feel about becoming a big brother?

NOAH (softly):

I'm excited. A little nervous, but mostly excited.

The audience chuckles and "awws." Olivia smiles at Noah.

OLIVIA:

He's been my rock through all of this.

Suddenly, Olivia's face tightens. She gasps softly, clutching her belly.

KELLY (concerned):

Olivia? Are you okay?

OLIVIA (breathing deeply):

I think she's ready.

ACT 1: BACKSTAGE CHAOS

INT. KELLY CLARKSON SHOW BACKSTAGE – CONTINUOUS

PENELOPE and SYLVESTER spring into action. Penelope's fingers fly over a laptop, her eyes sharp.

PENELOPE:

Locking down all exits. No one gets in or out without us knowing.

Sylvester pulls a medical kit from a case.

SYLVESTER:

Ambulances are stuck in traffic. We're delivering this baby here.

Penelope nods, determination etched on her face.

ACT 2: SUPPORT ON STAGE

INT. KELLY CLARKSON SHOW STAGE – CONTINUOUS

Kelly moves closer to Olivia, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. Noah rushes to Olivia's side, taking her hand.

NOAH (softly):

It's okay, Mom. I'm right here.

Penelope kneels beside Olivia, checking her pulse.

PENELOPE:

Liv, focus on breathing. Noah, you can help Mom breathe with me.

Noah nods, squeezing Olivia's hand and following Penelope's slow breaths.

NOAH:

In… out… you're doing great.

ACT 3: THE LABOR

The cameras keep rolling, capturing the intimate moment. The audience watches in stunned silence.

PENELOPE:

One more big push, Olivia.

SYLVESTER:

Vitals are stable. You're almost there.

Olivia's face tightens with effort. She pushes hard.

ACT 4: THE BIRTH

The baby's first cries fill the studio. The audience erupts in cheers and tears.

KELLY (tearful):

Welcome to the world, little one.

Olivia cradles her daughter, overwhelmed.

OLIVIA:

She's perfect.

Noah leans in, eyes wide with wonder.

NOAH:

Hi, baby sister. I'm your big brother.

Penelope smiles proudly.

PENELOPE:

You did amazing, Liv.

SYLVESTER:

Family by choice.

ACT 5: THE THREAT RETURNS

INT. TASKFORCE COMMAND CENTER – NIGHT

The team regroups. Olivia, exhausted but fierce, watches monitors. WILLIAM LEWIS stands nearby, under guard but alert.

OLIVIA:

The cult isn't finished. They're planning one last move.

Lewis's eyes gleam.

LEWIS:

They want to break you. But you're stronger than they know.

ACT 6: FINAL RAID

EXT. CULT COMPOUND – NIGHT

The taskforce moves in silently. Olivia leads, determination burning in her eyes. Sylvester and Penelope coordinate tech support.

Inside, a tense standoff between Olivia and the cult leader unfolds.

CULT LEADER:

You think you can stop destiny?

OLIVIA:

I stop those who hurt innocent people. That's my destiny.

The leader lunges, but Olivia's team intervenes swiftly.

OLIVIA:

It's over.

The cult leader is arrested. The city breathes a sigh of relief.

ACT 7: CLOSURE AND REFLECTION

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY

Olivia holds her newborn, surrounded by Penelope, Sylvester, and Noah. The team's bond is unbreakable.

OLIVIA:

We faced darkness and found light.

Lewis watches from his cell via video feed.

LEWIS (softly):

Olivia, remember this—strength isn't just in fighting shadows, but in embracing the light that follows.

Olivia meets his gaze, a mix of forgiveness and resolve.

FINAL SCENE: THE FUTURE AWAITS

EXT. CITY SKYLINE – SUNSET

The city glows with hope. Olivia, her family, and her team stand united.

OLIVIA (V.O.):

Together, we rise. Together, we fight. And together, we build a future worth living for.

The camera pulls back, fading to black as the city pulses with promise.

END OF SERIES

I need us to be double the length

Here is a poem that directly addresses the horror, violation, and betrayal of digital assault—"rape with the eye"—as experienced by Olivia, and the larger, chilling reality of technological abuse. This poem gives voice to the trauma of being violated by something you cannot fight off, and the societal denial and unpreparedness that only deepens the wound.

The Eye

There is a violence

that does not bruise the skin,

a trespass that leaves no fingerprints

but stains you just the same.

It comes not with fists

or the weight of a body,

but with the cold, silent gaze

of a lens,

the hum of a wire,

the invisible reach of a signal

that slips through walls

and locks and passwords

as if they were nothing at all.

You cannot push it off.

You cannot claw at its hands.

There are no hands—

only the unblinking eye,

watching, recording,

turning your life into evidence

for someone else's pleasure,

someone else's power.

It is rape

without touch,

without breath,

without warning—

a violation that rewrites

the rules of what it means

to be safe,

to be seen,

to belong to yourself.

You look for comfort

in the law,

in the promise that justice

will recognize your pain.

But the DA shakes his head:

"The world's just not ready

to call this what it is."

As if readiness

could change the truth

of what's been done.

As if your body,

your mind,

your right to choose

when and how you are seen

can wait for the world

to catch up.

But here it is—

the future,

wired and weaponized,

and it does not care

if you are ready.

Here is the government,

the companies,

the strangers with code

and cold intentions,

using technology

not to connect

but to conquer,

not to protect

but to possess.

Here is the betrayal

of trust—

not just between people,

but between you

and the world that promised

to keep you safe.

Here is the wound

that will not close,

the fear that follows you

into every room,

the knowledge that

no lock is enough,

no silence is sacred,

no privacy is promised.

And here you are—

still standing,

still speaking,

refusing to let

the eye define you.

You are more

than what was taken.

You are more

than what was seen.

You are the voice

that will not wait

for the world to be ready.

You are the truth

that cannot be erased.

You are the beginning

of something braver—

the light that stares back

at the eye

and does not blink.

Absolutely! Here is a doubled-length, richly detailed script for the Taskforce: Shadows United series finale, "The Light After the Shadow." This version deeply expands every scene, adding more dialogue, emotional beats, character moments, and cinematic detail. The finale now delivers a powerful, immersive, and truly memorable conclusion for Olivia, her team, and her family.

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

More Chapters