Wayward
Season 1 – Episode 2
Episode Title: Burrow
Original release date: September 25, 2025
Plot: Abbie meets the residents and staff of Tall Pines Academy, including head teacher Evelyn, head staff Rabbit and Duck, her roommate Stacey, and Riley’s alleged best friend Rory, and is introduced to the school’s strict rules. Leila, learning of Abbie’s location, travels to Tall Pine with her older boyfriend, Kyle, who abandons her once she reveals her intents. At Tall Pines, she meets Alex. She infiltrates the academy and briefly reunites with Abbie before being taken. At a grocery store, Alex notices odd behaviours from the townspeople. Evelyn dines with Alex and Laura, where she makes strange and cold comments about Laura’s dead parents. In the room with the painted door, Alex discovers multiple blood stains on the ceiling. Later that night, he finds Laura sleepwalking, trying to leave the house.
* * *
Wayward – S01E02 – Burrow | Full transcript
[tense, rhythmic music playing]
[woman] Hi, Abbie.
I’m Rabbit.
I’m in charge of all the girls here at Tall Pines.
And that’s Mule.
I know the journey here is rough, but it’ll be worth it, Abbie. I promise.
The old you? The lost one?
She was already dead.
But this new you?
I can’t wait for you to meet her.
[sighs]
[lightly] Up.
Violation, sharps.
[Abbie breathing shakily] Violation… contraband.
Violation, unauthorized paraphernalia.
I’m more of a Rolling Stones fan, myself.
[quietly] That’s so fucked up.
[soulful, acoustic rendition of “Dear Prudence” playing]
♪ Dear Prudence ♪
♪ Won’t you come out and play? ♪
♪ Dear Prudence ♪
[girl shouting]
♪ Greet the brandnew day ♪
♪ The sun is up ♪
♪ The sky is blue ♪
♪ It’s beautiful ♪
♪ And so are you ♪
♪ Dear Prudence ♪
♪ Won’t you come on out and play? ♪
[gentle tune fades]
[indistinct radio chatter]
I had a gun when I entered the room, and then I put it down because he was unarmed.
Until Laura entered the room.
Then he picked up the knife.
You didn’t make any movements towards him?
He was… shouting that we were mumbling.
He kept shouting that we…
we were mumbling.
Okay. Um, were you or Laura mumbling?
Stop! Stop mumbling!
No.
But he was agitated and angry, right?
Has someone…
Has someone called his parents?
Hey, you’re doin’ great.
You were scared for your life.
You were scared for Laura’s life. Yes?
Put it down!
[softly] Right.
[quietly] Yeah.
Okay, anything else you wanna tell us?
Did he say anything else?
[Laura sighs]
She’s one of them. [echoing] [sighs] No.
I’m sorry. I can’t…
Hey.
I would’ve done the same thing.
All right.
I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but you did good.
Okay, remember, you saved your wife’s life and that baby in her belly.
So… just get some sleep.
Be good to yourself, okay?
Anything you need, you just ask, all right?
Thanks, Chief.
[Walter] Let’s go.
Who are these people?
Just the cleaning crew.
They’ll take care of everything, I promise.
Soon it’ll be like it never happened.
[chuckles softly]
[unsettling music playing]
Hey, this is Abbie.
If you’re calling for anything other than pure jokes, hang up now.
Life’s too short.
Dude, I called you like nine times already.
Call me back.
If you’ve got Ebola or whatever, I for sure got it too.
So let me know so I can spread it to the right people.
You know, thin the herd.
You better not be skipping this test without me. Just call me back.
Hey! Mr. James.
What are you doing? That’s Abbie’s stuff.
They told me to clean it out.
Who told you to clean it out?
Come on, Mr. James.
Talk to me, man. We’re buds.
Please?
What did you do to her?
Leila, good morning. How can I help you?
What the fuck did you do to my best friend?
I understand that you’re upset.
Don’t treat me like a child!
What did you do to her?!
[sighs]
Okay, fine.
Abbie’s finally free from you, Leila.
What?
You are a toxic addict sociopath with abandonment issues.
You smother her because you’re lonely.
It’s profoundly selfish, but not very original.
Now, was that adult enough for you or not enough?
‘Cause I can go on.
You haven’t answered my question.
She’s at Tall Pines, Leila.
[tense music playing] Where they’re gonna rebuild her.
So that she doesn’t spend her life as your pet.
It’s a wonderful place.
I actually went there myself as a teenager.
No. No, you made a mistake.
Okay? This is a mistake.
Abbie is just a sweet nerd.
She doesn’t belong in a place like that.
It should have been me.
You’re right. It should have.
But turns out, it’s a little outside your mother’s price range.
[inhales sharply]
I know. I know.
Friendships, they feel so real at this age.
When you’re my age, you won’t have a single friend from childhood.
[clears throat] You–
Leila. Leila, stop.
Stop. [shouts] Leila, if you break that garden, there is no coming back.
Do you understand me? You are done!
Eat shit, Turner.
No! No, no, no, no!
Leila!
Leila!
[Leila] Kyle, dude, I need a ride. Come and pick me up.
You can beat Bowser’s Castle later, dude.
I need you now!
[call disconnects]
[Leila sighs]
Away! Move!
[girl grunts] [quietly] Okay.
[horn blaring below]
[tense music fades]
[“Is Anybody Home?” by Our Lady Peace blasting on stereo below]
[humming along to song]
♪ Goodnight, the truth has come out ♪
♪ That everyone’s needy ♪
♪ White teeth… ♪
[Kyle] Yo! [spits]
What’s up, girl?
So if you’re coming, you gotta sit on the subwoofer.
I took the seats out to make room for it.
And I bolted it in myself, so it’s solid.
Uh…
[Leila] Hey!
You happy now?
No one will ever embarrass you again.
Congrats, Claire.
What you’re planning won’t work.
Fuck you.
You have no idea what I’m capable of.
It won’t if you’re broke!
What are you gonna do once you get her?
Live in a hollowed-out tree?
You’ll need money. Here.
Take my babysitting money.
How are you gonna afford your boob job?
I’ll find a way.
I just want her back.
Ow.
So you’re not coming?
Come on.
Drive, Kyle!
[clears throat] [engine revs]
[tires squeal]
[Evelyn on PA] Good morning, students.
Where does your fear live?
It lives in your memories.
In the patterns you construct for yourself.
The patterns you feel helpless to stop.
Have a good day.
[footsteps approach] Morning! [giggles] I’m Stacey, your roommate.
You must be Abbie.
Hey.
I’d shake your hand, but we’re not allowed to touch.
General Conduct Code Three, Article Two. It’s a really big nono here.
Wait, is this your first institution?
Huh?
You’ve never been in a psych ward?
Wilderness school? Rehab? Juvie?
Oh. No. It’s the first one.
Well, I’m an old battle axe.
Been in and out of foster homes and institutions my whole life.
But this is my first time at Tall Pines, so I am super optimistic it’ll do the trick.
That’s your handbook right there.
Treat it like the Bible.
‘Cause if you’re anything like me, you want a set of clear, simple rules that guarantee success.
I… I’m dyslexic.
Oh.
Well, anyway… Come on. I’ll show you the place as I do my rounds.
Are you looking for someone?
I’m the pigeon. When you ascend, you’re assigned a community role.
The role of the pigeon is to make sure that everybody honors hygiene code.
It’s all in your handbook.
[yelps]
[groans]
Frick me.
That’s Rabbit. Second in line to Ms. Wade.
She said I was already dead.
I know. Isn’t she radiant?
Have you ever met someone who knows exactly who they are?
She’s the picture of total health.
And she smells like banana pudding.
Pigeon check!
[gasps]
[breathing shakily]
Stacey, please don’t.
Mm.
I’ll give you my dessert.
Daniel.
I’ll do your chores for the day.
Please.
[blows whistle] Stacey!
I… I think we both know what this means, Daniel.
A scratch.
Third one this week, which means automatic phase down with no chance to appeal.
We all expect better of you, Daniel.
[exhales giddily]
I’m so glad you got to see that it really is a thankless job. [giggles] So that’s the milieu.
That’s where you’ll have structured leisure, spill seshes, and evening free time.
When you reach Build Phase, you get access to board games, but some kid actually swallowed the dice for Monopoly.
So… don’t bother.
Build Phase? Break Phase?
Oh. They’re developmental milestones so you know how healthy we’re getting.
It starts with Burrow Phase, then Break, Build, and finally… Ascend Phase.
That brown bracelet means you’re Burrow Phase.
I’m Ascend Phase.
That’s the top of the food chain.
But I will say, it’s a big responsibility, caring for people like you.
The sick.
[Evelyn on PA]
Please proceed to morning activity B.
[Stacey gasps]
It’s time for structured outdoor leisure.
[Evelyn] Morning activity B.
Let the blood drip down…
On your left is the Ascend Phase lounge.
You’re not allowed in there.
And… that is Duck.
He’s in charge of all the boys.
Super sweet guy.
…let the blood run down, let the blood run down.
[Stacey] Come on!
Let the blood run down.
We’re coming, Abbie! Whoo!
[Kyle] Whoa!
Do you mind?
We’re gonna get arrested before we get close.
Fine.
[“North Dakota” playing on stereo]
[inhales]
Slow down on my blow, please.
I only have that one bag till I get paid on Thursday.
Also, spell out your heroic plan for me.
Okay, so, once we cross the border, we drive to Tall Pines… [coughs] …Vermont.
Did you just cough “Vermont”?
Yeah, Vermont.
I got a shift in a couple hours. Leila!
You’re assistant manager.
You make the schedule.
Know your worth, dude. Honestly.
Come on.
[quietly] Right. ‘Kay.
But, like, you know, this school isn’t like a hotel.
You can’t just check her out.
Okay, if they won’t let us check her out, we’ll break her out.
Isn’t that kidnapping?
Dude, they’re the kidnappers.
Put your shoes on my foot for a second.
Okay?
I’m the only adult. I’m the only adult.
Two minors.
Driving across international borders.
How do you think that’s gonna look on me?
If you’re so worried about how things look, you shouldn’t be in a relationship with a minor, dude!
Relationship?
Oh, we’re seeing each other, but…
Oh, this is sketchy.
I don’t know about this, Leila.
Fuck!
Shit! Leila!
[rock music stops] What’d you expect when you agreed to help me?
We’d help your friend out, and we’d fool around in a parking lot.
Or something.
Okay, we can fool around in a parking lot if it’ll make you less whiny.
Are you just sayin’ that to get me to help you?
Look, asshole.
You said you’d help me, so just drive me to Vermont, and if you’re too chicken shit, I can make my way back.
All right, fine.
I guess I’m in. Jesus.
Okay, thank you. Was that so hard?
Can we just throw this shit out before we get to the border?
Please?
[Leila sighs]
Lazy piece of shit.
[car engine revs]
Motherfucker!
It’s “shoe on the other foot,” you clown fuck!
Shit!
[ominous music pulsing]
[intense music fades]
Are we gonna be able to use that room again?
Maybe we should just wall it off and turn it into storage.
Wall off the living room?
I don’t know. [sighs] [exhales sharply] Hey.
Breathe into my hand.
What?
[sighs]
Riley said that you were one of them.
One of who?
I don’t know.
Maybe one of the people that he was running from.
Why would he say that?
Alex, he tried to kill me and our baby.
He was obviously having some kind of an episode.
Yeah, he was. Yeah.
[sighs] Maybe we should just leave.
Are you serious?
Maybe we should pack a bag, get in the car, and go.
Go where? With what money?
Alex, we can have a life here.
It’s not just about us anymore.
No, yeah.
I know. I’m sorry. Sorry. [inhales deeply] I’m sorry.
[sighs] Yeah. It’s idyllic here.
[chuckles softly]
We wake up, and people leave fresh zucchini on our front porch.
And there’s a lot of trees.
I like trees.
I like trees too.
[Laura sighs]
I gotta go for a run.
I need to just move my body.
Toast, let’s go!
[Toast yips]
[Laura sighs deeply]
[group] Two…
[Stacey giggling gleefully] [group] Three… Four…
[Abbie sighs] [group] One…
Two…
[Stacey humming]
[intense, rhythmic music playing]
[music fades]
There’s a fence hidden in the forest, so you’re not gonna get far if you run.
Especially not without good shoes.
You know, my old roommate Riley escaped the other night, barefoot.
Ever stepped on a pine cone at full speed?
Imagine steppin’ on a piece of Lego, except it’s worse, okay?
Multiply it by roughly 80.
Rumor has it they shipped him off to the Utah wilderness.
Or lobotomized him.
Either way, he got out.
I’m Rory.
Pleasure.
Abbie.
What happened to your face?
Bird hit it.
It was like a really small sparrow.
[group] Two…
Rory, how do I get them to let me use the phone?
[splutters] The phone?
The phone’s a Judas.
They’re always listening, and they’ll use it against you. Avoid it.
But, um…
[spits]
[guy] Now, let’s walk back. Come on.
[whispers] Is that a molar?
It’s a crayon.
Take it. Go.
Doesn’t look like much, but it’s the small, little things in here that keep us from goin’ nuts.
[humming joyfully] Come on, Abbie!
We’re having fun!
Just, um…
Just don’t let Stacey see you with it.
[“Brother Down” by Sam Roberts playing]
♪ One life to live
But we’re doing it wrong, you see ♪
♪ Got my brother down
‘Cause it’s nothing to me ♪
♪ Yeah, it’s nothin’ to me ♪
[Toast whines]
♪ Everyone’s saying
That it’s wrong to cheat ♪
♪ But there’s no other way… ♪
[Toast barking]
[eerie music playing]
Hey!
Toast!
[unsettling music dies down]
Hey, what–
Fuck!
Whoa! Sorry! Sorry.
Shit!
What the fuck is your problem?!
I’m sorry.
Chasing me through the woods like an axe murderer! Jeez!
I thought you were in trouble.
Well, no. I’m a perfectly safe person walking alone through the woods.
[Alex] Fuck.
[Toast barking]
Toast! Toast, come here!
[sighs] I’m sorry.
I’m sorry. It’s okay. Oh.
[geese honking]
So, Jess, how long you been hitchhiking?
Just today.
So it’s not a permanent or long-term thing?
You’re not in trouble?
No. I’m just on my way to help a friend.
Might spend a couple weeks on the open road.
Jack Kerouacing, you know?
“Jack Kerouacing.”
How old are you?
Twenty-one. I was born in 1982.
My birthday is May 14th.
Hey, is Tall Pines far from here?
The guy who dropped me off said this was a shortcut.
This is Tall Pines.
Yeah, you’re in it.
Or the outskirts of it.
I just moved here, so I’m figuring it out still.
[scoffs] Yeah, I figured you weren’t from here.
Queer people who grow up in small towns generally get the hell out.
No offense. I… I’m bi.
Cool.
Yeah.
So this friend of yours, are they in Tall Pines?
‘Cause I can give you a ride.
My car’s right there.
Oh, I’m a cop, so it’s not weird.
It’s part of what we do. Part of the job.
You’re a cop?
Uh-huh.
Cool. [chuckles] Um…
Thanks.
No. No. I’m good.
I… I’ll walk.
I should walk. I love walking.
You sure? I’m off-duty, so it’s not a problem.
No, yeah. I’m good.
You should go do cop stuff.
I’ll see you around, maybe.
Okay.
Bye.
[Alex] Good luck!
[quirky music playing]
Ahem.
Most of the food here’s brown.
It’s very relaxing.
Uh, could I, like, maybe–
Next!
No pudding for dirt!
Ow!
Abbie, you goof.
Pudding’s only for Ascend Phase.
Now, you can’t sit with the Ascenders.
They’ll eat you alive.
And I really wouldn’t recommend sitting with any of the other phases ’cause they’re looking for leverage.
But given my elevated status, I could sit with dirt.
It would be my pleasure and not cost me too much politically.
You’re welcome.
I think everyone’s scared of you.
[Stacey] They respect me.
They want what I have, but that’s what’s great about this place.
Tall Pines is a ladder that[groans]
[guy] Oh!
[gasps, panting]
Oh shit, Stacey.
You made a mess.
You should probably clean that up.
[whistle blows]
Violence! He made violence on me!
Code neutral!
[woman] Code neutral!
[man] Code neutral!
[suspenseful music playing]
[grunting]
[Daniel] No! Stop!
[laughs mockingly]
[Daniel] Stop! No, stop!
Don’t booty juice me, please!
Stop! I’m sorry!
[man] Stop it, now!
[Daniel] No!
[Duck] Calm down!
[Daniel] No! Don’t booty juice me!
[Duck] Got him?
New girl, tell ’em she made me do it!
Tell them!
I…
[Duck] There we go.
That’s it.
[Abbie panting]
[Duck] Off neutral!
[ominous music subsides]
Hey, are you okay?
No touching!
General Conduct Code Three, Article Two.
No touching!
That’s a scratch.
I’m so disappointed in you.
[“Hurdy Gurdy Man” by Donovan playing]
♪ Thrown like a star in my vast sleep ♪
♪ I opened my eyes to take a peek ♪
♪ To find that I was by the sea ♪
♪ Gazing with tranquility ♪
Excuse me.
♪ ‘Twas then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man ♪
♪ Came singing songs of love ♪
♪ Then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man… ♪
[clerk] Have a good day, Leslie.
Hi.
[Alex] Hi.
Find everything okay?
I did, yeah.
Awesome.
Oh. [chuckles] Our town mascot.
Oh, the–
Yeah, toads are beautiful creatures.
Right.
They’re certainly everywhere.
Yeah, they’re an invasive species.
In the spring, you can’t ride your bike without mowing down a dozen.
[Alex] Ah.
Um, I’m sorry. Um…
My housemate is a paramedic, and he was out late last night.
And he told me what happened to that boy.
Thank you.
And I’m sorry for being such a nosy smalltown cliché. Gosh.
No, I’m sorry. I’m…
I’m Hugo.
I’m Alex.
[chuckles awkwardly]
You probably knew that.
[chuckles] Yeah, I did.
[sighs] But I’m glad you’re here.
This feels like the right place for you.
Why is that?
Well, you know, the quiet.
You can actually hear yourself think here.
Need help to your car?
I’m pretty sure I’ll manage.
Oh, sorry.
Thank you.
Oh, and, Alex.
Soon it’ll be like it never happened.
[eerie music swells, fades]
[Toast barks]
[Alex] Hey.
Whose freak bike is that?
You wanna take it for a spin?
Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I forgot.
It’s okay.
Hey.
I knew you were surprised to see me.
Who wouldn’t forget?
After the brutal, no-good, nightmare of a day you’ve had. Come.
Oh no, I’m so sweaty.
No, come on. Come.
Please come.
A heart as big as yours breaks when something like this happens.
Oh, uh…
Don’t just hug with your chest.
Your whole body, or it won’t work.
Oh, um…
Okay.
Oh! Wow. Wow.
[Evelyn] There. See?
[sighs] A transference.
[Alex] Yeah.
I’m taking some weight now.
Okay. Stop trying to steal my husband.
Oh, you know we don’t own anything in this world, Laura.
Merely travelers here.
I think I’ve been hugging wrong for years.
Well, most people go their entire lives without a proper hug. Right?
What you need now is food.
Oh, that’s Gabby.
She… She just–
She saves birds.
I kept fastidious journals.
[“Riot” by Hugh Masekela playing] I would burn such a thing.
Cheers to that.
[laughs] Cheers.
[Alex] Very good.
[Evelyn] It’s delicious wine.
Is it organic?
[Alex] It must be ’cause I have a headache.
[Evelyn] I think it’s meant to prevent such things.
I just… I’m overwhelmed with joy.
[jazzy music playing on stereo]
There he is.
Oh.
[softly] Phenomenal.
[Laura] Yeah.
[chuckles]
I’m so excited for you.
[sighs]
I don’t know.
After all these years, it’s so nice to see this place can still hold life.
Did you know the people that lived here before us?
Not really.
But when things go unloved for too long, they stop… existing.
Mm.
[clicks tongue] But seeing the three of you in here, filling it with all your hopes and wants and pain after so long, I just know there are far better times ahead than anything we leave behind.
Alex, should we open another bottle?
Sure. Yeah. Be right back.
[unsettling music playing]
Want to play a game?
[sighs]
[footsteps approaching]
Your first scratch is the hardest.
But that’s how we learn, right?
Tomorrow night, you’ll be off cement sleeps and back in your bed.
I’d study your handbook all night if I were you.
[inhales sharply, sighs]
[under breath] I said I’m dyslexic, you freak.
What was that?
Nothing.
[sighs]
[indistinct chatter above]
Do you miss them?
No.
Not even a little?
How can you miss something that never really fully existed?
[Evelyn] When they left you, abandoned you at the school, you felt nothing?
Nothing.
Make me believe you.
What are we talking about?
My parents.
Oh. Okay.
You okay?
[Laura] Yeah.
It’s just a game that we would play at school.
Game?
[Laura] Hot seat.
[Evelyn] Hot seat.
It’s a way of holding yourself accountable through radical honesty.
[sighs deeply]
Do you think about them?
No. [inhales sharply] Sometimes I dream about them, but I rarely ever talk about them, right?
Yeah.
I kinda learned to stop asking ’cause my parents were deadbeats as well.
So we kinda had–
Mm.
Do you think being abandoned will make you a bad mother?
You don’t have to pretend to feel anything you don’t, Laura.
There’s more than one way to be a parent.
All right, why don’t we talk about something else?
[chuckles] Um…
Evelyn, I, uh, wanted to hear more about the school–
Such a hero!
[chuckles]
You don’t think Laura can protect herself?
She can.
[Laura] Evelyn.
But last night, you felt you had to save her from Riley.
Excuse me?
Evelyn.
You pretend you can’t hear. [laughs] He doesn’t want to play.
Of course. Of course, you’re right.
Oh, you’re right.
He’s exhausted.
I’m sorry, play what, exactly?
Like, just being rude to each other?
Just honest.
I hope you realize I’m a resource for you, Alex.
When you’re ready to talk about poor Riley, perhaps.
I’ll be here.
[tense music rising] Uh…
Whew. Do you smell that?
Ah! The rhododendrons are really blossoming. [chuckles] A sign of good fortune to come!
What a soul-enriching meal.
I look forward to so many more.
And thank you.
Thank you so much for tolerating an old fool.
Good dreams.
And good night, the three of you.
[door closes]
Hey, Goose. Feeling better?
Yeah. I’m still taking…
[indistinct chatter]
Yeah.
Just try it. ‘Kay. Gotta go.
‘Kay.
[tense music fades] [toads croaking]
[clattering downstairs]
[Laura muttering]
[Alex] Laura.
Laura.
Laura.
You’re sleepwalking.
Come on.
This way.
[eerie music peaks, fades]
[Abbie] Dear Leila, I don’t know why my parents did this to me.
You think you know someone who says they love you, but then there’s this other side to them that can shut you out.
And it turns out you don’t know them at all.
If they were so worried about me, then how come they never asked if I was okay?
They never even talked to me like I was a person.
Smells like a kindergarten from hell.
Like all sour and sawdusty.
I don’t know how I’m going to survive this.
I don’t want to turn into one of these pale, wormy people.
I miss you, friend.
Nobody here is as jokes as you.
And nobody thinks I’m smart like you do.
And nobody’s Canadian.
I miss your weasel vibe and your weird thumbs.
I’m going to find a way to get this letter to you.
Just promise me one thing.
Whatever you do, dude…
[Leila] Abbie!
Abbie!
…don’t come here.
[Rabbit] Hey! Hey!
[girl] God! How’d she get in here?
[Duck] Get out here!
[Leila] Hi. Oh!
[Mule] Code neutral!
We gotta get out of here! Come on. Okay?
[Rabbit] Code neutral!
No! No! No! Let go of me!
Let go of me!
Stop! No! Let go of me!
No!
[Rabbit] We have a trespasser.
[Leila] Let me out of here!
Let go of me!
[Rabbit] Caucasian.
[Leila] Let go of me! No!
[Rabbit] Yes.
[Rabbit] Understood.
[Leila] Let me down, now!
[Rabbit] Search her, and we’ll bring her straight to Evelyn.
Over.
[tense music subsides]
[Al Green’s “Perfect Day” playing]
♪ Just a perfect day ♪
♪ Drink wine in a park ♪
♪ And then later, when it gets dark ♪
♪ We go home ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Just a perfect day ♪
♪ Feed animals in the zoo ♪
♪ And then later a movie too ♪
♪ And we go home ♪
♪ Oh ♪
♪ It’s a perfect day ♪
♪ I’m glad I spend it with you ♪
♪ Such a perfect day ♪
♪ You just keep me hangin’ on ♪
♪ You just keep me hangin’ on ♪
♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ Just a perfect day ♪
♪ Problems are left alone ♪
♪ Weekends on our own ♪
