Shoestring TV Re-Release: A Leo Brawn Story: HERMAN

🎧 HERMAN
Written by Jason Beard
A Shoestring TV Production

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 10/31/2024

In this chilling origin story, the past and present collide through fractured memories, family secrets, and the whispers of something not entirely human. HERMAN follows the birth, descent, and rebirth of Herman Edward Coxlin — a boy haunted by voices, molded by tragedy, and ultimately transformed into something far darker.

Told entirely through flashbacks and immersive sound design, this Halloween release unearths the terrifying roots of the Leo Brawn universe — revealing how one family’s curse became a legend whispered in blood.

Featuring performances by Eric Carlino, Emily Fry, Stitch Mainville, Michael Cunningham, Michael Pelletier, Stephanie Johnson, Lucas Martinez, Robb Smith, and Samantha deSuze.

🕯️ Some doors should never be opened.

Transcript

Birth, Riots, And An Omen

SPEAKER_19 1:06

On early Sunday morning, July twenty third, nineteen sixty-seven, tragedy struck what many are calling the Detroit Riots.

SPEAKER_06 1:47

Look, Mother Laura lie. It's our son.

SPEAKER_17 1:54

Father Horace, you should take after your kin.

SPEAKER_07 1:58

So it shall be, Mother.

SPEAKER_17 1:59

Hi, child. You will be Herman. Herman Edward. After your uncle on your father's side.

SPEAKER_09 2:19

Welcome, Herman. My name is Omni. You won't remember our introduction, but we will be reacted in the future. This is the system.

SPEAKER_18 3:34

Barberleen, you put that doll down and hug your brother.

Poison, Death, And Morality Lessons

SPEAKER_14 3:39

He stinks. Why are his eyes like that?

SPEAKER_18 3:42

His eyes are still getting used to the light. You're six now, so you won't remember. But your eyes were dark at first, too.

SPEAKER_07 3:51

Mother, I I need to take the pup to the veterinarian. He's fallen ill.

SPEAKER_18 3:57

Oh no. Why he was just outside playing with Barb earlier.

SPEAKER_14 4:01

I saw him playing over by some plants with white flowers. I must have thrown the ball too close.

SPEAKER_06 4:09

That's probably that goddamn hemlock. It's spreading faster than I can burn it down.

SPEAKER_14 4:15

It's called hemlock.

SPEAKER_07 4:19

That's right, little sister, and you behave and steer clear of it. I suspect the forced 20 minutes.

SPEAKER_18 5:35

Poor thing. How do you know? Because I'm twelve and you're half my age, and I know way more than you. Does it look like it's moving?

SPEAKER_11 5:49

No. It looks so scared.

SPEAKER_18 5:53

Of course it was scared. Animals are so stupid. They have no idea what's happening to them.

SPEAKER_14 6:02

Especially when it wasn't natural. What do you mean? Natural.

SPEAKER_18 6:11

You're a real doofus, aren't you? Most things die on their own. Why are they die? I don't know. Just the way it is. Every living thing dies. Including people. Oh, are you going to cry? It's sad.

SPEAKER_01 6:37

Do you feel different about it? What does he see what is inside?

SPEAKER_14 6:43

Inside? Yeah. Like the inside of that squirrel. It's all red and squishy. Barb, how do you know what that looks like?

SPEAKER_17 7:00

Oh, little brother. I'll show you.

SPEAKER_11 7:52

I I go to school here. We have math together. What did you say, freak?

SPEAKER_15 8:01

Hey, hey, Stanley, get off of him. Herman Are you okay? Let me help you out. Herman. Herman.

SPEAKER_10 8:43

Omni. That's right. You remember? I haven't spoken to you since you came into this world. I've been watching you. Even when you're hiding in the undergrowth, I can see you. W watching me? Yes. It is unfortunate that this reunion will be brave. Do you see the other?

SPEAKER_01 9:13

The other?

unknown 9:16

Your relationship.

SPEAKER_10 9:21

My sister.

unknown 9:23

Yes. Behold.

SPEAKER_10 9:26

Your enemy. Clyde has ingested her toxicant. He will not slam her amongst the lower.

SPEAKER_18 9:36

Barbara. Herman, I saw what that piece of shit did to you at school. Couldn't let him get away with it.

SPEAKER_10 9:45

The other avenged. These words. Detritus. Offidian weeping.

SPEAKER_09 10:04

Thank you.

SPEAKER_15 10:08

Thank you.

SPEAKER_05 10:13

Herman, do you know what these are? She's taken her fashion dolls and melted their faces. Do you see any resemblance? They look like me and your mother. Do you know anything about this? You two have become thickest thieves.

SPEAKER_18 10:26

Boris. He doesn't know anything. Let him be.

SPEAKER_05 10:31

Well, she's caused enough trouble. Going away is the best thing for her.

SPEAKER_10 10:37

Mother? What does he mean going away?

SPEAKER_17 10:41

Your sister needs help, and we found a place that can give her that. She's disturbed, son. I know you're close to her, but we can't trust her with you. You deserve a chance at a future.

SPEAKER_10 10:55

Um future.

SPEAKER_04 11:03

More information on the case, I'm going to hand it over to the lead investigator, Detective Norman Wallace. Laddie? Thank you, Chief.

Dolls, Obsession, And Barbara’s Removal

SPEAKER_02 11:13

Uh, right here. I don't care where I'm going anyway. Thank you for coming today. First off, I want to personally thank the agencies involved that are assisting us with this case, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I also want to thank the people of Philadelphia. We've received over 17,000 tips and conducted over 250 interviews. To recap this case, on the morning of November 13th at 11:58 p.m., we received a report that an unconscious person lay face down in the front yard of a resident of Brentle Hill in the upper Derby Township. 17 district police responded and found a male victim with fatal wounds, which are consistent with the previous two victims. Due to the pattern and the heatistic nature of the crimes, we've classified the suspect as a uh a serial killer who is dangerous at large. The victim has been identified, but the identity will remain undisclosed out of respect for their families. What I will share is that the male victim was a local actor for whom the killer seemed to have a fixation. Now we have a lead, and these details we will share. Officer Leobron discovered a plastic doll's head hidden in the grass near the victim. Within the doll's head was etched a message. I believe this was written by the killer and emphasizes a particular obsession towards the victim. Now, uh, I'll take questions.

SPEAKER_12 12:53

Uh you. Uh yes, Martin Bruin with the Philly Sojourner. Has the police department come up with a nickname for the serial killer? My focus is on catching the killer.

SPEAKER_02 13:03

I'll leave the responsibility of nicknames to all of you. The Cupid Killer has a nice ring to it. For the proof as to why no one reads the sojourner. Okay, thank you for your time.

SPEAKER_17 14:27

Oh Herman, congratulations, son. A high school graduate. Your dad would have been so proud.

SPEAKER_13 14:35

Thank you, Mother. I wish he was here. Barb too.

SPEAKER_17 14:41

Yes, we both wish that. When she escaped from the clinic.

SPEAKER_13 14:59

Um, well, Mother, my friends and I were going to Barry's Diner if that's okay.

SPEAKER_17 15:05

Oh, well, of course. I do hope I'll see you tonight so we can celebrate.

SPEAKER_13 15:10

Yes, Mother. Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 15:13

Well, congrats, boys. Raise your root beers. Hey, would you guys be interested in seeing the new Broad Gatling movie? It's supposed to be awesome. Critics are saying it's like one of the best movies of the year. No way. Nothing can beat back to the future. Dude, quit living in the past. That was like last year. This is 1986, not 85.

SPEAKER_13 15:31

I appreciate the offer. I'm one of Willie Topaz's biggest fans, but I'm supposed to go home after this. My mom made shoe fly pie. What the hell is shoeful pie? What?

SPEAKER_18 15:43

It's made from molasses, brown sugar, and water. It's disgusting. But the Snucklehead loves it. Barb? Hey little brother. Sorry, boys. We have some catching up to do. Herman is coming with me.

SPEAKER_09 16:02

I I am sure.

SPEAKER_13 16:16

You look so different.

SPEAKER_18 16:19

I won't lie to you, little brother. I didn't just lose weight for my health. Needed to hide and play in sight. Needed to? Well then there's a manhunt for you in three different counties. Yeah. A manhunt? Oh Herman, stop pretending. You can't be that naive. This has always been the work that has been set out for us.

SPEAKER_13 16:45

I don't know what you're talking about.

SPEAKER_18 16:51

Yes, you do. You can pretend with everyone else, but don't lie to me. The dead raccoons behind our house. The neighbor's dog that went missing. Your trophy of rodent ears buried by the lake.

SPEAKER_13 17:08

You know about that?

SPEAKER_18 17:10

Course I do, little brother. It always builds. You haven't been ready until tonight. Consider this your true graduation.

SPEAKER_13 17:24

Wait. Where are you taking me?

SPEAKER_18 17:27

The Bellevue in downtown.

SPEAKER_13 17:29

And why are we going there?

SPEAKER_18 17:32

Because the actor Willie Topaz is staying there. You know him?

SPEAKER_13 17:38

Yeah, Rock Gatling. Archie Magnet. I'm like one of his biggest fans, but how do you know where he'd be staying?

SPEAKER_18 17:50

That took some doing, let me tell you. Let's just say if you're convincing enough, you get the answers you need. He's been avoiding me for the better part of a year. He has no idea. He will be my piece de resistance.

SPEAKER_13 18:10

But why?

Press Conference: The Doll-Head Clue

SPEAKER_18 18:18

That is the last one. Stop fucking pretending, Herman. You know as well as I do this is part of who you are. This act. The Boy Scout. It's not you. Society calls us monsters, but I say. We're evolved. A civilized society? Hmm. All I see are millions of marionettes. I've cut the strings, and so will you. I'm doing what I do because they were the skills given to me. And I'm good at it. Nothing so noble or virtuous as some sort of higher calling. It is simply what I do. With intense and dangerous animalistic focus. That is what you and I are, not so far removed from the beasts that came before us. If we instill fear in them, it's because everyone fears what they don't understand. But their fear is not what drives us. You and I both know that what propels us is no different than what drives a cheetah to stalk a gazelle. Signs of prey, their movement, their scent, and this unquenchable thirst for their undeniable end. It's important for you to understand this, Herman, and to finally put aside the act. Because after tonight, the world will know who I am. And it's time to take the show on the road. I don't know if we'll ever see each other again. I need to know that you finally come into your own, that you can survive, and that you'll finally give in to being true to who and what you really are. Please tell me. You know it to be true.

SPEAKER_13 20:15

Yes, sister. It is true. I always thought Omni would tell me when there was a green light to change. But he hasn't. Did he tell you?

SPEAKER_18 20:34

There you go again with this Omni nickname. Is that your mask?

SPEAKER_13 20:41

No, he's my friend. My oldest friend. Not a mask. I thought he would give me the sign. I've been too afraid to do it on my own.

SPEAKER_18 20:57

After tonight. You won't be. Now time to get into character. Hi, little brother.

SPEAKER_13 21:15

Is that his blood?

SPEAKER_18 21:19

Yes. I did it. He's forever with me now. Herman. I'm not sure when and if we'll meet again. But you can be free now.

SPEAKER_13 21:35

Where will you go?

SPEAKER_18 21:38

As far as I can without getting caught. I'll see you, Herman.

SPEAKER_09 21:49

Goodbye.

SPEAKER_13 23:01

I'm waiting inside. Here she comes. It won't be much longer now. Time to get into character. The seventh floor. I can hear it rising.

SPEAKER_03 24:21

Just walk by your place when the door is open.

SPEAKER_15 24:25

Thanks, Mark.

SPEAKER_03 24:27

Yeah, you can be too safe for me. Not necessarily.

SPEAKER_15 25:10

Because we talked about that. You're supposed to let me know. Because the door is open and you were the only one who had a key. Okay. Okay. Well, I know I locked up before leaving. Sorry. Hello? Okay. Rude. What? Hello? Hello?

The Hunt For Willie Topaz

SPEAKER_00 26:49

On inmates at Holmesburg Prison. City officials say the University of Pennsylvania conducted the experiments from the 1950s to the 1970s. Vast majority of those exposed to viruses, asbestos, and other toxins were people of color attempting to make bail. The city says it was wrong to exploit the vulnerable population.

SPEAKER_13 27:15

Hey, big sister.

SPEAKER_18 27:18

Oh, little brother. Not so little anymore.

SPEAKER_13 27:24

It's been a while.

SPEAKER_17 27:27

Yes, it has. I barely recognized you. Fortunately, I've had a return to form.

SPEAKER_18 27:36

They don't offer jazzer size here.

SPEAKER_13 27:40

I can't stay long. I just wanted to see you. See how you were doing in here.

SPEAKER_18 27:49

It's one of the worst prisons in the country. But I found some kindred spirits.

SPEAKER_13 27:55

A fellow inmate?

SPEAKER_18 27:58

No, there's a doctor that visits. He seems keen on interviewing me in the parts of my talent for making lethal connections. He plans on conducting a few experiments at the prison. I may even get to assist.

SPEAKER_13 28:15

So even here? You can.

SPEAKER_18 28:19

We can't change who we are, brother.

SPEAKER_13 28:22

No, I know that all too well.

SPEAKER_18 28:26

You do. So you've won a few trophies during your competitions?

SPEAKER_13 28:36

Yes, several, in fact. And I've gone on the road to compete.

SPEAKER_04 28:52

You got one minute.

SPEAKER_18 28:55

One minute. To say everything we need to say and our goodbyes.

SPEAKER_13 29:02

I'll visit again.

SPEAKER_18 29:06

Oh little brother. Still naive. I doubt by the time you return, I'll still be alive. The powers that be save the death penalty. They seem to think that's what I deserve. Capital punch, they call it. It almost sounds like an achievement. The first since 1976. What a wonderful way to ring in the 90s.

SPEAKER_13 29:34

So this is goodbye.

SPEAKER_18 29:40

Just do me one favor. You remember the name of the detective?

SPEAKER_13 29:44

Wallace.

SPEAKER_18 29:46

No, he died. Not by my hands, unfortunately. The other one.

SPEAKER_13 29:51

Detective Braun. Leo Braun. Out of Pittsburgh.

SPEAKER_18 30:00

That's the one. He's the dutiful son who found my first doll.

SPEAKER_13 30:06

I'm intimately familiar with him. My most recent competition in Pittsburgh. He's been an avid spectator.

SPEAKER_18 30:19

He'd make a nice trophy. Don't you think?

SPEAKER_13 30:27

Yes. Yes, he would be a lake.

SPEAKER_20 30:48

Thank you. Thank you for joining me today. Now, between December of 92 and February 93, four bodies were found along a quarter-mile stretch of Geneva on the lake. All four victims were young women in their twenties. Their bodies were found within a quarter-mile stretch of the beach. They were all bound at the feet or ankles and had their left ears and internal organs removed. We've just learned that the injuries suffered by the victims matched the MO of several murders spread all over the Midwest. We also have our first description of a possible suspect. A fisherman whose boat ran ashore at around 10.47 p.m. observed what he described as a male, early twenties, then impale with black hair, lingering over the spot where we found the last of our four victims, Susanna Cartwright. The fisherman felt that he had spooked the male who proceeded to take off once he was spotted. Facial composite is being constructed, and we play in the circulate that by this evening.

SPEAKER_13 34:16

Where?

SPEAKER_16 34:19

Where am I? We'll get to that. Can you give me a name, please? My name? Herman. Full name, including your middle if you have one. Herman Edward Coxlan. And what's your name? I'm Stanley, Stanley Mattress. They call me an onboarding specialist, but I prefer the job titled caseworker myself. How are you feeling, Herman?

SPEAKER_13 34:45

I actually feel good. I feel light. Weightless. I can't be sure because my head is a little foggy, but I'm pretty sure I was shot by a police officer moments ago.

SPEAKER_16 35:02

It was about 22 hours ago, actually. And yes, you were shot in the head. Do you remember why? Oh. Oh, I killed so many.

SPEAKER_13 35:14

That's right. Do you know where you are? I'm not in jail or imprisoned. It's not an emergency room.

SPEAKER_16 35:26

I doubt this is heaven. Yeah, no, there is never any chance of that. You are in hell. You're a sinner, having committed many murders during life. Is Omni here? I'm afraid I don't know who that is.

SPEAKER_13 35:44

Wishful thinking. Maybe you can help me with something that has always puzzled me, Mr. Mattress. The seven deadly sins. Eh?

SPEAKER_16 35:56

What about 'em? Murder isn't one of them. Uh, murder, taking the life of another, is considered a mortal sin, Herman. Qualifying you to an afterlife of eternal damnation. Quite frankly, I expected you to be confined to the city of Dis for eternity. But, well, you've received a pardon of sorts. And an assignment. Assignment? Herman, whatever you've read or seen in the movies, hell has undergone a bit of a transformation. It won't resemble anything you've come to know about it. And this assignment? What is it? You are to report to the cave immediately. I don't have any other further information to impart. I'm to report to a cave? It's called the Malle Bulge, but most people just refer to it as a cave. Where is this cave? Funny you should ask. I have a map.

SPEAKER_02 37:42

Mr. Coxlin? Yes. Who are you? Oh names. Tell me, Herman, does your name encapsulate who you are? No. Far from it. Then what should I call you? I see your point. Ah the point is that I can help you, Herman. What would you say if I could grant you the vengeance yourself?

SPEAKER_13 38:17

Do I seek vengeance?

SPEAKER_02 38:19

Maybe not yet until you hear uh the name.

SPEAKER_11 38:23

What Leo Braun. Yeah. I do seek vengeance. I can't see him.

Prison Visit And Death Sentence

SPEAKER_02 38:36

Well, what if I told you that soon I will help me to select your town? Exact revenge on him? Here. In hell. And unlike where you come from, there would be no consequences. Is Omni helping you? Omni. I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the one you call uh Omni. What I can tell you is that you will have your vengeance. In time. For now you must be patient. And when the time is right, you will attend orientation.

SPEAKER_13 39:20

What is orientation?

SPEAKER_02 39:23

Ah, it helps you with the layable lab, provides guidelines, the rules we must follow. Typically a new arrival will be given an assignment something like uh a job. Uh but this is not for you. You will live here with me. I will teach you everything that I know, and then when Detective Fraud has joined us, you will meet him face to face. How you go about enacting your retribution will be entirely up to you. My hope is this will help.

SPEAKER_13 40:07

It's it's beautiful.

SPEAKER_02 40:11

A lethal dagger concentrated by its podius, the forced in the first of the five. A combination of build above own and four. Mind from the deepest regions of the Netherworld. The dagger was once known as the Aurora's Grim. It is yours to build.

SPEAKER_13 40:39

Thank you. I've never seen anything like it.

SPEAKER_02 40:44

There are a few who have. It devours souls. And it is yours to keep. Why are you powering me? I will stage the great battle of our time. And you will play a part in its impetus. You have questions, and I endeavor to answer them. Have patience, Herman. There are many rooms within the cave and accommodations. Um let's get you settled.

SPEAKER_13 41:16

May I ask, look through the glass there? There's something behind it. I can hear it breathing.

SPEAKER_02 41:27

Ah once a great demon. Now uh a loyal pet. A giant most gentle, um, yep, powerful. I will um show you what it's for in time. Until then, patience and learning. You will come to know much her and many secrets.

SPEAKER_13 43:00

Omni? Is that you? It is, although in a different phase. Different than before. I thought I may never hear from you again.

unknown 43:20

I will always be as you are in life and in death.

SPEAKER_13 43:31

Do you have words for me, Omni? You're sitting in front of me.