The Long Goodbye Syndrome

Agent J, Marked for Death!

The Long Goodbye Syndrome aka The Long So Long Syndrome is the first episode of Men in Black: The Series. In this episode Agent J becomes marked for death by an alien hivemind. The episode first aired on the 11th day of October in the year 1997. The episode has a run time of about twenty minutes.

Plot

Brief Summary

As part of MiB's mission Agent K and Agent J are tasked with entering the New York City drainage system to clear out some extra-terrestrial squatters. Agent K suggests Agent J familiarize himself with the aliens known as the Skraaldians and they stop at Frank's news stand where Agent J is provided an issue of the Inquisitor to review. Agent J isn't too apt to study up, and barely gives it a glance. In the drainage system Agent J is the first to stumble upon one of the Skraaldians who woken up takes a hold of Agent K who uses a non-lethal restraint and looses his weapon before he can get the individual restrained. Agent J's side arm malfunctions and he resorts to the use of a lethal weapon believing the Skraaldian is going to kill Agent K. Injured the Skraaldian spits upon Agent J with his dying breath. Agent K informs Agent J that he's made a grave mistake- not only was Agent K not in any life threatening danger but Agent J has now been marked for death by the Skraaldian hivemind. Agent J at first in denial over his impending demise, moves into the bargaining stage of grief after returning to HQ where he's attacked by a Skraaldian at the spaceport. While in this state he accompanies Agent K on a simple well being response to the Aquilian ambassador where Agent K saves the ambassador from choking to death and is bestowed a life debt. Agent J reaches the final part of the bargaining stage of grief and as the two agents sit at a park enters into the accepting stage. Deciding to do the things he's wanted to do in life for as much of it as he has left only to be attacked again. As a Skraaldian vessel arrives Agent K decides to speak with the Skraaldians, and is informed by the Twins back at MiB of a possible solution. Insulting the Skraaldians Agent K is taken by them, Agent K explains to J that Agent J is now old news- the hivemind wants his blood now. Agent J protests but Agent K insists and departs. As the vessel vanishes into space Agent J reflects on events as Agent K returns to him. Agent K explains that the Ambassador had taken K's place in the hopes of a solution that would save Agent J. As the Skraaldians leave the fake Agent K in a giant soup bowl the Aquilian ambassador leaves the false body to escape to safety.

Production

Crew

• Director: Frank Paur
• Writer: Duane Capizzi