To pop everything into place... set top margin at 0.5", bottom margin at 0.5" (or minimums) left margin at 1", right margin at .25 I had to tell the program my primitive printer was using legal paper NOTES: I got this script from another source, already on diskette. I assume that on front page LOIS & CLARK is in large, bold, underline, The New Adventures of Superman is in not so large, italics, "Illusions of Grandeur" is in same size font, not italicized; EPISODE THIRTEEN, Written by: THANIA ST. JOHN, Directed by: MICHAEL WATKINS, [and] WARNER BROS. TELEVISION are somewhat smaller; the remainder of the text should be in Courier 10 (or a nonproportional, typewriter-style 10-characters- per-inch font) "*" in the script probably mean "this line changed from previous version" Typos noted: none --page break-- LOIS & CLARK The New Adventures of Superman "Illusions of Grandeur" EPISODE THIRTEEN Prod. #455313 Written by: THANIA ST. JOHN Directed by: MICHAEL WATKINS WARNER BROS. TELEVISION _Production Draft_ Nov. 22, 1993 Blue Rev. 11/29/93 Pink Rev. 12/1/93 Yellow R. 12/3/93 Green R. 12/7/93 Golden R. 12/8/93 White R. 12/9/93 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Illusions of Grandeur_" Pink Rev. 12/1/93 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE PERRY WHITE JIMMY OLSEN CAT GRANT MARTHA KENT JONATHAN KENT ______________________________________________________________ DARREN RONICK CONSTANCE DR. ANDRE NOVAK ROSE COLLINS NICK COLLINS MR. MOSKAL MRS. MOSKAL CHRIS MOSKAL GIRL * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Illusions of Grandeur_" Blue Rev. 11/29/93 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Daily Planet The Pit Conference Room Hobs River Carnival * Newswire Station Metropolis Sky * Magic Mansion Magic Mansion Entrance Main Room Roof Backstage Hypnosis Room Moskal Estate Underground chamber Hall of Mirrors Smallville Pier * * Flower Shop * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Illusions of Grandeur_" Blue Rev. 11/29/93 _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 2 DAY 1 SC. 3 - 7 DAY 2 SC. 8 - 11 NIGHT 2 SC. 12 - 14 DAY 3 SC. 15 - 23 NIGHT 3 SC. 24 - 30A DAY 4 * SC. 31 - 55 NIGHT 4 * SC. 56 - 60 DAY 5 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "_Illusions of Grandeur_" _TEASER_ FADE IN: 1 EXT. METROPOLIS SKY - (DAY #1) 1 SUPERMAN flies over the city, a pleasure trip. The sun is warm, the clouds are high. He rolls over on his back, tucks his arms under his head and closes his eyes, soaking in the rays. A nice, relaxing... WHOOSH! SCREECH! * HONK, HONK! A flock of geese sends him tumbling for a * moment. He regains his flying stance. * SUPERMAN So much for a nice Sunday fly. He does a somersault and takes off. 2 EXT. ESTATE - DAY 2 We hear the faint HONK of the geese. Two six-year-old* boys, NICK and CHRIS, sprint across a lawn and into the woods, laughing. They reach a huge tree, and Nick tags it a second before Chris. NICK I'm faster than a speeding bullet! CHRIS No way. They both collapse, out of breath. NICK Okay. But I'm faster than _you_. And stronger, too. CHRIS No way! They wrestle playfully in the dirt, rolling farther down the path. They see something. CHRIS (Cont'd) What is it? NICK How should I know. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 2. 2 CONTINUED: 2 They get up and slowly walk over to a large, shiny box, about the size of a trunk. On it is a big, sparkling. moon, surrounded by glittering stars and a message. CHRIS 'Open the lid and step inside, and you'll go on a magic ride.' NICK Maybe your dad sent it from his trip. CHRIS Yeah, cool. Nick opens the lid. It's empty. NICK You wanna get in? Or are you scared? CHRIS Aren't you? NICK No way. He climbs inside the box and waits. NICK (Cont'd) Nothing's happening. CHRIS Maybe you have to close it. NICK Okay. The lid comes down. Chris watches. Nothing. CHRIS Do you feel anything? No answer. CHRIS (Cont'd) Nick? Hey, Nick! Chris re-opens the box, but to his amazement Nick has vanished. Chris searches around the box then gets worried. He runs back to the big house as fast as he can. FADE OUT. _END TEASER_ --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 3. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 3 INT. DAILY PLANET - NEWSWIRE STATION - (DAY #2) 3 JIMMY reads a story as it comes over the wire. He smiles, rips it off and runs excitedly towards the... 4 CONFERENCE ROOM 4 ...where PERRY is just entering. LOIS, CLARK and other staff members are already waiting. JIMMY Chief! I got a good one. PERRY Now son, I told you you'd get an assignment when the time is right. JIMMY (pitching) The Queen of England, in the middle of a State dinner, walks out into the garden and starts dancing in a fountain with one of her Beefeaters. My angle: 'A Royal Cry for Help.' PERRY Come on, Olsen. This is a newspaper, not a check-out rag. The Queen's peccadillos after a few too many port sherries is not my idea of a 'good one.' JIMMY (dejected) Yes, sir. PERRY Now, how're the real stories coming? Clark sees how disappointed Jimmy is as Lois answers. LOIS Still no leads on those kidnappings. Seven wealthy children were taken in the last three months. All of them were returned safely after huge ransoms were paid, but none of the kids remember anything about what happened to them. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 4. 4 CONTINUED: 4 CLARK We tried to interview the parents but we're talking very high profile here. CEO's, rock stars, politicians, no one wants the publicity because their kids are involved. PERRY I can understand that but we need a good story. How many more times * can we say there's no new information? CAT enters hurriedly, wearing a very conservative navy blue suit, buttoned up to her chin. Her hair is stylishly coiffed in a bun. Very un-Cat-like. Everyone is stunned. CAT Sorry I'm late. LOIS Yeah. Halloween was a few months ago. PERRY Did someone... pass on? * CAT Can't a girl get dressed up without sending out a press release? CLARK I think you look very nice. CAT Thank you, Clark. JIMMY Kinda like a librarian fantasy I had once... LOIS (not buying) Okay. Who is he? You never do anything this drastic unless there's a man involved. CAT (proudly) As a matter of fact, I happen to be having lunch with Arthur Chow this afternoon. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 4A. 4 CONTINUED: 2 4 JIMMY Whoa. He's even richer than Lex Luthor, isn't he? (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 5. 4 CONTINUED: 3 4 CAT (gloating) Second richest man in the world. LOIS (non-plussed) But not as handsome as Lex. CAT We're on the same charity committee together and we're going over some last minute details for tomorrow night's "Magic of the Night" ball * which I hope you're all planning to attend. CLARK Arthur Chow. Isn't he a little... conservative for you? CAT He and I have a lot in common. LOIS You mean those little green pieces of paper with dead presidents on them? CAT Exactly. PERRY Now wait a second. You're going to bamboozle this guy into thinking you're a straight arrow? CAT That's my plan. PERRY (grinning) Heaven help him. Now, who's up next? Biederman, how about that piece you were doing on Attention Deficit Disorder? Sounds like a real nineties disease. Biederman? You listening? Over Perry's speech, a woman has entered the news room and taken a seat at Clark's desk with her back to the conference room. Clark uses his _SUPER HEARING_ -- she's CRYING softly. Lois looks as we FOLLOW Clark out to... --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 6. 5 HIS DESK 5 The woman is in her late thirties and she wears a uniform-type dress. This is ROSE COLLINS. CLARK Can I help you? ROSE Clark Kent? CLARK Yes. ROSE My name is Rose Collins. I need you to write a story. Clark offers her a tissue. CLARK Is there something wrong? ROSE It's Nicky, my little boy. Someone's made a terrible mistake. Lois' curiosity has brought her out. LOIS What kind of mistake? CLARK This is Lois Lane. My partner. ROSE You've both been writing about the kidnappings, haven't you? LOIS Well, I've really done most... (off his look) Yes, we have. CLARK Has your son been kidnapped, Mrs. Collins? She nods and begins to cry. CLARK (Cont'd) Shouldn't you be talking to the police? ROSE I'm not supposed to tell them or Nicky will be... (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 7. 5 CONTINUED: 5 She can't say it out loud. CLARK It's okay, it's okay. LOIS How can we help you? ROSE I work for Mr. and Mrs. Mark Moskal. LOIS Mark Moskal the developer? * ROSE Yes. LOIS He's practically built every other building in Metropolis. ROSE I take care of their house. Nicky * and I live on the estate. He and * their son Chris are both six and they always play together and... She can't go on. CLARK And the kidnapper took the wrong kid. ROSE The note asks for five million dollars by tomorrow night. The Moskals en route from their safari * but... all that money... how can I ask them? Could you write * something? Tell the kidnapper he's made a mistake. Please. Help me. Lois and Clark just look at each other. CUT TO: 6 EXT. MOSKAL ESTATE - DAY 6 Lois and Clark walk around a beautiful back yard. Lois is scoping things out. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 8. 6 CONTINUED: 6 LOIS So... this is the other half that I've heard so much about. She picks up a small sculpture. * LOIS (Cont'd) I'll bet this could pay my rent for a few months. CLARK More like a small home in the suburbs. It's a Remington bronze. * She quickly puts it down as Rose comes out with the note, * accompanied by Chris. CLARK (Cont'd) Hey, you must be Chris. Chris just nods. He's a little scared. ROSE It's okay. They're going to help us find Nicky. CHRIS My daddy is coming home and he'll take care of it. CLARK I know he will. But until he comes back we're going to see what we can do. Lois reads the note. LOIS 'I have your son. If you want to see him alive again, bring five million dollars to Hobs River Carnival at midnight tomorrow. Come alone. No authorities or the boy will be...' She stops, looking at Rose and Chris. Clark reads the rest to himself. Lois goes over to Chris. LOIS (Cont'd) You were with Nick when this happened. Chris nods. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 9. 6 CONTINUED: 2 6 LOIS (Cont'd) Tell us what you saw. * CHRIS A magic box, with a moon and stars. Lois looks to Rose. ROSE He has a pretty active imagination. LOIS What did it look like? CHRIS Shiny. Nick got in then he disappeared. That's all. Clark confers with her. CLARK (quietly) He might be blocking out something traumatic. MR. MOSKAL (O.S.) What's going on here? They turn to find MR. and MRS. MOSKAL coming out of the * house, looking tired and worried. * MRS. MOSKAL Christopher! The boy rushes into his mother's arms. Mr. Moskal joins them for a brief reunion, then back to matters at hand. MR. MOSKAL Rose, are you all right? Mary Frances and I were so worried. Mrs. Moskal goes over and hugs Rose. Mr. Moskal eyes Lois and Clark. MR. MOSKAL (Cont'd) Who are you? CLARK We're from the Daily Planet. Rose asked us -- MR. MOSKAL The note said no authorities. LOIS We haven't told the police. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 10. 6 CONTINUED: 3 6 CLARK Although I think we should. They can only help and -- MR. MOSKAL No, absolutely not. ROSE (to Lois and Clark) Please, you promised. MR. MOSKAL I intend to pay the ransom in full and get the boy back and if the two of you do anything to jeopardize the safety of -- LOIS Believe me, Mr. Moskal, we want to see Nick back safe and sound. CLARK But we also want to make sure this doesn't keep happening to children all over Metropolis. MR. MOSKAL (angrily) That's not my problem right now. MRS. MOSKAL I think we could use some time alone right now. We'll take care of Rose and Nick, but thank you for your concern. Lois and Clark look to Rose, who seems to agree. There's nothing left to do. CUT TO: 7 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 7 Lois sits at her desk wrapping up a call. LOIS Yes. I understand. Thank you. She hangs up and Clark walks over. LOIS (Cont'd) Anything? CLARK Stymied. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 11-11A. 7 CONTINUED: 7 LOIS I hate that word and I hate that feeling. CLARK The police won't discuss any of the other kidnappings and the other victim's parents want to help but won't go on the record. LOIS It's like knowing there's an answer behind a door but not being able to unlock it. CLARK (understanding) Being out of the loop. LOIS Drives me crazy. CLARK I think this calls for a little magic. Clark produces the invitation to Cat's charity party. LOIS I am _not_ going to Cat's party. * CLARK It's for charity. Besides, it could be our only lead. LOIS We don't have a lead. CLARK Sure we do. Don't you remember what Chris Moskal said? He saw a magic box. Maybe a magician's involved. LOIS That's not a lead, that's a desperate cry for help. CLARK Don't you want to help Rose? LOIS Yes, of course, but -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) White Rev. 12/9/93 12. 7 CONTINUED: 2 7 CLARK But, what? CUT TO: 8 EXT. MAGIC CLUB - (NIGHT #2) 8 A banner reads "The Magic of the Night Ball." A valet parking attendant opens the door of a taxi and Lois and Clark step out. LOIS I hate magic, that's what. CLARK How can you hate magic? A Magic Mime comes up to Lois, practically accosting her with several tricks in a row, ending with a dove flapping around in her face. She looks at Clark. LOIS This is beyond the call of duty. Cat comes up to them, dressed conservatively once again. CAT Abra-cadabra. LOIS Well, you're a regular girl next * door. * CAT Arthur's going to introduce me to * his mother. Perry and Jimmy are * already inside. Enjoy. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) White Rev. 12/9/93 13. 8 CONTINUED: 8 She leaves. Clark offers Lois his arm. CLARK You ready? * LOIS Do I have a choice? They enter. --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 14. 9 OMITTED 9 10 INT. MAGIC CLUB - HYPNOSIS ROOM 10* Perry and Jimmy wander in during the demonstration. PERRY Aw, this is bunk. Let's go back to the seance. JIMMY No, wait. This is interesting. DR. ANDRE NOVAK has a subject under hypnosis. DR. NOVAK Still relaxed, still listening to the sound of my voice. Now lift your right hand. The subject obeys. DR. NOVAK (Cont'd) Higher. Good. Whenever you hear me say the words 'thank you' you will raise your hand over your head like you just did. When I count down and snap my fingers, you will awake refreshed. Five, four, three, two, one. He SNAPS. The subject opens her eyes. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 15. 10 CONTINUED 10 DR. NOVAK (Cont'd) Let's hear a nice round of applause for the lady. Thank you. Right an cue, she raises her hand high above her head for no good reason. The audience laughs and applauds. JIMMY See? It works. PERRY Jimmy, don't be naive. That woman was an obvious plant. DR. NOVAK (overhearing) A skeptic, ladies and gentlemen. Perhaps you would do us the favor of being my next subject. The audience claps. PERRY No, not me. JIMMY Go ahead, chief. Prove him wrong. Dr. Novak escorts a reluctant Perry to the hypnosis chair and brings out a pocket watch. PERRY Don't be disappointed if nothing happens. I'm a very strong-willed individual. Dr. Novak dangles the watch in front of Perry's eyes. DR. NOVAK See the watch, only the watch. Hear my voice, only my voice. Breath and relax, in and out. When I count to five you will close your eyes. One, two, three, four, five. Sure enough, Perry's eyes close. Jimmy can't believe it. DR. NOVAK (Cont'd) Excellent. The subject is now ready. All I need now is a post-hypnotic suggestion. Anybody? Jimmy raises his hand. JIMMY Yeah, I've got one Off his mischievous look we go to the... --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 16. 11 MAIN SHOWROOM 11 ... where Lois and Clark have just entered. They stand near the back and watch the action on stage. CLARK Look, it's Darren Romick, the greatest illusionist alive. LOIS Now, how did you know that? * CLARK (points to program) * It says so right here. * LOIS Well, I'm not buying it. * Illusion, Clark, as in trick, as * in phony. CLARK Lois, he made the Eiffel Tower disappear. That does require some kind of talent. LOIS Big deal. Wires, mirrors, trap doors. They all have their little secrets. CLARK Oh. Now I get it. LOIS Get what? CLARK Why you don't like magic. Or masquerades. LOIS Oh, do tell. CLARK It drives you crazy not to be in on the secret. You always have to know everything about everything. LOIS That's not true, I love to be surprised. (beat) As long as I know about it in advance. CLARK Classic control freak behavior. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 17. 11 CONTINUED: 11 LOIS Well, thank you Dr. Freud. CLARK Full disclosure, no stone left unturned. That's what makes you a good reporter, I guess. LOIS You guess? CLARK Life doesn't always have to go according to plan, Lois. That would be boring. LOIS Are you saying my life is boring? CLARK I'm saying it could use a little mystery every once in a while, that's all. We hear applause and astonished OOOOHS and AAAAAHS from the audience as an illusion concludes. A DRUM ROLL turns their attention to the stage where we see DARREN ROMICK for the first time. A handsome magician with a flair for the dramatic, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. ROMICK Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. And now, for my final illusion I shall be calling, once again, on assistance from the lovely Constance. A young woman comes on stage, wearing traditional magician's assistant garb. This is CONSTANCE. ROMICK (Cont'd) I'm going to need some help from the audience on this one, too. Feel free to call out as we go along. Now first, we're going to need an object from right here in * this room. Anyone? * Several people call things out. ROMICK (Cont'd) I heard table. How about that one * right there? * He heads for a table near the stage and picks it right up * from under two surprised people, drinks and all * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 17A. 11 CONTINUED: 2 11 ROMICK (Cont'd) You don't mind, do you? In fact, * why don't the two of you just * bring your chairs and sit right up * here on stage. Constance? Help * the lovely couple, would you? * They follow him on stage. * ROMICK (Cont'd) Okay, next I need a dead animal. * The audience reacts appropriately. * ROMICK (Cont'd) Did I hear rat? * More disgusted noises from the crowd as Romick walks * among them again, searching. * ROMICK (Cont'd) We must have a special telepathy * tonight folks because I there's * one in here somewhere. Could you all just check under your tables * please? Oh! Okay, here's one. * It's not a rat but it's close. * He picks up a woman's full-length mink coat from off the * back of her chair. * ROMICK (Cont'd) Mink, right? You don't mind if I * borrow it for a few minutes, do * you? Great. * Constance brings out a coat rack from backstage and * places the mink on it as Romick continues from on stage. * ROMICK (Cont'd) Real fur? * He shakes his head. * ROMICK (Cont'd) * You know, some people can get really militant about that. I * hear they splatter paint all over * these things. * Romick takes a spray can and makes a big red "X" on the * coat. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 18. 11 CONTINUED: 3 11 ROMICK (Cont'd) You're not worried are you? I * mean, it's only a trick, right? * Boy, are you naive. Next, I need * a _live_ animal. Okay, a live animal that you'd like to see at a * zoo. * We hear "kangaroo, elephant, hippopotamus, giant panda." * Romick sighs. ROMICK (Cont'd) Great Panda, too easy. Oh, oh, * did I hear cow? Now you're * challenging me. Constance, any * chance of a Gernsey? * Constance brings in a cow. * ROMICK (Cont'd) What do you know?! Telepathy * folks. Now, clearly I have no * control over these items. There has been no prearrangement and surely no trap door can possibly accommodate all of them at once, so what I'm about to do is... truly impossible. Unless, of course, you believe in magic. A giant box with a moon and stars on it comes down from the ceiling. Romick guides it over the objects. ROMICK (Cont'd) All it takes is a little imagination. He and Constance spin the box around while Lois and Clark watch. LOIS Clark, look at that box. Isn't that what Rose's son described to us? CLARK Sure looks like it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Pink Rev. 12/1/93 19. 11 CONTINUED: 4 11 ROMICK Now, you're thinking, he's using this time to get them out. Romick opens one side -- the orangutan is still there. * ROMICK (Cont'd) If he were really good, they'd be gone in an instant! Suddenly, there is a FLASH of light and a cloud of smoke. Romick sends the cover flying back up and, voila, everything has disappeared. More OOOHS and AAAHS and APPLAUSE from the audience. ROMICK (Cont'd) And that, my friends, is the mystery of the magic box. The audience goes wild as Romick takes his bows. LOIS Well, you were right about one thing. CLARK What's that? LOIS We've got a lead. Off their pensive faces. FADE OUT: _END ACT ONE_ --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Pink Rev. 12/1/93 20. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 12 EXT. MOSKAL ESTATE - (DAY #3) 12 Lois and Clark are with Moskal once again. MR. MOSKAL I've sent him away for safekeeping. If the kidnapper finds out he's made a mistake I don't want Christopher in danger. LOIS We can understand that, Mr. Moskal, but we need to know more about that box he saw. It's very important to the investigation. MR. MOSKAL I thought I made myself clear. There is to be no investigation either by the police or the Daily Planet. Rose approaches. ROSE Phone, Mr. Moskal. MR. MOSKAL Thank you. Please show them out. She waits until he's back in the house before she speaks. ROSE He's meeting the kidnapper with the money tonight. Everything's going to be okay. CLARK (thinking) I'm sure it will be. CUT TO: 13 INT. DAILY PLANET - NEWSWIRE STATION - DAY 13 A steady stream of paper collects at the floor as a pair of heels enters the frame. We PAN up to discover Cat * reading a newswire story over Jimmy's shoulder, still * dressed like a school marm. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 21. 13 CONTINUED: 13 JIMMY Herbert Ralston, owner of the four-star Fitz-Ralston Hotel chain has announced he will convert all his facilities into shelters for the homeless. Something weird is going on. All these famous people doing crazy things. CAT Sounds like good gossip to me. She tears off the section she needs and heads for her desk as Jimmy follows. JIMMY Another date with Chow? This is getting pretty serious. CAT Seriously stifling. With one tug her staid clothing breaks away, revealing another revealing Cat outfit underneath. Jimmy approves as they pass Lois at her desk. LOIS What happened to the new you? * CAT The old me wanted out for awhile. * I don't know how you regular girls do it. Those clothes are like straight jackets. Lois looks behind Cat for a moment. LOIS What's Arthur Chow doing here? Cat panics. She drops to her hands and knees. CAT Where? Did he see me? LOIS (smiling) That was almost too easy. Cat realizes she's been tricked. She stands. CAT And that was low. Even for you. She leaves them as Clark comes over. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 5. 13 CONTINUED: 2 13 CLARK Two o'clock, Magic Club. Darren * Romick wasn't there but his assistant said she'd be glad to talk to us. LOIS Somehow I don't think the Great Romick is going to be greatly cooperative. JIMMY Let me come, too. Maybe I could write a side bar on your story. LOIS It'd be okay with us, Jimmy, but I don't think Perry'll go for it. JIMMY I believe I have that covered. He spots Perry heading toward them. JIMMY (Cont'd) Mr. White! I've got an idea. PERRY What is it now, Olsen? JIMMY Why don't I help Clark and Lois on this kidnapping story? PERRY Now, Jimmy... JIMMY I'll bring my camera and maybe even write a side bar. What do you think... (pointedly) _Chief_? Jimmy waits expectantly. Without missing a beat, Perry answers. PERRY That's brilliant, Jimmy. Perry gives a "where did that come from" look, then he leaves. Lois and Clark are surprised. Jimmy beams. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Goldenrod Rev. 12/8/93 23. 13 CONTINUED: 3 13 JIMMY What did I tell you? I think things are finally going to be different around here. CUT TO: 14 INT. MAGIC CLUB SHOWROOM - DAY 14 Constance talks with Lois, Clark and Jimmy. CONSTANCE This place was built over forty years ago. A group of magicians wanted a club far themselves. My father was a charter member. It was a very secret society. Even now it's only open to members and their guests. CLARK We're here because of the kidnappings. One of the intended * victims said something about a * magic box. When we saw your trick * last night, it made us think a * magician may be involved. * CONSTANCE Someone from here? LOIS (guarded) * We're not sure yet. * (eager) * So, this box thing, tell us how it * works. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Goldenrod Rev. 12/8/93 24-25. 14 CONTINUED: 14 CONSTANCE Well, it's a combination of distraction ...... DR. NOVAK (0.S.) Genius. They turn to find Dr. Novak, the hypnotist. DR. NOVAK (Cont'd) Darren Romick is the greatest that ever lived, and I don't think he'd appreciate having his secrets revealed. Wouldn't you agree, Constance? CONSTANCE Yes, Doctor. She leaves. DR. NOVAK So, how is our experiment going? * JIMMY (downplaying) Uh, fine. Just fine. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Goldenrod Rev. 12/8/93 26. 14 CONTINUED: 2 14 LOIS What experiment? JIMMY It's nothing... DR. NOVAK Just a small post-hypnotic suggestion we gave to this young man's boss. CLARK You hypnotized Perry? JIMMY It worked, didn't it? Every time I say the word 'Chief,' the Chief tells me I'm brilliant. LOIS Jimmy, that's terrible. Will it work if I say it? DR. NOVAK The suggestion was very precise. * Only Jimmy's voice will trigger * the response. * CLARK So Perry doesn't -- JIMMY -- have to know. * Romick appears. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Green Rev. 12/7/93 27. 14 CONTINUED: 3 14 ROMICK I believe guests are only welcome after six, Dr. Novak. CLARK We're from the Daily Planet. LOIS We think your box trick is linked to a series of kidnappings. ROMICK Dogs do tricks. I create illusions. Would you like to see * one? * LOIS No, I... * He takes out a deck of cards. * ROMICK When you see a black card, say * 'coal.' When you see a red one * say 'fire.' Ready? * LOIS Coal... Coal... Fire. * And he does. The deck sprays right into her face. * ROMICK Sorry we can't help you. * There is a flash of light and a puff of smoke and Romick is gone. They look around. So is Dr. Novak. PERRY (prelap) So, what've you got? CUT TO: 15 INT. DAILY PLANET - (NIGHT #3) 15 Lois, Clark and Perry are at Clark's desk. It's late. Most everybody else is gone. LOIS Only a theory. CLARK After we left the Magic Club I called the box trick manufacturer. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Green Rev. 12/7/93 27A. 15 CONTINUED: 15 CLARK There were only two made with that specific moon and stars design and they both belong to Darren Romick. LOIS I think we've got enough for a preliminary article. What do you think... (testing) ... _Chief_? Lois and Clark study his reaction. PERRY Absolutely not! All you've got is speculation and you both know it. He heads off. LOIS Well, so much for that. Jimmy rushes up to him and hands him a photo. JIMMY Look at this. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 28. 15 CONTINUED: 15 PERRY It's the Pope. JIMMY Yeah. At a _Madonna_ concert. Famous people are acting really strange lately. I think there' s a story here. Whaddya say I write it, _Chief_? Right on cue. PERRY That's brilliant, Jimmy. Perry looks slightly perplexed again as he leaves. JIMMY Putty in my hands. CLARK Jimmy, don't you think what you're doing is a little... unethical? JIMMY Hey, it's not like I'm asking him to send me to Tahiti or anything This is strictly business. Although, a weekend in Florida would be nice... LOIS Jimmy... JIMMY Forget I mentioned it. LOIS So, who's hungry? We've only got two hours. JIMMY Until what? LOIS Moskal meets the kidnapper at midnight. I plan to be there. CLARK I don't think that's such a good idea. LOIS Why not? (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 29. 15 CONTINUED: 2 15 CLARK It's dangerous, for one thing. LOIS When has that ever stopped us? CLARK I don't think we should get in the way. The best thing to do is wait it out and talk to Moskal afterwards. LOIS (beat) You're right. CLARK (expecting an argument) I am? LOIS Yes. We should be adult about this. There's no reason to get in the middle of it. We'll write the story when Rose's son is safely returned home. CLARK I'm proud of you, Lois. LOIS Thank you, Clark. He puts on his coat and checks his watch. CLARK I'll meet you at the Moskal estate first thing in the morning. LOIS Good night. CLARK Good night. Clark leaves. Jimmy has been watching in disbelief. JIMMY Are you feeling okay? LOIS Get your camera. * Jimmy smiles. CUT TO: --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 30. 16 EXT. HOBS RIVER CARNIVAL - NIGHT 16* It's a foggy, eerie night. Lois and Jimmy creep through the booths and rides. * JIMMY I'm beginning to appreciate the office. It's freezing out here. * * Headlights approach in the distance. LOIS Shhh... She drags Jimmy behind a small ticket booth. * LOIS (Cont'd) Just take the pictures, will you? * 17 MOSKAL 17 ... steps out of the car, leaving the headlights on. He carries a briefcase. He checks his watch. MR. MOSKAL (calling out) I'm here. Alone. Where's the boy? (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 31. 17 CONTINUED: 17 Suddenly, the CAROUSEL comes to life; lights, music, everything. Nicky rides one of the horses, looking almost like an apparition. MR. MOSKAL (Cont'd) Nicky! Before anything else can happen, SUPERMAN _SWOOPS_ in. SUPERMAN I've got him. He _FLIES_ directly toward the boy, but when he goes to pick him up, Nicky vanishes into thin air and the carousel stops. 18 LOIS AND JIMMY 18 ... stare in disbelief. LOIS Keep shooting! JIMMY There's no light. * He keeps clicking anyway. * 19 BACK TO SCENE 19 Superman can't understand what happened. MR. MOSKAL What have you done? Where's the boy? SUPERMAN (confused) He was never here. Superman looks around. He spots a dark car in the distance and approaches it. A dark, HOODED FIGURE steps out from the shadows swinging a shining pocket watch back and forth. HOODED FIGURE (throaty whisper) See the watch, only the watch. Hear my voice, only my voice. Your mind is clear, your will is gone. You will obey my commands any time you hear this phrase: 'The moon and the stars.' (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 32. 19 CONTINUED: 19 Superman can't take his eyes off the watch. * HOODED FIGURE Wrong will seem right to you. And * you will not remember. * 20 OMITTED 20 21 LOIS AND JIMMY 21 ...strain to see. LOIS What's he doing? JIMMY I don't know. They see Nick escape from the car and start to run, the Hooded Figure not far behind. LOIS Superman! It's Nick. 22 OMITTED 22 23 SUPERMAN 23 ..._FLIES_ over and picks Nick up in his arms. The Hooded Figure approaches. HOODED FIGURE The moon and the stars command you to give me the boy. NICK No, Superman, no! Superman looks at the boy. Without emotion he hands him over to the Hooded Figure, who runs back to his car, escaping just as Lois, Jimmy and Moskal arrive. Superman ignores them as he _TAKES OFF_ off into the night. JIMMY What the...? * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 32A. 23 CONTINUED: 23 LOIS (incredulous) * It's like Superman's been hypnotized. FADE OUT: _END ACT TWO_ --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Green Rev. 12/7/93 33. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 24 INT. DAILY PLANET - (DAY #4) 24 Lois is at her desk with Jimmy. They look at a copy of the Daily Planet with Lois' story and Jimmy's pictures on the front page. The headline reads "SUPER-PSYCHE." Neither one of them is overjoyed. LOIS You did it, Jimmy, you're on the * front page again. * JIMMY Yeah. I just wish it didn't make Superman look so bad. Clark enters, reading the paper as well. He looks preoccupied. Lois approaches. LOIS Clark, I'm sorry we went there without you last night, but -- CLARK Is this really what happened? LOIS (nods) Jimmy saw the whole thing, too. CLARK I don't understand... LOIS Well, you were so adamant about not going and -- CLARK (almost to himself) I don't remember any of it. LOIS Of course you don't, you weren't there. Did you get enough sleep last night? You look kind of funny. CLARK I'm fine. I think. Are you sure Superman was hypnotized last night? LOIS I can't think of any other explanation for what he did. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 33A. 24 CONTINUED: 24 CLARK He just gave the boy back to the * kidnapper? * LOIS (nods) * He clearly had no control over * what he was doing. I'm really * worried about him, Clark. * CLARK So am I. * Perry comes over. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Green Rev. 12/7/93 34. 24 CONTINUED: 2 24 PERRY I just got off the phone with the Chief of Police. There was no evidence left on the scene and nothing in your photographs that pointed to anybody but Superman. LOIS But we all saw it. Even Moskal. PERRY And he's not talking. Now I'm not telling you to drop this story 'cause I believe you saw what you said you did. We just need something concrete, that's all. JIMMY Great. We'll just get a signed confession from the kidnapper and hand it over to the police chief. He realizes what he's said a beat too late. Perry answers on cue. PERRY That's brilliant, Jimmy. He pats Jimmy on the back and walks into his office. JIMMY This is really starting to bug me. Lois' phone RINGS. She answers. LOIS Lois Lane. Great, we'll be right * there. * (to Clark) * That was Constance. We're going * to find out more about the Magnificent Romick. Come on, let's go. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 35. 24 CONTINUED: 3 24 CLARK (CONT'D) You go ahead. I've got someone else I want to talk to. 25 INT. MAGIC CLUB - MAIN SHOWROOM - DAY 25* Lois talks to Constance. * * CONSTANCE You can understand, can't you? He can be very... difficult sometimes. LOIS Completely off the record. You're an anonymous source. Constance looks around, just to be sure. CONSTANCE Darren went through a real bad period about a year ago. He had run up a lot of debt and at the same time he lost his big contract in Vegas. LOIS Gambling problem? (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 36-36A. 25 CONTINUED: 25 CONSTANCE (nodding) Big one. The casino owner found out Darren disguised himself and used his skills to cheat at the tables for years. Anyway, after that Darren was wiped out financially and no one would hire him. At least he didn't go to jail. LOIS But he's back on top now. CONSTANCE About three months ago things started to change. He was rich again. I thought he might be back to gambling but he told me it was all from an anonymous benefactor. LOIS Or a series of kidnappings. CONSTANCE You don't think Darren...? LOIS That's exactly what I think. What about hypnosis? Does Darren know how to do it? CONSTANCE Yes, we've used it in our act. Look, you don't know anything for sure. I mean, you have no proof, do you? LOIS Not yet. But if it's him, I'll find some sooner or later. Around a corner, Romick is listening to every word. * CUT TO: 25A 25A THRU OMITTED THRU 26 26 --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 37. 27 CONFERENCE ROOM 27 Clark watches as Dr. Novak talks to a LITTLE GIRL under hypnosis. DR. NOVAK When I snap my fingers you will awaken, feeling happy and safe. Five, four, three, two, one. He snaps. The girl opens her eyes. DR. NOVAK (Cont'd) There. GIRL Is it over? DR. NOVAK Yes. You did very well, my dear. You may go to your mother now. * The girl leaves. CLARK So, what do you think? (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 38. 27 CONTINUED: 27 DR. NOVAK Definite hypnosis. They were each given a powerful suggestion to forget everything that happened to them while they were kidnapped, so powerful, in fact, that I cannot reverse it, only identify it. CLARK There's got to be something that can help us. DR. NOVAK The only image that a few of them kept remembering was the night sky, specifically the moon and the stars. Clark's expression changes slightly. CLARK What did you say? DR. NOVAK The moon and the stars. With that, Clark stands and walks out of the room, leaving Dr. Novak. DR. NOVAK (Cont'd) Mr. Kent? 28 PIT 28 Clark passes Jimmy JIMMY Hey, C.K., there's a rogue general in the Persian Gulf about to launch a missile against the President's order. Perry wants you on it right... But Clark keeps walking, not paying any attention. JIMMY (Cont'd) C.K.? Clark gets into the elevator, his eyes staring straight ahead as the doors close. CUT TO: --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 39. 29 EXT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 29 Lois gets out of a cab and is about to enter the building when she hears a _CRASH_ down the street behind her. She turns around to see people scattering and SCREAMING. She * is shocked to find Superman walking down the sidewalk, systematically ripping parking meters out of the * sidewalk. * LOIS Superman! But he doesn't stop, he just repeats to himself, over and over... SUPERMAN Wrong is right, wrong is right... When he reaches the Daily Planet building he doesn't even acknowledge Lois, he just _FLIES_ away. LOIS Superman, no... Off Lois' worried face. CUT TO: 30 EXT. SMALLVILLE - PIER/LAKE - DAY 30* A quiet contrast to the chaotic street scene. Clark is * flanked by JONATHAN and MARTHA. He looks wiped out. * CLARK No, I don't remember _any_ of it. I woke up on my bed in the suit. That's it. Martha puts her arm through his and gives him a hug. * CLARK I didn't know what to do so I came here. Do you really think I could be under some kind of hypnosis? JONATHAN If there's one thing we know about you, son, it's that anything's possible. 30A TIME CUT 30A They continue walking to the end of the pier. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 39A. 30A CONTINUED: 30A CLARK Do you guys think that my brain * works the same way as yours does? (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 40. 30A CONTINUED: 2 30A MARTHA Think about it, honey. You were raised to think like a man. All your perceptions, all of your values are human. It makes sense that you would be as susceptible to hypnosis as the next guy. CLARK But the consequences are a little more disturbing. I really could've hurt somebody today. JONATHAN But you didn't. Maybe whatever makes you different from us gives you the ability to fight off any negative suggestions. CLARK And what if it doesn't? MARTHA Listen to me, Clark, the only way you're going to be truly safe is if you and Lois can find this terrible person before they make you do anything worse. Clark knows she's right. CUT TO: 31 INT. MAGIC MANSION - MAIN SHOWROOM - (NIGHT #4) 31* Romick is performing. Lois sits at a table near the stage. Clark enters and sits next to her. LOIS Where have you been all day? Jimmy said you just left without saying anything. CLARK I've been a little out of it. Must be the flu coming on. LOIS Constance told me that Romick's had a heavy infusion of cash in the last three months. He's also well-versed in hypnosis. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 41. 31 CONTINUED: 31 CLARK What about Dr. Novak? Or any other hypnotist, for that matter. LOIS I know it's Romick. I just have to prove it. (worried) Oh, Clark, you should've seen it today. Superman was completely out of control. It really scared me. CLARK Me, too. Romick's got to be stopped before he can get Superman into any more trouble. LOIS (standing) I'm going backstage to see what I can find. He'll be out here for at least another twenty minutes. CLARK Lois, wait -- She starts to leave when another illusion begins. ROMICK For my next amazement, I'm going to need an assistant from our audience. He spots Lois leaving. ROMICK (Cont'd) You! The pretty lady on her way out. Lois turns around. ROMICK (Cont'd) Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on stage Lois Lane from the Daily Planet. Everyone applauds. A spotlight hits Lois and she can't really get out of it. She looks at Clark as she passes on her way up. ROMICK (Cont'd) Now, don't be shy, Miss Lane. I believe we can put all your doubts about illusion to rest this evening. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 42. 31 CONTINUED: 2 31 Constance wheels out a tall box with small slits on all sides. Romick opens the box. ROMICK (Cont'd) All you have to do is step inside. Lois looks nervous. CLARK (whispering) * Lois, I don't think you... * ROMICK Come now, Miss Lane. You're not afraid, are you? It's only a trick, after all, isn't that what you said before? LOIS (challenged, to Clark) * What can he do to me in front of * all these people? * She goes on stage and climbs into the open box as the * crowd applauds. Romick closes it, leaving only her head * sticking out. ROMICK (Cont'd) This is one of the most dangerous illusions in all of magic. Constance wheels out a covered rack. He dramatically * pulls the cover off of it, revealing a rack of shining, * double-edged swords. Lois is very nervous now. Clark * doesn't like it either. Constance hands Romick a sword. * ROMICK (Cont'd) (to Lois) I hope you have faith in me, my dear. He plunges the sword into the box. It comes out the other side. Lois can't believe it. Clark _X-RAYS_ through the box and sees the result. No blade. A retractable sword on one end and a mechanized tip on the other. Lois is safe. Romick takes another sword from Constance. ROMICK (Cont'd) (to Lois) Feeling lucky? Romick plunges it into the box. Again, retractable handle. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 42A. 31 CONTINUED: 3 31 ROMICK (Cont'd) Now, I know what you're thinking. _Any_ amateur could do this trick as long as he lined the holes up right. So, if I were to, say, _blindfold_ myself... He takes a blindfold out of his pocket and ties it around his eyes. ROMICK (Cont'd) ...then I couldn't see where I was placing the sword. _Especially_ if I were going after a moving target. Constance begins to spin the box around. Lois looks worried now. Constance draws the last sword and gives it to Romick who begins to wield it all around. Constance leads him toward the box. Romick taps the sword on the * ground. Clark's _SUPERHEARING_ picks up a distinctively * metallic sound. Clark _X-RAYS_ this one as Romick holds * it in the air. This time, no hollow handle. It's real. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 43. 31 CONTINUED: 4 31 ROMICK (Cont'd) (to Lois) Three's a charm. He raises the sword high, ready to plunge it into her chest. Just as he is about to skewer Lois, Clark uses a blast of his _HEAT VISION_ to bend the sword slightly, preventing Romick from being able to thrust it through. ROMICK (Cont'd) (covering) Well, I guess they don't make swords like they used to. How about a hand for the lovely Miss Lane? She smiles as they applaud but before she knows it, Romick has taken a large, black tarp and covered the entire box. With another FlASH and puff of SMOKE, the tarp falls to the ground, covering absolutely nothing. Lois and the box are gone. More applause. Off Clark's wondering expression we are in an... 32 UNDERGROUND CHUTE 32 ...following Lois as she tumbles furiously and lands unceremoniously in an... 33 UNDERGROUND CHAMBER 33 She looks up and finds herself face to face with Nick. * LOIS Nick! Where are we? What's going on? But he doesn't answer her. He just sits, staring straight ahead at a large television set. Lois looks at it. The station identification comes on: a moon surrounded by spinning stars. VOICE You're watching the Magic channel. * Lois looks back at the spellbound boy. LOIS (meekly) Wake up... FADE OUT. _END ACT THREE_ --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 44. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 34 INT. MAGIC CLUB - MAIN SHOWROOM - NIGHT 34* Clark is still at the table as Romick's act continues. Worried about Lois, he gets up and, hoping not to attract Romick's attention, he sneaks out. 35 INT. UNDERGROUND ROOM - NIGHT 35 Lois tries to talk to Nick. LOIS How long have you been in here? She waves her hand in front of his eyes. No response. LOIS (Cont'd) You're really giving TV a bad name. Lois glances at the set. Another magic program. She looks away. LOIS (Cont'd) There must be a way out of here. She starts feeling the walls and finds her head turning back to the TV. She stares at it for a moment, then shakes her head and continues to look for an exit. LOIS (Cont'd) Don't worry, I'm a very capable -- She is drawn back to the TV. This time she stares longer before she shakes it off. LOIS (Cont'd) What was I...? Right, got to -- But, once again, she's mesmerized. This time she doesn't look away. Instead, she takes her place on the floor with Nick, a zombie, just like him. Meanwhile... 36 BACKSTAGE 36 ...Clark walks around amidst the magic props. He sees the box that Lois was in. He _X-RAYS_. Empty. He sees a door marked "Stairwell," and gets an idea. He begins to _X-RAY_ through the floor. He sees the chute that Lois travelled down. He follows it and finds the underground chamber where the prisoners sit, glued to the TV. Clark * is ready to punch a hole through the floor, but then remembers who he is. Or, who he isn't. Yet. --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 45. 37 UNDERGROUND CHAMBER 37 Superman _BREAKS_ through the ceiling. SUPERMAN Lois, are you all right? (she doesn't blink) Lois? Look at me. He turns her head. A glimmer of recognition. She makes a sound, but it's unintelligible. SUPERMAN (Cont'd) Have you been drugged? She tries to answer "no" but her head keeps going back to the television. Superman looks over at it. Lois gets more agitated. He begins to understand. He goes over to the TV and smashes it. He sees a VCR and takes out a tape. It's labeled "Magic channel Demo." Superman goes * to Lois who is beginning to return to her normal self. LOIS (grateful) Superman... Nick is also reviving. NICK (thrilled) Superman... Where's my mom? SUPERMAN We'll get you to her, don't worry. Who did this to you? NICK (bleary) I... I don't remember. Someone made me watch TV. There's something strange about it. SUPERMAN You're right. This tape is sending subliminal messages. My eyes work a little faster than yours and I caught it when I glanced over. LOIS (catching on) Mind control. SUPERMAN Whoever watches this tape is programmed to submit and wait for further instruction. Come on, let's get you out of here before that can happen. He picks Nick up in his arms --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 46. 38 BACKSTAGE 38 Superman lifts Lois out of the underground chamber and puts her down next to Nick. They begin to make their way through the maze of old tricks and props that Clark walked through before. Nick recognizes something. NICK Look! It's the box I was in. Lois goes over to it. LOIS Well, at least we know there's nothing surprising about _this_ trick anymore. She throws open the lid and, to her horror, finds Dr. Novak staring up at her, dead as a doornail. She slams it back down before Nick can see. She looks at Superman. LOIS (Cont'd) (barely audible) Nope. No surprises. SUPERMAN He must have figured out it was * Romick and confronted him. * They continue along. Romick steps out of the shadows. ROMICK Where do you think you're going? SUPERMAN Sorry, Romick. This is one trick you're not going to get away with. * ROMICK What are you talking about? LOIS The kidnapping, mass hypnosis, Dr. Novak, we know all about it. ROMICK Kidnappings? Hypnosis? You've made some kind of mistake. CONSTANCE (0.S.) I'm afraid he's right. She appears behind him. CONSTANCE (Cont'd) Darren Romick never had an idea of his own in his entire life. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 47. 38 CONTINUED: 38 ROMICK Constance, what have you done? * CONSTANCE What I should have done a long time ago. I'm in charge now. Superman approaches her, but all she has to do is say... CONSTANCE (Cont'd) The moon and the stars. Superman stops in his tracks. So do the others. CONSTANCE (Cont'd) It's astonishing how little we know about the mind. Someone like me, for example, with just the rudimentary knowledge of hypnosis that Dr. Novak taught me can turn the world upside down and have even you, Superman, at my whim. Romick tries to resist the hypnosis. ROMICK Fight... Superman... You've got to... fight it... CONSTANCE Relax, Darren. You're under a very powerful suggestion. Why, you don't even remember killing Dr. Novak for me, do you? Romick shakes his head, once again under. CONSTANCE (Cont'd) Just like the Queen doesn't remember dancing in her fountain. Or the General doesn't recall wanting to fire that missile without authorization. They were all test cases. But you, Superman, worked out the best. Now, let's take care of our friends. Nick, you see the sword box? * NICK Yes, ma'am. * CLARK Good. Go get inside. * The boy walks over and closes himself in, his head poking * out of the top. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 48. 38 CONTINUED: 3 38 CONSTANCE (Cont'd) Superman, close him in and make sure the lock is secure. Superman wraps some heavy chains around the box and locks * them. * CONSTANCE (Cont'd) Next, the magnificent Romick is * going to perform his last and most * dangerous illusion. Do you see * that ladder going all the way up the wall? He looks over at the rungs attached to the backstage wall, leading up to the rafters two floors up. ROMICK Yes. * CONSTANCE I want you to climb to the very top and then I want you to fly down. Do you understand? * NICK Yes. * Romick walks over and begins to climb. CONSTANCE Now, for you, Miss Lane, a death defying stunt. Over here, please. She leads her to a giant plexiglass tank with heavy locks and chains on it. CONSTANCE (Cont'd) Climb in. Lois does. CONSTANCE (Cont' d) Superman, close the lid, lock the chains, and turn on the water. He secures Lois to her fate. Water begins to fill the tank. Lois enjoys herself, like she was told. CONSTANCE (Cont'd) Now, wave goodbye. It's time to send the world my message. Superman waves goodbye to Lois. Nick is slowly climbing. There is no sign of struggle inside the safe. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 49-49A. 38 CONTINUED: 3 38 Constance gives Superman an emblem with the Magic Channel * logo emblazoned on the side. CONSTANCE Superman, you will have the honor of activating my satellite. The Magic channel. A twenty-four hour * cable channel, feeding into homes all around the world. And along with the entertainment, they'll receive my subliminal signals at no extra charge. Anyone who watches will be at my complete disposal. Now, go. It's already in orbit. All you have to do is throw the broadcast switch. Superman nods and walks out. CUT TO: 39 OMITTED 39 40 EXT. SKY - NIGHT 40 Superman _FLIES_. The speed and the wind in his face begin to clear his mind just a little. He sees flashes of images. SUPERIMPOSE: 41 NICK'S FEET 41 ... as they climb the rungs. 42 THE LOCKS 42 ... on the safe. 43 LOIS 43 ... frolicking in the water as it rises to the top. 44 SUPERMAN 44 ... keeps _FLYING_. He closes his eyes and HEARS Romick. ROMICK (V.O.) Fight... Superman... you've got to... fight it... (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 50. 44 CONTINUED: 44 Then he hears the conversation he had with his parents. * CLARK (V.O.) I really could've hurt somebody today. JONATHAN (V.O.) But you didn't. Maybe whatever makes you different from us gives you the ability to fight off any negative suggestions. MARTHA (V.O.) Listen to me, Clark. The only way you're going to be truly safe is if you and Lois find this terrible person before they make you do anything worse. SUPERIMPOSE: 45 ROMICK 45 ROMICK Fight... 46 JONATHAN 46 JONATHAN ... the ability to fight... 47 MARTHA 47 MARTHA ...you and Lois... 48 SUPERMAN'S EYES 48 ... open wide. SUPERMAN Lois! It takes him a moment to realize where he is. He puts on the brakes, banks and immediately heads for... CUT TO: 49 INT. MAGIC CLUB - NIGHT 49* Nick hasn't moved. Lois is happily splashing in the * water with only inches of air. --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 51. 50 ROMICK 50* reaches a platform two stories up. He walks to the edge and spreads his arms. ROMICK I can fly. * He jumps off into nothing... until Superman catches him. SUPERMAN No, you can't. But I can. Superman sets him down next to the safe. The fall has scared him back to reality. ROMICK Superman! The others... * Superman _RIPS_ open the chains on the sword box and Nick * comes tumbling out. They see... * 51 LOIS 51 ...who by now is trapped in a watery grave, no more air inside. She, too, has realized the danger she is in. She pounds on the glass. Superman runs up. He BUSTS the heavy chains, tosses the lid aside and plucks Lois out of the water. SUPERMAN Are you all right? LOIS What happened? SUPERMAN You were hypnotized. LOIS Impossible. I would never -- SUPERMAN If she tries it again, fight it. Darren is right. Our minds are stronger. We can't do anything we don't want to do. CONSTANCE (O.S.) The moon and the stars tell you to obey my voice. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 52. 51 CONTINUED: 51 SUPERMAN Fight it! Constance appears before them. CONSTANCE You won't win, Superman. Things aren't always what they seem. Superman comes toward her, but she's gone. He touches the mirror where her reflection was a moment ago. He steps around it and into... 52 THE HALL OF MIRRORS 52 CONSTANCE (O.S.) You may have Super vision, but all it takes is a split second to be fooled. She is now behind him. He whips around, again too late. He tries to _X-RAY_ through the mirrors but all he gets are the reflections from the other ones behind. SUPERMAN It's over, Constance. The satellite, the Magic Channel, * everything. CONSTANCE (O.S.) Perhaps. But I am still the world's greatest magician. 53 LOIS 53 ... has now stumbled in. She sees her own reflection and is startled for a moment. 54 SUPERMAN 54 ... continues walking, searching for the voice. SUPERMAN You? CONSTANCE (O.S.) Darren Romick was a penniless card hustler when I found him. I taught him everything. Everything my father taught me. Constance and Lois appear together in the same reflection. Constance holds a gun on her. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Pink Rev. 12/1/93 53. 54 CONTINUED: 54 Superman tries to use his _HEAT-VISION_ to knock the gun out of her hand, but, instead, he cracks the mirror. LOIS Superman! They disappear. CONSTANCE (O.S.) No one wanted to see a female illusionist. They didn't take me * seriously. So I got myself a front man who started to believe in his own success. Superman starts to move the heavy mirrors. He sees Lois and Constance in a reflection. LOIS All this just because nobody wanted to see you pull a rabbit out of your hat? Constance drags Lois away. Superman TILTS a mirror up. CONSTANCE (0.S.) It was a secret society that wouldn't let me in. 55 CONSTANCE AND LOIS 55 ...are walking slowly. CONSTANCE (O.S.) (Cont'd) Now I'm going to show them all what true illusion really is. SUPERMAN (O.S.) You had a great talent, Constance. Neither Constance nor Lois can figure out where he is. SUPERMAN (O.S.) (Cont'd) But you're the one who wasted it by using it for revenge. He appears over their heads, _HOVERING_. Constance aims the gun at him and shoots. Shattered glass falls everywhere. Superman steps up from behind her and grabs the gun. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 54. 55 CONTINUED: 55 SUPERMAN (Cont'd) All it takes is a split second. (to Lois) You'll be all right? LOIS I'll be fine. Romick and Nick enter in time to see Superman taking Constance away. Lois puts her arms around Nick as he waves goodbye to his hero. CUT TO: 56 INT. DAILY PLANET ELEVATORS - DAY 56 Rose steps out of the elevator, escorted by two uniformed * cops, a worried look of anticipation on her face. Then * she sees him. 57 NICK 57 ... plays a computer game with Clark at his desk. He sees Rose. NICK Mom! They rush into each other's arms. Lois and Clark smile. ROSE How can I ever thank you? CLARK You've got a pretty tough little boy there. LOIS (aside to Rose) He won't remember a thing. None of us do. CLARK (to Nick) You take care of your Mom, okay? ROSE You thank Superman for me, too. CLARK We'll make sure he gets the message. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 54A. 57 CONTINUED: 57 Rose and Nick walk away hand in hand as Cat sulks in. She's back to her normal mode of dress; next to nothing. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) St. John. 11/22/93 55. 57 CONTINUED: 57 LOIS What happened? Salvation Army turn you away? CAT He married an exotic dancer. CLARK Arthur Chow? CAT All that itchy, high-necked wool and he marries a woman who can wave hello with her navel. LOIS That's too bad. I had your wedding present all picked out. CAT You did? LOIS A set of personalized stationery. 'From the desk of Cat chow.' Cat glares at her and slinks away. Jimmy and Perry walk over in mid-conversation. JIMMY So that's it. All this strange behavior exhibited by famous people all over the world was linked to Constance. My angle: 'Great Minds Sink Alike.' PERRY That's brilliant, Jimmy. He slaps him on the back. JIMMY (frustrated) All right, that's it. I can't take it any more. I get it now. I've learned my lesson. False praise means nothing. If you don't think it's a good idea just _say_ so. PERRY What the Sam Hill is he talking about? Clark pulls Jimmy aside. (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 56. 57 CONTINUED: 3 57 CLARK He means it. JIMMY You're just saying that. * CLARK You didn't even say 'chief.' JIMMY (to Perry) You mean it? PERRY Perry White _never_ says anything he doesn't mean. Perry leaves. * CLARK When Dr. Novak was here, I had him * 'de-programed' * JIMMY Way to go, C.K. * Jimmy leaves, too. * CLARK So. Are you still a skeptic? LOIS A trick's a trick, no matter how big or how small. Once you figure it out it's not magic anymore. She sits down. He sits on the edge of her desk. CLARK There's no magic anywhere? Not even a little? LOIS No. CLARK Close your eyes. LOIS What? CLARK Just do it (CONTINUED) --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Yellow Rev. 12/3/93 56A. 57 CONTINUED: 4 57 She sighs and closes them. CLARK Now, count to three. --page break-- ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (#13) Blue Rev. 11/29/93 57. 58 CLOSE ON LOIS 58 LOIS (unenthusiastic) One, two, three. She opens her eyes, astonished. 59 BACK TO SCENE 59 Clark is exactly where he was and there is a beautiful spray of roses in front of Lois. LOIS How did you...? CLARK (smiling) If I told you, it wouldn't be magic. She just looks at him. CUT TO: 60 EXT. FLOWER SHOP - DAY 60* A FLORIST sits reading a newspaper amidst many sprays identical to the one on Lois' desk. One of them is missing. He glances up and sees money on the counter in front of him. He looks around, then shrugs and puts the money into the cash register. FADE OUT. _THE END_