notes: To pop everything into place... use Courier 10 (or 10 characters per inch) set top margin at 0.5", bottom margin at 0.5" (or minimums) left margin at 1", right margin at .25 (or minimum) (I had to tell the program my primitive printer was using legal-size paper) the "*" at the end of many lines probably means "this line changed from previous version" NOTES: I received this script already scanned from another sources, so I assume that on front page LOIS & CLARK is large, bold, underlined. The New Adventures of Superman is in not so large, italics. "The Rival" in same size font, not italicized EPISODE 16, Written by: Tony Blake & Paul Jackson, Directed by: Michael Watkins are somewhat smaller. WARNER BROS. TELEVISION is in all caps, maybe a CG Times or an Ariel-like font. All other text in courier 10 (like a typewriter, 10 characters per inch) NOTES: As I'm not sure if typos were on the original or made by the scanner of the person who scanned this for me, I'll correct every misspelled word I see unless it's clearly something that was on the original. I've never seen a "teaser" shot described as this one is... On "locations" page, "Restuarant" may have been misspelled in original page 24, mid page "breacelet" may be a typo; should be bracelet --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ The New Adventures of Superman "The Rival" EPISODE 16 Prod. #455316 Written by: Tony Blake & Paul Jackson Directed by: Michael Watkins WARNER BROS. TELEVISION _Production Draft_ Jan. 11, 1994 Blue Rev. 1/12/94 Pink Rev. 1/14/94 Yellow R. 1/21/94 Green Rev. 2/1/94 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Rival_" Blue Rev. 1/13/94 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE PERRY WHITE JIMMY OLSEN ______________________________________________________________ BO JACKSON LINDA KING PRESTON CARPENTER J. HARVEY STARK SECRETARY WALLACE FIRE CHIEF * MILITARY GUARD #1 * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Rival_" Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Hotel Lobby * Library Area Metropolis Street Perry's Office Metropolis Press Club Clark's Apartment Grand Hotel * Lois's Apartment Rooftop Metropolis Press Club Upscale Restuarant Building Lobby Limo Carpenter's Penthouse Office Hallway Omir Embassy Grand Hotel * Restaurant Lobby Basement Walk-in Freezer Banquet Kitchen --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Rival_" _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 DAY 1 SC. 2 - 5 DAY 2 SC. 6 - 7 NIGHT 2 SC. 8 - 10 DAY 3 SC. 11 - 25 NIGHT 3 SC. 26 - 29 DAY 4 SC. 30 NIGHT 4 SC. 31 - 55 DAY 5 SC. 56 DAY 6 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "_THE RIVAL_" _TEASER_ FADE IN: 1 EXT. BASKETBALL COURT - (DAY #1) 1 Bo Jackson and Clark scene as shot. (11-30-93) FADE OUT. _END OF TEASER_ --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 2. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 2 INT. DAILY PLANET - (DAY #2) 2 LOIS, CLARK and all the other Planet staffers gather around a tense, irritable PERRY. JIMMY listens to a police scanner at the assignment desk. On an easel in the background, copies of the venerable Daily Planet and the tabloid Metropolis Star are pinned up next to some sales charts. The Planet's headline is the sober: "Council to Debate Coliseum" while the Star's is a banner headline that screams "Crooks 1, Cops 0!" As Perry gestures at the papers: PERRY The sales department just sent this little reminder down. I'll make it easy. It says that since Preston Carpenter bought the Metropolis Star and started throwin' his money around, the Star's selling twice as many papers as the Planet, news stand and subscription. Anybody know how? LOIS Bigger type, smaller words? PERRY Uh-uh. Carpenter's got people out-hustlin' us on the streets, Lois. In the last month they scooped us on _every_ major news story in this city. Now what am I going to lead the afternoon edition with that's gonna change that? CLARK Secretary Wallace is in town to sign that nuclear arms treaty with Omir. We're waiting to hear on a one-on-one. LOIS I can see them lining up at the news stands for that. PERRY You got something better? LOIS (stuck) Police charity scams? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blue Rev. 1/12/94 3. 2 CONTINUED: 2 People don't respond with the desired enthusiasm. Even Clark. Lois acts indignant. LOIS (Cont'd) At least it's local. PERRY People, people. For fifty years the Daily Planet's been the top dog in this town and the Metropolis Star's been the dirty little puppy nippin' at our heels. Now I don't mean to be an alarmist, but if we don't start getting some big stories of our own, the faces around here may start changing. We need a good scandal, or a crime wave or a... Suddenly, Jimmy shouts from the assignment area: JIMMY Hotel fire! PERRY That'll do. JIMMY Police scanner. There's a woman trapped on a ledge of the Metropolitan and the fire department's ladders can't reach her. PERRY Clark, Lois! Shake some tail! * As Lois and Clark grab their things and head off, Perry * turns his eyes heavenward. * PERRY (Cont'd) Yes! * Lois and Clark move into the elevator. Suddenly, Clark * pats his belt area, bolts off. * CLARK I forgot my beeper! * (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 4. 2 CONTINUED: 2 2 As the elevator doors close: CLARK Go ahead, I'll catch up! CUT TO: 3 EXT. HOTEL - DAY 3 Smoke pours from a window behind a terrified woman, trapped on a tenth story ledge. Suddenly, a fireball * forces her off the ledge. * CUT TO: 4 EXT. STREET - DAY 4 SUPERMAN appears among the emergency vehicles, catches * the woman in mid-fall. As he hands the stricken woman to * paramedics, he's approached by LINDA KING, a stunning reporter who talks into a cellular flip phone. LINDA ...'if not for the incredible last second rescue by Superman.' Wait a sec. Stand by. (to Superman) Superman. Linda King, Metropolis Star. Can you tell me what it was like up there? She holds the cellular phone up to Superman. SUPERMAN The smoke was very intense. Visibility to the human eye was probably zero. Let's just be glad that woman held on long enough for me to reach her. She's a mother with three kids. And, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go. Superman _TAKES OFF_. Linda speaks into her cellular phone. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 5. 4 CONTINUED: 4 LINDA 'Just another day in the life of a superhero.' That's it, Vicky. Linda hangs up. Lois charges through the crowd, stops dead in her tracks at the sight of Linda. LOIS What are _you_ doing here? LINDA Nice to see you, too, Lois. What's it been, six years since graduation? Unfortunately, you haven't changed a bit. LOIS Look, Linda, we're not starting that again. I'm here on business for the Daily Planet and I need to talk to Superman. LINDA You just missed him. He was very helpful. Not only did he save the woman at the last second, but he was nice enough to give me a quote for my story. LOIS _Your_ story? LINDA Haven't you heard? I'm working for the Metropolis Star. (beat) And I believe you've just been scooped. Linda smiles. Lois is crushed, as we: CUT TO: 5 OMITTED 5 5A INT. DAILY PLANET - LOBBY - DAY 5A* Still upset, Lois sits at one of the tables, staring * into space. Her notebook and papers are in front of her. * Clark tries to console her. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 5A. 5A CONTINUED: 5A CLARK So you got scooped. It happens. You just have to focus on the next story. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 6. 5A CONTINUED: 2 5A LOIS Spare me the Smallville pep talk. I wasn't _just_ scooped. A hideous part of my past has reared its ugly head. CLARK Never let it be said Lois Lane doesn't have a flair for exaggeration. LOIS You don't know this woman, Clark. She has no conscience. She couldn't even spell it. CLARK (melodramatically) It was a dark day for the Daily Planet when Linda King rode into town. LOIS Go ahead. Mock me. But there are no depths to which she won't stoop for a story... or anything else for that matter. CLARK Do I detect the scent of jealousy? LOIS You detect the smell of a rat. (looks O.S.) And it just scurried in. It's Linda, breezing through the revolving doors, * approaching fast. LINDA Hello, Lois. I thought we could get re-acquainted. Lois doesn't respond. LINDA (Cont'd) Or not. Linda turns to Clark, extends her hand to him, incredibly charming. LINDA (Cont'd) Well, hello. I'm Linda King. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 7. 5A CONTINUED: 3 5A CLARK Clark Kent. I've heard a lot about you. Through the following, Linda tries to read the papers on Lois's table upside down: LINDA From Lois? Let me guess. No conscience. Will stoop to anything. LOIS See? CLARK (to Linda) She's kidding. LOIS No I'm not. Lois catches Linda spying on her papers. She unceremoniously grabs them. * LOIS (Cont'd) And one more thing. Stay away from Superman. Lois takes off. Linda watches her go. Turns back to Clark. LINDA I guess Lois thinks Superman's her own personal source, doesn't she? (off Clark's shrug) I'd love to talk to him again. CLARK Is that the reason you're here? LINDA Wouldn't an introduction fall under the category of professional courtesy? CLARK Sorry. LINDA Well, then, what should we talk about? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 8. 5A CONTINUED: 4 5A CLARK I read your piece on the hotel fire. Nice.work. LINDA Thanks. Surprising to hear you say. that, though. CLARK Just because we're competitors, doesn't mean we don't appreciate the competition. I also liked the editorial your publisher wrote demanding changes in the fire department. He's a very powerful writer. LINDA Preston Carpenter's a very powerful man. Period. (considering this) You know, he's throwing a party tonight at the Metropolis Press Club. Maybe you'd like to go. Clark glances at Lois, eyeing them from across the lobby. * CLARK It's kind of last minute and I hate going to those things alone. LINDA So bring a date. I'd ask you to be mine, but I already have one. CLARK (considers this) Okay, thanks. LINDA Great. See you tonight. Linda takes off. Lois advances on Clark. LOIS All right. What'd she want? Spill it. CLARK (innocently) She invited me -- us -- to a dinner Carpenter's throwing tonight. Want to go? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 9. 5A CONTINUED: 5 5A LOIS How could you accept an invitation from her after everything I just told you?! CLARK Lois. We might learn something. LOIS I'm sure that's the only reason Clark Kent, All American Boy, is going. CLARK What time should I pick you up? LOIS You will _not_ be picking me up. (quickly) I'll meet you there at seven. CUT TO: 6 EXT. METROPOLIS PRESS CLUB - (NIGHT #2) 6 To ESTABLISH the clubby headquarters where the city's Media meets and eats. 7 INT. METROPOLIS PRESS CLUB - NIGHT 7 A lavish, black-tie affair. A small combo provides MUSIC. PRESTON CARPENTER, flamboyant in a crushed velvet tux, holding a carved ivory walking stick, lectures SECRETARY WALLACE. Near Carpenter is his ever present chauffeur and bodyguard, J. HARVEY STARK, a compact, unapproachable and sullen looking character with an air of menace about him and a gold loop earring. Clark eavesdrops. CARPENTER Mister Secretary, this treaty between our country and Omir is a _huge_ miscalculation. That country is run by terrorists. We must neutralize them, not legitimize them. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blue Rev. 1/12/94 10. 7 CONTINUED: 7 * SECRETARY WALLACE And you'd risk an all out war, * wouldn't you? I don't need your * lectures, Mister Carpenter. * * Secretary Wallace breaks away. As Clark steps back to let him pass, he sees Lois enter, stunning in a beautiful dress. She scans the room as Clark comes up behind her. CLARK Lois, you look... incredible. She ignores him, continuing to scan the room. LOIS Have you seen Linda? CLARK No one fields a compliment quite like you. LOIS I wonder what _she's_ going to be wearing? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 11. 7 CONTINUED: 2 7 CLARK Wild guess here, but there's more to this rivalry than just who's the better reporter. Right? LOIS Don't insult me. CLARK I insulted you? LOIS There's no question who's the better reporter. At that moment Linda sweeps in, dazzling in a designer original. Lois turns Clark around. LOIS (Cont'd) Don't look at her. Too late. Linda approaches. LINDA Lois, what a surprise. _You're_ Clark's date. What else do you do together? CLARK (deflecting) I thought you two might enjoy catching up. LOIS What happened, Linda, your date stand you up? LINDA Of course not. Follow me. I'll introduce you. Linda begins to lead Lois and Clark through the crowd. LINDA (Cont'd) I love your dress, Lois. You're so lucky. I can never wear anything off the rack. To their surprise, Linda leads them straight to Preston Carpenter who beams at her. CARPENTER Linda. (to Lois and Clark) I am at a loss for words to describe her. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 12. 7 CONTINUED: 3 7 LOIS I can help there. LINDA Preston, I'd like you to meet Clark Kent, a reporter with the Daily Planet. And Lois Lane. His date. Clark, Lois, Preston Carpenter. CLARK Actually, Lois and I are a reporting team. CARPENTER The Daily Planet was a fine paper in its day. Fine paper. But things change. That's the lesson of life now, isn't it? You either make it happen, or it happens to you. As Clark and Lois force a smile, Stark taps Carpenter on the shoulder. STARK The Mayor would like to have a moment with you. CARPENTER Please excuse me. Lois watches Carpenter and Stark move off, turns to Linda. LOIS Well, now we know how you got your job. The BAND breaks into a slow number. LINDA You don't mind if Clark and I dance, do you? Linda extends her arm to Clark who glances at Lois. Lois shrugs indifference, but she's steaming as Clark and Linda move to the floor together, and we: CUT TO: 8 INT. DAILY PLANET - THE PIT - (DAY #3) 8 Jimmy's at his desk reading the Star. Lois moves to her desk, begins unloading her stuff. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 13. 8 CONTINUED: 8 JIMMY Where have you been? LOIS Fire department. They think the hotel's a probable arson. I want you to get down there, get me some aftermath photos, investigators sifting through the rubble, that kind of thing. (sees the paper) Why are you reading that tabloid rag? JIMMY C.K. got his picture on the society page. (shows her paper) He's dancing with Linda King. Lois eyes it, deflates more, then falls into her chair. LOIS I need some good news. JIMMY Then don't read the bulletin board. LOIS Why? JIMMY The paper's cut out expense accounts. LOIS They can't do that! JIMMY Just did. Memo says it's cost cutting due to lower circulation. (conspiratorially) C.K. thinks paid sick days are the next thing to go. Lois looks over at Clark's empty desk. LOIS Where is Clark? JIMMY (miserable) I think he had a lunch date with Linda King. (beat) Sorry. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 14. 8 CONTINUED: 2 8 Lois sighs, then rises and heads back to the door. LOIS If anybody wants me, I'll be at the Fudge Castle. On my own money. CUT TO: 9 INT. UPSCALE RESTAURANT - DAY 9 A business lunch hangout on the main floor of a high rise building. Clark and Linda dine at small table. LINDA Since you were kind enough to read my work, I've been reading some of yours. I'm impressed with you. I'm not easily impressed. CLARK Well, most of it was written with Lois. LINDA That says even more about your talent. CLARK Actually, I've learned quite a lot from her. LINDA Clark, just what exactly _is_ your relationship with Lois? CLARK It's... it's not defined. LINDA Define 'not defined.' Clark is rescued when Linda's cellular phone RINGS. She whips it out and answers. LINDA (Cont'd) King... I'm at the Tri-Crown. * (hangs up) Carpenter. He likes to know where his reporters are at all times. CLARK Don't you log out? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 15. 9 CONTINUED: 9 LINDA Sure. But nothing happens at the Star without Carpenter's say so. He's the most hands-on publisher I've ever worked for. CLARK The way the Star's been getting stories, I'd say it's working for him. LINDA We're just having a run of great luck. CLARK It takes more than luck to be in the right place at the right time. LINDA I'd like to take credit, but truth be told, I only nailed that fire story because I happened to be covering a fashion show in the hotel when it broke out. The sound of SIRENS O.S. draws their attention to the lobby. CLARK Sort of like that? LINDA Sort of. Clark and Linda, two trained reporters; both throw down their napkins, toss some cash on the table and head for the door. 10 INT. BUILDING LOBBY - DAY 10 Police and firemen swarm the lobby. In the commotion, Linda and Clark rush in from the restaurant, hurry to a FIRE CHIEF. LINDA What's going on? FIRE CHIEF Cable broke on an elevator! The car's dangling on the seventy-first floor! (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blue Rev. 1/12/94 16. 10 CONTINUED: 10 Linda turns to Clark but he's vanished into the crowd. The Fire Chief listens to a communication crackling over his two-way, then shouts at his men. FIRE CHIEF (Cont'd) It's coming down! As the crowd reacts, Superman sprints to the closed * elevator doors, forces them open. Linda wrenches a camera out of a surprised tourist's hand. Superman _FLIES_ up into the shaft. Seconds later Superman reappears, _DESCENDING SLOWLY_, holding the elevator car above his head. Linda snaps photo after prize winning photo, as we: CUT TO: 11 INT. CARPENTER'S PENTHOUSE OFFICE - (NIGHT #3) 11 Ornately decorated, reflecting the character of its owner. Carpenter sits behind a huge Louis XIV desk, writing on a desk top computer. Stark enters with a copy of the Star. STARK The afternoon edition. He holds the paper up for Carpenter's inspection. 12 INSERT - THE METROPOLIS STAR 12 Plastered across the front page are two photos. One of Superman holding the elevator car above his head; the other of Superman surrounded by an adoring crowd. The headline reads: "Miracle Save!" 13 BACK TO SCENE 13 CARPENTER Well done, Mister Stark. Don't you love the news business? STARK (tight) This one wasn't easy. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 17. 13 CONTINUED: 13 CARPENTER It they were easy, I wouldn't need your services, would I? STARK (firmly) How many more? CARPENTER As many as it takes to kill the Planet. Because then Stark, I will control over eighty percent of what the American people read. Carpenter rises and looks out at Metropolis. CARPENTER (Cont'd) And when you control what they read, you control what they think. (beat) And when you control what they think, you can really begin to _make_ _it_ happen. Carpenter turns and shares a malevolent smile with Stark as we: FADE OUT. _END ACT ONE_ --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 18. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 14 INT. DAILY PLANET - THE PIT - NIGHT 14 CAMERA IS CLOSE ON A PAIR OF HANDS holding copies of the Star and the Planet side by side. The Star features "exclusive" PHOTOS of Superman at the elevator mishap. The Planet's front page has an elevator article but is visually dominated by graphs showing the annual rainfall measurements. Over this: PERRY (O.S.) Now, who knows what's wrong with this picture? 15 CAMERA WIDENS TO REVEAL 15 Perry addressing the somber Planet staff. No one answers. PERRY (Cont'd) We HAVE no picture, that's what's wrong! Superman's the biggest story of the day, and all we're leading with is a weather graph! Would someone please explain this to me? JIMMY Well Chief, the first diagram illustrates the amount of rainfall we're getting this year, and the pie chart... He trails off under Perry's glare. LOIS (to Clark) How could you let that... that... bottom-feeder scoop you like * this?! CLARK 'Bottom-feeder?' * LOIS And what were you doing having * lunch with her anyway? PERRY What are you asking _him_ for? If you want to know something, buy the Star. They know everything! (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 19. 15 CONTINUED: 15 JIMMY Bet they don't know how much rain we got this year. Jimmy now withers under Perry's glare, then... PERRY People, I can assure you, if we don't come up with some solid page one stories PDQ, the only writing you'll be doing is your resumes.! A PHONE RINGS. Jimmy rises to answer it. PERRY (Cont'd) Well? Anybody? Lois, Clark and the others exchange blank looks. PERRY (Cont'd) Oh, this is just great. I can see the next edition already. Under 'Today's Top News' we'll just print 'We haven't got a clue!' Just what in Sam Hill am I supposed to tell the Publisher if he calls? JIMMY (covering phone) Whatever it is, he's waiting to hear it on line one. Perry sighs, then gathers himself. PERRY Just a warning, folks. I've seen papers shut down. It's not a pretty picture. Not pretty at all. Perry disappears into his office as the staff disperses. A miffed Lois shoots Clark a look then heads for the coffee machine. Clark eyes the copy of the Metropolis Star with the elevator mishap. Something in one of the photos catches his attention. Using his _MICROVISION_, Clark ENLARGES AN IMAGE in the background. 16 INSERT - THE PHOTO 16 Behind the adoring crowd surrounding Superman stands a man. Although his face is turned away from the camera, we can clearly see a gold loop in his earlobe. --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 20. 17 BACK TO SCENE 17 Lois passes by with coffee, sees Clark staring at the paper. LOIS I know Linda's writing style is absolutely mesmerizing, but please, don't drool. CLARK How long are you going to keep acting like this? LOIS Me? You're the one who's more interested in making the Star's society page than the Planet's front page. CLARK Is that what this is about? You're jealous because you think I'm infatuated with Linda King? LOIS I wouldn't care if you were infatuated with _Don_ King. What I care about is the quality of reporting at the Planet. CLARK Then you'll be happy to see this. Clark reaches into his desk drawer, pulls out a short piece of cable. LOIS Okay, I see it. When do I get happy? CLARK This is elevator cable. I found it in the shaft after the accident. Check the end. He hands it to her. She looks at it, unimpressed. LOIS Well, I'm still not happy, but I'm closing in on bored. CLARK It's not frayed, Lois. It's smooth. Like it's been cut. LOIS Cut? Then the accident... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 21. 17 CONTINUED: 17 CLARK Wasn't. Somebody wanted that elevator to fall. LOIS (pumped) Clark, do you know what this means? I can scoop Linda! CLARK You? LOIS Us. Didn't I say us? I meant us. CLARK (taking cable back) Uh-huh. Before we write anything, I want the lab to verity my, I mean, _our_ theory. LOIS Of course. Absolutely. That's the rational thing to do. (shouting O.S.) _Messenger_! _Somebody get me a messenger_! Everyone nearby seems startled by Lois's outburst. CLARK (calmly) Lois, let's grab a bite to eat, sit down and talk this through. You seem a little tense. LOIS Tense? Me? I'm fine. _Where's that messenger_?! Clark rolls his eyes, as we: CUT TO: 18 INT. METROPOLIS PRESS CLUB - NIGHT 18 Lois and Clark sit at a table, in the middle of a discussion. LOIS All right, let's think it through. Assume the cable was cut. Who would benefit? You'd kill a random person. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 22. 18 CONTINUED: 18 CLARK The building owner? An insurance scam? As a waiter passes by, he presents each of them with a copy of the Star. LOIS What's this? CLARK Looks like a new promotion by the Star. Every customer receives a free copy. Lois tosses her copy aside in disgust as Clark opens his. LOIS It's bad enough Carpenter cut his news stand price. Now he's giving it away. What are you looking at? Clark's engrossed in an article. CLARK Carpenter has an editorial demanding stronger building codes in light of the elevator accident, calling for a criminal investigation into the manufacturers. LOIS So? CLARK So he's a fast writer. It's in the same edition as Linda's article. LOIS Clark, the man's a walking opinion. It's not like he has to do a lot of thinking. CLARK Still... LOIS (rising) I'll be right back. Order me a linguine pesto. --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 23. 19 ACROSS THE ROOM - PRIVATE BOOTH 19 Where Linda sits with Carpenter. CARPENTER Two page one stories in as many days. You should be proud of yourself. LINDA It's an unexpected start, I'll say that. CARPENTER I don't find it unexpected at all. LINDA You're a man of vision, isn't that what they say? CARPENTER I don't know about that. I am a man of action. Remember Charles Foster Kane? LINDA Of course. CARPENTER My idol, although he was only a movie character. I have, however, devoted my time to becoming the genuine article. LINDA Aren't you already? CARPENTER Not quite. You see, Kane not only reported the news, he made it. He set out an agenda for the country, then had his papers promote that agenda. And the country followed. Soon I'll have that kind of power. Soon. Carpenter reaches under the table, rests his hand on Linda's knee. CARPENTER (Cont'd) Does that excite you as much as it does me? LINDA I don't think we should confuse our relationship. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 24. 19 CONTINUED: 19 CARPENTER My dear, if there is anything I am not, it is confused. She smiles uncomfortably as she disentangles herself. LINDA I really think I should go... freshen up. 20 INT. METROPOLIS PRESS CLUB - LADIES' ROOM - NIGHT 20 Lois finishes drying her hands with a paper towel. As she tosses the towel into the wall mounted waste container, her bracelet slips off and falls inside the receptacle. Sighing, she sticks her hand down inside, awkwardly feeling for the breacelet. As she peers intently into the trash, Linda enters. LINDA Looking for your career? LOIS (tightly) I lost my bracelet. LINDA (moving to mirror) I've seen how you accessorize, Lois. Believe me, it's not worth the effort. Fuming, Lois finally finds her bracelet and rises. As she slips it back on: LOIS Is there no getting away from you? LINDA Actually I'm surprised to find _you_ here. Lois joins Linda at the mirror. The two women stand side by side, staring at their reflections. LOIS I'm a member. LINDA (smiles smugly) Really? I thought members had to be working for a news organization that was still in business. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 25. 20 CONTINUED: 20 LOIS I wouldn't start swaggering yet. (glares at Linda's body) Though, on second thought, your hips could use the exercise. It's Lois' turn to smile. Then: LINDA Speaking of bodies, your partner has a great one. Talk about buns of steel. LOIS How would you know? LINDA You don't need Superman's x-ray vision to figure that out. LOIS I'm warning you, Linda. Stay away from him. LINDA That's what you said about Superman. What is it with you? LOIS Clark's good-hearted... and a little naive. I don't want to see him get hurt. I know you only want to use him to get back at me. Linda continues to fix her make-up in the mirror. LINDA Lois, for me to want to 'get back' at you, you'd have to have done something that mattered to me. (finishing her lipstick) Which you haven't. 21 INT. METROPOLIS PRESS CLUB - NIGHT 21 Linda approaches Clark. LINDA Clark, I need to ask you a favor. Lois is right behind Linda. LOIS He's working. _We're_ working. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 26. 21 CONTINUED: 21 LINDA You look like you're about to have dinner. LOIS You had lunch with the man. Aren't you full yet? LINDA (to Clark) I'd like you to walk me to the subway. It'd really help me out. LOIS By all means, Clark. Help her out. Then lock the door behind her. LINDA Such wit, Lois. I hope it'll help pass the hours at the unemployment office. CLARK Do you two mind if I speak? LOIS Tell her 'no,' and let's eat. Clark hesitates, looks at Lois. CLARK She probably doesn't know her way around. LOIS She knows her way around enough to beat us twice since she got here. CLARK (sotto: to Lois) Trust me. (to Linda) There's a subway a couple of blocks from here. (to Lois) I'll be right back. As Clark rises, Linda puts her arm through his, then smiles over her shoulder at Lois, whose eyes shoot daggers 22 EXT. STREET - NIGHT 22 Clark and Linda walk together. * (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 27. 22 CONTINUED: 22 LINDA Come with me to my place. We'll * build a fire, make some coffee. * CLARK Lois is expecting me back at the * Press Club. * LINDA Lois should be used to * disappointment. * CLARK Look, I don't know what it is * between the two of you, but she is * my partner. Clark and Linda round a corner, then Clark stops and * gestures to a lighted subway entrance a few feet away. * CLARK (Cont'd) Here you go. Subways come by * every few minutes. * He unwraps Linda's arm from his. * CLARK (Cont'd) Good night. * LINDA You said your relationship with * Lois was 'not defined.' * CLARK Professionally, it is. LINDA Well, if you ever want to redefine yourself professionally or personally... She turns for the subway as he stares after her. CLARK The thing is, I get the feeling this is more about you and Lois than you and me. Linda considers this, turns around: LINDA Either way, my number's listed. Give me a call. --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 28. 23 INT. LOIS'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 23 Lois stands at her kitchen counter, feverishly scrubbing the tile grout with a toothbrush. There's a KNOCK at her door. LOIS Who is it? CLARK (O.S.) Lois, it's me. I'm sorry. She unlocks the door but doesn't open it and returns to scrubbing the grout. Clark enters, watches her a beat. CLARK I was only gone a few minutes.. You didn't have to leave. LOIS I'm a busy person. I have things to do. I have to -- CLARK -- scrub your grout? You're really letting this woman get to you. She stops scrubbing, whirls on him, waving the toothbrush. LOIS Get to me? (considers this, then) This does not leave the room, understand? (off Clark's nod) Okay. Linda and I were _best friends_. But it was very competitive. You may not believe this, but there was a time when I had to be the best at everything. A small smile crosses Clark's lips. LOIS (Cont'd) Anyway, there was this Editor I was trying to impress, a guy named Paul Bender. He was a Senior, and I had a very big crush on him. My first. So when I found out some of the school's football players weren't taking their own exams, I thought, this is it. This is the story that's going to get Paul to really notice me. CLARK Did it? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 29. 23 CONTINUED: 23 LOIS No. Somehow Linda stole my story and wrote it under her name. Of course, he fell for her and she continued to impress him, in ways I won't go into. Needless to say, that was the end of our friendship. (beat) So now you know everything. Happy? CLARK So, she stole a story and she stole a guy and now she's trying to do it again, huh? LOIS Don't flatter yourself. CLARK Hey, don't take this out on me. LOIS Why not? You say 'yes' to her party, 'yes' to lunch, 'yes' to walking her home. You're behaving like her indentured servant. CLARK So it's okay for me to be your servant, but nobody else's? LOIS You're my partner and what you do reflects on me. I don't want the world to know my partner's a doormat for women. CLARK That's not true, Lois, and you know it. LOIS You want truth? You're a doormat with no taste. CLARK (losing it) I'm out of here! LOIS Perfect. Fine. I'm sure she's waiting for you. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 30. 23 CONTINUED: 2 23 CLARK And you know what? I'd love to hear her side of this. And I could tell her a few things about how impossible you are to work with! LOIS (opens front door) Really? Then why don't you go to work with her, too? CLARK Maybe I will. Lois pushes Clark out the door. LOIS You two deserve each other! STAY WITH CLARK as the door slams. His expression goes from angry to composed. Like he planned the whole thing, as we: CUT TO: 24 CLOSE ON - CLARK'S FACE 24 As he speaks to someone off-camera. CLARK It's become very difficult working with Lois. Her obsession with Linda King is affecting her performance. Now we realize we are in: 25 INT. CARPENTER'S PENTHOUSE OFFICE - NIGHT 25 Where Clark is seated across the desk from a very satisfied looking Carpenter. Linda looks on from the side. CLARK I also have to think of my future. The Planet's a dying paper. I don't want to be the one to turn out the lights. CARPENTER We don't pull our punches here, Kent. We make things happen. I want you to go all out. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 31. 25 CONTINUED: 25 CLARK Yes, sir. That's what I intend to do. Carpenter extends his hand. CARPENTER Then, welcome to the Metropolis Star. And, as Clark shakes his hand, we: FADE OUT. _END ACT TWO_ --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Green Rev. 2/1/94 32. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 26 26 THRU OMITTED THRU 26A 26A 26B INT. DAILY PLANET - PERRY'S OFFICE - (DAY #4) 26B Lois interrupts a conversation between Perry and Jimmy. * LOIS (rapid fire) Perry, I just got off the phone, I hate to be the one to tell you, especially when the paper's in trouble, but we've got a turncoat, a Benedict Arnold and you're never going to believe who. PERRY Kent. JIMMY C.K.? PERRY He offered two weeks notice but I told him he was free to go. So he's gone. JIMMY Boy, you think you know someone then... Lois looks at Jimmy. Not in the mood. Turns back to Perry. LOIS It's her! Linda King! She's cast some kind of spell on him. PERRY (shakes head) He's worried about his future. The way things are going around here, I couldn't give him much of an argument. JIMMY Did he mention what kind of medical plan they have over there? This time, both Perry and Lois glare at Jimmy. Jimmy takes off * (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Green Rev. 2/1/94 33. 26B CONTINUED: 26B JIMMY (Cont'd) I think I better check with the * lab about... something. * Perry and Lois continue the conversation. * LOIS Don't you see what she's done? She waves her skirt in front of him and ne turns into a pathetic little puppy. PERRY Don't go jumping to conclusions. LOIS Then what about loyalty? What about going down with the ship? PERRY That's for Captains. That's why I'm still here. LOIS How can you be so calm? PERRY What's my choice? LOIS Well, since I've worked here, I've seen you scream, throw things, you even put your fist through the conference wall once. PERRY All we can do is keep doing what we're supposed to be doing. (grabs assignment sheet) Now according to this, what you're supposed to be doing is covering the Orani Jewels that the Ambassador of Omir's giving to Secretary Wallace as a lovely parting gift. LOIS That's the best we've got? PERRY No. The best we've got is the editor of the Daily Planet hanging from the top of the World Trade building in a gorilla suit. But my costume hasn't arrived yet. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Green Rev. 2/1/94 33A. 26B CONTINUED: 2 26B PERRY (CONT'D) I'll page you when it does. (beat) Now, go on. It'll be okay. Trust me. LOIS That's what Clark told me. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 34. 26B CONTINUED: 2 26B Perry shrugs. Lois exits, and we: CUT TO: 27 INT. OMIR EMBASSY - DAY 27 A large open room, set up for a news conference. In the center, the Orani jewels display awaits its unveiling. As Clark and Linda enter: CLARK You sure you don't mind me suggesting to Carpenter that he team us up? LINDA (smiles) I'm just mad I didn't suggest it first. They notice a wall where a large statue of a horseman dominates. Linda eyes it skeptically. LINDA (Cont'd) I'm glad that's not in my living room. CLARK Actually, it's a 14th century Dibai. Linda's cellular phone RINGS. She flips it open. LINDA King... Right, we're here. Main * room... Bye. As she slides the phone closed. LINDA (Cont'd) Carpenter. CLARK Man really keeps close tabs on you, doesn't he? Linda pauses, looks around as if she's about to impart great secret. Clark tenses. LINDA Clark, if I tell you something, you have to keep this to yourself. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blue Rev. 1/12/94 35. 27 CONTINUED: 27 CLARK (hopefully) Oh, sure. Absolutely. LINDA He's been hitting on me. CLARK (disappointed) Oh. LINDA (flirting) Don't worry. I only have eyes for you. From the other side of the room, Secretary Wallace, an assistant and the AMBASSADOR OF OMIR enter with an * entourage and move quickly to the display. They are trailed by additional members of the press, including Lois. Clark spots Lois and tries to smile politely. She looks the other way. LINDA (Cont'd) Forget it, Clark. Lois has never been a good loser. Just move on. SECRETARY WALLACE Ladies and gentlemen, the * Ambassador and myself will be * happy to answer a few questions before the unveiling. CLARK Mister Secretary, Clark Kent, Metropolis Star. What do you think -- LOIS (cutting him off) Mister Secretary, Lois Lane, Daily Planet. Is it true -- LINDA (cutting her off) Excuse me! But I believe Mister Kent was asking a question. LOIS Mister Kent can speak for himself. LINDA Maybe. Except he's gotten so used to you doing it for him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 36. 27 CONTINUED: 2 27 The Secretary looks between the two sides, totally bewildered. Now Lois turns. directly to Linda. LOIS Hypocrite. LINDA Me? You sure can dish it out but you can't take it. LOIS Oh, get off your high horse! LINDA And get down in the gutter with you?! During this, over Linda and Lois's yelling, Clark's _SUPER HEARING_ picks up the SOUND of RIFLES LOADING. Using _X-RAY VISION_ he peers through a closed door in the wall. 28 CLARK'S POV - THE STORAGE ROOM 28 Where three men in black S.W.A.T.-like outfits load * rifles. * 29 BACK TO SCENE 29 Where Wallace shouts for order. SECRETARY WALLACE Ladies, please! Please! No questions. That's it.. Lois and Linda stop talking, glare at each other. SECRETARY WALLACE (Cont'd) Let's get to the real reason we're here, the ceremonial exchange from the Kingdom of Omir to the United States. Ladies and gentlemen, the gift from the Ambassador of Omir -- the Orani Jewels. As Wallace pulls off the cloth, Clark uses his _SUPER BREATH_ to tip over the horseman statue. It crashes to the floor, blocking the storage-room door. The crash draws gasps from the crowd. In the confusion, Clark approaches a security guard, whispers in his ear. CLARK There are three armed men behind that door. You might want to call the police. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 37. 29 CONTINUED: 29 Lois sees Clark whispering to the guard, arches her eyebrow, as we: CUT TO: 30 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - (NIGHT #4) 30 Clark opens the door, finds Lois standing before him. LOIS All right, Clark? You can run, but you can't hide. What's going on? CLARK (carefully) What do you mean, 'What's going on?' Lois can't conceal her emotions. She blasts past Clark into the apartment, exasperated. LOIS Don't give me the innocent act. CLARK (innocently) Me? LOIS So, that's how you're going to play this, huh? (inspired) Oh, I get it. She's here, isn't she? You can't talk because she's here. (calling out) Come out, come out, wherever you are. Lois begins searching through Clark's apartment. Behind the sofa, under the bed, and so on, until she opens the closet door. Startled not to find Linda, but to find: LOIS (Cont'd) Perry? Lois looks between Perry and Clark, trying to make sense of it. LOIS (Cont'd) Either this is a lot sicker than I thought, or it's not what I thought I thought. Which is it? Perry and Clark trade looks. Busted (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 38. 30 CONTINUED: 30 PERRY Clark's been working undercover at the Star. LOIS Of course! (to Clark) You couldn't possibly be ready to throw away everything you have for -- (can barely say it) -- Linda King. CLARK (sincerely) You're right about that. LOIS So talk. CLARK These accidents aren't accidents. The arson fire that Linda happened to be at. The elevator cable that snapped during lunch. There was even supposed to be a heist of the Orani jewels. PERRY We thought they might be staging crimes just to scoop us. So we staged Clark's defection. LOIS (to Clark) You could have told me! PERRY My idea. You seem to be personally involved here, I didn't want to risk it. LOIS You mean I've been going through all these feelings for nothing? CLARK What feelings? LOIS Forget it. I'm not feeling them anymore. (gloating) So. Linda is in this up to her surgically sculpted chin. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 39. 30 CONTINUED: 2 30 CLARK I don't think so. I mean, I thought that was it, that's why I wanted to get partnered with her. But I think she's out of the loop. LOIS What do we do now? PERRY Well, now that you know, the two of you might as well start working this together. That is, if you think you still can. LOIS Chief, I'm fine. It's Clark who's been turning to mush whenever he's around Linda. CLARK Me? You're the one who fell into the black hole the minute you heard she was in town. Perry smiles, begins to back toward the door and exit as: LOIS Don't exaggerate. (mimicking Linda) 'Clark, can you walk me to the subway?' CLARK I was just being polite. LOIS You'd fly her to the moon if you could. As the argument continues, we: CUT TO: 31 INT. METROPOLIS PRESS CLUB - (DAY #5) 31 Linda stares in disbelief across the table at Lois and Clark. She pushes back from the table. LINDA That can't be true. It can't be. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 40. 31 CONTINUED: 31 CLARK Think about it. Carpenter always calls to verify your location, right? He's the publisher, he doesn't need to do that. LOIS Unless he needs to make sure his man, or woman, is in place before he pulls the trigger on whatever he's got planned. CLARK Like the elevator cable. Lab results are back. Definitely cut. It was no accident. You just happened to be there. Just like you happened to be at the fire. LOIS Just like Carpenter happens to have a page ready to run in the same edition. It's a convincing litany. Linda exhales slowly, then: LINDA I feel so... so... LOIS Abused? Duped? Used? LINDA What are you, a _thesaurus_? CLARK Why don't you both put this on hold? We have a lot of work to do. LOIS We? We is an inclusive term Clark, one used to indicate all people present. That would be a clear misuse. LINDA What are you, a _dictionary_? CLARK Bottom line, it's a Planet story. LOIS Absolutely! (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 41. 31 CONTINUED: 2 31 CLARK Which we can't possibly prove or print without Linda's help. LINDA Exactly! (concerned) What am I supposed to do? Walk up and say, 'Hi, boss, where are you staging your next disaster?' CLARK You need to get Carpenter out of his office long enough for us to get into his computer. LINDA How? LOIS You could use your 'other talents.' It wouldn't be the first time. CLARK You said he'd been hitting on you. Maybe you could... hit back? Linda nods. Wheels turning, as we: CUT TO: 32 INT. CARPENTER'S PENTHOUSE OFFICE - DAY 32 Linda enters and approaches Carpenter, who's putting on his coat, looking very pre-occupied. CARPENTER I'm afraid I've only got a few minutes. What can I do for you? LINDA Well, I think the question is: What can I do for you? I just read the latest sales projections. Soon the Metropolis Star will be the most widely read paper in the country. It's all because of you. Congratulations. CARPENTER May she be a beacon for the nation. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 42. 32 CONTINUED: 32 LINDA (fetchingly) I was hoping you might like to join me for lunch. As my guest. To celebrate. CARPENTER That's very tempting. But as I said, I'm somewhat pressed for time today. Linda sits on his desk, revealing her long legs. Carpenter can't help stare. His weakness for women is obvious. LINDA Preston, even a busy publisher has to eat. CARPENTER After the other night, I wasn't sure you shared my interest in moving our relationship beyond just business. LINDA Now who would have guessed a charming man like you could have any insecurities? Linda gets close to him, plays with his tie. LINDA (Cont'd) So, can we 'make it happen?' CARPENTER Maybe we should just eat here. LINDA Oh, no. We should go out. Someplace nice. Drinks, champagne. Then, well, who knows? So, where should we go? CARPENTER I know just the place. 33 INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE CARPENTER'S OFFICE - DAY 33 The door to Carpenter's office opens and Linda and Carpenter step out. As he closes the door, she slips her arm through his and smiles. As they make their way to the elevator: (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 43. 33 CONTINUED: 33 CARPENTER You're a very interesting woman, Linda. LINDA And the day is still young... As they pass a door to the fire stairs, it opens a crack revealing Clark and Lois. 34 INT. CARPENTER'S PENTHOUSE OFFICE - DAY 34 The door opens and Lois and Clark slip inside. Lois spots the computer on his desk and heads straight to it as Clark locks the front door. As Lois eyes the computer screen, Clark approaches. LOIS We're in luck. I know this program. Suddenly, the doorknob on the office door jiggles. They turn to see a large shadow looming through the frosted glass, trying to get in. As the KEYS JINGLE in the lock: CLARK Quick, under here. He pushes Lois under Carpenter's desk. But there's only room for one. LOIS What about you? CLARK Just stay there! He glances around the room. Except for the desk, there's nowhere to hide, as we: FADE OUT. _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 44. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 35 INT. CARPENTER'S PENTHOUSE OFFICE - DAY 35 The door opens and Stark enters. Nothing's out of the ordinary. Stark walks to the side of the desk and retrieves Carpenter's walking stick. He turns to leave, hears the soft HUM of the computer, leans over and flicks it off. He exits. REVEAL CLARK levitating HORIZONTALLY on the ceiling. He gets grounded again just as Lois scrambles out from under the desk. LOIS That was close. (looks around) Where did you hide? Clark points to a skinny palm plant in the corner. Clark sees her doubtful expression, steps to the computer and turns it back on. CLARK Let's not waste any time in case he comes back. Lois taps in a few keys: LOIS We're in... I'm betting this is his subdirectory... Yep. CLARK What's that file? 'Musings?' They start reading the screen. LOIS Looks like a personal diary. (reading on) This man is very sick. In an x-rated kind of way. CLARK Let's hope Linda doesn't have to call his bluff. LOIS Don't worry. They're probably perfect for each other. CLARK We need proof, not scandal. Try another file. That one (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blue Rev. 1/12/94 45. 35 CONTINUED: 35 Clark points at the screen. Lois taps a few more Keys. * LOIS This must be it. But we need a * password to get into it. * CLARK Try Kane. K-A-N-E. Linda says * he's got a Citizen Kane fixation. * LOIS No kidding. * (more keystrokes) * Nope. Let's see How about... * LOIS CLARK Rosebud? Rosebud? * LOIS (Cont'd) Great minds think alike. We're * in. CLARK Look! There's the editorial that went with the hotel fire. LOIS (scrolling down) There's the one on building inspections that ran with the elevator accident. (scrolls to another) Wait a minute. (reading) 'An eye for an eye is the only course this country can take after today's brutal assassination of Secretary Wallace at his hotel by Omir extremists...' (beat) Wallace isn't dead. CLARK Yet. LOIS Carpenter's willing to kill a member of the cabinet to sell a few papers? CLARK (nods). To drag us into a war. And he'd also be willing to kill Linda if he knew she was on to him. Let's go. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 45A. 35 CONTINUED: 2 35 Lois hesitates. Clark glares at her. LOIS I'm coming already! CUT TO: 36 EXT. GRAND HOTEL ENTRANCE - DAY 36* Through the glass, Linda and Carpenter can be seen in the hotel's restaurant, dining at the window booth. Outside: PICK UP an official looking limo, complete with military guard. Stark stands with a couple of "security agents" in business suits. They see a hotel gardener and a uniformed parking valet at work. The men exchange looks, Stark gives a nod. The two men move after the gardener and the valet as Stark speaks into a cellular phone. --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 46. 37 INT. GRAND HOTEL - RESTAURANT - DAY 37* Where Linda leans toward Carpenter, really laying it on. LINDA So tell me, what's next for Preston Carpenter? Running for president? CARPENTER Perhaps. But only as an interim step. LINDA Interim to what? CARPENTER My next goal is to convince the governments of the world that we need an International Federation. A United Nations with * real teeth. A government to * govern all governments. LINDA (playing along) And who could possibly head such a body? Carpenter smiles. Stark approaches their table and whispers into Carpenter's ear. He turns to Linda. CARPENTER Excuse me. I'll be back in a few minutes. LINDA Can I come with you? CARPENTER Why don't you just order dessert for us? Linda watches the two men exit, glances anxiously out the window as: 38 EXT. GRAND HOTEL - ENTRANCE - DAY 38* A TAXI pulls up. Lois and Clark bail out in a hurry. They spot Linda approaching. LINDA What are you doing here?! You'll blow everything. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 47. 38 CONTINUED: 38 CLARK Carpenter's going to kill Secretary Wallace! LOIS He's already written the editorial. All he needs is your 'exclusive' report. CLARK Stay here. I'm going in to warn the Secretary. Clark takes off before anyone can protest. Linda levels a skeptical look at Lois. LINDA 'Stay here.' Guess we know who calls the shots on your team. LOIS You don't know anything. LINDA I just know what I see. LOIS Stay here. I'm going after Clark. Lois tries unsuccessfully to take off without Linda. LINDA Nice try. 39 39 THRU OMITTED THRU 40 40 41 INT. GRAND HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY 41* Clark enters, looks around to see any sign of Secretary Wallace and his entourage, takes off in one direction. A beat. Carpenter and Stark enter from another direction. They are with the two "security guards," now dressed in the uniforms of the gardener and the valet. The group moves to the elevator bank. A beat. Lois and Linda enter from the front door. LINDA There they are! As the doors close on the elevator, Lois heads for a nearby stairwell. LOIS Come on! --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 47A. 42 INT. GRAND HOTEL - BASEMENT - DAY 42* Carpenter and his men exit the elevator and head down a corridor. Lois and Linda open a stairwell door and peer out. --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 48. 43 LOIS AND LINDA'S POV - CARPENTER 43 As he leads the men through two swinging doors at the end of the corridor. 44 BACK TO LINDA AND LOIS 44 As they sneak up on the doors marked "Banquet Kitchen." They peek through the porthole window of one of the doors. 45 LOIS AND LINDA POV - THROUGH PORTHOLE WINDOW 45 An empty kitchen except for Carpenter, Stark and the two "hotel employees," huddled around a table. 46 BACK TO LOIS AND LINDA 46 LOIS One of us should notify the police. The other should stay on the story. LINDA Great. You take the police. LOIS I was thinking you would handle that. LINDA Think again. Before Lois can stop her, Linda pushes open the kitchen door and crawls silently inside. Lois has to follow. 47 INT. GRAND HOTEL - BANQUET KITCHEN - DAY 47* Stark gestures to a diagram laid out on the cutting table. Unobserved, Linda and Lois crawl nearer, using the kitchen's huge appliances for cover. STARK I'm here, on the roof across the street. You two set up here, and here. Fire when you hear my shot. (to Carpenter) What about your 'friend?' Carpenter pulls out a flip phone and dials. CARPENTER I'll take care of her. Linda and Lois crouch behind a nearby industrial mixer. Suddenly, Linda's cellular phone RINGS. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 49. 47 CONTINUED: 47 She and Lois grab for it simultaneously. But it's too late. Carpenter flips his phone closed, moves toward the sound, finds them. CARPENTER Linda, dear. I guess I don't have to tell you I've been detained, do I? Lois and Linda trade looks. 48 INT. GRAND HOTEL - WALK-IN FREEZER - DAY 48* Lois and Linda are tied up on the floor. Stark checks their ropes one last time. CARPENTER I can't tell you how truly sorry I am that things turned out this way. On the other hand, you two are going to be part of a fabulous forty-eight point headline. He exits. Stark withdraws a handgun and fires two bullets into a large overhead pipe. A white plume of Freon gas HISSES down on them. STARK Breathe deeply. He exits, padlocking the door behind him. Linda and Lois struggle against the ropes. LOIS Life is cruel. LINDA Don't get philosophical. It's never been your strength. LOIS Well, doesn't it strike you as ironic? That the two of us should have to die together? LINDA We were best friends. LOIS _Were_. LINDA Let's clear this up once and for all, okay? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blake & Jackson 1/11/94 50. 48 CONTINUED: 48 LOIS Let's not and if there's anybody on the other side who asks us, let's just say we did. LINDA You think I stole Paul Bender from you. But I didn't. You weren't even dating him. LOIS But I really cared for him, and you knew it. LINDA He came on to me. LOIS And you had no will power, huh? LINDA None. I would have done anything for Paul. LOIS And I guess you had no will power when you stole my story? LINDA Okay. I'm weak. It doesn't mean I wasn't a good friend. It just means I wasn't as strong as you are. LOIS Wait a minute. You're backing into an apology by arguing that you stole a story and a guy because you were under the influence of your hormones and because I was your best girlfriend at the time that I should have forgiven you then and not make a big deal about it now? LINDA Right. The gas is about to reach them. Lois eyes it warily. LOIS Okay. I forgive you. But what about Clark? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 51. 48 CONTINUED: 2 48 LINDA (lying) I never cared about him. Take him. He's yours. LOIS He's not mine to have. LINDA Well, you can have him if you want. They begin to choke as the gas envelopes them. 49 INT. GRAND HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY 49* As Secretary Wallace and his entourage leave an elevator and cross toward the entrance, Clark shadows them. His _SUPERHEARING_ picks up the sounds of Lois and Linda. Clark hesitates. Does he stay with the Secretary or go after Lois? He dashes for a stairwell, pulling at his tie. 50 INT. GRAND HOTEL - WALK-IN FREEZER - DAY 50* Suddenly, the freezer door is _RIPPED FROM ITS HINGES_. Superman steps in, peering through the white fumes. Spotting the ruptured pipe, he _CRIMPS IT CLOSED_ with his _SUPERSTRENGTH_, as he _INHALES THE FUMES_. Superman rushes to Lois and Linda and rips the rope from their bodies. SUPERMAN You'll feel better in a few minutes. LOIS (nods, gasping) You've got to... stop them. They're... SUPERMAN I know. Superman takes off. Lois and Linda trade looks. How? 51 GUN SCOPE POV - THE SECRETARY 51 From a high angle, WE SEE the Secretary as he steps out of the hotel towards his limo. --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Blue Rev. 1/12/94 52. 52 EXT. BUILDING ROOFTOP - DAY 52 Stark peers through the scope of a high powered rifle from a rooftop across the street. He lowers his rifle and gestures a thumbs-up to a second limo parked across from the hotel. 53 INT. CARPENTER'S LIMO - DAY 53 Carpenter's reclined in the back. He sees Stark's signal, smiles to himself, then pours himself a drink. 54 INTERCUT: ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT 54 The Secretary steps towards his limo. Stark on the roof, tenses as he readies himself. The cross hairs pinpoint the Secretary's chest. The gardener and valet casually slide small guns from their uniforms. Stark pulls the trigger. A hand suddenly reaches into frame and _SNATCHES THE BULLET_ an inch from the Secretary's chest! In the limo, Carpenter reacts. As the gardener and valet empty their guns, Superman steps in front of the Secretary, shielding the man with his body, _CATCHING THE REST OF THE BULLETS_ in rapid succession, a la the Harlem Globetrotters; under his * knee, between his legs, etc. * All done to the tune, "Sweet Georgia Brown." Finally, * Superman _FUSES_ the bullets into a single metal mass in * his hand, then tosses it into a nearby garbage can like a * basketball player sinking a three-pointer. * 55 INT. CARPENTER'S LIMO - DAY 55 Stark slides behind the wheel, drops the limo into gear and floors it. CARPENTER Where'd _he_ come from? But to Stark's amazement, instead of moving forward, the engine cranks and the tires squeal, but the car does not * move. In the rearview mirror, he sees Superman smiling * back at him, as we: * DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Green Rev. 2/1/94 53. 56 OMITTED 56 56A INT. DAILY PLANET - LOBBY - (DAY #6) 56A Lois, Clark and Jimmy look at the latest issue of the paper. The headline reads: "NEW AGE KANE NIPPED IN BUD." Lois grabs the paper suddenly. LOIS She did it again. JIMMY What? LOIS The by-line, Clark. (reading) 'By Clark Kent and Lois Lane.' * (sarcastically) * 'Special' contribution by Linda * King. Oh Right. * CLARK Now how did she do that? Jimmy indicates the elevators where Perry says goodbye to Linda. Perry sees Lois staring, looks away, rides the elevator back up. Jimmy takes off as Linda approaches. LINDA Mister White is such a generous man. LOIS You have no shame. LINDA Yes, I do! (beat) Not a lot, but some. CLARK (smiles) So, what's next for you? LINDA I've taken a job on the coast. (suggestively) You want to keep the team together, come with me? Lois shoots Linda an unmistakable look. Hands off. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 54. 56A CONTINUED: 56A LINDA (Cont'd) I'm kidding, I'm kidding. (sincere) Lois, I have something to say to you. LOIS Don't. LINDA When you told me you accepted my apology, that meant a lot to me. LOIS Not to me. I thought I was dying and I wanted to clean the slate. CLARK You don't mean that. (to Linda) She doesn't mean that (off Lois's reaction) She means it. LINDA Look at it this way, Lois. Maybe you're the reporter you are because of the competition you felt with me. LOIS Not only am I supposed to accept your lame apology, but now I'm supposed to thank you!? Lois looks to Clark for support. He changes the subject. CLARK So, Linda, which paper are you headed to next? LINDA No paper. I'm getting out of news. I just optioned the film rights to my inside story of Preston Carpenter's fall from grace. (confidentially) It's obscene how much money those Hollywood producers can throw at you. Lois's mouth drops. Clark shakes his head. CLARK Who's going to play you? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE RIVAL (#16) Yellow Rev. 1/21/94 55. 56A CONTINUED: 2 56A LINDA They're looking for a very big name. I did, however, insist in my contract that I get to play one of the _small_ parts. LOIS (warily) Which part is that? Linda smiles, pats Lois on the shoulder. LINDA I'll try to do you justice. Linda kisses Clark on the cheek and saunters off. Lois looks at Clark, speechless. Clark busts into a laugh, and we: FADE OUT. _THE END_