notes: 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 (or minimum) (I had to tell the program that my primitive printer was using legal-size paper) Notes: Cover: "MADAME EX", Written by Tony Blake & Paul Jackson are all in large, bold print. No director is noted. WARNER BROS. TELEVISION is in an arial-type font. All other text on first page and the rest of the script is in courier 10 (or a nonproportional, ten-characters-per-inch font) the "*" used in the script probably means "this changed from previous version" Typos noted: Page 7, mid page, Perry says "Alright" should be "All right" There is the occasional missing comma Usually words denoting some action by Superman are in all caps and underlined, but occasionally below they are not. --page break-- "MADAME EX" EPISODE ONE Prod. #456451 Written by Tony Blake & Paul Jackson WARNER BROS. TELEVISION _Production Draft_ July 27, 1994 Blue (FULL) 7/29/94 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Madame Ex_" Blue Rev. 7/29/94 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE/"LOIS II" PERRY WHITE JIMMY OLSEN MARTHA KENT JONATHAN KENT _________________________________________________________________ ARIANNA CARLIN GRETCHEN KELLY DR. HELLER SHELDON BENDER DETECTIVE RYDER CAPTAIN KEENE HOMELESS GUY TRUCK DRIVER MALE STAFFER * TV REPORTER FEMALE STAFFER * WOMAN DEMONSTRATOR SHOP OWNER DEMONSTRATOR SECRETARY CONSTRUCTION WORKER PEDESTRIAN NEWSSTAND OPERATOR --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Madame Ex_" Blue Rev. 7/29/94 _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 5 NIGHT 1 SC. 6 - 14 DAY 2 SC. 15 - 16 NIGHT 2 SC. 17 - 36 DAY 3 SC. 37 - 38 NIGHT 3 SC. 39 - 92 DAY 4 SC. 93 - 94 DAY 5 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Madame Ex_" Blue Rev. 7/29/94 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Daily Planet Newsroom Lobby Medical canter Conference Room Corridor Perry's Office Darkened Room Gun Shop High Rise-Building Construction High Beam Medical Center Street Below Dr. Heller's office Retirement Home Arianna's Office Suicide Slum Lex Luthor's Penthouse Lab LexCorp Tower Gretchen Kelly's Corridor City Building Recovery Room Metropolis Streets Police Station Police Station Truck Cab Park Kent Farm Metropolis Sky --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN_ "Madame Ex" _TEASE_ FADE IN: RE-CAP "HOUSE OF LUTHOR:" (CONTENT TO BE DISCUSSED) 1 EXT. MEDICAL CENTER - (NIGHT #1) - ESTABLISHING (STOCK) 1 2 INT. MEDICAL CENTER CORRIDOR - NIGHT 2 Deserted except for DR. HELLER, a man in his late 50's, who accompanies ARIANNA CARLIN, tall, sultry, and no nonsense. As they approach a door at the and of the corridor... ARIANNA So, can I assume the operation was a success? DR. HELLER Well, as you know, cosmetic surgery is more an art than a science. But I think you'll be quite satisfied, Mrs. Luthor. She grabs his arm and abruptly stops him at the door. ARIANNA (ominously) I haven't been Mrs. Luthor for fifteen years. Don't ever call me that again. I'm Arianna Carlin. DR. HELLER (obediently) Of course. 3 INT. DARKENED ROOM - CONTINUOUS 3 A patient sits motionless in a chair, covered by a sheet. only the patient's head is visible, totally wrapped in bandages. Heller and Arianna move into frame. 4 ANGLE FROM BEHIND THE PATIENT 4 DR. HELLER I'm going to remove the bandages now. Please remain still. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 2. 4 CONTINUED: 4 Arianna watches intently as the bandages come off. DR. HELLER (CONT'D) Your skin is going to feel hot as it becomes exposed to the air, but that's normal. At last the bandages are removed and a satisfied expression crosses Arianna's face. 5 REVERSE ANGLE REVEALS 5 NOT LEX LUTHOR IN THE CHAIR BUT... LOIS LANE! Only it's not Lois, but a WOMAN who's her exact double except for her blonde hair. DR. HELLER Once the hair is died, even her mother won't be able to tell then apart. Arianna and the Double exchange a conspiratorial look, then... ARIANNA Doctor Heller, you're brilliant. She reaches into her handbag, withdraws a gun. As Heller's eyes go wide... ARIANNA (CONT'D) The world will truly miss you. As she levels the gun at him... FADE OUT. _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 3. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 6 EXT. HI-RISE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - (DAY #2) 6 CAMERA FINDS a CONSTRUCTION WORKER working on a-high beam. He listens to a nearby radio. RADIO VOICE #1 (V.O.) Okay, we're back and we're talking with Harold about this growing controversy regarding Superman's presence in Metropolis. So what do you think? RADIO VOICE #2 (V.O.) Lex Luthor, a great man, would be alive today if Superman had done his job! RADIO VOICE #1 (V.O.) Oh, here we go with that old argument... As the debate continues in the background, a SECOND WORKER, carrying a four foot metal beam on his shoulder, passes behind the first worker. VOICE (O.S.) Hey Frankie! The second worker turns, inadvertently swinging the beam into the first worker, knocking him off the building. As the worker falls, he whizzes past floor after floor, screaming until ... 7 SUPERMAN 7 ... flies into FRAME and plucks him from certain death. SUPERMAN You've just given new meaning to the phrase 'beam me down.' 8 EXT. SIDEWALK AT BASE OF BUILDING - DAY - CONTINUOUS 8 A small crowd of PASSERSBY watch Superman land on the sidewalk with the worker. A male PEDESTRIAN approaches. PEDESTRIAN (cynical) Well, isn't this just dandy. Superman saves the day again. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 4. 8 CONTINUED: 8 SUPERMAN Is there a problem? PEDESTRIAN Yeah... you. CONSTRUCTION WORKER What are you, nuts? Superman's the greatest! PEDESTRIAN (to Superman) Yeah? If you're so great, why didn't you save Lax Luthor? Some in the crowd MURMUR. Superman's uncomfortable. SUPERMAN I wanted to... PEDESTRIAN Wanted to? That's not good enough. Lex Luthor did a hall of a lot for this city and you let him die! SUPERMAN There's more to it than you know. But believe me, I didn't want him to die. PEDESTRIAN Why should I believe you? You're just some freak--in a blue suit! His supporters AD LIB AGREEMENT while others in the crowd AD LIB SUPPORT for Superman. PEDESTRIAN (CONT'D) I think you save who you want to save! You call yourself Superman but you think you're SuperGod! As the crowd erupts in arguments among themselves, Superman eyes them concerned, then flies off... CUT TO: 9 INT. DAILY PLANET DAY 9 An agitated Lois pours herself a cup of coffee. Nearby a WOMAN STAFFER holding a mug reads a bulletin board. Lois turns to the small fridge between them only to discover the creamer on top of the fridge. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 5. 9 CONTINUED: 9 LOIS (annoyed; to staffer) You know, if you're going to use the creamer, it'd be nice if you put it back in the refrigerator when you're done. The Woman turns, revealing she's drinking O.J. LOIS (CONT'D) (contrite) Oh. Sorry. She puts the creamer back and slams the fridge door just a little too hard, then crosses down into the bullpen. Two STAFFERS pass by talking to each other. MALE STAFFER If you ask me Superman isn't the hero he used to be. Lex Luthor may have had his faults but Superman should have saved him. FEMALE STAFFER Are you, nuts? Luthor was a low life, scum-sucking criminal. How could anyone like that guy? Lois turns on the staffer, eyes glaring. FEMALE STAFFER (CONT'D) Oh... sorry, Lois. The two staffers move off. As Lois approaches her desk, JIMMY enters and hands her a copy of the Metropolis Star. JIMMY Hey Lois, did you see this poll in the Star? Twenty percent of the people in Metropolis are anti-Superman. LOIS Jimmy, what are you reading that rag for? (grabs paper; eyes it) What is wrong with people? JIMMY What's really weird is when they asked _why_ they didn't like Superman, half the people couldn't even give a specific reason. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 6. 9 CONTINUED: 2 9 LOIS I swear, we're witnessing the dumbing down of America. People with opinions who have no idea why they even _have_ an opinion. A BEEP interrupts them. LOIS (CONT'D) What is that? LOIS (off Jimmy's shrug) You know when they remodeled they should have given us an instruction manual for all this new stuff. As they look for the source, the Male Staffer passes. MALE STAFFER That's a fax coming in on your computer. They all have fax modems now. LOIS Be nice if somebody put out a memo. MALE STAFFER They did. Check your E mail. LOIS Nobody's shown me how to retrieve my E mail. MALE STAFFER (walking off) There's a fax on your computer explaining it. She throws her hands up in frustration. JIMMY Looks like it's rush hour on the Super Information Highway. LOIS Yeah, and I'm stuck in a techno traffic jam. CLARK enters. Jimmy hands him the Star thru... JIMMY Hey, C.K. You seen this? (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 7. 9 CONTINUED: 3 9 CLARK (scanning paper, concerned) Hostility for Superman seems to be a growing trend. PERRY enters, approaches. PERRY What are you two still doing here? I thought you were going out to cover the murder of that Plastic surgeon. CLARK Sorry Chief, I was a little late getting in. I had a problem fall into my lap this morning. PERRY Well, as long as you're here, you might as well know about this too. (to staff; loudly) Alright everybody, gather 'round. I have an announcement to make. (as the staff gathers) As you know, we've all been through some difficult times recently and our new owner feels that, well, some of us might be suffering from stress. You know... irritability, short fuses... JIMMY (to Clark) The Chief's always like that. Perry shoots Jimmy a look, then... PERRY So, as of today the Daily Planet has its own staff psychologist. LOIS What? He can't be serious? CLARK Doesn't sound like such a bad idea. LOIS You want to spend your time on a couch listening to psychobabble, go ahead. I've got... (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 8. 9 CONTINUED: 4 9 PERRY (interrupting them) Many of You might be familiar with this woman from her syndicated column we've been running... (uncomfortable saying it) '...Healing the uh... Inner self.' JIMMY (unhappy) Yeah. They yanked the Jumble Puzzle for that. And I was just gettin' good at that game. PERRY Frankly, not being one for all that touchy feely stuff myself, I don't much care for her column. But, it's increased circulation significantly and the good doctor has convinced our publisher that she can be of some help here. LOIS How do we know she's even a real doctor? Half these media shrinks are frauds. VOICE (O.S.) Oh, I'm a real doctor, Miss Lane. The crowd turns and parts, revealing Arianna Carlin! An embarrassed Lois pastes a smile on her face. LOIS Uh... of course... I was... uh, talking about the other half. PERRY I was just telling the staff about you, Doctor Carlin. ARIANNA Well, I'm looking forward to meeting all of you over the next several days. Please feel free to drop in to my office any time. PERRY Okay people, we got blank pages to fill. As the staff disperses... (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 9. 9 CONTINUED: 5 9 ARIANNA Miss Lane. I'm especially looking forward to meeting with you. LOIS Doctor Carlin, a lot of people have tried to get me on a couch. And after all this time, I'm not about to start with a psychologist. Perry and Clark react. ARIANNA In my experience it's the people who say they're fine that need help the most. A beat, then Lois fixes a smile on her face. LOIS If you'll excuse me. I have work to do. As she strides away, Clark shrugs an apologetic look to Arianna then follows. We hold on Arianna Carlin. CUT TO: 10 INT. GUN SHOP - DAY 10 A beefy SHOP OWNER passes a nasty looking handgun across a display case to the Lois Lane double. Sullen and dressed differently than the real Lois, she takes the gun and aims it at an imaginary target. SHOP OWNER If the Mafia endorsed a gun, that'd be it. It'll stop whatever you're aiming at. The woman lowers the weapon, eyes him coldly. "LOIS Il" Super. I'll take it. SHOP OWNER Okay, just sign the license, The woman starts to sign the license with her left hand, then stops and signs LOIS LANE with her right. The shop owner picks up a camera and aims it at her. SHOP OWNER (CONT'D) Now smile for the government. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 10. 10 CONTINUED: 10 As the camera FLASHES we... CUT TO: 11 EXT. SUICIDE SLUM SIDEWALK - DAY 11 Clark and an agitated Lois walk down a garbage strewn sidewalk. CLARK Did the police say if Doctor Heller was murdered here or just dumped here? Lois stares intently at the ground, oblivious to Clark. She abruptly kicks a can out of her way. CLARK (CONT'D) Uh... this is; just a wild guess, but is something bothering you? LOIS That Carlin woman! I can't believe her gall. (mimicking) 'In my experience it's the people who say they're fine that need help the most.' CLARK Not bad. You do Roseanne? (off her look) Lois, she's a professional. She might know a little more about it than we do. LOIS No one knows me better than me. And believe me, I am fine. CLARK Is that why your desk drawer is full of candy bars? LOIS Oh, so now Sigmund Kent is saying a sweet tooth means a person's mentally unstable. And what are you doing in my drawers anyway? Clark holds his tongue, then takes her gently by the arm. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 11. 11 CONTINUED: 11 CLARK Lois... you've bean through a lot. The whole thing with Lex... LOIS Right now the only thing that's stressing me out is you talking about me. Let's just focus on Doctor Heller's murder, okay? Clark gives it up. As they turn into an alley, Lois suddenly stops at some GRAFFITI written on a wall. LOIS (CONT'D) Oh, look at that! 12 ON WALL 12 The graffiti artist has written: "Superman - Tyranny Over People." 13 RESUME SCENE 13 LOIS Who are these idiots? CLARK Whoever they are, they were clever enough to create an acrostic. LOIS A what? CLARK An acrostic. It's a word or message that's subliminally hidden in a series of lines. In this case, the first letter of each of these words spells 'Stop.' LOIS Oh. Well, they're still idiots. They continue down the alley, stopping near the police tape that surrounds a dumpster. On the side of the dumpster are traces of fingerprint dusting. LOIS (CONT'D) It's ironic isn't it? Someone whose work it was to make people beautiful ends up in a dumpster. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 12. 13 CONTINUED: 13 LOIS (CONT'D) (beat) Could a patient be so unhappy with their tummy tuck they'd kill their doctor? The SOUND of rummaging behind the dumpster draws their attention. As they move to the other side they discover a young HOMELESS MAN. LOIS (CONT'D) Excuse me... The homeless guy looks up at Lois. Suddenly, his eyes go wide in terror and he takes off down the alley. CLARK Hey! Wait! Clark and Lois give chase, but Lois falls behind. 14 EXT. SUICIDE SLUM SIDEWALK - DAY - CONTINUOUS 14 The homeless guy darts out of the alley and dashes down the street. Clark follows, 20 yards behind. Spotting an old tire, he picks it up and scales it like a frisbee at the homeless guy. The tire drops down over the homeless guy's head. He stumbles and hits the ground. Clark helps him up, removing the tire thru... CLARK You okay? HOMELESS GUY Look mister! I don't know nuthin'! CLARK About what? The homeless guy hesitates, realizing he may have just said too much. Lois catches up. The homeless guy recoils at the sight of her, but Clark holds him by the arm. LOIS How'd you catch him? CLARK He uh got 'tired.' (to homeless guy) Look, we're reporters. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 13. 14 CONTINUED: 14 CLARK (CONT'D) We just want to know if you can tell us anything about the body that was found in that alley. The homeless guy hesitates. Clark, still holding the guy, looks to Lois. CLARK (CONT'D) I think some money would be a good idea about now. LOIS Where's _your_ wallet? CLARK Your hands are free. Exasperated, she pulls out some bills and holds them up. LOIS Okay, what did you see? HOMELESS GUY Two guys dumping a body. (he reaches for bills, she pulls them back) Heard one of 'em call the other Harry. 'Cept when they left... I saw it wasn't guys. It was chicks. CLARK Did you get a good look at either one of them? HOMELESS GUY (nervous) Yeah, one. (grabs bills; points to Lois) It was her! DISSOLVE TO: 15 EXT. CITY BUILDING - (NIGHT #2) 15 A banner hanging over the entrance reads "CITY COUNCIL HONORS SUPERMAN". As the event goes on inside, a noisy group of Anti-Superman DEMONSTRATORS chant under the glare of television news crew lights, held back from the building by police. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 14. 15 CONTINUED: 15 DEMONSTRATORS Superman must go! Superman must go! A TV REPORTER approaches one of the demonstrators, extends a mic. As the other demonstrators chant in the background... TV REPORTER Could you tell us the purpose of this demonstration? DEMONSTRATOR We don't think the city should be honoring Superman. Especially after he let Lex Luthor die. A nearby WOMAN DEMONSTRATOR sticks her face up to the mic. WOMAN DEMONSTRATOR I've always been concerned about Superman. Why is he so secretive? What's he got to hide? I'm really not comfortable having him in Metropolis. As the crowd of demonstrators MURMUR their agreement, a woman suddenly pushes her way past then and approaches the cameras. It's "Lois." She pushes her hair away from her face with her left hand, "LOIS II" I was there when Lex Luthor died. I prayed Superman would save him, but for some reason he decided not to. And I think the citizens of Metropolis have the right to ask... (directly at camera) isn't Lex Luthor's blood on Superman's hands? As the crowd CHEERS, Lois exits out of frame. 16 EXT. STREET - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 16 "Lois" cuts between the parked cars and approaches Arianna, standing in the shadows across from the demonstration. "LOIS II" How'd I do? Arianna slowly approaches, her eyes slits. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 15. 16 CONTINUED: 16 ARIANNA (angry) How'd you do? She raises her hand as if to slap the double in the face. The woman raises her left arm to ward off the blow. Arianna grabs the woman's arm in a visa grip. ARIANNA (CONT'D) See what you just did? You used your left hand to protect yourself. In front of the cameras you used your left hand to push your hair back. How many times do I have to tell you... Lois Lane is right handed! She releases her grip on the double. "LOIS II" I'm sorry. ARIANNA For what I'm paying you, sorry is unacceptable. "LOIS II" It won't happen again. ARIANNA It better not. For your own sake. As she stares at the demonstration across the street... ARIANNA (CONT'D) People are so easily manipulated. This is only the beginning. By the time I'm through, Metropolis will be torn apart. (to Lois Double) And Lois Lane and Superman will wish they had never betrayed Lex Luthor. HOLD ON Krianna's malevolent look, then... FADE OUT. _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 16. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 17 INT. DAILY PLANET LOBBY - MORNING (DAY #3) 17 Lois enters, approaches the corner NEWS STAND. A SIGN blares "READ ARIANNA CARLIN IN THE DAILY PLANET". The NEWS STAND OPERATOR looks up from his paper as Lois arrives. LOIS (conspiratorially) Did you get my order in? The man nods, produces a handful of CANDY BARS. Lois quickly snatches them, hides them in her purse. LOIS (CONT'D) I'm still getting the bulk discount, right? NEWS STAND OPERATOR Sure. By the way, I'm with you one hundred percent. Give 'em hell. LOIS (confused) Uh, thanks... I will. As she crosses the lobby towards the elevator, she waves to the GUARD at the security desk, who gives her a nasty look. Lois reacts, passes two more people who also give her a disapproving look. She checks her ensemble as Clark enters. LOIS (CONT'D) Clark, do I look okay to you? CLARK Always. Why? LOIS People have been looking at me funny. CLARK Have a little paranoia with your coffee this morning Lois? LOIS Don't start with me. (and then) Where were you last night? I called a couple of times. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 17. 17 CONTINUED: 17 CLARK At the police station. I stayed while the detectives interviewed that homeless guy. The elevator arrives. Several people step off. Lois and Clark enter the empty car thru... LOIS And what? Am I on my way to the Big House? CLARK No. But some rookie cop did ask for your phone number. LOIS There's only one man in uniform I'm interested in. He smiles. As they turn to face front they see the people who just got off, staring at Lois. LOIS (CONT'D) WHAT?!? The people quickly turn and hurry off as the doors close. 18 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 18 The elevator opens and Jimmy passes, looking at Lois intently. LOIS What's going on?! Did I grow a second head or something? JIMMY I just want you to know, what you did took a lot of guts. He walks off, leaving a confused Lois to look at Clark, who shrugs. Turning to head down the ramp, they discover Perry and Arianna waiting for them. PERRY Lois, what in San Hill was that stunt you pulled last night!? The publisher's been all over me this morning like a bad rash! LOIS What are you talking about, chief? (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 18. 18 CONTINUED: 18 PERRY I'm talking about your virtuoso performance on the late news! CLARK You were on the news? PERRY (to Lois) Y'know, if you want to tell people your opinions, you might consider giving our editorial page a try! Lois looks at Clark, totally perplexed, then back at Perry. LOIS I wasn't on the news... ARIANNA Are you saying you weren't at that anti-Superman demonstration last night? LOIS What? Of course not! I was home eating choc... cottage cheese and doing laundry! A meaningful look passes between Perry and Arianna, then... PERRY Come with me. WIPE TO: 19 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 19 on a monitor the image of Lois at the demonstration appears. Below her face is a graphic: "Lois Lane. Daily Planet Reporter." 20 ANOTHER ANGLE 20 Perry, Arianna, Lois and Clark watch as Lois "repeats" her speech about Superman. Then Perry freezes the frame. PERRY Now I could be wrong, I've only worked with you for five years... but I'm seeing a lot of similarities here. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 19. 20 CONTINUED: 20 LOIS That's not me... It's some kind of sick joke. Clark? Clark eyes Lois. What can he say? ARIANNA It's no joke, Lois. It's a cry for help. What you're demonstrating are signs of post traumatic stress. Short term memory loss, erratic behavior... But I can help. If you'll let me. LOIS (gritted teeth) No. Thank you. PERRY Lois, I'm usually not one to meddle in my reporter's lives, but I strongly suggest you take Doctor Carlin up on her offer. LOIS Perry! CLARK I think he's right, Lois. LOIS (beat, then) I can't... we have to attend Lex's will reading. It's part of our series on the break-up of Lexcorp. PERRY It's not till this afternoon. There's plenty of time for you and Doctor Carlin to chat. CLARK (encouraging) Go ahead. I'll meet you back here in a couple of hours. A beat, then Lois sighs. Off Arianna's pleased look... DISSOLVE TO: 21 EXT. SKY - DAY - LATER 21 Superman FLIES, reading a book labeled "PSYCHOLOGY." He's so engrossed he flies right into a radio transmitter. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 20. 22 EXT - PARK - DAY - SIMULTANEOUS 22 A YOUNG GIRL listening to a radio bops to ROCK MUSIC. Suddenly, the station goes static and returns with Polka music. As she reacts... CUT TO: 23 EXT. KENT BARN - DAY - LATER 23 Superman flies into scene disappears behind the barn. PAN ACROSS BARN to see CLARK fly out from around the other side. He floats over to where JONATHAN, up on a ladder, scrapes paint off the barn. CLARK (O.S.) Hi Dad. Startled, Jonathan looks over his shoulder to see Clark hovering in the air next to him. Jonathan's sudden shift causes the ladder to tip away from the barn. JONATHAN WHOA...!.. As he falls, Clark catches the ladder and pushes it back safely. CLARK Sorry. JONATHAN Next time give me a little warning, would ya'? Off Clark's sheepish smile... CUT TO: 24 INT. ARIANNA'S OFFICE - DAY - LATER 24 Plush and comfortable. Lois sits on a sofa facing Arianna who's in a classic Eames chair. Arianna's demeanor is gentle and engaging. The quintessential therapist. LOIS So when do we start blaming my parents for everything? ARIANNA (smiles) Maybe later. For now I thought we could just talk. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 21. 24 CONTINUED: 24 LOIS What's to say? You think I'm crazy and I don't. Now what? ARIANNA I don't think you're crazy. What I do think is, you've been under great emotional stress. LOIS Who isn't? We live in a big city. No stress, no success. ARIANNA That's right. And when you add that to a severe emotional trauma, like you've been through... LOIS What? You go on television and forget you were there? ARIANNA Well, behavior like that is not uncommon. I've seen some cases where the patient even turned violent. CUT TO: 25 EXT. THE KENT BACK YARD - DAY - SIMULTANEOUS 25 Jonathan's up on the ladder, painting. Clark, now in street clothes, stands at the bottom as MARTHA approaches with lemonade and sandwiches. CLARK I've been concerned about Lois for some time. Now, after what she said on television last night, I'm worried her problems are even worse than I thought. Jonathan drops his brush. Clark retrieves it, FLOATS UP to return it thru... JONATHAN Well, at least she's seeing this Doctor Carlin. It's a start. MARTHA And you just continue to be patient and understanding. She'll get through it. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 22. 26 INT. ARIANNA'S OFFICE - DAY 26 ARIANNA Tell me. Have you had the desire to strike out at anybody recently? I mean besides me. Lois can't help but smile. LOIS No. The only desire I seen to have lately is for double fudge crunch bars. ARIANNA You too? Lois eyes her, doubtfully. Arianna reaches into her desk drawer and pulls out two Double Fudge bars and holds them up enticingly. As Lois looks longingly at the candy... 27 EXT. KENT BACKYARD 27 Clark floats up near Jonathan... CLARK I was so desperate to stop her from marrying Lex, I told her I loved her. But it didn't work. (FLOATING DOWN) And then when I told her I didn't mean what I'd said, I think it only added to her problems. 28 INT. ARIANNA'S OFFICE - DAY 28 A more relaxed Lois reclines on a couch as she chews on a candy bar. LOIS Lex' proposal really sent my nervous system on a roller coaster ride. Then the Planet was destroyed and I wasn't able to sleep much. And then, Clark decided to tell me he loved me. His timing couldn't have been worse. She takes a bite of the candy as an intrigued look crosses Arianna's face. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 23. 28 CONTINUED: 28 ARIANNA So you see, what happened last night at that demonstration, was your emotional circuits finally snapped. LOIS That wasn't me. But let's say someone's circuits do snap. How do you reconnect them? ARIANNA By talking like this. Tell me, what's your relationship with Clark like now? LOIS Clark. I thought there might be something between us, but... 29 EXT. KENT BACKYARD - DAY 29 CLARK Well, I guess she's my best friend. And... I'd never do anything to jeopardize that.. MARTHA But you lied to her about your true feelings. CLARK I crossed my fingers when I did it. 30 INT. ARIANNA'S OFFICE - DAY 30 ARIANNA Did you love Lex? LOIS (beat) I was attracted to his power. And what I thought was a great humanitarian. But did I love Lex? (beat) No. I never loved him. Lois doesn't notice Arianna's face tighten at the remark. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 24. 31 EXT. KENT BACKYARD - DAY 31 JONATHAN Why'd you tell Lois You didn't mean it when you said you loved her? Clark considers the question, then... CLARK Because I know the only person she's in love with is Superman. 32 INT. ARIANNA'S OFFICE - DAY 32 LOIS Have you ever loved someone and knew you'd love them your entire life whether or not they loved you in return? ARIANNA (beat, then) Yes. Once. I married him. He was fascinating. I loved him as much as any woman could love a man. And even though he divorced me, I still love him to this day. LOIS (relieved) So you can understand my feelings for Superman? ARIANNA (ominous) Oh yes. Very much so. CUT TO: 33 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY - LATER 33 Arianna steps in as Lois passes by Perry's window. PERRY So? ARIANNA Off the record? She's got a lot of problems. I'm afraid we're going to see things get worse before they get better. Off Perry's concerned look... CUT TO: --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 25. 34 EXT. LEXCORP TOWER - DAY - ESTABLISHING 34 35 INT. LEX LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - DAY 35 Lois sits on a large couch beneath a 50 gallon wall aquarium filled with exotic fish. Other reporters and business types fill the room, taking notes as SHELDON BENDER, reads the will from behind Lex' desk. BENDER And to the Metropolis Arts Council, Mr. Luthor bequeaths the sun of... As Bender drones on, Clark enters, slides in next to Lois. CLARK (sotto) I miss anything? She shakes her head. CLARK (CONT'D) How was your session with Doctor Carlin? LOIS (annoyed) How do you think? Sitting with a complete stranger telling them my most private thoughts.,.. He looks at her, knowing there's more... LOIS (CONT'D) (grudgingly) Well okay, so maybe I got a few things off my chest. (then quickly) But it's over and now I'm fine. Clark shoots her a dubious look, then his attention is drawn to... BENDER As for Mr. Luthor's controlling shares of Lexcorp, he has instructed that they be assigned to a special trust, to be administered by my law firm and will be liquidated in due course. A buzz fills the room as the assembled react. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 26. 35 CONTINUED: 35 BENDER (CONT'D) All of Mr. Luthor's personal property, including is artwork and jewelry will be auctioned off and the proceeds will be go to ACL Corporation, which administers an annuity for his ex-wife. 36 CLOSE ON LOIS AND CLARK 36 Lois is stunned. BENDER (O.S.) A scholarship in Mr. Luthor's name will be established... As Bender drones on, Clark leans close to Lois. CLARK Are you okay? LOIS I can't believe it... he never said a word about... (anger building) ...that lying, no good... CLARK Sssh! LOIS He was married, Clark! All those times he told me I was his first true love... I could kill him! (off his look) Would have killed him. CLARK Maybe we should just try to find her. She might know something about the disappearance of Luthor's body. CUT TO: 37 INT. CORRIDOR (NIGHT #3) 37 Arianna KNOCKS on a door marked "Gretchen Kell, M.D." It opens, revealing GRETCHEN KELLY, attractive, mid 30'S, her red hair and blue eyes a stark contrast to Arianna. ARIANNA I'd like to see him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 27. 37 CONTINUED: 37 GRETCHEN Of course. 38 INT. RECOVERY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 38 Gretchen leads Arianna into a white, sterile laboratory. A PLEXIGLASS CASKET filled with a green gelatinous goo sits on a platform. A FIGURE lies inside. Nearby, thin green lines arc on a MONITOR as it emits a SOFT BEEP. ARIANNA How is he, Gretchen? GRETCHEN Better. The brain waves have stabilized. Tomorrow I'll begin mild stimulation to initiate regeneration. ARIANNA He always said you were the best physician he ever had. I can't tell you how comforting it is to have you caring for him. GRETCHEN It's a... labor of love. He's very special to me. Gretchen hangs back as Arianna moves to the casket and looks down into the gelatinous goo. ARIANNA (softly) Hello, Lex. It's Ari. We got into your penthouse. (beat) I have the kryptonite. She gently runs her hand over the casket, caressing it. ARIANNA (CONT'D) It won't be long now. As Gretchen watches impassively, Arianna kisses the casket. ARIANNA (CONT'D) Be well darling. As the arcs on the monitor seem to get slightly stronger... DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 28. 39 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - MORNING (DAY #4) 39 Clark's at his desk working. Lois enters. LOIS Morning. Any luck in your search for ACL Corporation? CLARK None. It's not listed anywhere. And Luthor's lawyer won't even return my calls. You? LOIS I spent three hours at the bureau of vital statistics yesterday. There's no marriage certificate for Lex in this state or any other. Jimmy approaches thru... CLARK Jimmy, you find anything on Luthor's marriage? JIMMY You bet I did. Turns out he was married on a ship in the Caribbean. I found this wedding announcement that ran in the Planet fifteen years ago. He hands it to Lois. LOIS (frustrated) No picture, no maiden name. JIMMY Yeah, but I'm trying to track down the Captain of the ship. VOICE (O.S.) Lois Lane? Two MEN in suits approach. LOIS Yes? DET. RYDER (flashing ID) Detective Ryder, Metropolis PD. You want to tell us where you were last night around one o'clock? (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 29. 39 CONTINUED: 39 LOIS I was home asleep. Why? DET. RYDER Can anyone verify that? LOIS Of course not! I sleep alone! (and then) By choice! CLARK What's this all about, Detective? DET. RYDER At one a.m. last night a guard was assaulted outside Lex Luthor's penthouse by a woman he's identified as Miss Lane. LOIS That's ridiculous. DET. RYDER (handing her a photo) This picture was taken by a security camera outside the penthouse. 40 INSERT PHOTO 40 Lois coming out of the door carrying a small enameled box. DET. RYDER (O.S.) As far as we can tell, the only item taken was the engagement ring Mr. Luthor had given miss Lane... worth half a million dollars. 41 RESUME SCENE 41 Lois lets out an involuntary GASP. DET. RYDER (CONT'D) Miss Lane, you're under arrest for assault, breaking and entering and grand theft. As he puts handcuffs on a stunned Lois, CAMERA PANS TO Arianna in the doorway of her office, a glimmer of a smile crossing her face. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 30. ACT THREE FADE IN: 42 INT. METROPOLIS POLICE STATION LOBBY - DAY 42 As Clark and Perry wait in the lobby, TWO POLICEMEN drag an angry DEMONSTRATOR past them. The demonstrator wears a Superman T-Shirt with the international circle with slash through it drawn over the big red "S." As a concerned Clark stares after the demonstrator... PERRY This resentment for Superman's gettin' out of hand. What these people need is a good swift kick in the... An agitated Lois enters from a side corridor, interrupting. LOIS Thanks for getting me out so fast. Another minute and I was going to be judging a best tattoo contest. So, any idea who's setting me up? Perry and Clark share an uncomfortable look. LOIS (CONT'D) Wait a minute. You don't actually think I did these things? CLARK We're not sure what to believe, Lois. LOIS Then let me help you! There's someone running around out there who looks like me that's trying to ruin my life! PERRY Lois, I've spoken with Doctor Carlin and I think the best thing right now is for you to go home and get some rest. LOIS I don't believe you two PERRY Lois! (deliberate) Take the week off. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 31. 42 CONTINUED: 42 PERRY (CONT'D) And make another appointment to see Doctor Carlin. Is that clear? She looks at him... finally speechless. Then, subdued... LOIS I have to sign for my purse. She walks away, Perry and Clark looking after her. Then... PERRY I'm worried about her. CLARK Yeah, me too. CUT TO: 43 EXT. METROPOLIS POLICE STATION - MINUTES LATER 43 Perry and Clark exit. Lois breezes past them wordlessly, heading for the sidewalk. Clark gestures to Perry he'll take care of it. Perry nods, exits in the opposite direction as Clark catches up to Lois. As they walk... CLARK So what are you going to do with all this free time? LOIS Well, I could learn the piano... maybe work on my tan... or I might try finding out who's setting me up! (stops, looks at him) Now are you going to help? Or am I going to have to do this alone? CLARK (beat, then) Look, it's not that I don't want to help... it's just... LOIS Just what, Clark? Can't you see that some strange things have been happening? I'm arrested for a crime I didn't commit. People are suddenly at each other's throats over Superman. A plastic surgeon who worked for Lex Labs is murdered. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 32. 43 CONTINUED: 43 LOIS (CONT'D) I can't prove there's a connection but my reporter's instinct says something's up. What does your instinct say? CLARK (beat, then) My instinct says never argue with a woman who's been behind bars. (and then) What do you want to do? They walk toward a Planet car thru... LOIS (rapid fire) Okay. If there's a woman out there who looks like me and there is because there's no other rational explanation so don't bother arguing with me, she must have had plastic surgery. And what famous plastic surgeon has been in the news? CLARK Doctor Heller. LOIS And according to that homeless guy, the doctor was murdered by someone looking exactly like me, only we both know it couldn't have been me, could it? Don't answer that, it's a rhetorical question... so... CLARK ...maybe it would be a good idea to stop by the dead doctor's office and see who some of his last patients were. LOIS (smiles) You still think I'm crazy? CLARK No, I think you're brilliant. But there's a fine line between brilliance and lunacy. Off her look... CUT TO: --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 33. 44 EXT. MEDICAL CENTER - DAY - TO ESTABLISH 44 45 INT. DR. Heller RECEPTION OFFICE - DAY 45 A young SECRETARY carries boxes of supplies from a storage closet and stacks them near a reception desk. She looks up as the front door opens and Lois and Clark enter. SECRETARY I'm sorry, the office is closed. LOIS I just need to see my file. SECRETARY I don't know if you heard, but Dr. Heller died. We're moving everything into storage. LOIS That's why I need my file. (gestures to Clark) This is my new doctor and he needs to look it over... for medical reasons. CLARK My patient is suffering some side effects from the operation Doctor Heller performed on her. Some physical... (more to Lois) some mental. SECRETARY Well I guess it would be okay. The name? LOIS Name? SECRETARY Your name? LOIS Well, don't you recognize me? I've been here a lot. SECRETARY I wouldn't know, I'm just a temp. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 34. 45 CONTINUED: 45 LOIS (to Clark, flatly) She's a temp. (and then) Um... look, you're obviously busy, why don't I just look through those boxes and find the file myself? SECRETARY (evenly) If you want it, I need to know the name. LOIS (desperate) Well, I wouldn't presume to guess what name is on the file. Why would I know how Dr. Heller's filing system works? Even Clark can't help roll his eyes now. LOIS (CONT'D) (desperate) Maybe it's in here! She breezes past the secretary and heads into the storage closet. The secretary hurries after her thru... SECRETARY Hey, you can't go in there! The secretary goes in after Lois. Instantly Lois pops back out and slams the door, locking the secretary inside. As the woman starts POUNDING and yelling MUFFLED THREATS... CLARK Very subtle. Why didn't you just knock her out with a blackjack? LOIS Someone's framing me Clark, I don't have time to be clever. She hurries to the file boxes. In the background, the secretary continues POUNDING. LOIS (CONT'D) This one's marked 'Year to Date'. She quickly flips through some file folders, then... (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 35. 45 CONTINUED: 2 45 LOIS (CONT'D) Here is it... Heller's last operation. Performed the week before he was killed. CLARK (reading over bar shoulder) 'Full facial reconstructive surgery.' But no patient name. LOIS But look at these notations. Female, my height and weight. (and then) And look who paid for it! CLARK ACL Corporation. The company that handles Mrs. Luthor's annuity. LOIS Lex's ex-wife is out to get me?! Why? It's not like I stole him away at the homecoming dance! CLARK Who knows? Let's just find her. Then we'll get her on Doctor Carlin's couch. Clark's BEEPER goes off. He looks down at it. CLARK (CONT'D) That's Jimmy. CUT TO: 46 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 46 A PHONE RINGS at a desk. Jimmy picks it up. JIMMY Daily Planet.... hey C.K., good news. I found the Ship's Captain who married the Luthors. (beat) He lives at the Queensland Retirement Home... Any time. Just put in a good word for me with Perry. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 36. 46 CONTINUED: 46 As Jimmy hangs up, CAMERA PANS ACROSS TO Arianna, who's on another phone, talking conspiratorially, unaware of the call that just took place between Jimmy and Clark. ARIANNA They sent Lois Lane home. Are you ready? (beat) Good. Give me thirty minutes to get out of here, then do it. CUT TO: 47 EXT. QUEENSLAND RETIREMENT HOME - DAY 47 A small clapboard building with a front porch. Lois and Clark approach a spirited octogenarian, CAPTAIN KEENE sitting in a rocker on the porch. LOIS Captain Keen? Can we talk to you for a minute? CAPTAIN KEENE (looking up) Honey, I'm retired. You could talk to me for a year. CLARK Captain it's our understanding you performed the marriage of Lex Luthor. CAPTAIN KEENE Oh, some kid called and said you'd be comin' by. Yeah, I married 'em. 'Course Luthor wasn't anybody then. But I could tell he was a comer. And that bride of his. Boy, she was... LOIS (prompting) Something like me? CAPTAIN KEENE (eyes her closely) Hell no. She was a lot prettier. And really built. As Lois pastes a smile on her face... (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 37. 47 CONTINUED: 47 CAPTAIN KEENE (CONT'D) What do you suppose would make a fella like that jump off a building? You'd think with all his money he would've had a better escape plan. CLARK (forging ahead) Captain, do you remember the bride's name? CAPTAIN KEENE Sure. Luthor. Lois and Clark exchange a doubtful look. CAPTAIN KEENE (CONT'D) That's a joke. I'm retired. Not senile. He picks up a photo album lying near his feet. CAPTAIN KEENE (CONT'D) That kid said you might want to see a picture of 'em. Got 'em of all the couples I married. (flips a few pages, then) Here it is. He hands a photo to Lois. 48 INSERT PHOTO 48 It's a young Lex and a younger Arianna Carlin! CAPTAIN KEENE (O.S.) Lex Luthor and Ari Carlin. Married October seventh, nineteen eighty. 49 RESUME SCENE 49 Lois and Clark are in shock. LOIS Oh my God. Arianna Carlin is Mrs. Luthor! (a realization) Arianna Carlin Luthor. A.C.L. CLARK The guy in the alley. He didn't hear 'Harry.' It was 'Ari!' CUT TO: --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 38. 50 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - DAY 50 Jimmy, holding a paperback book, approaches Perry. JIMMY Hey Chief, you seen Dr. Carlin? PERRY Gone for the day. Why? JIMMY I found this book she wrote on subliminal advertising. Thought maybe I could get her to autograph it for my Mon's birthday. PERRY Whatever happened to candy or flowers? JIMMY My Mom's overweight and she's got allergies. 51 ANOTHER ANGLE INCLUDING THE ELEVATOR DOORS 51 They open and "Lois" steps out, surveys the room. PERRY Lois... I thought I told you to take the rest of the week off. "LOIS II" I'm through taking orders from you! And I'm through with the Planet! Consider this my two week notice! Reaching into her purse, she withdraws a CANISTER and throws it into the center of the room. TEAR GAS immediately billows out: As people start to choke, the double turns and disappears into the elevator, the doors closing behind her. 52 EXT. DAILY PLANET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 52 A taxi pulls to the curb and Lois and Clark jump out as a crowd of pedestrians crane their necks to look up at the upper floors. Lois and Clark follow their stares, see several staffers at the windows gasping for air. As they push their way through the gathering crowd of lookie-loos... CLARK Somebody call the fire department! Lois follows Clark through the revolving doors, but spots her DOUBLE exiting out the same doors on the other side. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 39. 53 HOLD ON THE DOORS 53 a beat, as Lois completes the circle and exits back out onto the crowded sidewalk. But she's gone. As Lois pushes her way through the crowd in search of her double... CUT TO: 54 INT. DAILY PLANET LOBBY - DAY - CONTINUOUS 54 Filled with panic-stricken people. Clark realizes he's lost Lois, then heads for a stairwell door, loosening his tie. 55 EXT. ALLEY - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 55 The Double hurries to a LEXUS. As she reaches for the door, she's spun around, coming face to face with Lois. They stare at each other a beat, then... LOIS You're supposed to look like me?! A little heavy on the eye-liner don't you think. "LOIS II" Sorry, but you're a little plain for me. LOIS Plain?! it just so happens I was voted sweetheart of Sigma Chi. "LOIS ii" With this face? Where did you go to school. An agricultural college? LOIS (flaring) All right... She grabs the double's hair. LOIS (CONT'D) Let's lose this cheesy wig. She yanks hard, the double YELPS in pain. Lois realizes the hair is real. As they start struggling, Lois' purse falls from her shoulder. Suddenly, a gun is shoved into Lois' kidneys. Lois freezes, releases her grip on the double and slowly turns to discover Arianna at the other end of the weapon. ARIANNA Lois... you don't seem to be yourself today. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 40. 56 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS 56 The gas hangs heavy in the air. Perry, Jimmy and other staffers crawl blindly towards the exits. Superman enters from the stairwell. SUPERMAN Ever body get down and remain still! As the staffers obey, Superman _BLOWS SUPERCOLD BREATH_ into the room. The gas instantly CRYSTALLIZES and floats to the floor like gray snowflakes. Superman hurries to Parry, helps him up. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) What happened? PERRY It was Lois... she's gone crazy! She tossed a tear gas canister in here! SUPERMAN It wasn't Lois, Mr. White. She's been set up. There's a double. PERRY (stunned) A double?! SUPERMAN Did you see which way she went? PERRY Back down the elevators. CUT TO: 57 EXT. ALLEY DAY - A FEW MOMENTS LATER 57 Superman _LANDS_ in the now deserted alley, lifts Lois' discarded purse from the asphalt. Off his worried look... FADE OUT. _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 41. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 58 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY - MINUTES LATER 58 Clark enters, hurries to Perry and Jimmy. In the background a JANITOR sweeps up the crystallized gas particles. PERRY Clark! Lois's suspicions were right! There is a double! CLARK I know. Where's Arianna? JIMMY She left before this happened. Why? CLARK Arianna Carlin was married to Lex Luthor. PERRY I don't believe it... As Clark moves to a phone and dials... CLARK Not only that. She had Doctor Heller create the double, then killed him. Now she's trying to destroy Lois. PERRY Great shades of Elvis! CLARK (into phone) Detective Ryder, please. PERRY I can't believe that woman pulled the wool over my eyes. JIMMY (holds up Arianna's book) Don't feel so bad chief. She wrote the book on it. Clark eyes the book, then something dawns on him. CLARK That's it! (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 42. 58 CONTINUED: 58 He abruptly hands the phone to Jimmy. CLARK (CONT'D) Ask them to put an APB out on Doctor Carlin. Clark rushes toward Arianna's office, a confused-Perry following. 59 INT. ARIANNA'S OFFICE DAY - MOMENTS LATER 59 Clark has several of Arianna's columns spread across the desk. Perry looks over his shoulder. 60 CLARK'S POV 60 His _SUPER VISION_ scans down a column, alternately highlighting different words in a random sequence. 61 RESUME SCENE 61 PERRY Exactly what is it you're looking for? CLARK Subliminal messages... 62 CLARK'S POV 62 Now his _SUPER VISION_ highlights a different sequence; the FIRST WORD OF EVERY SENTENCE. No message. The highlights then switch to the FIRST LETTER OF EACH PARAGRAPH. On screen we see the "S" from the opening paragraph word, the "U" from the second paragraph opening word, etc. CLARK (O.S.) I got it! 63 RESUME SCENE 63 He hands the column to Perry as he grabs another column. CLARK When you string together the first letter of each paragraph it spells the message 'Superman is Evil.' PERRY Well, I'll be. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 43. 64 CLARK'S POV 64 Clark scans the 2nd column. Now the FIRST LETTER of each paragraph is highlighted and MOVES, COMING TOGETHER To FORM THE MESSAGE: CLARK (O.S.) "Man of Steel Wicked.' Another column replaces it. The same effect.shows: CLARK (O.S) 'Superman must die.' 65 RESUME SCENE 65 CLARK No surprise that twenty percent of Metropolis is suddenly anti-Superman. PERRY Just about the same percentage that reads her column. Let's see what she had planned for tomorrow. They move to a PASTE-UP board, study her column, then... CLARK 'Defend Lois Murder of Superman.' PERRY That lunatic's planning to have Lois, double kill Superman?! CLARK And tear Metropolis apart in the process. PERRY The woman's certifiable. Nobody can kill Superman. JIMMY (rushing in) C.K.! I was giving the APB to the cops when Dr. Carlin called for you! She's on line two! CLARK (on phone) Arianna? --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 44. 66 INTERCUT CLOSE ON ARIANNA - LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE 66 ARIANNA Clark, I need your help. Lois has gone over the edge... CLARK Where are you?! ARIANNA At Lex Luthor's penthouse. Lois is threatening to kill herself unless she can speak to Superman. CLARK He'll be there as soon as I can contact him. He hangs up and dashes out, grabbing for his tie thru... PERRY Where are you going? CLARK To find Superman. CUT TO: 67 INT. LEX'S PENTHOUSE - DAY - CONTINUOUS 67 Arianna hangs up, then turns to face Lois, sitting on the couch under the aquarium, bound-and gagged. ARIANNA Perfect. Clark will testify at your trial that I was only concerned with your well being... the helpful therapist to the end. Arianna withdraws a small leather pouch from a desk drawer. ARIANNA (CONT'D) Of course, you'll tearfully insist that you've been framed, that it was actually _me_ who killed Superman. Classic guilt transference. Lois finally manages to spit the gag out. LOIS You're the one who needs help. Nothing can kill Superman! Arianna reaches into the pouch and withdraws a GLOWING GREEN BULLET. (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 45. 67 CONTINUED: 67 ARIANNA You must remember kryptonite. You're the one who named it. As a realization crosses Lois' face, Arianna slips the bullet into the chamber of a large handgun. She snaps the chamber shut thru... ARIANNA (CONT'D) And this gun you bought is going to kill him with it. Then you'll know the pain I felt when you drove the love of my life to his death. LOIS I didn't drive Lex to his death! ARIANNA Lois you're in a state of denial. Too bad we don't have more time to explore that. A side door opens and the double enters from Lex' bathroom, toweling her hair. ARIANNA (CONT'D) Hurry up, he'll be here any minute. The double removes the towel, reveals she's washed the dye out of her hair and is blonde again. LOIS Who are you? LOIS "II" Let's just say I was an accident victim with no insurance who was in the right place at the right time. Arianna moves to the couch, withdraws a HYPODERMIC NEEDLE. ARIANNA You look stressed, Lois. As your doctor, I'm going to prescribe a light sedative. Lois, eyes widen as Arianna leans close with the needle. CUT TO: 68 EXT. METROPOLIS SKY - DAY - (STOCK) 68 Superman soars over the city, nears Lex' building. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 46. 69 INT. LEX' PENTHOUSE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 69 Deserted, except for Lois, now unconscious and untied on the couch. Superman lands at the glass doors and enters. Rushing to the couch, he kneels next to Lois. SUPERMAN Lois... ARIANNA (O.S.) She'll be fine... Suddenly, Arianna exits the bathroom on the far side of the room, holding the gun in a gloved hand. Superman rises. SUPERMAN I really thought you were smarter than this. ARIANNA I really am. She pulls the trigger. 70 ANGLE - THE BULLET 70 it cuts a deadly path as it heads for Superman. His expression doesn't change as he prepares to repel the bullet until it rips into his upper chest. 71 ANOTHER ANGLE 71 He stumbles back, collapsing in pain on the floor. Arianna approaches, relishing the sight of him immobilized on the carpet. ARIANNA I can imagine what's running through your head right now. Shock, confusion, outrage. The same emotions I felt when you let Lex die. She steps over Superman, wraps the gun in Lois' hand thru... ARIANNA (CONT'D) You'll wake up in a few minutes. Although I'm sure you'll wish you hadn't. (then, loudly) Let's go! The bathroom door opens and the double steps out. She joins Arianna and they exit out the front door. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 47. 72 ANGLE ON SUPERMAN AND LOIS 72 His breathing is more shallow, his energy weakening. SUPERMAN (a whisper) Lois... can you hear me? Lois stirs. Superman tries to rise, can't. A shudder rolls through him... he's dying. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Lois She stirs again, but barely. Superman looks at the aquarium above her head. Summoning the last of his strength, he uses his HEAT VISION to burn a pinpoint hole through the glass. A thin stream of water cascades onto Lois' face, stirring her. Her eyes flutter open. As they start to focus... LOIS Superman ... ?.. Realizing he's hurt, Lois shakes her head and sits up. Seeing the gun in her hand, she drops it, then forces herself off the couch and to his side. His wound, clearly visible, now has a TRICKLE OF BLOOD running from it. LOIS (CONT'D) Superman... I'll call an ambulance. SUPERMAN Too long... (winches, then) It's got to come out now... He grimaces as another wave of pain rolls over him. Lois hesitates, then glances around the penthouse and spots a SHINY LETTER OPENER on Lex' desk. Lois grabs the engraved letter opener, then hurries back to Superman's side. She looks at him a beat... LOIS I don't know if I can do this... Superman places his hand on hers. A beat, then Lois steels herself and brings the letter opener close to the wound. 73 EXT. STREET - DAY 73 Arianna and the Double jump into a LEXUS, the Double behind the wheel. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 48. 74 INT. LEX' PENTHOUSE - DAY - CONTINUOUS 74 On the cut Superman grits his teeth as Lois pulls the bullet out. As soon as the kryptonite clears his body, the wound slowly closes as if it was never there. Lois stares transfixed at it until... SUPERMAN You've got to get that away from me... Lois quickly hurries to the other side of the room as Superman rises unsteadily. She stops near the front doors, looks at him. They share a beat, something passing between them that words can't capture. Then... SUPERMAN (CONT'D) (re: bullet) The middle of the Atlantic would be fine. He uses his HEAT VISION to meld the hole in the aquarium, then lurches toward the terrace. LOIS Don't go. You're too weak. SUPERMAN I'll... I'll be okay. A faint smile to Lois and he's gone. CUT TO: 75 EXT. STREET - DAY 75 The Lexus heads down the street. Superman drops from the sky thirty feet in front of it, stumbling to his knees. As he rises unsteadily and prepares to block the car's path... 76 INT. LEXUS - DAY - MOVING 76 The stunned double reacts thru... ARIANNA He's weak! Run him down! 77 EXT. STREET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 77 The Lexus accelerates. As Superman puts his hands out to stop it, the car PLOWS INTO HIM, him hurtling backwards into a parked car. The Lexus careens out of control and SHEARS A FIRE HYDRANT, sending a plume of water thirty feet into the air. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 49. 78 ON SUPERMAN 78 Stunned, he lays motionless against the parked car. 79 EXT. LEXUS - DAY - CONTINUOUS 79 Arianna and the Double stumble out. Arianna reaches back inside and pulls a gun from the glove compartment. ARIANNA Come on! The two women race to... 80 EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY - CONTINUOUS 80 ...where the only vehicle waiting at the light is a huge SEMI. Arianna flings opens the passenger door, aiming the gun at the surprised DRIVER. ARIANNA Just do as I say! She climbs in. The Double glances back at Superman. 81 HER POV 81 Superman clears his head and spots them entering the truck. 82 RESUME DOUBLE 82 She hesitates, then finally climbs in behind Arianna. As the truck pulls away from the intersection... 83 INT. TRUCK CAB - DAY - MOVING 83 Arianna holds the gun on the driver. TRUCK DRIVER I'm runnin' dead head. Ain't nuthin' in this truck to steal. ARIANNA Just shut up and drive! As he shifts into a higher gear and picks up speed, the Double glances into the SIDE VIEW MIRROR. 84 HER POV 84 In the mirror, she sees Superman flying toward them. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 50. 85 RESUME SCENE 85 "LOIS II" He's right behind us! We'll never lose him! ARIANNA Maybe you'd like to get out now! Arianna reaches across the Double to open the door. "LOIS II" The Double grabs for the gun. As the two women struggle... TRUCK DRIVER Hey! Watch out! A SHOT rings out in front of the driver. As he loses control... 86 EXT. STREET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 86 The driver desperately slams on the brakes, but the Semi JACK-KNIFES and SKIDS towards a CITY PARK filled with children and their parents. 87 ON SUPERMAN 87 Seeing the impending disaster, he speeds up. 88 INT. TRUCK CAB - DAY - MOVING - CONTINUOUS 88 As the passengers are thrown about, the gun goes flying. 89 EXT. STREET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 89 Superman lands in front of the sideways skidding truck and leans into it. But he's still too weak to stop it. The truck's momentum pushes him backwards until he slips, his feet sliding under the truck. 90 ON CITY PARK 90 Parents and children panic and start to run. 91 RESUME SUPERMAN 91 He hangs on to the bottom edge of the trailer as he DIGS HIS FEET INTO THE ASPHALT. The friction digs trenches, creating TWIN RIBBONS OF STEAM. --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 51. 92 ON SUPERMAN 92 He grimaces, almost seeming to will Superstrength back into his body. Finally, the truck slides to a halt inches from the Park. Superman hurries out from under the truck and rushes to the cab. He opens the door to find the driver holding the gun on Arianna and the Double. TRUCK DRIVER Thanks Superman. (tosses him the gun) Here. SUPERMAN (to Arianna) I guess he doesn't read your column. DISSOLVE TO: 93 INT. DAILY PLANET - (DAY #5) 93 Lois types at her computer, Clark looking over her shoulder. Jimmy enters carrying Arianna's book. JIMMY Ten minutes to deadline Lois. LOIS I'm almost done. CLARK What's that, Jimmy? JIMMY Arianna's book. I'm gonna get a refund. Jimmy moves off. LOIS What do you think of this tag line? 'And so, in the end, Arianna Carlin Luthor proved to be no less evil than her ex-husband. And thanks to Superman, Metropolis can now bring to a close the final chapter of the House of Luthor.' CLARK I like it. She's about to hit a button to send it, then stops. CLARK (CONT'D) What's the matter? (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 52. 93 CONTINUED: 93 LOIS Well, there's something I found out about Superman that I didn't put in the story and I'm not sure if I should. CLARK Is it newsworthy? LOIS Very... except, well it's kind of a personal thing and... CLARK Lois, you've got great reporter instincts. Trust them. She considers a beat, then hits the button and sends the story down to "copy." Clark smiles. Perry approaches. PERRY Look, Lois. Now that things have calmed down and Doctor Carlin and your double are enjoying deluxe accommodations with a view of the exercise yard, why don't you take some time off? LOIS PERRY You know, I think Now, don't argue I will. with me PERRY You will? Clark, are we sure this is the real Lois Lane? CLARK (smiles; then to Lois) So... what are you going to do with your time off? LOIS (gathering her things) Oh, I don't know. I thought I might take a cruise across the Atlantic. A knowing smile crosses Clark's face as Lois slings her purse over her shoulder. As she heads for the elevator... LOIS (CONT'D) Try not to let this place fall apart while I'm gone you guys, okay? (CONTINUED) --page break-- MADAME EX (#1) Blue Revision (FULL) 7/29/94 53. 93 CONTINUED: 2 93 PERRY Yep. That's our Lois. CLARK The genuine article. DISSOLVE TO: 94 INT. RECOVERY ROOM - DAY 9 94 Close on the plexiglas casket with Lex Luthor's body suspended in the gelatinous goo. The two monitors QUIETLY BEEP as the green lines gently arc across the screen. Gretchen Kelly approaches the casket. GRETCHEN I've got some bad news Lex. Arianna failed. She looks up at the monitors. No reaction. GRETCHEN (CONT'D) But don't worry... (caressing casket) ... you'll always have me. The monitors BEEP slightly faster and as she stares at Luthor, a Mona Lisa smile crosses her face and we... FADE OUT. _THE END_