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: "CHURCH OF METROPOLIS", Written by John McNamara, (and) Directed by Robert Singer are in larger, bold script; WARNER BROS. TELEVISION is in an arial-type script; the rest of the document is in Courier 10 * used in script probably mean "this line changed from previous version" unnumbered page 1: Lois and Clark look at the lucious desserts." luscious is spelled wrong in the original same page, further down: "around the the cafe." double the in the original Page 16.: "THE BARRELL OF A..." barrel is spelled wrong in the original Page 20.: at bottom - "despositions? Where do you live," depositions is spelled wrong in the original Page 27.: mid page, Lois speaking "... unlesss... you did?" the extra s is in the original Page 29.: Church speaking: "Closest family a neice, Lois. Hmm," niece is spelled wrong in the original Page 41.: near top, "Clark, nice to mee you." meet is spelled wrong in the original Page 48.: near bottom, "came out of nowwhere and stopped" nowhere is spelled wrong in the original Page 58.: "And as the MUSIC CRESECNDOS," last paragraph, crescendos is spelled wrong in the original --page break-- (logo; use logo.bmp or logo.jpg) "CHURCH OF METROPOLIS" EPISODE FIVE Prod. #456455 Written by John McNamara Directed by Robert Singer WARNER BROS. TELEVISION _Production Draft_ September 7, 1994 FULL Blue 9/12/94 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Church of Metropolis_" Blue Rev. 9/12/94 CAST CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE PERRY WHITE JIMMY OLSEN MARTHA KENT JONATHAN KENT _____________________________________________________________ BILL CHURCH MAYSON DRAKE MARTIN SNELL UNCLE MIKE LANE BABY RAGE JUDGE SILHOUETTE COP * TECH ONE * JAPANESE OPERATIVE * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Church of Metropolis_" Blue Rev. 9/12/94 _LOCATIONS_ INTERIORS: EXTERIORS: Daily Planet Daily Planet Newsroom Window Perry's Office Conference Room Clark's Apartment Lois' Apartment Americana Cafe Southside Street Clark's Apartment Alley * Price House Parking Lot Price House * Camouflaged Pillbox/Woods Passage Way/Elevator Arboretum * Church's Lair Metropolis Skyline Courthouse Corridor Metropolis Street Courtroom Courthouse * Police Station Embassy Courtyard * Pillbox Kent Toolshed * * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Church of Metropolis_" Blue Rev. 9/12/94 _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 7 DAY 1 SC. 8 NIGHT 1 SC. 9 - 39 DAY 2 SC. 40 - 55 NIGHT 2 SC. 56 - 57 DAY 3 SC. 58 - 59 NIGHT 3 SC. 60 - 61 DAY 4 SC. 62 - 83 NIGHT 4 SC. 84 - 86 DAY 5 SC. 87 - 94 NIGHT 5 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Church of Metropolis" _TEASER_ FADE IN: 1 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - METROPOLIS SOUTHSIDE - DAY #1 1 A charming bistro, empty but for LOIS and CLARK sitting at an outdoor table, amid the remains of an enormous meal. Lois' UNCLE MIKE LANE, a hearty ex-Marine, comes out of the restaurant brandishing two massive slabs of cake. UNCLE MIKE Chocolate torte in raspberry sauce. LOIS Oh, Uncle Mike, no -- Lois and Clark look at the lucious desserts. LOIS (CONT'D) Well, I guess I _could_ just move into my gym for a month... CLARK Mmm, this is great. LOIS He does all the baking himself. UNCLE MIKE Lately more of a hobby than a job. CLARK I just don't understand what happened to this neighborhood. 2 WIDEN TO REVEAL - THE STREET 2 around the the cafe. Boarded up storefronts, burned-out apartments, trash piled high, abandoned cars. UNCLE MIKE's cafe is the last open business on this block. UNCLE MIKE Well, the neighborhood's in transition. Gettin' more... eclectic. Kinda like Saigon without the jets. As he eats, Clark dribbles raspberry sauce on his tie. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 2. 2 CONTINUED: 2 LOIS Better get some water on that. Remember -- dab, don't wipe. Clark goes into the restaurant. Mike sits with Lois. LOIS (CONT'D) Clark's right, this is crazy. Six months ago this was the hottest street in town. At that moment a big convertible ROARS into sight, stuffed with GANG KIDS, HOOTING and HOLLERING. LOIS (CONT'D) Just a wild stab, but... could they have something to do with it? 3 OMITTED 3 4 EXT. ALLEY BEHIND THE CAFE - DAY 4 Through a small back window, WE SEE Clark dabbing his tie at an UNSEEN sink just below the sill. He turns away to dry it, just as -- A psychotic, five-foot-two-inch Skin named BABY RAGE skulks past. He moves to the kitchen's back door, takes out a small black box, punches a code into the keypad atop the box and -- In the window, Clark turns and sees Baby Rage set the box in the door frame, where it EXPLODES in FLAME. FIRE consumes the doorway. Baby Rage watches his handiwork, delighted. Clark whips off his glasses. Baby Rage turns, starts to run and plows right SUPERMAN, who grabs the kid by the scruff and with a single SUPER-BREATH, Superman puts out the fire. BABY RAGE Man, you just stepped over a _line_ and you're going down! Superman sticks Baby Rage's hand through a dumpster handle, then MOLDS it around his wrist so he can't get away. SUPERMAN You're the only one going anywhere. Hope you don't mind showering in groups. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 3. 4 CONTINUED: 4 Just as Lois and Mike run around the corner, Superman waves and TAKES OFF. UNCLE MIKE Little punk tried to burn me out... BABY RAGE Can't prove that, man, can't prove nothin'. Nobody saw a thing! CLARK (stepping through the smoldering kitchen door) I did. LOIS (whips out cell phone) I'm calling the police. UNCLE MIKE Take your shoes off and get comfortable. Last time I called, they took two hours. LOIS (into phone) Yes, I'm reporting an attempted arson, my name is Lois Lane, I -- (stares at phone, pissed) He put me on hold. BABY RAGE Lois Lane? (laughs) _You're_ Lois Lane? LOIS I'm sorry, have we met? BABY RAGE No, we ain't met. It's just funny to me 'cause... you're dead. I mean, I know you're walkin' around but trust me, lady, go pick out a nice grave. And from what I hear, pick it out fast. FADE OUT. 5 5 THRU OMITTED THRU 6 6 _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 4. _ACT ONE _ FADE IN: 7 INT. POLICE STATION - DAY 7 Cuffed from behind, Baby Rage is hauled across the squad room to be booked, fighting every step of the way. Lois, Clark and Uncle Mike linger in his wake, studying the station house. It seems woefully understaffed and what COPS are here shoot the breeze, get coffee and read, taking it easy. LOIS All that crime out there and look what we've got in here -- a donut commercial. MAYSON (O.S.) Excuse me... Clark turns and sees MAYSON DRAKE -- twenty-nine, sharply dressed and gorgeous. MAYSON (CONT'D) Is one of you Clark Kent? CLARK I am. Mayson holds out her hand. MAYSON Mayson Drake, Deputy DA. I'd like to see if you're willing to testify against Baby Rage. Across the room, Baby Rage is screaming a pint-sized blue streak, kicking and biting as he's hauled out of sight by COPS. CLARK Baby Rage. (drily) Wonder why they call him that? MAYSON (glances at report in hand, then:) You must be Mike Lane. I'm sorry about what happened to your restaurant. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 5. 7 CONTINUED: 7 UNCLE MIKE Thanks, but they're gonna have to do a lot better than that to get me to pull out. Mayson's eyes meet Lois'. MAYSON I'm sorry, you're...? LOIS Lois Lane. Mayson gives her a blank stare. LOIS (CONT'D) The one who called the police? And I just wanted to say, about their response time -- I've seen maple drip faster. CLARK Also, this kid threatened Lois. LOIS Oh, Clark, he was just trying to scare me. MAYSON Well, now it's my turn to scare _him_. (to Clark) With your help. CLARK Sure, of course. MAYSON I should warn you, it's not going to be easy. This whole thing happening on the Southside isn't just about gang turf. There's big money and big players in the shadows. I think Baby Rage knows a lot and I might just find out how much... if I can make a strong enough case to strap his butt to a broiler and turn up the heat. CLARK Whatever I saw, I'll tell it in court, Ms. Drake. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 6. 7 CONTINUED: 2 7 MAYSON (smiles) Mayson. Call my office in the morning so we can arrange a deposition. And if you need to reach me during off hours, my home phone's on the back. LOIS (amused; sotto to Mike) Subtle. Clark nods to Mayson as he studies the card. CLARK Thanks. And I'll have Superman get in touch with you. MAYSON Oh, Superman, right. (frowns) I guess I have to talk to him, don't I? LOIS Most people consider that an honor. MAYSON Well, I guess I'm not most people. Clark, we'll talk soon? She brushes her hand on his arm, throws him a dazzler of a smile and moves deeper into the station. As he pockets the card -- LOIS (takes Clark's arm, leads him to exit) C'mon, we're going to find out why these cops are so slow all of a sudden. (kissing his cheek) Bye, Uncle Mike. UNCLE MIKE Go get 'em, honey. As Lois and Clark walk out, they hear the WHINE of a circling insect. CLARK You've got that 'I Have Plan' look in your eyes... (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 7. 7 CONTINUED: 3 7 LOIS We're going to talk to my source in the commissioner's office. If anybody can tell us what's been going on, he -- _ow_. CLARK What? LOIS (waving the air) Bug just bit me. (rubs forearm) It really hurt. CLARK You all right? LOIS (as they exit) I'm fine. CUT TO: 8 EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT #1 8 Dark, nearly deserted. Lois and Clark wait. CLARK Maybe he didn't get your message. LOIS He got it. CLARK Maybe he ignored it. SILHOUETTE COP (O.S.) I didn't. They turn and there he is -- a plainclothes COP in SILHOUETTE, a few feet away. LOIS Thanks for coming. SILHOUETTE COP This must be Kent. We've never met. Hopefully, we never will. So, Lois, you want to know about the Southside... LOIS What can you tell me? (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 8. 8 CONTINUED: 8 SILHOUETTE COP You'd better be sure you want to know. Once you cross into this, there's no going back. CLARK We're sure. SILHOUETTE COP Right now, it's all focussed on the Southside. Precincts having their funding cut; men transferred; equipment sabotaged; cops paid to look the other way. LOIS Why? SILHOUETTE COP Think about it. What happens when a good neighborhood goes bad? CLARK People want to move. LOIS Prices go down. Whole blocks go on the market for pennies on the dollar. SILHOUETTE COP Very good. LOIS We need names. A car moves past slowly. The Cop tenses. SILHOUETTE COP Put it this way, it'd be faster to give you the names of cops who _weren't_ into this. The car stops. Lois, Clark and the Silhouette Cop freeze for a moment, then the car moves on, out of sight. Everyone breathes a little easier. SILHOUETTE COP (CONT'D) I want to help, bad cops make a bad city, but my neck's a little too far out as it is. LOIS You've got to give us _something_. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 9. 8 CONTINUED: 2 8 He hands her a computer disc. SILHOUETTE COP See if that leads you anywhere. Don't call me again. (as he moves off) By the way -- you didn't say if you liked the new mustache. Of course, his face is in total shadow. He chuckles softly as he disappears into the night. Lois looks at the disc, curious. CUT TO: 9 EXT. THE PRICE HOUSE - DAY #2 9 A big banner draped across the front of this no-frills warehouse announces: GRAND OPENING! A gathering-of REPORTERS, city BRAHMANS and CUSTOMERS waiting to get great deals. A dais has been constructed and on it, we find PERRY at the microphone. PERRY Good people of Metropolis, I'm Perry White, editor of the Daily Planet -- (APPLAUSE) -- thank you, and this is the chairman of the Price House Discount Chain, Mr. Bill Church! APPLAUSE as BILL CHURCH mounts the dais. Fifty-five, with the fit, weatherbeaten demeanor of a contractor, he is dressed in his well-known uniform of chinos and cardigan sweater -- the world's most understated billionaire. In the crowd of Reporters, Jimmy clicks off photos as Church and Perry shake hands. PERRY (CONT'D) Now as some of you may know, Mr. Church is as notoriously shy as I am notoriously not. (LAUGHTER from the crowd) So he's asked me to make the announcement that his company and the Daily Planet are co-sponsoring a charity ball, to take place in Centennial Park and raise money for the Urban Redevelopment Fund. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 10. 9 CONTINUED: 9 PERRY (CONT'D) (CONT'D) (off more APPLAUSE) And now I believe Bill has a few words. CHURCH (steps shyly up to mic) Thank you, Perry. I just want to say how glad I am to be a part of this great city. We're not just here to do business -- we're here to be a part of your lives. Thank you. He steps away as the APPLAUSE rolls in and Jimmy clicks off another roll of pictures. 10 OMITTED 10 11 PERRY AND JIMMY - A FEW MINUTES LATER 11 as everyone mills about, wolfing the free hotdogs. Perry studies a Price House catalogue, while nearby, Jimmy is unusually quiet and pensive. PERRY (studies a Price House catalogue) Look at the prices on golf clubs in this place ... stereo equipment, furniture ... this place is a bargain hound's dream. Perry glances at Jimmy, who fiddles with his camera. Then a STUNNING WOMAN walks by. Perry takes notice. Jimmy does not. PERRY You got a girl on your mind? JIMMY How'd you know? PERRY (the Stunner moves off, never a glance from Jimmy) Wild guess. So what's the problem? JIMMY Her name's Sandra. And I really like her and I think she likes me, I mean, we've been out twice but... (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 11. 11 CONTINUED: 11 PERRY Now comes the third date. Do you stay on the road or make a U-turn? JIMMY Man, you're batting a thousand today. PERRY Son, I'm a happily married man. But before that... well, let's just say in the area of the opposite sex, I gained my share of wisdom through experience. (a fatherly hand on the boy's shoulder as they walk) Think of love as a jungle river -- exotic but treacherous, beautiful but uncharted. Reach up to pick a mango off a tree, you're just as likely to get your arm ripped off by a jaguar. (as they exit) Now think of me as the guide who's been down that river many a time, who knows every rock, rapid and twist... JIMMY I'm a little lost... are you saying call her or what? PERRY I'm saying, trust me. As they walk off, we see Bill Church break from the crowd and slip into the store. 12 OMITTED 12 13 INT. A CONCRETE PASSAGEWAY - DAY 13 Lined with store items. Church walks into sight, reaches the end of the passage and presses his hand on the wall. The white light shining down on him goes red. The wall slides back, revealing the gleaming steel-walled interior of an elevator. Church steps in. 14 INT. ELEVATOR - DAY 14 Church slips a metallic card key into a slot and the elevator begins a long, rapid descent. Then the doors HISS open and Church steps out into -- --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 12. 15 INT. CHURCH'S SUBTERRANEAN LAIR - DAY 15 Functional, high-tech and sinister. Dominated by a conference table. Around this table, suspended from the ceiling, five TV monitors -- two on each side, one at the far end, all facing a high-backed chair at the head. Church seats himself there and the monitors FLICKER to life automatically. On four of them, the faces of CHURCH'S OPERATIVES hover. On the seventh, racing columns of computer data -- financial, political, criminal. Church controls the room from a small keypad in front of him. CHURCH Minaru, what's the latest on the election? JAPANESE OPERATIVE (on screen) The candidate wants five hundred thousand for the endorsement. CHURCH That's a lot of money for a speech and a handshake. What are his vulnerabilities? JAPANESE OPERATIVE A twelve-year-old daughter. CHURCH (nods) offer him one-fifty. If he doesn't take it, get a picture of the daughter walking to school. Show it to him... then offer him nothing. JAPANESE OPERATIVE Done. How is the Metropolis franchise coming? The elevator doors HISS open again and in walks MARTIN SNELL, slick, street smart attorney. CHURCH I'll let you know. We'll pick this up in ten minutes. He hits a switch and the four faces on screen FADE OUT. CHURCH (CONT'D) Hello, Martin. SNELL (taking a seat) Mr. Church, I know you're upset about Baby Rage... (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 13. 15 CONTINUED: 15 Church takes out a vial, shakes a pill into his hand. CHURCH You see this pill? High blood pressure. (pours water) my doctor says, get it under control, less stress in your life, _delegate_. I'm delegating, Martin, but my blood pressure is not going down. (swallows pill) What was he doing lighting fires in the middle of the day? With _witnesses_ around? SNELL I'll be honest -- he and the Skins are a little hard to control. CHURCH From all the humanity on the planet, you picked them. Make it work or cut them loose but don't walk in here with excuses that are going to upset my doctor. SNELL Yes, sir. CHURCH I don't have to tell you we're at a crucial point in the Metropolis franchise. We can't afford to be out in the open until Superman is taken care of. SNELL I've got good news on that front. The plan's just gone on-line. You say go and everything's in play. CHURCH (shrugs) So go already. CUT TO: 16 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 16 Lois and Clark are at her desk, studying the files on the computer disc from the Silhouette Cop. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 14. 16 CONTINUED: 16 LOIS He wasn't kidding when he said this was big. If these reports of his are true, half the major cities in the world might've been infiltrated by this... organization. CLARK The Australian press even nicknamed it -- Intergang. LOIS And look what happened to the reporter. Fatal car accident. SNELL (V.O.) Superman. (as Clark straightens up) I'm contacting you on a hypersonic frequency that only you and a few bats can hear. I don't know where you spend your off hours, but if I were you, I'd be at the Arboretum, east gate, inside of three minutes... or someone is going to die. CLARK Lois, I just remembered a, uh... an errand. I'll be right back. Before she can say anything, he's gone. CUT TO: 17 EXT. METROPOLIS SKYLINE - DAY 17 Superman FLIES, a look of fierce determination on his face. CUT TO: 18 EXT. METROPOLIS ARBORETUM - DAY 18 Snell sits at a park bench, feeding pigeons as Superman LANDS. SNELL Hey there. Superman turns as Snell strides over. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 15. 18 CONTINUED: 18 SNELL (CONT'D) Martin Snell, good to meet you. (plucks small radio from pocket) Some little piece of equipment. (talks into it, voice WARBLING) Superman, let's talk. (laughs) Neat, huh? Superman grabs Snell by the collar and HOISTS him. SUPERMAN If this is your idea of a joke, you're going to need a lawyer. SNELL No, I won't. Because A, I am a lawyer. And B, this is no joke. I'll even give you the name of the person who's going to die. I think you know her... Lois Lane? Superman's face registers shock. SNELL (CONT'D) I'd say she's got about, ohhhh, ten seconds? Think you can get there in time? Superman drops Snell and BOLTS into the sky. Snell straightens his tie, lifts his radio, turns the dial and -- SNELL (CONT'D) Fire. CUT TO: 19 EXT. WOODS - DAY 19 A thick overgrowth of brush. PUSH IN and see that under the brush there's a glimpse of lead wall and this is A CAMOUFLAGED PILLBOX. 20 INT. PILLBOX - DAY 20 Cramped and lightless. Two TECHNICIANS with headsets. ONE sits in front of a computer, working the keys and mouse, studying the screen, on which we see a 3-D map of Metropolis. TWO hits the button on a control panel built into the wall and -- --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 16. 21 EXT. CAMOUFLAGED PILLBOX DAY 21 THE BARRELL OF A HUGE BLACK RIFLE rises up out of the shrubbery covering the pillbox, pivots with a low WHIR and - 22 INT. PILLBOX - DAY 22 Tech Two hits a red button marked "FIRE" and -- 23 EXT. CLOSE ON THE BARREL OF THE RIFLE - DAY 23 A four inch bullet EXPLODES out of it and -- 24 EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF METROPOLIS - DAY 24 We RACE through the sky toward the city, following alongside this speeding projectile. It is silver, with small wings and stabilizers and it suddenly takes a sharp turn over a highway, ZOOMING into the city like a tiny jet. 25 INT. PILLBOX - DAY 25 The Techs study their screens. TECH ONE On course. Four seconds to impact. 26 EXT. DAILY PLANET - MOVING WITH THE BULLET - DAY 26 as it FLIES around a corner and heads right for the globe and -- 27 INT. PLANET - DAY 27 Lois at her computer, unsuspecting, sips her coffee. 28 INT. PLANET - DAY 28 WE WIDEN away from the window as the smart bullet STREAKS in. 29 EXT. PILLBOX/MOUNTED RIFLE - DAY 29 It FIRES a second smart bullet. --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 17. 30 INT. PLANET - DAY 30 Lois glances up and there's Superman, right in front of her -- His hand snaps up at SUPER-SPEED and he's suddenly holding the first smart bullet between thumb and forefinger, two inches from her heart. LOIS Superman, what -- ? Behind them, Jimmy is suddenly SPLATTERED in yellow paint. JIMMY Hey! Superman moves to him. Lois follows. JIMMY (CONT'D) Geez ... Superman sees glistening smart bullet fragments at Jimmy's feet. He picks them up, studies them a second, then holds Lois' smart bullet over a trashcan and SNAPS the tip off with his thumb. Yellow paint dribbles out. SUPERMAN Somebody's idea of a sick joke. Don't worry -- they won't bother you again. CUT TO: 31 EXT. ARBORETUM - DAY 31 Snell glances up to see Superman suddenly charging. He holds up a hand. SNELL Easy. I just wanted to get your attention so we could have a talk. Superman stops, controlling his fury -- but looking like at any second he might bounce this shyster like a basketball. SNELL (CONT'D) You get that look on your face, you remind me of a few judges I know. (he laughs -- alone) Okay, to the chase: like everybody else on Earth, you've got me dazzled. I'm a fan -- numero uno. So I don't want you to stop being the Man of Steel. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 18. 31 CONTINUED: 31 SNELL (CONT'D) (CONT'D) It's a beautiful thing, it gives us all hope. But what my partners and I _do_ want is for you to stay out of our business. SUPERMAN I don't take orders. SNELL Fine, then call it a suggestion. A very strong suggestion. INTERCUT: 32 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - DAY 32 Church sits at his conference table. The conversation between Superman and Snell comes in over speakers. He dips his spoon into a bowl of pea soup, then crumbles crackers, sipping from a tall glass of milk. Listening with interest. 33 BACK TO THE ARBORETUM 33 as Snell and Superman talk. SNELL Face it. You got your little red shorts caught in a bad combo of high-tech and close friends. Even _you_ can't be in two places at once but our bullets can. So where does that leave us? SUPERMAN (grabs his arm) Let's ask the DA. SNELL Sure, you could take me in, you're Superman and I'm just a guy from Paramus. But do that and two things happen -- A, someone you care about dies -- (pulls arm free) -- and B, a replacement for me steps right in. Now you don't want 'A' and I don't want 'B' so I think what you need is a little attitude adjustment. By that I mean, be the best Superman you can be. Street crime? Wipe it out. Terrorists? (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 19. 33 CONTINUED: 33 SNELL (CONT'D) Kick their butts. Carjackers? Hey, I drive a Ferrari, put those guys in _orbit_. (low, menacing) But stay out of the Southside. I don't care if it's a cat chasing a mouse, you flash cape in that part of town, you're looking at an all-expenses-paid education in bereavement. Are we clear? SUPERMAN On one thing. This is not over. Superman FLIES off. SNELL Man of steel, will of iron. You've gotta love it, Mr. Church. 34 IN HIS LAIR, CHURCH 34 listens as he wipes soup off his mouth. FADE OUT: _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 20. ACT TWO FADE IN: 35 OMITTED 35 35A EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY 35A Superman emerges with Mayson. MAYSON (all business, with a little ice) Thanks for the statement, we'll be in touch if we need you. SUPERMAN I just want you to know, Ms. Drake, whatever I can do to help the DA's office -- MAYSON Like I said, we'll be in touch. SUPERMAN I'd be more than willing to testify against Baby Rage. MAYSON I don't think so. SUPERMAN Ms. Drake, have I done something to offend you? MAYSON No, but I have to admit, I've never much liked the idea of you. SUPERMAN I don't follow... MAYSON Do you have a license to chase criminals? (before he can answer) Do you ever read them their rights? Are you insured if you hurt someone? You know how much paperwork you make for my office? And where am I supposed to get a hold of you to come in for despositions? Where do you live, do you work, who _are_ you? (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 21. 35A CONTINUED: 35A SUPERMAN I can't tell you that... MAYSON Exactly. You see, I hate secrets. And mystery men scare me almost as much as they bore me. She stops to confer with a COLLEAGUE, leaving Superman a little bemused: SUPERMAN This is just not my day. Lois appears. She beams at the sight of him. LOIS Superman! Hi. SUPERMAN (a little distracted) Hi, Lois. He TAKES OFF. Mayson moves away from her Colleague. MAYSON Funny. He's a lot shorter in person than you'd think. LOIS You know, I don't know what your problem -- Clark comes around the corner. MAYSON (suddenly beaming) Clark! Hi. CLARK Sorry I'm late. MAYSON You're not late. But I'm afraid I just got called in on a double homicide downtown, so we're going to have to postpone our deposition. Can I call you and reschedule? CLARK Sure. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 22. 35A CONTINUED: 2 35A LOIS Now if you can spare a few seconds, we're also here to talk to you about something we've found out. MAYSON Let's walk. They do and Mayson insinuates herself between Lois and Clark. Lois tries to hide her annoyance as -- LOIS We know about Intergang. MAYSON Tell me what you've learned. LOIS It's worldwide; it's been in existence for almost twenty years... All they seem to do is acquire. Companies, other criminal operations, even governments -- they just swallow them whole and start running them, always from a distance, hidden. CLARK You think they're funding the Skins, don't you? MAYSON I do. LOIS A source we have thinks they've infiltrated the police but he won't give us names. CLARK We were hoping you would. MAYSON I wish I could. LOIS Look, this isn't just a story to me. My uncle is alone on that block and he's a stubborn, proud man. That could get him killed. MAYSON Believe me, I don't want that, Lois. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 23. 35A CONTINUED: 3 35A MAYSON (CONT'D) If I come up with anything that can help you, or your uncle, I'll be in touch. Clark, we'll speak soon? He nods. She gives him a smile and exits. LOIS I don't know about her. And _what_ is her problem with Superman? CLARK I don't know. At that moment, a handcuffed Baby Rage is led out of a prison van by a GUARD and meets up with his lawyer -- _Martin Snell_. Snell sees Lois and Clark and a small smile spreads across his face. He leans over and whispers something to Baby Rage, who laughs, then -- BABY RAGE Hey, reporter man -- got a match? He laughs again as they walk by. Snell glances back, this time at Lois. He gives her a wink. LOIS Who's the greasy creep in the silk suit? CLARK Martin Snell. A certain... source of mine told me he's a lawyer for Intergang. LOIS And now he's the lawyer for Baby Rage? Interesting. 36 INT. DAILY PLANET - PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY 36 Jimmy takes a deep breath, dials the phone, waits, then: JIMMY Hi, Sandra, it's Jimmy... Uh, listen about this weekend, I know we said we might do something but uhhhh, my boss... REVEAL Perry, coaching the lad with hand signals. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 24. 36 CONTINUED: 36 JIMMY (CONT'D) ... has me on assignment all weekend Yeah, all night Friday Yeah, all day Saturday (looks at Perry, pleading with his eyes) Sunday? A picnic? ... Really... No, I didn't know there were nude beaches that close by, that sounds -- Perry shakes his head, mimes camera clicking. JIMMY (CONT'D) -- great but he's got me working all day Sunday, too. Yeah, but I'll call you -- Perry mimes "play it cool." JIMMY (CONT'D) -- soon and we'll get together -- (off another mime) -- whenever. Okay. Bye, Sandra. (hangs up) I don't know, I don't like lying. A bug WHINES. Perry waves it away. PERRY You didn't lie. I'm gonna work your butt off this weekend. JIMMY Still, I kinda think -- PERRY Son, why is gold so valuable? JIMMY It makes good fillings? PERRY It's rare. You make yourself a valued commodity by making yourself rare. JIMMY I just want somebody to go to the movies with. PERRY Big picture, son, I want you thinking big picture. --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 25. 37 INT. PLANET - BULLPEN - DAY 37 Lois and Clark at her computer again as she scans files. A bug WHINES near Clark. LOIS Hey, look at this... Clark swats the air and the WHINING stops. CLARK What? LOIS Checking public records on Martin Snell. Five years ago he was staff council for Bill Church. CLARK The Price House guy? LOIS (nods) Worked in corporate acquisitions. Responsible for buying up overseas companies. I wonder... (taps keys) Now _this_ is interesting. Cross-graph what we know about the spread of Intergang with the spread of Church's Price Houses around the world. 38 ON COMPUTER SCREEN - A MAP OF THE WORLD 38 covered with pairs of red and blue dots -- all in pairs, in most major cities. 39 BACK TO SCENE 39 LOIS Everywhere Intergang's gotten a foothold there's a Price House. CLARK Lois, you could probably say the same thing about Burger Meister or Zing Cola. I think we really ought to stay on Martin Snell... LOIS Look. Denver, 1975, the first Price House. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 26. 39 CONTINUED: 39 LOIS (CONT'D) Same city, same year, the first police report on Intergang activity. First overseas Price House: Australia. First overseas Intergang operation: Australia. CLARK Okay, let's check the police files on Bill Church. (taps keys) See? No record, not even a parking ticket. LOIS So he's never been caught. Neither was Lex Luthor, till the end. CLARK Well, maybe you're onto something. But I really think Snell is the guy to nail here. Let's stay on him, okay? Perry swings by and drops a cluster of tickets on Lois' desk. PERRY Comp tickets for the Urban Renewal Charity Ball. Bring people who know how to dress and don't mind dancing close. CUT TO: 40 INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - NIGHT #2 40 Lois is on the phone: LOIS Uncle Mike, I'm just saying, you haven't had a vacation in six years, why not take one now? ... No one would think you're running away... Uncle Mike, this is a restaurant, not the Alamo... All right, well, you have my beeper number? ... So if you can't get the police, call and I'll get the police... Okay, take care, love you. She hangs up, hears a familiar WHOOSH, turns and sees Superman standing in front of her open window. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 27. 40 CONTINUED: 40 SUPERMAN Can I talk to you? LOIS Of course. SUPERMAN Lois... you've been targeted by Intergang. LOIS (realizes) The paint bullet. SUPERMAN (nods) It was a warning -- to you, Jimmy, everybody I know. I'm coming to you because I... I don't know what to do. Your Uncle's in trouble and the Southside's a mess but if I try to step in... (this is agony for him) ... the next bullets they fire are real. LOIS (moves close, tries to make light) And you _are_ pretty visible. I mean, it's not like you could go undercover... She stops. A look passes between them. LOIS (CONT'D) ... unlesss... you did? SUPERMAN (as the thought crystalizes) Yes. (brightening) Thanks, Lois. LOIS Anytime. SUPERMAN Be careful. LOIS You too. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 28. 40 CONTINUED: 2 40 She watches him go as we hear the SOUND of his flying off and the white drapes ruffle across her troubled face. CUT TO: 41 41 THRU OMITTED THRU 47 47 48 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 48 Clark, in sweat pants and no shirt, pulls open a clothing box and unfolds a navy shirt. He holds it up to the light and we see it's a policeman's tunic. There's a knock at his door. He crosses, opens it and reveals Mayson. MAYSON Hi, I... (studies his shirtlessness) ... was in the neighborhood and (likes what she sees -- a lot) ... thought we might go over some facts. CLARK Sure, come on in. He ushers her in. She glances around, likes his place. Clark puts the cover back on the police uniform before she can get a look at it. CLARK (CONT'D) Let me just get a shirt on. MAYSON (too eagerly) No. (off his look) I mean, not if it'd make you uncomfortable... it is sort of warm in here. (peels off jacket) Isn't it? Yeah, mmm hm, definitely, this is much better. Clark looks at her, not quite sure what to think. MAYSON (CONT'D) (pulls out pad) So. CUT TO: --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 29. 48A INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 48A Church is alone, golf club in hand, lining up a putt. Snell comes in through the elevator. CHURCH New item we're thinking of carrying in the stores. The Swing King, guaranteed to improve your putt, for just forty-nine bucks. He putts and misses. CHURCH (CONT'D) Well... _thirty_-nine. So Martin, what's the latest on the Southside? Snell manipulates a keyboard on the conference table. The room lights DIM. A DETAILED MAP of Metropolis' riverfront Southside is projected onto the conference tabletop. Snell hits a button. Most of the city blocks become HIGHLIGHTED in GREEN, several in YELLOW and one small building in RED. SNELL Our silent partners have acquired everything highlighted in green. The yellow areas are in negotiation. CHURCH And the red dot there? SNELL That restaurant owner, Bill Lane. (hands a file to Church) Here's everything we have on him. CHURCH (scans) Closest family a neice, Lois. Hmm, small world. Former Marine lieutenant and now... (closes file) ... establishing a beachhead. If only he knew... Church picks up a pointer. Its tip GLOWS brightly as he touches it to the table map. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 30. 48A CONTINUED: 48A HOLOGRAPHIC 3-D Buildings rise up off the map, one after the other. CHURCH (CONT'D) ... that by this time next year, the city council's going to be passing legislation on offshore gambling and we're going to have hotels, casinos, restaurants; cash businesses to hide all those taxes I can't pay. He makes a HOLOGRAM BUILDING rise up over Uncle Bill's place. CHURCH (CONT'D) Think if he knew all that he'd still be trying to hang onto his little cafe? (smiles, then the smile fades) Have the Skins do it. Make it look like gang vendetta. Big. Loud. Messy. 49 OMITTED 49 50 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 50 Mayson and Clark are spread out, comfortable. He's in a tank top and Mayson has filled half-a-pad with notes. MAYSON You're going to make a great witness and I appreciate it. In my line of work, you don't see much bravery. CLARK I'm just telling the truth, nothing too brave about that... MAYSON Well, true, you're not flying around with a big 'S' on your chest, bragging about what a hero you are... CLARK You heard Superman brag? (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 31. 50 CONTINUED: 50 MAYSON Not in so many words... (packs her papers into valise) Look, I know he's a friend of yours but you're ten times the man he is. An ordinary guy, about to stand up to what might be the biggest criminal organization in the world. That takes guts. I'd like to see Superman try that without his cape. CLARK (smiles) Well, maybe you will. Her things packed up, Clark sees her to the door. MAYSON Would you like to have lunch? CLARK To talk about the case? MAYSON No. CLARK Oh. (as he mulls) Huh... MAYSON Try and cap that wild enthusiasm. CLARK No, it's not that, you just caught me a little off guard but... yeah, lunch sounds good. MAYSON I'll call you. He nods, reaches for the knob and she leans forward and kisses him on the lips just as -- Lois appears in the window next to the door as she's about to knock. She sees the kiss and it stops her cold. It's brief but on the lips. Lois ducks out of sight as Mayson walks out before Clark can really respond. He takes a breath. CLARK Whoa. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 32. 50 CONTINUED: 2 50 He closes the door and moves back into the apartment. Hears a knock. Opens the door. Lois stands there, looking shaken, trying to stay composed. CLARK (CONT'D) Lois... LOIS (pulling a photo out of her valise) I dug a little deeper and found out something else about Church. CLARK Come on in. LOIS I can't stay, just look. She hands it to Clark. He looks at it -- it's of Bill Church, Martin Snell _and Mayson Drake_ arm in arm at some formal banquet. LOIS (CONT'D) Mayson Drake worked under Snell in Church's acquisitions division. CLARK _What_... ? LOIS Why are you so upset? CLARK I'm just... surprised... Lois' beeper goes off. She picks it up. Her eyes go wide. LOIS Oh, no... it's Uncle Mike, he's in trouble. 51 OMITTED 51 52 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - NIGHT 52 Three Skins drag Uncle Mike out the front door. He's holding a cordless phone in his hand. The LEADER grabs it away and SMASHES it on the sidewalk. --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 33. 53 INT. CLARK'S - NIGHT 53 Lois moves toward the phone -- LOIS I need to call the police -- CLARK Phone's uhhh... out of order. There's a payphone down the street. She's out the door, fast. 54 EXT. CAFE - NIGHT 54 Mike yanks free of the gang guys holding him, BELTS the Leader. The Skins circle him wide and pull weapons. Knife, club and chain. FADE OUT: _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 34. ACT THREE FADE IN: 55 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT 55 The Skins circle Mike, taunting him, daring him. The ex-Marine holds his ground but it's clear he's hopelessly outnumbered. The Leader makes a vicious swing with his knife -- and a HAND catches his wrist. REVEAL Clark in a policeman's uniform, no glasses, hat pulled low over the eyes like a cowl. Unrecognizable as either Man of Steel or Mild-Mannered Reporter. He snatches the knife away and tosses it into the alley. CLARK You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will -- The Leader backs off as the guy with the chain circles and the guy with the bat charges and swings. CLARK (CONT'D) -- be used against you -- Clark deftly ducks out of the way and the bat guy WALLOPS the chain guy, who drops. CLARK (CONT'D) -- in a court of law. The bat guy swings again. Clark grabs the bat in mid-air, jerks it -- hard -- and sends him hurtling into trash cans. Clark turns to the Leader, now the only Skin still standing. CLARK You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. The Leader SCREAMS, drops into a karate stance, then runs at Clark, who just holds his hand, stiff-arm, and lets the moron run into his steely palm. He drops, hard and fast. CLARK (CONT'D) (to the semiconscious Skins now littering the street) Do you understand these rights as I have explained them to you? A MOAN from the aching Leader. UNCLE MIKE Officer, I think that was a yes. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 35. 55 CONTINUED: 55 CLARK (moving off) I'll go call for, uhhhh... UNCLE MIKE ... backup? CLARK Yeah. UNCLE MIKE Looks like it's already on the way. He points to a COP CAR SQUEALING around the corner, lights FLASHING, SIRENS WAILING. The car SLAMS to a stop in front of the cafe and Lois and TWO UNIFORMED OFFICERS pile out. Lois runs to her uncle and throws her arms around him as the officers hoist the Gang Bangers to their feet. LOIS Are you -- ? UNCLE MIKE I'm fine, sweetie, just fine. This cop came out of no place, he sure could throw a punch and -- (looks around) Huh, where'd he go? He just disappeared. LOIS (smiles knowingly) Don't worry. I've got a feeling he's around. 56 OMITTED 56 57 INT. PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY #3 57 Lois and Clark in a private face off. Tense. LOIS Clark, she's dirty. CLARK Show me the proof. LOIS We don't have any proof on _Snell_ but you're willing to go after him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 36. 57 CONTINUED: 57 CLARK That's different. I told you, I have a... a source. LOIS I'll tell you what's different, when Snell bats his eyes, you don't get quite so giddy. CLARK Wait, wait, are you jealous or something? LOIS Of what? We're friends, we're partners, what you do away from me is... is... CLARK Yes? LOIS ... whatever you do, I don't care -- except when it affects our job. CLARK How is it affecting my job to say I disagree? To say, you have no proof that Church is the head of Intergang and so no proof that just because Mayson worked for Church _she's_ part of Intergang? We've got to stay on track. LOIS You're not saying stay on track, you're saying stay away from your girlfriend. CLARK She's not my girlfriend. LOIS Whatever she is, she's got you finger-wrapped and blindfolded. CLARK (exiting) If there's anybody blind here, it's you. LOIS What's that supposed to mean? CUT TO: --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 37. 58 OMITTED 58 58A INT. TOOLSHED - KENT FARM - DAY 58A JONATHAN and Clark are doing some carpentry. MARTHA enters with a tray of pie and lemonade. JONATHAN What _did_ it mean? CLARK I don't even know, it's just one of those things that sounded good at the time but once I got in the elevator, I couldn't figure out what it meant. MARTHA Freud might say it was a subconscious desire in search of a context. On the other hand, Jung would probably dismiss it as an anger-induced synaptic anomaly. Clark just looks at her. Jonathan smiles. JONATHAN Adult education. It's a beautiful thing. MARTHA The real question here is... who's this Mayson girl, honey? Do you like her? CLARK Yeah. I think. Well, that's the other weird part. See, she likes me -- I mean, Clark -- but she hates Superman. Which is kind of confusing because Lois loves Superman but only likes Clark and Mayson likes Clark in a way that's different than Lois but hates Superman in a way that's different from _anybody_. MARTHA Oh, sweetie, I was afraid this might happen someday. CLARK What? (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 38. 58A CONTINUED: 58A MARTHA You've started talking about yourself in the third person. It's all the pressure. That's why I've started taking those psych classes... and not a moment too soon. JONATHAN Martha, lighten up. The boy's got two gorgeous women after him. This doesn't rank high in the list of world problems. CLARK That's true, Dad, except don't forget, Mayson might be an agent of Intergang. JONATHAN Well... nobody's perfect, son. How about another piece of pie? CLARK No, thanks. MARTHA Oh, Clark, your life is so complicated sometimes. (pushes the hair off his forehead) I watch you trying so hard to figure everything out, like when you were a little boy, taking Dad's new tractor apart and bending the axles into pretzels... remember? JONATHAN Who could forget? Try explaining _that_ one to the insurance company. MARTHA I know you and Lois have had your ups and downs but I also know she really cares about you. Maybe just as a friend, maybe as something more, you two're going to have to figure that out. And this Mayson girl, well, if you're wondering about whether you can trust someone, isn't the simplest way just to come out and ask them? CLARK Thanks, Mom. --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 39. 59 INT. DAILY PLANET - PERRY'S OFFICE - NIGHT #3 59 Cartons of takeout. Lois is slumped across from Perry's desk. PERRY ... so think of it as a jungle river, exotic but treacherous -- LOIS Is this the 'reach for a mango, get your arm ripped off by a jaguar' speech? PERRY Oh, you heard that one? LOIS When I was dating Lex. PERRY How about, make yourself a rarity? (she nods) Huh. Well, those are my best ones. I guess I'm fresh outta front porch wisdom, so we're just gonna have to talk. You seemed pretty upset after that blowout with Clark. LOIS Perry, he's letting his feelings for a woman get in the way of our story. PERRY And...? LOIS And... it's unprofessional and I think it's getting in the way of our story... PERRY And...? LOIS And... I don't like it, okay? I don't even know why but I don't like it. PERRY Lois, let me tell you what I know about Clark Kent: if you asked for the moon, held start building a rocket. Now, Clark's a nice man but when you get right down to it, a nice man is still just a man. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 40. 59 CONTINUED: 59 LOIS Perry, he's the best friend I've ever had. I don't want to lose him. PERRY (comforting her) Aww, darlin', you're never gonna lose him. You two might have a few bumps in the road but things're gonna work out just fine, you'll see. 60 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - DAY #4 60 Mayson comes out the front door just as Clark walks up. CLARK Hi. MAYSON Clark, do you know Bill church? Before Clark can answer, Church comes out of the restaurant with Mike Lane. CLARK (a little startled) No, we've... never met. They shake hands. MAYSON I was talking to Bill about what was happening here on the Southside and since he's chairing the Urban Redevelopment Fund, I thought he ought to get down here himself and spread a little of that wealth around. CHURCH Terrible when you see this happen to a nice neighborhood. Such a waste. CLARK (looking at Mayson, then Church) But somebody's going to make money on this... somehow. Right? Church locks eyes with Clark for just a second, then smiles benignly. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 41. 60 CONTINUED: 60 CHURCH Well, I'm running late. Mike, we'll be in touch. Mayson, take care. (kisses her cheek) Clark, nice to mee you. CLARK (watching him carefully) You too. Church climbs into his dusty old Volvo and drives off. UNCLE MIKE That has to be the world's nicest billionaire. (seating Clark and Mayson) I'll get you two menus. Clark and Mayson sit. CLARK So, you used to work for Church. MAYSON How'd you know? CLARK Is it a secret? MAYSON No, I just don't remember mentioning it. CLARK Lois and I have been following a series of leads... from Baby Rage to Martin Snell to Intergang... then from Intergang to Bill Church... MAYSON Bill...? CLARK ...from Church, to you. MAYSON Wait. You're having lunch with me to ask if my ex-boss is the head of Intergang? CLARK I never said _head_. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 42. 60 CONTINUED: 2 60 MAYSON Bill Church is my friend. Martin Snell is a professional acquaintance. And the next time you want to interview me for a story -- (gets up) -- call my office and make an appointment. CLARK Mayson, wait -- MAYSON (exits) See you in court. CLARK (sits alone) This is not my _week_. CUT TO: 61 INT. COURTROOM - DAY 61 Clark is on the stand, just finishing his testimony for Mayson. MAYSON And after you saw the defendant start the fire... ? CLARK Superman flew down, apprehended him and put it out. MAYSON Thank you, Mr. Kent. As she moves to the prosecution table, she passes Martin Snell and an unrecognizably coiffed and duded up Baby Rage. MAYSON (CONT'D) Your witness. SNELL No questions at this time. JUDGE You're excused, Mr. Kent. Clark gets off the stand and walks to the gallery. He passes Mayson, who refuses to look at him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 43. 61 CONTINUED: 61 A PARALEGAL crosses past Clark to Snell, leans down with a folder and whispers in his ear. Clark takes his seat in the gallery, looks over and is surprised to see Lois next to him with Mike Lane. UNCLE MIKE Nice going, Clark, I'm proud of you. CLARK Thanks. There's an awkward beat between Lois and Clark. Mike picks up on it and -- UNCLE MIKE I'm just gonna move up a few rows, get a better view of things. He moves away, giving them some privacy. CLARK Lois, I owe you an apology. LOIS No, I owe the apology. CLARK No, I shouldn't have lost my temper. LOIS Well, Clark, you are entitled once in a while, I mean, I must lose mine once... once every... CLARK ... three to four minutes. She smiles. LOIS Anyway -- CLARK (glances at the judge's bench) Hey, what's going on? Lois looks and sees Snell and Mayson both at the judge's bench. The Judge is reviewing the document the Paralegal gave to Snell. The Judge gestures for the two attorneys to be seated, then looks up gravely. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 44. 61 CONTINUED: 2 61 JUDGE New evidence seems to indicate that the officers who arrested the defendant did not properly apprise him of his Miranda rights. And the warrant issued to search his house had the incorrect address on it. Lois and Clark are stunned. Mike can't believe it. Lois' eyes snap to Mayson. JUDGE (CONT'D) Ms. Drake, your office personally issued the warrant. MAYSON There must be some mistake... JUDGE If so, I'll grant you twenty-four hours to investigate this matter internally and refute the charges. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to declare the arrest invalid and set the defendant free. As he bangs his gavel, Baby Rage turns and gives Uncle Mike a nasty wink. SNELL Sorry, Mayson. Better luck next time. Lois, eyes burn as she stares at Mayson: LOIS This was all her, she set it up. She's dirty, Clark. How much more evidence do you _need_? On Clark's troubled expression, as he watches Mayson walk past him and out of court. FADE OUT: _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 45. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 62 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT #4 62 Perry and Jimmy walking to the elevators: PERRY Tonight. JIMMY What? PERRY Tonight, you go home and you call her. JIMMY It's kind of late, isn't it? PERRY You'll wake her up. Tell her you're sorry it's after midnight but you just got a sudden, inexplicable urge to hear her voice. (they get in the elevator) She'll be half-listening, half-dreaming as you tell her that this Saturday, you have tickets -- (produces two) -- to a magical ball. And you'll pick her up at eight. Jimmy takes the tickets, frowns. JIMMY Does this mean I have to buy a tie? On Perry's exasperated expression, the doors close. 63 AT CLARK'S DESK 63 Clark is at the computer, typing, while Lois is on the phone. LOIS Look, you're the best police source I have, I need names or the whole case is going to get tossed and my uncle -- No, don't hang up, just listen to -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 46. 63 CONTINUED: 63 Dial tone. She sets the phone down, exhausted. Clark looks up from the computer. CLARK Face it, Lois. We're at a dead end. MAYSON (O.S.) Maybe not. They look up. Mayson crosses to them. MAYSON (CONT'D) If that case gets thrown out and my office is implicated, my career is over. I want to get to the bottom of this as much as you do. But I don't know who to trust anymore. LOIS Seems to be going around these days. MAYSON I guess if you want trust, you have to start by giving it. She opens her valise and pulls out files, records and computer discs. MAYSON (CONT'D) That's everything my office has on Intergang... and my personal files on Martin Snell. Lois and Clark look at the files, tempted. MAYSON (CONT'D) I've known Martin a long time, he's always danced close to the line. Maybe together we can find out where he stepped over. CLARK I think we should do it. If we combine what we know... well, it can't possibly get any worse, can it? Lois thinks this over, then grabs Mayson's file, opens it and -- LOIS You've got a point. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 47. 63 CONTINUED: 2 63 Clark reaches for Mayson's discs, hears an insect WHINE and bats the air. LOIS (CONT'D) Careful, that sounds like the bug that bit me. (scratches) Thing still hurts. Clark tracks the whining bug and snatches it out of the air. LOIS (CONT'D) Nice get. CLARK (suspicious of the insect) I'm going to let it out the window. LOIS What are you all of a sudden, a Buddhist? Clark gets up and crosses away. Then rolls the bug between thumb and forefinger, lowers his glasses and -- 64 CLARK'S MICROSCOPIC POV 64 of the bug in his fingers reveals it's no bug at all -- but a TINY, FLYING ROBOT, with coppery skin, big black eye sensors and mesh rotors that whir like helicopter blades. 65 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 65 Tech One studies a kind of radar image on his computer. TECH ONE We broke another needle on this guy Kent. (manipulating his mouse) Now I can't get the probe to fly. He hits some buttons. We hear an ULTRASONIC BURST and -- 66 INT. PLANET - NIGHT 66 Clark brings the tiny robot up to his ear, hearing the same BURST. CLARK I have to go. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 48. 66 CONTINUED: 66 LOIS What? Where? CLARK (moving off) You guys stay here, this won't take long. Before either woman can respond, he's gone. MAYSON Does he do that a lot? LOIS Constantly. 67 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 67 The two Techs watch their screens. TECH ONE That's weird. The drone's heading this way... but I haven't called it. The wall BLASTS open and in ROARS Superman. The two Techs cower. Superman gives the bug in his hand a light squeeze, its WHINE stops and he throws it on the table. SUPERMAN So that's how your bullets always find their targets... a genetic tag, injected by needle. What is it, a radio isotope? The two nod, terrified. 68 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 68 Church and Snell are at the conference table. CHURCH What about this Southside cop who came out of nowwhere and stopped the Skins? Any leads on who that was? Before Snell can answer, an ALARM SOUNDS and one of the screens POPS ON. --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 49. 69 ON SCREEN - SECURITY CAMERA POV OF INT. PILLBOX 69 as Superman puts his FIST through one of the computers. CHURCH (O.S.) Hm. Looks like your plan's not going too well, Martin. 70 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 70 SUPERMAN Where's the gun? 71 71 THRU OMITTED THRU 72 72 73 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 73 Snell leaps for the control keypad, hitting buttons. SNELL Okay, he wants to butt heads, here comes the headache. He stabs a button and -- 74 EXT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 74 The rifle rises on its robotic arm and FIRES once and -- 75 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 75 Superman hears the shot, SPEEDS out the way he came and 76 EXT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 76 Superman is a BLUR as he CRUSHES the rifle with a single BLOW and ZOOMS out of sight -- 77 EXT. ON THE SMART BULLET - NIGHT 77 as it JETS toward the city and 78 78 THRU OMITTED THRU 80 80 --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 50. 81 EXT. METROPOLIS SKY - NIGHT 81 The smart bullet cuts around a building and out of sight. Superman FLIES into view. Looks left, then right -- where did it go? 82 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET - NEWSTAND - NIGHT 82 A selection of overseas newspapers under his arm, Perry steps off the curb. Suddenly, Superman throws himself in front of the editor as the smart bullet SQUIB HITS his cape. PERRY Superman, did you just save me from something? SUPERMAN Uh-huh. PERRY Do I wanna know what it was? SUPERMAN Nah. He FLIES off. 83 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 83 Snell sits, humiliated. Church opens his pill bottle. CHURCH Martin, this isn't a disaster yet but it will be if Baby Rage turns state's evidence on us. Make sure he walks. You're a lawyer, you should be able to handle _that_. 84 INT. COURT CORRIDOR - DAY #5 84 Snell walks down the hall. Mayson falls into step alongside him. MAYSON I'm looking for a deal. SNELL Yeah? Try K-Mart. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 51. 84 CONTINUED: 84 MAYSON Shut up and listen for once, Martin, you might actually learn something. SNELL Well, aren't you Frosty the Snow Queen. You got one minute. If you bore me, I'll bill you. MAYSON Those reporters, Kent and Lane? They have a Deep Throat in the police department. SNELL And this is interesting to me, why...? MAYSON At six this morning, the three of us put the heat on this guy to give us the names of the cops _you_ bribed to bungle Baby's arrest. SNELL I'm awfully sorry, counselor, I have absolutely no knowledge of this. MAYSON You've got a leak, Martin. This Deep Throat of Lois Lane's is one of _your_ guys. On Intergang's payroll. (off his undisguised look of anger) I know, you just can't trust anybody, can you? I'd say right about now, you really want to get rid of this guy, don't you? Well, I can make it happen. SNELL Mayson... is the good little girl crossing over to the bad side of the street? MAYSON I'm about to get seriously damaged in there, Martin, we both know it. I'd like a little something for my trouble. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 52. 84 CONTINUED: 2 84 MAYSON (CONT'D) (pulls envelope) Here's the name of that two-timing cop. For sale, a one-time only offer. (he stares at the envelope hungrily) Tick-tock, Martin. SNELL How much? MAYSON What do you pay your cops? SNELL Five thousand a month, a little extra here and there... 85 INT. CORRIDOR - AROUND THE CORNER - DAY 85 SNELL (V.O.) ... for special favors. Snell's VOICE is coming out of a hand-held tape recorder/receiver. REVEAL it's being held by Lois, wearing an earpiece, who grins at Clark and gives him thumbs up. CLARK Your plan worked? LOIS My plan worked. Oooh, I just love saying those words. 86 INT. COURT - DAY 86 Lois' recorder sits on the Judge's bench, now being played for the entire court to hear. SNELL (V.O.) We can probably do a little better for you, I mean you _are_ a college graduate, so how about seven thou a month? The Judge shuts the machine off and glares up at Snell, who stands next to a slyly smiling Mayson. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 53. 86 CONTINUED: 86 SNELL (CONT'D) Your Honor, it's clear to me that the voice on that recording is that of an actor, hired to impersonate me. JUDGE Really. I'd like to hear his Brando. But for the moment, we're going to assume that was you... which does not bode well for your future as an attorney, or a free man. As for the defendant, Daniel Anthony Bell AKA, Baby Rage -- You're going to trial. Lois and Clark smile at one another. The judge POUNDS his gavel and exits as everyone gets to their feet. MAYSON Sorry, Martin. Better luck next time. Uncle Mike breaks through the crowd and embraces Lois. Clark looks on and smiles. UNCLE MIKE So sweetie, you hungry? CUT TO: 87 UNCLE MIKE HEAPING FOOD 87 onto Lois' plate. PULL BACK TO REVEAL: 88 EXT. EMBASSY COURTYARD - CHARITY BALL - NIGHT #5 88 They're in elegant evening wear, at a magnificent buffet, under a sign saying: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT FUND CHARITY BALL. Clark is beside Lois, already digging into his plate. LOIS Uncle Mike, everybody's raving about the food. CLARK They're all asking about your restaurant. UNCLE MIKE Well, it's pretty amazing how fast things are turning around. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 54. 88 CONTINUED: 88 UNCLE MIKE (CONT'D) No more gangs, no more slow cops, thanks to those articles you two wrote... CLARK ... and the DA's new Strike Force... LOIS ... which was prompted by... CLARK ... those articles we wrote. LOIS I guess whoever's behind Intergang doesn't like the spotlight much. Bill Church, in an old rumpled tux, glides by and gives Mike a thumbs up. UNCLE MIKE Now there's a great guy. LOIS Sorry, Uncle Mike, but you're wrong. (to Clark) And we're going to prove it, partner. Just wait. 89 AT THE OTHER END OF THE PARTY 89 Perry comes up to a sulking Jimmy. PERRY Well, son, can I meet her? JIMMY Sure. Just hop a plane to Switzerland. That's where her new boyfriend lives. The one who cheered her up when I was ignoring her. PERRY Ahhh, Jimmy... you know what a man needs at a time like this? JIMMY (seething) A baseball bat and an alibi. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 55. 89 CONTINUED: 89 PERRY A philosophy. Love is like a big casino. Flashing lights, free drinks and Wayne Newton. A lot to distract a player from what it's really all about: games of chance. Fate. Layin' your money down and hopin' luck's your lady that night. But sometimes when you roll them big dice at Casino love... you crap out. 90 A DARK CORNER 90 of the party, Bill Church stands alone. Mayson approaches. MAYSON There's something I need to know, Bill. CHURCH This sounds like it's going to be a professional question. MAYSON We're bringing charges against Martin Snell. I thought I'd ask you first, off the record, if you have any business dealings with him. CHURCH I'll tell you on the record. No. I'm not doing any business with Martin. MAYSON Sorry. I had to ask. CHURCH Of course you did, dear. (a fatherly kiss) Now you go enjoy the party. She moves off. Church reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out what looks like a cigarette case. He opens it and it reveals itself to be a miniature TV screen and computer keypad. He punches buttons and 91 ON MINI-SCREEN - A ROOM 91 in a government building somewhere. At the conference table, TWO FEDERAL PROSECUTORS and SEVERAL FBI AGENTS. (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 56. 91 CONTINUED: 91 All listening to Martin Snell. SNELL (ON SCREEN) All right, you want to know who the head of Intergang is? I'll tell you. It's -- 92 BACK ON CHURCH - CLOSE UP 92 He hits a button as a tinny BOOM comes out of the screen in his hand, along with a WHITE FLASH that lights his face until he closes the case and heads away from the party, swallowed up by the inky shadows of the city. 93 OUT ON THE DANCE FLOOR 93 Lois and Clark move to a slow song. Mayson walks up. MAYSON Lois? Mind if I cut in? Clark looks at Lois, dreading her comeback but Lois just smiles graciously and steps aside. LOIS (stepping away) Of course not. MAYSON (stepping in) Thanks. Clark and Mayson dance as Lois moves off and is suddenly swept up into Perry's arms. PERRY I warn you -- I dip suddenly and deeply. LOIS (laughs) I'll stay alert. PERRY (eyeing Mayson and Clark) You, uh, you two all right? LOIS We're fine. Mayson's really not so bad. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 57. 93 CONTINUED: 93 LOIS (CONT'D) A little pushy maybe but she's obviously so desperate, who can blame her? And I think what you said is right... (watching him) No matter what happens, I'll never lose Clark. 94 INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - NIGHT 94 She's still in her evening gown, eating ice cream out of the container and listening to something slow and romantic on the stereo. She does a little dance alone, then as she turns, is startled to see Superman at her window. SUPERMAN I just dropped in to say, thanks for your advice the other night. LOIS You're welcome... (smiles) ... Officer. My uncle keeps wanting me to find out who that cop was so he can bake him a cake. SUPERMAN Well, tell him I retired from the force but I'll still be looking out for him... and you, too. LOIS I know. He starts to go. LOIS (CONT'D) Would you... like to dance? SUPERMAN That sounds nice. She moves close. He takes her in his arms. They dance, faces close, eyes lost in each other. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) I like this song. LOIS Do you? I've been thinking, I don't know very much about you. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 58. 94 CONTINUED: 94 LOIS (CONT'D) I don't know what kind of music you like, what your favorite color is. I didn't even know you could dance. SUPERMAN This isn't dancing. LOIS It's not? SUPERMAN This is. And as the MUSIC CRESECNDOS, he lifts her into the air. They twirl there in her apartment, five feet off the floor, his cape flowing around them as WE PULL BACK OUT the open window, into the night and... FADE OUT: _THE END_