notes: To pop everything into place... use Courier 10 (or 10 characters per inch) set top margin at 0.5", bottom margin at 0.5" (or minimums) left margin at 1", right margin at .25 (or minimum) (I had to tell the program that my primitive printer was using legal-size paper) * and (X) used in script probably mean "this line changed from previous version" Cover: "The Phoenix", Written by Tony Blake & Paul Jackson [and] Directed by Phillip J. Sgriccia are all in large, bold print. WARNER BROS. TELEVISION is in an arial-type font. The remainder of the script is in Courier 10. Notes: I didn't notice any original typos in my hard copy of the script. --page break-- "The Phoenix" EPISODE THIRTEEN Prod. #0456463 Written by Tony Blake & Paul Jackson Directed by Phillip J. Sgriccia WARNER BROS. TELEVISION _Production Draft_ Dec. 8, 1994 FULL Blue 12/13/94 FULL Pink 12/14/94 Yellow R. 12/19/94 Green R. 1/4/95 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Phoenix_" Pink Rev. 12/14/94 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE PERRY WHITE JIMMY OLSEN ___________________________________________________________ LEX LUTHOR GRETCHEN KELLY NIGEL ST. JOHN SHELDON BENDER BOBBY BIGMOUTH ROLLIE VALE RAMIN BOMB SQUAD LEADER JUDGE WINKLER --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Phoenix_" Pink Rev. 12/14/94 LOCATIONS INTERIORS: EXTERIORS: Daily Planet Metropolis Street Newsroom Intersection Perry's Office Lobby Police Station Lex's Underground Lair Sky Restaurant Kitchen Bender's Building Jail Conference Room Marina Marina Hideaway Alley Clark's Terrace --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Phoenix_" Yellow Rev. 12/14/94 _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 15 DAY 1 SC. 16 - 21 NIGHT 1 SC. 22 - 32 DAY 2 * SC. 33 - 38 NIGHT 2 * SC. 39 - 63 DAY 3 SC. 64 - 65 DAY 4 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "The Phoenix" _TEASE_ FADE IN: 1 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - DAY #1 1 An abandoned SUBWAY PLATFORM complete with a MOAT-LIKE CULVERT where the tracks were once laid. A wooden plank crosses the culvert, leading to a recessed door in a wall. An iron fire escape ladder against another wall leads straight down into the lair from the ceiling. The platform's been converted into living quarters. On one wall, under a HIGH VOLTAGE sign, a large electrical conduit has been peeled open and lines have been crudely spliced in to draw power into the lair. Several empty 55 gallon drums stand near a work table with a desk top computer. Luthor's casket lies on a table, hooked to scientific equipment. A tense GRETCHEN KELLY works at an electronic board. NIGEL ST. JOHN, Luthor's former Manservant, dressed all in black, watches over her shoulder. GRETCHEN His vital signs are fluctuating wildly. It's been a struggle ever since that fiasco in the crypt. NIGEL I hope I haven't made this trip for nothing. GRETCHEN Gee Nigel, your concern for Lex is overwhelming. NIGEL Mister Luthor did not hire me for my congeniality. (X) Gretchen eyes a monitor, then frantically flips more (X) buttons and switches on the electronic equipment. NIGEL (CONT'D) What are you doing? GRETCHEN I've got to stabilize his electro- magnetic field, otherwise we're going to lose him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 2. 1 CONTINUED: 1 At the toss of one final switch, a BRIGHT BLUE GLOW emanates from the casket then fades. Nigel and Gretchen's eyes go to a monitor. The GREEN PULSING LINE suddenly goes FLAT. She frantically hits more buttons, then desperate, rushes to the casket, and frantically fumbles with a latch. (X) GRETCHEN (CONT'D) No! Lex! No! (X) Nigel approaches, holds her by the arms to steady and calm (X) her down. NIGEL It's over Gretchen. (X) She looks into his eyes a beat, then finally accepting it's (X) over, all the strength goes out of her. GRETCHEN Oh, no... NIGEL It was a noble experiment. 2 ANOTHER ANGLE 2 They stand a beat, somberly looking down into the casket as (X) Gretchen gently caresses it. Suddenly, an arm CRASHES through the top and sticks straight up. Shocked, Gretchen and Nigel recoil, then Gretchen raises the lid. Slowly the figure of LEX LUTHOR rises up out of the goo to a sitting position. Bare chested, dark circles around his eyes, hair askew, a demonic expression on his face. He looks at Gretchen, then at Nigel, then at his surroundings. GRETCHEN (awed) Lex... NIGEL I can't believe it. His arms suddenly fly out and grab them. He pulls their surprised faces close to his lips. LUTHOR (a maniacal whisper) Believe it. FADE OUT. _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 3. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 2A EXT. CLARK'S APARTMENT TERRACE - NIGHT 2A A glittering night sky, romantic music. LOIS and CLARK, dressed to kill, step onto the terrace, each holding a glass of champagne and move to the rail taking in the view. It's what every Internet user wants to see. Clark sneaks a sidelong glance at Lois, then faces her. He takes a deep breath, then... CLARK Lois... There's something I've been wanting to say... LOIS You don't have to say it, Clark. (turns to him) I know what you're thinking. She takes his glass, lays it aside with hers, then looks at him. A beat, then she starts to lean in close for a kiss. LOIS (CONT'D) I've been thinking the same thing. They get closer, the anticipation killing them. CLARK Lois... Their lips are inches from each other. He hesitates. LOIS What are you waiting for? Their lips are just about to meet when Lois speaks again. ONLY THIS TIME, PERRY'S VOICE COMES OUT. PERRY (O.S.) We'll never get this paper out by deadline! SMASH CUT TO: 3 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - DAY - SAME TIME 3 Clark snaps out of his daydream at his desk and finds PERRY (X) standing over him. CLARK Huh? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 4. 3 CONTINUED: 3 PERRY I said we'll never get this paper out by deadline. (walking off) (X) I want everyone's stories on my (X) desk in ten minutes! (X) Clark glances across the bullpen and sees Lois at the (X) coffee area. He hesitates a beat, then heads for her. (X) 4 OMITTED 4 5 AT COFFEE AREA 5 Lois puts milk in her coffee as Clark approaches. CLARK Uh Lois... I wanted to ask you something... LOIS I'm not going to like it, am I. CLARK What makes you say that? LOIS You've got that tone in your voice, you know, that people get when they're uncomfortable. Like when they want to borrow your car, or money, or clothes... CLARK Okay, you got me. I want to borrow your clothes. LOIS I bet you'd look real cute in black chiffon. She starts for her desk, Clark following. CLARK Lois, what I want to say is... LOIS I know what you want Clark. CLARK You do? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 5. 5 CONTINUED: 5 LOIS (at her desk) I know you a lot better than you think. She turns to him. They stare at each other a beat. LOIS (CONT'D) How much do you need? CLARK (incredulous) What? Lois I don't want money. LOIS Clark, you don't have to be embarrassed. That's what friends are for. Just tell me... CLARK (frustrated, he blurts out) Lois, I want to go out with you! LOIS (stunned) What? He shakes his head in frustration. Lois takes a beat for it to sink in, then... LOIS (CONT'D) (guarded) You're asking me out? CLARK Yes! You know.... like on a date? LOIS (beat, then) A date? You mean a real date? Like where I take out my best perfume, the one I bought after seeing 'Love Affair', the good one not the remake, and put a dab behind my knee, even though I have no idea why? CLARK Yeah... I guess that's what I'm saying. Lois looks at him, then slowly sinks into her chair. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 6. 5 CONTINUED: 2 5 LOIS Well... I... I'm not sure what to say. CLARK Most people either pick yes or no. LOIS Well, it's not that easy. I mean it's easy for you because you've already had time to think about it. You've had a chance to plan what you wanted to say... and what you'd say depending on what I'd say back... and... CLARK Lois... I'm asking you on a date, not to negotiate nuclear disarmament. LOIS Well... there are a lot of things (X) to consider. Our partnership, our friendship, our relationship with the people in the office. What I'd wear. CLARK Lois. Don't over analyze it. Just (X) go with your feelings. Before she can respond, JIMMY enters, carrying a package. JIMMY This just came for you, C.K. Lois and Clark exchange a look, frustrated by the interruption. JIMMY (CONT'D) (unaware) It says it's from the FBI. As Clark opens the package... LOIS Who do you know at the FBI? CLARK Roger Templeton. We met when I was in Washington. He pulls out a black and white 8x10 and a thin file folder with a note attached. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 7. 5 CONTINUED: 3 5 CLARK (CONT'D) 'Dear Clark. Thought you might find this interesting... I Lois takes the photo as Jimmy crowds close for a look. 6 INSERT - SURVEILLANCE PHOTO 6 A shot of Nigel and Gretchen sitting in a restaurant. She's handing him a matchbook. 7 RESUME SCENE 7 LOIS Clark! That's the woman who stole Lex's body! JIMMY Who's the guy? CLARK Nigel St. John. He used to be Luthor's personal assistant. As Jimmy and Lois marvel at the photo, Clark surreptitiously SUPERSPEEDS through the thin file. He finishes, a grim look on his face. Covering, he returns to the first page thru... CLARK (CONT'D) Get this. They've identified the woman as Gretchen Kelly. She was (X) Luthor's doctor. (X) LOIS (still studying photo) That might explain her fascination with Lex's body. CLARK That's not all. Turns out Nigel (X) was more than Luthor's Mr. Belvedere. He was an agent with (X) Her Majesty's Secret Service who turned bad. (X) LOIS (eyeing report) It says this picture was taken recently in Metropolis. And the agent who took the photo has disappeared. She and Clark exchange a look, then something in the photo catches Clark's eye. He activates his MICROVISION. --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 8. 8 CLARK'S POV - MICROVISION 8 There's writing on the matchbook Gretchen is handing to Nigel. It reads "Sheldon Bender. 1605 Bessolo Boulevard." 9 RESUME SCENE 9 CLARK Uh... maybe Sheldon Bender knows something. JIMMY Luthor's attorney? Why him? CLARK Well... it's just... God knows everything, and attorneys think they're God. LOIS (re: photo) Jimmy, show this to Perry and tell him we're on it. Jimmy nods, takes the photo and exits. A beat, then... LOIS (CONT'D) Clark... about the date... CLARK It's okay. Take your time. We can talk about it later. Lois nods. As Clark heads off to his desk to get his coat, Lois stares after him, conflicted. CUT TO: 10 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - DAY 10 Luthor, now dressed in denim work shirt and black jeans, furiously hammers on a computer keyboard, his face dark and ominous. Gretchen stands nearby as Nigel cleans a HAND CROSSBOW. LUTHOR (eyeing screen) It's gone! That weasel Bender swindled me out of my entire fortune!! GRETCHEN Lex, you should be resting. This can wait. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 9. 10 CONTINUED: 10 NIGEL What about the Swiss bank accounts? LUTHOR (hammers more keys) Empty!! (a beat, then quietly) I'm broke. He rises from the computer, dazed. LUTHOR (CONT'D) Death I could deal with, Nigel. But to be without money, without (X) power... that's something I wasn't prepared for. NIGEL Knowing you sir, I'm sure it's just a temporary condition. LUTHOR The money perhaps, but true power (X) lies in the possession of Kryptonite. Until I find it, I'm nothing. (and then) Well, first things first. Let's arrange a meeting with Mister (X) Bender. NIGEL Of course, sir. LUTHOR And you can drop the 'sir,' Nigel. (X) There's no need for facades anymore. Look at us. We are what (X) we are. NIGEL And what's that? LUTHOR Ordinary street fighters. Just like the old days. (X) Nigel smiles as Gretchen puts her arms affectionately (X) around Lex from behind. GRETCHEN I've never thought there was anything ordinary about you, Lex. He moves to a mirror and stares at his reflection. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 10. 10 CONTINUED: 2 10 LUTHOR Thank you my dear. You're right. (X) There really isn't. Lex sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. A LARGE CLUMP comes out. LUTHOR (CONT'D) What the... ? Now he runs both hands through his hair. Two more clumps (X) come out. LUTHOR (CONT'D) Gretchen! My hair's falling out! As she nears him, he whirls, grabbing her by the shoulders. LUTHOR (CONT'D) What did you do to me?! GRETCHEN (frightened) Lex, your body went through a tremendous ordeal. You're bound to experience some temporary side (X) effects. You need to rest. He releases her then turns back to the mirror. He runs both hands through his hair again. More clumps come out. LUTHOR Shave it off. Gretchen hesitates. LUTHOR (CONT'D) Don't just stand there. I said shave it off! As he moves to a chair and settles in, she picks up a (X) scissor out of her medical bag. As she begins cutting his (X) hair... LUTHOR (CONT'D) Oh, Nigel... do me a favor. Find (X) out whatever you can about Lois Lane. At the mention of Lois, Gretchen reacts, "inadvertently" poking Luthor's scalp with the scissors. LUTHOR (CONT'D) Ow! It's a good thing you're not (X) a surgeon. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 11. 10 CONTINUED: 4 10 GRETCHEN (tightly) Sorry, Lex. As Gretchen resumes her cutting, and Lex's hair falls... (X) CUT TO: 11 EXT. METROPOLIS BOULEVARD - DAY 11 A brass sign on a building reads "Law offices of Sheldon Bender". SHELDON BENDER, looking appropriately arrogant, exits the building, reading over some legal papers. He ignores a HOMELESS MAN who roots through a concrete litter can on the sidewalk. At the curb rests an ND van. 11A ANOTHER ANGLE 11A As Bender starts down the sidewalk, the homeless man, RAMIN, rushes up and forces Bender toward the van. BENDER Hey, what are you... ? The side door of the van suddenly slides open revealing Gretchen holding a gun leveled at Bender. GRETCHEN Hello Bender. As Bender's eyes widen, Ramin forces him into the van as... 11B OMIT 11B 11C ANOTHER ANGLE 11C Lois and Clark round a nearby corner, spot Bender being forced into the van a dozen yards away. LOIS Clark! That's Bender! CLARK I'm call the police! Stay here! He disappears around a corner, pulling at his tie. Lois looks back at the van as it peels away from the curb. --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 12. 12 EXT. METROPOLIS INTERSECTION - DAY - SECONDS LATER 12 The van stops at a light. Superman LANDS on the street right behind it just as the light changes and the van BURNS RUBBER. Superman grabs the van from the back and digs in. The van pulls him along a few feet, the engine WHINING IN PROTEST as he slows it down. SMOKE pours from underneath, THEN SOMETHING FINALLY POPS and the van stops. Superman pulls the side door open. The van is completely empty! Superman stares incredulously, then the CAMERA WHIP PANS BACK TO THE INTERSECTION, FOCUSING ON A MANHOLE COVER. A pair of EYES peer out, then the cover is lowered back into place. CUT TO: 13 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - DAY 13 Gretchen descends the ladder followed by Bender and Ramin. 14 ANOTHER ANGLE 14 Ramin shoves Bender ahead of him deeper into-the lair. BENDER Hey! Watch the suit. He turns back to find himself face to face with Nigel. BENDER (CONT'D) (false bravado) Who are you people? Do you realize... ? NIGEL Shut up. (X) BENDER If you're with Intergang... LUTHOR (O.S.) (from shadows) (X) What's Intergang? GRETCHEN A new crime organization in Metropolis. NIGEL Just a group of thugs. All substance, no style. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 13. 14 CONTINUED: 14 LUTHOR (O.S.) Didn't take long for the jackals to move in. BENDER (peering into shadows) Look, whoever you are, you can't... LUTHOR (O.S.) Yes I can! Lex steps from the shadows, now TOTALLY BALD. He gets within inches of Bender's face. Bender goes white with terror as he recognizes him. BENDER (a whisper) L... Lex? LUTHOR Luthor. Your worst nightmare. (X) TIME CUT TO: 15 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - LATER 15 Bender's hands and feet are bound. Lex holds the terrified man prone, his face hanging over the edge of the culvert where a dozen hungry rats scurry about. Nigel tosses meaty ribs into the pit which the rats devour thru... LUTHOR A billion dollars. Where is it? (X) BENDER It's tied up. Real estate, (X) foreign investments. I could give you a few thousand now, but... LUTHOR Wrong answer, Bender. BENDER Look, I know people in Intergang. Maybe I can talk them into bringing you in. NIGEL Oh, sorry. Wrong answer again Mister Bender. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 14. 15 CONTINUED: 15 LUTHOR You know Gretchen, these rats have (X) a voracious appetite. GRETCHEN (mock concern) But will they eat one of their own? BENDER Please, Lex. I'll get it back. I promise you. LUTHOR (to rats) Bon appetite. As Lex is about to toss him into the moat... BENDER Kryptonite! I can get you Kryptonite! Luthor stops. He lays him down on the floor. BENDER (CONT'D) I know who has it. NIGEL Who? (X) BENDER If I tell you, you'll kill me. LUTHOR (to Nigel) (X) He's a thief, not a moron. (to Bender) How do you know about Kryptonite? BENDER From Mrs. Cox. I'm her attorney. Look, I know someone. I can get it for you. Luthor considers, then motions to Ramin. As he unties Bender, Luthor leans down to Bender's face. LUTHOR If you cross me again Bender, I'll (X) cut open your chest and sew a rat (X) up inside. (X) Off Luthor's piercing stare... CUT TO: --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 15. 16 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - NIGHT #1 16 Lois and Clark are at Clark's desk. LOIS Superman told me the van was operated by remote control. CLARK Well, the police lab's going over it now. Maybe they'll turn up something else. (and then) (X) Why do suppose someone would kidnap Bender? LOIS Well, it can't be for money. Who'd pay ransom for a lawyer? Clark's PHONE RINGS. He answers. CLARK Clark Kent... A beat, then he shoots an uncomfortable look at Lois. CLARK (CONT'D) Do I want them? Well... can you hang on a minute? (cups the phone) Uh... this ticket broker's got two of the last tickets for Pearl Jam (X) tomorrow night... would you like to go? LOIS Oh, right... the date thing. (and then) What about Mayson? CLARK (deflecting) --The guy's only got two tickets. LOIS Clark... CLARK I'm asking _you_ out, Lois. LOIS (beat, then) Fair enough. But this is a big step. I mean, we work together. What happens if... you know... it bombs. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 16. 16 CONTINUED: 16 CLARK We'll always be friends. (X) They share a beat, then Clark reacts to the SOUND of the caller yelling on the phone. CLARK (CONT'D) Yeah, I'm still here. I know... we both need an answer. He looks at Lois, who takes a beat, then... LOIS Okay. Clark smiles, then, into phone... CLARK Okay, I'll take them. (and then) How much?! Each?! (X) (off Lois' look) (X) No, no that's... reasonable. (X) Okay, thanks. He hangs up, looks at Lois. An uncomfortable beat, then... (X) CLARK So. LOIS So. They're bailed out when Jimmy approaches, carrying a report. JIMMY Uh... am I interrupting something? LOIS/CLARK (too quickly) No! Jimmy eyes them a beat, then... JIMMY It's okay guys, I'm not the principal. I just thought you'd like to know we got a copy of the lab report on that van. They found a trap door in the floor. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 17. 16 CONTINUED: 2 16 LOIS So that's how they got Bender out of the van without anyone seeing them. CLARK Magic always has an explanation. LOIS Anything else? JIMMY It's registered to some guy in Park Ridge. Cops have him downtown right now. LOIS (to Clark) You start on the story, I'll go to the police station. Oh, and as long as I'm out, I can pick up those.. (then, mindful of Jimmy) ... _things_ we need for that... thing we talked about. CLARK No, it's out of your way. I'll just send a runner. She nods, heads for the elevators. Jimmy watches after her a beat, then grins knowingly at Clark. CLARK What? JIMMY Nothin'. I didn't say nothin'. He doesn't have to. His grin says it all. CUT TO: 17 EXT. METROPOLIS POLICE STATION - NIGHT 17 Lois exits the building. As she approaches the corner, she comes upon an old, GRAY-HAIRED MAN in a wheelchair. OLD MAN Excuse me miss. Would you help an old man across the street? LOIS Of course. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 18. 17 CONTINUED: 17 As she pushes him into the street, he looks up at her. OLD MAN Say, aren't you... that woman who almost married Lex Luthor? LOIS Uh... yes. OLD MAN Lois Lane, that's right. Tell me, what was that fella Luthor like? LOIS Well, he was uh... very magnetic. Very charming. But a very dangerous criminal. She pushes him onto the sidewalk. He looks into her eyes. OLD MAN Ah... but I hear you young women today like those bad boy types. LOIS (uncomfortable) Well, I don't know if that's true... although I suppose it can be appealing... at times, but... She finally looks him straight in the eyes. Something about him unnerves her. LOIS (CONT'D) If you'll excuse me, I'm late for an appointment. As she walks off, unsure exactly what it is that's bothering her, Nigel steps out of the shadows. He approaches the wheelchair and begins to push. Now we discover it's Luthor. LUTHOR She's more beautiful than ever. NIGEL What about Gretchen? LUTHOR What about her? She's my physician. She doesn't inspire me. (X) Nigel cocks his head, shrugs. Then... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 19. 17 CONTINUED: 2 17 NIGEL Have you considered that Miss Lane may not come so easily this time? LUTHOR 'If I cannot prove a lover, to entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain.' NIGEL (admiring) (X) Richard the Third. LUTHOR My hero. And like Richard, I will not be denied. I'll give her the chance to come willingly, but if she won't, I'll take her by force. NIGEL After you get the Kryptonite. LUTHOR (smiling) Of course. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 20. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 18 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - NIGHT 18 Clark and Lois sit across from Perry. (X) LOIS The police said the owner of the (X) van loaned it to a friend of his. (X) An ex-can named Ramin Tarbush. (and then) I talked to his parole officer. He hasn't seen Tarbush for weeks. But he gave me a description. It's an exact match with the kidnapper. CLARK (to Lois) Are you thinking what I'm thinking? LOIS Bobby Bigmouth. PERRY What in blazes is a Bobby Bigmouth? CLARK One of our street sources. If somebody hiccups in this town, (X) Bobby knows about it. 19 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 19 As Lois and Clark exit Perry's office... LOIS Give me two minutes to clean up. I'll meet you at the elevators. As Lois heads OS, Jimmy spots Clark, approaches. JIMMY Hey C.K... so you and Lois are going on a date, huh? CLARK Listen, Jimmy. Do me favor? Don't give Lois a hard time about it, okay? You know her. She won't find it funny. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 21. 19 CONTINUED: 19 JIMMY I'm not going to razz her. I think it's cool you two are going out. CLARK But she won't think it's 'cool' if everyone knows. So keep a tight lid on it, okay? JIMMY (nods, then) So where you takin' her? CLARK Pearl Jam concert. (X) JIMMY No way! Those tickets cost like a million bucks. CLARK (knowingly) Each. JIMMY You going to hang out in the mosh pit? CLARK What's the mosh pit? JIMMY (enthusiastically) It's great. It's that area right in front of the stage. Everyone crowds in real close, you can't hardly see or breathe, the music's so loud you don't know what they're singing, and then if you're lucky, you get lifted up and passed over everyone's heads to the back. CLARK That would be lucky. JIMMY No, the point is to make your way to the front again. It's really a blast. Clark eyes him doubtfully a beat, then... CLARK You know, I never felt old until right this minute. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 22. 19 CONTINUED: 2 19 Off Jimmy's smile... DISSOLVE TO: 20 OMITTED 20 20A INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - NIGHT 20A BOBBY BIGMOUTH, dressed in a stained chef's outfit, works alone at a grill, a KITCHEN HELPER in the b.g. He puts a TUNA SALAD PLATE on the pass window, then, glancing around surreptitiously, he grabs a BIG WAD off the mound of tuna, stuffs it in his mouth, then re-shapes the mound with his hands. LOIS (O.S.) Bobby? (X) 21 ANOTHER ANGLE REVEALS 21 Lois and Clark entering the kitchen through a nearby door. BOBBY BIGMOUTH (mouth full) Hey. If it ain't the lovebirds. LOIS (to Clark, peeved) Did you tell him? BOBBY BIGMOUTH Naw, I got it from his ticket broker. He's a barracuda in business but a romantic at heart. (wipes his mouth) So, you two excited? CLARK Bobby, we're not here to talk about... (X) BOBBY BIGMOUTH I'm so happy for you kids. I want you to know, a lot of people are pulling for this to work out. LOIS What people? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 23. 21 CONTINUED: 21 BOBBY BIGMOUTH What? You think it's a big secret (X) that Clark here's been mooning over you? CLARK I wouldn't say mooning... exactly. Bobby returns to the grill and starts rolling grilled sausages into some hot pancakes. BOBBY BIGMOUTH I love bein' in love. There's no feeling like it in the world. (second thought) Except maybe a really full stomach. He takes a big bite off the end of one of the sausages, then rolls it into a pancake. He notices Lois and Clark's look. BOBBY BIGMOUTH (CONT'D) I love it when we're pushing 'pigs in a blanket.' He lays the order up on the pass table. As he continues to (X) pick food from various places... (X) CLARK Bobby, do you know an ex-con named Ramin Tarbush? (X) BOBBY BIGMOUTH Of course. Last I heard, he was (X) living on the street and getting his meals at the homeless shelter on Union Street. They got good food there, considering. Bobby picks up a carton of milk and takes a swig, then... (X) BOBBY BIGMOUTH (CONT'D) Aw, where are my manners? (offering it to them) Anybody thirsty? They politely shake their heads. As Bobby preps an (X) omelette, he stuffs his face with a wad of each ingredient. (X) LOIS (sotto, to Clark) This isn't an all-you-can-eat place. It's an all-he-_doesn't_- eat place. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 24. 21 CONTINUED: 2 21 LOIS (CONT'D) (and then) Listen, Bobby, we've gotta go. Thanks. They head out as he waves and says an unintelligible 'take it easy.' CUT TO: 22 INT. JAIL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY #2 22 Bender, Nigel and Luthor sit around a conference table. Lex wears dark sunglasses and a hat. A door opens and a guard leads in a grim ROLLIE VALE, dressed in prison garb, a number across his breast pocket. The Guard exits. Vale settles in a seat across the table from them, then... VALE You Bender? (Bender nods) Who are these bozos? BENDER I caution you on your choice of words, Mr. Vale. VALE Oh yeah? In case you haven't noticed, I'm in prison. What are you gonna do? Charge me with being rude? LUTHOR Of course not, Mr. Vale. I'll simply have you killed. Luthor removes his hat and glasses thru... VALE Oh really. You and what... (then, astonished) Luthor! How... ? LUTHOR There are things in heaven and (X) earth not foreseen in your (X) philosophy Mr. Vale. (X) Vale takes a beat, gathering his prison bravado, then he leans back in his chair. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 25. 22 CONTINUED: 22 VALE Sure. Okay. So what happened? Forget to bring your hair with you when you came back from the dead? Nigel tenses, Bender cringes, but Luthor smiles. LUTHOR That's funny. That's very funny. As everyone relaxes, Luthor suddenly LASHES OUT, GRABBING VALE by the neck, and pulls him across the table. LUTHOR (CONT'D) You're in no position to be funny, Mister Vale. Vale grabs Luthor's arm with his left hand and SLAMS it down onto the table. A shocked Luthor winces. VALE And you're in no position to put your hands on me, Mister Luthor. As they eye him stunned, he releases Luthor then pulls up his sleeve revealing a metallic arm. They stare amazed. VALE (CONT'D) Robotic. I had to replace the one my thimble brained cyborg crushed. He settles in his chair. LUTHOR That cyborg was powered by Kryptonite. Stolen from Lexlabs by your brother. I want it back. BENDER Ah... what my client is saying... VALE I know what he's saying. (to Luthor) Unless you got something I want skinhead, this meeting's over. LUTHOR What is it you want? (X) VALE Half a million dollars and my freedom. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 26. 22 CONTINUED: 2 22 BENDER You've got an arm that can bend steel. Why haven't you broken out of here? NIGEL (condescending) Perhaps counsellor, because bullets can still pierce his chest. LUTHOR So. Money and your freedom for the Kryptonite. Do we have a deal? Vale eyes him then rises and starts for the exit. He stops at the door. VALE Sure, we have a deal. And you know where to find me. (X) Vale exits. A nervous Bender eyes them, then... (X) BENDER Lex, whatever you're planning, I (X) shouldn't hear about it. LUTHOR Hear about it? You're going to be part of it. As Bender reacts, Luthor turns to Nigel. LUTHOR (CONT'D) But we're going to need a diversion to get the equipment we need. And I know the perfect sacrificial lamb. CUT TO: 23 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY 23 Perry enters, engrossed in some copy. As he heads for his desk Jimmy pokes his head in. JIMMY I'm making a donut run, Chief. Need anything? PERRY No, but thanks for asking. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 27. 23 CONTINUED: 23 Jimmy exits as Perry slides into his chair and immediately realizes something is wrong. It's been noticeably lowered. PERRY (CONT'D) Aw, who's been playing with my chair? He reaches down to raise the lift when he spots a WIRE attached to it. Fingering it, he leans over and follows it to the other end... and-finds a BOMB ATTACKED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF HIS CHAIR! Perry slowly sits upright, then spots a note sitting on his computer keyboard. In block letters it reads "ONE SMALL MOVE AND KABOOM." PERRY Jimmy... Jimmy pokes his head in. PERRY (CONT'D) I do need something. JIMMY What's that, Chief? Perry holds the note up for Jimmy to see. PERRY Help. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 28. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 24 INT. DAILY PLANET LOBBY - DAY 24 Lois sips coffee from a styrofoam cup as she eyes a rack of magazines. She holds the cup in her teeth as she picks up a copy of "MODERN RELATIONSHIPS". 25 INSERT MAGAZINE 25 A blurb trumpets the feature inside: "What Men Really Want." 26 RESUME SCENE 26 She glances around then starts reading it. After a beat we realize this is someone's POV. 27 ANOTHER ANGLE REVEALS 27 Lex, hovering near the coffee counter, wearing shades and a baseball cap, eyeing Lois as he "reads" a paper. As Clark enters and approaches Lois, a sour look crosses his face. 28 AT MAGAZINE STAND 28 Lois spots Clark approaching and quickly slaps the magazine back on the shelf and snatches the cup out of her teeth. CLARK Hi. LOIS Hi. There's an awkward moment, then... LOIS (CONT'D) Oh... this is exactly what's wrong with us going out. CLARK All I said was 'hi.' LOIS Exactly. Except a dozen thoughts just ran through my head during that 'hi.' Is my make-up okay? Do I smell good? Do I have coffee breath? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 29. 28 CONTINUED: 28 Clark just looks at her, confused... LOIS (CONT'D) And if I have all those thoughts with just a 'hi', what's going to happen when we start using words with more than one syllable? CLARK (sniffs coffee cup) What did they put in here this morning? LOIS Clark, I guess what I'm saying is... I'm afraid things will change if we start dating. CLARK (beat,then) if it makes you feel any better... (X) I'm afraid too. They share a moment, then... LOIS (relieved) I'm glad you said that. Thanks. As they head for the elevators... LOIS (CONT'D) Did you check the shelter again this morning? CLARK Yeah. Ramin's still a no show. But the director said held call us if he comes in. Suddenly, a heavily equipped bomb squad team races into the by led by the BOMB SQUAD LEADER. BOMB SQUAD LEADER We've got an emergency in this building! I need everyone outside! As people in the lobby hurry for the revolving doors, the Leader passes Lois. LOIS What is it? BOMB SQUAD LEADER Just get outside ma'am! (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 30. 28 CONTINUED: 2 28 LOIS Clark. (but Clark's gone) Clark?! As she's herded out by Police Officers, CAMERA picks up Lex eyeing her with a satisfied smile. CUT TO: 29 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 29 Perry sits stiffly in his chair, unmoving. The Bomb squad Leader lies at his feet, examining the explosive. Other officers stand nearby. PERRY Is it real? BOMB SQUAD LEADER Oh yeah. It's a real pressure bomb. Crudely made, but real. When you sat down you engaged the detonator. So if you get the urge to stand up and do a jig, fight it. PERRY Can you disarm it? BOMB SQUAD LEADER I think so. (reaches for his bag) I've just got to figure out which wire to cut. As he withdraws a small wire cutter, there's the familiar WHOOSH and Superman enters his office. PERRY Superman... He nods at Perry, then kneels next to the officer. SUPERMAN Do you need any help? On the floor, the Bomb Squad Leader separates a RED WIRE from the others. BOMB SQUAD LEADER Nope. I found what I wanted. He carefully SNAPS the wire in two. Immediately the LED timer flashes ":60" and starts to count down. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 31. 29 CONTINUED: 29 BOMB SQUAD LEADER Oh no... I underestimated this (X) guy. He built in a back-up firing mechanism. PERRY What's that mean!? BOMB SQUAD LEADER (rising) It means we've got less than a minute to clear this whole building. SUPERMAN (points O.S.) Officer, clear a path to that window! An officer does as Superman steps behind Perry's chair, grabbing the underside. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Just hang on, Mr. White. As Superman LIFTS the chair and Perry up with one hand... SMASH CUT TO: 30 EXT. METROPOLIS SKY - DAY - SECONDS LATER (STOCK) 30 Perry holds on for dear life as Superman flies him and the chair over the city. PERRY Nice view from here. Wish I was in a better mood to enjoy it. Superman eyes the digital readout. Twelve seconds and counting down. SUPERMAN I had hoped to put you down some (X) place deserted, but I don't think (X) we're going to make it. So... thanks for flying with us. And with that, Superman tips the chair over. Perry tumbles out with a SCREAM. --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 32. 31 ANGLE ON PERRY FALLING 31 He SCREAMS as the bomb explodes above him. But he's far enough away that he only feels the heat. After a beat, Superman FLIES INTO FRAME and catches him. PERRY Now that's what I call turbulence. DISSOLVE TO: 32 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY 32 Perry moves about his office checking in and under things for possible bombs. Lois rests against his desk. PERRY Some yahoo probably read something in the Planet they didn't like. It's the risk any editor runs. LOIS Perry, it's awfully coincidental that Nigel St. John, a former spy, (X) is back in town and suddenly, this (X) happens. (X) PERRY Aw, Lois. Stop being so paranoid. CLARK (entering) Guess who suddenly reappeared? (X) Sheldon Bender. He's claiming the (X) kidnaping was a prank by some old fraternity brothers. LOIS Chief, my instincts say all this (X) stuff with Bender and this bomb is connected to Nigel and Gretchen Kelly. PERRY Then what are you two standing here for? As Lois and Clark start for the door, Jimmy enters. JIMMY Hey, guess what. The bomb squad's (X) headquarters was robbed while they were defusing you. Took some plastic explosives and a remote control triggering mechanism. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 33. 32 CONTINUED: 32 The news disappoints Perry. He finally stops checking the office. PERRY So I was some kind of diversion? JIMMY Kinda cheapens it somehow, doesn't it? Lois and Clark exchange a look. LOIS CLARK I'll take Bender, You take Bender, you take the bomb I'll take the squad. bomb squad. JIMMY (as they exit) I think that's the first time they've ever agreed on anything. PERRY A budding romance will do that to you. JIMMY Wha... How did _you_ know? PERRY Son, I'm not the editor of a major newspaper because I can yodel. CUT TO: 33 EXT. BENDER'S BUILDING - NIGHT #2 - LATER 33(X) Lois hurries OUT of the building. As she quickly moves down The sidewalk, the old man in the wheelchair she met earlier suddenly rolls out from an alley into her path. OLD MAN Oh, sorry. ("recognizing" her) Well, it's Lois Lane. Imagine my luck. Meeting you twice in two (X) days. I have something for you. (X) She hesitates. (X) OLD MAN (CONT'D) Information about Lex Luthor. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 34. 33 CONTINUED: 33 He rolls his wheelchair backward into the alley, then beckons her. She's still hesitant. (X) OLD MAN (CONT'D) And the woman who stole his body. Now she's intrigued. She cautiously follows him several yards into the shadows. LOIS Who are you? OLD MAN Do you know the story of the Phoenix? LOIS Of course. The sacred bird that was reborn, rising from its own ashes. On the word reborn, he slowly rises from the wheelchair. (X) He removes his hat and make-up thru... (X) LUTHOR (X) When I was a little boy my mother (X) told me that story. I always liked (X) the part where he came back from (X) the dead. (X) (now fully revealed) (X) It's good to see you again, Lois. (X) Stunned, she eyes him, then lets out a GASP. He steps closer to her. So many thoughts race through her mind she just stares, speechless. LUTHOR (CONT'D) (X) Did you think I wouldn't come back (X) for you? (X) (and then) (X) Lois, I've lost everything. My (X) fortune, my reputation... (X) everything but my feeling for you. (X) He puts his hands on her arms. She stiffens. (X) LUTHOR (CONT'D) (X) We must take the miracle of my (X) resurrection as a sign that even (X) death can't keep us apart. (X) LOIS (a hoarse whisper) Lex... how... how did this... ? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 34A. 33 CONTINUED: 2 33 LUTHOR Never question a miracle. We're (X) together again and that's all that matters. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 35. 33 CONTINUED: 3 33 LOIS No, I... I could never... I mean... LUTHOR I know in your eyes I've fallen (X) from grace. But surely a creature of such abundant benevolence would allow me the chance to redeem myself. LOIS I... there's no... I don't have those feelings for you any more. LUTHOR I don't believe it. (X) LOIS Lex after everything you've done how could you expect ... ? LUTHOR Yes, I've done terrible things. But I did them for you. Provoked (X) by the blinding light of your beauty. If you can't forgive me... (pulls out a cell phone) ...turn me over to the police. If I can't have you, my life is not worth living. She eyes him conflicted. But she can't take the phone. LUTHOR (CONT'D) You _do_ have feelings for me. LOIS No! (and then) Maybe... I just feel you've suffered enough. She takes several steps backwards then turns and hurries out of the alley casting one last look back. As we hold on Lex' devious smile, RACK FOCUS to Gretchen in the background shadows, a venomous expression on her face. CUT TO: 34 INT. DAILY PLANET CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT - LATER 34(X) A still shaken Lois sits at the table. Clark, Perry and Jimmy digest what she just told them. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 36. 34 CONTINUED: 34 PERRY Great shades of Elvis. JIMMY Did Luthor say what he wanted? I mean... besides you. Lois shakes her head, then... PERRY Looks like Bender's your only solid lead to finding Luthor. LOIS And he's 'in seclusion' on his yacht. Supposedly he wants a break from the press. PERRY Well he's not going to get it. I want you two on him like flies to a pest strip. Round the clock surveillance. CLARK (wary) Chief, when you say round the clock, you don't mean... PERRY Starting tonight. You can set up (X) camp at Ben Lombardo's place. He's a buddy of mine. Keeps a little hideaway for himself down near the marina. LOIS (unhappily) And you want us to start right now? (X) PERRY You got something better to do? Clark and Lois look at each other, then... LOIS I guess not. PERRY Good. As Perry exits, a disappointed Clark withdraws the two concert tickets and hands them to Jimmy. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 37. 34 CONTINUED: 2 34 CLARK Enjoy. JIMMY Wow, thanks C.K.! (and then) This is definitely going to put me over the top with Angela. Off Lois and Clark's resigned smiles... CUT TO: 35 INT. BEN LOMBARDO'S HIDEAWAY - NIGHT 35(X) A small single apartment, decorated in tacky nautical motif. Through an archway is a sleeping/dressing alcove separated from the main area by a curtain. The only light comes from a floor lamp. Clark and Lois, still in their work clothes, (she's in a business suit) peer out a window at a cabin cruiser in a slip across the way. Set up nearby is audio and video surveillance equipment. Lois has binoculars to her eyes. CLARK I don't believe this. Instead of Pearl Jam we end up watching a lawyer get ready for bed. She lowers the binocs and turns to him. LOIS Well... maybe we could just pretend this is our first date. Not that I'd like this to be our actual first date, I mean I'd prefer something a little nicer, but just so it's not a total loss... I mean after all, you _did_ ask me and I _did_ worry a lot about my answer and I wouldn't want all that effort to be for nothing... I mean... (beat as he stares at her) I'm babbling, aren't I? Clark nods. A beat, then... CLARK Look, let's just say we're on a regular assignment and forget the date part. Maybe we could do it another time. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 38. 35 CONTINUED: 35 LOIS Well... maybe we could say it's our 'almost first date.' Kind of like a test run. CLARK (beat, then smiles) Sure, why not? An awkward smile then Lois moves to some cabinets and starts looking through them... LOIS Let's see if Mister Lombardo has anything here that would be appropriate for an almost first date. Clark turns his attention back to the window. After a beat Lois pulls out a bottle of champagne. LOIS (CONT'D) Hey, look. Too bad it's warm. She moves to an under counter refrigerator and opens it. LOIS (CONT'D) Probably take forever to chill in this tiny refrigerator. She puts it in and closes the door. LOIS (CONT'D) Clark, I've got to get out of these clothes. Yell if you see anything. As she goes into the alcove and pulls the curtain across the archway, Clark moves to the fridge and pulls out the champagne bottle. Using his SUPERCOLD BREATH he chills it. As he begins to open it he notices... 36 LOIS' SILHOUETTE 36 against the curtain across the doorway. She's undoing the buttons on her blouse. Clark looks away, focusing on the champagne bottle. As he starts to push the cork out, he can't help himself and glances again at the curtain. Lois is just slipping out of her blouse. Clark reacts, then... 37 THE CHAMPAGNE CORK 37 flies out of the bottle with SUPER FORCE and CAREENS around the room. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 39. 37 CONTINUED: 37 Clark follows it with his eyes then sticks out his hand and CATCHES IT just before it smacks a window. He composes himself and grabs two glasses as Lois steps out in sweats. He pours her a glass thru... CLARK Here you go. LOIS Whoa, how'd you get it cold so fast? CLARK I uh... um... As she turns to get a napkin, Clark seizes the opportunity for a distraction and surreptitiously uses his HEAT VISION to BLOW OUT THE LIGHT BULB IN THE FLOOR LAMP, PLUNGING THE ROOM INTO DARKNESS. CLARK (V.O.) Oh-oh. LOIS (V.O.) There's another lamp next to the sofa. CLARK (V.O.) I got it. LOIS (V.O.) No, it's okay, I'm closer. We HEAR both of them move. Suddenly, the SOUND OF BODIES TRIPPING OVER EACH OTHER, a YELP from Lois and a THUD. A LIGHT GOES ON and we discover Clark on his back on the sofa, his arm raised over his head, turning on a table lamp. Lois lies on top of him, glass in hand, the champagne now all over Clark's shirt. It's a very awkward moment. They're torn between getting up and staying like this. LOIS Sorry. CLARK Ah, sure. No problem. I guess it's my turn to change. LOIS Yeah. I guess. They don't move for a beat, then.... LOIS (CONT'D) I guess I better get up. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 40. 37 CONTINUED: 2 37 CLARK Yeah. I guess so. Still they don't move. A beat, then Lois finally gets up. LOIS I'll uh... pour us... some more champagne. CLARK Good idea. He slips away, stepping behind the curtain. As Lois crosses the room she notices a large BURN MARK in the lamp shade from Clark's heat vision. LOIS Wow. That must have been a very defective bulb. She moves to the counter. As she starts to pour more champagne, she notices CLARK'S SILHOUETTE as he takes off his shirt. Intrigued, she continues to stare until the champagne overflows and spills onto her foot. As she bends to wipe it up, Clark returns in a cut off t-shirt and jeans. CLARK What happened? She looks up at him, taking in his muscular arms. As she gets up... LOIS Huh? Oh, I uh I just had a little muscle... (quickly) ... uh mishap. So... (raising her glass) to our almost first date. CLARK Our almost first date. As they clink glasses... DISSOLVE TO: 38 INT. BEN LOMBARDO'S HIDEAWAY - LATER - NIGHT 38 Clark's looking out the window, eating the last of a sandwich. Lois is at the table, head on her arms. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 41. 38 CONTINUED: 38 LOIS (moaning) I should have known better than to order chinese food from a place called Ralph's Pagoda. He brings her a small pillow so she can rest her head on it. LOIS (CONT'D) Oh, thanks Clark. It's funny. I just remembered when I was kid and got sick, all my dad was ever concerned about was making sure I took my medicine. CLARK Well, isn't that what a good dad does? LOIS He never could understand that when I was sick, what I really needed was someone to hold me and comfort me. CLARK Well, I guess he did the best he could with the awareness he had. She yawns as she nods. CLARK (CONT'D) Why don't you turn in? Sleep in the alcove. LOIS I can't make it to the alcove. CLARK C'mon. He picks her up and carries her the few steps to the alcove As he puts her down gently at the curtain... CLARK (CONT'D) Here you go. Door to door service. They stare at each other a beat. CLARK (CONT'D) If you need anything during the night... just call me. I'll be right out here. They stare awkwardly at each other a moment. Then... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 42. 38 CONTINUED: 2 38 CLARK (CONT'D) Well... LOIS Well... CLARK Good night, Lois. LOIS Good night, Clark. She turns and disappears behind the curtain. He turns and exhales heavily. Whoa! 38A INT. ALCOVE 38A Lois exhales heavily. Whoa! And we... DISSOLVE TO: 39 INT. BEN LOMBARDO'S HIDEAWAY - MORNING - DAY #3 39 Clark's at the window, staring out the window, his glasses tilted down. (X) LOIS (O.S.) Clark... ? (X) Clark quickly pushes his glasses back up, then grabs the binoculars and puts them to his eyes. (X) CLARK Lois. Something's happening on (X) Bender's boat. Lois comes alongside and Clark hands her the binocs. (X) 40 HER POV 40(X) Bender, on the aft deck of his boat, the SUE U., talks to a man in a suit, his back to us. BENDER (Filtered) Glad you could make it. 41 RESUME SCENE 41 LOIS That's Judge Winkler. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 43. 41 CONTINUED: 41 INTERCUT WINKLER AND BENDER as needed through... BENDER (Filtered) We want to thank you for your efforts in getting a new hearing for Rollie Vale. When's he being transferred to the courthouse? JUDGE WINKLER (Filtered) This afternoon. BENDER (Filtered) Good. on behalf of my client, I'd like you to accept this little token of our appreciation. Bender hands him a black attache case. Clark uses his X-RAY VISION to see inside. It's filled with $100 bills. Clark turns off his X-RAY VISION as the judge steps off the boat. CUT TO: 42 EXT. MARINA - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 42 The judge is gone. As Lois and Clark stride down Bender's dock, they see him on the aft deck. (X) 43 ANGLE ON WATER BEHIND BENDER'S BOAT 43 The head of a diver in a black wet suit breaks the surface. He raises a long tube, resembling a pea shooter, and puts one end in his mouth. As he aims it at Bender... LOIS (O.S.) Hey Bender! 44 INCLUDE BENDER, ON HIS BOAT 44 He looks up as Lois and Clark approach. BENDER What do you people ... ? But he never finishes his sentence as his body suddenly arches, then falls onto the dock. A lethal dart protrudes from Bender's back. Lois and Clark approach the dead man and react as the diver silently slips back under the surface. --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 44. 45 ANGLE ON LAND 45 Luthor and Gretchen watching from a Land Rover in the distance. As Luthor lowers a pair of binoculars... LUTHOR I've always admired Nigel's creativity. GRETCHEN Too bad he couldn't got rid of two nosy reporters as well. LUTHOR You mean one. GRETCHEN (enigmatically) Of course... I mean one. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 45. _ACT FOUR_ 46 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 46 Clark's on the phone at his desk as Lois approaches. CLARK (sarcastically) Sure. I'll just wait right here for his call. (hangs up) Judge Winkler's clerk. The Judge is 'temporarily unavailable' for comment. LOIS Big surprise. (and then) Why would Bender want Rollie Vale transferred downtown for a new hearing? What's in it for Lex? CLARK Whatever it is, it's big enough to cost Bender his life. As she contemplates this, Jimmy enters, a bandaid over his eyebrow. JIMMY Hey, thanks for the tickets. (X) Pearl Jam was incredible! (X) CLARK What happened to your eye? (X) JIMMY Cool, huh? Me and Angela went (X) through the Mosh Pit twice! (X) (and then) Oh. The director of that-homeless (X) shelter called. That guy Ramin (X) you were looking for? He's eatin' breakfast there right now. As Lois and Clark bolt out of their seats and head to the elevators... (X) CUT TO: 47 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET DAY 47 Lois and Clark step out of her jeep in front of a homeless shelter. As they step onto the sidewalk, Ramin exits the shelter and starts for a nearby alley. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Green Revision 1/4/95 46. 47 CONTINUED: 47 LOIS Clark! There he is! Ramin disappears into the alley. Lois and Clark stop at the entrance and watch. 48 INT. ALLEY - DAY - CONTINUOUS 48 Ramin stops near a dumpster, looks around, then OPENS A GRATE in the asphalt and SLIPS INSIDE. The grate settles into place, there's a beat, then Lois and Clark approach the grate. As Clark lifts it... CLARK After you. CUT TO: 49 INT. LUTHOR'S LAIR - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 49 Lois and Clark descend the ladder into the lair. Ramin is nowhere to be seen. Clark helps Lois off the ladder, then they take in the scene. CLARK It's a long fall from a penthouse in the sky. LOIS What's that noise? She and Clark follow the noise to the nearby culvert. They react to the rats scurrying around below. LOIS (CONT'D) Oh, I hate rats. As they step back from the culvert and fan out for clues, (X) CAMERA FINDS Ramin peering out at them from the shadows. (X) Lois spots an open MAP BOOK on the table. She studies it a beat, then... LOIS (CONT'D) Clark! Clark hurries over, looks down at the book on the table. --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Green Revision 1/4/95 47. 50 INSERT - MAP BOOK 50 A Thomas Brothers-like grid of a section of town. A route has been HIGHLIGHTED in red between two points. 51 RESUME SCENE 51 Clark follows the route with his finger thru... CLARK It starts here at the Metropolis Men's Prison... and ends at the courthouse. A beat, then they look at each other as it hits them. LOIS Clark, it's the route they're using to transfer Rollie Vale! CLARK Luthor's going to break Vale out of jail! Lets go! (X) CUT TO: 52 OMITTED 52 53 EXT. ALLEY DAY - MOMENTS LATER 53 Lois helps Clark out of the grate. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 48. 53 CONTINUED: 53 CLARK You go get the jeep. I'll call the police. Clark runs OS, reaching for his tie. Lois kicks the grill back into place, then starts down the alley. As she nears the mouth, Gretchen Kelly steps from the shadows and levels a gun at Lois. GRETCHEN Lex wanted me to find you. Thanks for making it so easy. CUT TO: 54 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET - DAY 54 Lex and Nigel wait in the shadows of a lightly traveled street. A beat, then a POLICE CRUISER turns onto the street, followed closely by a BROWN PRISON VAN. As the two vehicles approach, Luthor positions his finger over a remote control device he holds. NIGEL Steady... not too soon... The police car and van bear down on a MANHOLE COVER in the middle of the street. As the patrol car passes over the manhole cover... NIGEL (CONT'D) Now! Lex jams his finger down on the remote control trigger. The manhole cover EXPLODES upwards into the car's axle. The car loses control and slams through a bus bench and into a wall, stunning the officers. As gasoline leaks out from the damaged car, it ignites, creating a WALL OF FLAMES. The prison van SCREECHES to a halt-behind it. 55 ANOTHER ANGLE 55 Luthor and Nigel race up to the prison van, Nigel leveling a gun at the driver. The man raises his hands as Luthor moves to his lowered window. (X) Lex shoots a tranquilizer dart into his shoulder. A beat as the driver reacts, then slumps forward. Luthor reaches in and grabs the keys, then... (X) LUTHOR (CONT'D) He looked like he needed a rest. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 49. 55 CONTINUED: 55 NIGEL Unfortunately he'll have an awful headache when he wakes up. CUT TO: 56 EXT. METROPOLIS SKY - DAY - CONTINUOUS (STOCK) 56 Superman soars over the city, looking for the action. 57 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 57 Luthor and Nigel unlock the back door and Rollie Vale jumps down, his hands cuffed to a chain around his waist. LUTHOR Tell me Vale. Is the air sweeter when it's free? VALE (humoring him) Yeah, it's great. Now get me out of here. As Luthor, Vale and Nigel disappear around a corner... 58 ANGLE ON POLICE CAR 58 Superman lands near the car. A beat, then using his SUPERBREATH he blows out the flames. As smoke rises from the street, he hurries to the patrol car and opens the passenger door. The officer inside stumbles out, moaning. SUPERMAN I better get you to a doctor. (X) CUT TO: 59 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - DAY - LATER 59 A peeved Ramin, now sporting a bruise on his forehead, holds a small gun on an angry Lois whose hands are tied behind her. Gretchen tosses cheese to the rats in the culvert thru... LOIS Don't you realize Lex is insane? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 50. 59 CONTINUED: 59 GRETCHEN If anyone's insane, you are. You could have married the greatest man in Metropolis but instead you turned your back on him. LOIS He's a psychopathic criminal. He's capable of killing any of us. GRETCHEN Held never hurt me. I gave him life. But you drove him to his death. Just then, Luthor, Vale and Nigel enter from the side (X) door. LUTHOR (eyeing Lois) Whenever will you learn, Lois, I (X) always get my way. LOIS Lex, please. Before you make things worse... LUTHOR Lois, I've already been through the worst. (beat, then) All right Vale, where did you hide the Kryptonite? Lois reacts as Vale rolls up his sleeve and extends his robotic arm. He presses a spot in mid-forearm and a square section hinges open. He reaches in and extracts the GREEN GLOWING KRYPTONITE. VALE It's been right here all along. Lex takes the kryptonite and marvels at it. LUTHOR (a whisper) My excalibur... LOIS Lex... what are you going to do with that? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 51. 59 CONTINUED: 2 59 LUTHOR I'm going to kill superman when he comes to get you. And then there'll be no one to take you away from me. (then, to Nigel) Put this in a safe place. As Nigel takes the rock from Luthor... VALE Where's my money? LUTHOR Nigel. Pay the man. Nigel pulls out the small CROSSBOW and levels it at Vale. VALE Hey. What is this? LUTHOR It's what's called an old fashioned double cross. NIGEL Exactly. And with that, Nigel TURNS THE CROSSBOW ON LEX. GRETCHEN Nigel. What are you doing? Ramin releases Lois and moves next to Nigel, obviously an ally. NIGEL You've had your day, Lex. Now it's Intergang who has the deep pockets. GRETCHEN But we're a team! LUTHOR When the lead wolf is weak, the pack quickly turns. (X) As Nigel and Ramin back toward the board that bridges the culvert, Vale moves to him, getting in the path between Nigel and Lex. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 52. 59 CONTINUED: 3 59 VALE Hey, the deal was my freedom and money. Until I see... (X) Just then Luthor pushes Vale into Nigel. Nigel's CROSSBOW TRIGGERS. The ARROW BURIES ITSELF IN LEX SHOULDER. GRETCHEN Lex! As Lex goes to his knees she rushes to him. Ramin pulls Vale off Nigel, then Karate chops him into unconsciousness. (X) He follows Nigel across the culvert, then kicks the plank aside and disappears with Nigel through the sliding door. 60 ANOTHER ANGLE 60 Gretchen lifts Lex into a chair as Lois, hands still tied, approaches. LOIS Is he all right? GRETCHEN (pushing Lois back) Get away! (venomous) I'll take care of him! (X) LUTHOR (to Lois) (X) Don't worry my love. This is just (X) a minor setback. (X) GRETCHEN Lex! She doesn't love you! She's never loved you! A desperate Gretchen kneels next to Lex, pleading. GRETCHEN (CONT'D) I sacrificed everything for you. (X) It was the power of my love that (X) brought you back. I'm the woman who belongs at your side, not her. LUTHOR Well, I'm touched. But you know (X) what they say. 'The best laid plans...' (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Pink Revision 12/14/94 53. 60 CONTINUED: 60 LOIS (to Gretchen) Looks like you just got the kiss off. Enraged, Gretchen rushes Lois and pushes her into the culvert. Lois SCREAMS as she disappears over the edge. LUTHOR NOOOO!! He painfully pulls the arrow from his bloody shoulder and bolts from his chair toward the culvert to save Lois. Gretchen grabs him, to hold him back. As they struggle... 61 IN CULVERT 61 Lois lies in pain at the bottom. She spots several rats heading for her. LOIS Help! 62 RESUME SCENE 62 Lex and Gretchen struggling.... GRETCHEN Lex! I love you! LUTHOR I'll kill you! The enraged Luthor, using one last burst of strength, hurls Gretchen backward against the wall. She stumbles against the HIGH VOLTAGE WIRES, and gets ELECTROCUTED in a shower of yellow and blue sparks. 63 ANOTHER ANGLE 63 Suddenly a WHOOSH and Superman drops into frame on the platform behind Luthor. He quickly jumps into the culvert and grabs Lois from the certain jaws of death by Rat-Bite. As he flies her up to safety, a crazed Luthor starts to laugh. Slow at first, then big, hearty laughs. SUPERMAN Maybe you'd like to let me in on the joke. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 54. 63 CONTINUED: 63 LUTHOR Me! I'm the joke! Twice I've had the chance to kill you and twice the game has gone your way. (X) SUPERMAN The game's finally over, Luthor. (X) LUTHOR NO! I will NOT give you the satisfaction of taking me alive! He runs toward the High Voltage wires. Just as he reaches it, Superman sends a beam of HEAT VISION at the conduit and short circuits it, cutting power and casting the lair in a blue light. Luthor hits the HIGH VOLTAGE WIRES BUT NOTHING HAPPENS. As he lays against it, defeated, Superman grabs his arm. SUPERMAN You can't cheat justice twice. LUTHOR (X) Don't be so smug. Tell him Lois. (X) Tell him that once, you really (X) loved me. (X) But she can't. As the reality hits him... DISSOLVE TO: 64 INT. DAILY PLANET BULLPEN - DAY #4 64 CLOSE ON A HEADLINE that reads "LUTHOR ALIVE AND BEHIND BARS!" PULL BACK TO REVEAL the edition is being admired by Lois, Clark, Perry and Jimmy, gathered around Clark's desk. PERRY I thought I'd never see the day. (playfully) Think there's hope for Elvis? As everyone smiles... PERRY (CONT'D) Nice work you two. Now I've said this before, but this time it's an order. Take a few days off. Both of you. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 55. 64 CONTINUED: 64 LOIS You don't have to ask me twice. Perry starts towards his office but stops when he hears... LOIS (CONT'D) Uh, Clark? I'll call you in a couple of days and maybe we can reschedule that... thing we talked about. CLARK Sure... whenever, that'd be great. PERRY You know you two aren't fooling (X) anybody. If you're making plans for your date, just say so. LOIS How did you ... ? (then, accusingly) Jimmy. JIMMY I didn't say a word. Honest! But he didn't become editor because he can yodel. What? As Lois and Clark exchange a confused look Perry and Jimmy head for his office. PERRY By the way, you owe Ben Lombardo a bottle of champagne. And a new lampshade. Off Lois and Clark's surprise... 65 ANOTHER ANGLE - AT PERRY'S OFFICE DOOR 65 Perry's about to enter when Jimmy catches up to him. JIMMY Hey Chief... you're not mad they're dating, are you? PERRY Jimmy, you're young and excitable. I'm not. So I'm going to withhold judgment. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE PHOENIX (#13) Yellow Revision 12/19/94 56. 65 CONTINUED: 65 JIMMY You act like it's gonna be a bad thing. Maybe it'll be good. (X) Perry glances over at Clark's desk, where Lois and Clark share a private laugh about something. PERRY Let's hope so, Jimmy. For all of us. FADE OUT. _THE END_