note massive changes from Production copy to color copies (for example, the different first scenes). Like the other scripts, though, I have interwoven the pages so you can see the changes from page to page. I hope it is not too confusing to read. If it is, feel free to break them up, with the Production version being the original, and all color pages being revisions (pages missing from color version are unchanged production pages). To pop everything into place... use Courier 10 (or 10 characters per inch) set top margin at 0.5", bottom margin at 0.5" left margin at 0.8", right margin at .25 (due to my primitive printer, I had to tell my WP51 program that I was using legal paper) The use of (X) and asterisks probably means "this line/instruction changed" Notes: Cover: "Faster Than a Speeding Vixen", Written by Brad Kern [and] Directed by Neal Ahern are all in large bolt print. The remainder of the text is in Courier 10 (10 characters per inch) Typos noted: "alright" used several times; should be "all right" Page 9, Production, first LOIS, "Lucakabee" misspelled, should be Luckabee Page 43, Yellow R, mid page, Lois (realizes) "never occured to me" should be "occurred" Page 48, Pink Rev., sceen 72A, "As the the man" the repeated in original --page break-- (insert logo.bmp or logo.jpg) "Faster Than a Speeding Vixen" EPISODE SEVENTEEN Prod. #465217 Written by Brad Kern Directed by Neal Ahern _Production Draft_ January 31, 1997 FULL Blue 2/9/97 Pink Rev. 2/13/97 Yellow R. 2/19/97 Green R. 2/20/97 Gold R. 2/21/97 White R. 2/27/97 Blue Blue 3/5/97 Pink Pink 3/5/97 Yellow Y. 3/7/97 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Faster Than a Speeding Vixen_" _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE ________________________________________________________________ LESLIE LUCKABEE VIXEN THE TROLL/MR. SMITH BANK CHAIRMAN DETECTIVE HITMAN POLICE CHIEF MALE REPORTER FEMALE REPORTER COP --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Faster Than a Speeding Vixen_" Pink Rev. 2/13/97 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE ________________________________________________________________ LESLIE LUCKABEE VIXEN THE TROLL/MR. SMITH BANK CHAIRMAN DETECTIVE HITMAN ANCHORMAN * COP --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Faster Than a Speeding Vixen_" _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 20 DAY #1 SC. 21 PARIS NIGHT SC. 22 SHANGHAI DAY SC. 23 - 40 NIGHT #1 SC. 41 - 43 DAY #2 SC. 44 - 57 NIGHT #2 SC. 58 - 69 DAY #3 SC. 70 - 72 NIGHT #3 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Faster Than a Speeding Vixen_" FULL Blue 2/9/97 _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 20 DAY #1 SC. 21 PARIS NIGHT SC. 22 CHINESE VILLAGE DAY * SC. 23 - 39A NIGHT #1 * SC. 40 - 41 OMITTED * SC. 42 - 43A DAY #2 * SC. 44 - 57 NIGHT #2 SC. 58 - 69 DAY #3 SC. 70 - 72A NIGHT #3 * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Faster Than a Speeding Vixen_" _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Metropolis Street Newsroom Conference Room Daily Planet Lois and Clark's Townhouse Townhouse Patio Living Room Bedroom Bank Subway Tunnel Deli Jeep Blind Alley Paris Street Shanghai Street --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Faster Than a Speeding Vixen_" Pink Rev. 2/13/97 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Metropolis Street Newsroom Conference Room Daily Planet Lois and Clark's Townhouse Townhouse Patio Living Room Bedroom Bank Bank Kitchen Deli Subway Tunnel Blind Alley Jeep Paris Street Anchor Desk * Chinese Village --page break-- _LOIS AND CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Faster Than a Speeding Vixen" _TEASE_ FADE IN: 1 INT. DAILY PLANET -- DAY #1 1 PICK UP LOIS as she crosses to her desk behind CLARK, who's just finishing up a call: CLARK (into phone) ... Okay, I will. Nice talking to you, too. Bye... (hangs up; to Lois) That was your Mom. LOIS Oh, yeah? What'd she want? CLARK (beat) Grandchildren, I think. LOIS Excuse me...? CLARK I mean, she didn't come right out and say it, but she was sure dropping plenty of hints. LOIS My mother. You sure it wasn't a wrong number? CLARK Positive. She was complaining about being the only one in her bridge club who doesn't have baby pictures to bore everybody with, you know. LOIS I'm surprised she's not just using the ones that came with her wallet. She spots JIMMY passing by: (CONTINUED) --page break-- _LOIS AND CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Faster Than a Speeding Vixen" _TEASE_ FADE IN: 1 OMITTED 1A INT. TOWN HOUSE KITCHEN - ISLAND - MORNING - DAY #1 1A We HEAR O.S. sounds of an uncertain nature. The sounds of movement and rustling clothes as we MOVE past eggs cooking in frying pan next to sizzling sausages. O.S. breathless SIGHS as CAMERA SLOWLY PANS across juice and glasses, then to a toaster just as two bagels pop out. We MOVE DOWN to floor to find LOIS buttoning her blouse and CLARK fastening his belt. LOIS Where did that come from?!! CLARK Look at you, Miss Innocent. You attacked me. That's where it came from. LOIS That's possible. I remember browning the sausages, you came into the kitchen and... then it's all a blur. They rise and turn off the food. CLARK (tongue in cheek) (X) Well, I _am_ Superman. (X) LOIS The Man of Steel. Oh, Clark, if (X) you only knew how different you (X) are from normal men. Sometimes I (X) forget and then... (X) (realizes) (X) I forgot! (X) CLARK What? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 2. 1 CONTINUED: 1 LOIS (CONT'D) Jimmy, did you get those background reports yet? JIMMY Coming right up. He crosses over to his desk. CLARK I didn't really know what to tell her. I mean, it's not like we've talked a lot about it ourselves. LOIS (sifting papers) Just say we're not ready yet, that's all. CLARK (testing the waters) Any idea when we will be? Before Lois can respond, Jimmy, oblivious, crosses with a file: JIMMY Here you go, Lois... (hands it to her) It's just preliminary, I haven't really had a lot of time to come up with anything that connects them yet -- other than what you already know, like they're all richer than God, and... (realizes) ... I'm interrupting something, aren't I? CLARK LOIS Sort of. Not really. JIMMY Right. I'll just be over here now... Jimmy slips over to his desk. LOIS Clark, the heads of the three top corporations in Metropolis have mysteriously disappeared -- something tells me _that's_ what we should be talking about right now, know what I'm saying? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 2. 1A CONTINUED: 1A LOIS I forgot! You know.... (X) CLARK So we didn't use precautions? I mean... I know I didn't. LOIS Me neither. I wasn't thinking. (X) CLARK So... (X) LOIS Well... Since we're kind of (X) pioneers in this area, I can't swear that we're safe. CLARK Well, if it happens -- it (X) happens... But, I wonder if it (X) even _can_ happen.... (X) LOIS Maybe you should see Dr. Klein, (X) and find out if... (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 3. 1 CONTINUED: 2 1 CLARK I agree, but I also think it's time we started talking about, you know -- _trying_... (off her look) Not right away, but -- sometime. LOIS Clark, I love you, and I honestly can't think of anything more romantic than having a baby with you -- sometime. But we're still learning how to carve out time for _ourselves_, especially with -- (makes flying motion) -- to deal with. I mean, it occurs to me that while you're off saving Bangladesh, I'll be the one stuck at home changing diapers. PERRY, lost in thought, approaches: PERRY Lois, Clark... LOIS Ah, we're still working on those missing CEO's, Perry, but I think -- PERRY (waves it off) That's, that's fine, Lois... CLARK (off Lois) Something wrong, Perry? PERRY I just got word -- the Planet's been sold. LOIS _What_? I didn't even know it was for sale. PERRY Yeah, well, this day and age of global media empires, seems like a newspaper's always up for grabs. CLARK Who bought it? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 3. 1A CONTINUED: 2 1A Clark SUPERHEARS GUNFIRE. (X) CLARK Whoops! Gotta go. We'll talk (X) about this later. I love you. (X) He grabs a bagel and splits. 2 EXT. DELI - DAY 2 PEDESTRIANS in the b.g. scramble for cover as TWO POLICEMEN, using their squad car as cover, exchange GUNFIRE with a ROBBER in the doorway of the deli. SUPERMAN capes into the SCENE, directly in the Robber's line of fire. SUPERMAN Please, sir, just put the gun down, now... The Robber, cornered, panicked, SHOOTS at Superman, who simply catches the bullets in his hand. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Look, I'll give you one last chance to give yourself up... Then, before the Robber can even make up his mind, a GOLD BLUR streaks up and snatches him. 3 3 THRU OMITTED THRU 4 4 5 ANGLE - SQUAD CAR 5 as the GOLD BLUR deposits the Robber in the back seat, already handcuffed, then slams the door shut as it BLURS to a stop on the street in front of the two stunned cops. This is 5A REVEAL - VIXEN 5A a tough, hip, biker-like babe, dressed in a sexy, black leather body suit. WE will come to learn the gold "V" on her chest stands for VIXEN. In her hand is the robber's gun, the barrel bent. VIXEN Anything else I can do, Officers? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 4. 1 CONTINUED: 3 1 PERRY Some young tycoon from Australia I never even heard of. Owns a bunch of stuff, TV stations, computers companies, satellites -- (sighs) -- whatever happened to the good old days when newspaper men owned newspapers...? Clark SUPERHEARS GUNFIRE, shoots Lois a telling look. CLARK I, uh... I'm gonna make a few calls, see what I can find out about this guy... PERRY Yeah, yeah, you do that... He exits, leaving Lois to commiserate with Perry. 2 EXT. DELI - DAY 2 PEDESTRIANS in the b.g. scramble for cover as TWO-POLICEMEN, using their squad car as cover, exchange GUNFIRE with a ROBBER in the doorway of the deli. SUPERMAN capes into the SCENE, directly in the Robber's line of fire. SUPERMAN Please, sir, just put the gun down, now... The Robber, cornered, panicked, SHOOTS at Superman. The bullets ricochet off his chest. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Look, I'll give you one last chance to give yourself up... Then, before the Robber can even make up his mind, a GOLD BLUR streaks up and knocks the gun out of his hand. 3 ANGLE - GUN 3 as it spins on the pavement to a stop at one of the cop's shoes. TILT UP to the cop's puzzled reaction. 4 RESUME - ROBBER 4 also puzzled as the GOLD BLUR flashes up and takes him: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 4. 5A CONTINUED: 5A Blank-faced, they both shake their heads, so she BLURS off down the street and the trailing gust of wind knocks one of (X) the cops off his feet. Superman helps him up: (X) SUPERMAN Are you okay? (X) The cop nods and, then Superman capes after Vixen: (X) FADE OUT _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 5. 5 ANGLE - SQUAD CAR 5 as the GOLD BLUR opens the foreground door, deposits the Robber in the back seat, already handcuffed, then BLURS out the other door and stops in front of the two stunned cops -- and WE get our first look at a tough, hip, biker-like babe, dressed in a sexy, black leather body suit. WE will come to learn the gold "V" on her chest stands for VIXEN. VIXEN Anything else I can do, Officers? Blank-faced, they both shake their heads, so she BLURS off down the street. One of the cops turns to Superman: COP Friend of yours...? Off Superman, shaking his head, equally dumbfounded: FADE OUT _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 5. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 6 INT. DAILY PLANET - ON TV'S - DAY 6 as the Cop describes what he saw outside the deli: COP (on MONITOR) ... One minute we're in a shoot-out, then, whoosh, the perp's suddenly in the back of our unit -- and there she stood in all her glory, like -- Wonder Woman, or something. Only in leather, and with a gold "V" on her, you know, chest area. Even _Superman_ was surprised.... (X) 7 REVEAL - NEWSROOM 7 as Clark approaches the crowd gathered around the TV's. which includes Lois and Jimmy. JIMMY (off TV) Awesome! (turns) Hey, C.K. -- have you heard about this totally cool new Superchick... (off Lois' look) ... I mean, gal, girl, _woman_, in town? CLARK Uh-huh. JIMMY She sounds like a total babe, doesn't she? I wonder if she's single? LOIS Jimmy, do me a favor, go drool (X) over at your desk so you can do (X) some background checks for us, (X) okay? (X) JIMMY Oh, yeah. Sure. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 6. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 6 INT. DAILY PLANET - ON TV'S - DAY 6 as the Cop describes what he saw outside the deli: (on MONITOR) COP ... One minute we're in a shoot-out, then, whoosh, the perp's suddenly in the back of our unit -- and there she stood in all her glory, like -- Wonder Woman, or something. Only in leather, and with a gold "V" on her, you know, chest area. Even _Superman_ was blown away 7 REVEAL - NEWSROOM 7 as Clark approaches the crowd gathered around the TV's, which includes Lois and Jimmy. CLARK What's going on? JIMMY Are you kidding? You haven't heard? There's like this new Superchick... (off Lois' look) ... I mean, gal, girl, _woman_, in town. Sounds like a total babe, too. I wonder if she's single? LOIS Maybe you wouldn't mind drooling over at your desk, so you can keep digging into those CEO's. JIMMY Gotcha... He moves off, leaving Lois and Clark alone: LOIS So, who was this _babe_? CLARK I don't know. She didn't hang around long enough for me to ask. All I know is she's fast. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 6. 7 CONTINUED: 7 LOIS (hands him three files) (X) The heads of three of the top (X) corporations in Metropolis have (X) mysteriously disappeared in the (X) last forty-eight hours. Run a (X) cross-reference on them, see what connections you come up with. (X) JIMMY You got it. (X) He moves off, leaving Lois and Clark alone: LOIS So, who was this _babe_? CLARK I don't know. She had a head start on me, I couldn't catch up to her. All I know is she's fast. LOIS Fast...? CLARK _Very_ fast -- Superman fast. LOIS Hope she's not some leftover Kryptonian from Lord Nor's visit. Any idea what the "V" on her chest stands for? Clark doesn't know, then the sound of O.S. LAUGHTER brings their attention to: 8 ANGLE - ELEVATORS 8 as PERRY emerges with a startlingly handsome man, the kind (X) who lights up a room just by walking into it. This is (X) LESLIE LUCKABEE, 30, worldly, charming, looks fab in a (X) suit. TWO ASSISTANTS trail behind as Perry directs Leslie (X) over to: (X) PERRY Lois, Clark, I want you to meet somebody. Leslie Luckabee, I'd like to introduce you to -- LESLIE Well, now, these two hardly need introductions, Perry. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 7. 7 CONTINUED: 7 LOIS Fast...? CLARK _Very_ fast -- Superman fast. LOIS Hope she's not a leftover Kryptonian from Lord Nor's visit. Any idea what the "V" on her chest stands for? CLARK Oh, was there a "V" on her chest? I didn't notice... She gives him a playful shove as Perry's O.S. LAUGHTER brings their attention to: 8 ANGLE - ELEVATORS 8 as Perry emerges with a startlingly handsome man who lights up a room just by walking into it. This is LESLIE LUCKABEE, 30, charming, slight accent, brilliant, looks fab in a suit. A young ASSISTANT trails dutifully behind. PERRY (spots; calls) Lois, Clark, I want you to meet somebody... (approaches) Leslie Luckabee, I'd like to introduce you to -- LESLIE Well, now, these mates need no introduction. Lois Lane and Clark Kent, it's a pleasure to meet you. CLARK (shakes hands) Thank you... LESLIE I've been a fan of your work for quite some time. Really top notch journalism. Had a lot to do with my final decision. LOIS Wait -- _you're_ the new owner? LESLIE That's me. Disappointed? (CONTINUED)' --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Gold Rev. 2/21/97 7. 8 CONTINUED: 8 LESLIE (CONT'D) Lois Lane and Clark Kent, it's a sincere pleasure to meet you two. CLARK (shakes hands) Thank you... LESLIE I've been a fan of your work for quite some time. Really top notch journalism. Had a lot to do with my final decision. LOIS Final decision...? Lois looks to Perry for elaboration. PERRY Ah, well, Mr. Luckabee here's the new owner of the Daily Planet, Lois. LOIS New owner?! LESLIE That's right. Disappointed? LOIS (off Clark) No, no, it's just that -- CLARK (off Lois) -- We didn't even know the paper was for sale, that's all. PERRY Hell, I just found out about it an (X) hour ago myself. LESLIE The negotiations were all handled through my home office in Australia. I didn't want the competition to get wind of it beforehand, you understand. LOIS Of course. So you're... (X) Australian? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Gold Rev. 2/21/97 7A. 8 CONTINUED: 2 8 LESLIE Born and raised -- wondering where (X) the accent is? (X) LOIS Well... (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 8. 8 CONTINUED: 8 LOIS (off Clark) No, no, it's just that... you're a lot _younger_ than I thought you'd be. LESLIE Well, not to worry, from what Perry tells me, the newspaper business oughta age me before my time. PERRY (laughs) Ha! That's for sure. LESLIE I want everyone to know that I'm not planning on making any wholesale changes around here. Last thing I want to do is ruin a first class operation. My philosophy is the best way to lead is from behind. CLARK (recognizes) Sun Tsu, 'The Art of War.' LESLIE I'm impressed, Clark, though not surprised. You obviously didn't win all those Kerth awards for nothing. They hold each other's look for a beat. PERRY (calls him over) Jimmy, come say hello to the new boss man. Leslie Luckabee, Jimmy Olsen. LESLIE Nice to meet you, mate. Let's talk cameras as soon as I get settled, thinking we oughta upgrade the whole department. Maybe go digital. JIMMY Cool. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Gold Rev. 2/21/97 8. 8 CONTINUED: 3 8 LESLIE I watched too many American movies (X) growing up, I guess. (X) (off her smile) (X) Anyway, I want to reassure (X) everybody that I'm not planning on (X) making any wholesale changes around here. Last thing I want to do is ruin a first class operation. My philosophy has always been, the best way to lead is from behind. CLARK Sun Tsu, 'The Art of War.' LESLIE That's right. I'm impressed, Clark, though hardly surprised. You obviously didn't win that Kerth award for nothing. At any rate, like I've been telling Perry here, the only thing I know about a paper is how to buy one. The rest, I hope to learn from you three, if you don't mind. LOIS Not at all, Mr. Lucakabee. LESLIE Leslie, please. LOIS Leslie. PERRY (to Leslie) Come on, I'll show you the rest of the place... LESLIE Looking forward to working with you two. CLARK Likewise. LESLIE (off Clark's handshake) Nice grip. Leslie smiles at Lois, then moves off with Perry. CLARK Seems like a nice guy. (CONTINUED). --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 9. 8 CONTINUED: 2 8 LESLIE As far as everything else, like I've been telling Perry, the only thing I know about a paper is how to buy one. The rest, I hope to learn from all of you, if you don't mind. LOIS Not at all, Mr. Lucakabee. LESLIE Leslie, please. LOIS Leslie. PERRY (to Leslie) Come on, I'll show you the rest of the place... LESLIE Looking forward to working with you. CLARK Likewise. LESLIE (off Clark's handshake) Nice grip. Leslie smiles at Lois, then moves off with Perry. JIMMY So much for my chances of getting any dates around here. Guy's a stud. LOIS Oh, really? I didn't notice... Lois gives Clark a teasing look as Jimmy answers the phone: JIMMY (into phone) Newsroom... _What_...? (covers mouthpiece) Another CEO just disappeared... Off Lois and Clark's reaction: CUT TO: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 9. 8 CONTINUED: 3 8 LOIS A lot younger than I would've (X) expected. CLARK Yeah. (X) Jimmy approaches them with urgency: JIMMY Hey, guys, I just got a call -- looks like another CEO just disappeared... Off their reaction: CUT TO: 9 EXT. BANK - DAY 9 ON a DETECTIVE, baffled: DETECTIVE _Vanished_ is more like it, just like the other three guys. REVEAL Lois and Clark with the Detective inside the taped off area by the entrance. DETECTIVE (CONT'D) Forensics has been all over this crime scene, but they've come up with absolutely nothing. No prints, no fibers, no nothing. I mean, I'm stumped -- there's just no rational explanation for what happened to him, or the others. CLARK Were there any witnesses this time? DETECTIVE Yeah, sure, dozens. And they all saw the same thing. The bank Chairman walked out, took two steps and then all of a sudden, he's not there. He's just _gone_, literally, without a trace. LOIS You don't have any leads? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 9A. 9 CONTINUED: 9 DETECTIVE We got squat. The only thing we found was this -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 10. 9 EXT. BANK - DAY 9 ON a DETECTIVE, baffled: DETECTIVE _Vanished_ is more like it. Literally, just like the other three. REVEAL Lois and Clark with the Detective inside the taped off area by the entrance. CLARK Were there any witnesses? DETECTIVE Yeah, dozens. And they all saw the same thing. The Chairman of the bank walked out, took two steps and then -- poof! Gone. Just like that, into thin air. I can't explain it. LOIS You don't have _any_ clues? DETECTIVE We got squat. The only thing we found was this -- He leans down and picks up a toupee off the sidewalk. DETECTIVE (CONT'D) -- the victim's toupee. Right here where he last was. It's the damndest thing. (jokes) Maybe we oughta get that new super hero to help us out, huh...? Lois and Clark share a look. Off the toupee: CUT TO: 10 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - DAY 10 A SPARK OF LIGHT banks off the tunnel walls as a (O.C.) subway car RUMBLES past in the distant b.g. PULL BACK along the rusty, twisted rails which suddenly come to an end where an underground river washed it out years ago. REVEAL a Gothic living room, complete with walk-in fireplace, Phantom-like chandelier and a leatherbound library, anachronistically decorating this cavernous excavation. Strapped to a metal chair, in the middle of the "room," is the toupee-less BANK CHAIRMAN, 45, slowly coming to, eyes blinking, trying to figure out -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 10. 9 CONTINUED: 9 He leans down with rubber gloves and picks up a toupee off (X) the sidewalk. DETECTIVE (CONT'D) -- the victim's toupee. Right here where he last was. It's the damndest thing. (jokes) Maybe we oughta get that new super hero to help us out, huh...? Lois and Clark share a look. As CAMERA pushes in on the (X) toupee: CUT TO: 10 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - DAY 10 CLOSE ON the bald pate of the toupee-less BANK CHAIRMAN, (X) 45, who's manacled to a metal chair. He's slowly regaining (X) consciousness, blinking his eyes, trying to figure out (X) where he is. PULL BACK TO REVEAL a Gothic "living room," complete with walk-in fireplace, Phantom-like chandelier and a leatherbound library, which anachronistically decorates this deserted subway station. Water still fills the (X) adjoining tunnel where an underground river washed it out (X) years ago. An O.C. subway car RUMBLES past in the distant b.g. causing (X) SPARKS OF LIGHT to bank off the tunnel walls, which (X) silhouettes a curious FIGURE in the foreground. (X) BANK CHAIRMAN Where am I...? The Figure, a Peter Lorre-like troll, whom we'll call TROLL (X) for now, calmly attaches a set of cables to the overhead (X) subway rails. (X) TROLL Ah, regaining your wits, I see. Excellent. BANK CHAIRMAN Who are you? What am I doing here? TROLL Who I am is not nearly as relevant as who you are, Sir. And who you are is someone who betrayed The Master and took full advantage of his downfall, which brings us to your second query -- what you're doing here. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 11. 10 CONTINUED: 10 BANK CHAIRMAN Where am I...? A Peter Lorre-like troll, whom we'll call TROLL for now, enters FRAME and attaches a set of cables to the rail ends. TROLL Ah, regaining your wits, I see. Excellent. BANK CHAIRMAN Who are you? What am I doing here? TROLL Who I am is not nearly as relevant as who you are, Sir. And who you are is someone who betrayed The Master and took full advantage of his downfall, which brings us to your second query -- what you're doing here. As the Troll uncoils the cables and approaches the Bank Chairman, WE get our first good look at him. Late-20's, a zealot's eyes hiding behind his albino-like skin. BANK CHAIRMAN What 'Master'...? (false bravado) I don't know what you're talking about. I demand you release me immediately. TROLL I'm afraid your days of demanding are soon to be over. Your demise, of course, will leave your banks ripe for a hostile takeover -- a takeover which I will orchestrate in my quest to rebuild what was once Metropolis's greatest financial empire! The Troll methodically affixes the other end of the cables to the chair legs. TROLL (CONT'D) Sorry to talk your ear off. I don't get a lot of visitors down here, you know. BANK CHAIRMAN No, no, it's okay, really -- talk all you want. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 11. 10 CONTINUED: 10 As the Troll approaches the Bank Chairman, WE get our first good look at him. Late-20's, a zealot's eyes hiding behind his albino-like skin. He affixes the cables to the manacles. BANK CHAIRMAN What 'Master'...? (false bravado) I don't know what you're talking about. I demand you release me immediately. TROLL I'm afraid your days of demanding are soon to be over. Your demise, of course, will leave your banks ripe for a hostile takeover -- a takeover which The Master will orchestrate in his quest to rebuild what was once Metropolis's greatest financial empire! The Troll proudly gestures to a wall chart -- a topography of downtown Metropolis with certain key buildings highlighted. TROLL (CONT'D) An empire so powerful and so brilliantly pieced together, that no one dared challenge it, until -- (self conscious) (X) Sorry to talk your ear off. I don't get out much, you know. (X) BANK CHAIRMAN No, no, it's okay, really -- talk all you want. I'm in no hurry -- (off chart; realizing) wait a minute, if you put all those companies together, you'd have -- (struck) -- I know who your Master is! TROLL Oh, good, I'm glad. He'd want you to know. The RUMBLE of the distant subway car grows LOUDER. The Troll turns to look down the tunnel as the RUMBLE reaches it's peak, then the SPARK OF LIGHT electrifies the rails. And, Just as the Bank Chairman opens his mouth to SCREAM -- CUT TO: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 12. 10 CONTINUED: 2 10 BANK CHAIRMAN (CONT'D) I'm in no hurry -- (figuring it out) Wait a minute, I just figured out who your master is...! TROLL Oh, good, I'm glad. He'd want you to know. The RUMBLE of the distant subway car grows LOUDER. The Troll turns to look down the tunnel as the RUMBLE reaches it's peak, then the SPARK OF LIGHT electrifies the rails. And, just as the Bank Chairman opens his mouth to SCREAM -- CUT TO: 11 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 11 ON the OVERHEAD LIGHTS as they momentarily DIM, then TILT DOWN as Lois and Clark emerge from the elevator: LOIS (notices lights) There's got to be a rational explanation. People just don't vanish like that. CLARK Maybe if we can figure out _why_ they're disappearing, we'll know _how_ they are. LOIS I hope we figure it out fast before any other CEO's disappear. (calls) Jimmy! Jimmy approaches, excited: JIMMY Hey, did you hear? That Super Woman did it again! Stopped a car jacking over on Main, then bagged a purse snatcher a minute later. She's like taking out bad guys right and left. CLARK Did anybody get to talk to her, find out who she is? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 12. 11 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 11 ON the OVERHEAD LIGHTS as they momentarily DIM, then TILT DOWN as Lois and Clark emerge from the elevator: LOIS (notices lights) I don't care what he says, there's got to be a rational explanation. People just don't vanish like that. CLARK We just have to keep digging until we figure out what it is. LOIS We'd better figure it out fast before any other CEO's disappear. (calls) Jimmy! Jimmy approaches, excited: JIMMY Hey, did you hear? That Super Woman did it again! Stopped a car jacking over on Main, then bagged a purse snatcher a minute later. She's like taking out bad guys left and right. CLARK Did anybody get to talk to her, find out who she is? JIMMY Huh-uh, she just took off. Leslie thinks maybe she might be related to Ultra-Woman. Remember her? LOIS (all too well) Rings a bell or two... CLARK Now _she_ was a babe. Sorry, honey, she was hot! (X) Clark shoots Lois a private look. LOIS (to Jimmy) Did you find anything to connect up the CEO's yet? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 13. 11 CONTINUED: 11 JIMMY Huh-uh, she just took off. Leslie thinks maybe she's related to Ultra-Woman. Remember her? LOIS (all too well) Rings a bell or two... JIMMY He asked me to dig up all the articles you wrote about her, see if it's a possibility. The guy's like read everything you two have ever written. Amazing, huh? CLARK Yeah... He shoots a curious look over to: 12 ANGLE CONFERENCE ROOM 12 as several SUITS emerge, smiling and enthusiastically shaking hands with the Man of the Hour, Leslie Luckabee. 13 RESUME - CLARK 13 as Lois looks at him: LOIS What...? CLARK Hmm? Nothing. (to Jimmy) Did you find anything to connect up the CEO's yet? JIMMY (hands over file) Yeah, actually it turns out they were all being investigated for embezzling. Two of them had even been indicted already. CLARK (off file) One of them being the bank chairman. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 13. 11 CONTINUED: 11 JIMMY (hands over file) Actually, yeah -- turns out they were all being investigated for embezzling. Two of them had even been indicted already. CLARK (off file) One of them being the bank chairman. LOIS So, maybe they embezzled from the wrong guy, and he's just getting even. (to Jimmy) Contact the FBI, see if they'll let us look at the bank's ATM tapes. If we're lucky, the chairman's disappearance was recorded, maybe we'll see something. JIMMY You got it. He takes off. LOIS Okay, I think our next step is -- She notices Clark SUPERHEARING something. LOIS (CONT'D) -- for you to save the day and me to work on this alone. CLARK Armored car heist. What is going on out there today?! LOIS (kisses him) Go get 'em. As she watches him hurry off: LESLIE (O.C.) Hot lead? Lois turns to find Leslie approaching: LOIS Excuse me? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 14. 13 CONTINUED: 13 LOIS So, maybe they weren't exactly innocent victims. CLARK What do you mean? LOIS I mean, maybe they embezzled from the wrong guy, and he's getting even. (to Jimmy) See if the FBI will let us look at the bank's ATM tapes. If we're lucky, the chairman's disappearance was recorded, maybe we'll see something. JIMMY You got it. He takes off. LOIS Okay, I think our next step is -- She frowns as she notices Clark SUPERHEARING something. LOIS (CONT'D) -- for you to save the day and me to work alone, am I getting warm here? CLARK Sorry, armored car heist. What is going on out there today?! LOIS A good example why we're not ready for babies yet. (kisses him) Go get 'em. As she watches him hurry off: LESLIE (O.C.) Hot lead? Lois turns to find Leslie approaching: LOIS Excuse me? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 14. 11 CONTINUED: 2 11 LESLIE Clark. Seems like he's in quite a hurry. LOIS Oh. Right, yeah... he's, uh, Johnny on the spot, alright. LESLIE Well, that's what makes him such a great reporter, I suppose. Worthy of all those accolades. (spots PHOTO on desk) Handsome brood. How old are they? LOIS Uh, that's not my desk. We don't have any kids. LESLIE Oh. Sorry. I just assumed... LOIS We've only been married a couple of months... LESLIE Ah... (X) LOIS I mean, it's not like we don't (X) want kids someday. (X) LESLIE Better to wait, especially with (X) your demanding careers. I mean, I (X) was born when my dad was still (X) building his business. I hardly (X) ever got to see him growing up. (X) Lois absorbs that for a beat. Leslie, feeling a little (X) awkward, switches gears: (X) LESLIE (off watch) Anyway, I'm off to meet the Board (X) of Directors. Tell me they're not a bunch of stuffed shirts, I beg you. LOIS No comment. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 14A. 11 CONTINUED: 3 11 Leslie heads off, but before he does: LESLIE Maybe you, Clark and I could have a bite together sometime, help me figure out what I've gotten myself into here. LOIS Sure, anytime. LESLIE Wish me luck. LOIS Good luck. Leslie ducks into the elevators. Off Lois, intrigued by him: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 15. 13 CONTINUED: 2 13 LESLIE Clark. Seems like he's in quite a hurry. LOIS Oh. Right, yeah... he's, uh, Johnny on the spot, alright. LESLIE Well, that's what makes him such a great reporter, I suppose. Worthy of all those accolades. (spots PHOTO on desk) Handsome brood. How old are they? LOIS Uh, that's not my desk. We don't have any kids. LESLIE Oh. Sorry. I just assumed... LOIS Well, we've only been married a couple of months... LESLIE I see. LOIS We've talked about it, of course... LESLIE Of course. I tend to think couples have kids before they're ready anyway. Maybe it's because I was born when my Dad was still building his business. He barely had any time for me, or my Mom. LOIS Really... That's sorta how I feel about it. LESLIE Well, I'm off to meet the Board of Directors. Tell me they're not a bunch of stuffed shirts, I beg you. LOIS No comment. Leslie heads off, but before he does: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 15. 12 12 THRU OMITTED THRU 13 13 14 EXT. STREET - DAY 14 MACHINE GUN FIRE chases a GUARD who, running for his life, CRASHES in through a STORE WINDOW, diving inside for cover. REVEAL a MASKED GUNMAN as he snatches a couple of money (X) bags out of the armored truck, then FIRES SEVERAL ROUNDS skyward to keep the frightened PEDESTRIANS frightened, then jumps into the getaway car. The ACCOMPLICE stomps on the accelerator, as -- 15 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 15 capes into FRAME, landing in front of their car, the bumper CLANKING into his legs. Superman, folding his arms, just glares at them. 16 ANGLE - REAR WHEEL 16 as it SCREECHES and SPINS in place. 17 RESUME SCENE 17 Then, just as the Accomplice puts the car in reverse -- a GOLD BLUR streaks past and the driver's door is suddenly RIPPED off it's hinges and skids down the street. The Gunmen exchange stunned looks, then another GOLD BLUR and they are suddenly snatched away -- 18 ANGLE - BRICK WALL 18 as the Gunmen suddenly SMASH hard against the wall, then (X) drop to the ground in a heap, out. 19 RESUME - SCENE 19 as CAMERA WHIP PANS to reveal VIXEN standing victoriously (X) on the sidewalk, hands on her curvaceous hips. Pedestrians come out of hiding and begin to CHEER and APPLAUD her. She gives Superman the once over as he approaches: VIXEN Nice cape. SUPERMAN Who _are_ you...? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 16. 13 CONTINUED: 3 13 LESLIE Maybe you, Clark and I could have a bite together sometime, help me figure out what I've gotten myself into here. LOIS Sure, anytime. LESLIE Wish me luck. LOIS Good luck. Leslie ducks into the elevators. Off Lois, intrigued by him: 14 EXT. STREET - DAY 14 MACHINE GUN FIRE chases a GUARD who, running for his life CRASHES in through a STORE WINDOW, diving inside for cover. REVEAL a MASKED GUNMAN, laughing at the coward, as another GUNMAN snatches bags of money out of the armored truck, then bolts behind the wheel of the getaway car. The MASKED GUNMAN, following, FIRES SEVERAL ROUNDS skyward to keep the frightened PEDESTRIANS frightened, then jumps in the car. The other Gunman stomps on the accelerator, as -- 15 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 15 capes into FRAME, landing in front of their car, the bumper CLANKING into his legs. Superman, folding his arms, just glares at them. 16 ANGLE - REAR WHEEL 16 as it SCREECHES and SPINS in place. 17 RESUME SCENE 17 Then, just as the other Gunman puts the car in reverse -- a GOLD BLUR streaks past and the driver's door is suddenly RIPPED off it's hinges and skids down the street. The Gunmen exchange stunned looks, then another GOLD BLUR and they are suddenly snatched away -- 18 ANGLE - BRICK WALL 18 as, after a BLUR, the Gunmen suddenly SMASH headfirst into the wall, then drop to the ground in a heap, out. --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 16. 19 CONTINUED: 19 And, on that dangling question: FADE OUT _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 17. 19 RESUME - SCENE 19 as the GOLD BLUR stops to reveal VIXEN standing victoriously on the sidewalk, hands on her curvaceous hips. Pedestrians come out of hiding and begin to CHEER and APPLAUD her. She gives Superman the once over as he approaches: VIXEN Nice cape. SUPERMAN (can't figure it out) Who _are_ you...? And, on that dangling question: FADE OUT _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 17. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 20 EXT. STREET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 20 as Vixen and Superman size each other up, awe-struck PEDESTRIANS look on in the b.g. VIXEN You're Superman, aren't you. SUPERMAN That's right. VIXEN You're supposed to be very strong. SUPERMAN Thanks. Mind telling me who you (X) are? VIXEN I am Vixen. I eradicate evil, just like you do. SUPERMAN Well, I don't exactly _eradicate_ (X) evil unless I don't have a choice. VIXEN Interesting... (studying him) They say you're faster than a speeding bullet, is that true? SUPERMAN Actually, you know, I'm more (X) interested in who you are, and where you come from. VIXEN And I'm more interested in seeing (X) how fast you are. Wanna race? SUPERMAN Race...? (X) VIXEN First one to Paris wins! Crowd ad-libs encouragement, "Go for it, Superman" "Show her who's boss," etc. Vixen moves close to Superman, arches an eyebrow: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 18. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 20 EXT. STREET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 20 as Vixen and Superman size each other up, awe struck PEDESTRIANS look on in the b.g. VIXEN You're Superman, aren't you? SUPERMAN That's right. VIXEN You're supposed to be very strong. SUPERMAN I do alright. Mind telling me who you are? VIXEN I am Vixen. I eradicate evil, just like you. SUPERMAN Well, I don't really _eradicate_ evil unless I don't have a choice. VIXEN Interesting.... (studying him) They say you're faster than a speeding bullet, is that true? SUPERMAN I'm more interested in who you are, and where you come from. VIXEN And I'm more interested in seeing how fast you are. Wanna race? SUPERMAN I don't... race. VIXEN First one to Paris wins! Crowd ad-libs encouragement, "Go for it, Superman" "Show her who's boss," etc. Vixen moves close to Superman, arches an eyebrow: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 18. 20 CONTINUED: 20 VIXEN (CONT'D) What's the matter, afraid you're gonna lose to a girl? More whoops and hollers from the crowd. (X) SUPERMAN Look, I don't need to race you, I (X) just want to -- (X) Suddenly, she's gone in a gust of wind! (X) talk to you. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) (X) -- talk to you. Superman, frustrated by it all, turns to the Armored Car Guard: SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Make sure those two get arrested. The guard nods, then Superman BLURS out after Vixen and the crowd CHEERS: 21 EXT. PARIS STREET - SAME NIGHT 21 A FRENCHMAN wearing a beret bicycles past a GROUP of PATRONS who are seated at sidewalk tables in front of a PATISSERIE. They ogle at Vixen, who's standing in the middle of the street, hands on her hips, smiling, waiting for -- Superman, as he BLURS to a stop in front of her. VIXEN (scoffs) That the best you can do? SUPERMAN How did you...? (X) VIXEN I ran. SUPERMAN You ran. Across the Atlantic?! VIXEN I ran fast. The Patrons cautiously move closer, some with their video cameras. SUPERMAN Where are you from, Vixen? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 18A. 21 CONTINUED: 21 VIXEN Let's just say I'm not from around here. Wanna race again? SUPERMAN Testing my superpowers isn't exactly my idea of fun. Now, what (X) are you doing here? What do you (X) want? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 19. 20 CONTINUED: 20 VIXEN (CONT'D) What's the matter, afraid you're gonna lose to a girl? More whoops and hollers from the crowd, then she BLURS out of FRAME. Superman, frustrated by it all, turns to the Armored Car Guard: SUPERMAN Make sure those two get arrested. The guard nods, then Superman BLURS out after Vixen and the crowd CHEERS: 21 EXT. PARIS STREET - SAME NIGHT 21 A FRENCHMAN wearing a beret bicycles past a GROUP of PATRONS who are seated at sidewalk tables in front of a PATISSERIE. They ogle at Vixen, who's standing in the middle of the street, hands on her hips, smiling, waiting for -- Superman, as he BLURS to a stop in front of her. VIXEN (scoffs) Mach One point Three, that's the best you can do? SUPERMAN (defensive) Well, I was flying into the jet stream, and... (realizes) Wait -- how'd _you_ get here? VIXEN I ran. SUPERMAN Across the Atlantic?! VIXEN I ran fast. Mach One Five, and I wasn't even trying. The Patrons cautiously move closer, some with their video cameras. SUPERMAN Where are you from, Vixen? VIXEN Let's just say I'm not from around here. Wanna race again? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 19. 21 CONTINUED: 2 21 VIXEN I want to help bring order to your violent world. (looks off; smiles) C'mon, two out of three. Race you to China! SUPERMAN No, I -- A gust of wind and she's gone again! Off Superman, as CAMERA WHIP PANS to: 22 EXT. CHINESE FISHING VILLAGE - SAME DAY 22 as CAMERA WHIP PANS to find -- Superman caping into the SCENE, where VILLAGERS ply their trade next to a pond. They stop and ogle as Vixen leaps in from out of FRAME and playfully pounces on Superman's back, riding him. VIXEN You lose again. SUPERMAN Enough of the games, Vixen. Get off. But she won't, challenging: VIXEN Let's see how strong you _really_ are. In a BLUR, suddenly Superman's on the ground on his back with Vixen's on top of him! SUPERMAN Okay... (X) Another BLUR, and now he's on top of her! VIXEN Not bad. A TOURIST with a video camera gets it all on tape. (X) VIXEN (CONT D) I'm impressed -- although I don't understand the blue suit. It's not very intimidating. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 20. 21 CONTINUED: 21 SUPERMAN No, I want to know what you're doing here, what you want? VIXEN I want to help bring peace to your violent world. (looks off; smiles) C'mon, two out of three. SUPERMAN Look, I -- She BLURS away. Off Superman, watching in frustration: 22 EXT. SHANGHAI STREET - SAME DAY 22 A COOLIE pulls a rickshaw past a GROUP of PATRONS, who are seated at sidewalk tables in front of a WON TON restaurant. They ogle as Superman BLURS to a stop on the street, looking around for Vixen. Then, Vixen surprises Superman, playfully pouncing on him from out of FRAME, pinning him on his back, her on top. VIXEN You lose again. SUPERMAN Alright, enough of these childish games, Vixen. Get off me. He tries to get up, but she leans into him, challenging: VIXEN Ah-ah, let's see how strong you _really_ are. Superman, not one to back down, is nevertheless forced to use super strength before he can roll her over on her back. Now, he's on top. VIXEN (CONT'D) Not bad. Superman pulls her up to her feet as a TOURIST with a video camera gets it all on tape. VIXEN (CONT'D) I'm impressed -- although I don't understand the blue suit. It's not very intimidating. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Yel. Yellow 3/7/97 20. 22 CONTINUED: 22 SUPERMAN I'm not trying to intimidate. Look, if you want to help keep law and order, that's great. I welcome the help. But you can't go around hurting people, even bad guys. VIXEN Why not? SUPERMAN Because you're not judge, jury and executioner. You make the arrest, then turn them over to the authorities for prosecution. That's the way the system works. VIXEN The system's flawed. That's why I'm here. Nice speech, though. Suddenly, Vixen BLURS out from underneath him, creating a ROOSTER TAIL across the pond, which knocks a FISHERMAN out of his junk. SUPERMAN Great... And, Superman capes out: 22A INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT #1 22A(X) Jimmy's on the phone, working late. He's frustrated: (X) JIMMY (into phone) Yes, I'm still holding for Special (X) Agent Casey.... (X) (for the umpteenth time) (X) ... Jimmy Olsen, Daily Planet. (X) I'm trying to get approval for a (X) video tape... No, no! Please (X) don't connect me to the (X) operator -- (X) (too late) (X) -- again.... (X) (defeated; to himself) (X) I hate this job. (X) LESLIE (approaches) (X) Better not say that too loud. The (X) owner might overhear you. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 20A. 24 CONTINUED: 24 TROLL The Master wishes Mr. Luckabee's demise to have certain witnesses. Therefore, you should take care of (X) the situation above ground, and then forget you ever saw this place. HITMAN (looking around with (X) disdain) (X) No problem. First, the money. (X) TROLL (concentrating on (X) bonsai) (X) In a moment, I'm almost done. (X) HITMAN Doing what, pruning that weed? (X) The Hitman shares a chuckle with his cohort. The Troll, (X) however, is not amused. (X) TROLL This _weed_, as you call it, is (X) actually a two hundred year old (X) specimen tree, a bonsai. (X) HITMAN (unimpressed) (X) Really...? (X) TROLL (as though he's talking (X) about himself) (X) Yes, really. It's a living art (X) form. Connoisseurs admire them (X) for their heroic struggle to survive against external (X) adversities. They actually (X) consider them quite beautiful, (X) despite their gnarled... and (X) twisted... and unsightly... (X) appearance. (X) HITMAN Huh. Still looks like a weed to (X) me. (X) (then) (X) The money. (X) At first, the Troll appears angered by his ignorance, but (X) then he looks on him with pity. The Troll sets his pruning (X) shears down, then crosses to his antique desk. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Yel. Yellow 3/7/97 20AA. 22A CONTINUED: 22A Jimmy, realizing, hangs up and leaps to his feet: (X) JIMMY Oh, ah, Mr. Luckabee, hi -- I, uh, (X) didn't see you coming, or I... (X) wouldn't have stuck my foot in my (X) mouth. (X) LESLIE. Don't worry about it. Truth is, (X) sometimes I'm not crazy about my (X) job, either. (X) JIMMY Really? (X) LESLIE (extends hand) (X) We haven't formally met. You're (X) Jimmy Olson, right? (X) Jimmy, a little nervous, shakes his hand. (X) JIMMY Right, that's me. You got it. (X) Sir. (X) LESLIE Leslie's fine. (X) (off phone) (X) Someone giving you a hard time? (X) JIMMY Oh, yeah, the FBI. Lois asked me (X) to try and get a hold of an ATM (X) tape for her investigation. (X) Problem is, more often than not, (X) FBI stands for 'Forgetaboutit.' (X) LESLIE (laughs) (X) I see. So, tell me, what's it (X) like working with such a (X) celebrated reporter like Lois (X) Lane, day in and day out? (X) JIMMY Lois? It's great, she's the best! (X) I'm like the luckiest guy I (X) know -- next to Clark, obviously. (X) He's _way_ luckier, if you know (X) what I mean. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Yel. Yellow 3/7/97 20AB. 22A CONTINUED: 2 22A LESLIE Yes, I think I do. They must (X) have a very special relationship, (X) those two. Being married _and_ (X) working together. Quite (X) remarkable in this day and age. (X) JIMMY Yeah, no kidding. (X) LESLIE Sure hope it lasts. (X) Jimmy, wondering what that's supposed to mean, frowns at (X) that, but in the next breath: (X) LESLIE (CONT'D) Well, anyway, nice meeting you, (X) Jimmy. Carry on. (X) JIMMY Yeah, okay. Nice to meet you, (X) too.... (X) (his new bud) (X) Leslie. (X) And, as Leslie walks off: (X) 23 CLOSE ON - A PHOTOGRAPH - NIGHT #1 23 which is a newspaper clipping announcing Leslie Luckabee as the new owner of the Daily Planet. TROLL (O.S.) His name is Leslie Luckabee. He's the new owner and chairman of the Daily Planet... The SPARK OF LIGHT and familiar RUMBLE leads us to: 24 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT 24 as TWO professional looking HITMEN inspect the newspaper clipping, then look over at the Troll, who's expertly snipping away at one of his precious bonsai. HITMAN Do you want him brought here, or do we take him out ourselves? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 21. 22 CONTINUED: 22 SUPERMAN I'm not trying to be intimidating. Look, if you want to help keep the peace, that's great. I'm glad for the help. But you can't hurt people, even bad guys. VIXEN Why not? SUPERMAN Because you're not judge, jury and executioner. You just make the arrest, then turn them over to wiser people for prosecution. That's our system. VIXEN Your system's flawed. Escalating crime, senseless killings -- it's not working. That's why I'm here. Nice speech, though. This time she BLURS off so fast, she creates a SONIC BOOM which literally BLOWS OUT the restaurant's windows in her wake, causing older people to dive for cover, and younger ones to CHEER her. Off Superman, troubled by it all: 23 CLOSE ON - A PHOTOGRAPH - NIGHT #1 23 of Leslie Luckabee. TROLL (O.S.) His name is Leslie Luckabee. He's the new owner and chairman of the Daily Planet... The SPARK OF LIGHT and familiar RUMBLE leads us to: 24 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT 24 as the Troll hands Leslie's photograph to one of the TWO professional looking HITMEN, then crosses over to an antique desk. HITMAN Do you want him brought here, or do we take him out ourselves? TROLL The Master wishes Mr. Luckabee's demise to have certain witnesses. Therefore,... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 21. 24 CONTINUED: 2 24 TROLL Of course, forgive me, I do go (X) on. (X) He retrieves an aluminum briefcase, hands it to the Hitman. (X) TROLL (CONT'D) (opens case) A hundred thousand dollars in bearer bonds was the agreed upon price, I believe? HITMAN (off case) When do you want the hit made? (X) TROLL Tonight. (X) The Hitman, nods, takes the case. Before he leaves, he gives the place a dubious look: HITMAN Mind if I ask you something? Do you actually... live down here? TROLL (looks around) I know it's dank and gloomy and gives people the heebie-jeebies -- (then, proud) But, it's home. And, as he returns to pruning his bonsai: 25 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 25 as Perry blasts out of his office, barking out orders. Leslie follows him out. PERRY Alright, listen up, everybody -- anybody's who's not on anything concrete, is now on this Vixen character. I want features, photos, editorials, the works! I want to know everything there is to know -- who she is, where she's from, is she friend or foe? (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 21A. 25 CONTINUED: 25 PERRY (CONT'D) Hop to it, people, let's show our new owner here what we're capable of! Planeteers scurry about as Perry finds -- PERRY (CONT'D) Lois! I want you and Clark to take lead on this. You've got the Page One lead, get me an exclusive. LOIS But, what about the missing C.E.O.'s? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 22. 24 CONTINUED: 24 The troll crosses back, Halliburton case in hand. TROLL (CONT'D) ... You should take care of the situation above ground, and then forget you ever saw this place. (opens case) A hundred thousand dollars in bearer bonds was the agreed upon price, I believe? HITMAN (off case) When do you want it done? TROLL Yesterday. The Hitman, understanding, nods, takes the case. Before he leaves, he gives the place a dubious look: HITMAN Mind if I ask you something? Do you actually... live down here? TROLL (looks around) I know it's dark and gloomy and gives people the heebie-jeebies -- (then, proud) But, it's home. 25 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 25 as Perry blasts out of his office, barking out orders. Leslie follows him out. PERRY Alright, listen up, everybody -- anybody's who's not on anything concrete, is now on this Vixen character. I want features, photos, editorials, the works! I want to know everything there is to know -- who she is, where she's from, is she friend or foe? Hop to it, people, let's-show our new owner here what we're capable of! Planeteers scurry about as Perry finds -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 22. 25 CONTINUED: 2 25 PERRY I'll reassign it. This could be the biggest story since Superman came to town! (looking around) Where's that husband of yours, anyway? LOIS Oh, uh, you know, he's... ANCHORMAN (V.O.) After Paris, Superman and Vixen (X) were then seen-together in (X) China... (X) In response, Lois looks up to: (X) 26 ANGLE - TV MONITORS 26 the amateur footage of Vixen on top of Superman in China is (X) on the screen. (X) 27 RESUME - LOIS 27 as she gives the monitors a second look, and now sees (X) Superman on top of Vixen. (X) LOIS (CONT'D) ... on top of things... PERRY (off monitors) (X) Great shades of Elvis...! (X) ANCHORMAN (V.O.) ... Amateur video captured him (X) wrestling with her in what appears (X) to be a playful manner... (X) Jimmy, passing behind, pumps his fist: JIMMY Alright, Superman! Go for it! Lois shoots him a dirty look. LESLIE Well, it looks like he's found himself a mate, huh? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 23. 25 CONTINUED: 25 PERRY (CONT'D) Lois! I want you and Clark to take lead on this. You've got the Page One lead, get me an exclusive. LOIS But, what about the missing C.E.O.'s? PERRY I'll reassign it. This could be the biggest story since Superman came to town! (looking around) Where's that husband of yours, anyway? LOIS Oh, uh, you know, he's... She looks up to: 26 ANGLE - TV MONITORS 26 where some of the amateur footage of Vixen pinning Superman in China. 27 RESUME - LOIS 27 as she gives the monitors a second look: LOIS (CONT'D) ... on top of things... PERRY (off monitors) Great shades of Elvis...! On the MONITORS, Superman rolls on top of Vixen. ANCHORMAN (V.O.) ... Amateur video also captured Superman playfully wrestling with Vixen on the streets of Shanghai... Jimmy, passing behind, pumps his fist: JIMMY Alright, Superman! Go for it! Lois shoots him a dirty look. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 23. 27 CONTINUED: 27 PERRY (thrilled for him) It's about time! LOIS (defensive) Well, I don't think it looks like he's found a 'mate' at all. Superman would never cheat on his... principles. He's above that sort of tawdry behavior, everyone knows that! LESLIE (clarifies) I meant, 'mate,' as in 'friend'... LOIS Australian. LESLIE Right. LOIS Oh... On the MONITORS, Vixen BLURS off, causing the rooster tail. (X) ANCHORMAN ...However, the growing public debate over who exactly Vixen is and what her intentions are only intensified after the incident... Perry turns, claps his hands: PERRY Let's get on this, people. Lois, see if Superman can get you an interview with Vixen. He's obviously established some kind of... relationship with her. LOIS I'll see what I can do. LESLIE Looks like we're all going to be here awhile. Maybe we should order some food. LOIS Great idea, I'm starved. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 24. 27 CONTINUED: 27 LESLIE Well, it looks like he's found himself a mate, eh? PERRY (thrilled for him) It's about time! LOIS (defensive) Well, I don't think it looks like he's found a 'mate' at all. Superman would never cheat on his... principles. He's above that sort of tawdry behavior, everyone knows that! LESLIE (clarifies) I meant, 'mate,' as in 'friend'... LOIS Australian. LESLIE Right. LOIS Oh... Leslie shoots her a smile. She looks away, slightly embarrassed. On the MONITORS, Vixen BLURS off, shattering the store windows, scaring people: ANCHORMAN (V.O.) ... However, after Vixen left a trail of shattered glass and frayed nerves, the growing public debate over her actions only intensified... Perry turns, claps his hands: PERRY Let's get on this, people. Lois, find Clark, see if he can ask Superman to get you an interview with Vixen. He's obviously established some kind of... relationship with her. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 24. 27 CONTINUED: 2 27 LESLIE How about you, Perry? PERRY No, thanks, I just had a T-bone. Perry enters his office. LESLIE Looks like it's just you and me then. What do you feel like having? LOIS I don't care, anything's fine. LESLIE How about Mexican? Something we don't get a lot of Down Under. LOIS There's a great little place right around the corner. We should just eat there, it's probably faster. LESLIE What about Clark? LOIS I'll just leave him a note, tell him where to meet us. Lois pauses at Clark's desk, writes him a note, then grabs her coat and heads out with Leslie. 28 EXT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 28 an O.S. WHOOSH, then Clark appears from around an alley corner, putting on his glasses. He crosses to the Planet, sees: 29 ANGLE - LOIS AND LESLIE 29 CHUCKLING over something as they push through the revolving doors. As Leslie helps her on with her coat, Lois notices: LOIS Clark! Leslie looks up as Clark approaches. LESLIE Ah, there you are. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 25. 27 CONTINUED: 2 27 LOIS I'll see what I can do. (to Leslie) Excuse me... As Lois starts off: LESLIE Say, listen, what about that dinner we talked about? LOIS You mean, _now_? LESLIE Why not? I was hoping you could show me a good Mexican restaurant. Not many in Brisbane, I'm afraid. LOIS I'd probably better take a rain check, if that's okay... LESLIE It's just that I'm really anxious to learn everything I can as fast as I can. And, as far as I'm concerned, the only way to do that is to learn from the best, and that's you. At least that's what Perry keeps telling me. What do you say? LOIS I'm flattered, Leslie, but I really should get on this story. Besides, Clark's not back yet anyway. LESLIE So, just leave him a note, tell him where to meet us. As far as the story's concerned -- I'll talk to the owner myself, make sure you don't get in any trouble. (off her smile) There's not much you can do until you get in touch with Superman anyway, right? She hesitates for a beat, then acquiesces: LOIS I'll leave a note. Leslie smiles, thrilled. Lois pauses at Clark's desk, writes him a note, then grabs her coat and heads out with Leslie. --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 25. 29 CONTINUED: 29 CLARK Yeah... (to Lois) Where're you guys headed? (X) LOIS We were just going to grab some dinner. CLARK Oh -- (X) LOIS Yeah, I left you a note. We're just going to Roberto's. LESLIE You are joining us, of course? CLARK Of course, I love Mexican food. (X) Then, the O.S. SOUND of SCREECHING tires alerts them to: (X) 30 ANGLE - STREET 30 as a sedan suddenly SCREECHES up with one of the Hitmen behind the wheel. The other Hitman aims his Uzi out the side window and takes dead aim on-- 31 ANGLE - LESLIE 31 as, in SLOW MOTION, he reflexively recoils and-- 32 ANGLE - THE HITMAN 32 as he OPENS FIRE, and-- 33 WIDE 33 Clark insinuates himself in front of Leslie, pushing him to the ground when -- Vixen BLURS up! RESUME REGULAR MOTION as Vixen deflects the hail of GUNFIRE with her armored sleeves in SUPERSPEED. The Hitmen take off, speeding down the street to make their get away, but Vixen, with a venomous look in her eyes, points a flat palm at them and suddenly -- AN ENERGY BALL EXPLODES OUT of it! --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 25A. 34 ANGLE - HITMEN'S SEDAN 34 as the ENERGY BALL slams into the car like a hurricane and then explodes it into a billion micro-bits, effectively vaporizing it! --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 26. 28 EXT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 28 an O.S. WHOOSH, then Clark appears from around an alley corner, putting on his glasses. He crosses to the Planet, then does a stutter step when he sees: 29 ANGLE - LOIS AND LESLIE 29 CHUCKLING over something as they push through the revolving doors. As Leslie helps her on with her coat, Lois notices: LOIS Clark! Leslie looks up as Clark approaches, trying not to look as dubious as he feels. LESLIE Ah, there you are, mate. CLARK Yeah... (to Lois) Where're you going? LOIS Leslie and I were just going to grab some dinner. CLARK Oh? LOIS I left you a note. We're just going to that little Mexican place. LESLIE We figured you'd catch up, sooner or later. CLARK Well, here I am. Mate. An awkward beat. Lois shoots Clark a look: LOIS Maybe you'd like French food, instead. Or _Chinese_? He returns her look just as: 30 ANGLE STREET 30 as a sedan suddenly SCREECHES up with one of the Hitmen behind the wheel. The other Hitman aims his uzi out the side window and takes dead aim on-- --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 24. 35 RESUME - SCENE 35 as Leslie, on the ground, and Lois and Clark look on in shock at -- 36 ANGLE - VIXEN 36 standing there, without emotion. FADE OUT _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 27. 31 ANGLE - LESLIE 31 as, in SLOW MOTION, he reflexively recoils and-- 32 ANGLE - THE HITMAN 32 as he OPENS FIRE, and-- 33 WIDE 33 Just as Clark starts to shove Leslie to the ground -- a GOLD BLUR and _Vixen_ appears in front of Leslie. RESUME REGULAR MOTION as Vixen deflects the hail of GUNFIRE with her armored sleeves in SUPERSPEED. The Hitmen take off, speeding down the street to make their get away, but Vixen, with a venomous look in her-eyes, points a flat palm at them and suddenly -- AN ENERGY BALL EXPLODES OUT of it! 34 ANGLE - HITMEN'S SEDAN 34 as the ENERGY BALL slams into the car like a hurricane and then obliterates it into a billion micro-bits, vaporizing it! 35 RESUME - SCENE 35 as Leslie, on the ground, and Lois and Clark look on in shock at -- 36 ANGLE - VIXEN 36 standing there, without emotion. FADE OUT _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 27. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 37 EXT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 37 as Vixen, standing in the street, faces the SCORCH MARKS (X) and SMOKE, which is all that remains of the Hitmen and (X) their sedan. She lowers her palm as PEDESTRIANS look on, equal parts fear and awe. 38 ANGLE - LOIS AND CLARK 38 looking on as well. Clark helps Leslie to his feet. CLARK You okay? LESLIE Yeah, I think so. Friendly town you've got here... Jimmy emerges from the Planet, psyched: JIMMY Whoa, that was _totally_ cool! Did you guys see that? CLARK Yeah... (pissed; off Vixen) I'm gonna call the police... Clark, loosening his tie, ducks out. Leslie rubs the back of his head, finds a little blood on his fingers: LOIS (notices) You're bleeding! LESLIE It's nothing... LOIS Here, let me see... As she checks him out, an O.S. WHOOSH and: 39 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 39 as he capes into the street to confront Vixen, who assures him: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 28. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 37 EXT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 37 as Vixen, standing in the street, faces the VAPOR TRAIL, which is all that remains of the Hitmen and their sedan. She lowers her palm as PEDESTRIANS look on, equal parts fear and awe. 38 ANGLE - LOIS AND CLARK 38 looking on as well. Clark helps Leslie to his feet. CLARK You okay? LESLIE Yeah, I think so. Friendly town you've got here... Jimmy emerges from the Planet, psyched: JIMMY Whoa, that was _totally_ cool! Did you guys see that? CLARK Yeah... (pissed; off Vixen) I'm gonna call the police... Clark, loosening his tie, ducks out. Leslie rubs the back of his head, finds a little blood on his fingers: LOIS (notices) You're bleeding! LESLIE It's nothing... LOIS Here, let me see... As she checks him out, an O.S. WHOOSH and: 39 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 39 as he capes into the street to confront Vixen, who assures him: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 28. 39 CONTINUED: 39 VIXEN That's alright, Superman, I've got the situation under control. SUPERMAN Vixen -- what're you doing?! You (X) killed them! VIXEN I don't understand. (indicates Leslie) They tried to kill _him_. SUPERMAN But, with your speed and strength, you could've easily arrested them, instead! VIXEN (vacantly) Why would I've done that? SUPERMAN Because that's the way the system (X) works here. VIXEN But they just would've gotten out to kill again. SUPERMAN You don't know that. And, that's not your decision to make. You have to use your powers responsibly. VIXEN Whatever. You do it your way, I'll do it mine. She turns to leave, but Superman grabs her. She glares at him. SUPERMAN No, you do it the right way, or you don't do it at all. They lock equally determined eyes, then Vixen yanks her arm free of his grip then bolts off in a gust of WIND -- the trailing JET WASH literally BLOWING pedestrians off their feet! Superman, reacting to the frightened citizens, exchanges a look with: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 29. 39 CONTINUED: 39 VIXEN That's alright, Superman, I've got the situation under control. SUPERMAN Vixen -- what're doing?! Why did you _kill_ them?! VIXEN I don't understand. (indicates Leslie) They tried to kill _him_. SUPERMAN But, with your speed and strength, you could've easily arrested them, instead! VIXEN (vacantly) Why would I've done that? SUPERMAN Because it would've been the right thing to do, that's why! Plus, there's a practical reason -- if you arrested them, we could've questioned them for leads. VIXEN But they just would've gotten out to kill again. SUPERMAN You don't know that. Besides, that's not your decision to make. You have to use your powers responsibly. VIXEN I did, I eradicated evil. SUPERMAN Vixen, the solution to violence isn't more violence. You can't go around killing people just because they do bad things. It's not our way. VIXEN Whatever. You do it your way, I'll do it mine. She turns to leave, but Superman grabs her. She glares at him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 29. 39A ANGLE - LOIS 39A who shares his concern. CUT TO: 40 40 THRU OMITTED THRU 41 41 42 INT. NEWSROOM - ON TV MONITORS - DAY #2 42 where amateur VIDEO (from Scene 40) of the smoky remains of the Hitmen's getaway car and vixen is being shown: ANCHORMAN (on TV) Public pressure on community leaders is intensifying after last night when Vixen used lethal force in stopping the perpetrators from fleeing the scene... INTERCUT: 42A ANGLE - LOIS AND CLARK 42A drinking their morning coffee, watching intently. ANCHORMAN (CONT'D) (on TV) ... Witnesses describe her actions as grossly excessive, which has only added to the fear that she's either a crusading vigilante, or an out of control super hero. Stay tuned... On the MONITOR, WE see the tape of Vixen bolting away from Superman's grip, knocking the pedestrians off their feet then various SHOTS of frightened pedestrians looking on. In the Newsroom, Lois and Clark react: LOIS Great, that oughta help keep people from panicking in the streets! CLARK Well, Vixen's gotta be stopped, (X) but what I can't figure out is how she showed up so fast last night to even save Leslie. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 30. 39 CONTINUED: 2 39 SUPERMAN No, you do it _my_ way, or you don't do it at all. They lock equally determined eyes, then Vixen yanks her arm free of his grip and angrily BLURS off -- the trailing JET WASH literally BLOWS pedestrians off their feet! Superman, simmering, decides not to give chase, instead crosses back over to: 40 ANGLE - LOIS, LESLIE, JIMMY 40 as Superman approaches: JIMMY (off Vixen) Man, she _books_! SUPERMAN Everybody all right? LOIS Except for Leslie. LESLIE (waves it off) It's just a scratch, must've happened when Clark pushed me out of the way. (looking for him) I really oughta thank him... Superman shoots Lois a confidential look. LOIS I'll... tell him. JIMMY Besides, Vixen's the one who really saved your life, and kicked some major butt in the process! -- (off Superman's look) -- Which, I don't necessarily approve of, of course... SUPERMAN Did you recognize the gunmen at all, Mr. Luckabee? LESLIE I only caught a glimpse, but, no, not that I recall. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 30. 42A CONTINUED: 42A LOIS Didn't you say she's fast? (X) CLARK Yeah, but there was no advance warning before the attack. No gun shots, or cries for help, nothing. (X) But Vixen was suddenly -- there. (X) Almost like she knew it was going to happen. As Lois ponders that, Leslie enters, approaches holding a padded envelope: LESLIE Clark, there you are! I didn't get a chance to thank you last night for saving my life. CLARK (shakes his hand) It was nothing, really... How's (X) your head? LESLIE Still aches, but thanks to you, at least I've still got one. You took a big risk for me, Clark, I won't forget that. CLARK Thanks. (X) LESLIE Have you had talked to the police? Do they have any leads on who the gunmen were? LOIS No, and since Vixen vaporized them, we probably won't be able to find any now. I take it you didn't recognize who they were? LESLIE I only caught a glimpse, but, no, I didn't. LOIS I just hope this doesn't mean that you're the next CEO on the hit list. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 31. 40 CONTINUED: 40 LOIS I hope this doesn't mean you're the next C.E.O. on the hit list. JIMMY But, isn't it a different M.O.? The others just vanished, right? LESLIE Frankly I'm not as worried about myself as I am about what _Vixen's_ capable of. I mean, she's not just another pretty face. She's dangerous. As if to confirm that, Superman notices a YOUNG BOY shaking with fear nearby, holding onto his FATHER'S leg. 41 INT. DAILY PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY #2 41 A crush of REPORTERS and CITY OFFICIALS, including the POLICE CHIEF, pack the room, all talking at once, passionately debating both sides of the "Vixen" issue (from "She's a menace to society" to "She's exactly what Metropolis needs!" etc.). Perry tries for order as Superman, Lois and Leslie look on. PERRY Come on now, please, not all at once... this isn't accomplishing anything... People, please... Suddenly, an ear-piercing WHISTLE shuts everybody up. Grimacing, everyone turns to the source -- Leslie, who takes his thumb and middle finger out of his mouth. LESLIE (explains) Kangaroo mating call. Go figure. (then) There's obviously a lot of public concern about Vixen, that's why I invited everybody here. But, I think we at least owe Superman the courtesy of letting him answer our questions. Superman...? Leslie steps aside and stands next to Lois, which is not lost on Superman: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 31. 42A CONTINUED: 2 42A CLARK Well, this attack was a different (X) M.O. The others weren't shot at, they just disappeared. LESLIE Well, frankly, I'm not as concerned about myself as I am about what Vixen's capable of. I mean, if push comes to shove, I just hope Superman will be able to stop her. LOIS (off Clark) (X) Me, too. LESLIE Oh, by the way, I almost forgot -- He pulls a video tape out of the envelope, hands it to them: LESLIE (CONT'D) -- Here's the bank's ATM tape you wanted. LOIS Wow, great. But how'd you get it? LESLIE Jimmy told me the FBI was giving him the run around, so I gave them a call, promised them a favorable (X) article down the road, you know. (X) CLARK You learn fast. (X) LESLIE I've got good teachers. (X) (moving off) I'll be curious to know if you find anything on that. (X) Leslie leaves. Off Lois and Clark: CUT TO: 43 INSERT - TV MONITOR 43 where WE SEE people on the sidewalk, walking past, then the Bank Chairman emerges from the bank. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 32. 41 CONTINUED: 41 SUPERMAN Thank you, Mr. Luckabee. First, I think it's important to keep in mind that everything Vixen's done has been in the pursuit of peace so far... MALE REPORTER (O.S.) But, she vaporized the bad guys! FEMALE REPORTER (O.S.) Do you think she's a vigilante? SUPERMAN The truth is, I'm not sure exactly what she is, yet. Her intentions do seem to be pure, and like I said, that's a positive sign. POLICE CHIEF I'll tell you what's also positive -- reports of criminal activity have been cut in half since she got here. I mean, we can argue with her methods all we want, but let's face it, she's a heckuva deterrent. LOIS But only because people are afraid of her! MALE REPORTER (O.S.) Yeah, like the bad guys! POLICE CHIEF All I'm saying is she's effective. LOIS Sure, so was Genghis Kahn! PERRY Lois is right, we can't just let some alien in tights dictate how we live our damn lives -- (off Superman) -- Ah, present company excepted, of course. LESLIE What do you think, Superman? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 32. 43 CONTINUED: 43 CLARK (V.O.) Okay, here we go -- there's the Bank Chairman... He steps onto the sidewalk, passes the people standing in line at the ATM, then all of sudden -- _he just disappears_ _and his toupee falls to the pavement_. REVEAL we are in: (X) INTERCUT: 43A INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 43A(X) as Clark hits the PAUSE button. LOIS Did you see that -- he literally _did_ vanish! CLARK (saw something) No... He hits the REVERSE SEARCH button, then the FORWARD SLO MO. He lowers his glasses on his nose to use his super eyesight. On the MONITOR, the Chairman emerges from the bank in SLOW MOTION, then the instant he vanishes, Clark hits the PAUSE button and the image freezes with the toupee in mid-air. CLARK There! See that? LOIS (squints) See what...? CLARK The blue pixels -- they turn a goldish hue, but only on this one frame, where he disappears... LOIS (realizing) Gold? You mean, as in -- CLARK _Vixen_. LOIS Wait, you mean _that's_ how the C.E.O.'s vanished?! Vixen just whisked them away? (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 33. 41 CONTINUED: 2 41 SUPERMAN I think, potentially, she can be a powerful ally as a crime fighter. But, regardless of the results, we still can't allow her to take justice into her own hands, it's too dangerous. MALE REPORTER (O.S.) So you do think she's dangerous! SUPERMAN I think... I need to talk to her, try to get her to understand our ways better. LESLIE But, what if she doesn't listen? Worst case scenario, what if Vixen becomes some out-of-control vigilante -- can you stop her, Superman? All eyes are on Superman, who's not altogether sure. SUPERMAN I... hope it doesn't come to that. Excuse me. Superman exits, leaving the room abuzz. Leslie turns ta Lois: LESLIE Was that a yes or a no? Lois isn't quite sure herself. 42 INT. NEWSROOM - CONTINUOUS 42 as Lois and Leslie emerge from the conference room, Clark approaches, still adjusting his tie: LESLIE Clark, there you are! (extends hand) How can I ever thank you? You saved my life! CLARK (shakes his hand) It was nothing, really... How's your head? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Blue Blue 3/5/97 33. 43A CONTINUED: 43A LOIS (CONT'D) (he nods) But, why would -- he do that? Unless... CLARK ... She treats embezzlers the same way she treats every other criminal. LOIS Which means she is taking the law into her own hands. CLARK I'm going to have to find her before anybody else gets hurt. LOIS How do you know where to look? CLARK I don't. (then) It could take a while. Wait up for me? LOIS Always. They kiss, then she watches as he exits FRAME: DISSOLVE TO: 44 EXT. SKIES OVER METROPOLIS - (STOCK) - NIGHT #2 44 Superman flies over the city, searching for Vixen. DISSOLVE TO: 45 EXT. TOWN HOUSE - GARDEN PATIO - NIGHT 45 CAMERA PANS across two place settings on the table, then PAST two tall, lit candles, then to a wine glass, which Lois brings to her lips and takes a sip. REVEAL she's sitting at the table, alone, waiting and reading a book entitled: RAISING KIDS IN A BUSY HOUSEHOLD. PUSH IN ON THE BOOK TITLE as we begin to hear the SOUND OF CRYING BABIES. Then we (X) DEFOCUS and SLOWLY (X) DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Pink 3/5/97 33A. 45AA INT. TOWN HOUSE - STAIRS - LOIS' FANTASY - DAY 45AA SOUND OF DISTANT CRYING continues as two feet come galloping down the stairs, stopping at the bottom. We QUICKLY TILT UP to find a harried Lois, bundled baby in one arm, juggling notebook and recorder, patting hair in place. (_NOTE: The_ _scene plays mile-a-minute. This is a frantic household_.) Suddenly we hear new CRIES and CAMERA WHIP PANS to find two bassinets with unseen CRYING BABIES. Lois, still juggling bundled baby, dashes into FRAME, bending over bassinets. LOIS It's okay.... it's okay... Sweethearts... kids.... Lois... Clark... Take it easy... CRIES from the bundle. LOIS (CONT'D) Oh, now Jimmy, don't _you_ start...! 45AB NEW ANGLE 45AB as Superman lands in the window. SUPERMAN Hi, Lois! How's it going? LOIS Clark! I thought you'd never get here... The twins are hungry, Jimmy needs burping, and I've got the Queen of England here for an interview...! SUPERMAN (taking baby) Great, great... Boy, raisin' kids turned out to be a piece of cake, didn't it? Lois reacts, slightly crazed, as Superman goes off. She (X) turns toward the SOUND of CRYING BABIES and smacks into the (X) QUEEN who's holding one. (X) LOIS Your Highness! Thanks for waiting! And thanks for feeding little Perry. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Pink 3/5/97 33B. 45AB CONTINUED: 45AB Lois takes the baby, pencil behind her ear, as Queen (X) Elizabeth sits on the sofa. On the coffee table is a tea (X) set. (X) LOIS (CONT'D) Help yourself to the tea. (X) The Queen pours some as Clark enters from stairs, holding (X) two bundled babies. CLARK Jimmy's so cute... He spit out his pablum... LOIS What? Is he sick? (to Queen) About your speech to Parliament... (to Clark) Does he feel warm...? CLARK Nah, he wants a bottle... New BABY CRIES. Clark juggles other two babies while pulling two new bassinets out from the hall closet. Lois (X) has rushed over to check these babies. CLARK Oh, Jonathan and Martha are all upset.... Honey, did I tell you the Pope's here? LOIS No, you didn't tell me the Pope's here! The Pope's here?! How could I schedule the Pope and the Queen on the same day?! CLARK (listening) Whoops, prison riot. LOIS How 'bout if _I_ go? Clark hands bundles to Lois, who is already jiggling bassinets to quiet crying babies. CLARK Back in a sec. Can you manage. LOIS Sure, uh, piece of cake... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Pink 3/5/97 33C. 45AB CONTINUED: 2 45AB Clark runs out the front door as Lois hands two babies to Queen. LOIS (CONT'D) Would you mind, Your Highness? I've got His Holiness... 45AC OMITTED 45AC 45AD INT. KITCHEN - DAY 45AD(X) Lois slams into the kitchen to find the POPE burping two (X) more bundled babies and testing the formula's heat on his (X) wrist. (X) LOIS Hi, Your Highness... Your _Holiness_... I really appreciate your burping Sam and Ellen, or are those Lucy and Lana? CRIES. 45AE INCLUDE TWO MORE BASSINETS 45AE LOIS No, _that's_ Lucy and Lana. (as she scoops up babies) Anyway, about _your_ speech yesterday... Did you feel that... Oh, I didn't give the Queen the bottle...! 45AF INT. LIVING ROOM 45AF As Lois rushes in, carrying babies, to find the Queen juggling two CRYING bundles, one of whom she's trying to feed from a bottle. LOIS Thank you so much, Your Holiness.... Your Highness... Oh no, see, I've gotta _heat_ that bottle... _You're_ a busy woman, were you like this with Anne, Charles, Andrew or.... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Blue Blue 3/5/97 33D. 45AF CONTINUED: 45AF Clark runs in from stairs, carrying two more bundles. (X) CLARK Hi! (X) LOIS I am _so_ glad you're back! (X) CLARK (listens) (X) Whoops! Honey, I'm sorry... (X) (hands her bundles) There's a buffalo stampede.... (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Blue Blue 3/5/97 33E. 45AF CONTINUED: 2 45AF LOIS (as she takes his bundles, frazzled) '_Buffalo_ _stampede_?' As they complete the exchange of bundles, a baby floats up (X) out of a bassinet. Lois stares, Clark beams. (X) CLARK Wouldya look at the little (X) nipper?! Flying already! (X) Lois struggles to free an arm so she can ease the baby back (X) down as Clark dashes for door, pauses. (X) CLARK (CONT'D) Boy, you know, this really is a (X) piece of cake? (X) And he runs out the door. Lois takes babies from Queen. (X) LOIS Oh, they're still crying, I'd better take 'em.... It's okay, Lois, it's okay, Clark.... Now (X) about your speech to Parliament... (X) (calls) How's it going out there, Your Holiness? I'd better go check on the Pope. Lois starts out, then pauses, peering out at the Queen (X) through six bundles stacked at odd angles in her arms (X) amidst a cacophony of CRYING. LOIS (CONT'D) (struggles to be cheery) (X) Piece of cake! (X) (turns, staggers off) (X) A really big piece of... cake. (X) DISSOLVE TO: 45AG EXT. TOWN HOUSE PATIO - ON LOIS - NIGHT (RESUME SC. 45) 45AG Lois sits holding the book, DEFOCUSED. FOCUS as she looks up from the book, stares off and sighs. DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 34. 42 CONTINUED: 42 LESLIE Aches, but thanks to you, at least I've still got one. You took an awful risk for me, mate, I won't forget that. CLARK Like I said, it was nothing. Clark holds Leslie's look as Jimmy approaches, pulling a video tape from a padded envelope. He hands it to Lois: JIMMY Here you go, just came in -- the bank's ATM tape. LOIS Wow, that was fast. JIMMY Yeah, well, thank Leslie. He even got the FBI to deliver it. LESLIE Just have to know who to call, that's all. Lemme know if you find anything on it. Leslie leaves. JIMMY Guy's totally cool, isn't he? Jimmy exits. Lois notices Clark's still looking at Leslie. LOIS You don't think so...? CLARK What, Leslie? No, he seems alright, from what I know of him. LOIS But...? CLARK But, nothing. (evasive; off her look) Let's check this out. He turns, puts the tape into the TV/VCR. As he fast forward/searches: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) White Rev 2/27/97 34. 45A OMITTED 45A 45B EXT. TOWN HOUSE - GARDEN PATIO - NIGHT 45B CAMERA PANS past the flickering candles, burned low now, as Lois reaches over and blows them out. She closes the book, (X) looks up to the stars and sighs. The phone RINGS inside. (X) She takes her wine glass and crosses into: 46 INT. TOWN HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 46 MUSIC ENDS as Lois crosses to the RINGING PHONE, but the answering machine picks up. She HEARS: LESLIE'S VOICE (from machine) Hello, Lois, it's Leslie Luckabee calling... Lois sets her glass down, picks up the phone. The answering machine automatically CLICKS off. LOIS Hello, wait, I'm here... Lois checks her watch... INTERCUT: 47 INT. DAILY PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT 47 Leslie's checking an ADVANCE COPY of the front page (which WE won't read this scene) as he talks on the phone: LESLIE ... I'm sorry to phone so late, Lois. I hope I'm not disturbing you and Clark... He shuts the door to the newsroom: LOIS No, no, actually Clark's not here. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 35. 42 CONTINUED: 2 42 CLARK I'll tell you what _is_ bothering me, though -- I can't figure out how Vixen showed up so fast out there to even save Leslie. LOIS Didn't you say she might be faster than Superman? CLARK Still, there was no advance warning before the attack. No gun shots, no cries for help, nothing. Yet Vixen was suddenly -- _there_. Almost like she knew it was going to happen. As Lois ponders that, Clark hits PLAY on the VCR. CLARK (CONT'D) Okay, here we go -- there's the Bank Chairman... INTERCUT: 43 INSERT - TV MONITOR 43 as the Bank Chairman emerges from the bank, steps onto the sidewalk, then _suddenly disappears as his toupee falls to_ _the pavement_. In the newsroom, Clark hits the PAUSE button. LOIS Boy, he literally _did_ vanish! CLARK (saw something) Maybe, maybe not... He hits the REVERSE SEARCH button, then the FORWARD SLO MO. He lowers his glasses on his nose to use his super eyesight. On the MONITOR, the Chairman emerges from the bank in SLOW MOTION, then the instant he vanishes, Clark hits the PAUSE button and the image freezes with the toupee in mid-air. CLARK There! See that?! LOIS (squints) See what...? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 35. 47 CONTINUED: 47 LESLIE Really... (checks his watch) ...Well, the reason I called was because I think I've come up with a terrific plan on how to stop Vixen. LOIS You did...? LESLIE Yes, and I was hoping to persuade you and Clark to come down to the Planet right away so I could go over it with you both. (X) LOIS Right now? Why? LESLIE Maybe I was just being impulsive, but you see, I've already put the plan into motion. I didn't have a choice. The only way it was going to work was if I moved on it quickly. LOIS So, what's the plan? LESLIE It's really too complicated to explain over the phone. The bottom line is, I'm going to need your (X) and Clark's help to pull it off. I realize this is an imposition, Lois, but I'd consider it a personal favor if you both would just hear me out... Lois deliberates a beat, then: LOIS Okay, I'll be down there as soon as I can. LESLIE Terrific. Thanks. Leslie hangs up, checks his watch, then opens the door -- LESLIE Copy Boy! A COPY BOY runs up. Leslie hands him the Advance Copy. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 36. 43 CONTINUED: 43 CLARK The blue pixels -- they turn a goldish hue, but only-on this one frame, where he disappears... LOIS (realizing) Gold? You mean, as in -- CLARK _Vixen_. LOIS Wait, you mean _that's_ how the C.E.O.'s vanished?! Vixen just whisked them-away? (he nods) But, why would she do that? I mean -- unless she thought they were bad guys too. CLARK They were all being brought up on embezzlement charges. Maybe Vixen doesn't differentiate between street thugs and white collar criminals. LOIS If that's the case, then she already _is_ out of control. CLARK Which means I have to stop her before anybody else gets hurt. LOIS How do you know where to find her? CLARK I don't, I'll just have to keep looking until I do. (pointedly) It could take a while. Wait up for me? LOIS Always. They kiss, then she watches as he exits FRAME: DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 36. 47 CONTINUED: 2 47 LESLIE (CONT'D) Run this right down. I want to make the Morning Edition. (X) The Copy Boy nods, hurries off with it. In the Town House, Lois grabs her coat and keys, puts a note on the coffee table, then opens the door and hurries out. As she closes the door behind her: 48 ANGLE - THE NOTE 48 which reads: "9:30 -- Clark, Meet me at the Planet, Love, Me." A puff of wind from the closing door blows the note off the table. And, as it innocently floats underneath the sofa, Strauss' _The Blue Danube_ leads US into: 49 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT 49 as the Troll, eyes closed and sitting by the fireplace, becomes one with the MUSIC, his facial expression mirroring every subtlety, his hands gently conducting. His bliss is rudely interrupted by: VIXEN (O.S.) Hey! The Troll nonchalantly turns to see: 50 ANGLE TO INCLUDE - VIXEN 50 as the distant SPARK OF LIGHT ominously silhouettes her standing in the tunnel. WE might think she's here to kill him, but the Troll, unafraid, simply holds up an index finger for her to be quiet. As the familiar RUMBLE passes, the Troll turns back to the music, closes his eyes, and enjoys the CRESCENDO FINALE. Vixen approaches as the Troll, sated, stands to greet her: TROLL I don't care what anybody says, there's no orchestra quite like the Vienna Philharmonic. VIXEN (myopic) I want to kill Superman. TROLL Not a music aficionado, I see. That's my failing, I should've educated you. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 37. 44 EXT. SKIES OVER METROPOLIS - NIGHT #2 44 MUSICAL MONTAGE as Superman flies, searching for Vixen, but not finding her. DISSOLVE TO: 45 EXT. TOWN HOUSE - GARDEN PATIO - NIGHT 45 MUSIC CONTINUES as Lois emerges from inside with a glass of wine. She looks up to the stars, searching for Superman, but not finding him. She sighs. No matter how many times she finds herself waiting for him, she never gets used to it. The phone RINGS inside. MUSIC ENDS as she crosses into: 46 INT. TOWN HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 46 as Lois crosses to the RINGING PHONE, but the answering machine picks up. She HEARS: LESLIE'S VOICE (from machine) Hello, Lois, it's Leslie Luckabee calling... Lois sets her glass down, picks up the phone. The answering machine automatically CLICKS off. LOIS Hello, wait, I'm here... Lois checks her watch... INTERCUT: 47 INT. DAILY PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT 47 Leslie's checking an ADVANCE COPY of the front page (which WE won't read this scene) as he talks on the phone: LESLIE ... I'm sorry to phone so late, Lois. I hope I'm not disturbing you and Clark... He shuts the door to the newsroom: LOIS No, no, actually Clark's not even... home. LESLIE Really... (CONTINUED)' --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 37. 50 CONTINUED: 50 VIXEN He's an obstacle to my mission to eradicate evil. I want to kill (X) him. TROLL An admirable desire, to be sure, (X) Vixen, but a bit premature, I'm (X) afraid. By the way, where have (X) you been? I was starting to get (X) worried. (X) VIXEN There were children playing in (X) front of the secret entrance. I (X) had to wait-for them to leave. (X) TROLL You could've killed them. (X) VIXEN (frowns) (X) But, they were not evil? (X) TROLL (laughs it off) (X) Just checking. Wanted to make (X) sure you were still on the (X) program. And to that end... (X) (hands her newspaper) ... I picked up an early copy of the morning paper. I've found our next target. 51 INSERT - FRONT PAGE 51 of The Daily Planet. It has a photograph of Leslie with the accompanying headline: TYCOON INDICTED ON EMBEZZLEMENT SCHEME. 52 RESUME - SCENE 52 as Vixen reacts, confused: VIXEN I don't understand. That's Leslie Luckabee. You wanted me to _save_ him last time -- why do you want to eradicate him now? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 37A. 52 CONTINUED: 52 TROLL Because, now we know he's an evil man, and your mission is to eradicate evil men, isn't it? VIXEN (unwavering) Absolutely. 53 INT. TOWN HOUSE - NIGHT 53 CLOSE ON the window sill as, after a GUST OF WIND, Superman's red boots land into FRAME. CAMERA TILTS DOWN to the floor, then after a WHOOSH, _Clark's shoes_ step into FRAME. TILT UP to reveal Clark as he enters the room. CLARK (calls) Lois, I'm home... No answer. He glances at the coffee table as if expecting to find a note, then checks the kitchen. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 38. 47 CONTINUED: 47 He checks his watch, curious. LOIS (covers) Well, you know, being a reporter isn't exactly a nine to five job. He's -- following up on a lead... LESLIE He's dedicated, I'll give him that... LOIS You can say that again... LESLIE No wonder you two don't have any children yet... That stops Lois. Leslie picks up on the pause. LESLIE (CONT'D) (apologizing) By the way, if you're wondering, that's the sound of a size eleven-B wing tip being pulled from my mouth... LOIS (smiles) How's it taste...? LESLIE You get used to it, believe me. Forgive me, that was completely out of line. LOIS Forget it, really... LESLIE Anyway, the reason I phoned, was because I've come up with a terrific plan to stop Vixen. LOIS You did...? LESLIE I was hoping to persuade you and Clark to come down to the Planet straight away to go over it. LOIS Well, but Clark's not -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 38. 53 CONTINUED: 53 CLARK (CONT'D) (calls again) Lois...? He climbs the stairs, disappearing for a moment, then returns, curious. From across the room, he sees: 54 INSERT - ANSWERING MACHINE 54 The message light BLINKS. 55 RESUME - CLARK 55 as he crosses to the answering machine. He notices the half empty glass of wine next to it, then hits PLAY, hears: LESLIE'S VOICE (from machine) Hello, Lois, it's Leslie Luckabee calling -- Then, CLICK! The line goes dead. Off Clark, not quite sure what to think, but not liking what comes to mind. FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 39. 47 CONTINUED: 2 47 LESLIE The problem is, I couldn't wait to put the plan into motion because it's a timely one. LOIS Why...? LESLIE It's too complicated to explain over the phone. The point is, I'm going to need your's and Clark's help to pull it off. Please, Lois, it's important ... Lois deliberates a beat, then: LOIS Okay, I'll be right there... LESLIE Terrific... Leslie hangs up, checks his watch, then opens the door -- LESLIE Copy Boy! A COPY BOY runs up. Leslie hands him the Advance Copy. LESLIE (CONT'D) Run this right down. I want to make the Late Edition. The Copy Boy nods, hurries off with it. In the Town House, Lois grabs her coat and keys, puts a note on the coffee table, then opens the door and hurries out. As she closes the door behind her: 48 ANGLE - THE NOTE 48 which reads: "9:30 -- Clark, Meet me at the Planet, Love, Me." A puff of wind from the closing door blows the note off the table. And, as it innocently floats underneath the sofa, Strauss' _The Blue Danube_ leads US into: 49 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT 49 as the Troll, eyes closed and sitting by the fireplace, becomes one with the MUSIC, his facial expression mirroring every subtlety, his hands gently conducting. His bliss is rudely interrupted by: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 39. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 56 INT. DAILY PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT 56(X) Late at night, skeleton crew in the b.g. newsroom. (X) 57 ANGLE - LOIS 57 at the conference table, looking at the newspaper. Leslie (X) leans over her shoulder. LESLIE Well, what do you think? LOIS Honestly? I think it's too dangerous. The phone RINGS. Lois answers it: LOIS (into phone) Hello...? Clark, hi! I was getting worried about you... An O.S. WHOOSH, then reveal -- Clark-opening the door and (X) entering in a hurry. CLARK Why didn't You tell me you were here? Lois hangs up. Leslie shoots Clark a confused look: LESLIE Clark...? But, how -- CLARK Uh, cel phone... LESLIE (still confused) Oh... LOIS (to Clark) I left you a note on the coffee table. CLARK You did? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 40. 49 CONTINUED: 49 VIXEN (O.S.) Hey! The Troll nonchalantly turns to see: 50 ANGLE TO INCLUDE - VIXEN 50 as the distant SPARK OF LIGHT ominously silhouettes her standing in the tunnel. WE might think she's here to kill him, but the Troll, unafraid, simply holds up an index finger for her to be quiet. As the familiar RUMBLE passes, the Troll turns back to the music, closes his eyes, and enjoys the CRESCENDO FINALE. Vixen approaches as the Troll, sated, stands to greet her: TROLL I don't care what anybody says, there's no orchestra quite like the Vienna Philharmonic. VIXEN (myopic) I want to kill Superman. TROLL Not a music aficionado, I see. That's my failing, I should've educated you. VIXEN He's an obstacle to my mission to eradicate evil. I need to kill him. TROLL All in good time, Vixen. All in good time. In the meantime... (hands her newspaper) ... I've found your next target. 51 INSERT - FRONT PAGE 51 of The Daily Planet, Late Edition. It has a photograph of Leslie with the accompanying headline: TYCOON INDICTED ON EMBEZZLEMENT SCHEME. 52 RESUME - SCENE 52 as Vixen reacts, confused: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 40. 57 CONTINUED: 57 LESLIE I'm afraid this is all my fault. I'm the one who co-opted your lovely wife for the evening. CLARK Yeah, well, it's no big deal -- (to Lois) -- I'm just glad you're alright. LESLIE Perfectly understandable. Listen, if she were my wife, I'd probably never even let her out of my sight. He gives Clark a friendly clap on the back, then reacts: LESLIE (CONT'D) You work out a lot, don't you? LOIS Clark, Leslie's come up with a plan to help catch Vixen. He called us because he needs our help implementing it. LESLIE However, this could all be moot if Superman's already located her. CLARK From what I understand, Superman hasn't been able to locate her, yet. I just talked to him before I got here. LESLIE Well, then, let's hope this works... LOIS (hands Clark paper) Have you seen the morning edition? (X) It's already out. It implicates Leslie in a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme. LESLIE My first byline. Too bad it's fiction. CLARK What? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 41. 52 CONTINUED: 52 VIXEN But that's Leslie Luckabee. You wanted me to _save_ him last time -- why do you want me to eradicate him now? TROLL Because, now we know he's an evil man, and your mission is to eradicate evil men, isn't it? VIXEN (unwavering) Absolutely. 53 INT. TOWN HOUSE - NIGHT 53 as Clark opens the front door, enters. CLARK (calls) Lois, I'm home... No answer. He glances at the coffee table as if expecting to find a note, then checks the kitchen. CLARK (CONT'D) (calls again) Lois...? He climbs the stairs, disappearing for a moment, then returns, curious. From across the room, he sees: 54 INSERT - ANSWERING MACHINE 54 The message light BLINKS. 55 RESUME - CLARK 55 as he crosses to the answering machine. He notices the half empty glass of wine next to it, then hits PLAY, hears: LESLIE 'S VOICE (from machine) Hello, Lois, it's Leslie Luckabee calling -- Then, CLICK! The line goes dead. Off Clark, not quite sure what to think, but not liking what comes to mind. FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 41. 57 CONTINUED: 2 57 LOIS That's part of his plan, to make it appear as though he's just as dirty as the other C.E.O.'s, so that Vixen will want to grab him next. LESLIE Baiting the hook, as it were, you know? CLARK How do you know Vixen won't just _kill_ you? LOIS That's where we come in. Leslie wants us to get Superman to follow Vixen to wherever she takes him -- so he can stop her once and for all. LESLIE The only hitch, of course, is whether or not Superman will be able to keep up with her. (X) CLARK (to Lois) We could get Dr. Klein to rig up a (X) transmitter, so we could track Leslie. That way Superman would (X) know where to find him. LESLIE A tracking device -- Clark, that's brilliant! CLARK Thanks... LESLIE Now, all I have to do is hope Superman'll be able to defeat Vixen. Of course, if he can't I suppose we're _all_ in a lot of trouble, huh? CLARK You do realize that if Vixen snatches you up at super speed, you might not survive it...? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 42. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 56 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 56 Late at night, skeleton crew. Clark emerges from the elevators in a hurry, looking for -- and finding: 57 ANGLE - LOIS' DESK 57 as Lois sits, looking at the late edition on her desk. Leaning over her shoulder and pointing out something is Leslie. Clark, without hesitation, crosses over to them: CLARK Lois... LOIS Clark, there you are! LESLIE Evening, mate. Clark shoots him a cool look as Lois kisses him hello. LOIS I was getting a little worried about you... CLARK Ditto, I've been looking all over for you. Why didn't you tell me you were here? LOIS I left you a note on the coffee table. CLARK Well, it wasn't there when I looked. LOIS That's odd... LESLIE I'm afraid this is all my fault. I'm the one who co-opted your lovely wife for the evening. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 42A. 57 CONTINUED: 3 57 LESLIE (unafraid) I'm willing to take the risk. CLARK Why? I mean, why're you willing to put yourself in so much danger? LESLIE I like challenges. Leslie, confident, grins. Off Clark, dubious: DISSOLVE TO: 57A EXT. BLIND ALLEY - DAY #3 57A(X) as Vixen emerges from the shadows, looks around, then looks (X) back into the shadows: (X) VIXEN All clear. (X) Now, the Troll appears from out of the shadows, (X) reluctantly stepping into the glare of the sunlight. (X) TROLL (checks watch) (X) Now, then, the evil Mr. Luckabee (X) should be emerging from The Daily (X) Planet in less than two minutes. (X) You'll have to time it just right (X) to.... (X) He struggles, clearly bothered by the surroundings. (X) VIXEN Are you alright? (X) TROLL (covering) (X) Yes, yes, I'm fine. Now, back to (X) the matter at hand... (X) VIXEN You don't look fine. (X) TROLL (admits) (X) Well, to be truthful, I'm not (X) feeling all that well at the (X) moment. I don't like the light, (X) you see. I'm.... uncomfortable (X) above ground. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 42A. 57A CONTINUED: 57A VIXEN (flatly) (X) Why? (X) TROLL You... could never understand. (X) VIXEN Why not? (X) TROLL Because... you're a perfect being, (X) Vixen, it's beyond your realm. (X) (bitter reflection) (X) You weren't raised in seclusion as (X) a child. Reared by servants (X) behind walls, no friends to play (X) with, no siblings to bond to. (X) Just a lonely, disfigured troll, (X) hidden from the world by (X) embarrassed parents who couldn't (X) look at me, even in my one good (X) eye! (X) (exposed; sharp) (X) There, you happy? Want to mock (X) me, make fun of me, go ahead, I'm (X) used to it! (X) VIXEN I didn't mean to upset you. (X) TROLL Forget it. (X) (impatient now) (X) Just go on with your mission, get (X) Luckabee, you understand? (X) VIXEN Yes. (X) TROLL But remember, Superman may be onto (X) you by now. If he is and he tries (X) to stop you, you know what to. (X) do... (X) VIXEN (hopeful) (X) Destroy him? (X) TROLL That's right. Now, go. Make me (X) happy. (X) Vixen exits FRAME. The Troll, watches for a beat, then (X) glares back up at the sun and sinks back into the security (X) of the shadows. (X) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 42B. 58 INT. JEEP - DAY 58(X) parked across the street from the Planet. Lois and Clark are on stake-out. CLARK Pretty brave, what he's doing, I'll give him that... LOIS (picking up on his tone) But...? CLARK I don't know, there's just something about the guy I don't trust, I guess. LOIS Really? Well, whatever it is, I don't see it. I mean, he's been nothing but incredibly complimentary to you. To _both_ of us. Plus, here he is putting his life on the line. CLARK That's my point. Risking his life for what, a headline? LOIS I'm sorry, did we switch bodies at some point without my knowing it? Now, _you're_ the skeptic in the family? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 43. 57 CONTINUED: 57 CLARK So, I gathered... It's no big deal, I was just concerned, that's all. LESLIE Perfectly understandable. Listen, if she were my wife, I'd probably never even let her out of my sight. He gives Clark a friendly clap on the back, then reacts: LESLIE (CONT'D) You work out a lot, don't you? LOIS Clark, Leslie's come up with a plan to help catch Vixen. He called _us_ because he needs _our_ help implementing it. LESLIE However, this could all be moot if Superman's already located her. CLARK Actually... Superman hasn't been able to locate her, yet. I just talked to him before I got here. LESLIE Well, then, let's hope this works... LOIS (hands Clark paper) Have you seen the late edition? It's already out. It implicates Leslie in a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme. LESLIE My first byline. Too bad it's fiction. CLARK You mean, you made this up, then _printed_ it? LESLIE 'Fraid so. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Yellow R. 2/19/97 43. 58 CONTINUED: 58 CLARK All I'm saying is that he just seems a little too good to be true, that's all. LOIS I know some people who think _you're_ too good to be true. CLARK Like, who? LOIS Like, me. But, I'm not complaining. They share a smile. CLARK By the way, after this is over, I (X) thought I'd call Dr. Klein and (X) make that appointment -- for (X) Superman, I mean. You know, to (X) find out... LOIS (realizes) Oh, right, good. I'm glad... It's kinda scary, though. I mean, it never occured to me that we might not even be able to... have babies together. CLARK On the other hand, we might end up with super babies, who knows? LOIS (insecure) Yeah, but -- what if we can't? I mean, I was the one who wasn't completely sure I _wanted_ kids... but I always assumed we'd have the _option_... CLARK Lois, I married you because I love you, not because you may or may not be able to have my baby. Besides, there's always adoption. Worked out pretty good for me. Lois smiles at that, but their moment is interrupted by: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 43A. 58 CONTINUED: 2 58 CLARK (spots him) Whoops -- he's coming out. . . (X) Lois follows his look to: 59 EXT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 59 as Leslie emerges through the revolving doors carrying a briefcase. He gives the Jeep a quick look, then starts across the street. He just steps off the curb when -- an audible WHOOSH (but no BLUR), Leslie suddenly disappears, his briefcase falling to the ground. 60 INT. JEEP - DAY 60 as Lois and Clark, reacting, look down at the tracking device. LOIS (off device) Okay, it's stopped -- at an alley by Fifth and Troy. CLARK (glasses off) On my way. LOIS (stops him) Be careful... He holds her look, then gets out. --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 44. 57 CONTINUED: 2 57 LOIS That's his plan. Make it appear as though he's just as dirty as the other C.E.O.'s, so that Vixen will want to grab him next. LESLIE Baiting the hook, as it were, you know? CLARK How do you know Vixen won't just kill you? LOIS That's where we come in. Leslie wants us to get Superman to follow Vixen to wherever she takes him -- so he can stop her once and for all. LESLIE The only hitch, of course, is whether or not Superman will be able to keep up with her, since she's faster than he is. CLARK (to Lois) I suppose we could get Dr. Klein to rig Leslie up with a transmitter, so we could track him. That way Superman would know where to find him. LESLIE A tracking device -- Clark, that's brilliant! CLARK Thanks... LESLIE Now, all I have to do is hope Superman'll be able to defeat Vixen. Of course, if he can't, I suppose we're _all_ in a lot of trouble, huh? CLARK You do realize that if Vixen takes you at super speed, you might not survive it...? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 44. 61 61 THRU OMITTED THRU 62 62 63 EXT. BLIND ALLEY - DAY 63 as Vixen drops a woozy Leslie to the ground at the end of the alley. Then, an O.S. WHOOSH and Superman capes up to the mouth of the alley: SUPERMAN Hello, Vixen. Vixen turns, surprised to see him: VIXEN Superman..? (X) SUPERMAN You and I need to talk, Vixen, (X) because you're doing this all wrong. VIXEN (cocky) You can't stop me. SUPERMAN Your only way out is past me. (X) Superman folds his arms defiantly. Vixen squares off, smiles: VIXEN I've been looking forward to this. SUPERMAN Me, too. (X) Then, she BLURS off, and: 64 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 64 reacts like a soccer goalie, grabs a trash can lid and holds it out just in time to deflect the GOLD BLUR -- 65 ANGLE - ALLEY TRASH CANS 65 as Vixen SLAMS into them, and ends up on her butt! She looks up at him, shocked, angry as she scrambles to her feet. --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 45. 57 CONTINUED: 3 57 LESLIE (unafraid) I'm willing to take the risk. CLARK Why? I mean, I'm just curious, but -- why're you willing to put yourself in so much danger? LESLIE I like challenges. Leslie, confident, grins. Off Clark, dubious: 58 INT. JEEP - DAY #3 58 parked across the street from the Planet. Lois and Clark have been on stake-out all night. Lois stifles a yawn: CLARK Why don't you crawl in back and get some sleep? I'll keep watching. LOIS No, I'm okay... Besides, I think we owe it to Leslie to both keep an eye out. CLARK Pretty brave, what he's doing, I'll give him that... LOIS (picking up on his tone) But? -- And don't tell me there's no but this time... CLARK (admits) I don't know, Lois, I can't put my finger on it, _but_ -- there's just something about the guy I don't trust, I guess. LOIS (teases) You're not jealous of him, are you? CLARK (scoffs) Right... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 45. 66 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 66 holding the crumpled trash can lid: SUPERMAN Two out of three? 67 ANGLE - VIXEN 67 as she glares daggers at him, then BLURS OUT of FRAME, but then after an O.S. ricochet SOUND, she SLAM right back INTO FRAME, SLAMMING into the trash cans again! As Vixen shakes the cobwebs loose, Superman walks up. SUPERMAN Alright, Vixen, play time's over. Let's just --- But he interrupts himself as he sees something very strange on her shoulder. She follows his look down, then (X) realizes -- _her sleeve has been pulled down, revealing a_ _bionic shoulder_! She quickly covers it up. (X) 67A ANGLE - SUPERMAN 67A(X) as he uses X-RAY VISION to see: (X) 67B ANGLE - VIXEN'S STOMACH 67B(X) Superman's X-RAY VISION reveals-Terminator-like, robotic (X) inner workings! 67C RESUME - SUPERMAN 67C(X) SUPERMAN (CONT'D) (realizes) You're a -- _machine_!? Vixen suddenly lunges at him with all her fury, knocking him back against a wall. They struggle, super strength against super strength, until finally Superman sends Vixen flying backward onto the pavement. Beaten, she thrusts her palm out toward him, sending an ENERGY BALL at him, but Superman sticks out his chest and inadvertently deflects the BALL back onto Vixen! Vixen explodes into a billion micro-bits, then VAPORIZES! Superman pauses for a moment over where she was with an incredulous look, then crosses over to: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Green Rev. 2/20/97 45A. 68 ANGLE - LESLIE 68 as he starts to regain his wits. Superman helps him to his feet. SUPERMAN Are you okay? LESLIE Yeah... (looks around) What happened...? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 46. 58 CONTINUED: 58 LOIS Well, whatever it is, I don't see it. I mean, he's been nothing but incredibly complimentary of you. Of both of us. Plus, here he is putting his life on the line. CLARK I know, that's my point. He's either the most selfless, magnanimous person on the face of the planet, or... there's something else going on. LOIS I'm sorry, did we switch bodies at some point without my knowing it? Now, _you're_ the skeptic in the family? CLARK All I'm saying is that he just seems a little too good to be true, that's all. LOIS I know some people who think _you're_ too good to be true. CLARK Like, who? LOIS Like, me. But, I'm not complaining. They share a smile. LOIS (CONT'D) Unless you want to start talking about having babies right away. CLARK Hey, I'm not saying I'm necessarily ready yet, either, Lois. I just wanted to float the idea... LOIS Well, I _love_ the idea, it's just that -- like here we are, eighteen hours and counting on stake-out and I'm thinking, hmmm, baby at home? How does that work? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) FULL Blue 2/9/97 46. 68 CONTINUED: 68 SUPERMAN Vixen's... gone. Looks like your planned worked, Mr. Luckabee. Leslie nods, still a little out of it, as Superman leads him away. CAMERA TILTS DOWN to: 69 ANGLE - SUBWAY GRATING 69(X) An edge of which is slightly raised up. WE might not think anything about until, ever-so-gently, a GLOVED HAND lowers (X) it back into position from inside. And, as the SOUND of an (X) O.C. subway RUMBLES past: DISSOLVE TO: 70 INT. TOWN HOUSE - BEDROOM - ON THE TV - NIGHT #3 70 where Leslie is answering reporter's (O.C.) questions as he attempts to enter the Planet: LESLIE (on TV) ... No, I don't feel like a hero at all. I was just the decoy. Superman's the _real_ hero -- he's the one who saved Metropolis from Vixen's wrath... 71 REVEAL - BED 71 Lois watches TV as she gets ready for bed. Clark, remote in hand, is already in bed. LESLIE (CONT'D) (from TV) ... with a big assist from Lois Lane and Clark Kent, I might add. By the way, look for their exclusive in tomorrow's edition of the Daily Planet! Thank you, no more questions... Clark flicks off the TV. LOIS Still don't trust him? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 47. 58 CONTINUED: 2 58 CLARK I don't know... (spots him) He's coming out... Lois follows his look to: 59 EXT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 59 as Leslie emerges through the revolving doors carrying a briefcase. He gives the Jeep a quick look, then starts across the street. He just steps off the curb when -- an audible WHOOSH (but no BLUR), Leslie suddenly disappears, his briefcase falling to the ground. 60 INT. JEEP - DAY 60 as Lois and Clark, reacting, look down at: 61 INSERT - TRACKING DEVICE 61 which shows a grid of Metropolis on its display, and a STREAKING RED DOT racing miles across town before suddenly stopping. 62 RESUME - LOIS AND CLARK 62 LOIS (off tracking device) Okay, it's stopped -- at an alley by Fifth and Troy. CLARK (glasses off) On my way. LOIS (stops him) Be careful... He holds her look, then gets out. 63 EXT. BLIND ALLEY - DAY 63 as Vixen drops a woozy Leslie to the ground at the end of the alley. Then, an O.S. WHOOSH and Superman capes up to the mouth of the alley: SUPERMAN Hello, Vixen. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 47. 71 CONTINUED: 71 CLARK I don't know... (as she crawls in) You know what really bothers me is (X) Vixen. I mean, she was a _robot_. A highly sophisticated one, granted -- with super powers. But, that still means somebody built her... LOIS ... Which begs the question who? And why? CLARK Someone wouldn't go through all that trouble just to make a vigilante. There's gotta be more to it than that. LOIS (snuggling) Well, I think ridding the world of the evil Vixen is enough for one day's work. We can worry about who created her and why tomorrow, can't we...? She gives him a suggestive kiss. CLARK (kisses her back) What about... precautions? LOIS I know you'll be super... gentle. CLARK I meant, baby precautions.... (X) Should _I_...? (X) LOIS (realizes) Oh! Right! No, no, no.... I got (X) it... (X) She quickly leans over to her nightstand and pulls open the drawer. Before WE see what she pulls out though, Clark turns out the lights and the SCREEN goes BLACK. We HEAR them GIGGLING, then silence, then a SPARK OF LIGHT tells US we're now in: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 48. 63 CONTINUED: 63 Vixen turns, surprised to see him: VIXEN Superman...? But, you couldn't have possibly followed me here!? SUPERMAN Yet, here I am. It's over, Vixen. I'm taking you in. VIXEN (cocky) You can't stop me. You can't even catch me! SUPERMAN And you can't fly, which means your only way out is past me. Superman folds his arms defiantly. Vixen squares off, smiles: VIXEN I've been looking forward to this. Then, she BLURS off, and: 64 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 64 reacts like a soccer goalie, and DIVES to his right, deflecting the GOLD BLUR -- 65 ANGLE - ALLEY TRASH CANS 65 as Vixen SLAMS into them, and ends up on her butt! She looks up at him, shocked, angry as she scrambles to her feet. 66 ANGLE - SUPERMAN 66 back on his feet, arms folded: SUPERMAN Two out of three? 67 ANGLE - VIXEN 67 as she glares-daggers at him, then BLURS-OUT of FRAME, but then after an O.S. ricochet SOUND, she BLURS right back INTO FRAME, SLAMMING into the trash cans again! As Vixen shakes the cobwebs loose, Superman walks up. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 48. 72 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT 72 as the SPARK OF LIGHT illuminates the adjoining tunnel again, silhouetting a FIGURE walking toward CAMERA. As the O.C. subway RUMBLES past, the figure steps into the living room and WE see it's The Troll, who's holding a garden (X) spade in one hand and a lantern in the other. He's (X) obviously been digging somewhere. He begins to speak as though somebody else is there as he flicks off the lantern: (X) TROLL ... Vixen, of course, was magnificent. Best five hundred million dollars we ever spent, as far as I'm concerned... He admires the topographical wall chart of Metropolis's top corporations: TROLL (CONT'D) She fulfilled the primary objective flawlessly -- to take revenge on those traitorous CEO's, then make you look like a hero by helping to defeat her. He moves past the fireplace and approaches somebody who's sitting with his back to CAMERA in a swivel chair. TROLL (CONT'D) ... No small obstacle for a man who, in reality is -- (X) 72A REVERSE ANGLE 72A As the the man in the chair swivels to REVEAL it's -- Leslie Luckabee, but who really claims to be: LESLIE -- The son of _Lex Luthor_! (X) The Troll stands behind him, dutifully brushing a piece of lint off of Leslie's/Lex's shoulder. TROLL And, once LexCorp has been (X) rebuilt, cementing your stranglehold on Metropolis, we move to the final phase of the master plan, Lex Luthor's ultimate revenge... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 49. 67 CONTINUED: 67 SUPERMAN Alright, Vixen, that's enough. Let's just -- But he interrupts himself as he sees something very strange on her stomach. She follows his look down, then realizes -- _her suit has ripped revealing Terminator-like, robotic_ _inner workings_! SUPERMAN (CONT'D) (realizes) You're a -- _machine_!? Vixen suddenly lunges at him with all her fury, knocking him back against a wall. They struggle, super strength against super strength, until finally Superman sends Vixen flying backward onto the pavement. Beaten, she thrusts her palm out toward him, sending an ENERGY BALL at him, but Superman reflexively HEAT VISIONS the BALL, inadvertently deflecting it back onto Vixen! Superman moves to try and save her, but it's too late -- she quickly VAPORIZES! He pauses for a moment over where she was with an incredulous look, then crosses over to: 68 ANGLE - LESLIE 68 as he starts to regain his wits. Superman helps him to his feet. SUPERMAN Are you okay? LESLIE Yeah... (looks around) What happened...? SUPERMAN Vixen's... gone. Looks like your planned worked, Mr. Luckabee. Leslie nods, still a little out of it, as Superman leads him away. CAMERA TILTS DOWN to: 69 ANGLE - SEWER CAP 69 An edge of which is slightly raised up. WE might not think anything about it, until it is, ever-so-gently, lowered back into position from inside the sewer... DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) Pink Rev. 2/13/97 49. 72A CONTINUED: 72A LESLIE (a mantra) ... To possess Lois Lane, and to (X) destroy Superman. (X) And, on that evil note, we: FADE OUT _THE END_ --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 50. 70 INT. TOWN HOUSE - BEDROOM - ON THE TV - NIGHT #3 70 where Leslie is answering reporter's (O.C.) questions as he attempts to enter the Planet: LESLIE (on TV) ... No, I don't feel like a hero at all. I was just the decoy. Superman's the _real_ hero -- he's the one who saved Metropolis from Vixen's wrath... 71 REVEAL - BED 71 Lois watches as she gets ready for bed. Clark, remote in hand, is already in bed. LESLIE (CONT'D) (from TV) ... with a big assist from Lois Lane and Clark Kent, I might add. By the way, look for their exclusive in tomorrow's edition of the Daily Planet! Thank you, no more questions... Clark flicks off the TV. LOIS (teases) Look at Leslie, taking all the credit -- no wonder you don't trust him! CLARK Yeah, yeah, okay. You're right, I'm wrong. He's a Saint... (as she crawls in) What really bothers me though is Vixen. I mean, she was a _robot_. A highly sophisticated one, granted -- with super powers and artificial intelligence. But, that still means somebody _built_ her... LOIS ... Which begs the question who? And why? CLARK Hard to believe whoever it is went to all that trouble just to make a vigilante. There's gotta be more to it than that. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 51. 71 CONTINUED: 71 LOIS (snuggling) Well, I think ridding the world of the evil Vixen is enough for one day's work. We can worry about who created her and why tomorrow, can't we...? She gives him a suggestive kiss. CLARK (kisses her back) Mmm... Speaking about creating things... Lois pulls back. CLARK (CONT'D) I was just going to say that I agree with you. I think we should wait... LOIS (picking up his tone) _But_...? CLARK But, I don't think that should keep us from perfecting the technique... LOIS I definitely agree with that... He leans down on top of her, stifling her GIGGLE with a passionate kiss. She reaches back and turns out the light and the screen goes BLACK. A beat, then a SPARK OF LIGHT tells US we're now in: 72 INT. ABANDONED SUBWAY TUNNEL - NIGHT 72 as the SPARK OF LIGHT lights up the adjoining tunnel again, silhouetting a FIGURE walking toward CAMERA. As the O.C. subway RUMBLES past, the figure steps into the living room and WE recognize him as -- Leslie Luckabee! He looks around, searching for the Troll, who he calls: LESLIE Mr. Smith! Where are you? (delighted with this) Your master beckons, mate! The Troll emerges from an adjoining tunnel where he's been digging, spade in hand. He crosses to meet Leslie. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 52. 72 CONTINUED: 72 TROLL/MR. SMITH There you are, I was beginning to get concerned. Congratulations on an ingeniously, well-executed plan. LESLIE Thank you, Mr. Smith. I couldn't've done it without you. TROLL/MR. SMITH Or, Vixen. LESLIE She was magnificent, wasn't she? I almost forgot she was robotic myself, once or twice. TROLL/MR. SMITH Well, she was designed by the finest minds in the world. LESLIE Still, it would've been nice if she could've destroyed the big show-off, as an added bonus. Five hundred million dollars just doesn't go as far as it used to, I guess. TROLL/MR. SMITH Pocket change. Anyway, she accomplished our primary mission -- to take revenge on the C.E.O.'s, then make you look like a hero by helping to defeat her. LESLIE True... He finds himself admiring his own reflection in a full length mirror. LESLIE (CONT'D) ... No small challenge for a man whose _real_ name is -- TROLL/MR. SMITH (looking over his shoulder; into mirror) -- _Lex Luthor, Junior_. Leslie holds his chin up, proudly adjusting his tie. Mr. Smith dutifully brushes some lint of Leslie's/Lex's shoulder. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING VIXEN" (#17) B. Kern 1/31/97 53. 72 CONTINUED: 2 72 TROLL/MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Now that you're so revered, it's on to phase two of the master plan -- cementing your stranglehold on Metropolis. And then, the final phase, Lex Luthor's ultimate revenge -- LESLIE (a mantra) -- The destruction of Lois Lane, and the end of Superman. And, on that evil note, we: FADE OUT _THE END_