note massive changes from Production copy to color copies. Like the others, 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. 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 1", right margin at .25 (due to my primative 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: "Shadow Of A Doubt", Written by Grant Rosenberg [and] Directed by Philip J. Sgriccia are all in large bolt print. The remainder of the text is in Courier 10 (10 characters per inch) Typos noted: "alright" misspelled twice; should be "all right" Page 15, bottom, Superman's last line, "to... Have children?" "Have" should not be capitalized Page 36, Pink, Jimmy's first line, "allright" should be "all right" Page 42, FULL Blue, Clark reading, first line, there are only two periods after "Bayview Finance"; there should be three --page break-- graphic (see script.bmp) "Shadow Of A Doubt" EPISODE EIGHTEEN Prod. #465218 Written by Grant Rosenberg Directed by Philip J. Sgriccia _Production Draft_ February 17, 1997 FULL Blue 2/21/97 Pink Rev. 2/26/97 Yellow R. 2/28/97 Green R. 3/4/97 Gold Rev. 3/5/97 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Shadow Of A Doubt_" CAST CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE ________________________________________________________________ LESLIE LUCKABEE MR. SMITH DR. KLEIN EDWARD HANSON DR. ANGELO MARTINELLI DETECTIVE STAFFER OLIVER RANKIN --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Shadow Of A Doubt_" FULL Blue 2/21/97 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE ________________________________________________________________ LESLIE LUCKABEE MR. SMITH DR. KLEIN EDWARD HANSON DR. ANGELO MARTINELLI DETECTIVE * LAWRENCE RANKIN * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Shadow Of A Doubt_" _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet High Tech Lab Newsroom University Lois and Clark's Townhouse Living Room High Rise Bedroom Star Labs Subway Tunnel Lair Atlantic City Hotel Lois's Hotel Room Rankin's Office Martinelli's Office Flemming's Office --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Shadow Of A Doubt_" FULL Blue 2/21/97 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet High Tech Lab Newsroom Conference Room * University Lois and Clark's Townhouse Living Room High Rise Bedroom Star Labs Subway Tunnel Lair Atlantic City Hotel Lois's Hotel Room * Martinelli's Office Flemming's Office Rankin's Office * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Shadow Of A Doubt_" _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 8 NIGHT #1 SC. 9 - 29 DAY #2 SC. 30 - 31 NIGHT #2 SC. 32 - 42 DAY #3 SC. 43 - 60 NIGHT #3 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Shadow Of A Doubt_" Gold Rev. 3/5/97, _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 8 NIGHT #1 SC. 9 - 29 DAY #2 SC. 30 - 31 NIGHT #2 SC. 32 - 40 DAY #3 * SC. 41 - 60 NIGHT #3 * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Shadow Of A Doubt" _TEASE_ FADE IN: RECAP Introduction of Leslie Luckabee to Lois and Clark; Superman asking Vixen who she is; Vixen vaporizing criminals with an energy ball; Superman destroying Vixen; Lois and Clark discussing Leslie's character; Leslie and the Troll revealing that Leslie is Lex Luthor, Jr. 1 EXT. HIGH TECH LAB BUILDING - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT #1 1 2 INT. MARTINELLI'S OFFICE - NIGHT 2 DR. MARTINELLI, an owlish man in his early 50s, is sitting behind his desk, a small lamp casting a glow across his terrified face. He is talking into the phone and shaking with fear. DR. MARTINELLI They're going to kill me. 3 INT. DAILY PLANET (INTERCUT AS NECESSARY) 3 CLARK and LOIS are talking on the speaker phone at Lois's desk. CLARK Who's going to kill you? DR. MARTINELLI The people who made Vixen. LOIS Who are they, doctor, and why do they want to kill you? DR. MARTINELLI (pleading) Please, you have to protect me. CLARK Where are you right now? --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Shadow Of A Doubt" _TEASE_ FADE IN: RECAP Introduction of Leslie Luckabee to Lois and Clark; Superman asking Vixen who she is; Vixen vaporizing criminals with an energy ball; Superman destroying Vixen; Lois and Clark discussing Leslie's character; Leslie and the Troll revealing that Leslie is Lex Luthor, Jr. 1 EXT. HIGH TECH LAB BUILDING - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT #1 1 2 INT. MARTINELLI'S OFFICE - THE DOOR - NIGHT 2 2(X) A filing cabinet is wrestled in front of the door to block (X) it as we REVEAL DR. MARTINELLI, an owlish man in his early (X) 50s, terrified, talking on a cell phone as he throws the (X) second dead bolt on the door. (X) DR. MARTINELLI They're going to kill me. 3 INT. DAILY PLANET (INTERCUT AS NECESSARY) 3 CLARK and LOIS are talking on the speaker phone at Lois's desk. CLARK Who's going to kill you. DR. MARTINELLI The people who made Vixen. LOIS Who are they, doctor, and why do they want to kill you? DR. MARTINELLI (pleading) Please, you have to protect me. CLARK Where are you right now? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 2. 4 INTERCUT MARTINELLI'S POV OF HIS OFFICE 4 The only door into the office is bolted and a heavy file cabinet has been pushed in front of it. DR. MARTINELLI My office. The door is locked and there's no other way in, but I still... CLARK I'll contact Superman and he'll be there in a few minutes. But first tell us about.... Suddenly the desk lamp goes out. Martinelli reacts. DR. MARTINELLI Oh my God... LOIS Dr. Martinelli! What is it? A moment later, a shadow falls across Martinelli's desk. He looks up and his eyes widen in terror. DR. MARTINELLI Someone... something... how...? The phone goes dead. CLARK I better get over there. Clark starts loosening his tie as he hurries out. 5 EXT. NIGHT SKIES OVER METROPOLIS 5 SUPERMAN is soaring through the sky. 6 INT. MARTINELLI'S OFFICE - SAME TIME 6 A dark shadow slips past the file cabinet, between the crack in the door and the jamb, and out of the office. 7 EXT. NIGHT SKIES OVER METROPOLIS 7 Superman flying. 8 INT. MARTINELLI'S OFFICE 8 Someone is KNOCKING on the door from the other side. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 2. 3 CONTINUED: 3 DR. MARTINELLI My office. The door is locked and there's no other way in, but I still... Suddenly the light in the room is dimmer. Martinelli looks (X) and CAMERA WHIPS to the desk where the desk lamp is out. (X) DR. MARTINELLI (CONT'D) Oh my God... LOIS Dr. Martinelli! What is it? A moment later, a shadow falls across Martinelli's desk. Martinelli's eyes widen in terror. (X) 3A THE PLANET - LOIS AND CLARK 3A(X) From the speaker phone: (X) DR. MARTINELLI Someone... something... (X) (screaming) (X) Nooo!!! (X) The phone goes dead. Lois looks anxiously over at Clark (X) who is already loosening his tie and hurrying out. (X) 4 4 THRU OMITTED THRU 5 5 6 INT. MARTINELLI'S OFFICE - SAME TIME 6 A dark shadow slips past the file cabinet, between the crack in the door and the jamb, and out of the office. 7 EXT. NIGHT SKIES OVER METROPOLIS 7 Superman flying. 8 INT. MARTINELLI'S OFFICE 8 A WHOOSH, then KNOCKING on the door from the other side. (X) SUPERMAN (O.S.) Dr. Martinelli. Are you in there? Dr. Martinelli? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 3. 8 CONTINUED: 8 SUPERMAN (O.S.) Dr. Martinelli. Are you in there? Dr. Martinelli? After a beat, the door is ripped out of the frame and superman stands in the doorway, holding the door in his hand. He easily shoves the file cabinet out of the way and quickly moves to the desk to find Martinelli, dead. Superman looks around the office, but there are no signs of anyone breaking in or out. FADE OUT _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 3. 8 CONTINUED: 8 We see Superman's X-RAY VISION BEAMS pierce the door and (X) scan the room. Then the door is ripped out of the frame (X) and Superman stands in the doorway, holding the door in his hand. He easily shoves the file cabinet out of the way and quickly moves toward the desk to find Martinelli, dead. (X) Superman looks around the office, but there are no signs of anyone breaking in or out. FADE OUT _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 4. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 9 INT. DAILY PLANET - NEXT MORNING - DAY #2 9 Lois and Clark are at their respective desks; Clark is on the telephone. CLARK (into phone) Okay, thanks. Clark hangs up and turns to Lois. CLARK (CONT'D) The Coroner said Martinelli was strangled. LOIS So there had to be someone else in that room with him. JIMMY enters. CLARK But that's impossible. There were no windows and the door was locked and barricaded... according to the police reports. JIMMY Sounds like a Sherlock Holmes story. LOIS Or 'Murders In The Rue Morgue.' The killer was an orangutan who came down the chimney. CLARK I don't think we're dealing with killer monkeys here. (to Jimmy) What've you got on Martinelli? JIMMY Dr. Angelo Martinelli. Expert in bio-electronics, specializing in fiber optics. CLARK He was connected to Vixen; maybe he had something to do with designing her... or it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 4. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 9 INT. DAILY PLANET - NEXT MORNING - DAY #2 9 Lois and Clark are at their respective desks; Clark is on the telephone. CLARK (into phone) Okay, thanks. Clark hangs up and turns to Lois. CLARK (CONT'D) The Coroner said Martinelli was strangled. LOIS So there had to be someone else in that room with him. JIMMY comes over. (X) CLARK But that's impossible. There were no windows and the door was locked and barricaded... (off Jimmy) (X) ... according to the police (X) reports. (to Jimmy) (X) What've you got on Martinelli? (X) JIMMY Dr. Angelo Martinelli. Expert in bio-electronics, specializing in fiber optics. LOIS He said the 'people who made (X) Vixen' were going to kill him. (X) CLARK Maybe Martinelli had something to (X) do with designing her... or it. LOIS And now he's dead, along with the heads of the four biggest corporations in Metropolis. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 5. 9 CONTINUED: 9 LOIS And now he's dead, along with the heads of the four biggest corporations in Metropolis. JIMMY I found something else on Martinelli. He received over two hundred thousand dollars in the past year from a company called Caribbean Imports in the Cayman Islands. LOIS Cayman Islands? I'd bet that money was washed so often you couldn't make out the faces of the presidents. CLARK Jimmy, see what you can dig up on this Caribbean Imports. And while you're at it, see if there have been any other recent deaths like Martinelli's. JIMMY You mean people who were strangled in locked offices? CLARK I know it's a long shot, but we've got to start somewhere. JIMMY You got it. Jimmy leaves. 10 ANGLE ON OPENING ELEVATOR DOORS 10 as PERRY and LESLIE step out of the elevator laughing and head down into the bullpen. LESLIE Good morning, everyone. The staff ad-libs their greetings as Perry and Leslie make their way over to Lois and Clark. PERRY Hey, you two. Leslie's got some great news. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 5. 9 CONTINUED: 9 JIMMY I found something else on Martinelli. He received over two hundred thousand dollars in the past year from a company called Caribbean Imports in the Cayman Islands. LOIS Cayman Islands? I'll bet that (X) money's been washed so often you (X) can't see the faces of the (X) presidents. CLARK Jimmy, dig up what you can on this (X) Caribbean Imports. And while you're at it, see if there've been (X) any other recent deaths like Martinelli's. JIMMY Murders with no visible signs of (X) entry... You got it. (X) Jimmy leaves. 10 ANGLE PERRY'S OFFICE DOOR 10(X) PERRY and LESLIE come out, cross over to Lois and Clark. (X) (X) PERRY Hey, you two. Leslie's got some great news. LESLIE Yesterday, Perry told me about a convention in Atlantic City... LOIS The Association of International (X) News Writers? (X) LESLIE That's the one. PERRY _Very_ big deal .... (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 6. 10 CONTINUED: 10 LESLIE Yesterday, Perry told me about a convention in Atlantic City... LOIS The International Association of News Writers? LESLIE That's the one. I called the organizers and raised hell that none of my people were invited. CLARK It's a pretty exclusive gathering. LESLIE Its ranks just swelled by two, that is if you're interested. PERRY It's a fantastic opportunity. What do you say? LOIS I... we appreciate it, but we're in the middle of a pretty big story. PERRY Come on, I've seen you two juggle four or five assignments at a time. LESLIE And it's not like you're going to be out of touch. I'd bet the hotel has all the modern amenities; telephones, fax machines... LOIS You have a point. Lois looks over to Clark, who nods. CLARK Okay, we're in. LESLIE I'm glad, because the organizers asked if Lois would serve on a panel, 'The Headlines: Women Who Write Them and Make Them.' (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 6. 10 CONTINUED: 10 LESLIE I called the organizers and raised (X) hell that none of my people were invited. CLARK Well, only a couple U.S. papers (X) are invited every year.... (X) LESLIE It'll be three _this_ year. I'd (X) like you two to represent us. (X) PERRY It's a fantastic opportunity. What do you say? LOIS I... we appreciate it, but we're in the middle of a pretty big story. PERRY Come on, I've seen you juggle four (X) or five assignments at a time. LESLIE And it's not like you're going to be out of touch. There _are_ such (X) things as telephones, fax (X) machines... LOIS You have a point. Lois looks over to Clark, who nods. CLARK Okay, we're in. Leslie crosses to conference room. (X) LESLIE Wonderful! I'll let them know. Oh, if anyone needs me, I'm holed (X) up in here 'til they have my (X) office ready upstairs. (X) Leslie indicates conference room, starts in. (X) PERRY Thanks for usin' your clout to (X) muscle us in, Leslie. (X) LESLIE (modestly) (X) Well, I'm just the new kid from (X) down under, but I try. (X) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 7. 10 CONTINUED: 2 10 LOIS Oh, great. I'm going to have to get up in front of the most distinguished journalists in the country and relive the sordid details of my life? LESLIE I don't think so. Besides, the panel will only take a few hours, then you and Clark have the rest of the time free to work on your story and maybe even squeeze in a little R&R. I've booked you a suite for tonight and your flight leaves in a few hours. Leslie reaches into his coat pocket, but frowns. MR. SMITH (O.S.) Looking for these? 11 ANGLE ON MR. SMITH (AKA THE TROLL) 11 who steps out of the shadows, holding two airline tickets in his hand. 12 BACK TO SCENE 12 LESLIE (surprised) What are you doing here? MR. SMITH You left these on your night stand, sir. LESLIE Where are my manners? I'd like you all to meet Mr. Smith, my personal assistant, chef, driver and bodyguard. I think of him as a human Swiss Army knife. MR. SMITH You are too kind, sir. As Leslie introduces the staff, they shake hands with Mr. Smith, ab-libbing hellos. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 7. 11 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - ON DOORS - DAY 11(X) Leslie enters, smiling a self-satisfied smile. The room is (X) shadowy, the blinds pulled. From the shadows: (X) MR. SMITH (O.S.) (mimicking) (X) 'I'm just the new kid from down (X) under, but I try.' (X) LESLIE What are you doing up here? REVEAL the Troll, MR. SMITH, as he steps from the shadows. (X) MR. SMITH Clearly, you have their trust. (X) (beat) Master. (X) LESLIE Well, I suppose it's all a matter (X) of charisma. (X) MR. SMITH It's a matter of cunning and (X) manipulation. Sir. Mine. (X) LESLIE And don't think for a moment I'm (X) not grateful. What, after all, is (X) the star, without the.... (X) supporting player? (X) The two men lock eyes; a bit of tension broken by the door (X) opening. Mr. Smith immediately whirls away from Lois as (X) she enters. (X) LOIS Leslie, I was wondering.... (X) (notices Smith) (X) Oh, sorry, I'm interrupting.... (X) LESLIE Not at all! Lois, I'd like you to (X) meet Mr. Smith. My onetime tutor, (X) my valet, my... aide-de-camp. (X) Mr. Smith's good profile is visible to Lois. As she (X) extends a hand, he reluctantly turns, revealing the damaged (X) portion of his face. (X) LOIS Pleased to.... (X) (a bit taken aback) (X) ...meet you. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 8. 12 CONTINUED: 12 LESLIE This is Perry White... (beat) Clark Kent... and... MR. SMITH Lois Lane. As Mr. Smith shakes her hand, he trembles slightly. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Nice to, uh, meet you all. LOIS Nice to meet you, too. 13 CLOSE ON MR. SMITH 13 as he smiles uncomfortably and looks away. DISSOLVE TO: 14 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - A SHORT TIME LATER 14 The lights in the lair are dim. Mr. Smith, who has regained his composure, is sitting across from EDWARD HANSON, an intense man in his 40s who speaks in a raspy, almost growling voice. MR. SMITH The police have no clues in Martinelli's death. You do good work. HANSON I know. MR. SMITH Rankin must be handled with the same severity. HANSON Then I get the antidote. MR. SMITH Of course. There is a LOW RUMBLE in the tunnel. Hanson looks up curiously. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) The 10:15 to Park Ridge. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 8. 11 CONTINUED: 11 Mr. Smith reluctantly takes her hand, and at her touch, (X) nearly trembles. He slowly glances up at her, and in his (X) eyes is a sense of tragic longing. Lois is a little (X) uncomfortable. (X) LOIS (CONT'D) Leslie, I can come back later... I (X) just thought if you had the flight (X) information.... (X) LESLIE Of course. My man here will have (X) it ready within the hour. (X) Mr. Smith reacts ever so slightly to this denigration, (X) then slinks back from Lois, his gaze shifting back to the (X) floor. Distant OPERA MUSIC takes us to: (X) 12 12 THRU OMITTED THRU 13 13 14 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - FALLING WATER - LATER 14(X) The OPERA MUSIC echoes through the cavern as CAMERA MOVES (X) through water drizzling from pipes above as CAMERA MOVES through the lair. We HEAR: MR. SMITH (O.S. The police have no clues in Dr. (X) Martinelli's death. You do good (X) work. HANSON (O.S.) I know. (X) MR. SMITH (O.S.) Rankin must be handled with the (X) same severity. The lights in the lair are dim. Mr. Smith, who has (X) regained his composure, is sitting across from someone we (X) don't yet see. (X) MR. SMITH (CONT'D) No one involved in the creation of (X) Vixen can be left alive. (X) 14A REVEAL EDWARD HANSON 14A He's an intense man in his 40's who speaks in a raspy, almost growling voice. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 9. 14 CONTINUED: 14 A moment later, a subway train passes by (OFF CAMERA). As it does, the lair is momentarily bathed in a BRIGHT, BLUISH LIGHT. Hanson recoils in pain and his body seems to lose some of it's density. A moment later, he becomes corporeal again. Mr. Smith notes this with interest. HANSON It's getting worse. MR. SMITH The sooner you take care of business, the sooner we can help you out. HANSON Rankin's already dead. He just doesn't know it yet. Hanson rises from his chair and leaves. A moment later, Leslie enters from another door. LESLIE So what exactly were you doing at the Planet this morning? MR. SMITH Bringing you the airline tickets. LESLIE Which were inside my coat pocket until they mysteriously, and conveniently, vanished. Were you checking up on me, or did you want to come topside to see the sights? MR. SMITH I needed a little fresh air. LESLIE Oh, come on. You practically drooled on Lois when you shook her hand. MR. SMITH (changing the subject) The plan is on schedule. By the end of the week, we should have the final pieces of LexCorp back in our control and everything that can tie us into Vixen will be gone. LESLIE Excellent. Leslie looks around at their surroundings. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 9. 14A CONTINUED: 14A His skin is strangely pale, his face partially hidden by a (X) large black hat, his body concealed beneath a dark great (X) coat. (X) HANSON Then I get the antidote. MR. SMITH Of course. There is a LOW RUMBLE in the tunnel. Hanson looks up curiously. MR. SMITH The 10:15 to Park Ridge. A moment later, a subway train passes by (OFF CAMERA). As it does, the lair is momentarily bathed in a BRIGHT, BLUISH LIGHT. Hanson springs from his chair, recoiling in pain as (X) his body seems to lose some of its density. A moment later, he becomes corporeal again. Mr. Smith notes this with interest, goes to him. (X) HANSON (gasping) It's getting worse. MR. SMITH Apparently. (X) (escorts Hanson to a (X) tunnel) The sooner you take care of (X) business, the sooner we can help you out. HANSON Rankin's already dead. He just doesn't know it yet. Hanson slithers off into the gloom. LESLIE (O.S.) So what exactly were you doing at the Planet this morning? Mr. Smith spins and 14B REVEAL LESLIE 14B Who is coming down the steps. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 10. 14 CONTINUED: 2 14 LESLIE (CONT'D) I can't believe Lex actually lived down here. MR. SMITH Lived and died, may he rest in peace. LESLIE How's the excavation coming? MR. SMITH I've located more of his personal belongings in the rubble, but still no clues about the secret knowledge he referred to in his final communication. LESLIE Keep looking. That knowledge could be the difference between simply dominating Metropolis and dominating the entire world. Mr. Smith grabs his shovel and heads into the tunnel. 15 EXT. UNIVERSITY - ESTABLISHING (STOCK) - DAY 15 16 INT. RANKIN'S OFFICE - DAY 16 A professorial looking man, OLIVER RANKIN, crosses a cramped office that is cluttered with books and papers. He locks the office door and goes to a file cabinet against the wall. He pulls out a ring of keys and is about to open the cabinet when one of the desk lamps in the office goes out. He spins around, but no one is there. As he turns back to the file cabinet, a shadow falls across him. RANKIN What the... ? Suddenly, the shadow elongates into an ethereal, thick tendril that wraps itself around Rankin's throat and starts to choke him. Rankin tries to pry it off, but it's a losing battle. His eyes pop open in terror and incredulity as the life is squeezed out of him. 17 INT. TOWN HOUSE - BEDROOM - A SHORT TIME LATER 17 Lois and Clark are packing for their trip. Lois is loading up a rather large suitcase. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 10. 14B CONTINUED: 14B LESLIE Checking up on me, were you? Did (X) you think I wouldn't hold up _my_ (X) end? (X) MR. SMITH We're at a crucial point in the (X) plan. By the end of the week, we (X) should have the final pieces of LexCorp back in our control and everything and everyone that can (X) tie us into Vixen will be gone. LESLIE (with some amusement) Ah. It was the plan that brought (X) you topside. (X) (staring at him) (X) Or did you just want to gaze at (X) Lois Lane? My God, you were (X) practically drooling. (X) MR. SMITH Is it my imagination, or are you (X) more arrogant every day? (X) LESLIE That doesn't sound very (X) respectful. (X) MR. SMITH Should it have? (X) Leslie tosses a spade, which the Troll deftly catches. (X) LESLIE Well. We both have work to do. (X) (then) Do you still think it's down here? (X) MR. SMITH In his final communication, Lex (X) Luthor said held uncovered a (X) secret. A secret so powerful it (X) could give us the world. He (X) died down here. The secret must (X) be here. (X) LESLIE (distastefully) (X) Buried under tons of rubble. (X) (brightly) (X) Well! Best of luck. (X) (off Smith's look) I have a luncheon. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 11. 17 CONTINUED: 17 CLARK Honey, it's only for one night. LOIS This coming from a man who takes a change of clothes wherever he goes. She puts a pair of shoes into the suitcase. LOIS (CONT'D) I need an outfit for the discussion panel, something plain but elegant for dinner, a change of clothing for tomorrow, and shoes to go with it all. She holds up a sexy black negligee. LOIS (CONT'D) I guess I could leave this home. CLARK That won't take up much room. If you can't fit it in, I could probably squeeze it into my suitcase. LOIS I hope you don't plan on getting much sleep. CLARK (smiling) Farthest thing from my mind. LOIS By the way, has Superman made his appointment to see Dr. Klein yet? CLARK He'll do it as soon as we get back from Atlantic City. The phone RINGS and Clark picks it up. CLARK (CONT'D) Hello. Hi, Jimmy. (beat) Murdered? LOIS Who was murdered? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 11. 14B CONTINUED: 2 14B And he trots up the steps. CAMERA PUSHES IN on the Troll, (X) storm clouds gathering. (X) 15 EXT. UNIVERSITY - ESTABLISHING (STOCK) - DAY 15 16 INT. RANKIN'S OFFICE - DAY 16 A professorial looking man, LAWRENCE RANKIN, is (X) frantically pulling files from a cabinet and stuffing them (X) in an open valise. He turns to grab some more files, when (X) the bright lamp on the desk behind him blinks OUT. Rankin (X) slowly turns to stare at the lamp. He moves toward it, (X) flicking its switch and now a shadow falls over him. He (X) slowly looks up and.... (X) RANKIN What the... ? Suddenly, the shadow elongates into an ethereal, thick tendril that wraps itself around Rankin's throat and starts to choke him. Rankin drops the files, tries to pry off the (X) tendril, but it's a losing battle. His eyes pop open in terror and incredulity as the life is squeezed out of him. 17 INT. TOWN HOUSE BEDROOM - ON SUITCASE - DAY 17 A heap of clothes is placed in an already stuffed large (X) suitcase by Lois as we MOVE to find Lois and Clark packing (X) for their trip. (X) CLARK Honey, it's only for one night. LOIS This from a man who takes a change (X) of clothes wherever he goes. She holds up a sexy black negligee. (X) LOIS (CONT'D) Well, I guess I could leave this (X) home. CLARK That won't take up much room. If you can't fit it in, I could probably squeeze it into my suitcase. LOIS I hope you don't plan on getting much sleep. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 12. 17 CONTINUED: 2 17 CLARK (into phone) Okay, thanks. He hangs up. CLARK (CONT'D) A college professor named Oliver Rankin. LOIS Let me guess. His door was locked from the inside and he was strangled. Clark nods as Lois reaches inside her suitcase and pulls out the negligee. LOIS (CONT'D) So much for the convention. CLARK Whoa, put that back. I'll check this out and meet you in Atlantic City. LOIS You sure? CLARK You've got a panel to serve on. Besides, I'll fly Air Superman and probably get there before you. DISSOLVE TO: 18 INT. RANKIN'S OFFICE - A SHORT TIME LATER 18 Clark stands in the middle of the office, talking to a DETECTIVE as two MEDICAL TECHS wheel out Rankin's covered body. DETECTIVE The professor in the next office heard a commotion and came to see if everything was okay, but the door was locked. When we got here, we found Rankin lying on the floor, strangled. Sound familiar? Clark looks at a line of text books on the shelf behind Rankin's desk. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 12. 17 CONTINUED: 17 CLARK (smiling) Farthest thing from my mind. A warm moment, then: (X) LOIS You know, honey, with everything (X) that's going on... We haven't been (X) talking much about the having kids (X) thing.... (X) CLARK I'll make my appointment to see (X) Dr. Klein as soon as we get back (X) from Atlantic City. (X) LOIS Okay. 'Cause before we decide (X) about having kids we'd better find (X) out if we _can_. (X) The phone RINGS and Clark picks it up. CLARK Hello. Hi, Jimmy. (beat) Murdered? LOIS Who was murdered? CLARK (into phone) Okay, thanks. He hangs up. CLARK (CONT'D) A college professor named Lawrence (X) Rankin. LOIS Let me guess. His door was locked from the inside and he was strangled. Clark nods as Lois reaches inside her suitcase and pulls out the negligee. LOIS (CONT'D) So much for the convention. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 13. 18 CONTINUED: 18 CLARK Looks like he taught physiology. DETECTIVE Supposed to be an expert in the field of something called synthetic engineering. CLARK Synthetic engineering? You mind if I take a look around? DETECTIVE This is an active crime scene, Mr. Kent. I can't let you touch anything. CLARK I promise to keep my hands to myself. As the detective moves away, Clark tips his glasses and scans the office with his X-RAY VISION, looking through drawers, files and cabinets. His search stops when he sees something of interest in a metallic box hidden in the bottom of one of the filing cabinets. 19 INTERCUT CLARK'S POV 19 of sketches and blueprints for an android that bears a striking resemblance to Vixen. 20 EXT. STAR LABS - DAY 20 Superman and DR. KLEIN are walking toward the parking lot. SUPERMAN ... and this is the second case of person in a locked room dying of strangulation. DR. KLEIN Self-induced strangulation is extremely rare. He looks over to Superman, who gives him a look like "what are you talking about?" DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) You see, the person passes out and loses his grip before he can finish the job. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 13. 17 CONTINUED: 2 17 CLARK Whoa, put that back. I'll check this out and meet you in Atlantic (X) City. And I'll probably get there (X) before you. DISSOLVE TO: 18 INT. RANKIN'S OFFICE - A SHORT TIME LATER 18 Clark stands in the middle of the office, talking to a DETECTIVE as two MEDICAL TECHS wheel out Rankin's covered body. Strewn around the office are bits of evidence marked (X) by evidence markers. A chalk outline marks where Rankin (X) fell. (X) DETECTIVE The professor in the next office heard a commotion and came to see if everything was okay, but the door was locked. When we got here, we found Rankin lying on the floor, strangled. Sound familiar? Clark looks at a line of text books on the shelf behind Rankin's desk. CLARK Looks like he taught physiology. DETECTIVE Supposed to be an expert in the field of something called engineered bionics. (X) CLARK Engineered bionics? You mind if I (X) take a look around? DETECTIVE This is an active crime scene, Mr. Kent. I can't let you touch anything. CLARK Matty, I promise the evidence will (X) never touch my hands. (X) As the detective moves away, Clark tips his glasses and (X) scans the office with his X-RAY VISION. He focuses on a (X) file folder lying near the outline. (X) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 14. 20 CONTINUED: 20 SUPERMAN Right. If you come up with any other theories, I'd be interested in hearing them. DR. KLEIN You got it, Superman. They get to Dr. Klein's car and Dr. Klein is about to get in when he notices that Superman is still hanging around. DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) Was there something else? SUPERMAN No... well... (beat) We have a doctor-patient confidentiality, right? Dr. Klein's interest is piqued. DR. KLEIN Absolutely. Is there something on your mind? SUPERMAN Well ... it's kind of personal. You see, there's this woman. DR. KLEIN A woman. So, what did you want to talk about? Earthly mating rituals? What kind of wine goes with oysters? Maybe Bernard Klein's secret massage techn... SUPERMAN (interrupting) No, I was interested in what you thought about my... well, our... compatibility. DR. KLEIN I don't know the lucky girl, but I suppose you could take one of those tests in Cosmo. SUPERMAN I meant biological compatibility, as in children. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 14. 19 INTERCUT CLARK'S POV 19 of sketches and blueprints for an android that bears a striking resemblance to Vixen. 20 EXT. STAR LABS - DAY 20 Superman and DR. KLEIN are walking toward the parking lot. SUPERMAN ... and this is the second case of a person in a locked room dying of strangulation. DR. KLEIN Self-induced strangulation is extremely rare. Superman chuckles, assuming this is a joke. Klein looks over at him. DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) What? It's true. SUPERMAN It appears this Dr. Rankin was (X) also involved in building Vixen. (X) If you have any theories about (X) what could've killed these men, (X) I'd be interested in hearing them. DR. KLEIN You got it. Well, bye. (X) SUPERMAN Bye. (X) Klein keeps walking. So does Superman. Finally as they (X) reach Dr. Klein's motorcycle, Klein says ... DR. KLEIN Was there something else ... Superman? (X) SUPERMAN No... Yes. (X) (beat) We have a doctor-patient confidentiality, right? Dr. Klein's interest is piqued. DR. KLEIN Absolutely. Superman decides how to launch into this topic. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 15. 20 CONTINUED: 2 20 DR. KLEIN Aha. Obviously, your physical and chemical makeup is quite a bit different than your lady friend's and that could be a problem. You should proceed with extreme caution at any attempt at procreation. There's no telling what could happen. SUPERMAN Are there some tests we could run? DR. KLEIN Of course. Whenever you're ready, give me a call. 21 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 21 Clark is at his desk, working on his computer. His overnight bag sits at his feet. Jimmy crosses over to him. CLARK Another locked office, another strangulation. Have you come up with anything? JIMMY In the past year, there've been twenty-seven strangulations in Metropolis, but none in locked rooms. There _have_ been eight deaths that _did_ occur in locked rooms: four self-induced gun shots, two hangings, one asphyxiation, and a fiddleback spider bite. CLARK In other words, nothing that pertains to this case. JIMMY Zip, but I did find out that Rankin was on the same payroll plan as Martinelli; two hundred thou from Caribbean Imports. CLARK I guess that's the going price these days for designing killer androids. If you find anything on Caribbean Imports, I'll be at the Atlantic Towers. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 15. 20 CONTINUED: 20 DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) Is there...anything on your mind? (X) SUPERMAN A woman. (X) DR. KLEIN A.... woman? (X) SUPERMAN I'm seeing one. (X) DR. KLEIN Seeing. (X) SUPERMAN Dating. You know. (X) DR. KLEIN Dating? You're 'dating?' (X) SUPERMAN Well yeah. (X) (beat) And I need to know a few things. (X) DR. KLEIN No one ever sat you down and (X) explained these things _before_? (X) Alright, what I'm about to say may (X) shock you.... (X) SUPERMAN (interrupting) No, no, Doc. What _I_ need to (X) know is... assuming this woman and I get serious.... (X) DR. KLEIN Is this anyone I know? (X) SUPERMAN What do you think the chances (X) are... I mean, would we have (X) enough biological compatibility (X) to... Have children? (X) DR. KLEIN What? Well... Here's the (X) thing. While in many ways you (X) resemble an earth human, your (X) biology is clearly different. You (X) couldn't donate blood, for (X) instance. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 16. 21 CONTINUED: 21 Clark stands, grabs his bag and briefcase and starts out. LESLIE (O.S.) Clark. Clark turns to see Leslie and Perry coming around the corner. LESLIE I'm glad I caught you before you left for the airport. You might want to be changing your final destination. CLARK What do you mean? PERRY Leslie here just pulled one hell of a journalistic coup and is handing it to you on a platter. LESLIE Perry and I think you should be the one to interview Robert Masello before his execution in the morning. CLARK Masello? I've been after his story for the past six months, along with every journalist in the world. How did you land it? LESLIE Does screaming 'Show me the money!' into the phone until I'm hoarse ring any bells? You'll be with Masello every minute until he walks the final mile. Can you handle it? CLARK Absolutely. (beat) What about Atlantic City? LESLIE It's your call, although I'd hate to send anyone but our top dog to cover this story. PERRY Come on, there'll be another convention next year. Now you don't want to miss your flight. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 16. 20 CONTINUED: 2 20 DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) Determining whether you could (X) father a child here would require (X) careful testing.... (X) SUPERMAN Let's go. (X) DR. KLEIN _Now_? (X) Klein sighs, starts back toward the building with Superman. (X) DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) Someone is certainly hot to trot. (X) Then he stops, grows serious. DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) The test results could take some (X) time. Meanwhile, any.... (X) 'relations'... with your honey (X) must be conducted with extreme (X) caution. (X) SUPERMAN Got it. (X) DR. KLEIN (with meaning) Do you know what I mean, (X) Superman... by 'caution?' (X) SUPERMAN Doc. I've been around. (X) DR. KLEIN Wow. Who knew? (X) And they go off toward Star Labs. (X) 21 INT. DAILY PLANET - WITH JIMMY - DAY 21 JIMMY C.K.! I've been lookin' all over for ya.... (X) He reaches Clark, who's coming in through double doors. JIMMY (CONT'D) Whatcha been doin'? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 17. 21 CONTINUED: 2 21 Clark nods, then grabs the phone on his desk and dials. CLARK Front desk, please. I'd like you to give a message to Lois Lane when she checks in. This is her husband. Tell her I'm going to San Francisco on a story and I won't be able to make it, but I'll call her later... oh, and that I love her. Thanks. He hangs up and turns to Leslie. CLARK (CONT'D) And thank you for this interview. LESLIE Just mention me in passing when you pick up your next Kerth award. Clark heads out and Perry goes back to his office. Leslie picks up the phone at Clark's desk. 22 INTERCUT CU OF REDIAL BUTTON 22 as Leslie's finger comes into frame and presses it. LESLIE Front desk, please. DISSOLVE: 23 EXT. ATLANTIC CITY TOWERS - ESTABLISHING - AFTERNOON (STOCK)23 24 INT. LOIS'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY 24 Lois enters her room, briefcase in hand. She removes her coat and tosses it on the bed next to her suitcase. She snaps open the suitcase and pulls out a few items of clothing. When she comes to the sexy negligee, she holds it up in front of herself, modeling it in the mirror. There is a KNOCK on the door, and Lois's face lights up. LOIS Just a second. She primps a little, then crosses to the door, the negligee suggestively hooked over one finger. She poses sexily in the doorway, and throws open the door. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 17. 21 CONTINUED: 21 CLARK You don't wanna know. Thought I'd (X) check in before I head off to.... (X) JIMMY Here's what I got: In the past (X) year, there've been eight deaths (X) in locked rooms: four self-induced (X) gun shots, two hangings, one asphyxiation, and a fiddleback spider bite. CLARK In other words, nothing that pertains to this case. JIMMY Zip, but I did find out that Professor Rankin was on the same (X) payroll plan as Martinelli; two hundred thou from Caribbean Imports. They reach Clark's desk. CLARK Both men were involved with Vixen, (X) so that was probably their fee. (X) Clark quickly glances at his messages, grabs a thick file marked "Vixen" from his desk, as: CLARK (CONT'D) Well, if you find anything on Caribbean Imports, I'll be at the Atlantic Towers... LESLIE (O.S.) Clark. Clark turns to see Leslie and Perry coming from Perry's (X) office. (X) LESLIE I'm glad I caught you before you left for the airport. You might want to be changing your final destination. CLARK What do you mean? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 18. 25 ANGLE ON LOIS FROM THE HALLWAY 25 LOIS (expecting Clark) Hi, Sweet... Lois stops mid sentence, a look of total surprise on her face. 26 REVERSE ANGLE 26 to show Leslie Luckabee standing there. LESLIE Hello, Lois. FADE OUT _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 18. 21 CONTINUED: 2 21 PERRY Leslie here just pulled one hell of a journalistic coup and is handing it to you on a platter. LESLIE Perry and I think you should be the one to interview Peter Massey (X) before his execution. (X) CLARK Massey? Every journalist in the (X) world's been chasing the story for (X) the past six months. How did you (X) land it? LESLIE Gosh. Beginner's luck, I guess. (X) The only condition is, Massey (X) insists you stay with him every (X) minute until he walks the final mile. Can you handle it? CLARK Absolutely. (beat) What about Atlantic City? LESLIE It's your call, although Massey (X) may back out if it's not you he's (X) talking to.... (X) PERRY You've been after this thing a (X) long time, Clark.... (X) Clark considers, then grabs the phone on his desk and (X) dials. CLARK Just gimme a sec.... (X) (into phone) (X) Front desk, please. I'd like you (X) to give a message to Lois Lane when she checks in. This is her husband. Tell her I have to go to (X) San Francisco on a story and I'll (X) call her later. (X) He hangs up and turns to Leslie. CLARK (CONT'D) And thank you for this interview. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 19. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 27 INT. LOIS'S HOTEL ROOM - ANGLE ON LESLIE IN THE DOORWAY 27 Continuous from Act One. LESLIE Hope I'm not disturbing anything. 28 ANGLE ON LOIS 28 who is flustered. LOIS Nope. Not at all. Lois realizes she's still holding the negligee in her hand and stuffs it into her pocket. LOIS You, uh... want to come in? Lois steps aside and Leslie enters the room. He looks at the negligee, part of which is sticking out of her pocket. LOIS (CONT'D) I was expecting Clark. LESLIE So I see. Unfortunately, his plans changed. LOIS (disappointed) His plans changed? LESLIE At the last second, I was able to buy Robert Masello's story and Clark is probably sitting with him right now on death row. LOIS Masello? That's great! It's the interview of the year! (beat) Why didn't Clark call and tell me? LESLIE It was all very last minute. He was rushing to make his plane. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 19. 21 CONTINUED: 3 21 LESLIE Just mention me in passing when you pick up your next Kerth award. Clark heads out and Perry goes back to his office. Leslie picks up the phone at Clark's desk. 22 INTERCUT CU OF REDIAL BUTTON 22 as Leslie's finger comes into frame and presses it. LESLIE Front desk, please. DISSOLVE: 23 EXT. ATLANTIC CITY TOWERS - ESTABLISHING - AFTERNOON (STOCK)23 24 INT. LOIS'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY 24 Lois enters her room, weary from the convention, carrying (X) convention materials. She tosses her coat on the bed near (X) her open suitcase, then pulls a few things from the suitcase. When she comes to the sexy negligee, she holds it up in front of herself, modeling it in the mirror. There is a KNOCK on the door, and Lois's face lights up. LOIS Just a second. She primps a little, then crosses to the door, the negligee suggestively hooked over one finger. She poses sexily in the doorway, and throws open the door. 25 ANGLE ON LOIS FROM THE HALLWAY 25 LOIS (expecting Clark) Hi, Sweet... Lois stops mid sentence, a look of total surprise on her face. 26 REVERSE ANGLE 26 to show Leslie Luckabee standing there. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 20. 28 CONTINUED: 28 LOIS So, you decided to take his place. LESLIE Now that I own a newspaper, I thought it would be a good idea if I learned how to run it. Plus, I was hoping I could take advantage of you. LOIS Excuse me? LESLIE Your contacts and good name. Maybe you could introduce me to some of the key people around here. LOIS Sure, why not? They start to head out when Lois realizes she's still got the negligee in her pocket. She pulls it out and stashes it away in a dresser drawer as they exit. 29 INT. SUBTERRANEAN TUNNEL - AFTERNOON 29 Mr. Smith carefully sifts through the rubble in the tunnel. Suddenly he spots a battered, silver object. He strains to move the pillar, then picks up the object and examines it. It a damaged, high tech, compact disc recorder. Mr. Smith brushes away the dust and is about to press the "play" button when... HANSON (O.S.) (echoing in the tunnel) Smith. Mr. Smith turns to see Hanson headed his way. Smith shoves the recorder into his pocket. HANSON Rankin's dead. Where's the antidote? MR. SMITH Your work isn't quite finished. HANSON (flaring) You hold out on me, you'll regret it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 20. 26 CONTINUED: 26 LESLIE Hello, Lois. FADE OUT _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 21. 29 CONTINUED: 29 Hanson grabs Mr. Smith by the throat and squeezes. Mr. Smith reaches down and unsnaps a powerful flashlight from his belt. He turns it on and shines a BRIGHT BEAM directly into Hanson's face. Hanson immediately releases Mr. Smith and shies away from the light, his body density wavering. MR. SMITH (rubbing his throat) I realize you're not quite yourself so I forgive you... this time. Do it again, and the antidote goes down the drain, and any chance you had for a normal life along with it. Understand? HANSON (hissing) Yes. MR. SMITH Hanson, we're on the same team. Need I remind you that your present 'condition' is a result of the accident you suffered while you were working for Walter O'Neill, one of our most hated competitors. HANSON (hopeful) Is O'Neill the target? MR. SMITH We have other plans for him. I'll contact you later with a name. Hanson turns and leaves. Mr. Smith pulls the disc player out of his pocket. He blows away some dust, takes a deep breath, and presses "play." The disc quality is erratic, but there is no mistaking whose voice comes booming out into the tunnel. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE Think of it, son. A secret so (indecipherable) that the very knowledge of (indecipherable) powerful men on Earth... Mr. Smith turns off the recorder and clutches it tightly like the lost treasure of the Incas. His eyes well up with a mixture of triumph and sadness. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 21. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 27 INT. LOIS'S HOTEL ROOM - ANGLE ON LESLIE IN THE DOORWAY 27 Continuous from Act One. LESLIE Hope I'm not disturbing anything. 28 ANGLE ON LOIS 28 who is flustered. LOIS Nope. Not at all. Lois realizes she's still holding the negligee in her hand and stuffs it into her pocket. LOIS You, uh want to come in? Lois steps aside and Leslie enters the room. He looks at the negligee, part of which is sticking out of her pocket. LOIS (CONT'D) I was expecting Clark. LESLIE So I see. Unfortunately, his plans changed. LOIS (disappointed) His plans changed? LESLIE At the last second, I was able to buy Peter Massey's story and Clark (X) is probably sitting with him right now on death row. LOIS Really? Massey? That's the (X) interview of the year! (beat) Why didn't Clark call and tell me? LESLIE Oh? Didn't he? (X) They both glance over at (X) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 22. 30 INT. LOIS'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT #2 30 Lois is still in her business attire, minus her jacket and shoes. She sits on the edge of the bed, talking on the telephone. LOIS (into phone) Okay, Jimmy, thanks. Keep me informed on anything you find out about the murders. She hangs up and leans back on the bed, stretching out, when there is a knock on the door. LOIS (CONT'D) Yes? LESLIE (O.S.) It's Leslie. I need help. Lois quickly gets up and instinctively fixes her hair as she crosses to the door. She opens it to reveal Leslie standing there in a tuxedo, a half drunk cocktail in his hand. He is looking great. He points to his bow tie, which is draped around his neck. LESLIE You have any idea how to tie these? LOIS Lucky for you, my father was all thumbs. Come on in. Leslie enters, the door shutting behind him. LESLIE You'd think a man in my position would know how to dress himself. LOIS Bow ties are much more complicated than corporate takeovers. Have a seat. She points to a stool in front of the mirror. Leslie sits. Lois stands behind him so they are both facing the mirror, then puts her arms around him to grab the ends of the tie. LESLIE You made quite an impression out there today. LOIS What do you mean? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 22. 28A THE PHONE - FEATURE MESSAGE LIGHT - INSERT 28A (X) The message light is not lit. (X) 28B BACK TO SCENE 28B(X) LESLIE Well, it was all very last minute. (X) He was rushing to make his plane. LOIS So, you decided to take his place. LESLIE Now that I own a newspaper, I thought it would be a good idea if I learned how to run it. Plus, I was hoping I could take advantage of you. LOIS Excuse me? LESLIE Your contacts and good name. Maybe you could introduce me to some of the key people around here. LOIS Sure, why not? They start to head out when Lois realizes she's still got the negligee in her pocket. She pulls it out and stashes it away in a dresser drawer as they exit. 29 INT. SUBTERRANEAN TUNNEL - AFTERNOON 29 Mr. Smith carefully sifts through the rubble in the tunnel. Suddenly he spots a battered, silver object. He strains to move the pillar, then picks up the object and examines it. It a damaged, high tech, compact disc recorder. Mr. Smith brushes away the dust and is about to press the "play" button when... HANSON (O.S.) (echoing in the tunnel) Smith. Mr. Smith turns to see Hanson headed his way. Smith shoves the recorder into his pocket. HANSON Rankin's dead. Where's the antidote? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 23. 30 CONTINUED: 30 LESLIE I've had at least a dozen editors tell me how fortunate I was to have you... so to speak. LOIS Let's see, this end goes over... no, this end goes under and _this_ end goes over. LESLIE You really are quite extraordinary. Award winning reporter, worldly, can tie a bow tie... LOIS .... rollerblade, wind surf and play the piano. It's all on my resume under 'special skills.' LESLIE Clark's a very lucky man. LOIS Actually, I'm a lucky woman to have found such a great guy. (beat) Okay, turn around. Leslie spins in the stool to face Lois and she reaches for the tie. LESLIE So, working side by side with your husband hasn't put a strain on your marriage. LOIS Not at all. We thrive on being together. Leslie leans forward, getting closer to Lois. LESLIE That's great. Lois finally has the tie in a bow and is just about to cinch it up. Leslie leans in a little closer. LESLIE (CONT'D) It's a wonderful feeling when you finally find that special person. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 23. 29 CONTINUED: 29 MR. SMITH Your work isn't quite finished. HANSON (flaring) You hold out on me, you'll regret it. Hanson grabs Mr. Smith by the throat and squeezes. Mr. Smith reaches down and unsnaps a powerful flashlight from his belt. He turns on a BRIGHT BEAM directly into Hanson's face. With a cry, Hanson releases Mr. Smith and wrenches (X) painfully from the light, his body density wavering. (X) MR. SMITH (rubbing his throat) I realize you're not quite yourself, Mr. Hanson... But try (X) that again, and the antidote goes (X) down the drain. Any chance you (X) had for a normal life goes with it (X) and you remain as you are. (X) Understand? HANSON (hissing) Yes. Mr. Smith takes Hanson's arm, walks to an exit. (X) MR. SMITH Hanson, we're on the same team. Need I remind you that your present 'condition' is a result of the accident you suffered while working for one of LexCorp's most hated (X) competitors.... (X) HANSON (with hatred) (X) Walter O'Neill. (X) MR. SMITH Walter O'Neill. (X) HANSON Is he the target? (X) MR. SMITH We have other plans for O'Neill. (X) I'll contact you later with a name. Now get out. (X) Hanson exits. Mr. Smith pulls the disc player out of his (X) pocket. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 24. 30 CONTINUED: 2 30 Leslie reaches out and softly strokes Lois's hair. Lois is shocked and reacts by yanking on the ends of the bow tie, effectively choking Leslie. Lois jumps back as Leslie stands up, clawing at the tie, trying to loosen it and get a breath. LOIS You better go, Mr. Luckabee. Leslie rubs his throat. LESLIE Please, let me apologize. I don't know what got into me. This is a terrible mistake. LOIS You're damn right it's a mistake, because; number one, I love my husband; and number two, Clark is someone you don't want to have mad at you. LESLIE I don't want either of you to be mad at me. I honestly don't know what came over me. Maybe it's the liquor. LOIS Then maybe you shouldn't drink. LESLIE You're absolutely right, and I'm absolutely humiliated. I guarantee nothing like this will ever happen again. Can you forgive me? Lois takes a deep breath, exhales and softens a little. LOIS Well, I guess I might have overreacted... a little. I mean, it's not like anything really happened. We're clear on that, right? LESLIE (smiling) Clear as the water in the Barrier Reef. LOIS Maybe we should just forget all about this. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 24. 29 CONTINUED: 2 29 He blows away some dust, takes a deep breath, and presses "play." The disc quality is erratic, but there is no mistaking whose voice comes booming out into the tunnel. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE Think of it, son. A secret that (X) (indecipherable)...powerful man (X) on Earth... Mr. Smith turns off the recorder and clutches it tightly like the lost treasure of the Incas. His eyes well up with a mixture of triumph and sadness. 30 INT. LOIS'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT #2 30 Lois, minus jacket and shoes, sits cross-legged on the bed, typing away at her laptop, phone cradled against her ear. LOIS (into phone) ...fine Jimmy, the minute you get your hands on those crime scene photos, call me. Thanks. She hangs up. KNOCK at the door. LOIS (CONT'D) Yes? LESLIE (O.S.) It's Leslie. I need help. Lois quickly crosses to the door, opens it to reveal Leslie standing there in a tuxedo, a half drunk cocktail in his hand. He is looking great. He points to his bow tie, which is draped around his neck. LESLIE You have any idea how to tie these? LOIS Lucky for you, my father was all thumbs. Come on in. Leslie enters, the door shutting behind him. LESLIE You'd think a man in my position would know how to dress himself. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 25. 30 CONTINUED: 3 30 LESLIE My thoughts exactly. Forget about it and never mention it to anyone, especially Clark. LOIS Clark and I don't have any secrets between us. LESLIE I understand, but I'd hate for anything to come between me and your husband. It would completely shut down our ability to communicate effectively, and before you know it, Clark would probably end up working at the Post or the Tribune. Lois thinks for a second, then nods. LOIS Okay, it stays between us, but only because I want to keep the peace, and because I'm certain this will never happen again. LESLIE On my word of honor. Leslie starts out. LESLIE (CONT'D) I think I'll see if the concierge has a clip-on. 31 CLOSE ON LOIS 31 as she watches Leslie leave. DISSOLVE TO: 32 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY #3 32 Lois enters, her overnight bag in hand. On her way to her desk she sees Jimmy. JIMMY How was the convention? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 25. 30 CONTINUED: 30 LOIS Bow ties are much more complicated than corporate takeovers. Have a seat. She points to a stool in front of the mirror. Leslie sits. Lois stands behind him so they are both facing the mirror, then puts her arms around him to grab the ends of the tie. LESLIE You made quite an impression out there today. LOIS What do you mean? LESLIE I've had at least a dozen editors tell me how fortunate I was to have you... so to speak. LOIS Let's see, this end goes over... no, this end goes under and _this_ end goes over. LESLIE You really are quite extraordinary. Award winning reporter, worldly, can tie a bow tie... LOIS ... rollerblade, wind surf and play the piano. It's all on my resume under 'special skills.' LESLIE Clark's a very lucky man. LOIS (smiles) (X) Okay, turn around. (X) Leslie spins in the stool to face Lois and she reaches for the tie. They are very close to each other. (X) LESLIE It's a wonderful feeling when you finally find that special person. Leslie reaches out and softly strokes Lois's hair. Lois is shocked and reacts by yanking on the ends of the bow tie, effectively choking Leslie. Lois jumps back as Leslie stands up, clawing at the tie, trying to loosen it and get a breath. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 26. 32 CONTINUED: 32 LOIS Oh, you know, it was alright. Nothing to get too excited about. Have you heard from Clark? JIMMY He's due back... There is an off stage DING. Lois and Jimmy turn to see... 33 ANGLE ON ELEVATOR DOORS 33 which are opening to reveal Clark, who smiles when he sees Lois. 34 BACK TO SCENE 34 JIMMY ... right about now. Lois and Clark come together in a hug. CLARK I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the convention, but... LOIS You were on death row with Robert Masello while I was in some four hundred dollar a night suite in Atlantic City. I'm so jealous. How was it? CLARK Fascinating. Of course, my mind kept wandering to you and that black negligee. How was the convention? LOIS Overrated. I don't see what all the hoopla is about. CLARK The chance to rub shoulders with the top journalists in the world. LOIS Trust me. I would've traded you a dozen of my journalists for your mass murderer. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 26. 30 CONTINUED: 2 30 LOIS You better go, Mr. Luckabee. Leslie rubs his throat. LESLIE Please, let me apologize. I don't know what got into me. This is a terrible mistake. LOIS You're damn right it's a mistake, because; number one, I love my husband; and number two, Clark is someone you don't want to have mad at you. LESLIE I don't want either of you to be mad at me. I honestly don't know what came over me. Maybe it's the liquor. LOIS Then maybe you shouldn't drink. LESLIE You're absolutely right, and I'm absolutely humiliated. I guarantee nothing like this will ever happen again. (X) Lois takes a deep breath, exhales and softens a little. LOIS It better not. (X) Leslie miserably grabs his drink, reaches for the doorknob, (X) then: (X) LESLIE Lois... Is it possible we could (X) keep this... just to ourselves? (X) LOIS Clark and I don't have secrets between us. LESLIE It's Clark I'm _thinking_ of (X) Putting aside _my_ humiliation.... (X) I wouldn't want him to leave the (X) Planet because of a moment's (X) stupidity on my part. (X) (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 27. 34 CONTINUED: 34 LOIS (CONT'D) (beat) Why didn't you call and tell me the great news? CLARK I left a message at the hotel. LOIS I never got it. CLARK That's strange. I planned to call from San Quentin, but they confiscated my cellular and the line at the payphone was a block long. STAFFER (O.S.) Lois. They need you down in photo. LOIS (over her shoulder) Be right there. (to Clark) Be right back. CLARK Be right here. Clark watches as Lois moves off. A moment later, the elevator doors open and Leslie steps out. He waves to Clark. LESLIE Clark! How was the interview? CLARK Great. I've got enough for a three or four parter. LESLIE Fantastic. (he looks around) Can I talk to you for a moment? Leslie leads Clark over toward the vending machines. LESLIE (CONT'D) I wanted to say that I'm extremely sorry for what happened at the convention. CLARK Sorry? What are...? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Pink Rev. 2/26/97 27. 30 CONTINUED: 3 30 LESLIE (CONT'D) He has a brilliant career ahead of him there. Silence from Lois. (X) LESLIE (CONT'D) (prompting) (X) Lois? (X) 31 OMITTED 31 32 INT. DAILY PLANET - ON ELEVATOR - DAY #3 32 DING. Doors slide open to reveal Clark carrying overnight bag. He comes out, lights up when he sees: 33 LOIS 33 She's hurrying past the ramp, carrying a handful of contact sheets. She spots Clark, smiles, as he hurries toward her. They meet in a big hug. CLARK I just got in. LOIS Me, too. CLARK Sorry I couldn't make it to the convention, but... LOIS You were on death row with Peter Massey while I was in some four hundred dollar a night suite in Atlantic City. I'm so jealous. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 28. 34 CONTINUED: 2 34 LESLIE (interrupting) Let me finish. I'm sure Lois told you all about it and I don't want to beat a dead horse, but you should know she definitely put me in my place and nothing like this will ever happen again. CLARK Exactly what...? LESLIE (interrupting) I'm really late for a board meeting. Can we talk about this later? Leslie moves off. CLARK (to himself) Talk about what? A moment later, Lois returns. LOIS So, where were we? CLARK (somewhat distracted) Somewhere between Atlantic City and San Quentin. I'm sorry I left you stranded. LOIS That's okay. I wasn't exactly all alone. CLARK You weren't? LOIS There must've been three hundred reporters from around the world. CLARK Anyone else from The Planet show up? LOIS As a matter of fact, Leslie came. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 28. 33 CONTINUED: 33 CLARK They kept filing appeals, so the (X) waiting went on 'til dawn. Boy, (X) you come outta something like that really appreciating.... (X) (gazes at her) Life. (X) LOIS (smiles warmly, then) I was surprised you didn't call to (X) say you were going.... (X) CLARK I left a message at the hotel. LOIS I never got it. CLARK Really. I planned to call from (X) the prison, but I was locked in a (X) cell with Massey all night. (X) LOIS Huh. Oh listen, I promised I'd (X) get this stuff to photo... I'll be (X) right back. (X) CLARK I'll be right here. (X) Lois goes off as Clark glances at mail on his desk. Leslie (X) comes out of the conference room. (X) LESLIE Clark! How was the interview? CLARK Intense. I've got enough for a (X) three or four parter. LESLIE Fantastic. (he looks around) Can I talk to you for a moment? Leslie sits on the edge of Clark's desk. (X) LESLIE (CONT'D) I wanted to say that I'm extremely sorry for what happened at the convention. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 29. 34 CONTINUED: 3 34 CLARK Really... Did you get a chance to spend some time with him? LOIS I introduced him to some of the movers and shakers and he sort of went his own way. CLARK Didn't even get together for a little dinner? Cocktails? LOIS (shaking her head) I had dinner in my room with Peter Jennings... I was on the bed and he was on the TV. CLARK You know, I was talking to Leslie a few minutes ago and he said... Clark stops, tipping his head as he hears a distant cry for help. LOIS Said what? CLARK Someone's in trouble. I better go. We can pick this up later. LOIS I'm sure we will. Clark moves off, leaving behind a conflicted Lois. 35 EXT. HIGH RISE OFFICE BUILDING - ESTABLISHING - DAY 35 PUSH IN on a window on one of the upper floors. 36 INT. FLEMMING'S OFFICE - DAY 36 This is the office of a wealthy and successful businessman, PAUL FLEMMING, who is currently stretched out on the floor very dead. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 29. 33 CONTINUED: 2 33 CLARK Sorry? What are... ? LESLIE (interrupting) Let me finish. I'm sure Lois told you all about it and I don't want to beat a dead horse, but you should know she definitely put me in my place and nothing like this will ever happen again. CLARK Exactly what...? LESLIE (interrupting) I'm really late for a board meeting. Can we talk about this later? Leslie moves off. CLARK (to himself) Talk about what? Lois returns. (X) LOIS So, where were we? CLARK (somewhat distracted) I left you a message at your hotel (X) and you didn't get it. Anyway, (X) I'm sorry I left you stranded. (X) LOIS That's okay. I wasn't exactly all alone. CLARK What do you mean? (X) LOIS There must've been three hundred reporters from around the world. CLARK Oh. (X) LOIS And... Leslie came. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 30. 37 INTERCUT ANGLE ON WINDOW 37 Superman appears at the window and enters the office. He immediately crosses to Flemming's body and searches for a pulse that isn't there. Something catches Superman's eye and he looks up to see a SHADOW moving swiftly across the wall. He spins around and is baffled to find that there is no one in the room casting the shadow. A moment later, the shadow seems to slip through the crack between the door and the door frame. Superman hurries to the door, unbolts it, and flings it open. 38 SUPERMAN'S POV OF THE HALLWAY 38 which is completely empty. FADE OUT _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Pink Rev. 2/26/97 30. 33 CONTINUED: 3 33 CLARK Really. And... ? LOIS I introduced him to some of the movers and shakers and he sort of went his own way. CLARK That's it? LOIS I had dinner in my room with Peter Jennings... I was on the bed; he was on TV. But seriously, there (X) is something I'd like to talk to (X) you about. (X) Suddenly Clark tips his head as he hears a distant cry for (X) help. CLARK Someone's in trouble. I better go. Can we pick this up later? (X) LOIS Sure. (X) And he's gone. (X) 34 OMITTED 34 35 EXT. HIGH RISE OFFICE BUILDING - ESTABLISHING - DAY 35 PUSH IN on a window on one of the upper floors. 36 INT. FLEMMING'S OFFICE - DAY 36 This is the office of a wealthy and successful businessman, PAUL FLEMMING, who is currently stretched out on the floor, very dead. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 31. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 39 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - DAY 39 Mr. Smith is standing behind a low table that is filled with high tech audio equipment. (Note: The lair is lit in such a way to throw Mr. Smith's shadow onto the wall behind him) He presses a button and the static laden VOICE of Lex Luthor Sr. fills the air. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE ... I was shocked but somewhat amused... The disc hits a very garbled section that is indecipherable. Mr. Smith rewinds the tape and tweaks various knobs and dials. He plays the disc again. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE I was shocked but somewhat amused to discover... Again, the disc hits an indecipherable section. Leslie enters, casting a shadow of his own. LESLIE Making progress? MR. SMITH Slow, but sure. LESLIE Let's hear what you have so far. Mr. Smith pushes a button on the machine. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE Think of it, son. A secret so wonderful, so important, that the very knowledge of it will make us the most powerful men on earth. LESLIE (excited) You've found his secret? MR. SMITH Listen. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE The only thing stopping us from total world domination is Superman. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 31. 37 INTERCUT ANGLE ON WINDOW 37 Superman appears at the window and enters the office. He immediately crosses to Flemming's body and searches for a pulse that isn't there. Something catches Superman's eye (X) and a moment later, a shadow slips through the crack (X) between the door and the door frame. Superman hurries to (X) the door, unbolts it, and flings it open. 38 SUPERMAN'S POV OF THE HALLWAY 38 which is completely empty. FADE OUT _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 32. 39 CONTINUED: 39 LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE (CONT'D) But, what if we could neutralize the Man Of Steel? And what better way to neutralize him than to possess his deepest secret... that of his true identity. LESLIE (reacting) He knew? MR. SMITH Evidently. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE After all these years, I was shocked but somewhat amused to discover... At this point, the disc hits a spot that is completely indecipherable. LESLIE Discover what? Who is it? MR. SMITH Hopefully I'll be able to recover the sound so we can find out. LESLIE Everything is falling into place. Soon, I will be running the most powerful company in the world. When I walk down the street, I'll be revered, loved, feared... MR. SMITH If you let this get to your head, it could be your downfall. LESLIE Don't worry about me. I've been groomed for this moment by the best... you. (beat) Any word from Hanson? MR. SMITH No, but I heard on the scanner that the police found Flemming's body a little while ago. LESLIE Excellent. Are you going to finally give Hanson the antidote? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 32. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 39 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - DAY 39 Mr. Smith is standing behind a low table that is filled with high tech audio equipment. (Note: The lair is lit in such a way to throw Mr. Smith's shadow onto the wall behind him). He presses a button and the static laden VOICE of Lex Luthor Sr. fills the air. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE. I was shocked but somewhat amused... The disc hits a very garbled section that is indecipherable. Mr. Smith backs up the disc, and tweaks various knobs and (X) dials. Leslie enters, casting a shadow of his own. (X) LESLIE Making progress? MR. SMITH Slow, but sure. Mr. Smith pushes a button on the machine. (X) LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE Think of it, son. A secret that could help make us the most (X) powerful men on earth. LESLIE (excited) You've found his secret? MR. SMITH Listen. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE The only thing that's ever rivaled our power is Superman. But what (X) better way to neutralize him than to possess his deepest secret... that of his true identity. LESLIE (reacting) He knew? MR. SMITH Evidently. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 33. 39 CONTINUED: 2 39 MR. SMITH (evil smile) That would be rather difficult to do, since there is no antidote. LESLIE (laughing) You never cease to surprise me. Do you think we can convince Hanson to stay on? He's handy to have around. MR. SMITH What else would he do? Get a sideshow job with a travelling carnival? Leslie looks at his watch. LESLIE I need to get back to The Planet. Pull the car around. Leslie tosses Mr. Smith his chauffeur's hat. MR. SMITH I'm looking forward to dropping this charade. LESLIE But you look so good in hats. Mr. Smith shuts down the audio machinery. MR. SMITH (offhandedly) How are things going with Lois Lane? LESLIE Better than I ever would've dreamed. I truly believe Lois and I were meant to be together. MR. SMITH (flaring) No, you're not. This is business, not romance. Don't get so wrapped up in your role playing that you forget our goal. LESLIE Don't worry. Before you know it, Lois Lane will be a member of our little family. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 33. 39 CONTINUED: 39 LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE After all these years, I was shocked but somewhat amused to discover... At this point, the disc hits a spot that is completely indecipherable. LESLIE Discover what? Who is it? MR. SMITH Hopefully I'll be able to recover the sound so we can find out. LESLIE Everything's falling into place. (X) Do you know how people look at me? (X) With awe. I was born for this. (X) MR. SMITH (seething) 'Born for it?' _I_ put all this in your hands... LESLIE ...As for Lois Lane... (X) MR. SMITH Just remember our goal! To drive (X) a wedge between her and... (X) LESLIE Of course! But the added dividend (X) is... (coy) (X) Well, she _claimed_ to be angry (X) with me last night... But there (X) was something else in her eyes. (X) MR. SMITH (loud) Stop it! (beat) Stop it. LESLIE I don't know why _you're_ upset... He picks up large photo of Lois from the workbench. LESLIE (CONT'D) We're both going to have... Exactly what we want. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 33A. 39 CONTINUED: 2 39 With a last fond gaze at the photo, he drops it on the workbench, starts up the steps. LESLIE (CONT'D) I need to get back to the Daily Planet. Pull the car around. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 34. 39 CONTINUED: 3 39 They exit, but one shadow remains on the wall. The shadowy figure forms a fist and brings it down hard on the table, causing the wood to splinter. HANSON (with venom) I swore you'd regret holding out on me. 40 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 40 Lois is at her desk, on the phone. LOIS ... and it just vanished? (beat) Okay, I'll talk to you later. Jimmy comes over to Lois's desk, holding a printout. LOIS (CONT'D) That was Clark. Superman told him he saw some kind of shadowy figure in Flemming's office. One second it was there, the next, it disappeared. JIMMY So the killer's some kind of ghost? LOIS Could be; nothing surprises me any more. What have you got on Flemming? JIMMY Big time financial advisor. Corporate mergers, takeovers, that kind of thing. Jimmy looks at the printout. JIMMY (CONT'D) Hey, take a look at this. One of Flemming's clients was Caribbean Imports. LOIS Everything keeps coming back to the same place. Do we know anything about this mysterious company, other than the fact that everyone associated with it seems to end up dead? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Pink Rev. 2/26/97 34. 39 CONTINUED: 2 39 Mr. Smith looks sourly over at him. LESLIE (CONT'D) Well Lex Luthor Jr. doesn't drive himself, does he? Smith trudges up the steps, as: LESLIE (CONT'D) Did Hanson do his job? MR. SMITH Paul Flemming is dead. He arranged the payments to the men who built Vixen, who are also dead. That chapter is closed. LESLIE So now will you give Hanson the antidote? MR. SMITH There is no antidote. LESLIE (laughing) Marvelous. Do you think we can convince Hanson to stay on? He's handy to have around. MR. SMITH What else would he do? Get a sideshow job with a carnival? And they are gone. But one shadow remains on the wall. The shadowy figure forms a fist and brings it down hard on the table, causing the wood to splinter. HANSON (with venom) I swore you'd regret holding out on me. 39A THE PHOTO OF LOIS 39A On the workbench. Hanson, now his CORPOREAL SELF, grabs (X) the photo and glares at it. (X) HANSON (CONT'D) And Mr. Luthor, _none_ of us will get... 'Exactly what we want.' --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 35. 40 CONTINUED: 40 JIMMY According to this chart, it's made up of a bunch of other tiny businesses, which means Caribbean Imports is probably some kind of shell company. LOIS Try cross-referencing Flemming's client list with anyone who is even remotely attached to any of those little businesses. JIMMY That'll take a while. LOIS The sooner we get a name, the sooner we can put a stop to the killing. Lois grabs her briefcase and purse as Leslie enters. LESLIE Lois, Jimmy. I heard there was another strangulation. LOIS Seems to be a very popular trend. LESLIE Do the police have any leads? JIMMY Superman thinks the killer might be some kind of shadowy ghost. LESLIE A shadow killer. Sounds like a hell of a story. Listen, I've got dinner with the Mayor tonight, but afterward I'll be back here, catching up on paperwork. Call me with any updates. Lois takes Leslie by the arm and leads him off to the side of the bullpen. LOIS Maybe you could update me on something... like what you and Clark talked about today. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 35. 40 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 40 Lois is at her desk, on the phone. LOIS ... and it just vanished? (beat) Okay, I'll talk to you later. Jimmy comes over to Lois's desk, holding a printout. LOIS (CONT'D) That was Clark. Superman told him he saw some kind of shadowy figure in the victim's office. One (X) second it was there, the next, it disappeared. JIMMY So whoever killed Flemming was (X) some kind of ghost? (X) LOIS Could be; nothing surprises me any more. What have you got on Paul (X) Flemming? JIMMY Big time financial advisor. Handled money for some of the (X) biggest names in town. (X) Jimmy looks at the printout. JIMMY (CONT'D) Hey, take a look at this. One of Flemming's clients was Caribbean Imports. LOIS 'Caribbean Imports' keeps coming (X) up. What do we know about this (X) mysterious company, other than (X) everyone associated with it seems to end up dead? JIMMY According to this chart, it's made up of a bunch of other tiny businesses, so Caribbean Imports (X) is probably some kind of shell company. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Pink Rev. 2/26/97 36. 40 CONTINUED: 40 LOIS Try cross-referencing Flemming's client list with anyone who's even remotely attached to any of those little businesses. Jimmy gives her a thumbs up, starts off. (X) JIMMY Oh... C.K. allright? (X) LOIS Yeah, why? (X) JIMMY He and Leslie were talking and he (X) looked kinda upset. (X) He goes off as Lois glances at: (X) 40A INTERCUT HER POV 40A Leslie is crossing over to the conference room, taking off overcoat while giving instructions to a staffer, who goes. Lois jumps up, intercepts him. LESLIE (smiles warmly at her) I heard there was another strangulation. Do the police have any leads? LOIS No. Leslie ... LESLIE I'll be glad to brainstorm with you and Clark if you like... I'm planning on working here late tonight anyway... Lois takes Leslie by the arm and leads him into the conference room. LOIS Maybe we could brainstorm about something else. Like what you and Clark talked about today. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 37. 40 CONTINUED: 3 40 LOIS Leslie, you and I had an agreement, and when I give my word about something, even something as seamy as this, I keep it. LESLIE I've never known anyone with your resolve. I underestimated you and once again, acted completely inappropriately. Can you find it in your heart to give me one more chance? Lois takes a long beat to consider this. LOIS I don't know. Right now, I've got some damage control to do at home. LESLIE I'm sure everything will be fine. Clark's a very understanding person. 41 INT. TOWN HOUSE - A SHORT TIME LATER - CLOSE ON CLARK 41 CLARK I don't understand. 42 WIDEN 42 to see Clark and Lois in the living room. CLARK Leslie said you put him in his place, which means he was out of place. Exactly which place was he in? LOIS He kind of made a pass at me. CLARK Kind of made a pass at you? LOIS Clark, there's no reason to be mad. CLARK I don't know if there's a reason to be mad or not. I still don't know what happened. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Pink Rev. 2/26/97 37. 40B INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 40B LESLIE Clark? Well, let's see. I asked him how things went with Massey. LOIS Anything else? LESLIE Oh... you mean _our_ little... incident. LOIS (incredulous) Did you mention that to him? LESLIE I felt it was the right thing to do. LOIS (interrupting) You begged me not to say anything (X) to Clark about that 'little (X) incident' and then, at your first (X) opportunity, you march up to him (X) and announce that you hit on me? (X) LESLIE Lois, you have every reason to be angry, but hear me out. LOIS This ought to be good. LESLIE I've only known you and Clark for a week of so, but I can tell you have an incredible bond. I just assumed you would've told Clark what happened. I felt I needed to talk to him face to face, man to man. (X) I acted completely inappropriately. Can you find it in your heart to (X) give me one more chance? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 38. 42 CONTINUED: 42 LOIS It was nothing. CLARK We know one thing for sure; it was definitely something. It might've been tiny, almost insignificant, but you have to admit it was something. LOIS Fine. It was tiny and insignificant, which is why I didn't think it was even worth mentioning. CLARK But Leslie was obviously so torn with guilt, that he wanted to clear his conscience the minute he saw me. LOIS So I heard. CLARK Which brings us back to the question of why _you_ didn't tell me. LOIS To protect you. CLARK Protect me? LOIS Leslie made a mistake, for which he was totally humiliated and apologetic, and he didn't want this infinitesimal incident to affect your relationship. CLARK News flash! It has! LOIS Which is exactly why he didn't want to tell you in the first place! CLARK So, why did he? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Gold Rev. 3/5/97 38. 40B CONTINUED: 40B LOIS I don't know. Right now, I need to talk to my husband. She marches to the doors, pauses to glare back at him as: LESLIE I'm sure everything will be fine. Clark's a very understanding person. 41 INT. TOWN HOUSE - CLOSE ON CLARK - NIGHT #3 41(X) CLARK I don't understand. 42 WIDEN 42 to see Clark and Lois in the living room. CLARK Leslie said you put him in his place, which means he was out of place. Exactly which place was he in? LOIS He kind of made a pass at me. CLARK 'Kind' of made a pass at you? LOIS Clark, there's no reason to be mad. CLARK I don't know if there's a reason to be mad or not. I still don't know what happened. LOIS It was nothing. CLARK No, it was obviously something. Which Leslie felt so guilty about, he wanted to clear his conscience (X) the minute he saw me. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 39. 42 CONTINUED: 2 42 LOIS Because he thought that I'd already told you! The phone RINGS. Clark lunges for it. CLARK (barking) What? (calming down) Sorry, Jimmy. (beat) Okay, thanks. He hangs up. CLARK (CONT'D) One name popped out of the cross reference. Walter O'Neill. LOIS The industrialist? CLARK Jimmy has a stack of information. Maybe I should go down there and take a look at it. LOIS Fine. Maybe I'll just hang back here and see what I can pull up on O'Neill from the computer. CLARK Fine. They share a look, both wanting to say something to ease the tension, but both are too stubborn to make that first move. Clark turns and leaves. Lois sits down and opens her computer and starts pounding on the keys. A moment later, a DARK SHADOW slips in under the front door and slowly makes its way toward Lois. FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Gold Rev. 3/5/97 39. 42 CONTINUED: 42 (X) LOIS So I heard. CLARK which brings us back to the question of why you didn't tell Me. LOIS I tried earlier to tell you what happened, which was that nothing happened, except that because Leslie inexplicably came running to you with that nothing, it's now become something! CLARK So it is something... LOIS Look, the man was drinking and made a mistake, for which he was totally humiliated and apologetic, and he didn't want this infinitesimal incident to affect your working relationship! CLARK News flash! It has! LOIS Which is exactly why he didn't want to tell you in the first place! CLARK So, why did he? LOIS Because he thought that I'd already told you! The phone RINGS. Clark lunges for it. CLARK (barking) What? (calming down) Sorry, Jimmy. What? (beat) Okay, thanks. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Pink Rev. 2/26/97 39A. 42 CONTINUED: 2 42 He hangs up. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 40. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 43 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT #3 43 Clark is at his desk, a ream of information in front of him. Jimmy stands nearby. CLARK So, Caribbean Imports was designed as a shell company for Walter O'Neill. JIMMY (nods) Once I found that out, I dug into O'Neill's corporation and I came across this. Jimmy hands Clark a photo of Edward Hanson. JIMMY Dr. Edward Hanson. He worked for a chemical division of O'Neill Inc. A few months ago, Hanson was involved in a lab accident. CLARK What does this have to do with our investigation? JIMMY (reading) The lab assistant told the police that Hanson was exposed to radical isotope bombardment, causing him to lose molecular density, turning him into some kind of ghost-like figure. CLARK A ghost, or a shadow... like the one Superman saw in Flemming's office. JIMMY (nodding) So this shadow killer used to work for Walter O'Neill. You think he still does? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 40. 42 CONTINUED: 3 42 CLARK (CONT'D) It seems one name popped out of the cross reference you asked for. Walter O'Neill. LOIS Walter O'Neill? The industrialist? CLARK Jimmy has a stack of information. Maybe I should go down there and take a look at it. LOIS Okay. Maybe I'll just hang back here and see what I can pull up on O'Neill from the computer. CLARK Yeah. They share a look, both wanting to say something to ease the tension, but both are too stubborn to make that first move. Clark turns and leaves. Lois sits down and opens her computer and starts pounding on the keys. A moment later, a DARK SHADOW slips in under the (X) front door. (X) FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 41. 43 CONTINUED: 43 CLARK I don't know. Unfortunately, everything we have on O'Neill is circumstantial. We need some harder evidence. Clark plucks a photo off the top of the stack. A banner across the bottom identifies the person as Walter O'Neill. CLARK (CONT'D) Did you take this picture? JIMMY Please. This is a standard publicity shot. The composition is stiff, the lighting is harsh. Look at the way the photos on the wall behind him are reflecting. We're talking amateur night here. 44 INTERCUT PHOTOGRAPH 44 O'Neill sitting at his desk. There is a row of photos behind him on the wall and one of the photos is in fact reflecting the tableau in front of it. The reflected image is tiny, but sharp. Clark stares at the photo, and using his SUPER VISION, blows up the image of the reflection in his mind. 45 CLOSE ON THE REFLECTION 45 which shows a pad of paper on O'Neill's desk. On the top is a heading, "Target Acquisitions." Under that is a list of company names: BAYVIEW FINANCE, METROPOLIS WASTE DISPOSAL, ARMSTRONG CAPITAL GROUP, ADVANCED DIGITAL PROCESSING. Next to each of these is a person's name, and next to each name is the word "deceased." The final name on the list is LUCKABEE ENTERPRISES, followed by Leslie's name. CLARK Jimmy, pull up everything you can on Luckabee Enterprises. JIMMY Luckabee? Why? Clark gives Jimmy a look. JIMMY (CONT'D) I mean, I'll get right on it. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Gold Rev. 3/5/97 41. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 43 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 43(X) Clark is at his desk, a ream of information in front of him. Jimmy stands nearby. CLARK So, Caribbean Imports was designed as a shell company for Walter O'Neill. JIMMY (nods) Once I found that out, I dug into O'Neill's corporation and I came across this. Jimmy hands Clark a photo of Edward Hanson. JIMMY Dr. Edward Hanson. He worked for a chemical division of O'Neill Inc. A few months ago, Hanson was involved in a lab accident. CLARK What does this have to do with our investigation? JIMMY (reading) The lab assistant told the police that Hanson was exposed to radical isotope bombardment, causing him to lose molecular density, turning him into some kind of ghost-like figure. CLARK A ghost... (beat) Or a shadow. Like the one Superman saw in Flemming's office. JIMMY (nodding) So this shadow killer used to work for Walter O'Neill. You think he still does? Clark plucks a photo off the top of the stack. A banner across the bottom identifies the person as Walter O'Neill. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 42. 46 INT. TOWN HOUSE - SAME TIME - NIGHT 46 Lois is working on her computer, intently staring at the screen. Her shadow is cast on the wall, as is the shadow of a coat rack with a coat draped over it. Suddenly, Lois's phone RINGS, startling her. LOIS Hello. 47 INTERCUT WITH CLARK AT THE PLANET 47 CLARK Hi. There is a silent moment of tension. CLARK It looks like O'Neill might be the one behind all this, but we're still digging. Have you found anything? LOIS I've pulled up O'Neill's financial records and have been looking for crossovers with the companies whose CEOs were killed. CLARK You should toss Luckabee Enterprises into the mix. LOIS Luckabee? As in Leslie Luckabee? Oh, Clark, can't we let that... CLARK This has got nothing to do with Atlantic City. I'll explain it all when I get home. Jimmy hands Clark a few sheets of paper. JIMMY Here's a listing of Luckabee's corporate holdings. CLARK (to Jimmy) Thanks. Why don't you call it a night. Clark gives the papers a quick scan as he cradles the phone between his neck and his shoulder. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 42. 44 INTERCUT PHOTOGRAPH 44 O'Neill sitting at his desk. There is something reflected in his glasses. (X) Clark stares at the photo, and using his SUPER VISION, blows up the image of the reflection in his mind. 45 CLOSE ON THE REFLECTION 45 which shows a pad of paper on O'Neill's desk. On the top is a heading, "Target Acquisitions." Under that is a list of company names: BAYVIEW FINANCE, METROPOLIS WASTE DISPOSAL, ARMSTRONG CAPITAL GROUP, ADVANCED DIGITAL PROCESSING. Next to each of these is a person's name, and next to each name is the word "deceased." The final name on the list is LUCKABEE ENTERPRISES, followed by Leslie's name. CLARK (O.S.) (reading) (X) Bayview Finance.. Metropolis Waste (X) Disposal... Armstrong Capital (X) Group... (X) 45A CLARK AND JIMMY 45A Jimmy is squinting at photo. (X) JIMMY Where? (X) CLARK Just thinking aloud. (X) (staring closer) Luckabee Enterprises.... (X) (moving away) (X) Jimmy, pull up everything you can on Luckabee Enterprises. Jimmy gives Clark a thumbs up, goes off as Clark dials his (X) phone. (X) 46 INT. TOWN HOUSE - SAME TIME - NIGHT 46 Lois is working on her computer, intently staring at the screen. Her shadow is cast on the wall, as is the shadow of a coat rack with a coat draped over it. Suddenly, Lois's phone RINGS, startling her. LOIS Hello. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 43. 48 TO LOIS 48 The shadow of the coat rack begins to "unfold" into the shape of a person. LOIS We have a few other things to talk about when you get home. CLARK I know. The air needs clearing. LOIS (smiling) It is a little thick. So when are you... (beat) Clark? Clark, are you there? 49 TO CLARK 49 CLARK Lois? (to Jimmy) The line went dead. JIMMY Maybe you forgot to pay your phone bill. Happens to me all the time. Clark redials as Jimmy and the other remaining staffers head out. 50 TO LOIS 50 who holds the receiver out and looks at it. The phone is dead. Suddenly, a lamp on the other side of the room goes out. LOIS What's going on around here? 51 INTERCUT LOIS'S POV 51 The phone cord is lying on the floor. Lois looks around and sees a shadowy figure moving toward her. Lois gasps and slides across the sofa, moving away from the shadow. Somewhere in the town house a phone is RINGING. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 43. 47 INTERCUT WITH CLARK AT THE PLANET 47 CLARK Hi. There is a silent moment of tension. CLARK (CONT'D) We got hold of a photo of this (X) Walter O'Neill... The guy who was (X) writing the checks for Vixen? It (X) shows a whole list of companies he (X) was targeting for acquisition. (X) LOIS Then we should cross reference how (X) many were owned by the CEO's who (X) were murdered. (X) CLARK Which brings us to Luckabee.... (X) LOIS Luckabee? As in Leslie Luckabee? Oh, Clark, can't we let that... CLARK This has got nothing to do with Atlantic City. I'll explain it all when I get home. Jimmy hands Clark a few sheets of paper. JIMMY Here's a listing of Luckabee's corporate holdings. CLARK (to Jimmy) Thanks. Why don't you call it a night. Clark gives the papers a quick scan as he cradles the phone between his neck and his shoulder. 48 TO LOIS 48 The shadow of the coat rack begins to "unfold," into the shape of a person. LOIS Yeah, I guess we have a _few_ (X) things to talk about when you get (X) home. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 44. 52 BACK TO CLARK 52 who has the phone to his ear. The sound of the phone RINGING bleeds through. Clark is perplexed and concerned. After a moment, he hangs up the phone and grabs for his necktie. 53 TO LOIS 53 who has backed up as far as she can. HANSON No escape. Lois is startled to hear the shadow speak. She grabs a vase and hurls it at the shadow, but it passes right though the silhouette. Lois leaps up from the sofa and dashes toward the dining room. HANSON (CONT'D) Nowhere I can't find you. 54 EXT. NIGHT SKIES - CONTINUOUS 54 Superman flying over Metropolis. 55 INT. LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS 55 Lois runs into the dining room, slams the sliding doors shut and locks them. She breathlessly waits for a moment, silently praying she is safe. Suddenly, a shadowy tendril snakes through the keyhole in the door. Lois immediately puts her hands over the keyhole trying to keep the darkness out, but it seeps in between her fingers. Lois leaps back and watches in horror as the shadowy figure reforms itself into the silhouette of a person. The shadow reaches over and turns off the lights, then fades into the darkness. Lois turns the lights back on, cranking up the rheostat, making the lights blaze brighter. The shadow recoils in apparent pain for a moment, then advances toward her. Lois grabs a heavy candlestick from the table and holds it like a club. LOIS I don't know who or what you are, but I'm not going down without a fight. The shadowy form gets closer. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 44. 48 CONTINUED: 48 CLARK I know. The air needs clearing. LOIS (smiling) It is a little thick. So when are you... (beat) Clark? Clark, are you there? 49 TO CLARK 49 CLARK Lois? (to Jimmy) The line went dead. JIMMY Maybe you forgot to pay your phone bill. Happens to me all the time. Clark redials as Jimmy and the other remaining staffers head out. 50 TO LOIS 50 who holds the receiver out and looks at it. The phone is dead. Suddenly, a lamp on the other side of the room goes out. LOIS What's going on around here? 51 INTERCUT LOIS'S POV 51 The phone cord is lying on the floor. Lois looks around and sees a shadowy figure on the wall. She leaps up, seeing no source for the shadow. Now it reaches out and grabs the shadow hat off the shadow coat (X) rack. Lois shrinks away, horrified. Somewhere in the town (X) house a phone is RINGING. (X) 52 BACK TO CLARK 52 who has the phone to his ear. The sound of the phone RINGING bleeds through. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 45. 55 CONTINUED: 55 LOIS (CONT'D) (realizing) You were the one who killed Martinelli and the others. HANSON You're next, then the son. LOIS Son? Whose son? HANSON The son of the man who knows Superman's identity. The shadow suddenly lunges at Lois. She takes a swipe with the candlestick and it goes right through the dark outline. A moment later, the shadow runs his hand across the table, hitting the other candlestick and sending it flying across the room. Lois has backed into a corner and the shadow is only a few feet away. LOIS Stay away! Once again, Lois lashes out at him. The shadow raises its hands to Lois's throat. Just then, the doors of the dining room FLY OPEN to reveal Superman standing there. SUPERMAN Hanson! The shadow spins around to confront Superman. Superman moves across the room and tries to grab hold of the shadow, but there is nothing to hold. HANSON Can't stop me. LOIS The light! He's afraid of light! The shadow makes another move toward Lois as Superman focuses on a series of silver plates which are decoratively hung on the wall of the dining room. SUPERMAN Lois, cover your eyes! Lois shields her eyes as Superman uses his HEAT VISION to heat up the silver plates, as well as a candelabra, a large silver samovar and a sterling tea set. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 45. 53 TO LOIS 53 who is edging along the fireplace wall. Now the shadow (X) steps away from the wall, free to move about the room. (X) HANSON No escape. Lois is startled to hear the shadow speak. She grabs a vase and hurls it at the shadow, but it catches the vase, (X) tossing it aside. Lois bolts from the room. 54 OMITTED 54 55 INT. DINING ROOM - CLOSE ON DOORS - CONTINUOUS 55 The sliding doors SLAM shut. PULL BACK as Lois-turn-s the key in the lock. She breathlessly waits for a moment, silently praying she is safe. Suddenly, the key turns back in the lock, then pushes backward and drops to the floor. A shadowy tendril snakes through the keyhole in the door. Lois immediately puts her hands over the keyhole trying to keep the darkness out, but it seeps in between her fingers. 55A INT. DAILY PLANET - CLARK 55A He SLAMS down the phone and runs off, loosening his tie. 55B THE DINING ROOM 55B Lois leaps back and watches in horror as the shadowy figure reforms itself into the silhouette of a person. The shadow reaches over and turns off the lights, then fades into the darkness. Lois rushes to the opposite wall, cranks up the rheostat, brightening the lights. The shadow recoils, (X) GASPING in apparent pain for a moment, and for a split (X) second, becomes corporeal. A shadow again, he angrily (X) knocks the chandelier's lights out, then advances toward (X) Lois. Lois grabs a heavy candlestick from the table and (X) holds it like a club. LOIS You were the one who killed Dr. Martinelli and the others ... HANSON You're next, then the son. LOIS Son? Whose son? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 45A. 55B CONTINUED: 55B HANSON The son of the man who knows Superman's identity. Lois takes a swipe with the candlestick and it goes right (X) through the dark outline. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 46. 55 CONTINUED: 2 55 In a moment, all are WHITE HOT, making the metal incandescent and bathing the room in a BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT. Hanson SCREAMS out in agony as his silhouette starts to dematerialize. After a moment, Superman turns off his HEAT VISION, and the shadow is gone. LOIS What happened? SUPERMAN He's gone. Lois runs to Superman and throws her arms around him. They embrace for a moment, then break away. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) His name was Hanson. He worked for Walter O'Neill. LOIS So O'Neill used Vixen to kill the CEOs then used Hanson to clean up the mess that was left behind. SUPERMAN (nodding) We have to get to Leslie. LOIS How is Leslie involved in all of this? SUPERMAN As a potential victim. I saw a list of names of the dead CEOs and Leslie was next. LOIS He said he was working late at the Planet tonight. They head out. 56 INT. DAILY PLANET - A SHORT TIME LATER - NIGHT 56 Lois and Clark come rushing out of the elevator just in time to hear a GUN SHOT. They react. 57 ANGLE ON LESLIE 57 who is holding a smoking gun. WALTER O'NEILL lies on the floor, dead. --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Yellow Rev. 2/28/97 46. 55B CONTINUED: 2 55B Lois backs away as: (X) LOIS Stay away! The shadow lunges at Lois, its hands wrapping around her (X) throat, slamming her back against the wall. She starts to (X) choke, when the doors of the dining room FLY OPEN to reveal Superman standing there. SUPERMAN Hanson! The shadow spins around to confront Superman. Superman grasps the shadow's shoulders, but immediately the shadow evaporates, appears on the wall behind Lois, makes a grab for her: HANSON Can't stop me. Lois darts away from him, shouting: LOIS The light! He's afraid of light! Superman looks around the room, then sends a stream of HEAT (X) VISION directly at the many crystals dangling from the (X) chandelier. The entire chandelier becomes a luminous cloud of light. The red beams of the heat vision are refracted in the crystals and send white beams of light shooting all over the room. The room is ablaze in brilliant white light! Lois covers her eyes to protect them. Hanson SCREAMS out in agony as his shadow briefly becomes (X) corporeal and falls forward onto the floor. A shadow (X) again, it vanishes in a burst of light. Superman turns off (X) his HEAT VISION. (X) LOIS What happened? SUPERMAN He's gone. Lois runs to Superman and throws her arms around him. They embrace for a moment, then break away. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) His name was Hanson. He worked for Walter O'Neill. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 47. 58 BACK TO SCENE 58 LOIS Leslie! Leslie looks up, his face ashen. He slowly opens his hand and the gun slips out, falling to the floor. LESLIE (in shock) It's Walter O'Neill. I think I killed him. Clark rushes over to O'Neill's body to feel for vital signs. There are none. CLARK What happened? LESLIE He showed up here and said he wanted to buy me out. I told him he was crazy and he pulled out a gun, saying either I sell, or end up like the others. We struggled, and the next thing I knew, the gun went off. Leslie's legs buckle and he sits in a chair. LESLIE (CONT'D) (losing it) I can't believe I actually killed a person. LOIS Looks like self-defense to me. LESLIE But there were no witnesses. Do you think the police will believe me? CLARK If it'll help, we think we have enough evidence to show O'Neill was the one behind Vixen and the deaths of the CEOs. LOIS And O'Neill might've been bankrolling the shadow killer as well. If Superman hadn't stopped him, you might've been his next victim. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 47. 55B CONTINUED: 2 55B LOIS I found out the murdered CEO's (X) were heads of those companies (X) O'Neill wanted to take over. So (X) O'Neill used Vixen to kill the CEOs then used Hanson to get rid of the (X) people who built her. (X) SUPERMAN (nodding) We have to get to Leslie. LOIS How is Leslie involved in all of this? SUPERMAN As a potential victim. His (X) company was next on the takeover (X) list. (X) CAMERA MOVES IN on Lois. (X) LOIS He said he was working late at the Planet tonight. 56 INT. DAILY PLANET - ELEVATORS - NIGHT 56 DING. The doors open, Lois and Clark come out into the (X) empty bullpen. They look around, then a GUN SHOT. They (X) rush off toward the conference room. (X) 57 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - ON DOORS 57(X) The doors fly open and Lois and Clark stand staring in at: 58 WIDER 58 Leslie Luckabee stands there, breathing hard, holding a (X) smoking gun. On the floor is the dead body of Walter (X) O'Neill. (X) LOIS Leslie! Leslie looks up, his face ashen. He slowly opens his hand and the gun slips out, falling to the floor. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 48. 58 CONTINUED: 58 LESLIE (relieved) I don't know what I'd do without the two of you. And Clark, I owe you an apology. CLARK We can talk about this.... LESLIE (holding up his hand) I just want to say that if I've been responsible for any misunderstandings between you and Lois, I sincerely regret it. CLARK Like I said, we can talk about it later. LESLIE (managing a smile) Thank you... thank you both. 59 INT. TOWN HOUSE - LATER THAT NIGHT 59 Lois and Clark enter, tossing their coats on the sofa. LOIS What a day. CLARK What a week. Clark takes Lois's hand and pulls her to him. CLARK (CONT'D) I'm sorry I got a little crazy. LOIS It's my fault. I never should've let Leslie talk me into keeping secrets from you. In the future, I promise full disclosure. CLARK And I promise to keep an open mind and an open heart. They come together in a kiss. CLARK (CONT'D) Still, I can't get rid of this gnawing suspicion about Leslie. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 48. 58 CONTINUED: 58 LESLIE (in shock) It's Walter O'Neill. I think I killed him. Clark rushes over to O'Neill's body to feel for vital signs. There are none. CLARK What happened? LESLIE He showed up here and said he wanted to buy me out. I told him he was crazy and he pulled out a gun, saying either I sell, or end up like the others. We struggled, and the next thing I knew, the gun went off. Leslie's legs buckle and he sits in a chair. LESLIE (CONT'D) (losing it) I can't believe I actually killed a person. LOIS A person who was trying to kill (X) _you_. (X) LESLIE But there were no witnesses. Do you think the police will believe me? CLARK We have evidence that O'Neill was (X) the one behind Vixen and the (X) deaths of the CEO's.... (X) LOIS ... As well as the shadow killer (X) and the other murders. (X) LESLIE (relieved) I don't know what I'd do without the two of you. And Clark, I owe you an apology. CLARK We can talk about this.... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 49. 59 CONTINUED: 59 LOIS Clark... CLARK Don't you think it's strange the way he popped into our lives? LOIS He popped into a lot of people's lives when he bought the Daily Planet. CLARK How about the fact that he arranged for you and me and go to the news writers convention... LOIS Which was a great honor. CLARK And then at the last minute, sent me off to San Francisco... LOIS For the most sought after interview of the year. CLARK Leaving him free to attend the convention himself... LOIS Who else was he going to send? Ralph? CLARK And he takes that opportunity to make a pass at you. LOIS Which we've already been over. (beat) Anything else? CLARK I guess not. Lois crosses over and picks up the phone jack to put it back into the wall, and suddenly looks at Clark. LOIS Oh, my God. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Gold Rev. 3/5/97 49. 58 CONTINUED: 2 58 LESLIE (holding up his hand) I just want to say that if I've been responsible for any misunderstandings between you and Lois, I sincerely regret it. CLARK Like I said, we can talk about it later. LESLIE (managing a smile) Thank you... thank you both. 59 EXT. TOWN HOUSE PATIO - ON WINE GLASSES - NIGHT 59 The second of two glasses is filled as we PULL BACK to find Lois pouring wine as Clark brings a couple plates of food outside. On the table also rest charts and pages of data as if work was being done out here. LOIS What a day. CLARK What a week. Clark takes Lois's hand and pulls her to him. CLARK (CONT'D) I'm sorry I got a little crazy with that Leslie thing. LOIS Well, I'm sorry I drive men so (X) wild there was even an issue. (X) Joke, honey. (X) They come together in a kiss. A moment as they hold each other, then: CLARK Lois, I haven't had a chance to tell you yet... I saw Dr. Klein. LOIS And... CLARK And he's gonna run some tests -- see if we're compatible. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) Green Rev. 3/4/97 49A. 59 CONTINUED: 59 LOIS We're compatible. (X) CLARK You know what I mean.... (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 50. 59 CONTINUED: 2 59 CLARK What is it? LOIS In all the confusion, I forgot until just now. CLARK Forgot what? LOIS Hanson said he was going to kill the son of the man who knew Superman's secret identity. CLARK Superman's identity? Who do you think he was talking about? LOIS Tempus? Can't be. Mxy? If he had a son, held be in the fifth dimension. Spenser Spenser? I don't think he had any children. CLARK Lex Luthor? LOIS Other than Xavier, Lex didn't have a son either. CLARK Or did he? Wasn't Hanson's next target Leslie? LOIS Leslie? That's... CLARK Before you say anything, take a look at this. Clark takes a printout from his briefcase and hands it to Lois. CLARK (CONT'D) The corporate flow chart of Luckabee Enterprises. Lois looks at the chart for a moment. LOIS It's almost a mirror image of LexCorp. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 50. 59 CONTINUED: 59 Another quick kiss, then they each grab a wine glass. (X) Clark looks at a couple of the pages. (X) CLARK (CONT'D) I wonder what'll happen to Walter (X) O'Neill's holdings now that he's (X) dead.... (X) (looks closer) You know, this list of the (X) companies he took over... There's (X) something familiar about it... (X) LOIS (looking over Clark's shoulder) Oh. Lex owned a lot of those. (X) CLARK Lex... _Luthor_? (X) LOIS Lex once showed me a whole diagram (X) of his kingdom. (X) (indicates Clark's page) That's about half of it. (X) CLARK (lost in thought) And the other half was.... (X) Lois is putting cheese on crackers. (X) LOIS Gee, lots of things. Utilities.... (X) transportation... phone company.... (X) broadcasting.... and at one point, the Daily Planet. (X) CLARK (mulling it over) Leslie Luckabee. (X) Clark grabs a paper from the table. (X) LOIS You're still suspicious of him. (X) CLARK Let's say he hasn't given me any (X) reason not to be. (X) (glances at page) Jimmy ran a list of Leslie's other (X) holdings. (X) (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 51. 59 CONTINUED: 3 59 CLARK Maybe the reason I don't feel comfortable around Leslie is because he reminds me of Lex... a lot. (beat) Do you think... Leslie Luckabee could actually... LOIS ... be Lex Luthor's son? Stay on Lois and Clark as they ponder this revelation. CUT TO: 60 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - SAME TIME 60 Mr. Smith is there as Leslie strides in. Symphonic music is playing. MR. SMITH You're alive, so I assume everything went according to plan? LESLIE It couldn't have gone better. Lane and Kent found almost every piece of evidence we planted. MR. SMITH Even the damning reflection in the photo of O'Neill? LESLIE Clark was particularly proud of that piece of detection. MR. SMITH They're very good. LESLIE Good enough to lay everything at the feet of O'Neill. When this hits the paper tomorrow, his entire empire will crumble, and we'll be around to pick up the pieces. MR. SMITH And as a special bonus, the name of Walter O'Neill will go down in history as a heartless murderer. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 51. 59 CONTINUED: 2 59 CLARK (CONT'D) (looks up at Lois) Utilities... transportation... (X) phone company... broadcasting (X) LOIS (stares) (X) The Daily Planet. (X) CLARK (holds two pages together) Put it all together and it's Lex's empire, Lois. If Leslie should (X) happen to scoop up the half (X) O'Neill owned.... LexCorp will (X) live again. (X) LOIS But it wasn't Leslie who was (X) putting it together, honey, it was (X) O'Neill. Leslie was _his_ next (X) victim. (X) (she suddenly freezes) (X) Oh God. In all the confusion I nearly forgot.... CLARK What? LOIS That shadow creature... who worked (X) for O'Neill... Before he died he (X) said the next victim was.... The (X) son of the man who knew Superman's (X) identity. CLARK (grimly) _Lex_ knew Superman's identity. (X) LOIS No, Clark, this is silly.... (X) CLARK Is it? (X) LOIS Lex only had the one son..! And (X) he's gone! (X) CLARK Lois, who _knows_ how many sons (X) Lex had? (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) G. Rosenberg 2/17/97 52. 60 CONTINUED: 60 LESLIE If you listen closely, you can hear Lex laughing from his grave. MR. SMITH If you listen closer, you can actually hear him speaking. Mr. Smith presses a button and Lex's voice fills the lair. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE After all these years, I was shocked but somewhat amused to discover Superman was masquerading as my other nemesis... the husband of my dear Lois ... none other than Clark Kent. Leslie reacts in shock. Mr. Smith delights with this knowledge. FADE OUT _THE END_ --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 52. 59 CONTINUED: 3 59 CLARK (CONT'D) All I know is there's a (X) mysterious guy who shows up outta (X) nowhere who may be poised to take (X) over Lex Luthor's empire. And (X) from what you're telling me, he (X) just might be... LOIS (hollow) ... Lex... Luthor's.... son. (X) 60 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - SAME TIME 60 Mr. Smith sips cognac, his feet up on the workbench. OPERA (X) soars in the background. (X) MR. SMITH You're alive, so I assume everything went according to plan? LESLIE It couldn't have gone better. Lane and Kent found every piece of (X) evidence we planted. MR. SMITH Even the damning reflection in the photo of O'Neill? LESLIE Clark was particularly proud of that piece of detection. MR. SMITH They're very good. LESLIE Good enough to lay everything at the feet of O'Neill. When this hits the paper tomorrow, his entire empire will crumble, and we'll be around to pick up the pieces. (pours cognac) If you listen closely, you can (X) hear Lex laughing from his grave. (X) MR. SMITH If you listen closer, you can actually hear him speaking. LESLIE (breathless) (X) You restored the recording? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SHADOW OF A DOUBT" (#18) FULL Blue 2/21/97 53. 60 CONTINUED: 60 MR. SMITH (an evil smile) (X) When have I failed you.... (X) 'Master?' (X) Mr. Smith presses a button and Lex's voice fills the lair. LEX LUTHOR'S VOICE After all these years, I was shocked but somewhat amused to discover Superman was masquerading as my other nemesis.... the beloved (X) of my dear Lois.... none other than Clark Kent. Leslie reacts in shock. Mr. Smith delights with this knowledge. Leslie picks up the photo of Lois, but Mr. (X) Smith snatches it from his hand and holds it adoringly (X) close to his own misshapen face, unable to suppress a vile (X) chortle as we (X) FADE OUT. _THE END_