Here we have both a Production copy and many extra color/revision pages, interwoven together. Unfortunately, as motivations for various characters seemed to change with the version changes, reading can become confusing. It might be easier to print pages out, collate them then compare. I note that the original (production) ending was much more interesting than the one I recall we saw on screen... 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 primitive printer, I had to tell my WP51 program that I was using legal paper) The use of (X) and asterisks probably means "this line/instruction changed" Notes: Cover: "Voice from the Past", Written by John McNamara [and] Directed by David Grossman are all in large bolt print. The remainder of the text is in Courier 10 (10 characters per inch) Typos noted: "alright" misspelled several times; should be "all right" On locations pages, "townhouse" versus "town house" in rest of script Page 5, FULL Blue, mid page, (X)'d description of what Lois is doing, "and and looks at it, smiling." "and" repeated Page 16, FULL Blue, two extra "(CONT'D) at top for unknown reason Page 27, FULL Blue, just below mid page, Lois says "Aren't they they ones who have to (X)" "they" repeated Page 28, Pink Rev, just below mid page, Mr. Smith speaks beside Leslie, "everythng" misspelled Page 49, production version, midway on page, Lois shoves her plate away--twice, without it being shoved back to her in between. Page 40, Gold Rev, 2nd descriptive paragraph from bottom, "Mr. Smith is horrified" "horrified" misspelled Observation: one wonders if many of the above errors were made due to rewriting haste considering how many little changes occurred between Production and Gold revisions --page break-- logo.bmp or logo.jpg "Voice from the Past" EPISODE NINETEEN Prod. #465219 Written by John McNamara Directed by David Grossman _Production Draft_ March 3, 1997 FULL Blue 3/6/97 Pink Rev. 3/10/97 Yellow R. 3/11/97 Green R. 3/12/97 Gold R. 3/12/97 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Voice From the Past_" _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE ________________________________________________________________ LESLIE LUCKABEE MR. SMITH DR. KLEIN CAROLYN COP --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Voice From the Past_" FULL Blue 3/6/97 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE ________________________________________________________________ LESLIE LUCKABEE MR. SMITH DR. KLEIN CAROLYN COP --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Voice From the Past_" _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 13 DAY #1 SC. 14 - 26 NIGHT #1 SC. 27 - 57 DAY #2 SC. 58 NIGHT #2 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Voice From the Past_" FULL Blue 3/6/97 _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. OA - 13 DAY #1 * SC. 14 - 26 NIGHT #1 SC. 27 - 43 DAY #2 * SC. 43A - 57 NIGHT #2 * SC. 58 DAY #3 * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Voice From the Past_" _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Star Labs Newsroom Parking Lot Conference Room Roof Lois and Clark's Townhouse City Street Living Room Bedroom Skyscraper Subway Tunnel Lair Cafe Alley --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Voice From the Past_" FULL Blue 3/6/97 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet * Newsroom * Conference Room * Lois and Clark's Townhouse City Street Living Room Bedroom Skyscraper Subway Tunnel Lair Cafe Star Labs * Alley Cafe * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Voice From the Past" _TEASE_ RECAP In which we recall that Leslie Luckabee is reassembling Lex Luthor's vast empire, aided by an unsightly troll, Mr. Smith. Leslie is actually Lex Luthor, Jr. Lois and Clark suspect Leslie's true identity. Leslie and the troll have just unearthed Lex Sr.'s last communication: Superman's secret identity is Clark Kent. 1 INT. TOWN HOUSE - MORNING - DAY #11 1 LOIS is at her laptop. SUPERMAN lands at the windows, strides in. SUPERMAN Hey, honey. He leans down. They kiss. LOIS What'd you find out in Australia? SUPERMAN Plenty. (produces it) Brought you a kiwi. LOIS Thanks. So... ? They move to kitchen. SUPERMAN Leslie Luckabee doesn't really exist. LOIS So he's definitely Lex Luthor, Jr. SUPERMAN No, all I could find -- She takes a knife, starts to peel the kiwi. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) (takes kiwi) Here. (CONTINUED) --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Voice From the Past" _TEASE_ RECAP In which we recall that Leslie Luckabee is reassembling Lex Luthor's vast empire, aided by an unsightly troll, Mr. Smith. Leslie is actually Lex Luthor, Jr. Lois and Clark suspect Leslie's true identity. Leslie and the troll have just unearthed Lex Sr.'s last communication: Superman's secret identity is Clark Kent. OA INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL - ON FRAYED CABLES - DAY #1 OA(X) SHOWER OF SPARKS as we hear the distant ROAR of a passing (X) train. CAMERA MOVES THROUGH the gloomy cavern as we begin (X) to hear O.S. (X) MR. SMITH (O.S.) (agitated, delighted, whispery) (X) Clark Kent is Superman, Clark Kent (X) is Superman, Clark Kent is (X) Superman... (X) We have come to the troll, MR. SMITH as he steps from the (X) bridge, full of evil pleasure. (X) MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Clark Kent is Superman... In a (X) way, too perfect... (X) He glances down at the dark water, catches sight of his (X) reflection. (X) MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Monster. (X) (kneels for a closer (X) look) (X) No thing of beauty like Superman. (X) OB THE WATER OB Mr. Smith's reflected face gazes out at us. CAMERA PUSHES (X) IN on the dark water, and we begin to see the image of SUPERMAN floating down as MR. SMITH (O.S.) But things of beauty never last. (X) DISSOLVE TO: --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 2. 1 CONTINUED: 1 He holds it in his hand and delicately laser-visions is the skin off during: SUPERMAN (CONT'D) All I could find was that Leslie's life seems to start about five years ago. Before that, blips and shadows. He then laser slices the kiwi and its pieces drop onto a plate, held by Lois. LOIS Well, I've been checking out what happened to all of Lex Luthor's bank accounts. (feeds him kiwi) SUPERMAN And? LOIS Frozen before his death. With only one way to access them. SUPERMAN (feeds her kiwi) An heir. LOIS (bites down) Yep. From this, to a sticky, kiwi kiss. 2 INT. LAIR - DAY 2 LESLIE comes in, furious, sees MR. SMITH across the room, stripping off some gloves. MR. SMITH Be careful. LESLIE A little late for 'careful.' Superman's been in Australia, he's been aski -- Leslie stumbles. Catches himself. Looks down at a DEAD BODY. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 2. 1 INT. TOWN HOUSE - ON WINDOW - DAY 1 SUPERMAN is landing at the window. LOIS sits typing at her (X) laptop, looks up as he strides in. There's a sense of (X) tension and purpose. (X) SUPERMAN Hey, honey. LOIS Hi. (X) 1A LOIS 1A A soft O.S. WHOOSH as: LOIS What'd you find out in Australia? CLARK, sans glasses, leans into FRAME. CLARK Plenty. (kisses her) (X) Leslie Luckabee doesn't really (X) exist. He puts on his glasses. (X) LOIS So there's a chance he is Lex (X) Luthor, Jr. CLARK Yeah. All I could find was that (X) Leslie's life seems to start about five years ago. Before that, blips and shadows. LOIS Well, I've been checking out what happened to all of Lex Luthor's bank accounts. CLARK And? LOIS Frozen before his death. With only one way to access them. CLARK An heir. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 3. 2 CONTINUED: 2 MR. SMITH (trying so hard to be patient) I meant, be careful not to trip over the dead body. LESLIE Oh, my God, who -- ? MR. SMITH City Councilman Rogers. LESLIE I don't understand. MR. SMITH Councilman Rogers balked at a LexCorp zoning plan. LESLIE You killed him over zoning? MR. SMITH It affects our tax base. LESLIE Look, tax base, forget that, we know Clark Kent is Superman. Why're we killing councilmen and not him? MR. SMITH Because that isn't the plan. LESLIE So what is the plan? MR. SMITH I thought it was obvious, even to you. Superman is going to become an employee of LexCorp. And you're going to marry Lois Lane. FADE OUT. _THE END_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 3. 1A CONTINUED: 1A LOIS Yep. Oh, but maybe we're wrong, Clark... Lex wasn't _old_ enough to have a son Leslie's age... CLARK Who knows how old Lex was? The guy was capable of anything. A chill descends on Lois. Clark puts his arms around her. CLARK The larger question is, if Leslie is the son, why's he lying....? LOIS And... does he know you're (X) Superman like his father did? (X) CLARK And... What does he want? (X) LESLIE (V.O.) You know what I want? DISSOLVE TO: 2 INT. LAIR - THE DARK WATER - DAY 2 The IMAGE of Lois and Clark lingers in the water for a moment as we DISSOLVE THROUGH and ADJUST to include MR. SMITH'S reflection. LESLIE (O.S.) I'll tell you what I want! I want action! 2A NEW ANGLE 2A An angry, dapper LESLIE marches toward Mr. Smith as the troll stands. LESLIE Superman's been in Australia, he's been asking questions about me! When do we get rid of him? MR. SMITH That was never part of the plan... LESLIE It should be! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 3A. 2A CONTINUED: 2A MR. SMITH No, no... The plan is far more elegant. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 4. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 3 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 3 Lois enters, is intercepted by JIMMY. JIMMY Here's that LexCorp research you asked for. Hands her a sheaf of papers. She scans them and beams. JIMMY (CONT'D) Lot of money moving. LOIS Sure is. She comes up to her desk and sees a rose there. She lifts it and sniffs. JIMMY World's most romantic husband strikes again. LOIS He's a love bandit. (re: the papers) Could you put in a call to this attorney in Washington, Jimmy? See if held mind answering a few questions? JIMMY Sure. She finds a vase, pops the rose and moves off to water it. As she does, REVEAL Mr. Smith nearby, watching her. Pleased she's pleased. PERRY enters with Leslie. PERRY Well, this is a first; I not only get to write a good news headline... but about my new boss. (banners it with his hand) 'PHONE COMPANY GIVES RATE BREAK -- First In Twenty Years, Thanks To New Owner Luckabee.' (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 4. 2A CONTINUED: 2A Mr. Smith straightens Leslie's tie and lapels, as CAMERA (X) MOVES IN. (X) MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Superman is going to become an (X) employee of LexCorp. (X) (beat) And you.... You are going to (X) marry... Lois Lane. We are TIGHT on Mr. Smith who smiles an evil smile as CAMERA PANS to Leslie, smiling back. FADE OUT. _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 5. 3 CONTINUED: 3 LESLIE I know, I was pretty shocked to see the hikes LexTel made over the years... PERRY You were shocked. I'd get that bill every month and wonder why it didn't come with a ransom note. LESLIE Well, Perry, it's never too late to right a wrong. PERRY (moving off) Can I quote you? They laugh and move past Lois, who now has the rose in water. Perry and Leslie moves into Perry's office. Lois moves to her desk. MR. SMITH walks in, carrying a suit, in his best supplicant mode. MR. SMITH Miss Lane? LOIS Hello, Mr. Smith. MR. SMITH Have you seen Mr. Luckabee? LOIS He's in with Perry. MR. SMITH He was working all night and called for a clean suit. LOIS Isn't that funny. MR. SMITH What's that? LOIS Well, that a man so wealthy and powerful would work that hard... (pause) I've only known one other man like that. MR. SMITH (looking at her) Really. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 5. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 3 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 3 Lois enters, is intercepted by JIMMY. JIMMY Here's that LexCorp research you asked for. Hands her a sheaf of papers. She scans them and beams. JIMMY (CONT'D) Lot of money moving. LOIS Sure is. She comes up to her desk and sees a rose there. She lifts it and and looks at it, smiling. (X) JIMMY World's most romantic husband strikes again. LOIS He's the best... (X) (re: the papers) Could you put in a call to this attorney in Washington, Jimmy? See if held mind answering a few questions? JIMMY Sure. 3A POV FROM INSIDE CONFERENCE ROOM DOORS 3A(X) We are peering through the blinds at Lois, who sniffs them (X) rose, smiles again, and pops the flower into a vase. (X) 3B NEW ANGLE 3B(X) It's Mr. Smith, in hat and overcoat, who is staring at Lois (X) through the blinds. He's pleased she's pleased. (X) 3C THE BULLPEN 3C PERRY enters with Leslie. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 6. 3 CONTINUED: 3 LOIS Mmm. Throughout the following, she studies Leslie in Perry's office -- talking, laughing, gesturing -- while Smith, very still, stands beside Lois and studies her. MR. SMITH And where is that man today? LOIS Dead. MR. SMITH I shall have to warn Mr. Luckabee. LOIS You've, uh, been working for him long? MR. SMITH Oh, yes. LOIS And he's a good boss? MR. SMITH Is this an interview, Miss Lane? LOIS No. Just curious. MR. SMITH He's unique among the men I've known. Powerful, determined... but with a heart quite tender. Perhaps because he's been alone for so long. Or perhaps because his life has been more about achievement than feeling ... and he's never been able to share ... what he _really_ wants. LOIS And what's that? MR. SMITH His true self. With another. Isn't that what everyone wants? LOIS That and a good diet after Christmas. (pointedly) What's his secret? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 6. 3C CONTINUED: 3C PERRY Well, this is a first; I not only get to run a good news headline... but about my new boss. (banners it with his hand) 'PHONE COMPANY GIVES RATE BREAK First In Twenty Years, Thanks To New Owner Luckabee.' LESLIE I know, I was pretty shocked to see the hikes LexTel made over the years... PERRY _You_ were shocked. I'd get that bill every month and wonder why it didn't come with a ransom note. They've reached Lois, desk. (X) PERRY (CONT'D) Lois honey, could you take the story on this phone thing? Sounds (X) like Leslie here's got _lots_ of (X) plans for his company. (X) LOIS (evenly) I'll bet he does. (X) Perry goes off as Leslie notices the rose. (X) LESLIE Lovely. From an admirer? (X) LOIS When do you want to do the (X) interview? (X) LESLIE Now? Step over to my temporary (X) office. (X) (as they go) (X) Is this tension I'm picking up? (X) You're not still angry with me. (X) LOIS To tell you the truth, I'm not (X) sure what I am, Leslie. Other (X) than a reporter. Who's been asked (X) to do a story. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 7. 3 CONTINUED: 3 3 MR. SMITH Sorry? LOIS The secret... of Leslie's success? Their eyes meet. He looks away. MR. SMITH He would have to tell you that. LOIS He's not very forthcoming. MR. SMITH Oh, he can be. When you earn his trust. Lois' phone RINGS. She takes it. LOIS Pardon me. (into receiver) Lois Lane. Oh, hi. Yes, just a few questions about the Lex Luthor accounts. She turns away, murmuring into the phone. As she does, her back to Smith, he slides a device out from under the suit of clothes he is holding. Hand-held, with a glowing screen face. It pulses silently behind her. He adjusts a dial. LOIS (CONT'D) I see. Really. Hm. Finished, Smith slips the device back under the clothes and moves off. Lois rubs her eyes. 4 LOIS POV 4 a bit blurry. 5 BACK TO LOIS 5 she blinks. 6 HER POV 6 clears. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 7. 3C CONTINUED: 2 3C LESLIE Really. At the very least, I thought we were friends. He opens the door, startled to find Mr. Smith standing there. Smith cringes in the light, backs into the shadows. LESLIE (CONT'D) What are you doing here? Smith snatches a suit on hanger from the table. MR. SMITH It's your new suit... Sir. I told the tailor he'd not get a cent 'til you'd personally approved it. (annoyed) LESLIE I'm sure it's fine. Now... MR. SMITH Oh, it's a masterpiece, sir. Miss Lane, look at this workmanship. He nervously approaches Lois, holding the suit out to her. One of his hands grips the hanger, the suit drapes over his other arm. Lois suppresses a shudder as he nears her. LOIS It's... very nice. MR. SMITH Feel the fabric, Miss Lane. It's a beauty... Lois smiles resignedly, reaches out to the fabric. 3D UNDERSIDE OF SUIT 3D In Smith's hand, concealed beneath the suit, is a device with a small, glowing screen. Tiny lights flash as he aims is at Lois, getting it as close to her as he can. (X) LESLIE (O.S.) Ms. Lane doesn't _want_ to feel the fabric. Ms. Lane and I wish to be left alone. MR. SMITH (O.S.) Very well, sir, as you wish. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 8. 7 BACK TO SCENE 7 LOIS Sorry? I missed that last part. Got it. And thank you. She hangs up, rubs her eyes again. Clark walks up, kisses her. CLARK Hey, you. LOIS Clark. Seven of Lex Luthor's major cash accounts, ones frozen after his death? Have been accessed... by an heir. CLARK Was it Leslie? LOIS I don't know. (looking into Perry's office at Leslie and Smith and Perry) Let's ask him. By the way, thanks. CLARK You're welcome. For what? LOIS The rose, silly. CLARK I didn't get you a rose. He glances in at Leslie. LOIS Oh. CLARK (pissed at Leslie) And yes, I think this would be an excellent time to confront Leslie. 8 EXT. CITY STREET - DAY 8 Two BURLY GENTS in too-tight-for-their-broad-chest suits march down the street, check their watches and enter a building. A beat, then a sudden, SHATTERING EXPLOSION. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 6. 3E BACK TO SCENE 3E MR. SMITH I just feel a thing of beauty... (X) Deserves to be admired. (X) During this last, he stares at Lois with barely concealed (X) longing. Leslie notes this with irritation. (X) LESLIE That'll be all, Mr. Smith. Smith nods deferentially, slithers off around the side of (X) the conference room. Lois meanwhile, rubs her eyes. (X) 4 LOIS POV 4 a bit blurry. 5 BACK TO LOIS 5 she blinks. 6 HER POV 6 clears. 7 BACK TO SCENE 7 LESLIE Now where were we? (X) LOIS (clearing her head) Leslie.... Can we do this a little (X) later? (X) He watches her, puzzled, as she goes back to her desk. Then Leslie goes back into the conference room. 7A AT LOIS' DESK 7A She gives her head another shake. She's feeling better as (X) Clark strolls up. (X) CLARK Hey, you. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 9. 9 INT. PLANET - DAY 9 Lois talking, Clark looks up, super-hearing the RUMBLE and SCREAMS. LOIS We get him alone, we hit him fast and hard, then -- CLARK Hold that thought. There's been an explosion. LOIS Well, go, go, I'll wait for you. CLARK Be right back He heads for an exit, loosening his tie. 10 EXT. CITY STREET - DAY 10 Amid the CHAOS of FIRE, SMOKE and STAGGERING PEDESTRIANS, Superman lands, races into the building. We hear a WHOOSH of superbreath and the FIRE dies down, the SMOKE is sucked away. Superman emerges. A COP races up. COP Is anyone -- ? Superman shakes his head. COP (CONT'D) What did it, Superman? SUPERMAN All I could find was this. He holds up a tiny electronic chip. Partially burned. 11 INT. PLANET - DAY 11 Waiting patiently, not exactly one of Lois' strong points, Lois sees Leslie and Smith emerge, shaking hands with Perry. Then leaving. He moves past Lois, smiles a friendly smile, heading for the elevator. LOIS You're not leaving... LESLIE 'Fraid so, late for lunch, in yesterday's clothes. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 9. 7A CONTINUED: 7A LOIS Hi. Guess what. (X) (holds up papers) (X) Seven of Lex Luthor's major cash accounts, ones frozen after his death? Have been accessed... by an heir. CLARK Was it Leslie? LOIS I don't know. She looks off at the conference room, where Leslie can be (X) seen, jovially speaking to someone on the phone. (X) LOIS (CONT'D) Let's ask him. By the way, thanks. CLARK You're welcome. For what? LOIS The rose, silly. CLARK I didn't get you a rose. He glances in at Leslie. LOIS Oh. CLARK (pissed at Leslie) And yes, I think this would be an excellent time to confront Leslie. 8 EXT. CITY STREET - DAY 8 Two BURLY GENTS in too-tight-for-their-broad-chest suits march down the street, check their watches and enter a building. A beat, then a sudden, SHATTERING EXPLOSION. 9 INT. PLANET - DAY 9 Lois talking, Clark looks up, super-hearing the RUMBLE and SCREAMS. LOIS We get him alone, we hit him fast and hard, then -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 10. 11 CONTINUED: 11 LOIS (blurts) I need to talk to you. LESLIE Oh. (stops) Okay. Uhh, Smith why don't you go on ahead and explain to the Mayor I'm running a bit late. MR. SMITH Very well, sir. Smith leaves the suit with Leslie, moves off. LESLIE (moves to Lois, glances at the rose, smiles) All rightie, then... 12 EXT. STAR LABS - DAY 12 DR. KLEIN, in shorts and sport shirt, exits with a light heart and a song in his voice, carrying a few bags stuffed with beach vacation items. Heads for his car. Superman lands in front of him. SUPERMAN Dr. Klein -- DR. KLEIN Ah, Superman, tests aren't back yet. SUPERMAN Tests? DR. KLEIN Your, uh, ability to have -- (gestures) -- children? But we should have them soon, call Bernie on Monday, I'm sorry, but I'm catching a flight. Barbados. SUPERMAN I wouldn't ask if this weren't really important. There was an explosion. Downtown. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Gold Rev. 3/12/97 10. 9 CONTINUED: 9 CLARK Hold that thought. There's been an explosion. Don't do anything 'til (X) I get back! He heads for an exit, loosening his tie. 10 EXT. CITY STREET - DAY 10 Amid the CHAOS of FIRE, SMOKE and STAGGERING PEDESTRIANS, Superman lands, races into the building. We hear a WHOOSH of superbreath and the FIRE dies down, the SMOKE is sucked away. Superman emerges. A COP races up. COP Is anyone -- ? Superman shakes his head. COP (CONT'D) What did it, Superman? SUPERMAN All I could find was this. He holds up the charred remains of a tiny electronic device 11 INT. PLANET - LOIS' DESK - DAY 11 Waiting patiently, not exactly one of Lois' strong points. She sees Leslie in the conference room, putting on an overcoat, clearly about to leave. As he opens the door, she hurries up to him. LOIS You're not leaving... LESLIE 'Fraid so, late for a lunch. LOIS But the interview... (too lightly) We working reporters have deadlines, you know... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 11. 12 CONTINUED: 12 DR. KLEIN Did you know that between you and Lois and Clark and the lab, I haven't had a vacation in five years? SUPERMAN Look, this shouldn't take too long. It's a chip from the explosive and -- DR. KLEIN Superman, can we talk? Man to man? SUPERMAN Sure. DR. KLEIN There's something else I haven't done in... well, it hasn't been quite five years... but close. SUPERMAN Uh-_huh_. DR. KLEIN I met her at a chemical weapons seminar. SUPERMAN Dr. Klein, if I didn't think lives were at risk -- DR. KLEIN Her name is Carolyn. SUPERMAN -- and if I thought anybody else could handle this -- DR. KLEIN She's waiting for me, right now, in a shack on a beach. She's a particle physicist from MIT, she's twenty-five and she thinks I'm a god. SUPERMAN Just take one look at this chip. It's incredibly sophisticated, I've never seen anything like it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 11. 11 CONTINUED: 11 LESLIE Well... I suppose I could be... a little later... All charm, thinking Lois is thawing, he opens the door to (X) the conference room, gestures for her to enter. (X) 12 INT. STAR LABS - DAY 12(X) DR. KLEIN, in shorts and sport shirt, starts to exit with a (X) light heart and a song in his voice, carrying a few bags stuffed with beach vacation items. Superman charges in, (X) they nearly collide. (X) SUPERMAN Dr. Klein -- DR. KLEIN Whatever it is, Superman, it'll (X) have to wait. I'm sorry, but I'm catching a plane to Barbados. (X) SUPERMAN I wouldn't ask if this weren't really important. There was an explosion. Downtown. DR. KLEIN Did you know that between you and Lois and Clark and the lab, I haven't had a vacation in five years? SUPERMAN Look, this shouldn't take too (X) long. It's a mechanism from the (X) explosive and -- DR. KLEIN Can we talk? Man to man? (X) SUPERMAN Sure. DR. KLEIN There's something else I haven't done in... well, it hasn't been quite five years... but close. SUPERMAN Uh-_huh_. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 12. 12 CONTINUED: 2 12 DR. KLEIN 'A god.' She actually e-mailed those words into my hard drive. So -- (gets a glimpse) -- a Nelberg processor. Look at that. Where did he get a Nelberg, those are highly classified defense department only. (looks at it) Hmm. SUPERMAN I could fly her up. She could spend a day or two in Metropolis, then I'll fly you both down to the islands, no charge. DR. KLEIN (lost in the chip) Hm? Oh, yes, yes. That'd be wonderful. (moving off with the chip) I'll be in my lab. Superman capes out. 13 INT. PLANET CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 13 Lois and Leslie. LESLIE ... well, I don't _mean_ to be evasive about my background, I'm just a very private person. She watches him carefully. LOIS Private is one thing. A life that only starts five years ago is another. LESLIE You want to know if I'm hiding something. LOIS Yes. LESLIE Well, we all have secrets. Don't we? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 12. 12 CONTINUED: 12 DR. KLEIN Her name is Carolyn. I met her at a chemical weapons seminar. SUPERMAN Dr. Klein, if I didn't think lives were at risk -- DR. KLEIN She's waiting for me, right now, in a shack on a beach. She's a particle physicist from MIT, she's twenty-five and she thinks I'm a god. SUPERMAN Just take a look at this thing. It's incredibly sophisticated, I've never seen anything like it. DR. KLEIN 'A god.' She actually e-mailed those words into my hard drive. So -- (gets a glimpse) -- a Nelberg processor. Look at that. Where did he get a Nelberg, those are highly classified... (looks at it) Hmm. SUPERMAN I could fly her up. She could spend a day or two in Metropolis, then I'll fly you both down to the islands, no charge. DR. KLEIN (lost in the device) Hm? Oh, yes, yes. That'd be wonderful. Lemme just run some tests on this thing. He turns to his work table. Superman starts out with a pleased smile, then: DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) Speaking of tests.... The ones we (X) ran on you? The first batch of (X) results are in and I must say it (X) looks encouraging. (X) SUPERMAN Great! So I _can_ have children? Hypothetically, I mean. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 13. 13 CONTINUED: 13 LOIS This is about you, Leslie. LESLIE You're right. Being evasive again. That and glib are two things I really have to get under control. (beat) We both know what this is about... don't we? (smiles ruefully) You're so smart, Lois, I knew the minute we met you'd figure it out, I just didn't know it'd be this fast. LOIS Figure out your real name, you mean? LESLIE (nods) Lex -- (stops) LOIS -- Luthor, Jr. Pause. They stare at each other. He smiles. LESLIE It's, uh, even a little hard for me to say. Must not be much fun to hear. LOIS What do you want here? Why've you lied to everyone? LESLIE (turning away from her) I didn't see much of my father growing up. We weren't close. But he did come to visit me at school once. It was probably right around the time he was setting up LexCorp here in Metropolis. And he asked me... 'Do you believe the sins of the father are visited upon the son?' I told him I didn't know and he said, 'You'd better hope not. For your sake.' Then he smiled. That was the last time I ever saw him. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 13. 12 CONTINUED: 2 12 DR. KLEIN Well, there is one last test I need to run... SUPERMAN Then let's do it. (X) DR. KLEIN (uncomfortable) Right. Okay, well then, why don't (X) you just step into that little (X) room over there and, you know, (X) we'll go from there. (X) SUPERMAN Step into the little room. (X) DR. KLEIN That one there. (X) SUPERMAN Just me? (X) DR. KLEIN Just you. (X) SUPERMAN No one else. (X) DR. KLEIN You'll be alone. (X) LOIS What's in the room? (X) DR. KLEIN Nothing's in the room. (X) SUPERMAN Nothing? (X) DR. KLEIN _No_. Well alright, some (X) magazines. (X) SUPERMAN Oh. Okay. (X) He starts off, immediately returns. (X) SUPERMAN (CONT'D) I don't understand. What exactly (X) is supposed to happen in there? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 14. 13 CONTINUED: 2 13 LESLIE (CONT'D) (turns to her) I'm not my father, Lois. LOIS You have a lot in common. An elastic sense of truth, for one. LESLIE I'll tell the world who I am now, if that's what you want. And finish what I came here to do... LOIS Which is what? LESLIE Make up for everything he did to the world... and to you. She looks at him. Hard. LESLIE (CONT'D) Lois, I didn't choose my name, my father, or... (stops; something seems to catch; he goes on) ... the life he left me. I want to do good. And I want you... (pause; lets that hang a moment) ... to know how much I need your understanding. And, if I earn it someday, your respect. I've never met anyone like you. She softens somewhat. LOIS This is news, Leslie. Big news. But we'll give you the chance to think it over first and say it in your own words. LESLIE Thank you. LOIS One last thing? Please don't give me flowers. It upsets me... and my husband. LESLIE Flowers? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 14. 12 CONTINUED: 3 12 Dr. Klein looks heavenward, grabs Superman's arm, starts (X) leading him toward the room. (X) DR. KLEIN God, I could be on a plane right (X) now. (X) 13 INT. PLANET CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 13 Lois and Leslie. LESLIE ... well, I don't mean to be evasive about my background, I'm just a very private person. She watches him carefully. LOIS Private is one thing. A life that only starts five years ago is another. LESLIE Well, we all have secrets. Don't we? LOIS This is about you, Leslie. LESLIE You're right. Being evasive again. (beat) We both know what this is about... don't we? (smiles ruefully) You're so smart, Lois, I knew the minute we met you'd figure it out, I just didn't know it'd be this fast. LOIS Figure out your real name, you mean? LESLIE (nods) Lex -- (stops) LOIS -- Luthor, Jr. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 15. 13 CONTINUED: 3 13 LOIS The rose on my desk. LESLIE I didn't give you a rose, Lois. LOIS Well, then who...? 14 INT. LAIR - NIGHT #1 14 Mr. Smith bends before a small patch of simple beauty in this Grand Guignol labyrinth: an indoor garden of roses, beneath sun lamps. He tends and clips, carefully, lovingly. opera plays. Leslie enters. MR. SMITH Well done. An excellent performance. Lois seemed suitably moved. LESLIE She was suitably going for me... MR. SMITH (not pleased) Yes. I saw that. LESLIE ... yeah, but how would you know? You weren't there. MR. SMITH Oh, I was there. LESLIE I don't understand. MR. SMITH You'll be getting a call from the authorities. I blew up a building this afternoon. Wouldn't really interest anyone much... but there were half a dozen people in it. LESLIE Sorry, you did what? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 15. 13 CONTINUED: 13 Pause. They stare at each other. He smiles. LESLIE It's, uh, even a little hard for me to say. Must not be much fun to hear. LOIS What do you want here? Why've you lied to everyone? LESLIE (turning away from her) I didn't see much of my father growing up. I was raised and (X) educated behind high walls, where my father visited me once. Just once. And he asked me... 'Do you believe the sins of the father are visited upon the son?' I told him I didn't know and he said, 'You'd better hope not. For your sake.' Then he smiled. That was the last time I ever saw him. (turns to her) I'm not my father, Lois. LOIS You have a lot in common. An elastic sense of truth, for one. LESLIE I'll tell the world who I am now, if that's what you want. And finish what I came here to do... LOIS Which is what? LESLIE Make up for everything he did to the world... and to you. She looks at him. Hard. LESLIE (CONT'D) Lois, I didn't choose my name, my father, or... (stops; something seems to catch; he goes on) ... the life he left me. I want to do good. And I want you... (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 16. 14 CONTINUED: 14 MR. SMITH (tosses him Planet with explosion headline) I murdered several LexCorp employees and the union leaders they were secretly meeting with. No more of this nonsense about Lexcorp going union. But of course, you'll publicly say what a tragedy it all is... and you're currently investigating. And LexCorp will eventually go union. once we control it. I'll write it all down for you, don't worry. He moves to the console. Hits several buttons. Screens flicker to life. LESLIE What is this? MR. SMITH It's the way in which I was able to know everything you said to Lois in the conference room. Watch. And on one screen -- 15 A HAND-HELD POV OF THE TOWN HOUSE 15 as if we are someone in the kitchen, preparing a tray of dinner with our feminine hands. 16 BACK TO SCENE 16 LESLIE I don't understand. MR. SMITH You know, lately, I just can't hear that enough. It's got the soothing lull of a mantra. (picks up hand device from Planet) This is a neural -- sorry, brain scanner. You see, every person gives off a kind of... frequency. It's like each of us is a TV station broadcasting sound and pictures. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 16. 13 CONTINUED: 2 13 LESLIE (CONT'D) (CONT'D) (CONT'D) (pause; lets that hang a moment) ... to know how much I need your understanding. (X) She softens somewhat. LOIS This is news, Leslie. Big news. But we'll give you the chance to think it over first and say it in your own words. LESLIE Thank you. LOIS One last thing? Please don't give me flowers. It upsets me... and my husband. LESLIE Flowers? LOIS The rose on my desk. LESLIE I didn't give you a rose, Lois. LOIS Well, then who...? 14 INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - NIGHT #1 14 Mr. Smith bends before a small patch of simple beauty in this Grand Guignol labyrinth: an indoor garden of roses, beneath sun lamps. He tends and clips, carefully, lovingly. OPERA plays. Leslie enters. LESLIE Don't give her roses. It upsets. (X) her. (X) MR. SMITH Upsets her? Or you? You're (X) getting carried away with your (X) playacting. Nice performance just (X) now, by the way. Lois seemed (X) suitably moved. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 17. 16 CONTINUED: 16 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) This -- (the hand device) -- measures and locks onto that frequency... and this -- (indicate the console) -- picks up what's being beamed out. The way a TV set would. LESLIE You mean this is...? We're looking at...? MR. SMITH The world, as seen and heard by Lois Lane. 17 INTERCUT TOWN HOUSE 17 We now see it's Lois who is preparing the dinner tray. She picks it up and walks out of the kitchen. 18 INTERCUT POV ON SCREEN 18 of Lois entering the living room. 19 LESLIE AND SMITH WATCHING 19 LESLIE I don't believe it. MR. SMITH Well, I suppose that's a step up from 'I don't understand.' 20 LOIS ENTERS THE TOWN HOUSE LIVING ROOM 20 where Clark gets up and helps her with the tray. They set it down on a table strewn with laptops, notes, files, etc. CLARK Mmm, smells good. LOIS How we coming? CLARK Well, the pieces are starting to fit. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 17. 14 CONTINUED: 14 LESLIE How would you know? You weren't (X) there. MR. SMITH Oh, I was there. LESLIE, I don't understand. MR. SMITH You'll be getting a call from the (X) authorities. I blew up a building this afternoon. LESLIE What? MR. SMITH (tosses him Planet with explosion headline) I murdered several LexCorp employees and the union leaders they were secretly meeting with. No more of this nonsense about LexCorp going union. But of course, you'll publicly say what a tragedy it all is... I'll write (X) it all down for you, don't worry. Leslie bristles a bit at the condescension as Smith moves to the console, hits several buttons. Screens flicker to life. LESLIE What is this? MR. SMITH It's the way in which I was able to know everything you said to Lois upstairs. Watch. (X) And on one screen -- 15 A HAND-HELD POV OF THE TOWN HOUSE 15 as if we are someone in the kitchen, preparing a tray of dinner with our feminine hands. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 18. 20 CONTINUED: 20 CLARK (CONT'D) Lex Luthor, Jr. was born in Hong Kong, mother died in childbirth; Lex, Sr, sent him to live with relatives in England, then school in Australia. Only weird thing is, no pictures. Except this one... He shows her a faxed copy of a baby picture. Tiny child in big adult hands. A baby with the saddest eyes you've ever seen. Lois looks at it. LOIS I don't know, I can't help but feel... sorry for him. 21 WITH LESLIE AND SMITH 21 watching and listening. LOIS (V.O.) At the same time, I have this feeling that there's something else going on here... something evil. It's the way I'd feel deep in the pit of my stomach whenever Lex would smile. Smith smiles; hits a button. Mutes the sound. Turns away. LESLIE She's an incredible woman, isn't she? MR. SMITH (nods) Oh, yes. She is that. LESLIE I gotta admit, I thought she was kinda snotty at first, y'know, but I think she's hot. I can't wait. I'm a lucky guy. MR. SMITH You're lucky in a number of respects. Lucky I found you in that penal colony. Lucky I educated and trained you. Lucky I handed you the world's most powerful corporation... LESLIE Hey. You got a problem? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 18. 16 BACK TO SCENE 16 MR. SMITH (picks up hand device from Planet) This is a neural scanner. Every person's brain gives off a kind of... frequency. It's like each of us is broadcasting sound and pictures. This -- (the hand device) -- specifically locks onto the (X) frequency of those sounds and (X) pictures... and this -- (X) (indicate the console) shows us what's being beamed (X) out. (an evil smile) I scanned Lois and locked into her. LESLIE You mean this is...? We're looking at...? MR. SMITH The world, as seen and heard by Lois Lane. 17 INTERCUT TOWN HOUSE 17 We now see it's Lois who is preparing the dinner tray. She picks it up and walks out of the kitchen. 18 INTERCUT POV ON SCREEN 18 of Lois entering the living room. 19 LESLIE AND SMITH WATCHING 19 LESLIE I don't believe it. 20 LOIS ENTERS THE TOWN HOUSE LIVING ROOM 20 where Clark gets up and helps her with the tray. They set it down on a table strewn with laptops, notes, files, etc. CLARK I saw Dr. Klein today for those tests... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 18A. 20 CONTINUED: 20 LOIS Oh good, Honey. When do we find (X) out? (X) CLARK Few days... (X) (then; re files) (X) (CONTINUED). --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 19. 21 CONTINUED: 21 MR. SMITH Let us be clear with one another, so that the lines of truth and fiction don't blur and cause you to understand even less. You pretend to be in love with Lois Lane. I am in love with Lois Lane. You play Lex Luthor, Jr. (nose to nose) I am Lex Luthor, Jr. Never forget that. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 19. 20 CONTINUED: 2 20 CLARK Well, the pieces are starting to fit. Lex Luthor, Jr. was born in Hong Kong, mother died in childbirth; Lex, Sr, sent him to Australia, where... not another living soul seems to have ever seen him. Lois picks up some of the research, looks at it. LOIS Wow. I don't know, I can't help feeling... a little sorry for him. 21 WITH LESLIE AND SMITH 21 watching and listening. On the console is Clark, as viewed by Lois. LOIS (V.O.) But I have this feeling there's something else going on here... It's the way I'd feel deep in the pit of my stomach whenever Lex would smile. Smith smiles; hits a button. Mutes the sound. Turns away. LESLIE She's an incredible woman, isn't she? MR. SMITH (nods) Oh, yes. She is that. LESLIE I admit, at first I didn't like her much... But now I think... (X) Smith stares. MR. SMITH What? (X) LESLIE I think... I've never felt quite this way about a woman. Can't (X) tell you how much I'm looking (X) forward to marriage. Smith is suddenly in a fury, grabs Leslie by the lapels. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 20. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 22 INT. LAIR - NIGHT 22 Later. Smith sits at his console. Staring at a black screen, listening to gentle, regular BREATHING. Then a rustle of body against sheets. 23 INTERCUT LOIS AND CLARK 23 in bed, sleeping. Her eyes flutter open. She looks at Clark, peaceful and unconscious. 24 BACK TO SMITH & LOIS' POV 24 as her arm drapes around Clark. LESLIE Man, the way you're inside her. Still. It's the only time you seem halfway human. MR. SMITH Aren't you late for a facial? LESLIE Y'know, you can make fun of me all you want... call me dumb, call me lucky, whatever. But check out your competition. He gestures to Clark, there on SCREEN as -- 25 INTERPUT LOIS 25 her eyes fluttering shut -- 26 BACK TO SCENE 26 and the screen going black again. MR. SMITH I have no competition. LESLIE Yeah, well, good thing. MR. SMITH Was that some crude attempt at sarcasm? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 20. 21 CONTINUED: 21 MR. SMITH Listen to me. _You_ are a lucky man. Lucky I found you bussing (X) tables in that cafe, hoping for an (X) acting break. Lucky I educated (X) and trained you. Lucky I handed you the world's most powerful corporation... LESLIE Fine... Take it easy... MR. SMITH Let us be clear with one another, so the lines of truth and fiction don't blur and cause your luck to _change_. You _pretend_ to be in love with Lois Lane! I _am_ in love with Lois Lane! You _play_ Lex Luthor, Jr.! (nose to nose) I am Lex Luthor, Jr.! (beat) Never forget that. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 21. 26 CONTINUED: 26 LESLIE I'm saying, check out a mirror one of these days. See, I've had it with you ordering me around. I'm not your employee anymore. I'm your partner. MR. SMITH Really. LESLIE And that's how you're gonna treat me from now on. MR. SMITH Why Leslie, I feel as if I'm watching all of evolution at high speed. You're talking back, making jokes. Next you'll be coming down out of your tree, bragging about your opposable thumbs. The whole thing's positively Darwinian. A moment of face off. Then Leslie breaks into a big grin. LESLIE See, I love this, we're a team. _You're_ smart. And my face doesn't make people puke. But from tonight on, we get this clear. You and me. Fifty-fifty. (laughs, shrugs) Sure, you can cut me loose. But tomorrow's the day I come out. Whole plan hinges on that, right? You wanna explain to the world I'm just a front? I don't think so, buddy boy. Not a big credibility booster for the new LexCorp. MR. SMITH Wow. Guess you've... got me. LESLIE Yep. MR. SMITH Guess I have a new partner. LESLIE (holds out hand) Put her there. Smith and Leslie shake. But as Leslie turns away and attacks the last of his pudding, the stare Smith aims at his back is positively lethal. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 21. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 22 INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - NIGHT 22 Later. Smith sits at his console. Staring at a black screen, listening to gentle, regular BREATHING. Then a rustle of body against sheets. 23 INTERCUT TOWN HOUSE BEDROOM - LOIS AND CLARK - NIGHT 23 in bed, sleeping. Her eyes flutter open. She looks at Clark, peaceful and unconscious. 24 BACK TO SMITH & LOIS' POV 24 as her arm drapes around Clark, strokes his hair. Leslie enters, stares. LESLIE My God, the way you're inside her. Still. It's the only time you seem halfway human. MR. SMITH Aren't you late for a facial? LESLIE You can make fun of me all you want call me lucky, whatever. But check out your competition. He gestures to Clark, there on SCREEN as -- 25 INTERCUT LOIS 25 her eyes fluttering shut -- 26 BACK TO SCENE 26 and the screen going black again. MR. SMITH My last name is 'Luthor;' I _have_ (X) no competition. What I have is.... power. LESLIE And good thing. Look in a mirror one of these days. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 22. 27 EXT. SKYSCRAPER - DAY #2 27 Leslie stands. Before him, a THRONG of PEDESTRIANS and REPORTERS. Behind him, an enormous tarp. LESLIE I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Lex Luthor, Jr. A MAD CLICK of cameras and crowd sounds. LESLIE (CONT'D) (looks up from podium) Funny. I thought that would be much harder to say. In fact, it feels... like a weight being lifted. Like light being let into a dark place. Among the assembled, Lois and Clark, watching. Skeptical. Jimmy with them, snapping photos. Perry alongside, eyeing Leslie with a veteran's critical eye. LESLIE (CONT'D) Because I've been ashamed of that name my whole life. I've tried running, tried hiding. (shakes head) But there's a reason Shakespeare wrote, 'This above all else -- to thine own self be true.' Just hate that Shakespeare guy, he's always right. Smith, in the shadows nearby, has to laugh with the crowd at Leslie's offhanded charm. LESLIE (CONT'D) You can't run from who you are. And you can't hide from what you need to do. So. He raises a hand. The tarp comes tumbling down. Revealing huge steel letters that read: LUTHOR TOWER. LESLIE (CONT'D) Today, we start a new age. The name Luthor, no longer synonymous with greed. From this day on, it means healing. In addition to the already-announced phone rate rollbacks, my utility companies will be cutting all power and water bills by one third. There is an audible and positive response to this. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 22. 26 CONTINUED: 26 He smiles a bit and starts out. Smith slams his hand down on the console. MR. SMITH You forget your place, busboy! LESLIE No, you forget yours! I've had it with you ordering me around. I'm not your employee anymore. I'm your partner. MR. SMITH (controlling his rage with difficulty) Really. LESLIE You can't exist without me. In fact, you don't. _We_ may know you're really Lex, but no one else does. And they won't. (bearing down on Smith) Because I finally realized... You can't exist up there. (points up) You're too hideous. Too terrified. You can only experience life through _me_. (claps him on the back) Well, you'll experience it to the hilt 'cause that's what _I'll_ be doing! He turns and goes. LESLIE (CONT'D) Enjoy the ride. (looks back) But don't order me around anymore. He goes off, and the look Smith aims at his back is positively lethal. 27 EXT. SKYSCRAPER - DAY #2 27 Leslie stands at a lectern. Before him, a THRONG of PEDESTRIANS and REPORTERS. Behind him, an enormous tarp. LESLIE I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Lex Luthor, Jr. A MAD CLICK of cameras and crowd sounds. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 23. 27 CONTINUED: 27 LESLIE (CONT'D) But of course, this is just the beginning. And money is the least of the debt my family owes to the citizens of Metropolis. From this moment on, everything I do will prove that. A collective CHEER takes us to -- 28 LOIS, CLARK, JIMMY, PERRY - LATER 28 as the Crowd disperses. JIMMY Well, you gotta admit -- whatever his name is, guy knows how to work a crowd. PERRY I just can't quite get my head around it. Lex Luthor's son. LOIS _You_ can't get your head around it. CLARK I've been listening to the crowd, though. He's got something they like. Clark's cell phone RINGS. He flips it open. CLARK (CONT'D) Kent. He listens, as -- LOIS Yeah. It's called money. He's throwing it at 'em. PERRY Time honored tactic. Often used by the King himself. He'd fire somebody, re-hire 'em, and give 'em a Cadillac. LOIS I think they understand how he must feel. He conveyed that very... convincingly. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 23. 27 CONTINUED: 27 LESLIE (CONT'D) (looks up from podium) Funny. I thought that would be much harder to say. In fact, it feels... like a weight being lifted. Like light being let into a dark place. Among the assembled, Lois and Clark, watching. Skeptical. Jimmy with them, snapping photos. Perry alongside, eying Leslie with a veteran's critical eye. LESLIE (CONT'D) Because I've been ashamed of that name my whole life. I've tried running, tried hiding. (shakes head) But there's a reason Shakespeare wrote, 'This above all else -- to thine own self be true.' Just hate that Shakespeare guy, he's always right. 27A INTERCUT MOUTH OF ALLEY - MR. SMITH 27A(X) Smith, concealed by hat and shadows, watches warily as the (X) crowd LAUGHS at Leslie's offhanded charm. Leslie raises a hand. The tarp comes tumbling down. (X) Revealing huge steel letters that read: LUTHOR TOWER. LESLIE (CONT'D) Today, we start a new age. The name Luthor, no longer synonymous with greed. In addition to the (X) already-announced phone rate rollbacks, my utility companies will be cutting all power and water bills by one third. There is an audible and positive response to this. LESLIE (CONT'D) But of course, this is just the beginning. And money is the least of the debt my family owes to the citizens of Metropolis. From this moment on, everything I do will prove that. A collective CHEER takes us to -- --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 24. 28 CONTINUED: 28 JIMMY But you aren't buying? LOIS And you are? JIMMY Hey, like he said, it's not his fault who his father was. I say you give the guy a chance, keep an eye on him and if he tries to pull anything -- (just as Clark flips his phone shut) -- you have Superman drop the hammer. (moves off with Perry) Later. CLARK Easy for him to say. LOIS What's up? CLARK Detective Henderson. He said they've ID'd two of the bodies at the blast site. Both Metro Union officials. LOIS And the other two? CLARK They're still... assembling the pieces. LOIS Yeeeesh. Leslie and Smith walk up. LESLIE Lois, Clark... how about that interview? LOIS Sure. MR. SMITH Uh, sir, you uh... have an engagement? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 24. 28 LOIS, CLARK, JIMMY, PERRY - LATER 28 as the Crowd disperses. JIMMY Well, you gotta admit -- whatever his name is, guy knows how to work a crowd. PERRY I just can't quite get my head around it. Lex Luthor's son. LOIS _You_ can't get your head around it. CLARK I've been listening to the crowd, though. He's got something they like. Clark's cell phone RINGS. He flips it open. CLARK (CONT'D) Kent. He listens, as -- LOIS Yeah. It's called money. He's throwing it at 'em. PERRY But you aren't buying? (X) LOIS And you are? (X) JIMMY Hey, like he said, it's not his fault who his father was. I say give the guy a chance. (X) Clark flips his phone shut. (X) CLARK Detective Henderson. He said they've ID'd two of the bodies at the blast site. Both Metro Union officials. LOIS And the other two? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 25. 28 CONTINUED: 2 28 LESLIE Do I. MR. SMITH Rather pressing, actually. LESLIE Well, you're good at covering for me. Tell them... whatever it is you tell them.. MR. SMITH (hard) I don't think that's wise. LESLIE But I'm sure you'll do it anyway. Since it's in everyone's best interest. A short face off. Then Smith nods graciously and moves off. 29 EXT. CAFE - DAY 29 Lois, Clark and Leslie. LESLIE Actually, as a kid it wasn't that bad. My Dad was rich, famous, everyone thought he was a great guy. Later, it got to be like a... a nightmare. Everywhere I'd go, the second people heard my name, there'd be this look. Fear. Hate. So one day a couple years ago, I just... gave another name. No reaction. It was like a game at first but I felt... I don't know... like I was getting a whole new start, like people would really give me a chance, to prove who and what I was before they judged me. Lois and Clark both nod. He's very compelling. 30 INTERCUT SMITH - IN LAIR 30 watching from Lois' POV. Nods, pleased. MR. SMITH Not bad. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 25. 28 CONTINUED: 28 CLARK They're still... assembling the pieces. LOIS Yeeeesh. PERRY Well, we'll see you back at the (X) factory... (X) Perry and Jimmy head off, as Leslie walks up. (X) LESLIE Lois, Clark... You know, we never did get around to that interview. 28A MR. SMITH 28A bolts from the alleyway. LOIS Well... I guess we could hear your plans for LexCorp... MR. SMITH Uh, sir, you uh... have an engagement? LESLIE Do I. MR. SMITH Rather pressing, actually. LESLIE Well, you're good at covering for me. Tell them... whatever it is you tell them. MR. SMITH (hard) I don't think that's wise. LESLIE But I'm sure you'll do it anyway. Since it's in everyone's best interest. A short face off. Then Smith swallows his fury, bows his head and backs off. LESLIE (CONT'D) (jovial, to Lois and Clark) Good help's so hard to find. (X) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 26. 30 CONTINUED: 30 CLARK And now you're putting together the pieces of your father's empire. Essentially using the money and resources he made criminally -- LESLIE Let me just stop you there, Clark, I am now cooperating fully with the governments of the world to carefully audit every penny of LexCorp and divest myself of any asset remotely tainted by criminal activity. Now that still leaves a whole lot of companies... well, like water and power, phone, that were perfectly legitimate. I want those companies to serve the people. LOIS There are a number of missing years in your background. LESLIE Yes. LOIS Do you want to fill us in? LESLIE Well, it's very easily explained. You see, I'm a Masai Warrior. LOIS Pardon? CLARK A Masai -- ? 31 INTERCUT SMITH - IN LAIR 31 MR. SMITH (furious) -- Warrior? LESLIE Y' know. The African tribe? CLARK We know what it is. You just, uhh, don't seem to fit the typical... membership profile. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 26. 29 EXT. CAFE - DAY 29 Lois, Clark and Leslie. LESLIE ...It got to be like a... (X) nightmare. Everywhere I'd go, the second people heard my name, there'd be this look. Fear. Hate. So one day I just... gave another name. No reaction. It was like a game at first but I felt... Lois and Clark both nod. He's very compelling. 29A CLOSE ON LOIS 29A CAMERA MOVES IN on her eyes. LESLIE (O.S.) ...I don't know... like I was (X) getting a whole new start... (X) 30 INTERCUT SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - CONSOLE SCREEN 30 Lois' POV plays on the monitor: Leslie, Clark.... PULL (X) BACK to find Mr. Smith watching closely. Near the video (X) screen is another screen with rising and falling moving (X) lines labeled "Heart rate" "Respiration" "Blood Pressure." (X) MR. SMITH I'll say this for him. He knows the script. CLARK And now you're putting together your father's empire. Essentially using the money and resources he made criminally -- LESLIE To serve the people. Yes, Clark, (X) you've hit on the very essence of (X) my goal. (X) Lois and Clark steal a glance at each other. (X) LOIS There are a number of missing years in your background. LESLIE Yes. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 27. 31 CONTINUED: 31 LESLIE I don't like to talk about it much. They're a people I feel a great and powerful kinship with. LOIS I read somewhere you have to kill a lion with your bare hands to, y'know, be one of those guys. LESLIE Oh, yes. CLARK And you... did that? LESLIE Lois. It's a powerful and cleansing experience. MR. SMITH Oh, my God -- ! (bangs head against console) -- God, God, God! (screams at screen) Idiot! Shut up! LESLIE And it taught me. (looks deep into Lois, eyes) _Feel_ the moment. MR. SMITH All right, this is going to stop. He hits a switch on his console. CLARK Would you care to identify the exact location of the tribe so we could confirm this? LESLIE Well, I'm not certain I want them... disturbed. Smith leans into a microphone and speaks softly. MR. SMITH Lois. Lois jumps. And in her head, filtered unrecognizably, she hears: (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 27. 30 CONTINUED: 30 LOIS Do you want to fill us in? LESLIE Well, it's very easily explained. You see, I'm a Masai Warrior. LOIS Pardon? CLARK A... Masai Warrior? 31 INTERCUT SMITH - IN LAIR 31 Smith has risen, staring in horror at the screen. (X) MR. SMITH Good God, he's off the script. (X) LESLIE Y' know. The African tribe? CLARK We know what it is. You just, uhh, don't seem to fit the typical... membership profile. LESLIE I don't like to talk about it much. They're a people I feel a great and powerful kinship with. LOIS Aren't they they ones who have to (X) kill a lion with their bare hands (X) to, y'know, be one of those guys. LESLIE Ah yes. CLARK And you... did that? LESLIE Lois. It's a powerful and cleansing experience. MR. SMITH Oh, my God -- ! (bangs head against console) -- No, No, No! (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 28. 31 CONTINUED: 2 31 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Lois Lane. Clark and Leslie continue to dance around the subject of which Masai tribe -- CLARK Is there any documentation attesting to this? LESLIE I could probably arrange for you to talk to the Tribal Chief. CLARK That'd be helpful. Also the exact location of the tribe. LESLIE Well, that's gonna be kinda hard. CLARK They're nomadic? LESLIE No. They move around a lot. Simultaneous with above, Lois looks behind her, stunned. MR. SMITH Don't speak. Don't move. Only you can hear me. And I see everything, Lois. Everything you see. Everything you hear. The click of the waiter's shoes behind you. The crumbs on the red napkin in your lap. Lois is getting more and more frightened. LOIS What... what are you...? Clark hears this and looks to Lois. CLARK Honey? You okay? MR. SMITH Tell him you're fine... or I tell the world he's Superman. LOIS Oh, my God. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 28. 31 CONTINUED: 31 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) (screams at screen) Idiot! Shut up! LESLIE And it taught me. (looks deep into Lois' eyes) _Feel_ the moment. 31A THE MONITOR 31A The top half of Leslie's face fills the screen. MR. SMITH Enough of this. We're losing (X) sight of the objective... (X) He hits a switch on his console. Smith leans into a microphone and speaks softly. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Lois. Lois jumps. And in her head, filtered unrecognizably, she hears: MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Lois Lane. Lois looks wildly around her as Clark and Leslie continue. CLARK I'd love to know the exact location of this tribe.... LESLIE MR. SMITH Well, that'd be Don't speak. kinda tough Don't move. Only you can hear me. I see everythng you see... CLARK MR. SMITH They're nomadic? Hear everything you hear.... LESLIE No, they move around a lot. Lois is getting more and more frightened. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 29. 31 CONTINUED: 31 CLARK What? MR. SMITH Tell him you have to go. LOIS I... I... MR. SMITH Tell him you have a headache. LOIS No. MR. SMITH (turning a dial, which makes a high pitched whine) Yes. LOIS (which Lois hears and apparently feels) Ow. Ah. She touches her head. CLARK Lois...? MR. SMITH (dialing down) The pain can be much worse. And last far longer. It can also kill you. Don't make me punish you, Lois. Stand up. She does. LOIS I have a headache. CLARK Okay, well, let's go. MR. SMITH No. You have medicine at the Planet. LOIS No, it's all right, Clark, I've got aspirin in my desk, so I'll just -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 29. 31A CONTINUED: 31A LOIS What... what are you...? Clark hears this and looks to Lois. CLARK Honey? You okay? MR. SMITH Tell him you're fine... or I tell the world he's Superman. LOIS Oh, my God. CLARK What? MR. SMITH Tell him you have to go. LOIS I... I... MR. SMITH Tell him you have a headache. LOIS No. Smith turns a dial, which makes a high pitched WHINE. MR. SMITH Yes. LOIS (which Lois hears and apparently feels) Ow. Ah. She touches her head. The VITAL SIGNS on the monitor (X) become accelerated. (X) CLARK Lois...? MR. SMITH (dialing down) The pain can be much worse. And last far longer. It can also kill You. Don't make me punish you, Lois. Stand up. She does. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 30. 31 CONTINUED: 4 31 MR. SMITH -- go get it and see you there. LOIS -- get it and see you there. CLARK You're sure you're okay? LOIS I'm fine. Really. You two keep going. He watches her move off. LESLIE You're a lucky man, Clark. CLARK I know. 32 INT. LAIR - DAY 32 Leslie strolls in, extremely pleased with himself. Smith sits, brooding and still. LESLIE I thought that went pretty well. MR. SMITH Really. LESLIE She digs me. MR. SMITH Well, who could resist? LESLIE And y'know, I'm really getting a thing for her, too. She's hot. Yeah, I'm liking this job. We're gonna have some real fun come the wedding night. And you see how I was kind of working Lois? Y'know, giving her little looks? Certain phrases? MR. SMITH Like, 'I'm a Masai Warrior.' Subtle stuff like that? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 30. 31A CONTINUED: 2 31A LOIS I have a headache. CLARK Okay, well, let's go. MR. SMITH No. You just need to go home and (X) lie down. (X) LOIS No, it's alright, Clark, I'll go home and lie down... You finish up (X) with Lex.... (X) CLARK You're sure you're okay? She nods with a weak smile and hurries off. (X) 31B INT. TOWN HOUSE - ON FRONT DOOR - DAY 31B(X) The door flies open and Lois enters, slams door, leans (X) against it, terrified. (X) 32 INT. LAIR - ON SCREEN - DAY 32(X) We see Lois' POV scanning the room as: (X) LOIS (V.O.) (quietly) (X) Are you still there? (X) INCLUDE Smith, leaning back in his chair. He CLICKS on the (X) microphone. (X) MR. SMITH I'm here, Lois. (X) Leslie enters, agitated. Smith swivels in his chair, clicks off microphone. (X) LESLIE What'd you do to her? (X) MR. SMITH Because of your arrogant recklessness, I have to make my move, now, so they don't find out you're nothing but an ego-driven, imbecilic impostor who can't stick to a well-written script! (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 31. 32 CONTINUED: 32 LESLIE Hey. I used that once on a babe in Sri Lanka. I'm telling you, they die for that killing-the-lion crap. MR. SMITH (moving slowly toward Leslie) Oh, I'm sure the beach bunnies, snow bunnies, club girls and rich widows all loved your little story but -- (he backhands Leslie viciously) -- this is not a pickup in some bar! And you're not a fifty dollar a day gigolo! Whatever you were; whatever you really are, you know better. I taught you. Remember? Leslie makes a move but Smith is fast and sure. He drops Leslie with a jab to the stomach, then hauls him by his lapels. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Because of your arrogant recklessness, I have to make my move, now, so they don't find out that you're nothing but an ego-driven, imbecilic impostor who can't stick to a well-written script! (calming) And in case I didn't make it clear the last time? Do not for a single moment think your marriage to Lois is anything but a performance. She's mine. LESLIE Hey, man, you don't threaten me. You need me. I'm _you_. MR. SMITH I don't _need_ anyone. And if you want me to prove that, keep pushing. Smith throws him aside. Marches to console. 33 INT. PLANET CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 33 Lois alone. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 31. 32 CONTINUED: 32 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) (calming) And in case I didn't make it clear the last time? Do not for a single moment think your marriage to Lois is anything but a performance. She's mine. LESLIE Don't threaten me. You need me. (X) I'm you. Smith backhands him hard across the face. (X) MR. SMITH I don't need anyone. And if you want me to prove that, keep pushing. Now do what you were hired to do. Smith marches to console. 33 OMITTED 33 33A INT. TOWN HOUSE - WITH LOIS - DAY 33A Lois alone. LOIS Hello? (pause) Hello? (pause) Oh, my God, I'm going nuts. 34 INTERCUT SMITH AND LESLIE - LAIR 34 MR. SMITH No, Lois. She jumps. MR. SMITH I'm sorry I frightened you. And I'm sorry I had to hurt you. It is my fondest hope that from this moment on, our relationship will be the definition of serenity. LOIS What do you want? (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 32. 33 CONTINUED: 33 LOIS Hello? (pause) Hello? (pause) Oh, my God, I'm going nuts. (trying not to cry) I'm hearing voices, I'm getting pains. Maybe I'm pregnant. 34 INTERCUT SMITH AND LESLIE - LAIR 34 MR. SMITH No, Lois. She jumps. MR. SMITH I'm sorry I frightened you. And I'm sorry I had to hurt you. It is my fondest hope that from this moment on, our relationship will be the definition of serenity. LESLIE (sneers) 'Definition of serenity?' On Lois' side of this, Jimmy walks by. Stops. And sees Lois talking to the air. LOIS What do you want? MR. SMITH I want a great deal. But I'm also prepared to _give_ you a great deal. LOIS I don't understand. Jimmy looks to see who she's talking to. No one. Huh. MR. SMITH You will, Lois. You will. All in time. LOIS (getting angry) Look. If you think you can bully me, you picked the wrong girl. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 32. 34 CONTINUED: 34 MR. SMITH I want a great deal. But I'm also prepared to _give_ a great deal. (X) LOIS (getting angry) Look. If you think you can bully me, you picked the wrong girl. MR. SMITH I picked the smartest, most beautiful woman in the world. LOIS You also picked someone who doesn't like being told what to do. (X) MR. SMITH Believe me, I've taken that into account. He dials up. Hard. Lois is hit with a massive jolt of (X) pain. She leans against a table, face contorted with pain. (X) On the POV monitor, we see her hands reach up to clutch her (X) head, partially covering the camera lens. The VITAL SIGNS (X) monitor is pulsing WILDLY. Red warning light begins to (X) flash. MR. SMITH The pain is unbearable, isn't it, Lois? It's unbearable for me to see you like this. Leslie looks at the Lois POV, dizzily scanning the room, (X) Lois' VOICE moaning. (X) LESLIE That's enough! (X) MR. SMITH Lois, the only reality for you now (X) is my voice -- (X) LESLIE Cut it out, okay?! MR. SMITH -- this pain... and its -- (dials down) -- relief. She sits, breathing hard, stunned. The VITAL SIGNS monitor (X) returns to normal. The red light is out. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 33. 34 CONTINUED: 34 MR. SMITH I picked the smartest, most beautiful woman in the world. LOIS You also picked someone who doesn't like being told what to do. Perry walks by. He sees Lois talking to no one. Looks at Jimmy. Jimmy shrugs. PERRY Maybe we oughta just leave her alone, hm? They move off. MR. SMITH Believe me, I've taken that into account. He dials up. Hard. Lois is hit with a massive jolt of pain. She leans against the table, eyes squeezed shut. MR. SMITH The pain is unbearable, isn't it, Lois? It's unbearable for me to see you like this. Leslie looks at Lois, writhing. Then at Smith. LESLIE That's enough. MR. SMITH Now, Lois, there's something I want you to do. To prove that you understand how important I am in you life now. The only reality for you is my voice -- LESLIE Cut it out, okay? MR. SMITH -- this pain... and its -- (dials down) -- relief. She sits, breathing hard, stunned. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 33. 34 CONTINUED: 2 34 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Now stand up. (X) She does. CAMERA MOVES IN TIGHT on Mr. Smith. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) And do exactly what I tell you when Clark walks in. 34A INT. TOWN HOUSE ENTRY - LATER 34A The outer doors open, Clark comes in, unlocks front door, enters living room. 34B THE LIVING ROOM 34B Empty. CLARK Lois? (beat) Lois? Lois comes downstairs, carrying a suitcase. (X) CLARK (CONT'D) There you are, honey... Are you. (X) feelin' any.... (X) LOIS Clark? I have something I need to tell you. CLARK Sure. (X) (notes suitcase) (X) Honey, are you going... (X) LOIS Our marriage isn't working. CLARK What? LOIS I'm leaving you. I want a divorce. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT TWO_ 35 OMITTED 35 --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 34. 34 CONTINUED: 2 34 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Strange. How the mere absence of agony can feel like pleasure. Now stand up. (she does) And do exactly what I tell you when Clark walks in. 35 LOIS - LATER 35 at her desk, as Clark comes in with flowers. CLARK Hi. She enters, carrying a suitcase. LOIS (stands) Clark? I have something I need to tell you. Perry and Jimmy walk by at this moment. PERRY (sotto) She look okay to you? JIMMY Yeah, fine. LOIS Our marriage isn't working. CLARK What. LOIS I'm leaving you. I want a divorce. Clark just stands there. Perry walks into a post. Jimmy grabs him to keep him from falling. JIMMY On the other hand... FADE OUT. _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 34. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 36 36 THRU OMITTED THRU 39 39 39A INT. TOWN HOUSE - DAY - CONTINUOUS 39A Clark just stares, dumbfounded. CLARK Lois... what's going on? LOIS I told you. Our marriage isn't working. 39B INTERCUT INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - SIMULTANEOUS 39B Smith stares at the console. On the monitor we SEE Lois' POV of a stricken Clark. We hear: CLARK (V.O.) I have no idea what you're talking about! MR. SMITH (beside himself) Oh, this is magnificent! My (X) father only _dreamt_ of a moment (X) like this. Clark looks at Lois; her eyes plead with Clark. She palms a pen. CLARK I don't know what's going on here, but _something_ is... -- the hand with the pen is scribbling onto a pad on the table behind her. MR. SMITH (into microphone) It's very simple, Clark... LOIS ... I'm just not happy. Lois moves away from the table, staring straight ahead. Not visible to Smith, Clark glances down at the pad left on the table. On the paper is the word: "Danger." (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 35. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 36 INT. PLANET - CONTINUOUS 36 Clark just stares, dumbfounded. CLARK Lois... what's going on? LOIS I told you. Our marriage isn't working. PERRY Now, Lois, honey, hold on now... CLARK Chief... Clark looks at Lois; her eyes plead with Clark. She palms a pen. CLARK ... I think Lois and I need to be alone. PERRY (roaring) Awright, everybody out! Elevators, stairs, pronto! This stops the room dead. Lois rubs her eyes. Clark clears his throat. CLARK Actually, we can just... (gestures to conference room) ... step in here. 37 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 37 CLARK Lois. Let's talk about this. Clark closes the door. Lois looks at him steadily but -- -- the hand with the pen is scribbling onto a pad on the table behind her. LOIS Nothing to talk about. I'm not happy. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 35. 39B CONTINUED: 39B Clark nods, turns to Lois. CLARK So, you don't love me? LOIS (her back to Clark) No. I don't. Then she turns, a look of anguish. 39C CLOSE ON LOIS' LIPS 39C She mouths "I Love You." 39D BACK TO SCENE 39D He starts to silently mouth a response but she turns away. MR. SMITH (V.O.) Good, Lois, very good. I know that was difficult, but _his_ pain is as important to me as yours. Now, go to the door. She heads there, carrying suitcase. MR. SMITH (V.O.) Open it. And tell him... Lois turns to Clark, tears welling up. LOIS Don't you or Superman follow me, Clark. I mean it. Stay here. Or you'll never see me again. And she goes. 39E ON CLARK 39E Willing himself to stay put, overcoming the shock, deciding his next move. His eyes fall on the page: (X) 39F THE PAD OF PAPER - INSERT 39F(X) That single scary word: "DANGER." (X) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 35A. 40 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 40 Clark races out of the elevators. A number of staffers stare, including Jimmy. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 36. 37 CONTINUED: 37 She writes with pen on pad, without looking down. Moves away. Pad reads, 'Danger.' Clark nods, crumples it. CLARK So, you don't love me? LOIS (back to Clark) No. I don't. Then she turns. Mouths: "I do, I love you." He starts to silently mouth a response but she turns away. MR. SMITH (V.O.) Good, Lois, very good. I know that was difficult, but it was in important step in your ability to see us as a team. Now, go to the door. She heads there. MR. SMITH (V.O.) Open it. She does, revealing Smith and Leslie. MR. SMITH Hello. LOIS Well. What a shock. MR. SMITH Actually, the shocks are just beginning. Hello, Clark. CLARK Smith... MR. SMITH Actually, to quote an associate of mine: 'I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Lex Luthor, Jr.' Lois and Clark take this in. LOIS You're -- ? MR. SMITH Mm hm. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 36. 40 CONTINUED: 40 CLARK (to Jimmy) Has Lois been here...? JIMMY (nervously) No... CLARK (charging past) Where's Leslie... Lex... Whatever his name is... JIMMY C.K., man, I don't know what's (X) goin' on, but I'm really sorry (X) if... (X) Clark stares, confused; Perry has barreled out of his office. PERRY Clark! What the Sam Hill is this about? Leslie... Lex... was just in here... Cleaned out Lois' desk... told us she was leavin' you. CLARK (fuming) Oh he did. PERRY _Yes_, Son. And he said... She was gonna marry _him_. Sympathetic looks from the staff. Clark's ready to kill. (X) Jimmy holds out a phone. JIMMY C.K.! Phone... ! Clark picks up his phone, stabs a button. 41 INTERCUT STAR LABS - DR. KLEIN - DAY 41 Dr. Klein is studying a small dish antenna and computerized monitor. With him, the strikingly beautiful, brainy CAROLYN. Both in vacations togs and lab coats. Carolyn fiddles with the dish as Klein talks. DR. KLEIN Clark? I'm trying to reach Superman.... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 36A. 41 CONTINUED: 41 CLARK (impatiently) I can get a message to him, Dr. Klein... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 37. 37 CONTINUED: 2 37 CLARK (moves to Smith) All right this stops here and now. MR. SMITH No, Superman. (Clark stops) It _starts_. Here and now. He is holding the hand device from the Planet. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) I hold in my hand, all the life Lois Lane will ever know. Whether that is a matter of decades or seconds is entirely up to you. So you might want to be as informed as possible before you do anything spectacularly rash. LOIS He's in my head, Clark... MR. SMITH All that she sees and hears, I see and hear. Holds up device. On its small screen. Lois' POV of this scene. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) And in addition... He hits a dial on the device. Lois is hit with a twinge of pain. Clark goes to her. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) ... all that she feels, I control. And I know, Clark... (dials down the power; Lois is okay) ... how fast you are but relax, take a deep breath, think white light and study me carefully with those x-ray eyes. 38 CLARK'S POV 38 of Smith. A SHIMMER OF POWER around him. MR. SMITH A force field. Break its barrier and a bomb planted somewhere in Metropolis explodes. Killing, oh, I don't know, thousands, millions, I forget which. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 37. 41 CONTINUED: 41 DR. KLEIN Well first of all, I'm so grateful he brought Carolyn up. She's been a huge help in all this. CLARK Uh-huh, uh-huh... DR. KLEIN (to Carolyn) I think you want the inducer coil, pumpkin. CAROLYN Thanks, honeybunch. CLARK _Dr_. _Klein_... DR. KLEIN Sorry. Ahhh, this is a very complex little device he brought me. It receives a signal, telling (X) it to set off the explosive. It (X) also _sends_ signals back, (X) acknowledging the (X) instructions.... (X) CLARK (preoccupied) I will tell him to call you the minute he... DR. KLEIN So what I'm saying is, if I could get this thing to transmit a (X) signal, it's possible he could trace it back to whoever set off the bomb. Clark hangs up, mind racing. 42 THE PLANET 42 CLARK Jimmy! Did Inspector Henderson ID the other bodies from the explosion? JIMMY Uh... yeah. (finds paper) Some supervisors from a couple LexCorp factories... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 38. 39 BACK TO SCENE 39 MR. SMITH But I don't want to kill anyone. I'm not my father. I don't want fame, I leave that to the more... (re: Leslie) ... naturally charismatic. And I don't want to kill you, Clark, or you, Lois. CLARK Then what do you want? MR. SMITH I want us... (expansively) ... to be a family. LOIS What. MR. SMITH A family. But not a dysfunctional one. Because in this family, no secrets. Not between us four. We're all going to work together to rebuild LexCorp. To that end, I have a multi-year plan. First, as you know, Lois, you and Clark aren't very happy. The divorce will be amicable. But quick. As soon as it's legal, you'll marry Leslie. LOIS Oh, this just keeps getting better and better... MR. SMITH People love you, Lois, and through you they'll come to love and trust this Lex, Jr. Clark, you'll love him, too; you'll write articles praising him, his company, his good works. I mean, after all, if a man can marry your wife and you still admire him, well, he must be a helluva guy. Leslie beams. Sidles up to Lois. She pivots away and Clark gets in his face. Smith moves between the two men. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) But Superman, that's the part I like the most. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 38. 42 CONTINUED: 42 CLARK (mulling this) ... Meeting with union leaders. Probably to unionize Lexcorp. JIMMY Maybe someone didn't want that to happen. CLARK Like maybe Lex Luthor Jr? He starts out. JIMMY Where you goin'?! CLARK To find Lois! Call Dr. Klein and tell him I wanna know the minute the transmitter's working! 43 OMITTED 43 43A INT. INTIMATE CAFE - ON CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE - NIGHT #4 43A POP! PULL BACK as Leslie pours champagne into two flutes on an elegant table. A miserable Lois in a dazzling, flowing gown sits at the table. The tiny, upscale restaurant is empty. LESLIE It doesn't get more romantic than this, Lois.... I bought out the whole place. For us. Impressed? Lois glares sullenly. MR. SMITH (V.O.) Yes. LOIS Yes. CAMERA MOVES IN ON HER EYES as: (X) LESLIE I'm glad you like it. (X) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Gold Rev. 3/12/97 38A. 43B INTERCUT SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - VIDEO MONITOR - NIGHT 43B Leslie's beaming face fills the monitor as we WIDEN to find Smith watching intently, sipping from his own champagne flute. LESLIE (V.O.) I live to make you happy. You know that. Smith hits a button. Lush, romantic MUSIC. Leslie extends (X) a hand. LESLIE That's our song. Dance? LOIS Go to hell. Furious at this, Smith twists the dial on,the machine. From the speaker: LOIS (V.O.) Aahh! MR. SMITH (into mic) Say 'yes,' you'd love to. LOIS (grimacing) Yes... I'd love to. Leslie beams, extends a hand again. CAMERA MOVES IN on a tiny lens peeking out from a slit in his lapel. LESLIE Wonderful. on the console monitor, we see LESLIE'S POV OF LOIS as he pulls her to her feet. Leslie and Lois swirl around the room, dancing. On the video monitors, Smith punches a button, switching to LOIS' POV of beaming Leslie. He then switches to LESLIE'S POV of expressionless Lois. Smith dabs at his eyes with a hankie. MR. SMITH What a perfect evening. Just the way I always pictured it. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 39. 39 CONTINUED: 39 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) That's the part where I really think I've out thought my father. He spent all his time and energy trying to destroy you. (shakes head) What a waste. You're the greatest natural resource on Earth. And you're now... my employee. At a bargain price. As long as Lois breathes, you work for me. (shrugs) Of course, if you insist, I'll throw in a dental plan. CLARK (shakes head) I know I've said this before, and you've probably heard it a few times yourself but... do you really think you're gonna get away with this? LOIS I think what Clark's saying is, we'd rather die than work for you. CLARK That's what I'm saying. MR. SMITH Fine. Here I am. Make your move. Go on. (beat) You can't, can you? You're both too tied to doing the right thing. The humane thing. Well, Lois, Clark, it's been great getting to know you, welcome aboard... LESLIE (hand around Lois' waist) C'mon, honey. Got a big wedding to plan. LOIS (shoves him off) Touch me again and I'll _drop_ you. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 39. 43C INTERCUT CLOSER - LOIS AND LESLIE 43C Leslie presses close to Lois. LESLIE Do you realize we're a king and queen? We have an empire at our feet... In the LAIR, Mr. Smith mouths the words to the script along with Leslie's V.O. LOIS is still on the monitor. Smith is (X) swept away with emotion. (X) LESLIE (V.O.) ... We have resources without limit.... our lives bounded only by our imaginations... MR. SMITH (into mic) Yes, I'm... And in the cafe: (X) LOIS (flatly) ... beginning to see it. It sounds wonderful. Smith switches the video to see LESLIE, who looks (X) completely caught up in the moment. (X) LESLIE (sincerely) I wish to God you'd say those words to me and mean them. MR. SMITH (savagely, into mic) Stick to the script! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 40. 39 CONTINUED: 2 39 MR. SMITH (to Leslie) And I'll let her. (to Lois) I don't want anyone else touching you... (to Clark) ... ever. She's nine now. Part of the kingdom I was destined to inherit. And all your power can't change destiny. Oh, and speaking of your power, here's a list... (hands him paper) ... of a few remaining enemies. I'd like you to kill them. I expect to see the bodies at your home in twelve hours. Take care. Don't get caught but call if you need a lawyer. Oh, and as for following? Keeping an eye on Lois? Be a very bad idea. That bomb and all. He and Leslie start out. Lois won't budge. LOIS I love you, Clark. CLARK Don't give up hope, Lois. No matter what. She nods, trying not to cry. She turns and goes with Smith. Leslie grins at Clark, shrugs: LESLIE Chicks. 40 INT. PLANET - DAY 40 Perry and Jimmy are consoling each other about Lois and Clark. PERRY You see 'em fighting? JIMMY No. PERRY Disagreeing? Nasty looks now and then? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Gold Rev. 3/12/97 40. 43C CONTINUED: 43C LOIS Stick to the script! LESLIE (sighs) I promise you a romance unrivaled by any in history. No god ever had a more exalted place than yours in my heart. Smith heaves an emotional sigh, his hand touches his heart. MR. SMITH (breathless, into mic) Say you love me. He switches video feed to see LOIS. LOIS I.... MR. SMITH Say it, Lois. LOIS I... MR. SMITH _Say_ _it_. LOIS (crying out) No!! LESLIE Aw, the hell with this He grabs Lois and kisses her savagely. The MUSIC goes OFF. (X) Mr. Smith is horrified to see LESLIE'S FACE filling the (X) screen. He leaps up, hysterically beating on the console. (X) Lois wrenches away, grabs her entire plate of food and hurls it at Leslie. LESLIE Did he tell you to do that?!! LOIS No, that was all me! (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 41. 40 CONTINUED: 40 JIMMY Nothing. Smith, Leslie and Lois walk by. Jimmy and Perry overhear -- LESLIE Lois, I'm going to make you the happiest bride on Earth. The most beautiful gown, the biggest cake... PERRY Oh, my Lord. They move out of earshot. Clark comes up. JIMMY C.K., man, I'm just... whoa. CLARK Did Inspector Henderson ID the other two bodies from the explosion? PERRY Clark, come on now, siddown. Jimmy, let's get him a drink. CLARK No, I'm fine, I just need to know -- JIMMY Yeah, no, he called to say, uhhhh... (hands Clark a list) Jacob Van Allen, LexCorp President of Resources, and Lew Gunther, Vice-President of Operations. CLARK Meeting with union leaders. To unionize LexCorp. PERRY Clark. Listen to me. There's a group. We go to the woods. Scream. Get naked. It helps. CLARK Uh, thanks, Chief, I'll... keep that in mind. Clark crosses to his desk, dials. CLARK (CONT'D) Dr. Klein? --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Green Rev. 3/12/97 41. 43C CONTINUED: 2 43C MR. SMITH (yelling into mic) Bring me back to the master at once! LOIS Bring me back to the master at once! LESLIE Forget it, enough of this! MR. SMITH (screaming) DO IT!!! And he twists the dial. 43D THE CAFE 43D Lois cries out in pain, flying back against a wall, clutching her head. LESLIE You won't kill her! Even _you_ have to have some shred of humanity! You won't kill her! Lois sinks down the wall to the floor, writhing. Leslie watches in horror, but finally can't endure it. LESLIE (CONT'D) Alright stop! No more! (long beat; nearly in tears) No more. SLOW DISSOLVE: 43DA EXT. SKIES OVER METROPOLIS - SUPERMAN - NIGHT STOCK 43DA(X) Superman searches the city below. DISSOLVE TO: 43DB EXT. SKIES OVER METROPOLIS - SUPERMAN - NIGHT - STOCK 43DB(X) Superman searches in vain for Lois. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Green Rev. 3/12/97 41A. 43E INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - ON MANACLES - NIGHT 43E(X) CLICK. A key turns in the locking mechanism and we REVEAL Lois staring stonily ahead as Smith locks her wrists onto the armrests of an ornate chair. MR. SMITH So you see, my dear, _I_ am actually Lex Jr. I thought a more presentable version of myself might be appealing to you... He whirls and --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 42. 41 INTERCUT KLEIN - ON ROOF OF STAR LABS 41 fiddling with a dish antenna and computerized monitor. With him, the strikingly beautiful, brainy CAROLYN. Both in vacations togs and lab coats. Carolyn fiddles with the dish as Klein talks. DR. KLEIN Superman? I can't tell you how glad I am you brought Carolyn up. She's been a huge help in all this. CLARK Well, I'm glad. What've you got so far? DR. KLEIN (to Carolyn) I think you want the inducer coil, pumpkin. CAROLYN Thanks, honeybunch. CLARK Dr. Klein? DR. KLEIN Sorry. Ahhh, this is a very complex little chip you brought me. It basically accepts a signal from a transmitter, telling it to set off an explosive... but it then communicates back to the same transmitter the radius of the blast, amount of damage, etc. CLARK So what you're saying is, you could reconstruct the original signal and backtrack it to its source? DR. KLEIN Yes. CLARK When? DR. KLEIN Soon, I think. CLARK Dr. Klein, I can't emphasize enough how important this is and how fast you've gotta move. Lois' life depends on it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 42. 43F INCLUDE LESLIE 43F Disheveled and miserable, Leslie slumps against a piece of (X) furniture. (X) MR. SMITH But clearly, this isn't working. (X) LESLIE Let her go. (X) MR. SMITH You couldn't just say your lines (X) and collect your check, you had to (X) want her for yourself. (X) LESLIE (incredulous) (X) You would've killed her. (X) MR. SMITH One must be prepared to risk (X) everything. Daddy always said. (X) LOIS Why would you want me? You can (X) force me to say things I don't (X) mean... but you know I hate you. (X) MR. SMITH But I believe things can change. (X) And after years without sunlight (X) or human contact, even I may look (X) good.... LESLIE What're you talking about? (X) MR. SMITH The plan's changed! I can't live (X) up there, so she'll live down here! The empire will be (X) headquartered here! I shall rule (X) by memoranda! And you...! You (X) are dismissed! (X) LESLIE Okay, this just got way out of (X) hand. (X) He grabs the hand-held device off the table. (X) LESLIE (CONT'D) Not so tough without this thing, (X) are you? Can't make her whimper (X) and whisper sweet nothings into (X) what's left of your ear! (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 43. 41 CONTINUED: 41 DR. KLEIN I'll call the second we have a signal. 42 BACK TO SCENE 42 Clark hangs up. Leslie walks by with Perry. Leslie grins. LESLIE Perry, have you ever noticed that Clark and Superman...? Pause. He lets it hang. LESLIE ... have very similar haircuts? Think they go to the same barber? PERRY I, uhh, never thought about it. LESLIE Clark, don't you have work to do? out of the office? After all, it's kind of... dead around here. He slaps Perry on the back and they head off. Clark seethes. 43 INT. LAIR - DAY 43 Smith paces past camera, one hand sweeping grandly as he points out -- MR. SMITH Everything you could ever want or need is down here. Up there it may be jostling, loud, cruel and unfair. But I've made a world down here that's my own. A world I want to share with you, Lois... (as he walks past a huge bed) ... in every way, as long as... (raises other hand; it's bandaged) ... you promise not to bite me again. REVEAL Lois on a tilted-up, high tech flat board. Arms and legs in manacles. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 43. 43F CONTINUED: 43F MR. SMITH Give that to me. Leslie backs away toward the bridge. LESLIE C'mon, tough guy.... How about this? How about we let her choose, huh? (to Lois) which one of us you like better? No. I'll make it easier. Which one of us doesn't make you want to sprint to a toilet? (loud to Smith) You ugly, revolting, rotting cadaver! You might as well let her go. Your big ace in the hole is about to flow into the sewer. He is on the bridge, holding the device out over the water. MR. SMITH Give it to me. And he pulls a gun from inside his coat. LESLIE (trying for bravado) Shoot me and it's gone. MR. SMITH I'm gambling you're as empty and cowardly as I think you are. A stand-off. Leslie dangles the device over the water. Smith cocks the gun. A long, tense moment. Then: LESLIE Okay, okay.... Don't shoot. And he tosses the device to Smith, who catches it. Leslie exhales in relief, starts to walk. Smith squeezes the trigger. 43G LESLIE 43G He takes the bullet, hovers a moment at the bridge's edge, looking surprised, then topples out of FRAME. A SPLASH. 43H LOIS 43H stares, gasping, stunned. (X) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 44. 43 CONTINUED: 43 LOIS Then you'd better not try and touch me again. MR. SMITH Lois, you're mine. You must know that. You're part of my inheritance. LOIS God, what did he do to you? MR. SMITH Who? LOIS Your father. To turn you into this. MR. SMITH My father had very little time for me, actually. He had very little time for any of his children. We were all a disappointment to him, I think. None of us really... measured up, for one reason or another. (catches sight of himself in a mirror) Fairly obvious why _I_ didn't, isn't it? Pause. He turns and looks at her. She looks at him with as much pity as hate. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Let me know if you're calm enough to release. He absorbs himself in his machines as Leslie enters. LESLIE Hi. Lois says nothing. LESLIE (CONT'D) What're you doing in this thing? He moves to her. LOIS Get away from me. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 44. 43J THE LAIR 43J Smith calmly walks over and stares down at the swirling water. MR. SMITH Good help's _so_ hard to find. (X) FADE OUT. _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 45. 43 CONTINUED: 2 43 LESLIE Easy, easy, I'm just gonna let you out. MR. SMITH No. You're not. LESLIE (unsnapping the manacles) Sorry. I just did. MR. SMITH This isn't an argument. Put her back. LESLIE No. She's gonna be my wife, I don't want her treated like this. MR. SMITH How many times do I have to explain to you -- ? LESLIE No, you're done explaining, okay? You run your little world down here, blow guys up, order Superman around, whatever -- but I've decided: Lois is mine. MR. SMITH You know, you're really starting to annoy me. Leslie shoves Smith hard. He topples back. LESLIE You want to go? C'mon, let's go. C'mon, tough guy. (Smith hesitates) Or how about this? How about we let her choose, huh? (to Lois) Which one of us you like better? No. I'll make it easier. Which one of us doesn't make you want to sprint to a toilet? or maybe you want me to get rid of him? (moving at Smith; dangerous) Say the word, kitten. LOIS You both make me wish I had a gun. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 45. _ACT FOUR_ 44 INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - CANDLES - NIGHT 44(X) Dozens of candles in elaborate candelabra flicker. The (X) lair is even more shadowy and horrifying than we remember. (X) OPERA MUSIC, "La Mamma Morta," echoes as CAMERA DRIFTS (X) THROUGH candles to find Lois, manacled to the chair. A (X) table sits before her with a crystal wine goblet. Mr. (X) Smith appears, slowly pours wine as: (X) MR. SMITH My Lois. (X) She turns her head away, refusing to look at him. He grabs (X) her chin, jerks it back, holds it firm before his face. (X) MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Don't do that! (X) (instantly softens) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I must (X) learn to be gentle. I will, over (X) time. (X) (then) Lois. I can't bear this silence. (X) LOIS (bitterly) Tell me what you want me to say. (X) Isn't that how it works? (X) MR. SMITH Oh. (X) (picks up hand-held device) (X) You mean this. (X) He tosses it away, flopping in a chair, one leg thrown over (X) an armrest. (X) MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Tell me what you're thinking. The (X) truth. Without reprisal. (X) LOIS I was thinking... 'God, what did (X) he do to you?' (X) MR. SMITH Who? LOIS Your father. To turn you into (X) this. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 46. 43 CONTINUED: 3 43 MR. SMITH (pulls a gun) Funny you should mention that. LESLIE What are you gonna do? Huh? Shoot me? MR. SMITH Wait, I'm having a psychic moment. You'll never say anything smarter... in your whole life. He shoots Leslie. Once, twice, three times. Each shot driving Leslie further and further back to the edge of, then over, the precipice. Leslie falls, silently. Lois screams and jumps. MR. SMITH (shakes his head) Actors. He blows smoke off the barrel. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 46. 44 CONTINUED: 44 MR. SMITH I was a bitter disappointment to (X) my father. I was raised alone. (X) In shadows. (X) (gazing at her) But I'm not alone anymore. (X) LOIS You'll always be alone MR. SMITH Don't waste your energy hating me. LOIS I don't hate you. I feel sorry (X) for you. Like your father, you (X) want everything but can give (X) nothing. That's what being alone (X) is. (X) MR. SMITH I could learn to love. You could (X) teach me. (X) LOIS No one could teach you. You've (X) wasted all this time thinking it's (X) the way you look that ruined your (X) life.... (X) MR. SMITH (rising) Stop it. (X) LOIS ... You _are_ a monster. But it's (X) not your looks. It's your soul. (X) It doesn't exist. (X) MR. SMITH Stop it..! (X) LOIS So no one could love you, Lex. (X) The most anyone could do is... (X) pity you. (X) He stares at her, then hurls his wine glass into the (X) shadows. She shrinks back, and for a moment it appears he (X) might strike her, then he wrenches away and stumbles off as (X) CAMERA PUSHES IN on Lois. (X) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 47. _ACT FOUR_ 44 INT. LAIR - CONTINUOUS 44 Lois, horrified; Smith, cool as can be. LOIS Why -- why would you -- ? MR. SMITH Well, we'd been having our differences. A separation was really best. LOIS You're a monster. MR. SMITH I'm actually extremely patient. You have no idea. But fortunately, I can tell the world he died in a tragic accident... and discover a long lost half-brother. God, recasting is such a nightmare. But when it has to be done... LOIS I don't care what you do to me... I am not staying here. MR. SMITH All right, you don't care what I do to you. What about your friends? Your family? He hits console. On screens, photos of Jimmy, Perry, Clark's parents, her parents. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) You think you're the only brain wave that gives off a signature? Look. He moves to the image of Jimmy. Turns the dial. On screen, Jimmy gets a sudden headache, slumps. LOIS Stop it. He dials it up. LOIS (CONT'D) I said, stop it! MR. SMITH Please? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 47. 44A ANOTHER CHAMBER - LAIR - HIGH ANGLE 44A We are looking straight down as Smith lurches into the gloom. He throws himself against the wall, clawing at the mortar as CAMERA CRANES DOWN. The OPERA MUSIC soars to its crescendo as we MOVE IN TIGHT on Mr. Smith's face. He is sobbing. 44B OMITTED 44B 44C INT. STAR LABS - NIGHT 44C Dr. Klein and Carolyn fiddle with the dish. The device from the explosion has been fitted with new parts and LIGHTS blink on its casing. A WHOOSH and Superman strides in. SUPERMAN Is the transmitter working? DR. KLEIN Yes... I hope so... Just need to solder these two wires... SUPERMAN Here. He steps in and fires HEAT VISION at the wires. They glow red hot, then: DR. KLEIN Alright... Here goes. He throws a switch. Nothing. SUPERMAN Well? DR. KLEIN Nothing! I don't understand... SUPERMAN Lois Lane's life depends on this, Doc... CAROLYN Oh, honey, look... The oscillating transponder... its polarity is reversed. DR. KLEIN (beams; to Superman) Is she the best? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 48. 44 CONTINUED: 44 LOIS (controlling) Please. MR. SMITH And no more resistance? Jimmy's agony is growing. LOIS No. No more resistance. Smith dials Jimmy down. His pain subsides. He fades all the images of her loved ones out. MR. SMITH Excellent. He hits a button. A chandelier ignites, over an elaborately set table. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Let's eat. 45 EXT. ROOF OF STAR LABS - DAY 45 Dr. Klein and Carolyn fiddle with the dish. Superman lands. SUPERMAN You got it? DR. KLEIN We got it. Just need to solder these two wires... SUPERMAN Here. He steps in and fires HEAT VISION at the wires. The tiny chip glows red hot. 46 INT. LAIR - DAY 46 Lois and Smith dining. MR. SMITH How's the food? LOIS (flat monotone) This is the best broccoli I've ever had. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Gold Rev. 3/12/97 48. 44C CONTINUED: 44C Superman smiles weakly, gestures urgently for Klein to get on with it. Klein makes an adjustment, hits the button. A HIGH WHINE emits from the dish. The device's lights blink furiously. Klein and Carolyn lean down and read the coordinates coming through on the computer. DR. KLEIN Latitude 47 point five five, longitude 38 point six nine. CAROLYN (consults map) That's right under the Daily Planet. DR. KLEIN (disgustingly in love) Can she find her way around a map or what? Superman manages a look of agreement then CAPES OUT. 45 45 THRU OMITTED THRU 47 47 48 INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL LAIR - NIGHT 48 CAMERA MOVES through the candelabra. The candles are melted and out. We come to Lois, dozing fitfully in the chair. As we move in CLOSER: LOIS (moaning in her sleep) Clark... Clark.... We are suddenly aware of a low RUMBLE. Lois awakens, listens, and then a wall SMASHES and Superman BLASTS in. LOIS (CONT'D) Clark! As he rips the manacles from the chair's arms: SUPERMAN Are you okay? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 49. 46 CONTINUED: 46 MR. SMITH Really. LOIS So delicious I can hardly stand it. MR. SMITH And you're enjoying my company? LOIS (sighs) You are the most fascinating man on Earth. I have never been so thrilled in my whole life. He moves his hand away from the device. Lois shoves her plate away. MR. SMITH All right, Lois. LOIS All right, what? MR. SMITH The truth. Without reprisal. She shoves her plate away. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) I see. LOIS Don't do this. You could give the world so-much. MR. SMITH And why would I want to do that? What's the world given me? It's not a very kind place. I learned that young. For a long time I thought knowing that was a curse. Now I realize it was a gift. A gift to be in the shadows. Invisible. Ignored. Underestimated. The only thing I couldn't stand was being alone. (gazing at her) But I'm not alone. Anymore. LOIS You'll always be alone. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Gold Rev. 3/12/97 49. 48 CONTINUED: 48 LOIS (jumps up, hugging him) He was inside my head, Clark... _Smith_ is Lex Luthor Jr., not Leslie. He was controlling me... He has this device... It's here somewhere.... MR. SMITH (O.S.) This what you're looking for? WHIP PAN to Mr. Smith, who steps into the chamber, holding the hand-held device, one hand on the dial. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) Don't even think of taking her out of here. Superman takes a step toward Smith, Smith hits the dial. Lois immediately cries out, falls back into the chair, holding her head. SUPERMAN Stop! MR. SMITH Absolutely. But remember, I can kill her in an instant. (smiles, strolls toward them) Well, Lois in my power. Superman held at bay. And the reason I'll succeed where my father failed is back-up. If one system doesn't stop you, the other will. He hits another button on the hand-held device. A broad SHIMMERING HALO appears over him, then lowers, leaving him enveloped for a moment in a GLOWING FIELD. It HUMS. The field disappears, the HUM remains. MR. SMITH (CONT'D) A force field. If a hand so much as touches it, a bomb will explode destroying everyone in the streets above. SUPERMAN Wouldn't your father be proud. (X) His son turned out to be as sick (X) and deranged as he was. (X) MR. SMITH Thank you. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Gold Rev. 3/12/97 49A. 48 CONTINUED: 2 48 SUPERMAN What do you want, Junior? MR. SMITH You. As my employee. You'll help re-build LexCorp. You'll take out my enemies, or my garbage, whichever I want. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 50. 46 CONTINUED: 2 46 MR. SMITH Don't waste your energy hating me, Lois. LOIS I don't hate you. I feel sorry for you. You're the saddest man I've ever met... next to your father. You want everything but you can't give anything. That's what being alone is, Lex. Their eyes lock for a moment. He grows increasingly uncomfortable. Then he grabs the device. Menacingly: MR. SMITH And how are the potatoes? LOIS (flat again as she pulls the plate toward her) Utterly delicious, could I please have more. MR. SMITH Yes, I'm rather fond of them myself. 47 EXT. ROOF - DAY 47 The cooled chip is loaded into the dish. DR. KLEIN Ready to go. He hits a button. A HIGH WHINE emits from the dish. Klein and Carolyn lean down and read the coordinates coming through on the computer. DR. KLEIN Latitude 47 point five five, longitude 38 point six nine. CAROLYN (consults map) That's right under the Daily Planet. DR. KLEIN (disgustingly in love) Isn't she wonderful? But Superman's already WHOOSHED off. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 50. 48 CONTINUED: 2 48 MR. SMITH (CONT'D) You'll do anything I ask. (X) Because you're cursed with a flaw I don't have. You can love. And (X) you love her. (X) SUPERMAN (simply) I do, Lex. I love her enough to (X) know she could never exist like (X) this. (X) MR. SMITH But she will. You both will. (X) SUPERMAN No. It ends here. (X) MR. SMITH (snorts) You think she'd be better off (X) dead? (X) 48A NEW ANGLE 48A As Superman turns to Lois with a gentle smile. (X) SUPERMAN Lois. I think you know what I'm (X) about to do... (X) She stares into his eyes and a look of peace comes over (X) her. (X) LOIS Yes. I think I do. (X) MR. SMITH What's going on? Look, I'm (X) warning you.... 48B TIGHT ON SUPERMAN 48B(X) A sad smile; a look of total adoration. (X) 48C TIGHT ON LOIS 48C(X) Complete love and trust. (X) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 51. 48 INT. LAIR - DAY 48 As Smith passes Lois the bread, a wall SMASHES and Superman BLASTS in. Lois leaps up, joyous. Smith sighs, the air around him WARBLES with force field energy and he draws his hand device. SUPERMAN It's over, Luthor. MR. SMITH Really. SUPERMAN We won't live like this. Anything is a better alternative... (pointedly) ... isn't it, Lois? LOIS (meeting his look) Yes. MR. SMITH What is it with you pretty boys? You need to be told the same things over and over. Okay, the rules again... SUPERMAN I know the rules. I touch you, the bomb goes off... she resists, she dies. The point is, I know her; she _will_ resist. And you'll kill her. And you'll keep killing. It has to end here. (to Lois) I'm sorry. LOIS I know. MR. SMITH Sorry for what? What are you doing? SUPERMAN You won't feel a thing. MR. SMITH All right, enough, stop this right -- But before he can say another word, Superman lets out a titanic WHITE BLAST of frozen air. The room seems to go white for a moment. Then, the white cloud clears... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 52. 48 CONTINUED: 48 And Lois is on the ground, crumpled, frozen. Not moving. MR. SMITH What... what have you done? SUPERMAN It's over, Smith. Smith runs to the console. A set of vital signs come up on screen. All flatline. MR. SMITH Are you insane? You killed her! SUPERMAN She'd rather die than spend her life as your prisoner. So would I. MR. SMITH Oh, no, you're not going to die. You're going to live with a million deaths on your hands. In a rage, he hurls himself at Superman. Superman blows him back with SUPER-BREATH. SUPERMAN Long as I don't touch you, the bomb doesn't go off. Do I get the rules? And let's see, where's it all controlled from? He goes to the console and rips panels off, digs into wiring with his fists. Sparks fly. Superman smashes and tears. MR. SMITH NOOOOOOOOO! Smith gets up, lunges again. Superman BLASTS him, knocks him into a wall. Superman keeps tearing and in the heart of the computer finds -- A HUGE TICKING BOMB. He unscrews a panel at super-speed, studies the innards, just as -- LESLIE vaults up over the edge of the precipice. Bloody, wet and crazed. He sees Smith, who is just starting to get up and -- Leslie launches himself at Smith. We see a WARBLE as the electronic field around Smith is broken. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Yellow Rev. 3/11/97 51. 48D THE ROOM 48D MR. SMITH All right, enough, stop this right -- But before he can say another word, Superman lets out a titanic WHITE BLAST of frozen air. The air around Lois goes white for a moment. Then, the white cloud clears... And Lois is crumpled in the chair, her skin ashen, bits of frost clinging to her gown. Not moving. MR. SMITH What... what have you done? SUPERMAN It's over, Lex. Smith whirls to the console. The vital signs monitor has barely visible blips... Then FLATLINES with a low WHINE. MR. SMITH Are you insane? You killed her! SUPERMAN She'd rather die than spend her life as your prisoner. So would I. MR. SMITH Oh, no, you're not going to die. You'll live with the deaths of (X) everyone above us on your hands. (X) In a rage, he hurls himself at Superman. Superman blows him back with SUPER-BREATH. SUPERMAN Long as I don't touch you, the bomb doesn't go off. Do I get the rules? And let's see, where's it all controlled from? He goes to the console and rips panels off, digs into wiring with his fists. Sparks fly. Superman smashes and tears. MR. SMITH Stop!!! Superman keeps tearing and in the heart of the computer finds -- A HUGE TICKING BOMB. He rips the casing away, exposing a complex maze of wires. The LED is set to 00:05. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 52. 48E MR. SMITH 48E(X) Crumpled on the floor, wild with fury. He scrambles across (X) the floor like a crab... (X) MR. SMITH I'll set it off myself!! (X) He reaches out for: (X) 48F THE HAND-HELD DEVICE 48F(X) On the floor near a dark archway. Just as Smith's hand (X) reaches into FRAME a wet, muddy shoe steps down on the (X) device. Smith looks up, horrified to see: (X) 48G LESLIE - LOW ANGLE 48G(X) We are LOOKING UP AT him, bloody, wet and crazed. (X) LESLIE Get her out of here, Superman. (X) SUPERMAN Let me disarm the... (X) And with that, Leslie reaches out toward Smith, breaking the FORCE FIELD with a violent SHIMMER. MR. SMITH NOOOOO! 48H SUPERMAN 48H He whips his head around to see the bomb. The LED reads 3 - 2 - 48J THE ROOM 48J Superman becomes a BLUR -- snatches Lois' body up and BLURS (X) OUT. (X) 48K THE LED 48K 1- (X) 48L SMITH 48L He looks upward, with one agonized gasp: (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 53. 48 CONTINUED: 2 48 Superman whirls, too late, just as Leslie and Smith tumble off the edge of the precipice. Then Superman sees a read-out on the suddenly-activated bomb -- 5, 4, 3 -- Superman becomes a BLUR -- snatches Lois' body up and SHOOTS out the hole he made -- While in his wake, the BOMB EXPLODES, a RED HOT FLASH that consumes everything and -- 49 EXT. PLANET - DAY 49 A BLUE BLUR shoots out of the subway, followed by an OMINOUS SUBTERRANEAN RUMBLE. Shoots into -- 50 EXT. ALLEY NEARBY - DAY 50 Sets Lois down gently. Jets off. 51 INT. SUB-STRUCTURE OF PLANET - DAY 51 cavernous criss-cross of steel beams. Collapsing as rock falls and smoke smears the air. 52 INT. PLANET - DAY 52 Jimmy, Perry and everyone else are thrown. Like a massive earthquake. 53 EXT. PLANET BUILDING - DAY 53 The building itself shakes and sways. PEOPLE tumble and fall. 54 INT. SUB-STRUCTURE - DAY 54 A beam collapses. Superman BLURS in and catches it. Sets it right and welds it with heat vision. Flies off. Another beam about to break. Superman bends it back up. Shoots off again. The RUMBLE begins to subside. 55 EXT. PLANET BUILDING - DAY 55 Stops swaying. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 53. 48L CONTINUED: 48L MR. SMITH Lois. (X) The BOMB EXPLODES, a RED HOT FLASH that consumes everything (X) and -- 49 EXT. PLANET - NIGHT 49(X) A BLUE BLUR shoots out of the subway, followed by an OMINOUS SUBTERRANEAN RUMBLE. Then a BLAST of fire and smoke. (X) 50 EXT. ALLEY NEARBY - NIGHT 50(X) Sets Lois down gently. Jets off. 51 INT. SUB-STRUCTURE OF PLANET - NIGHT 51(X) cavernous criss-cross of steel beams. Collapsing as rock falls and smoke smears the air. 52 INT. PLANET - NIGHT 52 (X) Jimmy, Perry and everyone else are thrown. Like a massive earthquake. 53 EXT. PLANET BUILDING - NIGHT 53(X) The building itself shakes and sways. PEOPLE tumble and fall. 54 INT. SUB-STRUCTURE - NIGHT 54(X) A beam collapses. Superman BLURS in and catches it. Sets (X) it right and welds it with HEAT VISION. A cross beam about (X) to collapse. Superman grabs a broken beam from the floor, (X) fits it under the collapsing beam to shore it up. The (X) RUMBLE begins to subside. 55 EXT. PLANET BUILDING - NIGHT 55(X) Stops swaying. 56 INT. PLANET - NIGHT 56(X) Jimmy and Perry get up, look around. JIMMY Well, least we know what tonight's headline is gonna be. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) Pink Rev. 3/10/97 54. 57 EXT. ALLEY NIGHT 57 Supermen floats down and goes to Lois' frozen, still form. SUPERMAN Okay, Lois, come on... With gentle HEAT, he begins to bring her back. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Come on, we've done this before. Up and down her body, the RAYS caress her. She remains still. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Lois? (bending closer) Lois... (X) A terrible silence. He gives her mouth to mouth (X) SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Breathe... _Breathe_. (X) Another beat, then she takes a breath. He takes her in his (X) arms. LOIS Did it... did it...? SUPERMAN It worked. It's over. She embraces him. Hard. He lifts her up. 58 INT. TOWN HOUSE BEDROOM - MORNING - DAY #3 58 Lois stirs in bed, just waking up. Clark, in boxers, enters, carrying the morning paper. CLARK How're you feeling? LOIS (smiles) Better. CLARK Just stay put. I told Perry we're taking the day off. LOIS (glances at paper) They seem to have gotten the paper printed without us. --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 54. 56 INT. PLANET - DAY 56 Jimmy and Perry get up, look around. JIMMY Well, least we know what tonight's headline is gonna be. 57 EXT. ALLEY - DAY 57 As everyone gets up, dusts themselves off. Supermen flies out of the subway and goes to Lois' frozen, still form. SUPERMAN Okay, Lois, come on... With gentle HEAT, he begins to bring her back. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Come on, we've done this before. Up and down her body, the RAYS caress her. She remains still. SUPERMAN Lois? (bending closer) Lois... (giving her mouth to mouth) ... breathe. _Breathe_. A terrible silence. People begin to gather, looking down. Seconds ticks. Then, she takes a breath. He takes her in his arms. LOIS Did it... did it... ? SUPERMAN It worked. It's over. She embraces him. Hard. He lifts her up. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Let's get you home, Mrs. Kent. I'm sure your husband's worried. 58 INT. TOWN HOUSE - NIGHT #2 58 A headline on the coffee table: TRUE LUTHOR HEIR EXPOSED, with a picture of Smith. With the sub-headline: 'Linked to Recent Murders of CEO's.' REVEAL Lois and Clark by the fire, wrapped in each other's arms. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 55. 58 CONTINUED: 58 LOIS Every time I think there's not one more thing that could _possibly_ happen to us... CLARK I know. LOIS But I don't fight it anymore. Our lives are just... weird. And we have to accept that. CLARK There's always going to be someone trying to kill us... LOIS ... hold us hostage... CLARK ... brainwash us... LOIS ... or frame us. And now it turns out, all those people could have kids. CLARK Well, you know what the answer to that is? LOIS Witness Protection Program? CLARK (shakes head as he undoes her top) Uh-uh. LOIS Early retirement? CLARK Nope. LOIS Does this plan involve... children of our own? CLARK Well, for the moment it just involves... practice. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) FULL Blue 3/6/97 55. 58A DAILY PLANET - INSERT 58A The headline: TRUE LUTHOR HEIR EXPOSED, with a picture of Smith. With the sub-headline: 'Linked to Recent Murders of CEO's.' 58B BACK TO SCENE 58B CLARK Make you breakfast? (X) LOIS Uhhh no. I think you better (X) warm me up some more. (X) He grins, gets in bed, she snuggles up close. Then: LOIS (CONT'D) Every time I think there's not one more thing that could _possibly_ happen to us ... CLARK I know. LOIS But I don't fight it anymore. (X) That's us. Our lives are just... (X) CLARK What? Weird? (X) LOIS No... (X) CLARK (prompting) C'mon... 'Our lives are just....' (X) LOIS What's that word I'm searching (X) for? Oh, I know.... (X) (looks up at him) Perfect. (X) And they wrap themselves in each other, kissing, as we (X) FADE OUT. _THE END_ --page break-- "VOICE FROM THE PAST" (#19) J. McNamara 3/3/97 56. 58 CONTINUED: 2 58 LOIS Well, okay... They kiss and lean back out of frame. LOIS (CONT'D) (O.S.) ... but tonight I get to wear the cape. CLARK (O.S.) Only if you wear the boots. LOIS (O.S.) Deal. FADE OUT. _THE END_