notes: To pop everything into place... use Courier 10 (or 10 nonproportional characters per inch) set top margin at 0.5", bottom margin at 0.5" (or minimums) left margin at 1", right margin at .25 (or minimum) (I had to tell the program my primitive printer was using legal paper) front page: "LOIS & CLARK" is big (maybe 36 points?) and bold; "The New Adventures of Superman" is about half that size, in bold and italic. "Requiem For a Superhero" is the size of "TNAoS" but not italics. EPISODE FOUR, Written by: DUSTY KAY (and) Directed by: RANDY ZISK are all maybe 12 points and in bold. These are in a Baskerton or Garamond- type serif font. Everything else is in Courier 10 (non-proportional, typewriter-style font) notes: "*" probably means "this line changed from previous version" Except for color "green green", when the pages are identified on the top by a color, that whole identification part is underlined. I won't underline it here, though because it could be confusing. Pages that are not identified by color or date may be Production pages booboos: a couple of misspelling here and there, not big. Page 40, down near bottom: "...can see for themselves in the 'The Daily Planet.' two "the"s in original --page break-- BETTY RUBEN TVC ABC _LOIS & CLARK_ The New Adventures of Superman "Requiem For a Superhero" EPISODE FOUR Prod. #455304 Written by: DUSTY KAY Directed by: RANDY ZISK WARNER BROS. _Final Production Draft_ TELEVISION August 13, 1993 (Green) (Goldenrod) 8/13/93 (White) 8/16/93 (Blue) 8/17/93 (Pink) 8/18/93 (Yellow) 8/20/93 (Green) 8/25/93 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Requiem For a Superhero_" _CAST_ CLARK KENT\SUPERMAN LOIS LANE PERRY WHITE JIMMY OLSEN LEX LUTHOR ________________________________________________________ DR. SAM LANE MAX MENKEN TOMMY GARRISON ALLIE DINELLO RINGMASTER GRANDMA * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Requiem For a Superhero_" _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: DAILY PLANET STREET FIGHT SITE * The Pit Perry White's office STREET CORNER Lunch Room CLARK'S APARTMENT LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE METROPOLIS SQUARE GARDEN Boxing Arena Locker Room Corridor DR. LANE'S OFFICE MENKEN'S GYM Training Area * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Requiem For a Superhero_" _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 2 DAY 1 SC. 3 - 9 NIGHT 1 SC. 10 - 14A DAY 2 SC. 15 - 22 NIGHT 2 SC. 23 - 24 DAY 3 SC. 25 - 38 NIGHT 3 SC. 39 - 40 DAY 4 SC. 41 - 42 NIGHT 4 SC. 43 - 53 DAY 5 SC. 53A - 92 NIGHT 5 SC. 93 - 94 DAY 6 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _"Requiem For a Superhero"_ _TEASER_ FADE IN: 1 INT. DAILY PLANET - PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE - (DAY #1) 1 An outraged PERRY WHITE is on the phone. PERRY What do you mean you can't make it? The poker game starts in a few hours. Where am I supposed to find another player at the last minute? (listens) All right, all right... He hangs up, looks into the pit, gets up and crosses to... 2 INT. DAILY PLANET - THE PIT (CONTINUOUS) 2 Perry approaches an unsuspecting CLARK, away from his desk retrieving a printouts PERRY Hiya, Kent. CLARK Perry... PERRY Y'know, it occurs to me; we don't see enough of each other. CLARK We see each other ten hours a day. PERRY I mean socially. I mean a couple of newspaper cronies getting together... a few beers, laughs... CLARK That's nice of you, Perry. I think I have Thursday free. PERRY The game starts at nine. Tonight. Conference Room. See you then. He starts to walk away. A confused Clark follows. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 2. 2 CONTINUED: 2 CLARK Game? PERRY Poker. Clark grimaces. PERRY (continuing) I'll bet you were a monster around the tables back in Smallville. CLARK Actually, I was never very good at poker. Perry stops, thinks it over, turns to Clark, pats him on the shoulder... PERRY Even better. CUT TO: 3 INT. DAILY PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING 3 The game's in full swing. The room is littered with empty beer cans, bags of pretzels and chips, pizza boxes and a cloud of cigar smoke (thanks to Perry). A hand in progress and the pot is building. Perry, LOIS, and three other players wait for Clark. JIMMY stands nearby, kibbitzing. Clark drops two chips in the pot. CLARK Twenty. LOIS Too rich for me. She folds her hand. PERRY Now let's see... (studies his hand) All right, Kent. Just to keep it interesting ... I'll see your twenty and I'll raise... how much you make here in a week? (off Clark's startled reaction; smiles) I'm pulling your leg, Son. Relax. Let's just say another fifty. (CONTINUED) --page break-- 3. 3 CONTINUED: 3 He dramatically tosses in some more chips. Clark hesitates, checks his hand, throws a quick glance at his grinning boss. PERRY (continuing) Take your time, son. Make the right decision. * Clark is only too happy to heed Perry's advice. As he * studies his cards... JIMMY You know who'd be a great poker player? Superman. PERRY * Next week we'll invite him. * LOIS * I don't know if Superman gambles. * JIMMY * In his case it's not gambling. * PERRY * Hey! Shut up and let the man * think. * JIMMY * (whispers) * The guy's got x-ray vision. He * could read everyone else's cards. * 4 CLARK 4 doesn't want to think about it. 5 HIS POV - PERRY'S CARDS 5 Oh so vulnerable. 6 BACK TO SCENE 6 LOIS * Superman wouldn't do that. * JIMMY * Why not? * PERRY Wouldn't be fair And fair play is what Superman's about. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 4. 6 CONTINUED: 6 JIMMY Be awfully tempting though... CLARK (sadly) Sure would. 7 FEATURE CLARK: 7 ... as every word Jimmy utters pains him further. JIMMY Especially with this much money on the table. If it were me, I'd have to muster up a lot of super- willpower _not_ to sneak a peak. Clark, dying by inches, finally throws down his cards. CLARK Fold. Perry cackles, rakes in the chips and Lois gathers in the cards, shuffles. PERRY It's okay, son. Don't let it bother you. Poker's just like anything else; all it takes is a little practice. Hold on Clark, miserable as Lois deals. LOIS Okay, seven card stud -- high- * low -- first and last cards down, * one eyed jacks and deuces wild... 8 8 THRU OMITTED THRU 9 9 FADE OUT. _END TEASER_ --page break-- 5. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 10 INT. DAILY PLANET - THE PIT - (DAY #2) 10 Lois, incensed, is hot on her editor's heels as he makes his way across his city room. Their conversation is FAST -- dialogue all but overlapping. LOIS Partners! PERRY You and Kent. The experience of a battle-scarred veteran paired with the hunger of a fresh exciting talent. LOIS I'm not so scarred and he's not so exciting. PERRY Your tenacity... She likes that... PERRY (continuing) His tact. ... but not that. PERRY (continuing) Trust me, the two of you, there's chemistry there... It'll make for better stories. LOIS But Perry, partnership is like marriage. PERRY Right. You've got to work at it... LOIS It takes patience, understanding, a willingness to be supportive. PERRY I know. Fake it. Go get your partner. The satisfied, the editor continues on to his office. A frustrated Lois turns and sees ... --page break-- 6. 11 HER POV - CLARK 11 ... at his desk, having enjoyed being a spectator at their discussion. He extends a playful wave of the hand. CLARK Howdy, partner. Lois frowns. CLARK (continuing) Which sounds better? Kent and Lane, or Lane and Kent? Lois cringes. Clark enjoys the cringe. CLARK (continuing) Kent and Lane. Kent and Lane Lane and Kent. Lane and Kent LOIS Neither. Passing, Jimmy offers his two cents. JIMMY Lane and Kent. Definitely. CLARK Why? JIMMY Tradition. Abbott and Costello. Martin and Lewis. Straight man always goes first. Jimmy's levity wilts when it comes in contact with Lois's icy glare. LOIS Either way it'll never work. CLARK It won't be that bad. LOIS It'll be that bad. Worse. Come on, he wants to see us. Jimmy watches them head for Perry's office, Clark as if toward a great new adventure, Lois as if to jail. --page break-- 7. 12 INT. PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 12 Perry sits at his desk and deals with his yet again enraged super-reporter. LOIS Boxing! PERRY Not just boxing. The Ultimate Street Fight! The fight card of the century -- of the Millennium! And right here in Metropolis! LOIS It's still boxing! PERRY It's a civic event! LOIS It's _sports_. PERRY Lois ... Just do the story! She starts to accept it, then the dawn... LOIS This wouldn't have anything to do with... my connections, would it? CLARK Connections? PERRY (innocently) You got connections in the fight game, Lois? LOIS You know I do. CLARK What connections? PERRY Oh, that's right: How _is_ your father? Lois does not wish to get into this right now. LOIS Come on, Clark. As they go: (CONTINUED) --page break-- 8. 12 CONTINUED: 12 CLARK Your father is a fighter? CUT TO: 13 EXT. MENKEN GYM - DAY 13 Clark and Lois look at the old facade, the gym entrance marked by a decaying, scarcely legible sign. They enter. 14 INT. MENKEN GYM - CLOSE ON VINTAGE PHOTOS OF BOXERS - DAY 14 PAN along the wall: Ali, Marciano, Leonard, etc. CONTINUE PANNING to a glass case filled with gold trophies and title belts. We see Clark's reflection in the case. CLARK (reverential) The Menken Gym. PULL BACK to reveal Lois standing next to him. CLARK (continuing) Do you realize how many champions have come out of here? LOIS Give me a minute to pat down my goose bumps. CLARK You wouldn't say that if you followed boxing. LOIS Oh? CLARK (re: a photo) Billy Mason. Maybe the greatest middleweight of all time. LOIS Welterweight. Clark shoots her a look, thinks it's just her mood, ignores her. CLARK I'll never forget it. Mason- Rodriguez. June, '78. (CONTINUED) --page break-- 9. 14 CONTINUED: 14 LOIS '79. October. CLARK Mason takes Rodriguez out in the eighth round. LOIS Fourth. T.K.O. CLARK Will you cut it out? LOIS You're thinking of the Mason- Ramirez fight a year earlier -- before Mason moved up in weight class. Clark again begins to protest... before the realization hits him: she's right. CLARK How'd you know that? LOIS Lucky guess. CLARK Come on, how? LOIS (a sigh: oh, well... During the Mason-Rodriguez fight, Mason tears a rotator cuff... which is later operated on by... CLARK Dr. Sam Lane. Sam _Lane_! Wait a minute... Is he... LOIS My father. (then:) So you've heard of him. CLARK Anyone who reads the sports pages has. Practically invented recon- structive surgery for athletes. He builds them a new hip, a new knee, and they come back better than before. (beat - realizing) So _he's_ your connection. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 10. 14 CONTINUED: 2 14 LOIS In Perry's dreams. Look, there's Tommy Garrison. Let's get a statement. They approach the ring, passing fighters working out on speed bags, heavy bags, jumping rope, doing chin-ups, sit-ups, etc... All the sights and sounds of a busy training facility. In the ring, TOMMY GARRISON, number one contender for the heavyweight crown, pummels his sparring partner. LOIS (continuing) Tommy! Talk to you a minute? Garrison looks over, lowers his guard, and gets nailed. Furious, he turns on his sparring partner, who looks both apologetic and terrified. With near-Superman speed and strength, Garrison lets go with a punch that virtually lifts the guy off his feet and flings him against the rope -- off which he bounces, falling on his face. CLARK Holy... GARRISON Who are you? LOIS Lois Lane, Clark Kent. Daily Planet. GARRISON (calling out) Someone want to throw these two out of here? (In the bg, the sparring partner comes to, is tended to, helped off, etc.) DINELLO Aw, quiet down, they're okay. Lois turns to see ALLIE DINELLO, 55, tough but avuncular, trainer of champions. Her face lights up. LOIS Allie! DINELLO Hiya, Pumpkin! Dinello sweeps her un in a bear hug. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/16/93 - white 11. 14 CONTINUED: 3 14 DINELLO (continuing) What happened? Perry White finally put you on the sports pages -- where you belong? (to Clark) She's _forgotten_ more sports than I ever knew. CLARK I'm beginning to see that. DINELLO How _is_ Perry? Still cheating at poker? Clark REACTS. LOIS He's fine. Allie, meet Clark Kent, my... the guy I'm working with on this story. CLARK Her partner. The men shake. DINELLO What brings you here? LOIS You've got four fighters going for titles this Saturday. Maybe the biggest night in the history of boxing, and we can't get to the fighters. I don't get it. DINELLO Max Menken'll talk to you for as long as you want. CLARK Menken's the promoter. We want talk to the fighters. DINELLO Sorry, Kent ... A towel is tossed from the ring, hitting Clark's shoulder. He turns. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 4. 14 CONTINUED: 4 14 GARRISON You want to talk to me? Okay. But you can't learn anything from down there. Come up here, see what it feels like. Clark hesitates; Lois gives Clark a small shove. LOIS Clark, go on! DINELLO Maybe this isn't a good idea. LOIS It's what we came here for. If you don't go up there, I will. Reluctantly, Clark climbs into the ring. Garrison starts to circle Clark, sizing him up. When they are face-to- face Tommy stares at him stone-faced, the same frightening glare he gives opponents before the bell. GARRISON You look pretty solid. Ever been * in a fight? CLARK I try to avoid them. GARRISON How can you write about boxing if you don't know what it's like? (beat) Ever seen a punch like this? Garrison jabs the air on one side of Clark's head, then on the other side. Clark holds his ground. GARRISON (continuing) Come on. Give it back to me. Take your best shot. Clark doesn't respond. GARRISON (continuing) No? Then try to avoid me. Garrison begins shadowboxing around Clark's head. Clark tightens his fists in frustration, as Garrison's punches get closer and closer, missing Clark by inches. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 10. 14 CONTINUED: 5 14 GARRISON (continuing) Look out, Princess. That one nearly connected. Clark begins to raise his fist, then thinks better of it. GARRISON (continuing) Keep your guard up, honey. 'Else someone's going to knock you * through the ropes. Then what'll * you do? CLARK You might be surprised. Lois is getting very nervous. LOIS Clark, get down from there. CLARK (his eyes glued to Garrison) You just sent me _up_ here! LOIS Allie, he's just... playing with Clark, right? Dinello doesn't answer. Garrison keeps coming at Clark, backs Clark against the ropes, imprisons him there with his body. GARRISON See, I got you where I want you and I haven't thrown a punch. What now, Princess? Clark, pissed, pushes Garrison away. It's a light push -- for Clark -- but enough to set Garrison stumbling away backwards. LOIS Clark, no! Livid, Garrison closes in on Clark, ready to attack. A moment before he throws the first punch... MENKEN Garrison! Hit the showers! Garrison freezes. MAX MENKEN, flamboyant, Runyonesqe promoter, crosses toward the ring. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 10. 14 CONTINUED: 6 14 MENKEN (continuing) Everybody. Let's go. The others in the gym exit. Garrison turns to Clark with one last look of contempt. GARRISON See you later, champ. Garrison exits the ring, cackling. For a moment, Clark remains in the ring. Recomposing, he unclenches his fists... then climbs down through the ropes. DINELLO You all right, kid? CLARK Fine. LOIS Forget it, Clark, the guy's a jerk. CLARK I guess you can get away with a lot... when you're the strongest man in the world. MENKEN _One_ of the strongest. Saturday night you can see them all. The Ultimate Street Fight! The most spectacular night of boxing there ever was ... or ever will be. The eyes of the world right here on Metropolis! Write about that. (beat) Now excuse us: the gym is off limits to the press. (to Dinello) You should've known better. Dinello can't hide his nerves as Max walks away. But he manages a smile, takes Lois's arm, leads her to the exit. DINELLO Everybody's a little nervous. There's a lot riding on this. LOIS So I see. Take care Allie. And good luck on Saturday. CLARK Let's go, Pumpkin. (CONTINUED) --page break-- 15. 14 CONTINUED: 7 14 She glares at him so intensely and so venomously that he almost trembles. CLARK (continuing) ... Lois. They exit. 14A EXT. MENKEN'S GYM - DAY 14A They exit the building -- just as a man gets out of a * taxi. He turns and they come face to face with him. * He's in his fifties, distinguished, a sharp contrast to * the characters we just met in the gym. He is DR SAM * LANE, Lois's father. * DR LANE Lois! LOIS Hi, Dad... He leans forward for a kiss; she touches his cheek with hers and kisses the atmosphere. DR LANE What brings you here? LOIS * The Ultimate Street Fight. * DR LANE * Right... Right. What else? * LOIS * Trying to... you know... get to the * fighters. * Dr. Lane looks at Clark. CLARK Clark Kent, sir. Ms Lane's partner... on this story. They shake hands. LOIS Sorry. Sam Lane, Clark Kent. DR LANE Nice to meet you, Kent. Well, I wish I could help you, but the press is not my department. (CONTINUED) --page break-- REQUIEM FOR A SUPERHERO (#4) 8/25/93 Green Green 16. 14A CONTINUED: 14A LOIS Sure, we know that. DR LANE And of course, you've got to understand... the fighters are jumpy... LOIS And need protection from us wicked reporters. DR LANE (half-laugh) You going to have some time, Lois? For dinner... LOIS Maybe... soon... I'm so busy... DR LANE Well, when you get out from under... LOIS Sure... Dr. Lane and Clark nod at each other, Lois takes Clark's arm, and they're on their way. Dr. Lane watches them go. He looks very sad. CUT TO: 14B INT. LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT 14B Luthor talks on the speakerphone. As he speaks, he occasionally launches a dart at an unseen target. He either smiles or frowns as he hits or misses. LUTHOR I see. I didn't realize they were * so close. * (beat) Yes, it is a problem. That's why * I suggested a press blackout in * the first place. * (beat) Max, calm down. Let me paint you * a little portrait. Imagine a * man with a net worth in excess * of 20 billion dollars. * (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- REQUIEM FOR A SUPERHERO (#4) 8/25/93 Green Green 16A. 14B CONTINUED: 14B LUTHOR (CONT'D) This man is currently the third richest man on the planet, * superceded only by Mr. Arthur * Chow of Hong Kong and Elena Pappas * of Athens, Greece. And when I say * currently, I _really_ mean * temporarily. This same man has an * additional annual income of over * two billion, which comes to * approximately 200 million a month, * seventy million a day, three * million an hour, fifty thousand * a minute... How long have we * been talking, Max? * (beat) That man is me. I hope you see my * point. * (he examines the next dart before he tosses it) You don't see my point. Why am * I not surprised? Let me explain * it to you, then. If _you_ * have problems, I expect you to * solve there with your usual flair. * For a man like me, on the other * hand, life is a bowl of rubies. * An extremely large bowl. _I_ * don't have problems. * Luthor hangs up, throws his last dart, approaches his * target. 14C ANGLE ON TARGET 14C A large stand-up cardboard cutout of Superman. Darts are * clustered around where the heart would be. * 14D LUTHOR 14D LUTHOR (removing darts) No problems at all. * 15 INT. DAILY PLANET - THE PIT - NIGHT 15 After hours. Unusually quiet, almost deserted. Lois sits at her desk, deep in thought... She looks up... 16 HER POV - CLARK 16 ... working at his computer. --page break-- REQUIEM FOR A SUPERHERO (#4) 8/25/93 Green Green 16B. 17 BACK TO SCENE 17 LOIS What are you still doing here? CLARK Working. --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 17. 17 CONTINUED: 17 LOIS Uh-huh. On what? (minibeat) You're waiting for me to 'talk about it.' To 'open up.' See? This is _exactly_ why I hate partnerships. CLARK Why? LOIS Because your partner is always _there_ for you... whether you want him or not. Because your partner wants to _share_ your troubles... and I don't feel like _sharing_. (beat) Okay... I don't get along with my father, what's the big deal? CLARK No big deal. LOIS Have you ever known anybody so wrapped up their work that they don't have time for anyone or anything...? CLARK Is this a trick question? LOIS Okay. Okay. But I don't have kids. CLARK A lot of fathers are workaholics. LOIS The ones that I knew at least tried to spend a little 'quality time' with the family. My dad only came home to criticize. 'Look, Daddy, a ninety-eight on my exam.' 'Good, Lois, that leaves two points for improvement.' The PHONE RINGS, interrupting Lois's diatribe. She picks * it up. (CONTINUED) --page break-- 18. 17 CONTINUED: 2 17 LOIS (continuing into phone) Lois Lane... (beat; listens) Allie, calm down. What's wrong? (beat) Just tell me where and when... Okay. She hangs up, tells Clark. LOIS (continuing) Allie Dinello. CLARK What'd he say? LOIS Just that he needs to talk to me, something about fight night. He didn't want to say any more over the phone. CLARK Let's go. LOIS Clark, maybe I ought to go alone. CLARK Okay. LOIS I think he'd be more... CLARK ... more comfortable talking to someone he knows. I get it. Go. She grabs her stuff, starts out... LOIS Sometimes you surprise me... CUT TO: 18 EXT. STREET CORNER - NIGHT 18 Lois quickly approaches, looks around the pre-determined rendezvous site, finally spots ... --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/16/93 - white 19. 19 LOIS'S POV - ALLIE 19* ... across the street, waiting nervously. 20 LOIS 20 raises her hand, calls out... LOIS Allie! 21 ALLI 21 spots her, starts across the intersection. To Lois's horror, a speeding car ignores the red light and races through the intersection, toward Allie. 22 LOIS 22 REACTS as Allie is hit. The car continues on without stopping. Lois runs to Allie's side, kneels down, sees that he's gone. LOIS Oh, Allie... On Lois's moment of grief we... FADE OUT. _END ACT ONE_ --page break-- 20. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 23 INT. DAILY PLANET - PIT DAY (DAY #3) 23 A shaken Lois sits at her desk ' Clark by her side, Perry listening with his arms folded. LOIS I've known Allie... almost my whole life. To see him like that... CLARK The police call it a hit-and-run. Probably a drunk driver. PERRY And... we're not buying that. LOIS I was there, Perry. It was no ordinary hit and run. The car went straight for him, bore down on him. CLARK It was dark. LOIS Not _that_ dark. And anyway you didn't hear him on the phone. He was upset. He said he was in trouble. I think whatever he was going to tell me cost him his life. PERRY Any idea what he wanted to say? LOIS No. PERRY Think your father could help? LOIS I don't know. PERRY You doing to ask him? LOIS I'd rather not. PERRY _I'd_ rather be sailing -- but I'm here... doing my, job. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 21. 23 CONTINUED: 23 She frowns, gets up and exits. CUT TO: 24 INT. MENKEN GYM - TRAINING AREA - LATER 24 Fighters, trainers, some local press there for a reaction to the news... all shocked, saddened. Lois enters, walks to where her father sits, by himself at the foot of the ring. He looks up, surprised but pleased. A beat: he casts a glance at a picture of Allie hanging on a wall. LOIS Sorry, Dad. DR LANE He was a real character. LOIS Tough. DR LANE That he was. Always had a soft spot for you, though. Used to call you 'Pumpkin.' * LOIS He still did. DR LANE (beat) A hit and run. I never dreamed he'd go out like that. LOIS He didn't. I think he was murdered. DR LANE What? LOIS I was there. I saw the car coming at him -- straight and fast. It wasn't a drunk, and it wasn't an accident. The news that Lois was there clearly agitates Dr Lane. DR LANE What were you doing there? LOIS Allie asked me to meet him. (CONTINUED) --page break-- 22. 24 CONTINUED: 24 DR LANE Did the driver see you? LOIS No. He's visibly relieved -- and Lois catches the look. DR LANE Lois, I want you to stay away from this. LOIS 'This?' What's 'this?' What am I on to? DR LANE Nothing. It's just that there are some rough characters in this business. LOIS What do you think Allie wanted to tell me about the fights? Are they fixed? DR LANE No, they're not fixed. Just stay away. LOIS I can't stay away. I'm a reporter and this is my story. (beat) Can you help me? DR LANE No. A long beat, Lois eyeing her father with growing consternation. LOIS You're lying to me. DR LANE Don't be ridiculous. LOIS I know the look. DR LANE Let's not do this, Lois. Not now, and certainly not here. I can't help you. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 23. 24 CONTINUED: 2 24 LOIS Can't? Or won't? DR LANE Lois! No! LOIS You'd just like to forget everything, wouldn't you? You'd like me to come through that door and give you a kiss and say Hi, Daddy, as if nothing ever happened. The perfect father-daughter relationship. DR LANE I never claimed to be a perfect father. LOIS You were hardly a father at all! DR LANE Lois, please don't... LOIS Where _were_ you? That was * supposed to be the biggest night of * my life. The National Young * Journalist Award. I was the best * in the whole country -- just what * you wanted me to be. But all I * saw -- all I could think of -- was * that empty chair in the audience. * DR LANE I had responsibilities. LOIS What about your responsibility to * me? An awkward moment, but before he can speak... LOIS (continuing) Never mind. Look, can you tell me anything about this murder, or not? DR LANE I know nothing about the death of Allie Dinello. --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 24. 24 CONTINUED: 3 24 LOIS (long beat) Whatever you say, Dad. She turns and walks away, more determined than ever to find out what's going on. CUT TO: 25 INT. OUTSIDE DR LANE'S OFFICE - NIGHT 25 Dark and seemingly deserted until Lois and Clark creep up to a closed door marked "S. Lane, M.D." Lois tries to open the door's lock by using a credit card. Clark nervously looks around, impatience growing. LOIS I've seen Jimmy do this. It always works. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Clark, his patience worn out, surreptitiously _MELTS_ the * door-lock with his _HEATVISION_, pushes open the door. * LOIS (continuing) Not bad for the first time. She enters. As Clark follows, he pockets the melted * door-lock. 26 OMITTED 26 27 INT. DR LANE'S OFFICE - NIGHT 27 A desk, rows of file cabinets, shelves containing medical books, ledgers, etc. Lois positions a small flashlight in her teeth and begins to rifle through file cabinets, desk drawers, papers on Lane's desk, etc... Clark tackles the shelves. 28 INT. DR LANE'S OFFICE - SOME TIME LATER - NIGHT 28 Lois and Clark continue to search through files and paperwork, piles of each having risen in front of them. LOIS All these training logs, medical reports. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 25. 28 CONTINUED 28 CLARK Look at this. Garrison's file. * His boxing record was okay until * his surgery. _After_ his * surgery -- perfect. * Lois searches for another file, finds it in the middle of a pile. She opens it, shares its contents with Clark. LOIS Same with this fighter. CLARK (comparing files) And not just winning records. These guys made mincemeat of their opponents. LOIS You think it was some kind of steroid? Clark shrugs, glances at Lois, they're definitely on to _something_. LOIS (continuing) Keep looking... Clark lowers his glasses... 29 CLARK'S POV 29 A seam in one wall just beneath a book case. He _X-RAYS_ through to SEE: a shallow hidden room. 30 CLARK 30 moves to the bookcase, presses a spot on the wall. The "door" opens with a CLICK. 31 LOIS 31 hears the SOUND, joins Clark at the entrance to the room. They share a look. LOIS How did you... ? CLARK My uncle Ian had the same set-up in his den. --page break-- 26. 32 OFFICE - HIDDEN ROOM 32 Lois and Clark enter, look at the contents with wonder: life-sized steel replicas of arms, legs, hands, and jaws; chest plates on the walls; books of skin types and samples of human tissue. Lois studies the material as Clark opens the drawers of a large flatfile, removes diagrams, drawings... CLARK Well, it's not steroids. LOIS Mechanical parts... Clark studies a drawing... CLARK And even motors to drive them. LOIS No wonder they're invincible. My God, Clark. I'm Dr. Frankenstein's daughter! She takes a small Minox from her bag, starts snapping photos of the parts and diagrams. Clark with _SUPER HEARING_, picks a SOUND. As he REACTS... LOIS (continuing) What? CLARK I heard something. LOIS I didn't... But he puts his finger to his lips and she hushes. CLARK I'll take a look. Wait here. Clark closes the door, closing her into the room. LOIS Hey! CLARK If we're both caught, there'll be no one to get the story out. Clark pushes her in, shuts the door, _X-RAYS_ through the wall to see... --page break-- 27. 33 33 THRU OMITTED THRU 34 34 35 CLARK'S POV 35 Menken and Garrison approach. 36 CLARK 36 looks around, looks down, thinks things over, then... at _SUPER SPEED_ he begins to stamp his feet. He bangs on the walls. The building begins to shake, as if an earthquake has begun. Things fall, dust fills the air. 37 MENKEN 37 ... slips as the shaking intensifies. He turns to Garrison, both men growing alarmed as old plaster from the ceiling begins landing on their heads. GARRISON Earthquake! MENKEN Come on, before the building comes down on our heads. 38 DR LANE'S OFFICE 38 The shaking slowly stops. Clark opens the closet door. LOIS Did you feel that? It was at least a five. He takes her arm and they hurry for the door. CUT TO: 39 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY (DAY #4) 39 Lois and Clark with Jimmy at Lois' desk, looking at the photos of the paraphernalia in Dr. Lane's office. JIMMY This is incredible. Incredible. CLARK The boxing commission will never allow these fighters into the ring if they know they're half robots. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 28. Lois sits at her desk, starts typing. LOIS If it weren't for the earthquake we'd be the lead story! JIMMY What earthquake? LOIS Last night! The earthquake! JIMMY There was no earthquake last night. LOIS There was an earthquake. JIMMY Not in Metropolis, Lois. If the * earth moved for you -- it must * have been something else. * Jimmy winks at Clark, exits. Lois looks at Clark. Clark shrugs. Lois also shrugs, resumes typing. CLARK What are you writing? LOIS The story. CLARK Saying what? LOIS That Sam Lane is performing these operations secretly. CLARK Are you sure? LOIS Sure I'm sure. Clark starts picking up stacking the photos. CLARK You know, I'm no--so sure we went to your father's office last night. LOIS What? --page break-- 29. 39 CONTINUED: 2 39 CLARK Maybe I was home asleep and you were watching a late movie on tv. LOIS Clark, what's with you? We were together. We took these pictures. CLARK What pictures? She looks; he's hidden the photos. She looks back at him. CLARK (continuing) He _is_ your father. LOIS Big deal. He'll lose his license. He deserves it. CLARK Allie lost his _life_. She stops typing, looks up at Clark. LOIS Clark, this is the biggest scandal in boxing history. CLARK No doubt about it. A moment's thought... CLARK (continuing) We print this, whoever killed Allie... will want your father out of the way, too. He'd be the key to the prosecution's case. LOIS So... what're you saying, Clark? That we should kill the story? That we should take a dive? Clark doesn't answer, doesn't have to. Lois looks at the computer monitor, then slumps down in her chair. FADE OUT. _END ACT TWO_ --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 30. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 40 INT. PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE - DAY 40 Lois and Clark, both clearly uncomfortable, watch as a disbelieving Perry rises from his desk. PERRY An ordinary hit and run? LOIS The police think so, too. PERRY Yesterday you told me it was murder. LOIS I was wrong. PERRY What about Dinello's phone call? Did you find out why he was upset? LOIS A person can get upset for a lot of reasons. PERRY And your father? LOIS He says he doesn't know anything. PERRY What's going on here? CLARK Sometimes a piece goes dry, Perry. You know that. PERRY Great. We'll put that up on bill- boards all over the city. 'Lane and Kent Come Up With Squat. On Sale at Newsstands Now!' (to Clark) You agree with her take on this? CLARK I go with my partner. A long, uncomfortable beat. It's clear Perry's done. He sits, resumes working on other things. Another awkward moment passes before they leave his office. CUT TO: --page break-- 31. 41 INT. LEX LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT 41 A relieved Max Menken stands before a huge desk, delivering information to a host we do not yet see. MENKEN (holding up newspaper) Nothing in The Planet. I told you we got to Dinello before he talked. LUTHOR Excellent. MENKEN Smooth sailing now. Our boys becoming the new world champions... everything we've dreamed about, finally coming true. 42 DIFFERENT ANGLE - REVEAL LEX LUTHOR 42 ... leaning back in his-big leather chair. LUTHOR It's a start. MENKEN A start? With all due respect, Mr. Luthor, once you got a champ in each division there's not much more you can do. Luthor stands, starts around the desk toward Max. LUTHOR Is that what you think this is about? Winning a few prize fights? Is that why I've invested _millions_ in this project? Now in Max's face, he pauses for effect, before walking away from the ashen promoter. Max is confused for a moment. Then his countenance brightens... MENKEN I... get it. After this we branch out into other sports. Baseball. Football. Tennis. LUTHOR Max. We've created five men with inordinate human strength. Now suppose we can take these men and make them even more powerful. Fifty times more powerful. One hundred times more powerful. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- 32. 42 CONTINUED: 42 LUTHOR (cont'd) Even... dare I say it... invulnerable. (a beat) Do you see _now_, Max? Do you see the possibilities? An army of supermen, under my control. Max, now rendered speechless, simply nods. CUT TO: 43 OMITTED 43 44 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE DAY 44 CLOSE ON the Planet's sports page, plastered with articles and pictures hyping the Ultimate Street Fight. LOIS The auto show! PULL BACK to reveal Lois and Perry. Lois is bleary-eyed, depressed -- and now frustrated. PERRY There's been a rash of thefts. Hubcaps, rear view mirrors... LOIS There has to be a more important story you can assign me to. PERRY (feigning concern) Ordinarily, yes. But the first time a reporter blows a big story it can rattle them, fill them with self-doubt. Seen it happen. LOIS Perry ... PERRY Take the auto show piece. It's a good little confidence builder. He ends the meeting with an "encouraging" -- which is to say condescending -- smile. Lois exits. --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/18/93 - pink 33. 45 INT. DAILY PLANET - THE PIT (CONTINUOUS) 45 Lois heads for her desk, aware that all have heard. She passes Jimmy, returns to her desk, looks quizzically at Clark, as if to say, "What about you?" CLARK Police Academy graduation. He gets up; they cross to the elevator together. LOIS Nice. (beat) Guess we're not partners anymore. CLARK Guess not. LOIS I'm sorry, Clark. Really. CLARK It's just as well. LOIS You're right: It _is_ just as well. You don't want to be partnered with a hypocritical reporter who talks a good game but backs off the minute things hit too close to home. CLARK Yes I do. She takes his arm and holds it, grateful, as they enter the elevator. CUT TO: 46 INT. ARENA - TRAINER'S ROOM - DAY 46 Dr. Lane finishes unwrapping a long bandage from around a boxer's shoulder. He watches carefully as the fighter gingerly tests the shoulder, tests its flexibility... (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 34. 46 CONTINUED: 46 DR LANE Baby it for few days. Light workouts. No sparring. The doctor slaps him on the back; Dan exits, passing Lois, on the way in. DR LANE (continuing) Lois? LOIS This. this isn't easy for me... so... I'll get right to it. (beat; then bravely) I know about the surgeries you've performed. Dr. Lane, not really surprised his daughter has uncovered this secret, turns away. DR LANE I have nothing to say. LOIS I want to know, Dad. Not as a reporter. As your daughter. DR LANE Sorry. LOIS I won't let you shut me out. Not after I killed the story! DR LANE You did what? LOIS I killed the story. It could have gotten you hurt ... murdered... DR LANE You should have written it. LOIS And have you wind up like Allie? DR LANE That's my problem, not yours. LOIS (flares) Of course it's my problem! You're my father! You expect me not to care? (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 35. 46 CONTINUED: 2 46 DR LANE It's not about caring, Lois. LOIS You _would_ say that. DR LANE You think I don't know anything about caring? Lois won't answer. DR LANE (continuing) I know you resent me -- and you * _should_ -- for all the times I let you down. I _meant_ to go to the journalism awards; I swore to myself I'd be there. But I was working, and had an idea, and had to try it out. Before I knew it, it was four a.m. Inconsiderate? Yes. But it didn't mean I didn't care. It was because of my work. LOIS Your 'work' was building machinery to beat a man's brains in... DR LANE Not at first. At first I set out to design and build replacement parts for victims of catastrophic injury... new limbs for the disfigured. That was a _good_ * dream, Lois. Noble. Worth sacrificing for. LOIS Sacrificing your family? DR LANE You always think you'll make it up to them someday. But time gets * away from you, and you never do. * LOIS (a long, silent beat) Did Menken kill Allie Dinello? DR LANE I've been afraid to ask myself that question. (beat) Write your story, Lois. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/18/93 - pink 36. 46 CONTINUED: 3 46 DR LANE (cont'd) You're a professional. It's your job. You'll disappoint me if you don't. HOLD on Lois... what to do. CUT TO: 47 INT. DR. LANE'S OFFICE - LATER THAT DAY 47 Max Menken leans comfortably back in a huge leather chair. From his own chair behind his desk, Dr. Lane seems to be in a virtual state of shock. DR LANE Stronger! (anxiety building) Max, there's no need. The fighters are winning every fight. * MENKEN * We want 'em stronger. * DR LANE * They're too strong as it is. * MENKEN * We'll be the judge of that. * DR LANE * No, _I_ will. I didn't develop * these limbs to be battering rams. * MENKEN The cash didn't hurt, neither. DR LANE Every cent went back into the work. MENKEN Yeah, well, now we're going into mass production. We're going to turn 'em out like Detroit does cars. DR LANE Cars are machines, Max. MENKEN Welcome to the party. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/18/93 - pink 37. 47 CONTINUED: 47 DR LANE I want out of this. MENKEN Sure, Doc. At the end of your contract. DR LANE We don't have a contract. MENKEN Yeah, we do. Lifetime. DR LANE Dinello have the same contract? MENKEN It's a dangerous business. DR LANE You killed him... MENKEN Who'd you think? * (beat) I'd hate to waste you, too. * CUT TO: 48 EXT. STREET CORNER - DAY 48 Dr. Lane stands alone for a moment... before he is joined by Lois and Clark. LOIS Did you get it? He reaches into his pocket for the microcassette recorder. DR LANE It may not be enough to arrest him; it'll be plenty for the boxing commission. He plays the tape. It's the last few moments of conversation from the previous scene. He stops the tape recorder, hands the tape to Lois. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/18/93 - pink 38. 48 CONTINUED: 48 LOIS I don't... know what to say. DR LANE Don't _say_ anything. Write. The _whole_ story -- including the one you didn't write before. CLARK * Sir -- do you mind if I ask you... * how you got into this? * DR LANE Sports medicine is my specialty. * When I started my work on replace- * ment limbs, I could always find * volunteers among boxers... and * funding from the promoters. By the * time I realized how they were * abusing my work... well, frankly, I * was afraid... * LOIS * Of ending up like Allie. * He nods, smiles, touches her on her cheek. * DR LANE * Write it, darling -- and don't * forget to spell my name right. * He walks away. A few beats. Lois looks at Clark, then at her departing father, then runs after him: LOIS Daddy! She catches up to give him a hug. She holds on... DR LANE I wonder if... it's not too late to try... to make it up to you... LOIS You don't have to make anything up to me, Daddy. We can just take it from here. He kisses her, turns and goes. Lois comes back to Clark, takes his arm. They start to walk. CUT TO: --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/18/93 - pink 38A. 49 INT. DAILY PLANET - THE PIT - LATE DAY 49 A pressed-for-time Perry zips through his city room. PERRY Lois! I need your piece on the auto show. LOIS I don't have it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/20/93 - yellow 39. 49 CONTINUED: 49 The room falls silent. All activity ceases. Perry stops on a dime and does a slow turn. PERRY Don't have it? 50 HIS POV - LOIS 50 ... holding up some pages as they come out of the printer. LOIS Been working on this instead. 51 BACK TO SCENE 51 Perry crosses to her. PERRY Assignments are not optional at the Daily Planet. She hands him the pages. During the following, his eyes will be drawn to their contents. PERRY (continuing) We write what we're assigned to write. Further... more... As the words sink in, elation replaces hostility. PERRY (continuing) Wait a minute. I knew it! Lois * Lane doesn't back off a story! * You were just pulling my leg! * (quietly) And you got me, too. * (then, to the room) * You all ought to be ashamed of yourselves for what you were thinking! Lois, though enjoying the reaction, clears her throat pointedly, then nods over to... 52 CLARK 52 ... standing nearby and enjoying the.show as well. --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 40. 53 BACK TO SCENE 53 He approaches Clark, extends his hand. PERRY Kent, thanks for a first rate job. CLARK You're welcome. (produces other pages) The Police Academy story, too. LOIS Showoff. (to Perry) Perry, the fights are tonight. If we hurry, we can get this into the * afternoon edition! PERRY (bellowing) Copy! A copy boy dashes over. PERRY (continuing) Get this down there! Tell 'em it's for the front page, as much room as it needs! Wingate! Call sales! Tell 'em I want radio spots, T.V. spots... skywriting... yeah... Let Metropolis know that Lane and Kent * are the greatest team since... * Woodward and Bernstein... and they * can see for themselves in the 'The * Daily Planet.' * FADE OUT. _END ACT THREE_ --page break-- 41. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 53A EXT. METROPOLIS - STREET FIGHT SITE - NIGHT 53A Unsuspecting fans arrive for what they think will be the greatest night of boxing ever. They crowd through the turnstiles, past the merchants hawking their souvenirs. CUT TO: 54 OMITTED 54 55 INT. CHALLENGER'S LOCKER - NIGHT 55 Getting taped up, shadow punching to loosen up and break a sweat, the Menken fighters psych themselves up for their big night with animal-like viciousness. Tommy Garrison, heavyweight challenger, moves around the locker room with a startling intensity, occasionally letting out a bloodthirsty yell. Reaching a wall, he starts pounding his bare fists into it. GARRISON Gonna kill him! Gonna kill him! Gonna kill him! GONNA KILL HIM! ... and with a final inhuman punch, he literally smashes his fist through the wall. The room falls quiet, all the fighters stunned. Even Garrison is amazed, just staring at the hole for several moments... before a trace of the devil's own smile appears on his face. CUT TO: 56 OMITTED 56 57 INT. LEX LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE NIGHT 57 Lex Luthor, concerned, talks into his phone. LUTHOR In this evening's Planet? Are you sure? He listens another moment before hanging up. He addresses an unseen companion. (CONTINUED) --page break-- 42. 57 CONTINUED: 57 LUTHOR (continuing; melancholy) It's always so embarrassing to have to do away with someone. It's an announcement to the world that you have neither the savvy nor the finesse to deal with a problem more creatively. Naturally there've been times when I've had to have people eliminated. But it's always saddened me. I've always felt... like I let myself down somehow. He sighs. CUT TO: 58 OMITTED 58 58A EXT. METROPOLIS - STREET FIGHT SITE - NIGHT 58A Fans race to find seats close to the ring. Paparazzi snap photos of ringsiders. 59 OMITTED 59 60 INT. LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - CLOSE ON DAILY PLANET NIGHT 60 The headline screams: BOXING COMMISSION MEETS ON ROBOSCANDAL! The paper is lowered by Lex, alarmed. Max is with him. MENKEN What do we do now? LUTHOR Max, I know you're upset and not thinking clearly... but do you honestly think I'd have no plan? MENKEN Sorry... what is your plan? LUTHOR To not have this unpleasantness find it's way to my doorstep. MENKEN What about _my_ doorstep? (CONTINUED) --page break-- 43. 60 CONTINUED: 60 LUTHOR It's already past your doorstep and into your house. (pats Max's knee) But don't worry. You'll do one last favor for me Max, you and your fighters. Then you'll all be relocated and well compensated. MENKEN What's the favor? LUTHOR Dr. Lane. Without him, there's no witness, no case.. MENKEN He's kind of disappeared. LUTHOR Wouldn't you, in light of the story? But... his daughter is still accessible. We'll use her to get to him. CUT TO: 61 61 THRU OMITTED THRU 63 63 64 EXT. METROPOLIS - STREET FIGHT SITE - NIGHT 64 The RINGMASTER, tuxedo clad, holds the microphone and addresses the crowd: RINGMASTER Ladies and gentlemen... In accordance with a ruling of the Commissioner's office, tonight's title card is cancelled. 65 THE CROWD 65 begins to boo, and boo loudly. Soon, things are being thrown towards the ring; cups, programs, etc... (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/16/93 - white 44. 65 CONTINUED: 65 RINGMASTER I have the further unpleasant task of announcing that the five challengers scheduled to appear this evening have been placed on indefinite suspension ... pending investigation of misconduct charges ... CUT TO: 66 INT. CHALLENGER'S LOCKER ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 66 The four angriest men in the history of the world exit * the room, slamming the door behind them, practically tearing it off it's hinges. * CUT TO: 67 67 THRU OMITTED THRU 69 69 --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 45. 70 EXT. METROPOLIS - STREET FIGHT SITE - NIGHT 70 The disappointed crowd has turned hostile, items being flung towards the ring at a constant rate... when suddenly... From the runway Tommy Garrison rushes towards the ring. At first, the surprised crowd quiets down a bit, not sure what's going on. But then, just as suddenly, the loudest boos we've heard so far-begin to greet the fighter. GARRISON There's no man alive can hurt us! We're the greatest of all time... and no two-bit boxing commission or a bunch of loudmouthed know-nothing fans can change that! The booing intensifies. 71 INT. DAILY PLANET LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER 71 Lois and Clark head for the fight outside, run into Lex Luthor. They reach Lex ' who greets them warmly, taking one of Lois's hands, cupping it between both his own. LUTHOR I was hoping I'd run into you. * Off Clark's suspicious look... LUTHOR (continuing) And I was hoping the rumors were unfounded. LOIS I'm afraid not. LUTHOR Miss Lane -- Lois -- your father * is a Visionary. I have nothing but contempt for those who led him down this path. That's why I came today. To find you and make this pledge: to do anything within my power to help your father redirect his talents to the injured and handicapped. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 45A. 71 CONTINUED: 71 LOIS I don't know what to say. MENKEN Well ain't this touching. * They all turn. --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 46. 72 DIFFERENT ANGLE - FEATURE MAX MENKEN 72 LOIS Menken! CLARK I think somebody's looking for you, Max. Maybe... the D.A.? Max discreetly reveals a gun. MENKEN All right, let's nobody get heroic. She's taking a ride with me. You two back off. LUTHOR Haven't you caused enough trouble? MENKEN I'm just warming up. * He grabs Lois's arm. After a last hopeless look to * Clark, then Lex, she relents. 73 THEIR POV - LOIS, WITH MAX 73 ... as she's hustled away. 74 CLARK AND LUTHOR 74 Clark takes off in the opposite direction. CLARK I'll go for help! Luthor watches him, struggles to control his bemusement. 75 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT 75 Max guides Lois along at a brisk pace, his gun still discreetly pressed up against her ribs. LOIS What are you going to do when he comes for me? MENKEN Who? LOIS Superman. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 47. 75 CONTINUED: 75 MENKEN You and him close, are you? LOIS Let's just say he's always there when I need him. MENKEN Well. I'd say you need him now. Where is he? A FAMILIAR VOICE (O.S.) A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Menken. Max and Lois freeze. CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL... our superhero, in classic pose, legs spread, hands on hips. 76 LOIS AND MAX 76 ... slowly turn, Lois shooting Max an "I told you so" glare. But when she turns fully toward Superman, her relief reverts back to alarm. LOIS Superman! Behind you! 77 SUPERMAN 77 The unsuspecting crime fighter turns... just in time to be on the receiving end of not one, but two "superhumanly" strong punches hurled simultaneously by two fighters, both landing square on the jaw. Superman backpedals into... 78 ANGLE - THE FIGHTERS 78* The two Menken fighters who unleased the surprise assault watch with satisfaction as Superman is actually staggered. 79 MENKEN 79 again grabs Lois, resumes their trek at a quicker pace. MENKEN 'Steel vs. Steel'... that's how I'd promote it. Too bad we can't stay and watch. 80 FIGHT SEQUENCE - CONTINUOUS 80 Superman tries shaking off the cobwebs... but before he can, BAM!, another supersmack from the pugilistic twosome. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 48. 80 CONTINUED: 80 Two of the Menken brawlers unleash their fierce blows, sending Superman reeling backwards... Superman recovers, pushes the fighters against a cyclone fence; then he rips the fence from its moorings, wraps it around the fighters and sends it and them spinning away like a top, probably into an adjacent county. Then Superman turns his attention to a third fighter. This fighter smiles and raises his hands in a gesture of jovial surrender and backs away... turns and runs. Superman looks for Garrison, HEARS him first... GARRISON (P.A.) Superman! I'm waiting for you! I want to see what makes you so Super! 80A EXT. THE RING 80A Garrison growls into the mic. GARRISON Where do you suppose this _Super_man's gone? You don't think he's _scared_, do you? Why would he be ascared of me? VOICE (O.S.) He's not afraid. GARRISON No? VOICE (O.S.) He took care of your pals easy enough! GARRISON My pals ain't me. (into the mic) SUPERMAN! Oh, SUP ... erman... SUPERMAN Are you lookin' for me? (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 49. 80A CONTINUED: 80A Garrison spins around to find Superman standing behind him. GARRISON Yeah. They stand face to face for a beat. SUPERMAN What's your pleasure? GARRISON A prize fight. Marquis of Queensbury rules? SUPERMAN Of course. But Garrison instantly breaks those rules, unleashes his fury, sending Superman back... back... and finally down. Adrenalin flowing, Garrison raises his arms in victory. The crowd greets this with an angry chorus of boos. But soon, the boos fall silent and all eyes turn to our hero... sitting on the floor -- dazed, not hurt -- and manipulating his jaw. 81 THE NEAREST FIGHT FAN... 81 A MATURE WOMAN who gets into movies half-price, leans in to Superman. GRANDMA You hurt, Superman? SUPERMAN Nah. They just caught me off guard, that's all. What's the count? GRANDMA Hasn't reached ten. SUPERMAN Good. GRANDMA (sternly) And keep your left up! (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 49A. 81 CONTINUED: 81 Superman gets to his feet. The crowd goes nuts, offering cheers and other shouts of encouragement. When Garrison realizes the cheers are not for him, he turns and in utter amazement SEES that his opponent has risen, eager for round two. Superman approaches Garrison, plants his feet and stands before him. Garrison lets loose with a major punch... which Superman makes no attempt to block. When the punch lands, Garrison's eyes open wide. Not only has his punch had no impact on Superman; it has rattled the mechanisms in his own arm. Garrison hits Superman again -- harder. And again -- harder. And a third time. Each punch literally hurts Garrison more than Superman: he looks as if all his screws are loose -- which they probably are. SUPERMAN Something wrong? Superman gives him the lightest of pushes... and Garrison falls back, out of FRAME, into the ropes. SUPERMAN (continuing) Superman _weaves_ a victory. 81A ANGLE - GARRISON 81A ... completely wrapped in a web of rope. CUT TO: 82 82 THRU OMITTED THRU 85 85 86 EXT. STREET - MOMENTS LATER 86 Menken hustles Lois out... A FAMILIAR VOICE (O.S.) Unhand her! The command stops them. LOIS (hopefully) Superman? They turn. --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 50. 87 THEIR POV LEX LUTHOR 87 ... with gun raised. * LUTHOR * Drop the gun. * 88 LOIS 88* Shocked. * --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 51. 89 MENKEN 89 More shocked... too shocked to reach... then, a look of realization... He points his gun. MENKEN You lousy... 90 BACK TO SCENE 90 Lex fires, a direct hit. The evil Max Menken is dead. A beat... before a relieved, grateful Lois runs into the arms of the approaching Lex Luthor. A beat... before... 91 SUPERMAN 91 arrives to save Lois but is astounded to see that he is too late; the hero, Lex Luthor has beaten him to it. SUPERMAN (to Lois) Are... you... all right? Lois nods, turns to Lex, stares gratefully into his eyes. LOIS (to Lex) You saved my life. LUTHOR I couldn't let any harm come to you. (turns to Superman) I know you can't be everywhere at once, Superman. I'm just glad one of us got here on time. Off Superman's reaction... CUT TO: 92 INT. LEX LUTHOR'S PENTHOUSE - LATER THAT NIGHT 92 A gritty Lex pours champagne into a _very_ wide-mouthed glass and celebrates with his companion. LUTHOR You're wondering why I didn't eliminate Max earlier. Good questions. I knew the robotics project was lost. I knew I had to lose Menken. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/13/93 - goldenrod 52. 92 CONTINUED: 92 LUTHOR (cont'd) But... by waiting, by _using_ Max one last time, I was able to _gain_ something from my losses: the gratitude of Lois Lane, who now owes me her life. (a beat; laughs) And the look on Superman's face! What a delightful bonus. Lex fills the second wide-mouthed glass with champagne... LUTHOR (continuing) It was a stunning example of a trait I particularly admire in myself: the ability to profit even from setbacks. The night started poorly, but I have to say, I took a lemon and made... champagne. ... and places the glass on the floor for his friend, a handsome pit bull. 93 INT. DAILY PLANET - PIT - (DAY #6) 93 Lois and Clark watch as Perry, leaning up against the edge of Clark's desk, goes over their latest piece of writing. PERRY Great follow-up. By the way, Kent, where were you during all this? CLARK I went to get help. Perry doesn't acknowledge Clark's response, instead returning to the story. PERRY No criminal charges against Dr. * Lane... That's good... Oh, isn't, * this nice: Lex Luthor has offered * to testify as a character witness * before the medical ethics board. * Good for Lex... * Though he tries to hide it, we can tell that this Luthor worship is making Clark crazy. (CONTINUED) --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/18/93 - pink 53. 93 CONTINUED: 93 PERRY (continuing) He carries a lot of weight in the community. Clark is dying by inches. Perry finishes reading. PERRY (continuing) Well, my instinct was right. Lane and Kent are a big success. Circulation should go way up with this piece. LOIS I guess we're partners full time now, huh? PERRY Don't want to overdo it. Only when the time is right -- and only special stories. With a smile, he hands her the pages and departs. Clark drops into his chair, fuming. CLARK What'd he mean, where was I? LOIS You were looking for help. Come on, let's get some lunch. CLARK I'm not hungry. LOIS If it makes you feel any better, even Superman got there too late. Clark winces. LOIS (continuing) Are you coming, or are you going to stay here and sulk? He reluctantly gets un and slips into his jacket. Before they leave Perry sticks his head out of the office. PERRY Kent! Don't forget! It's poker night. Nine O'Clock. CLARK Not tonight, got other plans. CUT TO: --page break-- Requiem for a Superhero - (#4) Rev. 8/17/93 - blue 54. 94 INT. MENKEN GYM - A SERIES OF SHOTS - MUCH LATER 94 After hours. Clark, alone in the facility, puts himself through the paces. He turns the speed bag into the SUPER speed bag, its rapid motion becoming merely a blur. Clark belts the heavy bag, knocks it off its chain, sends it sailing across the room, a cloud of resin left behind. Finished, he heads for the exit, putting his jacket on, picking up a jumprope. CLARK Not bad for a mild mannered reporter. He _JUMPS ROPE FAST_ and exits. FADE OUT. _END_