FADE IN:
The screen is black.
NARRATOR
Once upon a time, the Lords of Order
and the Lords of Chaos had a fight.
The screen lights up as an EXPLOSION takes place. It is the
Mother Of All Explosions, The Big Bang, our universe being
born.
NARRATOR
They wound up with a universe on
Their Hands and decided not to fix
Their "mistake".
Scenes of war, famine, and disease from history.
NARRATOR
The Lords of Chaos wanted evil to
spread throughout the universe. If
that happened, They knew They would
win in the end. The Lords of Order
had other plans.
Scenes of RELIGIOUS FIGURES preaching and DOCTORS healing
the sick.
NARRATOR
Not only did the Lords of Order
encourage beings to do good, but
they also established a force to
battle evil, to maintain order
throughout the universe, The Green
Lantern Corps...
Scenes of THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS MEMBERS in action.
NARRATOR
...beings from hundreds of worlds,
dedicated to keeping the universe
from falling apart, using the power
rings to battle evil. And, in all
of history, no one from the planet
Earth, no human being, had ever been
selected to be part of The Green
Lantern Corps...until today.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - SOMEWHERE OFF NEAR JUPITER - NIGHT
Green fingers POKE through the fabric of space, ripping it
apart. A small, bullet-shaped spaceship speeds through the
opening. The fingers fade away, the hole SNAPS shut.
INT - THE SPACESHIP - NIGHT
ABIN SUR, a red-skinned humanoid alien, is critically injured.
He wears the uniform of the Green Lantern Corps. All dialogue
for Abin Sur and The Figure/Sinestro is in ALIEN with English
subtitles.
SUR
Have to keep moving...keep
going...third planet...the only place.
He makes some adjustments to controls on the console revealing
the green lantern ring. Sur raises up his ring hand.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR MARS - NIGHT
A huge, green EXPLOSION takes place outside the ship.
INT - THE SHIP - NIGHT
Sur lies back in his seat.
SUR
That'll fool him...for a while.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR EARTH - NIGHT
Sur's ship flies past the moon, heading toward Earth. The
North American continent can clearly be seen as the ship
approaches.
INT - THE SPACESHIP - NIGHT
The ship starts to fall apart as it enters Earth's atmosphere.
Smoke and sparks fly out of the ship's console.
SUR
He'll be here. Just bring it in.
Don't fail The Corps.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - NIGHT
The sky is clear. Billions of stars shine.
Sur's ship CRASHES down through the night, SKIDS across the
desert floor, and SCOOPS up sand.
The ship SLAMS into the bottom of a small desert mountain.
Rocks and sand TUMBLE down and cover the ship.
INT - THE SHIP - NIGHT
A green lantern appears. Sur inserts his ring hand into the
lantern's opening. The lantern GLOWS for a second.
SUR
Just need to rest...wait for
him...wait...he'll come when it's
time.
Sur leans back in the seat and shuts his eyes.
SUR
Record.
A green light bathes the inside of the ship.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - NIGHT
We start here and pull away, away, away, all the way back to
where we started.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - SOMEWHERE OFF NEAR JUPITER - NIGHT
Another hole is RIPPED in space and a slightly larger ship
comes slowly flying through. The hole SNAPS shut.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
A SILHOUETTED MALE FIGURE sits at the console. He SLAMS his
fist down hard.
FIGURE
Where is he? He must be dead by
now. I beat him so badly he had to
use a ship to run away from me!
The Figure enters commands on a keyboard.
CLOSE UP: A monitor screen on the console zooms in on where
Sur set off the explosion in space.
The Figure enters a command and a door behind him slides
open. A featureless, grey ANDROID steps out.
FIGURE
Fetch!
The Figure hits a button on the console and the android drops
through a hole that opens in the floor.
EXT - OUTSIDE THE SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The android shoots out of a hole in the bottom of the ship
and flies off in the direction of Mars.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The Figure CLAPS and LAUGHS.
FIGURE
That's it, Andy, go sic 'im!
The Figure runs scans from the console.
FIGURE
His remains have to be around here
somewhere.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR MARS - NIGHT
The android reaches the spot where Sur set off the explosion
and turns in slow circles. The second ship is in the
background.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The Figure paces.
FIGURE
C'mon, you. Find it. Find the ring!
It's got to be here.
The Figure sits down at the console, runs one more set of
scans and then slumps in the chair.
FIGURE
Okay, Abin Sur. Round one goes to
you. But I know you're still here.
The Figure hits a button on the console.
EXT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The tube on the bottom of the ship opens up and the android
flies into it.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The Figure stands by the hole as it opens and the android
pops up. The hole closes and the android backs into its
chamber. The door closes.
FIGURE
Some help you are.
The Figure KICKS the door of the chamber. He turns to the
console, opens a drawer, takes out a small crystalline case
and opens it.
He holds up a ring.
FIGURE
When I find you, Abin, you are in
for one big surprise.
The Figure puts the ring in the case and SNAPS it shut. He
puts it in a pocket.
He hits a button on the console and another chamber door
opens next to the android. The light shines on him and he
is revealed to be SINESTRO, a tall, thin alien with the same
red skin as Abin Sur.
SINESTRO
Ship, on my command, set chamber for
cryo-sleep, continue scanning this
sector for the ring's power signature.
Wake me when it's found.
Sinestro goes to the chamber and enters it backwards.
SINESTRO
Monitor communications signals in
this sector, feed them to me while I
sleep.
Sinestro enters commands on a small pad in the chamber.
SINESTRO
And ship make us difficult to find.
Go!
Sinestro hits one last button and the door of the chamber
closes. Sinestro LAUGHS.
EXT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The ship flies down to the surface of Mars. It lands at the
base of a cliff in the middle of a sandstorm. The sands
start to cover the ship.
INSERT SUBTITLE: 1890
The blinding sun rises over the horizon of Mars.
FLASH FORWARD TO: TODAY
INT - BEDROOM, HAL JORDAN'S APARTMENT - MORNING
The sun shines in the window. A closet door is open with an
open suitcase lying just outside of it. Female clothes are
being tossed into the suitcase.
The radio ALARM goes off and a Deejay's VOICE rambles on.
From under the blanket on the bed, a male arm snakes out,
knocks an empty bourbon bottle and some opened foil wrappers
off the night stand and SLAMS down on the radio.
INT - THE BEDROOM - LATER
LOUISE ADAMS, brunette, 20's, stands over the bed, dressed.
LOUISE
C'mon Hal. Get up. You'll be late
for work.
Hal is still under the covers.
HAL (O.S.)
Go away.
LOUISE
Be careful what you wish for.
She walks to the closet and picks up the suitcase.
HAL (O.S.)
What is it now, Louise?
She walks back to the bed and sits on it.
LOUISE
I won't be seeing you again, Hal.
Not here. Not this way.
HAL (O.S.)
Don't be like that.
LOUISE
Don't be like what? Don't be happy
waiting for a commitment from you?
You won't even come out from under
the covers.
HAL JORDAN, 40, in good physical shape, light brown hair,
gray on the sides, blue eyes, throws back the covers and
sits up.
HAL
There. Is that better?
LOUISE
No, Hal. It's not.
She takes a package out from under the bed, lays it on the
bed, gets up, picks up the suitcase and walks to the door.
LOUISE
I got you a birthday present. I
would have given it to you last night
while we were out celebrating but
you were, you know, drinking.
Hal watches her go.
The door SLAMS. Hal picks up the package and opens it.
HAL
Happy birthday to me.
He holds up a green sweater.
HAL
Ugh. Green. I hate green!
EXT - A DESERT HIGHWAY - DAY
Hal drives a convertible with the top down. As he passes a
billboard for COPPERSKIN TANNING OIL, he whips out a pair of
sunglasses. A bright yellow sun is the centerpiece of the
billboard.
HAL
Do us all a favor and tear it down,
would ya.
EXT - FERRIS AIRCRAFT COMPANY - DAY
Hal drives through the main gate and up to one of the hangars.
WALT EGER, 40's, a mechanic, has engine parts strewn all
over the ground. Hal stops his car just in front of Walt.
WALT
Hey! Watch it there! You could
have hit me!
Hal jumps out of the car and throws the keys to Walt who
catches them without a glance.
HAL
Never happen. Car's been running
rough, Walt. Would you mind?
WALT
Not in the least.
Hal walks away toward a small building.
WALT
And you have a nice day, too, there,
Mr. Jordan, sir.
Walt turns his back to Hal's car, throws the keys over his
shoulder and they land in the back seat.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - DAY
The caption on the door reads "FERRIS AIRCRAFT - COLONEL
JOHN FERRIS, USAF (RET), PRESIDENT AND CEO". Louise is
Colonel Ferris's secretary. She sits at a desk as Hal comes
in.
HAL
Morning, Louise, the Colonel in?
LOUISE
You can't go in now. He's in a
meeting.
HAL
I've got a test flight to do.
LOUISE
He told me to have you wait. He
wants to talk to you after he's done
in there.
HAL
Oh great. Like I have time for this.
The Colonel's door opens and THREE MEN in business suits,
come out. COLONEL FERRIS, late 50's, tall, blue eyes, sticks
his head around the corner.
FERRIS
I'll beep you when I'm ready for
Hal.
Ferris looks over at Hal.
FERRIS
Have a seat.
Ferris shuts the door, Hal's mouth is open. He turns to say
something to Louise. One of the three men leans over,
caresses her hand and whispers in her ear. She looks at Hal
then looks away.
Hal takes a seat and pages through a magazine. The man
leaves. Louise waves good-bye to him.
LOUISE
See you tonight.
HAL
That was fast.
LOUISE
I learned all my moves from a pilot.
An uncomfortable SILENCE fills the office.
Hal flips through the magazine. The phone RINGS. Louise
answers.
LOUISE
Yes sir. Yes sir, right away.
She hangs up.
LOUISE
He'll see you now.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The office is decorated with mementos of the Colonel's career.
His back is to the door and he looks at a row of pictures
that have Hal and the Colonel posing together in front of
different aircraft. Their ages are different in each shot.
FERRIS
Come in Hal. Sit down. We have to
talk.
Hal obeys him. Ferris turns and sits down at the desk to
face Hal.
FERRIS
Those men you just saw leave here,
our lawyer, the PR man, the
accountant, they were in here to
discuss your future with Ferris
Aircraft.
HAL
Yes sir, well, I can explain.
FERRIS
You can listen.
Hal leans back in the chair.
FERRIS
They want me to fire you.
He turns in the chair to look at the pictures.
FERRIS
They want me to tell you to "Hit the
road Jack", but, I can't. I mean I
can but I won't.
He turns back around.
FERRIS
I, Jesus, I don't know how to say
this, I can't let you fly. Not for
a while.
Hal jumps out of the chair and leans over the desk.
HAL
But flying's my life!
FERRIS
I know, Hal. I know it is. But I
have to do something, your drinking,
your irresponsible behavior---
HAL
What are you gonna have me do? Sweep
out the hangars?
FERRIS
No. Just calm down.
Hal sits in the chair and clams up.
FERRIS
I'm putting you on the simulator
crew, effective immediately and
indefinitely.
HAL
Simulator? That's not a pilot's
job. It's a job for losers.
FERRIS
It's all I have left for you. Take
it or leave it.
INT - THE SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
A flight simulator sits in the middle of the room, TOMAS
KALAMAKU, a round-faced young man of Eskimo descent, works
on a program at a computer terminal.
CNN is on in the upper right corner of the computer screen.
He wears a jade wedding ring.
He talks to the computer.
TOM
You aren't supposed to do that.
Quit that. Idiot code.
Hal enters.
HAL
Hiya, Pieface. You get the good
news yet?
Tom flinches.
TOM
What news? The new Director of
Operations? Yeah. And please don't
call me---
HAL
No, Pie, not that. You're now working
with the best in the business.
Hal points at himself with his thumb.
TOM
Oh joy.
Tom whirls his finger in the air. Hal ignores it.
HAL
Yup. It's gonna be me and you,
together, a team.
TOM
Well, Jordan---
HAL
Call me Hal.
TOM
Well, Jordan, the new D.O., Director
of Operations is coming here today
and I don't want you screwing things
up with your flyboy attitude. Just
do the job.
Hal throws a mock salute.
HAL
Yes sir, General Pieface, sir.
TOM
We have a new program to test out
for the latest single-seat high-
altitude fighters. You up for it?
HAL
I can handle anything your computer-
dork mind comes up with. Remember,
you just write simulator programs.
I've actually flown.
TOM
Okay, big shot, you know the drill.
Tom points to the simulator.
TOM
Suit up and climb on board.
INT - THE SIMULATOR - DAY
It's a mock-up of an actual fighter's cockpit. Hal wears a
flight suit and a headset. He fidgets with various controls.
HAL
I can't believe this. Flying a
simulator. I'm ready, Pieface.
TOM (O.S.)
Okay, Jordan, today we'll be---
The phone RINGS.
TOM (O.S.)
Hold on.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom picks up the phone and uses his free hand to type on the
computer keyboard. He wears a headset.
TOM
Yes sir, okay sir. That'll be fine
by me. I'll tell him when we're
done with this test.
He hangs up.
TOM
Hey, Jordan, when you're done with
this run, I have some exciting news
for you from the Colonel.
INT - SIMULATOR - DAY
Hal runs through the pre-flight checklist.
HAL
Yeah, okay, fine. Let's get it going.
TOM (O.S.)
One wild ride, care of Kalamaku
Airlines, coming right up.
Hal lies back and closes his eyes.
HAL
Well, whoopdie-doo.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
A bolt of green light BURSTS through the ceiling, RIPS the
simulator off its base and carries it off.
INT - SIMULATOR - DAY
Hal BANGS on the hatch and tries to open it.
HAL
What the hell? Pieface!
EXT - THE SKY OVER COAST CITY - DAY
The green light carries the simulator up, up, and away, over
the city, past the city limits, clear out of state. The
canopy flies off. Hal grips the seat, his eyes wide.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - DAY
The simulator glides to a soft landing at the foot of the
small desert mountain where Sur's ship crashed. The green
light fades away. Hal climbs out.
It is very quiet.
HAL
Hello?
Green light surrounds Hal. He disappears.
INT - ABIN SUR'S SHIP - DAY
Green light bathes the inside of the ship and Hal appears in
the co-pilot's seat next to an injured Abin Sur. Hal stares
at him.
SUR
You must be the new guy.
HAL
I, I---
SUR
Ah. Eloquence. The Guardians are
going to love you.
HAL
What are you saying?
SUR SPEAKS IN ENGLISH.
SUR
Can you understand me now? I think
the ring has got your language.
HAL
Ring? What ring? What are you
talking about?
Sur holds up his ring hand.
SUR
Patience, patience, Hal Jordan.
I've waited a long time for this.
What's a few more minutes?
HAL
Well, excuse me! I'll just sit back
and relax while my favorite red-
skinned alien---?
Sur nods yes.
HAL
Explains it all to me. Thank you
very much.
SUR
You adapt quickly. The sight of an
alien doesn't faze you?
HAL
I saw some pretty bizarre stuff when
I was flying in the military.
SUR
Oh yes, those people. You'll get to
meet them. The "little green men".
HAL
Look who's talking.
Sur COUGHS several times.
HAL
How about an introduction, pal? You
seem to know who I am.
Sur points to himself.
SUR
Abin Sur, of the Green Lantern Corps,
sector 2817.
Hal points to himself, mimicking Sur.
HAL
Hal Jordan, Major, United States Air
Force, retired, and, if you don't
mind me saying so, Abin, you look
like crap.
SUR
Oh, it's much worse than that. You
see, I'm already dead, been dead for
over one hundred years.
Hal tries to put some space between himself and Sur.
SUR
What you're seeing is an interactive
recording I made before I died.
HAL
What am I doing here?
SUR
You have been selected to take my
place as the Green Lantern of sector
2817, which includes your lovely
little planet.
HAL
What do you mean?
SUR
You must wear this ring, this uniform.
And remember to charge the ring once
a day, with this.
A green lantern appears.
SUR
It's with you always. You can't
lose it.
Sur starts to fade away.
HAL
Wait! I have some more questions.
Sur grabs Hal's hand and slips the ring on his finger.
SUR
Ask the ring.
Sur fades away, leaving just his skeleton clothed in a
shredded uniform.
HAL
Oh yeah, thanks.
Hal pauses and takes in the surroundings.
HAL
Well, ring, how do I get home?
Hal's hand is drawn to the lantern and pulled into a small
opening. A green light shines brightly. Hal yanks his hand
out. The ring glows for a second, then fades. Hal stares
at it.
Green light fills the ship, Hal leans back into the seat and
closes his eyes.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom opens the hatch of the simulator and shakes Hal.
TOM
Wake up, Jordan. Get up.
Hal snaps out of it.
HAL
What? What happened? The alien---
TOM
Alien?
Hal jumps out of the simulator and looks down at the base.
HAL
Pieface! It's still here! But it
got ripped off. It flew out over
the city.
Tom, in disgust, walks away, goes over to the water cooler
and fills a cup with cold water.
HAL
You wouldn't believe it. There was
this red guy who was dying. An alien.
He told me that I have to take his
place.
Tom walks back over as Hal turns away and looks at the
simulator.
HAL
This got torn off its base. I flew
out into the desert.
Hal turns back and Tom douses him with the water.
HAL
Pieface! What the hell are you doing?
TOM
I want you awake for this.
Tom decks Hal.
TOM
Happy landing, flyboy.
HAL
Tom.
TOM
Don't you call me that. And don't
call me Pieface, Pie, or any of those
other stupid names. My name is Tomas
Kalamaku. Only my friends call me
Tom. You can call me---
Hal rubs his jaw.
HAL
Mr. Kalamaku?
TOM
No. Not even that. You work for me
now. I'm your boss. That's what
Colonel Ferris called me about. You
work for me. And you will call me
"sir". Got that?
HAL
I outrank you.
TOM
We're not in the military, Jordan.
Get that through your boozed-up mind.
We're civilians now. I outrank you
and you better stop pissing me off.
CAROL (O.S.)
Is there a problem here, gentlemen?
Hal stands up. A female figure in a silver flight suit and
helmet stands in the doorway, feet apart, hands on hips.
CAROL FERRIS, 25, black hair, removes the helmet.
HAL
Carol?
TOM
Hal Jordan, meet the new Director of
Operations for Ferris Aircraft.
HAL
Carol?
CAROL
That's right, Hal, little Carol
Ferris.
HAL
But you, but you're---
CAROL
The new Director of Ops. As a fully-
qualified pilot with an MBA, I think
I can handle the job. And you?
How've you been?
HAL
I'm, I'm happy to see you. When did
all this happen?
CAROL
While you were looking the other
way. Tom? You wanna walk me through
what you're doing here.
TOM
My pleasure, Ms Ferris. Oh, Hal, I
think we're done for the day. You
can go home now.
Carol and Tom walk back to Tom's work area, ignoring Hal.
TOM
He works for me now.
CAROL
So I heard. Are congratulations in
order?
TOM
Depends on who you're talking to.
Hal walks away and stares at his hand. There is no ring.
Tom rubs his right hand and looks back over his shoulder at
Hal.
EXT - CITY STREET - MIDDAY
Hal, driving, takes an exit off the freeway into a
neighborhood. He comes up to a stop sign and notices a
bulletin board for the church at the intersection.
INSERT: SUNDAY'S SERMON, PRAYER, PENANCE AND PERSEVERANCE.
HAL
Try saying that with a mouth full of
crackers.
At the bottom of the bulletin board: AA meetings daily, 1PM
and 8PM.
INT - THE CHURCH BASEMENT - MIDDAY
INSERT: CLOCK ON THE WALL: 1:25.
JIM, 50's, is at the lectern. There are a few PEOPLE seated
in folding chairs. Most of them drink from styrofoam cups.
Hal sits apart from all the others.
JIM
Hi everybody, my name is Jim.
EVERYBODY
Hi Jim.
JIM
Today I'm celebrating my fifth
anniversary of being sober.
Everybody APPLAUDS.
JIM
And I just want to say that I really
miss waking up feeling like the living
dead. Thank you.
There is LAUGHTER and APPLAUSE as Jim looks at his watch.
MAN
Well, it looks like we've just about
run out of time unless there's anyone
else who---
He looks at Hal. Hal gets to his feet with a little
hesitation.
HAL
Uh, hi, my name is Hal.
EVERYBODY
Hi Hal.
Everyone looks at Hal.
HAL
I'm just here to listen.
INT - HAL'S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
Hal paces. In one hand, he carries a bottle of bourbon that
is one-third empty. In the other hand, a small glass.
He stops, pours some bourbon in the glass and downs it. He
walks over to an easy chair, sits down and puts the bottle
and glass on the floor next to the chair.
He picks up a remote control and turns on the TV. There is
a program on about the latest NASA Mars probe.
REPORTER (O.S.)
This probe will send back detailed
pictures from the surface of Mars
today using the latest in
reconnaissance satellite technology.
Hal turns the TV off, gets up and turns the radio on. Frank
Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon" PLAYS.
HAL
Was I hallucinating?
He holds up his ring hand.
HAL
Where are you?
The ring appears.
RING (O.S.)
I'm right here, Hal Jordan.
Hal walks backward, stumbles, sits down in the chair.
HAL
It was real.
RING (O.S.)
I am real.
HAL
This feels stupid, talking to a ring.
RING (O.S.)
Just imagine how stupid I feel,
talking to a human. Short-lived,
emotional species.
HAL
What do you mean "short-lived"?
RING (O.S.)
I was speaking comparatively.
HAL
So, how do you work? What do I do?
RING (O.S.)
What would you have me do?
Hal rubs his chin. The SONG continues.
HAL
Oh I don't know. (Pause) Fly me to
the moon?
EXT - ABOVE HAL'S APARTMENT BUILDING - AFTERNOON
There is a flash of green light. A beam shoots skyward, up
through the atmosphere, past the MIR space platform and out
into space.
EXT - THE SURFACE OF THE MOON - AFTERNOON
The green beam terminates at the moon's surface. Hal appears,
wide-eyed. He gasps for breath.
RING (O.S.)
Take it easy, breathe naturally.
I'm feeding you air. I didn't bring
you here to die.
HAL
Oh my God.
RING (O.S.)
Don't get sick on me.
HAL
You brought me to the moon.
RING (O.S.)
You asked me to. What is the purpose
of this trip?
HAL
Purpose?
RING (O.S.)
Why did you want to go to the moon?
HAL
I wanted to see what you'd do for
me. And I want to see you. Show
yourself.
The ring forms a green Hal Jordan.
HAL
Oh. That's cute.
GREEN HAL
I figured you'd like someone you can
really talk to.
HAL
Especially when I want intelligent
conversation.
GREEN HAL
You haven't answered my question.
Why did you have me bring you here?
You weren't given this power to use
frivolously.
HAL
What power? I don't know what I've
been given. How can I decide what
to do and what not to do?
GREEN HAL
Fair enough. What do you want to
know?
Hal walks over to a small rock and kicks it high and away.
HAL
First of all, I'd like to know how
I'm getting back to Earth.
GREEN HAL
The same way you got here. You make
it happen with your willpower.
HAL
Okay. Why was this ring, this power,
given to me?
GREEN HAL
You've been chosen to replace Abin
Sur as The Green Lantern for this
sector.
HAL
I know that already. But what am I
supposed to do?
GREEN HAL
As a member of the Green Lantern
Corps, your main duty is to help
keep order in this sector of the
universe.
Hal's eyebrows go up.
HAL
Oh. Is that all?
INT - SECOND SHIP - AFTERNOON
The lights are dim at first then get brighter as a signal
BEEPS from the console.
The door to Sinestro's cryo-sleep chamber WHOOSHES open.
Sinestro wakes, walks to the console and leans over it.
SINESTRO
Yes! I knew I'd find you if I just
waited long enough.
Sinestro stands upright, his eyes wide. He staggers over to
the chair then sits down.
SINESTRO
A century? You've had me waiting
here for one hundred years?
Sinestro pauses, then LAUGHS.
SINESTRO
I wonder what the old neighborhood's
like now.
Sinestro leans forward and types on the console.
SINESTRO
Let's see where Sur's been hiding.
EXT - THE SURFACE OF THE MOON - AFTERNOON
Hal and Green Hal sit on a couple of large rocks.
HAL
Do I have to wear a uniform, like
Abin Sur?
GREEN HAL
It's traditional.
HAL
Okay. Suit up.
The Green Lantern uniform replaces Hal's clothes.
HAL
I'll need a mask, too, something to
hide my identity.
GREEN HAL
Why?
HAL
People shouldn't know that it's me.
GREEN HAL
Are you joking with me?
HAL
No. It's, it's traditional. Just
like the suit.
GREEN HAL
Tell me more.
HAL
There are others, like Batman, The
Flash, and even Superman---
GREEN HAL
Superman wears no mask.
HAL
But it is assumed that he has a
civilian identity, a disguise so he
can walk around as if he were just
another human being.
GREEN HAL
He would choose to do this?
HAL
I guess.
GREEN HAL
Why don't you just wear glasses when
you want to be Hal Jordan and take
them off when you---
HAL
Now you're joking, right?
GREEN HAL
No.
HAL
That is so stupid. Glasses on, Hal
Jordan. Glasses off, Green Lantern.
No one would be dumb enough to fall
for that.
GREEN HAL
You would be surprised.
Hal ignores the remark.
HAL
Let's work up a good disguise.
GREEN HAL
Try this.
Green light bathes Hal. His brown hair becomes several shades
darker and grows a little longer as his eyes change from
blue to green. The ring creates a full-length mirror. Hal
checks it out.
HAL
Pretty good.
Hal holds up his ring hand and looks at the ring.
HAL
So, I can make objects with the ring?
GREEN HAL
The things you can do are only limited
by your willpower and your
imagination. And the ring will always
protect you.
A green aura shines around Hal.
GREEN HAL
You won't always see this protective
aura. Just remember it's there.
The aura fades away.
GREEN HAL
Do you still want the mask?
HAL
Yes.
A dark green mask appears on Hal's face.
HAL
Okay, we're done. Let's go home.
The mirror disappears. Nothing else happens.
HAL
What's the hold up?
GREEN HAL
I was wondering, did you fight in an
Earth conflict called The Gulf War?
HAL
Yes, I did.
GREEN HAL
And when you came home, you were
hailed as a hero?
HAL
Yes. A lot of us were. What's your
point?
GREEN HAL
Weren't you interviewed by someone
from the Daily Planet?
HAL
Yeah, what's his name, the quiet
guy, Kent. Why?
GREEN HAL
Hmmm.
Hal looks puzzled as a beam of green light envelopes him and
shoots from the surface of the moon back toward Earth.
EXT - SPACE - ABOVE MARS - AFTERNOON
The NASA Mars probe is in orbit above the planet
REPORTER (V.O.)
Today's the day the scientists have
all been waiting for.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - AFTERNOON
A male TV REPORTER broadcasts from the center. In the
background, the surface of Mars is shown on a large screen.
REPORTER
NASA's space program will take a
giant leap forward today. This new
satellite will pinpoint the areas of
Mars where the massive terraforming
project will start. And, even though
it will take over 300 years before
people from Earth can live on Mars,
these men, and women, here today,
will be remembered as the architects
of a new world.
He moves down to talk to one of the SCIENTISTS, MURPHY
ANDERSON, 50'S.
REPORTER
What is the first thing we'll be
seeing here today, Mr.?
ANDERSON
Anderson, that's Dr. Murphy Anderson.
The reporter chuckles.
REPORTER
A man with two last names, sort of
like Christopher Robin in reverse.
Anderson glares at the reporter.
REPORTER
Well, Murph, what will we see here
today?
ANDERSON
We've decided to indulge ourselves
by looking at that infamous Face On
Mars.
One of the scientists adjusts the satellite's camera so it
zooms in on The Face.
ANDERSON
There's been a lot of speculation as
to what this can be.
The scientists GASP as they look at the screen. They stand
in SILENCE as they watch an object blast loose from one side
of the Face.
Sinestro's ship emerges from a mound of sand near The face.
It Flies right at the satellite and SMASHES into it. The
screen goes blank.
ANDERSON
We're going secure!
The scientists run to their stations. A very large SECURITY
GUARD runs up to Anderson.
ANDERSON
Toss Winnie The Pooh, and his
cameraman out of here.
The guard turns and faces the reporter. The cameraman lowers
the camera. The guard smiles.
INT - HAL'S APARTMENT - LATE AFTERNOON
Hal wears his civilian clothes. The ring is not visible.
He has the bottle of bourbon in one hand and a glass in the
other. The bottle is now half empty.
HAL
This is too much.
He pours a shot of bourbon and downs it.
HAL
What do I do now?
RING (O.S.)
What you must.
HAL
Are we going to be talking like this
all the time?
RING (O.S.)
No. This time for us is almost past.
You will always have questions.
Being a member of the Corps is a
learning process. You must master
its most basic training level.
HAL
Basic training? Again?
There are fire engine SIRENS in the distance.
HAL
No time like the present. Suit up.
Hal becomes Green Lantern.
INT - THE KALAMAKU HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Tom sits at the kitchen table and plays with a plate of
spaghetti.
His wife, THERESA, 20's, blonde, has law books and papers
spread out over the table in front of her.
THERESA
Then the professor said that the
only law that matters is the law
that can be enforced.
TOM
Uh-huh. Okay, Theresa.
THERESA
It was almost like he was in favor
of the vigilante-type heroes that
are appearing.
TOM
Uh-huh.
THERESA
Then, an alligator came out of the
back room and bit off his foot.
TOM
That's good.
THERESA
Tom!
Tom snaps out of his reverie and shakes his head.
TOM
What?
THERESA
You haven't heard a single thing
I've said.
Tom gets up, walks behind Theresa's chair and rubs her
shoulders.
TOM
I'm sorry, honey. It's just that I
did something pretty stupid today.
Theresa stands up and hugs Tom.
THERESA
I find that a little hard to believe.
Tom raises his eyes up to the ceiling and back down.
TOM
Well---
EXT - APARTMENT COMPLEX - LATE AFTERNOON
A large oceanside apartment complex is on fire. Many
emergency units standby. FIREMEN spray water from several
trucks.
Green Lantern flies down and lands near the CHIEF, 50's.
For a second, everyone stops and stares at Green Lantern.
Then the firemen go back to their work.
CHIEF
Who the hell are you?
GREEN LANTERN
Green Lantern.
The TV CAMERAMEN and PHOTOJOURNALISTS turn their cameras on
Green Lantern.
GREEN LANTERN
I'm here to help. Is there anyone
left in the building?
CHIEF
We can't tell. It's too hot, we
can't even get near the place.
Green Lantern runs up and into the building.
CHIEF
Hey! Stop him! He can't go in there!
(Pause) He's toast.
The building starts to lose more of its windows and parts of
its wall, as if something is moving throughout the building
with great purpose and speed.
A green tunnel appears from the front door and PEOPLE walk
out, assisted and unassisted. Green Lantern comes walking
out last with a sad look on his face. He walks over to the
Chief.
GREEN LANTERN
There are some bodies still in there.
Those who were alive---
The Chief sniffs and smells the liquor on Green Lantern's
breath. He takes a step back.
Green Lantern's eyes get wide. He covers his mouth.
GREEN LANTERN
Sorry.
Green Lantern stands up ramrod straight and clenches his
fists.
GREEN LANTERN
Chief, move your men back.
CHIEF
What are you going to do?
GREEN LANTERN
Just move them. Please.
CHIEF
Everyone get back! Move back. Get
away from the building.
GREEN LANTERN
I hope I can get this right.
Green Lantern raises his ring hand in the air. A giant lawn
sprinkler appears over the building. A giant garden hose
connects up to it and the other end runs out into the ocean.
The sprinkler turns on and a heavy spray of water is directed
downward. Green Lantern keeps it going till the fire is
completely out. His eyes shut tight. The Chief comes up
and pats him on the shoulder.
CHIEF
Okay. Okay. We can get it from
here.
GREEN LANTERN
If I'd been here sooner.
The Chief gestures toward the huddled survivors.
CHIEF
You made a difference. You saved
their lives.
Green Lantern flies off and waves back down at the Chief.
GREEN LANTERN
Now I just have to save my own.
INT - THE KALAMAKU HOUSE - EVENING
Tom and Theresa sit on the sofa in the living room.
THERESA
You punched him? You punched Major
Jordan?
TOM
He's a civilian now, Terry.
THERESA
I see, so that makes it all right.
TOM
No. It doesn't. I don't know what
came over me. He kept calling me
those stupid nicknames.
THERESA
Sticks and stones, Tom.
TOM
Yeah, I know. But it wasn't just
that. It's that arrogant attitude
he's got.
THERESA
A test pilot, a fighter pilot?
Arrogant? Gee, Tom, I find that so
shocking.
Tom looks at Theresa, puzzled.
THERESA
Figure it out, honey. You strap a
man into a billion dollars worth of
metal and weapons, tell him to go
out and put his life on the line,
and, what do you know, he becomes a
little arrogant.
Tom smiles.
TOM
Yeah, no kidding. Sometimes I get
so wrapped up in my programming I
can't see the forest for the trees.
Theresa puts her hands on Tom's shoulders.
THERESA
As your wife and friend, I suggest
you sit down and talk to Hal tomorrow.
TOM
Good idea. And, as my future lawyer?
Theresa kisses Tom.
THERESA
As your future lawyer, I suggest you
show me your briefs.
Theresa wiggles her eyebrows. They jump up from the sofa
and run into the bedroom, LAUGHING.
INT - CHURCH BASEMENT - EVENING
PEOPLE stand around, drink out of styrofoam cups, nibble on
cookies and MUMBLE. A few discernible mentions of Green
Lantern are heard.
Hal sips coffee and keeps to himself.
Jim approaches Hal.
JIM
Hi. I saw you here this afternoon.
HAL
Yeah, I figured I'd stop in to see
what this was all about.
JIM
I hope you find what you're looking
for here. A lot of us have.
HAL
I think what I'm looking for is a
helping hand.
JIM
There's no shortage of those here.
Jim takes out a business card and gives it to Hal.
JIM
If you ever need to talk, call me.
I can't promise to always be there.
But I can promise to always try.
Hal puts the card away.
HAL
Thanks. I just might do that.
JIM
You're not alone. The past doesn't
matter. You can get a new lease on
life if you stay.
HAL
Thanks.
JIM
And, when you're ready to stand up
and talk, we'll be ready to listen.
CUT TO:
MAN NR 1
...so I said to the cop, "Officer, I
was only trying to prove to my dog
that he could drive too!"
CUT TO:
WOMAN
...I think it was right around the
third time I woke up next to someone
who I didn't know that I figured I
might want to rethink my life.
CUT TO:
MAN NR 2
...when the bartender started
remembering all the numbers to all
my credit cards, I thought that maybe
it was time I stopped.
CUT TO:
Hal stands.
HAL
Hi, my name is Hal.
EVERYBODY
Hello Hal.
HAL
Hello right back at you. I've got
nothing else to say...right now.
INT - HAL'S KITCHEN - DAWN
Hal is tired and disheveled. He sits at the table and reads
a book.
He glances over at the almost-empty bottle of bourbon on the
counter.
He gets up and stares at the bottle of bourbon.
HAL
What the hell. I'm never going to
get to sleep.
He picks up the bottle of bourbon and drops it in the waste
basket.
HAL
Suit up.
EXT - A DEAD END ALLEYWAY - DAWN
FOUR THUGS have MOOKY on the ground. They beat and kick
him.
THUG NR 1
What do you think we are, Mooky?
Stupid?
MOOKY
I didn't do nothin', honest!
THUG NR 2
Kick him again, man. Break something.
MOOKY
Okay, okay! I sold all the drugs!
I can get you the money back! I
swear to you! I will!
GREEN LANTERN (O.S.)
Gentlemen.
They all turn to face him.
THUG NR 1
Who the hell are you?
GREEN LANTERN
Why does everyone say that to me?
One thug takes out a gun and shoots at Green Lantern. The
bullets hit him, flatten and fall to the ground. Green
Lantern looks down at the bullets and shakes his head.
GREEN LANTERN
Now I'm going to have to add littering
to the charges. Cage.
A large green cage forms around the men, the door SLAMS shut
and LOCKS. Various weapons are picked out of their pockets
by green hands and thrown into a nearby trash can. Mooky
gets up and LAUGHS at the men in the cage.
MOOKY
Yeah, yeah, look at you guys now!
He turns to Green Lantern.
MOOKY
Thank you, mister. You saved my
life.
GREEN LANTERN
I also heard what they were saying
to you.
Green Lantern shines a green light over Mooky and vials of
crack fall out of his pockets. A long green chain appears,
attached to the cage. It has shackles at one end and they
CLAMP SHUT over Mooky's wrists.
GREEN LANTERN
You're as guilty as they are.
THUG NR 2
Hey, Mooky. You still had the drugs.
You lied to us!
GREEN LANTERN
Gee, what a surprise.
Police cars appear at the mouth of the alley and, as POLICEMEN
run into the alley, Green Lantern kicks over the ash can.
The cage fades as the police approach it.
GREEN LANTERN
You'll find fingerprints on those
weapons and on those vials of crack.
They belong to those men.
Green Lantern flies off.
INT - A CONDO PENTHOUSE - DAWN
There are huge windows that give an incredible view of the
city. A MAN SLAPS a WOMAN.
MAN
You bitch! I saw you. You were
flirting with those other guys.
WOMAN
Stop it! Stop it! You're imagining---
MAN
Imagine this!
He SLAPS her again. She staggers over to one of the large
picture windows. He advances on her, fists ready and then
stops. She turns around and sees Green Lantern hovering in
mid-air, waggling his finger.
GREEN LANTERN
Naughty. Naughty.
The man opens his mouth.
GREEN LANTERN
I know, "Who the hell are you?"
The woman moves away from the man. The man walks up to the
window.
MAN
Get out of here! I saw you on the
TV tonight. You got no right being
here.
A vase BREAKS over the back of the man's head and he
collapses. The woman KICKS him in the groin and he passes
out.
GREEN LANTERN
You going to be all right?
The woman picks up a phone and dials 911.
WOMAN
I'll be fine.
GREEN LANTERN
No doubt.
Green Lantern smiles and takes off.
EXT - COAST CITY HIGHWAY - DAWN
The sun rises as Green Lantern flies along the road he takes
to work. He looks down and sees the billboard he loves to
hate. A sly grin appears on his face.
GREEN LANTERN
Well, why not?
Green Lantern circles back around, hovers in mid air and
raises his thumb to take aim at the sun in the middle of the
billboard.
He straightens out and flies toward the billboard. As he
hits the bright, yellow sun, his protective aura flashes
green and out.
The impact knocks him out. The aura flashes back on and
fades as he hits the sand at the side of the road, tumbles
head over heels and comes to rest face down in the dirt.
EXT - THE PLANET OA - DAY
Hal lies face down in the dirt. A cold splash of water hits
him. He wakes up and sputters.
HAL
Tom?
He sits up and looks up at a small blue man, A GUARDIAN, who
wears a red robe with the Green Lantern symbol on the chest.
HAL
Who the hell are you?
GUARDIAN
I thought that was the question
everyone asked you.
Hal gets to his feet and sees that all around him there are
more GUARDIANS. Some stand still, some float up and down in
the air, others walk.
HAL
Looks like the family's all here.
GUARDIAN
We all look alike to you earthers.
If I were to show you my real form,
you couldn't handle it.
HAL
Now that makes sense. I couldn't
handle your real form but small,
blue men, I see those all the time.
The Guardian LAUGHS.
GUARDIAN
You were in your country's Air Force,
I figured that blue would be one of
your favorite colors.
Hal smiles.
HAL
Okay, where am I?
GUARDIAN
This is the planet Oa. It is the
headquarters for the Green Lantern
Corps.
HAL
The Corps, into which I was
unceremoniously drafted.
GUARDIAN
Our recruiting methods have played
havoc with several of our members.
HAL
How did I get to Oa?
GUARDIAN
You're not really here. Your spirit
is but your body is back on earth.
Don't worry. It's safe.
HAL
The last thing I remember is flying
at that stupid billboard.
GUARDIAN
And you hit something yellow.
HAL
The sun.
GUARDIAN
You got knocked unconscious.
HAL
Why?
GUARDIAN
The ring we give the Lanterns is a
powerful weapon. So we had to work
something into it to keep the Lanterns
in check, a weakness.
HAL
And mine is the color yellow?
GUARDIAN
You sound like it makes you sick.
HAL
Where I come from, the color yellow
symbolizes cowardice.
GUARDIAN
The ring locked onto that and made
it your weakness. It's different
for each Lantern. The ring usually
finds something that goes against
your spirit.
HAL
And makes it my weakness.
GUARDIAN
Yes. It keeps you from being too
powerful.
HAL
Smart move, almost as smart as giving
me the ring.
GUARDIAN
I beg your pardon?
HAL
I don't know why you picked me out
of all the people on Earth.
GUARDIAN
You weren't the only one picked.
You were the closest.
HAL
There's others?
GUARDIAN
Only if you are unable to fulfill
your duties.
Hal turns his back to the Guardian. He rubs his chin.
HAL
There's something about me, a problem.
GUARDIAN
Yes, we know. You are addicted to
alcohol.
Hal whirls back around.
HAL
And you still gave me this ring?
GUARDIAN
Everyone has problems, Hal. It's
how they deal them that's important.
The Guardian reaches out and takes Hal's hand.
EXT - A COUNTRY LAKE - DAY
Hal and The Guardian stand in a clearing at the top of a
small cliff overlooking the lake.
YOUNG HAL, 10, sits at the edge of the cliff, his feet dangle
over the side.
Young Hal's brother, JACK, and Jack's two friends, BILL and
TONY, all 14, swim around in the lake.
HAL
What are we doing here?
GUARDIAN
Shhh. Watch and wait. They can't
see us.
EXT - THE LAKE - DAY
Jack, Bill, and Tony wave up at Young Hal.
JACK
C'mon, Hal, don't be a baby.
BILL
Jump on down here, baby boy.
TONY
Buk-buk-ba-guk! Chicken!
They all splash water on each other. Young Hal looks down,
dejected.
Jack swims away from the others and jerks his body.
JACK
Hey! Hey!
He struggles in the water.
BILL
What's up, Jack?
TONY
Quit goofing around.
JACK
My foot! It's caught! Something
has my foot!
He goes under and fights back to the surface.
JACK
Help! Help me!
BILL
What's got him?
TONY
I don't know, but I'm not going over
there.
EXT - THE CLEARING - DAY
Young Hal jumps to his feet.
YOUNG HAL
Don't just stare at him! Do
something!
HAL
I remember this day.
The Guardian smiles and nods.
EXT - THE LAKE - DAY
Bill and Tony swim farther away from Jack.
Young Hal dives down into the water, swims over to where his
brother struggles, and dives under the water.
Jack's foot is tangled up in fishing line that is anchored
to a large plant on the lake bottom.
Young Hal pops back to the surface, takes a deep breath, and
dives back down.
He picks up a smooth rock from the lake bottom, throws it
aside, picks up another, throws it aside, then picks up a
rock that has a sharp edge on it.
He swims over and saws at the fishing line. It breaks.
He pops back to the surface, wraps an arm around Jack's neck,
and swims toward the shore.
JACK
I didn't know you could swim like
that.
YOUNG HAL
Neither did I.
EXT - THE CLEARING - DAY
Hal and The Guardian watch Young Hal swim to shore with his
brother.
HAL
I saved his life.
GUARDIAN
And you could have lost your own.
HAL
He's my brother.
EXT - MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Cars move up and down the street. Several GROUPS OF TEENAGERS
gather around different cars.
Hal and The Guardian appear in the doorway of a closed store.
HAL
What the---
GUARDIAN
Shhhh.
TEENAGE HAL and TWO FRIENDS sit on the hood of a Chevy Malibu.
They sneak sips from concealed cans of beer.
TEENAGE HAL
Oh man, I can't believe it! One
more week and then I move away from
all this!
He jumps off the car, spreads his arms, spins in a circle
and spills beer from the can.
FRIEND #1
Jesus, Hal! Stop it! Hide the beer!
FRIEND #2
Yeah, you wanna get busted before
you make it to the Air Force Academy?
A car SCREECHES around the corner and speeds down Main Street.
It weaves in and out of traffic.
Teenage Hal stops and watches.
TEENAGE HAL
What's up with that bozo?
The driver loses control of the car and it SMASHES into a
telephone pole. The driver is knocked unconscious. The car
starts to smoke.
FRIEND #1
Oh man! Look at that!
FRIEND #2
It's on fire! Look!
Flames BURST FORTH from under the crashed car's hood. Teenage
Hal drops his beer, runs over to the trunk of the Malibu and
SLAMS it with the heel of his hand.
The trunk POPS open. Teenage Hal rummages in the trunk,
grabs a lug wrench and runs over to the burning car.
FRIEND #1
Get away from there, you moron!
TEENAGE HAL
Call the cops!
HAL
I was stupid to do this.
GUARDIAN
That's one way to look at it.
Teenage Hal SMASHES the driver's side window with the lug
wrench.
SIRENS blare in the distance.
FRIEND #2
Get away from there, Hal! The cops
are coming!
TEENAGE HAL
They'll be too late.
Teenage Hal reaches in and drags the driver out of the window,
dropping him to the sidewalk.
He bends over and grabs the driver from behind, under the
arms and drags him away from the burning car.
The car EXPLODES, knocking Teenage Hal on his butt. A POLICE
CAR pulls up next to him.
TEENAGE HAL
It's about time.
GUARDIAN
This man was not your brother.
HAL
He was going to die. What was I...
EXT - THE IRAQI DESERT - DAY
Hal and The Guardian appear in the midst of five IRAQI TANKS.
Two of the tanks are disabled, smoking.
Several injured IRAQI SOLDIERS are lying on the sand. Other
IRAQI SOLDIERS wave white cloths over their heads at TWO A-
10 AIRCRAFT with US markings.
HAL
...supposed to do?
He looks around.
HAL
Oh man!
INT - A10 COCKPIT - DAY
MAJOR HAL maneuvers his aircraft over the Iraqi tank platoon.
MAJOR HAL
This is Gold Leader to Gold One.
Looks like our job here is done.
Break off and call in the land forces.
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
I'm taking one more pass at 'em.
MAJOR HAL
Gold One, I repeat, break off, break
off and head back to base. That is
an order.
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
Yeah, yeah, you're breaking up. I
can't hear you.
EXT - THE IRAQI DESERT - DAY
Gold One breaks formation and heads around for a run at the
Iraqi tank platoon. The Iraqis run to their tanks to try
and hide from the incoming attack.
HAL
That idiot! They're giving up!
GUARDIAN
Uh-huh.
INT - A10 COCKPIT - DAY
Major Hal twists the joystick and chases after Gold One.
MAJOR HAL
Gold One! Cease and desist! That's
a direct order!
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
Hey, I swear to God, it looks like
these guys are gonna take another
pop at us. Damn sand monkeys!
Major Hal's eyes narrow. His lips tighten.
MAJOR HAL
You wanna have some fun, Gold One?
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
What?
EXT - IRAQI DESERT - DAY
Gold One heads in for a strafing run on the tank platoon.
Gold Leader comes screaming after him, flies his plane
directly under Gold One, blocks it off and makes it veer
away from the platoon.
Gold Leader's WASH kicks up a sandstorm that blows around
Hal and The Guardian.
HAL
Jesus!
GUARDIAN
I believe your prayers were echoed
by the soldiers and your co-pilot.
HAL
That moron was no co-pilot of mine.
He just wanted to kill---
GUARDIAN
Your enemy?
HAL
Well, yeah, they were the enemy but
they had surrendered.
GUARDIAN
And you risked your life to save
theirs. This seems to be a habit
with you...
EXT - PLANET OA - DAY
GUARDIAN
...and it's one of the reasons you've
been chosen. The selection has been
made. It will stand until you die.
HAL
You knew about all this?
GUARDIAN
You find that surprising?
HAL
But my problem---
GUARDIAN
Your problem, your problem. What a
great task it must be to rid yourself
of such an overwhelming problem.
HAL
If I stay in The Corps it'll be your
problem too.
GUARDIAN
Thank you for the warning, Hal. But
we Guardians already have a problem.
It is, of course, not as immense as
yours.
HAL
And that is?
GUARDIAN
We must help maintain order in the
known universe.
Hal looks down at the ground and pushes some sand with his
foot.
GUARDIAN
If you help us with our little
problem, we just might be able to
help you with yours.
Hal starts to fade away.
HAL
Wait! Hold on. There's more I need
to know.
GUARDIAN
Your body is waking up. Don't worry.
You'll be coming back.
EXT - SIDE OF THE ROAD NEAR THE BILLBOARD - DAY
Hal stands up and brushes himself off. A police car
approaches.
HAL
Uh oh.
He becomes Green Lantern and flies off.
EXT - ABOVE THE MOON - DAY
The second ship hovers above the site where Hal had walked.
INT - SECOND SHIP - DAY
Sinestro sits in the chair at the console. His hands are
steepled at his chin.
SINESTRO
He was here. The ring was here.
He works the scanning controls and smiles.
SINESTRO
Well, well, well, the third planet.
Looks like Sur made it to sanctuary
after all.
The second ship flies away from the moon and heads toward
Earth.
INT - HAL'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Hal paces and tucks his shirt into his jeans.
HAL
I have to tell someone about this.
He sits in a chair, leans back, and smiles.
HAL
I wonder how he'll take it?
INT - FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - DAY
Louise reads through some documents. She looks a little
haggard. Hal enters.
HAL
Hi Louise, is the Colonel in?
LOUISE
He does not want to be disturbed.
Hal walks to the door and RATTLES the knob, then KNOCKS.
The phone on Louise's desk RINGS. She CLICKS ON the speaker
button.
LOUISE
Yes sir?
FERRIS (V.O.)
I thought I told you---
LOUISE
Sir, it's Hal Jordan. He wants to
see you.
HAL
I have something I have to tell you,
sir.
FERRIS (V.O.)
It'll have to wait. I'm in the middle
of something pretty important.
HAL
I have something important too.
FERRIS (V.O.)
Come back later.
Louise CLICKS OFF the speaker button.
HAL
Damn it! I gotta tell someone.
LOUISE
Tell someone what?
HAL
Nothing, Louise. Is Tom in yet?
LOUISE
Your new boss? Sure. Far as I know.
HAL
Thanks.
Hal heads for the door then stops.
HAL
Hey, Louise, how was that date?
She frowns. He smiles and exits. She picks up a pen and
throws it. It bounces off the door as Hal shuts it behind
him.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom is busy at his terminal. He drinks coffee and types.
Hal enters and locks the door.
Hal walks over to Tom and his shadow falls over Tom. Tom
jumps.
TOM
Ahhhh! Jordan.
HAL
Morning, Mr. Kalamaku.
TOM
I'm glad you're here. There's
something I want to say to you.
HAL
Same here.
TOM
Look, about yesterday---
HAL
Yesterday's gone, Mr. Kalamaku.
TOM
Tom, call me Tom.
HAL
Look, Tom, something has happened to
me and, if I don't tell someone about
it, I think I might go crazy.
Tom gets up and puts his chair between he and Hal.
TOM
Why don't you sit down.
Hal smiles and walks toward the simulator.
HAL
I think it's you that better have a
seat. (Pause) Go on. Sit.
Tom sits. He keeps one eye on Hal and the other on the phone.
TOM
So what is it? What do you want to
tell me?
HAL
It's better if I just show you.
TOM
Go ahead.
HAL
Suit up.
TOM
What?
Hal becomes Green Lantern. Tom falls out of the chair.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - DAY
The second ship hovers above the North American continent.
INT - SECOND SHIP - DAY
Sinestro SLAMS his hand down on the console and jumps out of
the chair.
SINESTRO
You can run but you can't hide.
I've got you now.
He presses a button. The door to the android's chamber
WHOOSHES open. The hole in the floor opens and the android
drops through it.
SINESTRO
It'll soon be mine, all mine!
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom sits on the floor in a daze. Green Lantern stands by
the simulator.
TOM
It's you.
GREEN LANTERN
Yeah, that's right, it's me.
TOM
You're that guy who, who---
Tom makes a flying motion with his hand. Green Lantern walks
toward Tom who freezes up.
GREEN LANTERN
I was on the moon yesterday. I went
to the moon, Tom! I walked around
on it. This ring. This power.
Tom regains his composure and stands up.
TOM
Whoa. Slow down. Tell me everything.
The phone RINGS. Tom picks it up.
TOM
Yeah? Yeah? Okay. Call me later.
Tom hangs up.
GREEN LANTERN
Who was that?
TOM
Colonel Ferris. Never mind him.
Green Lantern gives Tom a troubling look, shrugs, and changes
back to Hal. He sits in the chair. Tom grabs another chair
and sits on the edge.
HAL
Okay. Now remember yesterday, in
the simulator---
EXT - COAST CITY HIGHWAY - DAY
Traffic crawls by the damaged billboard. The android stands
by the side of the road and DRIVERS gawk at it.
It studies the billboard. It turns and walks to where the
sand has been scuffed up, where Hal landed. The android
looks up into the sky. The gray color fades away and its
surface becomes translucent as it flies away.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - DAY
Murphy Anderson and his team are gathered in a circle.
ANDERSON
As strange as today's been, it's
about to get stranger.
He turns to a control panel, presses a button and the wall
of monitors show the second ship in orbit.
The team GASPS.
SCIENTIST
That's the ship that we saw on Mars!
ANDERSON
A recon satellite has been following
it for the last half hour.
SCIENTIST
Where's it from? What does it want?
ANDERSON
Good questions. Anyone have any
answers?
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom paces in front of the simulator. Hal sits in a chair.
TOM
Wow! I can't believe it! You're a
super hero!
HAL
You can't believe it? Imagine how I
feel.
TOM
You do seem to be taking this, this
change in your life rather well.
HAL
Tom, we live in a world where a man
dressed as a bat fights crime.
Another man runs at the speed of
sound. And then there's Superman!
TOM
Hmm, yeah, there is that.
The door CRASHES open and Colonel Ferris stands in the
doorway.
FERRIS
Kalamaku! Get your butt down here.
TOM
What'd I do now?
HAL
You hung up on him.
A look of sheer panic spreads over Tom's face.
EXT - THE SKY OVER COAST CITY - DAY
The android cruises over the city, swiveling its head from
side to side. Its translucence gives it a chameleon-like
effect, rendering it almost invisible.
It heads down into a neighborhood and hovers above Hal's
apartment building.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom works at his terminal. Hal climbs out of the simulator.
HAL
Don't worry about the chewing out
Ferris gave you. He's yelled at me
a lot and I still work here.
TOM
Yeah, but you guys flew together.
I'm just a computer geek.
HAL
And you're the best or you wouldn't
be working here. I'll go talk to
him and straighten it out.
TOM
Is that all you're going to tell
him?
HAL
For now, yeah. To be honest, I'm
having second thoughts about telling
you.
TOM
I'll do my best not to tell anyone.
I always try to do my best.
HAL
I remember that about you, even from
our Air Force days.
TOM
You knew who I was?
HAL
Of course I did.
Hal walks over to Tom and puts a hand on his shoulder.
HAL
I'm gonna tell you a secret that any
pilot will deny to his grave. (Pause)
We're all nervous as hell when we're
flying.
Hal sits in a chair next to Tom.
HAL
We like to know who the people are
that we can count on. Why do you
think you were always on mid shift?
TOM
I don't know. Why?
HAL
Because night flying is the most
dangerous, because we could depend
on you. You were, and are, the best
there is at what you do.
CAROL (O.S.)
Well, it sure looks like you two
have made nice.
Carol Ferris walks toward Hal and Tom.
HAL
Hi.
TOM
Ms. Ferris.
CAROL
Hal, when you two are done, I'd like
to see you in my office.
She leaves.
Hal looks at Tom who shrugs.
EXT - COAST CITY - VARIOUS SITES - AFTERNOON
The android flies over places where the Lantern power has
been used. The trail keeps leading back to Hal's place.
The android comes to a rest and hovers over Hal's apartment
building.
It turns, tilts its head up and a FLASH OF LIGHT shoots out
of its eyes.
INT - CAROL FERRIS' OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Carol's degrees and pilot licenses adorn the wall. A computer
sits on her clean desk. Carol is on the phone. Hal enters
and sits down.
CAROL
We've tweaked the numbers until
they've bled, Senator. (Pause) My
answers are: Yes, yes, yes, and a
definite no on the last one. (Pause)
Please say hi to your lovely wife
for me. Thank you.
She hangs up and frowns.
CAROL
If the Senator put as much effort
into saving the taxpayers' money as
he does into running around on his
wife---
HAL
Your life would be less interesting.
CAROL
Interesting? Why do men think their
unwanted attention is "interesting".
HAL
The word "interesting" has a lot of
meanings. The Chinese even use it
for a curse.
CAROL
I have a curse for the Senator.
HAL
I'll bet. (Pause) Now, what is it
you want to see me about?
CAROL
I'm making time to talk to all the
employees who may be affected by my
decisions.
HAL
So this is just business?
CAROL
Wait a minute, Hal. You didn't think
I invited you in here---
Hal waves a dismissing hand.
HAL
No I didn't think that. I mean,
with the way things have been going
lately, I didn't know what to think.
CAROL
Oh. You thought I was going to---
HAL
Fire me.
Carol leans forward.
CAROL
My father wouldn't leave that to me.
If he wants to fire you, he'll do it
himself.
She sits back.
CAROL
And it would be one of the saddest
days of his life. You know, I've
spent most of my life trying to be
the son he never had. I think he
saw you in that role.
HAL
I'm sorry.
CAROL
No, don't be. It made me tough and
strong. It made me win at everything
I tried. And it also made me hate
you for the longest time.
HAL
I hope you've gotten over it.
CAROL
I have. Once I started flying, I
learned why people always thought of
you as a legend.
HAL
Now wait a second.
CAROL
No, really. No one could fly like
you.
HAL
The Colonel taught me a lot.
CAROL
And you learned more than he taught.
I'm not here to fire you. I'm here
to ask you to become the man you
once were.
HAL
I'm trying to. I want to.
Their eyes lock and they stare at each other. Carol fidgets.
CAROL
Oh, damn! Look what time it is.
HAL
Yeah, yeah. I gotta go.
CAROL
You probably have things to wrap up.
HAL
I'm sure that Tom wants to prep me
for tomorrow.
CAROL
Okay. That'll be all for now.
HAL
Yeah. See you.
He leaves and Carol stares at the closed door.
INT - OUTSIDE CAROL'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Hal steps off to the side and leans against the wall.
HAL
Whew.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - AFTERNOON
Tom works at the computer terminal. The phone RINGS and he
picks it up.
TOM
What is it now?
He listens for a second and then snaps to attention in his
chair.
TOM
Yes sir! Of course, sir. Immediately
sir.
He hangs up and makes a check mark with his finger in the
air.
TOM
One more "DUH" point for me.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Tom hurries in and waves to Louise. She stops typing on her
computer.
LOUISE
Hi, Tom.
He enters the inner office and shuts the door behind him.
Louise resumes work.
LOUISE
Yes. Of course, Tom. You can go
right in.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Tom rushes in and sits in a chair. Ferris checks his watch.
FERRIS
I think you broke an Olympic record.
TOM
I'm sorry, Colonel. I should never
have answered the phone like that.
Ferris waves it off.
FERRIS
Don't worry. I know you've got a
lot on your mind.
TOM
Yes, sir, and you'll be happy to
know that the new programs are going
to be ready on schedule.
FERRIS
That's good news but it's not what I
called you here to talk about.
Tom sits back and shuts up.
FERRIS
I called you here to ask you about
Hal, about how he's adjusting to his
new work.
Tom's eyes get wide.
TOM
Oh. That. You mean the simulator!
FERRIS
What else would I be talking about?
TOM
He's doing great. Just great!
Ferris frowns.
FERRIS
How's he taking having you for a
boss?
TOM
Fine, sir. We're getting along like
old friends.
FERRIS
I am worried about him so you won't
mind if I stop in from time to time?
TOM
Mind? Me? No sir. Not at all.
This is your company. You own it.
You can come and go as you please.
Really.
FERRIS
I'm glad you feel that way. Really.
And, speaking of Hal, where is he?
TOM
He had an appointment with the Ops
Director, your daughter, Carol.
FERRIS
I know who she is.
TOM
That's good, sir. I'm happy, that
is, I'm happy she's now here, working
with you.
Ferris pauses and looks at Tom questioningly.
FERRIS
Okay. You can go now. And, I'll be
dropping in soon to see how things
are going.
Tom gets up and heads for the door then turns around.
TOM
Okay. Thank you, sir. Then, I'll
be looking for you, I mean, looking
forward to seeing you, down there,
where I work.
He goes to leave and turns back again.
TOM
And I'll tell Hal to be there, to
look for you, too, uh, see you later,
sir.
He shuts the door. Ferris TAPS a pen on his desk.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Tom hurries through, tosses a good-bye wave at Louise and
exits.
LOUISE
Good seeing you again. (Singing)
Ground control to Major Tom.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - AFTERNOON
Tom strides in, goes right to his terminal and BANGS himself
on the head with the heel of his hand.
TOM
"I'll be looking for you, Colonel",
uh duh, "Your daughter, sir, Carol's
your daughter".
He sits and stares at the screen. Hal walks in.
TOM
Just call me Mr. Smooth Operator.
HAL
Okay, Mr. Smooth Operator. What's
up?
TOM
I just had a meeting with the Colonel.
HAL
And?
TOM
And I think that you better be the
one sitting down this time.
Hal frowns.
INT - SECOND SHIP - AFTERNOON
A light FLASHES on the command console. Sinestro CLICKS it
off and bends over a small screen as information scrolls up.
SINESTRO
Interesting. Hmmm.
Sinestro removes the crystalline box from his pocket, opens
it and places the ring into a small chamber on another control
panel. He enters several commands.
The ring glows yellow. The glow fades, Sinestro puts the
ring on his finger. HE NOW SPEAKS IN ENGLISH.
SINESTRO
It's party time!
EXT - HAL'S APARTMENT COMPLEX - AFTERNOON
Hal, in his convertible, pulls into the parking lot and looks
for a place to park.
HAL
If I can't trust the Colonel, who
can I trust? Maybe I should just
tell him.
A car is parked across two spaces. He looks down at his
ring hand and smiles.
HAL
Why not? No one's looking.
A green hand pushes the car over. Hal pulls into the empty
space.
The android drops its chameleon camouflage, returns to its
gray color, and FIRES a yellow energy beam at Hal's car.
Hal's car EXPLODES. Hal is thrown clear and lands on his
back several feet away.
HAL
Suit up!
Hal becomes Green Lantern. He flies up and SMASHES into the
android. It shoots up into the sky.
He looks down. Several ONLOOKERS come out of the apartment
complex. They point to the burning car and GASP.
GREEN LANTERN
Don't worry. That man is safe. I
got him away before---
The android flies down and FIRES a beam at Green Lantern.
He dodges it and it hits the ground. A couple of onlookers
run SCREAMING back into the building.
GREEN LANTERN
Gotta get that thing away from here.
He takes off and the android follows.
EXT - THE OCEAN OFF COAST CITY - AFTERNOON
The android FIRES several beams at Green Lantern. Green
Lantern spins through the air and dodges these beams but
each one gets a bit closer.
GREEN LANTERN
I wonder if he's ever done any combat
flying.
Green Lantern does an Immelman turn and winds up behind the
android. It spins to face him. He FIRES a green beam that
turns into a ram's head. It BUTTS the android.
The android spins out of control and SPLASHES down in the
ocean.
Green Lantern hovers above the spot where it hit.
GREEN LANTERN
How long can you tread water?
He smiles.
The android shoots up out of the ocean.
Green Lantern FIRES a beam and surrounds the android's hands
with green globes.
GREEN LANTERN
I wonder---
The android's skin changes from gray to yellow. The globes
fade away.
GREEN LANTERN
Uh oh.
Green Lantern speeds off out over the land. The android
pursues him.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - AFTERNOON
Green Lantern flies down toward some mountains.
GREEN LANTERN
Reflex check.
He flies at a mountain peak, slows down and lets the android
catch up. Green Lantern veers up at the last moment. The
android crashes into the mountain causing an avalanche. The
android is buried.
Green Lantern hovers again.
GREEN LANTERN
Come on. That did it. Tell me that
did it.
Rocks are thrown high into the air as the android BURSTS out
of the avalanche and comes speeding after Green Lantern.
Green Lantern looks down and sees that Sur's ship is partially
uncovered. He looks at his ring.
GREEN LANTERN
How did---?
The android FIRES a beam at Green Lantern. He dodges it and
flies up to the rim of space.
The android chases him. Green Lantern takes off just as the
android FIRES another beam.
The beam hits a satellite which EXPLODES and the pieces bounce
off Green Lantern.
Green Lantern takes off toward the ground at full speed.
GREEN LANTERN
I hope this aura is as good as it's
supposed to be.
Green Lantern CRASHES into the desert floor. The android is
right behind him. Green Lantern CRASHES up through the
ground, and FIRES a beam at the hole where the android went.
The hole fills in.
The android CRASHES up through the ground, lands, and FIRES
a beam up at Green Lantern who drops to the ground just in
time to avoid it.
GREEN LANTERN
It just keeps going and going.
He FIRES a beam at the ground where the android stands and
it is again buried underground.
Green Lantern smiles and SNAPS his fingers. He takes off
back toward Coast City.
GREEN LANTERN
Now, where was that?
He looks behind him and sees the android in hot pursuit.
GREEN LANTERN
That's right, dummy. Come to Poppa.
As Green Lantern flies over Coast City, he sees a ROAD CREW
and their FOREMAN repaving a stretch of highway. He flies
down and lands.
FOREMAN
Hey! You're that guy what was on
the TV!
GREEN LANTERN
No time to explain. All of you.
Get out of here, now!
FOREMAN
What's the big idea?
Green Lantern creates a protective barrier around the road
crew.
The android lands in front of Green Lantern.
GREEN LANTERN
Time for a bath.
He creates a hand that lifts up the truck with liquid tar in
it and pours the tar over the android.
He creates a tank of liquid nitrogen and sprays the android,
freezing the tar solid.
He creates a clamp, latches onto the android and takes off,
towing the android.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - ABOVE EARTH - AFTERNOON
Green Lantern soars toward the upper reaches of the atmosphere
with the tar-covered android in tow.
GREEN LANTERN
Ring, I need to get to the Sun, fast!
The ring FIRES a beam and creates a space warp. Green Lantern
and the android go through it.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR THE SUN - AFTERNOON
A space warp opens and Green Lantern and the android shoot
through it.
Cracks appear in the tar shell just as Green Lantern tosses
it at the Sun. The android disappears into the Sun.
Green Lantern waits. The android does not reappear.
Green Lantern mouths a silent WHEW, opens another space warp
and flies into it.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - LATE AFTERNOON
A CREWMAN looks in the latch at the top of the tanker truck.
MAN
It's empty boss. Completely empty.
He jumps down and joins the rest of the crew and the foreman
as they look up in the sky. Green Lantern flies down and
lands.
FOREMAN
You okay?
GREEN LANTERN
Yeah, I'm fine.
FOREMAN
Good. 'Cause now we can discuss who
pays for all that tar.
The sound of CLAPPING stops the foreman. Everyone turns
toward the tanker truck and on top stands Sinestro. He wears
a tight-fitting full-body black spacesuit.
SINESTRO
Bravo, Earth Boy. I saw the whole
thing. Loved it. No one's ever
beaten one of my androids before.
FOREMAN
Who's that?
GREEN LANTERN
Your guess is as good as mine.
Sinestro leaps off the truck. The foreman and his men move
away. Sinestro walks toward Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
Excuse me, but did he want to know
who I am?
He stops a few feet away from Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
I'm the one who should be wearing
that ring.
GREEN LANTERN
No kidding?
SINESTRO
I'm the brother of the man you stole
that ring from.
GREEN LANTERN
According to your "brother", I was
the one chosen---
SINESTRO
Chosen? You? An earther? You'll
hardly live long enough to learn how
to use it properly.
GREEN LANTERN
Maybe this is something we should
take up with The Guardians.
Sinestro moves in close and points a finger at Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
You leave those little meddlers out
of this. This is our business.
Green Lantern creates a phone and hands the receiver to
Sinestro.
GREEN LANTERN
Here. You talk to them.
Sinestro KNOCKS the receiver away.
SINESTRO
I'm trying to be civilized about all
this.
The foreman stands behind Sinestro and makes a "crazy circle"
at the side of his head with an index finger. Green Lantern's
eyes widen. He puts the phone to his ear.
GREEN LANTERN
Okay, I'll call them. Hello?
Guardians of the Universe? This is
the Green Lantern of sector 2817
calling. I have someone here with
me who wants to talk to you. A Mr..?
SINESTRO
Call me Sinestro. I decided to give
myself an earth name, something that
has a nice "ring" to it.
He LAUGHS maniacally. Green Lantern lowers the phone. It
fades away. Sinestro moves right up into Green Lantern's
face.
SINESTRO
Let's dance.
A yellow boxing glove forms around Sinestro's right hand.
He SMASHES Green Lantern in the face and decks him. Green
Lantern glances at the glove.
GREEN LANTERN
Yellow.
SINESTRO
Now, boy, give me what's mine!
Green Lantern grabs a rock and throws it at Sinestro who
raises a shield and deflects it.
Sinestro creates a sword to go with the shield and charges
Green Lantern.
Green Lantern grabs a shovel, swings at the sword and knocks
it out of the way.
Sinestro charges Green Lantern and SLAMS him in the side of
the head with the shield.
A helicopter HOVERS overhead.
INT - TRAFFIC HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
KAREN TYLER, 30s, a helicopter pilot, tries to keep the remote-
controlled camera steady on the fight between Green Lantern
and Sinestro.
KAREN
Are you getting this? Can you see
what's happening down there?
INT - NEWSROOM - EARLY EVENING
Karen's footage is on the LIVE monitor. THE PRODUCER CLAPS
his hands.
PRODUCER
Yes! Keep it going Karen. Keep it
steady. You're going on the air
live in three, two, one!
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Tom has CNN playing in the upper right corner of his screen
as he writes some code.
TOM
A few more lines then I can get out
of here before I screw anything else
up.
CNN ANNOUNCER
We are going live to KCC, our Coast
City affiliate.
The little screen shows the fight between Green Lantern and
Sinestro. Tom clicks it to cover the whole screen.
TOM
Hal.
CNN ANNOUNCER
We are getting this from KCC's traffic
helicopter.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro SNAPS the shovel's handle in half with the sword.
Green Lantern ducks under the next swipe and swings what's
left of the shovel at Sinestro who blocks it with the shield.
Sinestro backs off.
SINESTRO
Oh come on, earth boy, just give me
the ring. Save yourself the pain,
the trouble, the agony of defeat.
GREEN LANTERN
How did you know? Yellow. How---
SINESTRO
A little android told me.
Sinestro raises up his own ring.
GREEN LANTERN
If you already have a ring, why do
you want this one?
Sinestro grins. His clothes are replaced with golden armor.
SINESTRO
More power to me, boy, more power to
me. I want it all.
Sinestro charges Green Lantern.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OFFICE - EARLY EVENING
Tom rushes in. The Colonel watches the news report.
FERRIS
You see this Tom? Looks like this
new guy is in big trouble.
TOM
Sir, I---
Ferris leans in closer to the TV.
FERRIS
If he doesn't get it together, he
could die.
TOM
It's Hal.
Ferris turns away from the TV, a look of shock on his face.
FERRIS
What?
TOM
Green Lantern is Hal.
Ferris turns back to the TV.
FERRIS
How in the name of God---
Tom rushes over and stands in front of Ferris.
TOM
It's a long story.
FERRIS
I imagine it would be.
TOM
And Hal can tell it to you later,
himself. But he needs help, right
now.
FERRIS
They're just standing there talking
now. It's all right.
TOM
No sir, it's not all right. The
ring has a weakness, the color yellow.
Hal might die out there.
FERRIS
You knew about Hal and Green Lantern
this afternoon?
Tom nods in agreement.
TOM
That's why I was so nervous.
FERRIS
You think he may need some help?
TOM
Yes sir. I do.
Ferris picks up his phone and dials an extension, three
numbers.
FERRIS
Walt, is that attack helicopter all
prepped and loaded for tomorrow's
test flight? (Pause) Good. I'll be
right there.
He hangs up and heads for the door.
TOM
Thank you, sir.
FERRIS
No sweat, Tom. I'm not about to
lose my best pilot. Got too much
invested in him.
TOM
I mean thanks for believing me.
FERRIS
What's so difficult to believe?
Aliens. Power rings. Sounds like
something Hal would get mixed up in.
He smiles, leaves and Tom flops down in a chair.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern uses the ring to RIP a door off one of the
trucks and uses it as a shield against Sinestro's sword.
Sinestro slices through the door.
Green Lantern uses the two parts of the door to try and squash
Sinestro. Sinestro creates two large hands and pushes them
away.
SINESTRO
Got that little trick from you.
GREEN LANTERN
You're welcome.
SINESTRO
I believe you need to wait for me to
say "Thank you".
GREEN LANTERN
Jerk.
Green Lantern scoops up loose dirt and rock, shoots it up
through a tube. It pours down on Sinestro and covers him.
A large saw blade appears. It slices the pile of dirt and
rocks and scatters it. Some of it whips up and HITS the
helicopter.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE AREA - EARLY EVENING
Several TV CAMERA CREWS set up equipment on the rooftops of
buildings. REPORTERS get out their microphones, check their
faces in small pocket mirrors, and clear their throats.
INT - TRAFFIC HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Karen flinches as dirt and rocks hit the copter. She veers
off.
KAREN
Damn. I gotta hold this steady. A
story like this---
PRODUCER (O.S.)
Get out of there! Now!
Karen TAPS her headset.
KAREN
What's that? I can't hear you.
PRODUCER (O.S.)
I know that trick. It won't work.
KAREN
I want this story.
PRODUCER (O.S.)
And I want you to stay alive. Bring
the bird on home. We have a camera
crew on one of the roofs.
Karen stares down at Green Lantern.
KAREN
I'll be seeing you later, good
looking.
Karen veers off and flies away.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro waves to the helicopter.
SINESTRO
Bye, bye. Too bad you're going to
miss the big finish.
GREEN LANTERN
You mean when I've got you trussed
up for a trip to Oa?
SINESTRO
No. I mean when I pry that ring off
your cold, dead finger. Now, say
good-bye.
EXT - FERRIS COMPANY AIRFIELD - EARLY EVENING
The attack helicopter moves away from the airfield. Walt
watches the chopper. Carol walks up behind him.
WALT
Be careful out there, boss.
CAROL
Where's he going, Walt?
He jumps and drops his hat.
WALT
Geez, Miss Ferris, you scared me.
CAROL
What's he got to "be careful" about?
WALT
I don't know if I should tell you.
CAROL
I can give you one very good reason
to tell me.
WALT
And that is?
Carol holds up an index finger.
CAROL
Your job.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - EARLY EVENING
Tom stands in front of Louise's desk. Her mouth is hanging
open.
LOUISE
He went where?
Tom's reply is drowned out by the ROAR of a jet passing low
and fast.
LOUISE
What?!
EXT - THE SKIES OVER FERRIS AIRFIELD - EARLY EVENING
A small jet ROARS off in the direction of the chopper.
INT - JET - EARLY EVENING
Carol talks into a headset mike built into the helmet.
CAROL
Dad! Come in Dad! How do you read
me?
Dead air.
CAROL
Stubborn old man. Probably has it
turned off.
TOM (O.S.)
Carol! Come in, Carol!
EXT - FERRIS AIRFIELD - EARLY EVENING
Tom sits in a small truck and speaks into a mike. Walt and
Louise look up in the sky.
TOM
Listen to me! You don't know what
you're doing.
CAROL (O.S.)
Thanks for your expert opinion.
TOM
Get back here, please get back here.
Your father---
CAROL
My father is out risking his neck
for a total stranger! I just want
to make sure he gets back alive!
Tom rubs his hand through his hair and then TAPS his fingers
on the dashboard.
TOM
Okay, Go ahead. Keep him safe.
We'll talk when you and your father
get back.
Tom puts down the mike.
WALT
You mean if they get back.
Louise and Tom give Walt a look that could kill.
WALT
Well you saw what those maniacs were
doing to each other on TV!
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro raises his ring hand to fire at Green Lantern.
Green Lantern creates a hand that grabs a loose chunk of
concrete and tosses it at Sinestro.
Sinestro whips up another shield and the chunk bounces off.
GREEN LANTERN
I really don't want to say good-bye
just yet. We've just met.
SINESTRO
Then have your people call my people.
We'll do lunch.
They stop as Carol's jet SCREAMS overhead. The FERRIS
AIRCRAFT markings are seen.
INT - JET - EARLY EVENING
Carol tries to lock in the targeting radar on Sinestro.
CAROL
Just stay right where you are. Make
this easy.
She locks in for a second and BEEPS indicate that it drops
out.
CAROL
Damn! Could I get a smaller target
next time, please?
The targeting radar locks on. She launches a missile.
CAROL
Ah-ha! Gotcha! Who said size
matters?
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro and Green Lantern watch as Carol's jet turns, heads
their way. A missile drops from the wing and FIRES UP.
SINESTRO
What the hell!
Green Lantern whips up a large green shield.
GREEN LANTERN
Ever play catch?
Sinestro creates a large yellow tube that looks like a U-
joint.
SINESTRO
No, but I'm a fast learner.
The missile enters the tube and is fired back at the jet.
The jet speeds off, heading out over the ocean. The missile
follows the jet's every move, twisting and turning.
Green Lantern drops his shield and FIRES a power beam toward
the missile. It misses.
The ground around the truck where Sinestro stands is torn up
by a SPRAY of bullets.
Sinestro and Green Lantern turn to see Colonel Ferris at the
seat of the attack helicopter as it hovers.
INT - THE ATTACK HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Ferris switches on the external speakers.
FERRIS
If I were you, partner, I'd stand
real still!
He locks the gun sights on Sinestro.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern spins around toward the jet.
GREEN LANTERN
Carol!
He takes off for the jet.
INT - ATTACK HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Ferris sees Green Lantern take off for the jet and keeps his
sights on Sinestro.
FERRIS
Go get her, son.
EXT - OVER THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern turns and waves at Ferris.
Sinestro raises his ring hand and creates a clamp that locks
around Green Lantern. He slams Green Lantern back to the
ground.
The missile closes on the jet.
Ferris FIRES another round at Sinestro.
Sinestro shields himself from the bullets.
Green Lantern gets up, shaken. He spins around and FIRES
one more shot at the missile. The beam reaches the missile
just as it hits the jet. It EXPLODES.
INT - ATTACK HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Ferris turns pale, his eyes wide.
FERRIS
Carol!
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Tom watches the fight on TV. He paces in front of his
computer. He stops when the jet explodes.
TOM
Oh no!
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern sees the jet blown out of the sky. Sinestro
raises his ring hand toward the helicopter.
SINESTRO
Wave bye-bye to green boy, "partner"!
He FIRES a power beam at the helicopter and it EXPLODES,
and disintegrates.
Green Lantern stands in SILENCE, his arms limp, his head
hung low.
SINESTRO
And now, playtime's over.
GREEN LANTERN
Carol. John.
SINESTRO
Carol. John. Any other friends I
should know about?
GREEN LANTERN
Bastard!
Green Lantern raises his ring hand and aims it at Sinestro.
Sinestro creates a yellow hand and SWATS Green Lantern away.
SINESTRO
I've just been toying with you, child!
The yellow hand picks up Green Lantern and SLAMS him into
the ground.
SINESTRO
I could have done you in when I first
got here.
Sinestro walks over and KICKS Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
But where's the fun in that, I ask
you?
Green Lantern KICKS back at Sinestro weakly. Sinestro flies
back up to the top of the truck.
SINESTRO
And now the whole world gets to watch
me get what's mine.
Green Lantern rolls over on his back on top of a manhole
cover.
Sinestro creates a giant yellow hand high above Green Lantern.
It closes into a fist.
SINESTRO
It's missing something. I need it
to pack a little more power.
The hand opens up. A stick of lit dynamite appears in the
palm and the hand closes over it.
SINESTRO
Now, Ladies and Gentlemen of the
planet Earth! How about a big hand
for the boy?
The fist POUNDS down on Green Lantern and EXPLODES, littering
the street with rubble, clouding the atmosphere. Sinestro
creates a giant fan that BLOWS the dust cloud away. There
is a large hole in the street. Green Lantern is gone.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Tom sees the dust clear and jumps to his feet.
TOM
Hal!
He pauses, puts his index finger to his lip, SNAPS his
fingers, then bolts for the door.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EVENING
Sinestro uses his ring to create a madman's throne room out
of destroyed construction vehicles and torn up asphalt. He
waves to the various TV cameras and the people manning them
on the surrounding rooftops.
SINESTRO
Catch it all for posterity, you
idiots.
Sinestro flies up to one of the camera crews, scoops up an
attractive WOMAN and holds her closely in his arms.
SINESTRO
Tell them all that you were
eyewitnesses to the first day of the
reign of King Sinestro...
He grins at her and licks his lips.
SINESTRO
...the First!
EXT - DEPARTMENT STORE - EVENING
PEOPLE gather outside a department store window and stare at
a wall of televisions. They stand in SILENCE. As Sinestro
LAUGHS, his face fills one screen, then four, then eight,
then the whole wall of televisions.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - NIGHT
Sinestro raises his ring hand into the air and FIRES off a
beam the spreads out into a dome. It covers all of Coast
City.
He walks over to his throne where the woman he took hostage
is chained. He sits down.
He looks down at the woman.
SINESTRO
Ah! Peace and quiet at last.
EXT - COAST CITY STREET - NIGHT
Tom creeps around a corner. The lights of Sinestro's palace
can be seen one street over.
Tom carries a crowbar and steals over to a manhole cover.
He pries it loose, climbs down into the hole and pulls the
cover back over the hole.
INT - BENEATH THE STREET - NIGHT
All is dark. Tom switches on a flashlight and shines it
around. It is the typical underground sewer.
He climbs down the ladder and, when he gets to the bottom,
takes out a handkerchief and covers his nose.
He follows the tunnel until he comes to an intersection. He
shines the light down one passage. It is all intact.
He shines the light down the other way and sees the rubble
caused by the collapse of the street. It is illuminated
from above. He moves in that direction.
TOM
Hal. Hal.
He shines the light on the dark areas of the pile of rubble.
TOM
Where are you?
A hand CLAMPS over Tom's mouth and another hand CLAMPS the
flashlight in Tom's hand.
HAL (O.S.)
Shhh! I'm going to take my hand
away. Okay?
Tom nods.
EXT - COAST CITY STREET - NIGHT
The manhole cover lifts off. Hal and Tom climb out.
HAL
Did you drive?
Tom nods yes.
HAL
Good. Go get the car.
Hal falls to the ground. Tom holds out his hand.
HAL
I'll be all right. Go!
Tom hesitates. Hal holds up his ring hand.
HAL
I powered down my ring. He can't
find me unless I use it.
Tom runs off.
INT - NEWSROOM - NIGHT
The pilot, Karen, and the producer stand in a corner. The
NEWSROOM CREW is busy and Sinestro can be seen on the
background monitors.
KAREN
He's insane.
PRODUCER
Yeah, him and the rulers of half the
countries on Earth.
KAREN
I don't think this wing nut will be
satisfied with just one country.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - NIGHT
Sinestro changes from his golden armor into the black
spacesuit. He rises from his throne and spreads his arms.
SINESTRO
Citizens of the planet Earth, it's
time for the obligatory "you are my
slaves" speech.
Sinestro clears his throat.
SINESTRO
You're probably asking yourselves:
What does that devilishly handsome
alien gentleman want from us?
He jumps off the throne and floats gracefully to the street.
SINESTRO
I don't want much. After all, this
little, out of the way planet doesn't
have much to begin with.
He floats over to where the street is caved in.
SINESTRO
The first thing I do want is some of
you, my soon-to-be loyal subjects,
over here to dig for green boy's
body.
He floats back up to his throne, sits down, and pets the
hostage on the head.
SINESTRO
I'd do it myself but I'm a little
tired...
He plays with his ring.
SINESTRO
...and really do need some beauty
sleep. I want to save my strength...
He looks down at the hostage.
SINESTRO
...for later.
INT - NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Everyone stares open-mouthed at the monitors.
KAREN
Where's Green Lantern? Is he dead?
PRODUCER
No one knows. We're not sure. This
Sinestro did shoot two people out of
the air though.
KAREN
I'm glad I got out of there when I
did.
PRODUCER
So are we, Karen, so are we.
The producer turns to leave. Karen grabs his shoulder.
KAREN
Wait! Who'd he shoot down?
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
Hal lies on a cot, asleep. He bolts upright, suddenly awake.
HAL
Carol! John!
He jumps off the cot and looks around the room.
HAL
Where is everyone?
Tom enters and hurries over to Hal.
TOM
Man, am I glad to see you up and---
HAL
Where's Ferris? And Carol?
TOM
They're gone. Sinestro got them.
Hal walks over to the cot and lies down.
HAL
They're dead and it's all my fault.
TOM
No it isn't. It's mine.
Hal looks at Tom questioningly.
TOM
I got them killed.
Tom sits on the floor.
TOM
I couldn't keep my big mouth shut.
There you were on TV and the Colonel
and me, we saw it!
Hal gets up and goes over to Tom.
HAL
And?
TOM
He didn't know it was you so I told
him. I thought you were going to
die.
HAL
So Ferris came to help me.
TOM
Yes, and when Carol saw that, she
went after him.
HAL
Did she know?
TOM
No, I didn't tell her. She thought
that her father was going off to
help some stranger.
HAL
It's not your fault.
TOM
It is! I can't escape that. I killed
Colonel Ferris!
HAL
You did not!
TOM
And I killed Carol, too!
The door SLAMS open.
CAROL (O.S.)
You killed me? That's funny. I
thought you were redder. And taller.
Hal and Tom turn to see Carol, soaking wet, standing in the
doorway. She falls to her knees and faints.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - NIGHT
Murphy Anderson is on the phone.
ANDERSON
No sir, I don't know what to do about
it.
He shifts in his seat.
ANDERSON
From what we can tell, he's using a
combination of some alien radiation...
Murphy waves one of the other scientists over.
ANDERSON
... and a random shifting vibration.
Nothing can get through it. Yes
sir. I'll let you know if anything
changes.
He hangs up.
SCIENTIST
Was that who I think it was?
ANDERSON
Yup, direct from the Oval Office.
He expects us to find a way into
Coast City.
SCIENTIST
But how?.
Murphy stands up, walks over to a monitor and sees Sinestro
on it. He crosses his arms and nods his head.
ANDERSON
There's got to be a way.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
A DOCTOR checks Carol out. She is barely conscious. Hal
and Tom look on, worried.
CAROL
My father? Is he all right?
DOCTOR
You just rest, Carol, we'll talk
about your Dad later.
He tries to give Carol an injection. She shoves his hand
away.
CAROL
No! Don't! I don't need that.
She relaxes and drifts off.
HAL
How is she, Doc?
The doctor shushes Hal and motions for Tom and Hal to follow
him out into the hallway.
INT - HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
Hal, Tom and the doctor step out into the hallway.
DOCTOR
She needs rest. She's suffering
from exhaustion and mild hypothermia.
HAL
She spent a lot of time in the water.
TOM
She ejected from the plane.
HAL
She said that she punched out just
before the missile hit.
The Doctor's head swivels back and forth between Hal and
Tom.
TOM
She was sort of low.
HAL
She hit hard enough to be knocked
out.
TOM
The vest inflated automatically but
that water---
HAL
It was cold. She floated for a while.
TOM
Then a boat came by.
HAL
A fishing boat. They made it back
just before the dome---
The doctor pats Hal on the shoulder.
DOCTOR
Okay. I get the picture. You two
ought to take your act on the road.
Hal and Tom look at each other, puzzled.
DOCTOR
Just make sure she sleeps. A lot.
She doesn't know about the Colonel?
Hal and Tom shake their heads no.
DOCTOR
Then break it to her gently. Wait
till I come back and see her again.
The Doctor walks away.
HAL
What did he mean, "take our act out
on the road"?
TOM
Who knows?
HAL
Doctors can be strange.
TOM
Probably from all that stress.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - NIGHT
The foreman directs the road crew in removing the rubble.
Sinestro is perched on the throne.
FOREMAN
Be careful, you guys, he may still
be alive under there.
SINESTRO
Oh who cares, just get the body up
where I can see it.
FOREMAN
Excuse me, Mr. Sinestro.
SINESTRO
Just Sinestro, no "Mr", or, if you
want, you can call me "Your Majesty".
FOREMAN
Yeah, sure, Sinestro. I gotta ask
you something.
SINESTRO
Go right ahead.
FOREMAN
How come you ain't using your ring
to help us out here?
SINESTRO
Waste not, want not, fatso. It does
my heart good to see my new subjects
working so hard.
FOREMAN
It would be quicker though, you see
what I'm saying?
SINESTRO
Maybe it would be quicker if I got a
new foreman.
He raises his ring hand and points at the foreman who jumps
down into the hole.
FOREMAN (O.S.)
C'mon you guys, let's put some back
into this job!
Sinestro smiles and sits back in his throne.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
Hal and Tom sit in front of a computer monitor. Tom is at
the keyboard.
TOM
I saved as much of the news broadcasts
as I could. I want you to look at
this.
HAL
I don't know if I want to.
TOM
Just watch it. I think the way to
beat this guy is right here, in front
of our noses.
INSERT MONITOR: The scenes where Sinestro raises a shield to
protect himself are shown. Then the scene where Colonel
Ferris strafes him and he reacts in horror and surprise.
TOM
You see what I mean?
HAL
No. I don't.
Tom walks over to the water cooler, crumples a paper cup,
spins and throws it at Hal.
It HITS Hal and falls to the ground. Hal looks at the balled-
up cup, then at Tom.
HAL
And your point is?
TOM
If you had your ring powered up and
I threw something at you, what would
happen?
HAL
The ring's aura would deflect it,
unless it was yellow.
TOM
Exactly!
Tom replays the scenes.
TOM
Look at these again! Look at what
Sinestro is doing.
Hal leans forward and stares at the screen. He smiles.
HAL
No aura!
TOM
That's right!
Tom picks up the wadded paper cup and throws it at the
monitor.
TOM
If he didn't know it was coming,
it'd hit him.
HAL
So you just have to hit him when he
isn't looking.
TOM
And I also think that he can't
recharge his ring.
HAL
How do you figure that?
Tom turns and switches the monitor back to the live broadcast.
TOM
He is supposedly in some sort of big
hurry to find your corpse.
HAL
I wish him luck.
TOM
But he just sits there. I think his
ring is overtaxed by this dome he's
placed around Coast City.
HAL
So he's vulnerable now.
TOM
There's only one way to find out.
You have to go back there and fight
him again.
Hal pales, gets up and heads for the toilet.
TOM
Was it something I said?
EXT - FERRIS AIRFIELD - DAWN
Walt lies on his back and tinkers with a large generator.
Carol walks over to him and sits down on the pavement next
to him.
CAROL
What're you doing?
WALT
I'm beefing up this here generator,
Ms. Ferris.
CAROL
Any particular reason?
Walt slides out from under the generator, sits up and faces
Carol.
WALT
No, ma'am, it's working fine and,
when I get through with it, it'll be
working even better.
CAROL
And then?
WALT
Then I'm bringing it over to where
that alien guy is. I'm gonna kill
him.
Walt slides back under the generator.
CAROL
You can't do that.
WALT
I sure can. I have to.
CAROL
Walt---
Walt's voice starts to crack.
WALT
I said something stupid today. It
jinxed your Dad.
CAROL
That's ridiculous.
WALT
I'll just pretend I'm with the crew
and, when he's not looking, ZAP!
Carol stands and SIGHS.
CAROL
When you're ready to go, come get
me. I'm going with you.
Carol walks back toward the main building then stops with
her back to Walt.
CAROL
And, mister, you damn well better
consider that an order.
WALT
Yes, ma'am.
Carol smiles and walks away.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAWN
Tom is at the bathroom door. There are sounds of Hal HACKING
followed by the sound of a toilet FLUSHING. The door opens
and Hal pushes past Tom.
HAL
I'm not going back there.
TOM
You have to.
HAL
Sinestro almost killed me. I don't
want to die.
TOM
Neither did Colonel Ferris.
HAL
That was a cheap shot!
TOM
He died trying to save you!
HAL
He didn't mean to. I know that, I
knew him better than you ever did.
TOM
So you're just going to stay here,
let that lunatic---
HAL
There are others who can stop him.
And they will.
TOM
They can't! The dome's keeping them
out! You're the only one who can.
You can't just stay here.
HAL
Watch me.
Tom's face darkens and he hurries toward the door of the
simulator room.
HAL
Where do you think you're going?
TOM
I'm going to make tall, red, and
crazy pay for killing my boss.
HAL
Don't go.
TOM
You plan on stopping me? (Beat) I
didn't think so.
Tom opens the door and pauses.
TOM
You might want to stop by the
Colonel's office. He keeps a bottle
in his lower right drawer.
Hal's face is wrought with anxiety.
TOM
See you when I get back.
Tom exits and Hal stands alone in the middle of the simulator
room.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - DOWN IN THE PIT - DAWN
The pile is almost all cleared out. One of the crewmen comes
over to the foreman.
CREWMAN
There's nothing here, boss.
FOREMAN
Shhhh! Not too loud. I don't want
him to hear that.
CREWMAN
He'll find out sooner or later.
FOREMAN
Yeah, well, figure this. If that
Lantern guy ain't here, where is he?
The man shrugs.
FOREMAN
Right. You don't know, I don't know,
and "chuckles" up there don't know.
Let's keep it that way.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - TOPSIDE - DAWN
Sinestro HUMS the theme from Jeopardy. The hostage is alert,
eyes darting. Tom walks around a corner.
SINESTRO
And who's this little wind-up toy?
TOM
My brother's here. I came to help
him.
SINESTRO
If only we all had brothers like
you. Very well, you may help away
to your heart's content.
Tom walks to the pit, stops, and bends down to pick something
up.
TOM
Hey, whose ring is this?
Sinestro stands up.
SINESTRO
Ring?
TOM
Yeah, this green ring, right here.
Tom pulls his jade wedding ring off his finger and tosses it
to Sinestro. As Sinestro follows the ring and raises his
hand to catch it, Tom pulls out a gun and CLICKS back the
hammer, Sinestro glances at him.
Tom FIRES all six shots at Sinestro.
A yellow shield pops up, the bullets flatten and fall to the
ground. Sinestro drops the shield and catches the ring.
SINESTRO
Nice try, small fry!
Sinestro forms a clamp around Tom's torso with his ring and
lifts Tom off the ground. He brings Tom closer.
He turns away to address the hostage.
SINESTRO
This one's a little small. You think
I ought to throw him back?
Tom lifts one of his legs up, pulls a knife out from one of
his boots, and throws it at Sinestro. It sinks deep into
Sinestro's shoulder.
The clamp disappears and Tom falls to the ground. The dome
over Coast City FLICKERS.
Sinestro pulls the knife out, shines a light from his ring
on the wound and it heals. He glares at Tom.
SINESTRO
I was gonna make this quick, but
now, you're gonna die bit by tiny
bit.
Tom turns in a circle and waves at the camera crews on the
surrounding roofs.
TOM
Hey! You see that? You all catch
that? He didn't know it was coming!
You can get him---
Sinestro forms a clamp around Tom's mouth, smiles, then
extends it to cover his nose. Tom falls to the ground and
struggles for breath.
SINESTRO
What's the matter? Cat got
your...ARRRGGGGHHHH!
The hostage wraps her arms around his legs and bites him.
The dome over Coast City FLICKERS again. The clamp around
Tom's face disappears.
Sinestro SLAPS the woman away.
SINESTRO
What is it with you people? Do you
all have a death wish?
HAL (O.S.)
No one wants to die...
Sinestro spins. A Figure stands in the shadow of a building.
HAL
...but if we do, we're taking you
with us.
SINESTRO
And you are?
There is a green flash and Green Lantern emerges from the
shadows.
GREEN LANTERN
The man you've been looking for.
SINESTRO
All my life!
Sinestro FIRES a power beam at Green Lantern. A green hand
blocks it with a piece of asphalt.
Sinestro is stunned.
SINESTRO
What? How?
GREEN LANTERN
I've got you and your toy ring all
figured out.
Green Lantern walks toward Sinestro who FIRES another beam.
It's deflected by a wrecked car.
GREEN LANTERN
You track me by the power signature
of the ring, so I kept it off till I
got here. So I could surprise you.
Sinestro tries to clamp Green Lantern. Green Lantern moves
at light speed out of the way and FIRES a power beam at the
ground on which Sinestro stands. Sinestro falls to the
street.
GREEN LANTERN
And, since I can't attack you
directly, I'll just keep you off
balance.
Sinestro looks up at Green Lantern.
GREEN LANTERN
Go ahead! Get up! I've got you all
figured out. And I can beat you.
Sinestro raises his ring hand, Green Lantern SLAPS it away,
Sinestro's ring flies off and Tom catches it.
The dome around Coast City disappears.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - EARLY MORNING
The scientists cheer as they watch Green Lantern stand over
a beaten Sinestro.
SCIENTIST
He's alive!
ANDERSON
And kicking.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY MORNING
The foreman and his crew climb out of the pit. Sinestro is
trussed up with green ropes. The hostage walks over to
Sinestro and KICKS him. Green Lantern stands close to Tom.
TOM
I knew you'd show up.
GREEN LANTERN
Before or after I hit the bottle in
the Colonel's desk?
Tom looks hurt.
TOM
I didn't mean that. I just said it
to---
GREEN LANTERN
I know why you said it. Thanks.
TOM
Yeah, well---
GREEN LANTERN
Give me his ring.
Tom hands the ring to Green Lantern.
TOM
You gonna take him away?
GREEN LANTERN
Not just yet. I have some unfinished
business with him.
Green Lantern walks over, scoops up Sinestro and flies down
into the pit. The foreman walks over to Tom.
FOREMAN
What was that all about?
TOM
How should I know? I barely know
the guy.
The foreman and his men walk over to the pit and peer over
the edge.
TOM
Hey! I wouldn't get too close!
Remember what happened the last time
those two fought?
The foreman and his men exchange looks and jump back from
the pit.
INT - UNDER THE STREET - EARLY MORNING
Green Lantern carries Sinestro down to the clear sewer
corridor and drops him into the water.
SINESTRO
So this is how you earthers do it?
You kill your enemies in private?
GREEN LANTERN
I'm not going to kill you. I'm going
to give you a chance.
The green ropes disappear and Sinestro stands up.
Green Lantern steps back a few feet. He lays Sinestro's
ring on a ledge. He takes off his own ring, changes back to
Hal, and lays it on the ledge next to Sinestro's.
Sinestro gets a glint in his eye. The two of them start
moving back and forth like caged animals.
HAL
All through this there's one thing
that's really been bothering me.
SINESTRO
Your lack of fashion sense?
HAL
Your contempt for the human race.
You think we're weak.
SINESTRO
I just calls them like I sees them.
HAL
Then here's the deal. You can still
get both rings.
SINESTRO
I plan on it.
HAL
All you have to do is kick my weak,
pathetic "earther" butt.
SINESTRO
Like this?
Sinestro KICKS Hal in the chest and Hal disappears beneath
the water.
Sinestro dives for the rings. Hal's feet KICK up from under
the water, connecting with Sinestro's chest and throw him
back several feet.
Sinestro and Hal both get stand and move back and forth,
closing the distance.
SINESTRO
You have no idea what you're up
against.
HAL
I'm sure you'll be more than happy
to tell me.
SINESTRO
My race has braved the rigors of
space, fought wars on planets you've
never heard of.
HAL
So?
SINESTRO
So, you're going to die, I'm going
to take those rings and your planet
will be mine.
Sinestro PUNCHES Hal in the face. Hal sags. Sinestro drops
his guard.
Hal grits his teeth and throws a ferocious roundhouse punch
that spins Sinestro around.
Sinestro turns back to face Hal, smiles his evil grin, then
his eyes roll back up into his head and he collapses.
Hal goes over to the rings, puts his on, becomes Green Lantern
and puts Sinestro's ring into a pocket.
He puts the green ropes back around Sinestro, picks him up,
and tosses him over his shoulder.
GREEN LANTERN
"Fought wars on planets I've never
heard of" huh? With a glass jaw
like that, you ought to be glad none
of them were ever called "Earth".
EXT - NEVADA DESERT - DAY
Green Lantern, with Sinestro encased in a bubble, wrapped in
a green straitjacket, lands next to Sur's partially uncovered
ship.
He creates a giant fan that BLOWS away the rocks and sand.
He opens the door, sees Sur's corpse and notices the ring
still on Sur's fingers.
He frowns, grabs the ring and slides it on his ring finger.
The two rings blend together. He stares at his hand.
GREEN LANTERN
I don't understand---
SINESTRO
We going to be here all day?
GREEN LANTERN
I'm not putting up with your mouth
all the way to Oa.
The bubble dissipates. He places Sinestro in the seat next
to Sur. He creates a roll of duct tape and tapes Sinestro's
mouth.
GREEN LANTERN
That's a definite improvement.
He encases the ship in a bubble and takes off with the ship
in tow.
EXT - OUTER SPACE ABOVE THE EARTH - DAY
Green Lantern reaches the rim of space. He stops and looks
around.
He spots Sinestro's ship, FIRES a beam at it and destroys
it. Sinestro's eyes go wide.
Green Lantern creates a space warp and flies through it with
the ship in tow.
EXT - OA - DAY
Green Lantern stands with the Guardian. Sinestro is led
away by other Guardians.
GREEN LANTERN
Leave the tape on him!
Other Guardians remove Sur's corpse from his ship and carry
it away.
GREEN LANTERN
Was he a good Lantern?
GUARDIAN
He did his best.
Green Lantern hands Sinestro's ring to the Guardian.
GREEN LANTERN
Here's a little souvenir of my first
adventure.
GUARDIAN
You've done well.
GREEN LANTERN
I've got the yellow thing beat. I
just gave the ring a mental command
to block anything yellow that comes
my way.
GUARDIAN
That's one way to do it.
GREEN LANTERN
And I've got the space warp travel
down pat too. Made it here in record
time.
GUARDIAN
Yes. You did.
Green Lantern crosses his arms and SIGHS.
GUARDIAN
You look like you have a question.
GREEN LANTERN
Yes, I do. This ring.
Green Lantern holds his ring hand up.
GREEN LANTERN
I never really had it until I picked
up Sur's ship!
GUARDIAN
And?
GREEN LANTERN
So how was I able to do what I did
before I got the ring?
GUARDIAN
When you figure that out, you'll be
ready for second level training.
GREEN LANTERN
What? Second level training?
GUARDIAN
That's what I said.
GREEN LANTERN
What do I have to do to get to level
two? Move a planet?
The Guardian folds his hands into the sleeves of his robe
and smiles.
Green Lantern shakes his head and walks away, looking up
into the sky.
GREEN LANTERN
(Imitating Arnold
Schwartzenegger)
Ah'll be back!
Green Lantern flies up and away. The Guardian watches him.
GUARDIAN
(Imitating Arnold
Schwartzenegger)
Und ah'll be here.
EXT - OUTER SPACE ABOVE EARTH - DAY
A space warp appears and Green Lantern flies through. It
closes.
Green Lantern heads for North America and home.
INT - CHURCH BASEMENT - AFTERNOON
The usual crowd is there. Hal fidgets in his chair. Jim
stands at the podium.
JIM
Before we wrap it up, would anyone
else like to speak?
He looks at Hal and Hal nods, then rises.
HAL
Hi everyone. My name is Hal.
EVERYONE
Hi Hal!
HAL
I came here today so I could share a
secret with you.
People turn in their chairs to face him.
HAL
My name is Hal and I---
He stops and looks to Jim for support. Jim smiles slightly
and nods.
HAL
I'm an alcoholic.
Hal starts crying. He sits down, leans over and covers his
face with his hands.
The other AA members gather around him, a couple of them sit
down in chairs next to Hal.
JIM
The first step is always the hardest.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EVENING
Tom and Hal stand near a table.
TOM
That's tough, admitting a problem
like that to a roomful of strangers.
HAL
It's going to be tougher beating it.
TOM
Just take it one day at a time.
HAL
So I'm told.
Hal aims his hand at the table, his ring appears and the
green lantern materializes on the table.
TOM
So, that's it, huh?
HAL
Yup! That's where I fill up the old
ring.
TOM
You don't mind me watching?
HAL
Not at all. In fact, I've come up
with something, a sort of mantra, to
say while I charge up.
Hal sticks his ring hand into the opening of the lantern.
HAL
I hope you don't think it's too corny
or anything.
TOM
Try it out. I'll tell you.
Hal smiles.
HAL
Yeah, I know you will.
The lantern glows.
HAL
In brightest day, in blackest night;
No evil shall escape my sight; Let
those who worship evil's might; Beware
the power of The Lantern's light.
Hal removes his hand from the lantern. The lantern
disappears. Hal becomes Green Lantern.
He nods at Tom and then flies off, phasing through the
ceiling. Tom stares up at the ceiling.
TOM
Cool! I want one too, Mommy.
Tom LAUGHS, walks over to his computer terminal, sits down
and starts to work on a program.
EXT - OVER COAST CITY - EVENING
Green Lantern flies over the buildings of Coast City. The
still of the night is broken by the sound of a POLICE SIREN.
Green Lantern looks down and sees a high-speed chase taking
place. He flies off to help.
FADE OUT
The screen is black.
NARRATOR
Once upon a time, the Lords of Order
and the Lords of Chaos had a fight.
The screen lights up as an EXPLOSION takes place. It is the
Mother Of All Explosions, The Big Bang, our universe being
born.
NARRATOR
They wound up with a universe on
Their Hands and decided not to fix
Their "mistake".
Scenes of war, famine, and disease from history.
NARRATOR
The Lords of Chaos wanted evil to
spread throughout the universe. If
that happened, They knew They would
win in the end. The Lords of Order
had other plans.
Scenes of RELIGIOUS FIGURES preaching and DOCTORS healing
the sick.
NARRATOR
Not only did the Lords of Order
encourage beings to do good, but
they also established a force to
battle evil, to maintain order
throughout the universe, The Green
Lantern Corps...
Scenes of THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS MEMBERS in action.
NARRATOR
...beings from hundreds of worlds,
dedicated to keeping the universe
from falling apart, using the power
rings to battle evil. And, in all
of history, no one from the planet
Earth, no human being, had ever been
selected to be part of The Green
Lantern Corps...until today.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - SOMEWHERE OFF NEAR JUPITER - NIGHT
Green fingers POKE through the fabric of space, ripping it
apart. A small, bullet-shaped spaceship speeds through the
opening. The fingers fade away, the hole SNAPS shut.
INT - THE SPACESHIP - NIGHT
ABIN SUR, a red-skinned humanoid alien, is critically injured.
He wears the uniform of the Green Lantern Corps. All dialogue
for Abin Sur and The Figure/Sinestro is in ALIEN with English
subtitles.
SUR
Have to keep moving...keep
going...third planet...the only place.
He makes some adjustments to controls on the console revealing
the green lantern ring. Sur raises up his ring hand.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR MARS - NIGHT
A huge, green EXPLOSION takes place outside the ship.
INT - THE SHIP - NIGHT
Sur lies back in his seat.
SUR
That'll fool him...for a while.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR EARTH - NIGHT
Sur's ship flies past the moon, heading toward Earth. The
North American continent can clearly be seen as the ship
approaches.
INT - THE SPACESHIP - NIGHT
The ship starts to fall apart as it enters Earth's atmosphere.
Smoke and sparks fly out of the ship's console.
SUR
He'll be here. Just bring it in.
Don't fail The Corps.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - NIGHT
The sky is clear. Billions of stars shine.
Sur's ship CRASHES down through the night, SKIDS across the
desert floor, and SCOOPS up sand.
The ship SLAMS into the bottom of a small desert mountain.
Rocks and sand TUMBLE down and cover the ship.
INT - THE SHIP - NIGHT
A green lantern appears. Sur inserts his ring hand into the
lantern's opening. The lantern GLOWS for a second.
SUR
Just need to rest...wait for
him...wait...he'll come when it's
time.
Sur leans back in the seat and shuts his eyes.
SUR
Record.
A green light bathes the inside of the ship.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - NIGHT
We start here and pull away, away, away, all the way back to
where we started.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - SOMEWHERE OFF NEAR JUPITER - NIGHT
Another hole is RIPPED in space and a slightly larger ship
comes slowly flying through. The hole SNAPS shut.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
A SILHOUETTED MALE FIGURE sits at the console. He SLAMS his
fist down hard.
FIGURE
Where is he? He must be dead by
now. I beat him so badly he had to
use a ship to run away from me!
The Figure enters commands on a keyboard.
CLOSE UP: A monitor screen on the console zooms in on where
Sur set off the explosion in space.
The Figure enters a command and a door behind him slides
open. A featureless, grey ANDROID steps out.
FIGURE
Fetch!
The Figure hits a button on the console and the android drops
through a hole that opens in the floor.
EXT - OUTSIDE THE SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The android shoots out of a hole in the bottom of the ship
and flies off in the direction of Mars.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The Figure CLAPS and LAUGHS.
FIGURE
That's it, Andy, go sic 'im!
The Figure runs scans from the console.
FIGURE
His remains have to be around here
somewhere.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR MARS - NIGHT
The android reaches the spot where Sur set off the explosion
and turns in slow circles. The second ship is in the
background.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The Figure paces.
FIGURE
C'mon, you. Find it. Find the ring!
It's got to be here.
The Figure sits down at the console, runs one more set of
scans and then slumps in the chair.
FIGURE
Okay, Abin Sur. Round one goes to
you. But I know you're still here.
The Figure hits a button on the console.
EXT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The tube on the bottom of the ship opens up and the android
flies into it.
INT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The Figure stands by the hole as it opens and the android
pops up. The hole closes and the android backs into its
chamber. The door closes.
FIGURE
Some help you are.
The Figure KICKS the door of the chamber. He turns to the
console, opens a drawer, takes out a small crystalline case
and opens it.
He holds up a ring.
FIGURE
When I find you, Abin, you are in
for one big surprise.
The Figure puts the ring in the case and SNAPS it shut. He
puts it in a pocket.
He hits a button on the console and another chamber door
opens next to the android. The light shines on him and he
is revealed to be SINESTRO, a tall, thin alien with the same
red skin as Abin Sur.
SINESTRO
Ship, on my command, set chamber for
cryo-sleep, continue scanning this
sector for the ring's power signature.
Wake me when it's found.
Sinestro goes to the chamber and enters it backwards.
SINESTRO
Monitor communications signals in
this sector, feed them to me while I
sleep.
Sinestro enters commands on a small pad in the chamber.
SINESTRO
And ship make us difficult to find.
Go!
Sinestro hits one last button and the door of the chamber
closes. Sinestro LAUGHS.
EXT - SECOND SHIP - NIGHT
The ship flies down to the surface of Mars. It lands at the
base of a cliff in the middle of a sandstorm. The sands
start to cover the ship.
INSERT SUBTITLE: 1890
The blinding sun rises over the horizon of Mars.
FLASH FORWARD TO: TODAY
INT - BEDROOM, HAL JORDAN'S APARTMENT - MORNING
The sun shines in the window. A closet door is open with an
open suitcase lying just outside of it. Female clothes are
being tossed into the suitcase.
The radio ALARM goes off and a Deejay's VOICE rambles on.
From under the blanket on the bed, a male arm snakes out,
knocks an empty bourbon bottle and some opened foil wrappers
off the night stand and SLAMS down on the radio.
INT - THE BEDROOM - LATER
LOUISE ADAMS, brunette, 20's, stands over the bed, dressed.
LOUISE
C'mon Hal. Get up. You'll be late
for work.
Hal is still under the covers.
HAL (O.S.)
Go away.
LOUISE
Be careful what you wish for.
She walks to the closet and picks up the suitcase.
HAL (O.S.)
What is it now, Louise?
She walks back to the bed and sits on it.
LOUISE
I won't be seeing you again, Hal.
Not here. Not this way.
HAL (O.S.)
Don't be like that.
LOUISE
Don't be like what? Don't be happy
waiting for a commitment from you?
You won't even come out from under
the covers.
HAL JORDAN, 40, in good physical shape, light brown hair,
gray on the sides, blue eyes, throws back the covers and
sits up.
HAL
There. Is that better?
LOUISE
No, Hal. It's not.
She takes a package out from under the bed, lays it on the
bed, gets up, picks up the suitcase and walks to the door.
LOUISE
I got you a birthday present. I
would have given it to you last night
while we were out celebrating but
you were, you know, drinking.
Hal watches her go.
The door SLAMS. Hal picks up the package and opens it.
HAL
Happy birthday to me.
He holds up a green sweater.
HAL
Ugh. Green. I hate green!
EXT - A DESERT HIGHWAY - DAY
Hal drives a convertible with the top down. As he passes a
billboard for COPPERSKIN TANNING OIL, he whips out a pair of
sunglasses. A bright yellow sun is the centerpiece of the
billboard.
HAL
Do us all a favor and tear it down,
would ya.
EXT - FERRIS AIRCRAFT COMPANY - DAY
Hal drives through the main gate and up to one of the hangars.
WALT EGER, 40's, a mechanic, has engine parts strewn all
over the ground. Hal stops his car just in front of Walt.
WALT
Hey! Watch it there! You could
have hit me!
Hal jumps out of the car and throws the keys to Walt who
catches them without a glance.
HAL
Never happen. Car's been running
rough, Walt. Would you mind?
WALT
Not in the least.
Hal walks away toward a small building.
WALT
And you have a nice day, too, there,
Mr. Jordan, sir.
Walt turns his back to Hal's car, throws the keys over his
shoulder and they land in the back seat.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - DAY
The caption on the door reads "FERRIS AIRCRAFT - COLONEL
JOHN FERRIS, USAF (RET), PRESIDENT AND CEO". Louise is
Colonel Ferris's secretary. She sits at a desk as Hal comes
in.
HAL
Morning, Louise, the Colonel in?
LOUISE
You can't go in now. He's in a
meeting.
HAL
I've got a test flight to do.
LOUISE
He told me to have you wait. He
wants to talk to you after he's done
in there.
HAL
Oh great. Like I have time for this.
The Colonel's door opens and THREE MEN in business suits,
come out. COLONEL FERRIS, late 50's, tall, blue eyes, sticks
his head around the corner.
FERRIS
I'll beep you when I'm ready for
Hal.
Ferris looks over at Hal.
FERRIS
Have a seat.
Ferris shuts the door, Hal's mouth is open. He turns to say
something to Louise. One of the three men leans over,
caresses her hand and whispers in her ear. She looks at Hal
then looks away.
Hal takes a seat and pages through a magazine. The man
leaves. Louise waves good-bye to him.
LOUISE
See you tonight.
HAL
That was fast.
LOUISE
I learned all my moves from a pilot.
An uncomfortable SILENCE fills the office.
Hal flips through the magazine. The phone RINGS. Louise
answers.
LOUISE
Yes sir. Yes sir, right away.
She hangs up.
LOUISE
He'll see you now.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The office is decorated with mementos of the Colonel's career.
His back is to the door and he looks at a row of pictures
that have Hal and the Colonel posing together in front of
different aircraft. Their ages are different in each shot.
FERRIS
Come in Hal. Sit down. We have to
talk.
Hal obeys him. Ferris turns and sits down at the desk to
face Hal.
FERRIS
Those men you just saw leave here,
our lawyer, the PR man, the
accountant, they were in here to
discuss your future with Ferris
Aircraft.
HAL
Yes sir, well, I can explain.
FERRIS
You can listen.
Hal leans back in the chair.
FERRIS
They want me to fire you.
He turns in the chair to look at the pictures.
FERRIS
They want me to tell you to "Hit the
road Jack", but, I can't. I mean I
can but I won't.
He turns back around.
FERRIS
I, Jesus, I don't know how to say
this, I can't let you fly. Not for
a while.
Hal jumps out of the chair and leans over the desk.
HAL
But flying's my life!
FERRIS
I know, Hal. I know it is. But I
have to do something, your drinking,
your irresponsible behavior---
HAL
What are you gonna have me do? Sweep
out the hangars?
FERRIS
No. Just calm down.
Hal sits in the chair and clams up.
FERRIS
I'm putting you on the simulator
crew, effective immediately and
indefinitely.
HAL
Simulator? That's not a pilot's
job. It's a job for losers.
FERRIS
It's all I have left for you. Take
it or leave it.
INT - THE SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
A flight simulator sits in the middle of the room, TOMAS
KALAMAKU, a round-faced young man of Eskimo descent, works
on a program at a computer terminal.
CNN is on in the upper right corner of the computer screen.
He wears a jade wedding ring.
He talks to the computer.
TOM
You aren't supposed to do that.
Quit that. Idiot code.
Hal enters.
HAL
Hiya, Pieface. You get the good
news yet?
Tom flinches.
TOM
What news? The new Director of
Operations? Yeah. And please don't
call me---
HAL
No, Pie, not that. You're now working
with the best in the business.
Hal points at himself with his thumb.
TOM
Oh joy.
Tom whirls his finger in the air. Hal ignores it.
HAL
Yup. It's gonna be me and you,
together, a team.
TOM
Well, Jordan---
HAL
Call me Hal.
TOM
Well, Jordan, the new D.O., Director
of Operations is coming here today
and I don't want you screwing things
up with your flyboy attitude. Just
do the job.
Hal throws a mock salute.
HAL
Yes sir, General Pieface, sir.
TOM
We have a new program to test out
for the latest single-seat high-
altitude fighters. You up for it?
HAL
I can handle anything your computer-
dork mind comes up with. Remember,
you just write simulator programs.
I've actually flown.
TOM
Okay, big shot, you know the drill.
Tom points to the simulator.
TOM
Suit up and climb on board.
INT - THE SIMULATOR - DAY
It's a mock-up of an actual fighter's cockpit. Hal wears a
flight suit and a headset. He fidgets with various controls.
HAL
I can't believe this. Flying a
simulator. I'm ready, Pieface.
TOM (O.S.)
Okay, Jordan, today we'll be---
The phone RINGS.
TOM (O.S.)
Hold on.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom picks up the phone and uses his free hand to type on the
computer keyboard. He wears a headset.
TOM
Yes sir, okay sir. That'll be fine
by me. I'll tell him when we're
done with this test.
He hangs up.
TOM
Hey, Jordan, when you're done with
this run, I have some exciting news
for you from the Colonel.
INT - SIMULATOR - DAY
Hal runs through the pre-flight checklist.
HAL
Yeah, okay, fine. Let's get it going.
TOM (O.S.)
One wild ride, care of Kalamaku
Airlines, coming right up.
Hal lies back and closes his eyes.
HAL
Well, whoopdie-doo.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
A bolt of green light BURSTS through the ceiling, RIPS the
simulator off its base and carries it off.
INT - SIMULATOR - DAY
Hal BANGS on the hatch and tries to open it.
HAL
What the hell? Pieface!
EXT - THE SKY OVER COAST CITY - DAY
The green light carries the simulator up, up, and away, over
the city, past the city limits, clear out of state. The
canopy flies off. Hal grips the seat, his eyes wide.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - DAY
The simulator glides to a soft landing at the foot of the
small desert mountain where Sur's ship crashed. The green
light fades away. Hal climbs out.
It is very quiet.
HAL
Hello?
Green light surrounds Hal. He disappears.
INT - ABIN SUR'S SHIP - DAY
Green light bathes the inside of the ship and Hal appears in
the co-pilot's seat next to an injured Abin Sur. Hal stares
at him.
SUR
You must be the new guy.
HAL
I, I---
SUR
Ah. Eloquence. The Guardians are
going to love you.
HAL
What are you saying?
SUR SPEAKS IN ENGLISH.
SUR
Can you understand me now? I think
the ring has got your language.
HAL
Ring? What ring? What are you
talking about?
Sur holds up his ring hand.
SUR
Patience, patience, Hal Jordan.
I've waited a long time for this.
What's a few more minutes?
HAL
Well, excuse me! I'll just sit back
and relax while my favorite red-
skinned alien---?
Sur nods yes.
HAL
Explains it all to me. Thank you
very much.
SUR
You adapt quickly. The sight of an
alien doesn't faze you?
HAL
I saw some pretty bizarre stuff when
I was flying in the military.
SUR
Oh yes, those people. You'll get to
meet them. The "little green men".
HAL
Look who's talking.
Sur COUGHS several times.
HAL
How about an introduction, pal? You
seem to know who I am.
Sur points to himself.
SUR
Abin Sur, of the Green Lantern Corps,
sector 2817.
Hal points to himself, mimicking Sur.
HAL
Hal Jordan, Major, United States Air
Force, retired, and, if you don't
mind me saying so, Abin, you look
like crap.
SUR
Oh, it's much worse than that. You
see, I'm already dead, been dead for
over one hundred years.
Hal tries to put some space between himself and Sur.
SUR
What you're seeing is an interactive
recording I made before I died.
HAL
What am I doing here?
SUR
You have been selected to take my
place as the Green Lantern of sector
2817, which includes your lovely
little planet.
HAL
What do you mean?
SUR
You must wear this ring, this uniform.
And remember to charge the ring once
a day, with this.
A green lantern appears.
SUR
It's with you always. You can't
lose it.
Sur starts to fade away.
HAL
Wait! I have some more questions.
Sur grabs Hal's hand and slips the ring on his finger.
SUR
Ask the ring.
Sur fades away, leaving just his skeleton clothed in a
shredded uniform.
HAL
Oh yeah, thanks.
Hal pauses and takes in the surroundings.
HAL
Well, ring, how do I get home?
Hal's hand is drawn to the lantern and pulled into a small
opening. A green light shines brightly. Hal yanks his hand
out. The ring glows for a second, then fades. Hal stares
at it.
Green light fills the ship, Hal leans back into the seat and
closes his eyes.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom opens the hatch of the simulator and shakes Hal.
TOM
Wake up, Jordan. Get up.
Hal snaps out of it.
HAL
What? What happened? The alien---
TOM
Alien?
Hal jumps out of the simulator and looks down at the base.
HAL
Pieface! It's still here! But it
got ripped off. It flew out over
the city.
Tom, in disgust, walks away, goes over to the water cooler
and fills a cup with cold water.
HAL
You wouldn't believe it. There was
this red guy who was dying. An alien.
He told me that I have to take his
place.
Tom walks back over as Hal turns away and looks at the
simulator.
HAL
This got torn off its base. I flew
out into the desert.
Hal turns back and Tom douses him with the water.
HAL
Pieface! What the hell are you doing?
TOM
I want you awake for this.
Tom decks Hal.
TOM
Happy landing, flyboy.
HAL
Tom.
TOM
Don't you call me that. And don't
call me Pieface, Pie, or any of those
other stupid names. My name is Tomas
Kalamaku. Only my friends call me
Tom. You can call me---
Hal rubs his jaw.
HAL
Mr. Kalamaku?
TOM
No. Not even that. You work for me
now. I'm your boss. That's what
Colonel Ferris called me about. You
work for me. And you will call me
"sir". Got that?
HAL
I outrank you.
TOM
We're not in the military, Jordan.
Get that through your boozed-up mind.
We're civilians now. I outrank you
and you better stop pissing me off.
CAROL (O.S.)
Is there a problem here, gentlemen?
Hal stands up. A female figure in a silver flight suit and
helmet stands in the doorway, feet apart, hands on hips.
CAROL FERRIS, 25, black hair, removes the helmet.
HAL
Carol?
TOM
Hal Jordan, meet the new Director of
Operations for Ferris Aircraft.
HAL
Carol?
CAROL
That's right, Hal, little Carol
Ferris.
HAL
But you, but you're---
CAROL
The new Director of Ops. As a fully-
qualified pilot with an MBA, I think
I can handle the job. And you?
How've you been?
HAL
I'm, I'm happy to see you. When did
all this happen?
CAROL
While you were looking the other
way. Tom? You wanna walk me through
what you're doing here.
TOM
My pleasure, Ms Ferris. Oh, Hal, I
think we're done for the day. You
can go home now.
Carol and Tom walk back to Tom's work area, ignoring Hal.
TOM
He works for me now.
CAROL
So I heard. Are congratulations in
order?
TOM
Depends on who you're talking to.
Hal walks away and stares at his hand. There is no ring.
Tom rubs his right hand and looks back over his shoulder at
Hal.
EXT - CITY STREET - MIDDAY
Hal, driving, takes an exit off the freeway into a
neighborhood. He comes up to a stop sign and notices a
bulletin board for the church at the intersection.
INSERT: SUNDAY'S SERMON, PRAYER, PENANCE AND PERSEVERANCE.
HAL
Try saying that with a mouth full of
crackers.
At the bottom of the bulletin board: AA meetings daily, 1PM
and 8PM.
INT - THE CHURCH BASEMENT - MIDDAY
INSERT: CLOCK ON THE WALL: 1:25.
JIM, 50's, is at the lectern. There are a few PEOPLE seated
in folding chairs. Most of them drink from styrofoam cups.
Hal sits apart from all the others.
JIM
Hi everybody, my name is Jim.
EVERYBODY
Hi Jim.
JIM
Today I'm celebrating my fifth
anniversary of being sober.
Everybody APPLAUDS.
JIM
And I just want to say that I really
miss waking up feeling like the living
dead. Thank you.
There is LAUGHTER and APPLAUSE as Jim looks at his watch.
MAN
Well, it looks like we've just about
run out of time unless there's anyone
else who---
He looks at Hal. Hal gets to his feet with a little
hesitation.
HAL
Uh, hi, my name is Hal.
EVERYBODY
Hi Hal.
Everyone looks at Hal.
HAL
I'm just here to listen.
INT - HAL'S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
Hal paces. In one hand, he carries a bottle of bourbon that
is one-third empty. In the other hand, a small glass.
He stops, pours some bourbon in the glass and downs it. He
walks over to an easy chair, sits down and puts the bottle
and glass on the floor next to the chair.
He picks up a remote control and turns on the TV. There is
a program on about the latest NASA Mars probe.
REPORTER (O.S.)
This probe will send back detailed
pictures from the surface of Mars
today using the latest in
reconnaissance satellite technology.
Hal turns the TV off, gets up and turns the radio on. Frank
Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon" PLAYS.
HAL
Was I hallucinating?
He holds up his ring hand.
HAL
Where are you?
The ring appears.
RING (O.S.)
I'm right here, Hal Jordan.
Hal walks backward, stumbles, sits down in the chair.
HAL
It was real.
RING (O.S.)
I am real.
HAL
This feels stupid, talking to a ring.
RING (O.S.)
Just imagine how stupid I feel,
talking to a human. Short-lived,
emotional species.
HAL
What do you mean "short-lived"?
RING (O.S.)
I was speaking comparatively.
HAL
So, how do you work? What do I do?
RING (O.S.)
What would you have me do?
Hal rubs his chin. The SONG continues.
HAL
Oh I don't know. (Pause) Fly me to
the moon?
EXT - ABOVE HAL'S APARTMENT BUILDING - AFTERNOON
There is a flash of green light. A beam shoots skyward, up
through the atmosphere, past the MIR space platform and out
into space.
EXT - THE SURFACE OF THE MOON - AFTERNOON
The green beam terminates at the moon's surface. Hal appears,
wide-eyed. He gasps for breath.
RING (O.S.)
Take it easy, breathe naturally.
I'm feeding you air. I didn't bring
you here to die.
HAL
Oh my God.
RING (O.S.)
Don't get sick on me.
HAL
You brought me to the moon.
RING (O.S.)
You asked me to. What is the purpose
of this trip?
HAL
Purpose?
RING (O.S.)
Why did you want to go to the moon?
HAL
I wanted to see what you'd do for
me. And I want to see you. Show
yourself.
The ring forms a green Hal Jordan.
HAL
Oh. That's cute.
GREEN HAL
I figured you'd like someone you can
really talk to.
HAL
Especially when I want intelligent
conversation.
GREEN HAL
You haven't answered my question.
Why did you have me bring you here?
You weren't given this power to use
frivolously.
HAL
What power? I don't know what I've
been given. How can I decide what
to do and what not to do?
GREEN HAL
Fair enough. What do you want to
know?
Hal walks over to a small rock and kicks it high and away.
HAL
First of all, I'd like to know how
I'm getting back to Earth.
GREEN HAL
The same way you got here. You make
it happen with your willpower.
HAL
Okay. Why was this ring, this power,
given to me?
GREEN HAL
You've been chosen to replace Abin
Sur as The Green Lantern for this
sector.
HAL
I know that already. But what am I
supposed to do?
GREEN HAL
As a member of the Green Lantern
Corps, your main duty is to help
keep order in this sector of the
universe.
Hal's eyebrows go up.
HAL
Oh. Is that all?
INT - SECOND SHIP - AFTERNOON
The lights are dim at first then get brighter as a signal
BEEPS from the console.
The door to Sinestro's cryo-sleep chamber WHOOSHES open.
Sinestro wakes, walks to the console and leans over it.
SINESTRO
Yes! I knew I'd find you if I just
waited long enough.
Sinestro stands upright, his eyes wide. He staggers over to
the chair then sits down.
SINESTRO
A century? You've had me waiting
here for one hundred years?
Sinestro pauses, then LAUGHS.
SINESTRO
I wonder what the old neighborhood's
like now.
Sinestro leans forward and types on the console.
SINESTRO
Let's see where Sur's been hiding.
EXT - THE SURFACE OF THE MOON - AFTERNOON
Hal and Green Hal sit on a couple of large rocks.
HAL
Do I have to wear a uniform, like
Abin Sur?
GREEN HAL
It's traditional.
HAL
Okay. Suit up.
The Green Lantern uniform replaces Hal's clothes.
HAL
I'll need a mask, too, something to
hide my identity.
GREEN HAL
Why?
HAL
People shouldn't know that it's me.
GREEN HAL
Are you joking with me?
HAL
No. It's, it's traditional. Just
like the suit.
GREEN HAL
Tell me more.
HAL
There are others, like Batman, The
Flash, and even Superman---
GREEN HAL
Superman wears no mask.
HAL
But it is assumed that he has a
civilian identity, a disguise so he
can walk around as if he were just
another human being.
GREEN HAL
He would choose to do this?
HAL
I guess.
GREEN HAL
Why don't you just wear glasses when
you want to be Hal Jordan and take
them off when you---
HAL
Now you're joking, right?
GREEN HAL
No.
HAL
That is so stupid. Glasses on, Hal
Jordan. Glasses off, Green Lantern.
No one would be dumb enough to fall
for that.
GREEN HAL
You would be surprised.
Hal ignores the remark.
HAL
Let's work up a good disguise.
GREEN HAL
Try this.
Green light bathes Hal. His brown hair becomes several shades
darker and grows a little longer as his eyes change from
blue to green. The ring creates a full-length mirror. Hal
checks it out.
HAL
Pretty good.
Hal holds up his ring hand and looks at the ring.
HAL
So, I can make objects with the ring?
GREEN HAL
The things you can do are only limited
by your willpower and your
imagination. And the ring will always
protect you.
A green aura shines around Hal.
GREEN HAL
You won't always see this protective
aura. Just remember it's there.
The aura fades away.
GREEN HAL
Do you still want the mask?
HAL
Yes.
A dark green mask appears on Hal's face.
HAL
Okay, we're done. Let's go home.
The mirror disappears. Nothing else happens.
HAL
What's the hold up?
GREEN HAL
I was wondering, did you fight in an
Earth conflict called The Gulf War?
HAL
Yes, I did.
GREEN HAL
And when you came home, you were
hailed as a hero?
HAL
Yes. A lot of us were. What's your
point?
GREEN HAL
Weren't you interviewed by someone
from the Daily Planet?
HAL
Yeah, what's his name, the quiet
guy, Kent. Why?
GREEN HAL
Hmmm.
Hal looks puzzled as a beam of green light envelopes him and
shoots from the surface of the moon back toward Earth.
EXT - SPACE - ABOVE MARS - AFTERNOON
The NASA Mars probe is in orbit above the planet
REPORTER (V.O.)
Today's the day the scientists have
all been waiting for.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - AFTERNOON
A male TV REPORTER broadcasts from the center. In the
background, the surface of Mars is shown on a large screen.
REPORTER
NASA's space program will take a
giant leap forward today. This new
satellite will pinpoint the areas of
Mars where the massive terraforming
project will start. And, even though
it will take over 300 years before
people from Earth can live on Mars,
these men, and women, here today,
will be remembered as the architects
of a new world.
He moves down to talk to one of the SCIENTISTS, MURPHY
ANDERSON, 50'S.
REPORTER
What is the first thing we'll be
seeing here today, Mr.?
ANDERSON
Anderson, that's Dr. Murphy Anderson.
The reporter chuckles.
REPORTER
A man with two last names, sort of
like Christopher Robin in reverse.
Anderson glares at the reporter.
REPORTER
Well, Murph, what will we see here
today?
ANDERSON
We've decided to indulge ourselves
by looking at that infamous Face On
Mars.
One of the scientists adjusts the satellite's camera so it
zooms in on The Face.
ANDERSON
There's been a lot of speculation as
to what this can be.
The scientists GASP as they look at the screen. They stand
in SILENCE as they watch an object blast loose from one side
of the Face.
Sinestro's ship emerges from a mound of sand near The face.
It Flies right at the satellite and SMASHES into it. The
screen goes blank.
ANDERSON
We're going secure!
The scientists run to their stations. A very large SECURITY
GUARD runs up to Anderson.
ANDERSON
Toss Winnie The Pooh, and his
cameraman out of here.
The guard turns and faces the reporter. The cameraman lowers
the camera. The guard smiles.
INT - HAL'S APARTMENT - LATE AFTERNOON
Hal wears his civilian clothes. The ring is not visible.
He has the bottle of bourbon in one hand and a glass in the
other. The bottle is now half empty.
HAL
This is too much.
He pours a shot of bourbon and downs it.
HAL
What do I do now?
RING (O.S.)
What you must.
HAL
Are we going to be talking like this
all the time?
RING (O.S.)
No. This time for us is almost past.
You will always have questions.
Being a member of the Corps is a
learning process. You must master
its most basic training level.
HAL
Basic training? Again?
There are fire engine SIRENS in the distance.
HAL
No time like the present. Suit up.
Hal becomes Green Lantern.
INT - THE KALAMAKU HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Tom sits at the kitchen table and plays with a plate of
spaghetti.
His wife, THERESA, 20's, blonde, has law books and papers
spread out over the table in front of her.
THERESA
Then the professor said that the
only law that matters is the law
that can be enforced.
TOM
Uh-huh. Okay, Theresa.
THERESA
It was almost like he was in favor
of the vigilante-type heroes that
are appearing.
TOM
Uh-huh.
THERESA
Then, an alligator came out of the
back room and bit off his foot.
TOM
That's good.
THERESA
Tom!
Tom snaps out of his reverie and shakes his head.
TOM
What?
THERESA
You haven't heard a single thing
I've said.
Tom gets up, walks behind Theresa's chair and rubs her
shoulders.
TOM
I'm sorry, honey. It's just that I
did something pretty stupid today.
Theresa stands up and hugs Tom.
THERESA
I find that a little hard to believe.
Tom raises his eyes up to the ceiling and back down.
TOM
Well---
EXT - APARTMENT COMPLEX - LATE AFTERNOON
A large oceanside apartment complex is on fire. Many
emergency units standby. FIREMEN spray water from several
trucks.
Green Lantern flies down and lands near the CHIEF, 50's.
For a second, everyone stops and stares at Green Lantern.
Then the firemen go back to their work.
CHIEF
Who the hell are you?
GREEN LANTERN
Green Lantern.
The TV CAMERAMEN and PHOTOJOURNALISTS turn their cameras on
Green Lantern.
GREEN LANTERN
I'm here to help. Is there anyone
left in the building?
CHIEF
We can't tell. It's too hot, we
can't even get near the place.
Green Lantern runs up and into the building.
CHIEF
Hey! Stop him! He can't go in there!
(Pause) He's toast.
The building starts to lose more of its windows and parts of
its wall, as if something is moving throughout the building
with great purpose and speed.
A green tunnel appears from the front door and PEOPLE walk
out, assisted and unassisted. Green Lantern comes walking
out last with a sad look on his face. He walks over to the
Chief.
GREEN LANTERN
There are some bodies still in there.
Those who were alive---
The Chief sniffs and smells the liquor on Green Lantern's
breath. He takes a step back.
Green Lantern's eyes get wide. He covers his mouth.
GREEN LANTERN
Sorry.
Green Lantern stands up ramrod straight and clenches his
fists.
GREEN LANTERN
Chief, move your men back.
CHIEF
What are you going to do?
GREEN LANTERN
Just move them. Please.
CHIEF
Everyone get back! Move back. Get
away from the building.
GREEN LANTERN
I hope I can get this right.
Green Lantern raises his ring hand in the air. A giant lawn
sprinkler appears over the building. A giant garden hose
connects up to it and the other end runs out into the ocean.
The sprinkler turns on and a heavy spray of water is directed
downward. Green Lantern keeps it going till the fire is
completely out. His eyes shut tight. The Chief comes up
and pats him on the shoulder.
CHIEF
Okay. Okay. We can get it from
here.
GREEN LANTERN
If I'd been here sooner.
The Chief gestures toward the huddled survivors.
CHIEF
You made a difference. You saved
their lives.
Green Lantern flies off and waves back down at the Chief.
GREEN LANTERN
Now I just have to save my own.
INT - THE KALAMAKU HOUSE - EVENING
Tom and Theresa sit on the sofa in the living room.
THERESA
You punched him? You punched Major
Jordan?
TOM
He's a civilian now, Terry.
THERESA
I see, so that makes it all right.
TOM
No. It doesn't. I don't know what
came over me. He kept calling me
those stupid nicknames.
THERESA
Sticks and stones, Tom.
TOM
Yeah, I know. But it wasn't just
that. It's that arrogant attitude
he's got.
THERESA
A test pilot, a fighter pilot?
Arrogant? Gee, Tom, I find that so
shocking.
Tom looks at Theresa, puzzled.
THERESA
Figure it out, honey. You strap a
man into a billion dollars worth of
metal and weapons, tell him to go
out and put his life on the line,
and, what do you know, he becomes a
little arrogant.
Tom smiles.
TOM
Yeah, no kidding. Sometimes I get
so wrapped up in my programming I
can't see the forest for the trees.
Theresa puts her hands on Tom's shoulders.
THERESA
As your wife and friend, I suggest
you sit down and talk to Hal tomorrow.
TOM
Good idea. And, as my future lawyer?
Theresa kisses Tom.
THERESA
As your future lawyer, I suggest you
show me your briefs.
Theresa wiggles her eyebrows. They jump up from the sofa
and run into the bedroom, LAUGHING.
INT - CHURCH BASEMENT - EVENING
PEOPLE stand around, drink out of styrofoam cups, nibble on
cookies and MUMBLE. A few discernible mentions of Green
Lantern are heard.
Hal sips coffee and keeps to himself.
Jim approaches Hal.
JIM
Hi. I saw you here this afternoon.
HAL
Yeah, I figured I'd stop in to see
what this was all about.
JIM
I hope you find what you're looking
for here. A lot of us have.
HAL
I think what I'm looking for is a
helping hand.
JIM
There's no shortage of those here.
Jim takes out a business card and gives it to Hal.
JIM
If you ever need to talk, call me.
I can't promise to always be there.
But I can promise to always try.
Hal puts the card away.
HAL
Thanks. I just might do that.
JIM
You're not alone. The past doesn't
matter. You can get a new lease on
life if you stay.
HAL
Thanks.
JIM
And, when you're ready to stand up
and talk, we'll be ready to listen.
CUT TO:
MAN NR 1
...so I said to the cop, "Officer, I
was only trying to prove to my dog
that he could drive too!"
CUT TO:
WOMAN
...I think it was right around the
third time I woke up next to someone
who I didn't know that I figured I
might want to rethink my life.
CUT TO:
MAN NR 2
...when the bartender started
remembering all the numbers to all
my credit cards, I thought that maybe
it was time I stopped.
CUT TO:
Hal stands.
HAL
Hi, my name is Hal.
EVERYBODY
Hello Hal.
HAL
Hello right back at you. I've got
nothing else to say...right now.
INT - HAL'S KITCHEN - DAWN
Hal is tired and disheveled. He sits at the table and reads
a book.
He glances over at the almost-empty bottle of bourbon on the
counter.
He gets up and stares at the bottle of bourbon.
HAL
What the hell. I'm never going to
get to sleep.
He picks up the bottle of bourbon and drops it in the waste
basket.
HAL
Suit up.
EXT - A DEAD END ALLEYWAY - DAWN
FOUR THUGS have MOOKY on the ground. They beat and kick
him.
THUG NR 1
What do you think we are, Mooky?
Stupid?
MOOKY
I didn't do nothin', honest!
THUG NR 2
Kick him again, man. Break something.
MOOKY
Okay, okay! I sold all the drugs!
I can get you the money back! I
swear to you! I will!
GREEN LANTERN (O.S.)
Gentlemen.
They all turn to face him.
THUG NR 1
Who the hell are you?
GREEN LANTERN
Why does everyone say that to me?
One thug takes out a gun and shoots at Green Lantern. The
bullets hit him, flatten and fall to the ground. Green
Lantern looks down at the bullets and shakes his head.
GREEN LANTERN
Now I'm going to have to add littering
to the charges. Cage.
A large green cage forms around the men, the door SLAMS shut
and LOCKS. Various weapons are picked out of their pockets
by green hands and thrown into a nearby trash can. Mooky
gets up and LAUGHS at the men in the cage.
MOOKY
Yeah, yeah, look at you guys now!
He turns to Green Lantern.
MOOKY
Thank you, mister. You saved my
life.
GREEN LANTERN
I also heard what they were saying
to you.
Green Lantern shines a green light over Mooky and vials of
crack fall out of his pockets. A long green chain appears,
attached to the cage. It has shackles at one end and they
CLAMP SHUT over Mooky's wrists.
GREEN LANTERN
You're as guilty as they are.
THUG NR 2
Hey, Mooky. You still had the drugs.
You lied to us!
GREEN LANTERN
Gee, what a surprise.
Police cars appear at the mouth of the alley and, as POLICEMEN
run into the alley, Green Lantern kicks over the ash can.
The cage fades as the police approach it.
GREEN LANTERN
You'll find fingerprints on those
weapons and on those vials of crack.
They belong to those men.
Green Lantern flies off.
INT - A CONDO PENTHOUSE - DAWN
There are huge windows that give an incredible view of the
city. A MAN SLAPS a WOMAN.
MAN
You bitch! I saw you. You were
flirting with those other guys.
WOMAN
Stop it! Stop it! You're imagining---
MAN
Imagine this!
He SLAPS her again. She staggers over to one of the large
picture windows. He advances on her, fists ready and then
stops. She turns around and sees Green Lantern hovering in
mid-air, waggling his finger.
GREEN LANTERN
Naughty. Naughty.
The man opens his mouth.
GREEN LANTERN
I know, "Who the hell are you?"
The woman moves away from the man. The man walks up to the
window.
MAN
Get out of here! I saw you on the
TV tonight. You got no right being
here.
A vase BREAKS over the back of the man's head and he
collapses. The woman KICKS him in the groin and he passes
out.
GREEN LANTERN
You going to be all right?
The woman picks up a phone and dials 911.
WOMAN
I'll be fine.
GREEN LANTERN
No doubt.
Green Lantern smiles and takes off.
EXT - COAST CITY HIGHWAY - DAWN
The sun rises as Green Lantern flies along the road he takes
to work. He looks down and sees the billboard he loves to
hate. A sly grin appears on his face.
GREEN LANTERN
Well, why not?
Green Lantern circles back around, hovers in mid air and
raises his thumb to take aim at the sun in the middle of the
billboard.
He straightens out and flies toward the billboard. As he
hits the bright, yellow sun, his protective aura flashes
green and out.
The impact knocks him out. The aura flashes back on and
fades as he hits the sand at the side of the road, tumbles
head over heels and comes to rest face down in the dirt.
EXT - THE PLANET OA - DAY
Hal lies face down in the dirt. A cold splash of water hits
him. He wakes up and sputters.
HAL
Tom?
He sits up and looks up at a small blue man, A GUARDIAN, who
wears a red robe with the Green Lantern symbol on the chest.
HAL
Who the hell are you?
GUARDIAN
I thought that was the question
everyone asked you.
Hal gets to his feet and sees that all around him there are
more GUARDIANS. Some stand still, some float up and down in
the air, others walk.
HAL
Looks like the family's all here.
GUARDIAN
We all look alike to you earthers.
If I were to show you my real form,
you couldn't handle it.
HAL
Now that makes sense. I couldn't
handle your real form but small,
blue men, I see those all the time.
The Guardian LAUGHS.
GUARDIAN
You were in your country's Air Force,
I figured that blue would be one of
your favorite colors.
Hal smiles.
HAL
Okay, where am I?
GUARDIAN
This is the planet Oa. It is the
headquarters for the Green Lantern
Corps.
HAL
The Corps, into which I was
unceremoniously drafted.
GUARDIAN
Our recruiting methods have played
havoc with several of our members.
HAL
How did I get to Oa?
GUARDIAN
You're not really here. Your spirit
is but your body is back on earth.
Don't worry. It's safe.
HAL
The last thing I remember is flying
at that stupid billboard.
GUARDIAN
And you hit something yellow.
HAL
The sun.
GUARDIAN
You got knocked unconscious.
HAL
Why?
GUARDIAN
The ring we give the Lanterns is a
powerful weapon. So we had to work
something into it to keep the Lanterns
in check, a weakness.
HAL
And mine is the color yellow?
GUARDIAN
You sound like it makes you sick.
HAL
Where I come from, the color yellow
symbolizes cowardice.
GUARDIAN
The ring locked onto that and made
it your weakness. It's different
for each Lantern. The ring usually
finds something that goes against
your spirit.
HAL
And makes it my weakness.
GUARDIAN
Yes. It keeps you from being too
powerful.
HAL
Smart move, almost as smart as giving
me the ring.
GUARDIAN
I beg your pardon?
HAL
I don't know why you picked me out
of all the people on Earth.
GUARDIAN
You weren't the only one picked.
You were the closest.
HAL
There's others?
GUARDIAN
Only if you are unable to fulfill
your duties.
Hal turns his back to the Guardian. He rubs his chin.
HAL
There's something about me, a problem.
GUARDIAN
Yes, we know. You are addicted to
alcohol.
Hal whirls back around.
HAL
And you still gave me this ring?
GUARDIAN
Everyone has problems, Hal. It's
how they deal them that's important.
The Guardian reaches out and takes Hal's hand.
EXT - A COUNTRY LAKE - DAY
Hal and The Guardian stand in a clearing at the top of a
small cliff overlooking the lake.
YOUNG HAL, 10, sits at the edge of the cliff, his feet dangle
over the side.
Young Hal's brother, JACK, and Jack's two friends, BILL and
TONY, all 14, swim around in the lake.
HAL
What are we doing here?
GUARDIAN
Shhh. Watch and wait. They can't
see us.
EXT - THE LAKE - DAY
Jack, Bill, and Tony wave up at Young Hal.
JACK
C'mon, Hal, don't be a baby.
BILL
Jump on down here, baby boy.
TONY
Buk-buk-ba-guk! Chicken!
They all splash water on each other. Young Hal looks down,
dejected.
Jack swims away from the others and jerks his body.
JACK
Hey! Hey!
He struggles in the water.
BILL
What's up, Jack?
TONY
Quit goofing around.
JACK
My foot! It's caught! Something
has my foot!
He goes under and fights back to the surface.
JACK
Help! Help me!
BILL
What's got him?
TONY
I don't know, but I'm not going over
there.
EXT - THE CLEARING - DAY
Young Hal jumps to his feet.
YOUNG HAL
Don't just stare at him! Do
something!
HAL
I remember this day.
The Guardian smiles and nods.
EXT - THE LAKE - DAY
Bill and Tony swim farther away from Jack.
Young Hal dives down into the water, swims over to where his
brother struggles, and dives under the water.
Jack's foot is tangled up in fishing line that is anchored
to a large plant on the lake bottom.
Young Hal pops back to the surface, takes a deep breath, and
dives back down.
He picks up a smooth rock from the lake bottom, throws it
aside, picks up another, throws it aside, then picks up a
rock that has a sharp edge on it.
He swims over and saws at the fishing line. It breaks.
He pops back to the surface, wraps an arm around Jack's neck,
and swims toward the shore.
JACK
I didn't know you could swim like
that.
YOUNG HAL
Neither did I.
EXT - THE CLEARING - DAY
Hal and The Guardian watch Young Hal swim to shore with his
brother.
HAL
I saved his life.
GUARDIAN
And you could have lost your own.
HAL
He's my brother.
EXT - MAIN STREET - NIGHT
Cars move up and down the street. Several GROUPS OF TEENAGERS
gather around different cars.
Hal and The Guardian appear in the doorway of a closed store.
HAL
What the---
GUARDIAN
Shhhh.
TEENAGE HAL and TWO FRIENDS sit on the hood of a Chevy Malibu.
They sneak sips from concealed cans of beer.
TEENAGE HAL
Oh man, I can't believe it! One
more week and then I move away from
all this!
He jumps off the car, spreads his arms, spins in a circle
and spills beer from the can.
FRIEND #1
Jesus, Hal! Stop it! Hide the beer!
FRIEND #2
Yeah, you wanna get busted before
you make it to the Air Force Academy?
A car SCREECHES around the corner and speeds down Main Street.
It weaves in and out of traffic.
Teenage Hal stops and watches.
TEENAGE HAL
What's up with that bozo?
The driver loses control of the car and it SMASHES into a
telephone pole. The driver is knocked unconscious. The car
starts to smoke.
FRIEND #1
Oh man! Look at that!
FRIEND #2
It's on fire! Look!
Flames BURST FORTH from under the crashed car's hood. Teenage
Hal drops his beer, runs over to the trunk of the Malibu and
SLAMS it with the heel of his hand.
The trunk POPS open. Teenage Hal rummages in the trunk,
grabs a lug wrench and runs over to the burning car.
FRIEND #1
Get away from there, you moron!
TEENAGE HAL
Call the cops!
HAL
I was stupid to do this.
GUARDIAN
That's one way to look at it.
Teenage Hal SMASHES the driver's side window with the lug
wrench.
SIRENS blare in the distance.
FRIEND #2
Get away from there, Hal! The cops
are coming!
TEENAGE HAL
They'll be too late.
Teenage Hal reaches in and drags the driver out of the window,
dropping him to the sidewalk.
He bends over and grabs the driver from behind, under the
arms and drags him away from the burning car.
The car EXPLODES, knocking Teenage Hal on his butt. A POLICE
CAR pulls up next to him.
TEENAGE HAL
It's about time.
GUARDIAN
This man was not your brother.
HAL
He was going to die. What was I...
EXT - THE IRAQI DESERT - DAY
Hal and The Guardian appear in the midst of five IRAQI TANKS.
Two of the tanks are disabled, smoking.
Several injured IRAQI SOLDIERS are lying on the sand. Other
IRAQI SOLDIERS wave white cloths over their heads at TWO A-
10 AIRCRAFT with US markings.
HAL
...supposed to do?
He looks around.
HAL
Oh man!
INT - A10 COCKPIT - DAY
MAJOR HAL maneuvers his aircraft over the Iraqi tank platoon.
MAJOR HAL
This is Gold Leader to Gold One.
Looks like our job here is done.
Break off and call in the land forces.
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
I'm taking one more pass at 'em.
MAJOR HAL
Gold One, I repeat, break off, break
off and head back to base. That is
an order.
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
Yeah, yeah, you're breaking up. I
can't hear you.
EXT - THE IRAQI DESERT - DAY
Gold One breaks formation and heads around for a run at the
Iraqi tank platoon. The Iraqis run to their tanks to try
and hide from the incoming attack.
HAL
That idiot! They're giving up!
GUARDIAN
Uh-huh.
INT - A10 COCKPIT - DAY
Major Hal twists the joystick and chases after Gold One.
MAJOR HAL
Gold One! Cease and desist! That's
a direct order!
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
Hey, I swear to God, it looks like
these guys are gonna take another
pop at us. Damn sand monkeys!
Major Hal's eyes narrow. His lips tighten.
MAJOR HAL
You wanna have some fun, Gold One?
GOLD ONE (V.O.)
What?
EXT - IRAQI DESERT - DAY
Gold One heads in for a strafing run on the tank platoon.
Gold Leader comes screaming after him, flies his plane
directly under Gold One, blocks it off and makes it veer
away from the platoon.
Gold Leader's WASH kicks up a sandstorm that blows around
Hal and The Guardian.
HAL
Jesus!
GUARDIAN
I believe your prayers were echoed
by the soldiers and your co-pilot.
HAL
That moron was no co-pilot of mine.
He just wanted to kill---
GUARDIAN
Your enemy?
HAL
Well, yeah, they were the enemy but
they had surrendered.
GUARDIAN
And you risked your life to save
theirs. This seems to be a habit
with you...
EXT - PLANET OA - DAY
GUARDIAN
...and it's one of the reasons you've
been chosen. The selection has been
made. It will stand until you die.
HAL
You knew about all this?
GUARDIAN
You find that surprising?
HAL
But my problem---
GUARDIAN
Your problem, your problem. What a
great task it must be to rid yourself
of such an overwhelming problem.
HAL
If I stay in The Corps it'll be your
problem too.
GUARDIAN
Thank you for the warning, Hal. But
we Guardians already have a problem.
It is, of course, not as immense as
yours.
HAL
And that is?
GUARDIAN
We must help maintain order in the
known universe.
Hal looks down at the ground and pushes some sand with his
foot.
GUARDIAN
If you help us with our little
problem, we just might be able to
help you with yours.
Hal starts to fade away.
HAL
Wait! Hold on. There's more I need
to know.
GUARDIAN
Your body is waking up. Don't worry.
You'll be coming back.
EXT - SIDE OF THE ROAD NEAR THE BILLBOARD - DAY
Hal stands up and brushes himself off. A police car
approaches.
HAL
Uh oh.
He becomes Green Lantern and flies off.
EXT - ABOVE THE MOON - DAY
The second ship hovers above the site where Hal had walked.
INT - SECOND SHIP - DAY
Sinestro sits in the chair at the console. His hands are
steepled at his chin.
SINESTRO
He was here. The ring was here.
He works the scanning controls and smiles.
SINESTRO
Well, well, well, the third planet.
Looks like Sur made it to sanctuary
after all.
The second ship flies away from the moon and heads toward
Earth.
INT - HAL'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Hal paces and tucks his shirt into his jeans.
HAL
I have to tell someone about this.
He sits in a chair, leans back, and smiles.
HAL
I wonder how he'll take it?
INT - FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - DAY
Louise reads through some documents. She looks a little
haggard. Hal enters.
HAL
Hi Louise, is the Colonel in?
LOUISE
He does not want to be disturbed.
Hal walks to the door and RATTLES the knob, then KNOCKS.
The phone on Louise's desk RINGS. She CLICKS ON the speaker
button.
LOUISE
Yes sir?
FERRIS (V.O.)
I thought I told you---
LOUISE
Sir, it's Hal Jordan. He wants to
see you.
HAL
I have something I have to tell you,
sir.
FERRIS (V.O.)
It'll have to wait. I'm in the middle
of something pretty important.
HAL
I have something important too.
FERRIS (V.O.)
Come back later.
Louise CLICKS OFF the speaker button.
HAL
Damn it! I gotta tell someone.
LOUISE
Tell someone what?
HAL
Nothing, Louise. Is Tom in yet?
LOUISE
Your new boss? Sure. Far as I know.
HAL
Thanks.
Hal heads for the door then stops.
HAL
Hey, Louise, how was that date?
She frowns. He smiles and exits. She picks up a pen and
throws it. It bounces off the door as Hal shuts it behind
him.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom is busy at his terminal. He drinks coffee and types.
Hal enters and locks the door.
Hal walks over to Tom and his shadow falls over Tom. Tom
jumps.
TOM
Ahhhh! Jordan.
HAL
Morning, Mr. Kalamaku.
TOM
I'm glad you're here. There's
something I want to say to you.
HAL
Same here.
TOM
Look, about yesterday---
HAL
Yesterday's gone, Mr. Kalamaku.
TOM
Tom, call me Tom.
HAL
Look, Tom, something has happened to
me and, if I don't tell someone about
it, I think I might go crazy.
Tom gets up and puts his chair between he and Hal.
TOM
Why don't you sit down.
Hal smiles and walks toward the simulator.
HAL
I think it's you that better have a
seat. (Pause) Go on. Sit.
Tom sits. He keeps one eye on Hal and the other on the phone.
TOM
So what is it? What do you want to
tell me?
HAL
It's better if I just show you.
TOM
Go ahead.
HAL
Suit up.
TOM
What?
Hal becomes Green Lantern. Tom falls out of the chair.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - DAY
The second ship hovers above the North American continent.
INT - SECOND SHIP - DAY
Sinestro SLAMS his hand down on the console and jumps out of
the chair.
SINESTRO
You can run but you can't hide.
I've got you now.
He presses a button. The door to the android's chamber
WHOOSHES open. The hole in the floor opens and the android
drops through it.
SINESTRO
It'll soon be mine, all mine!
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom sits on the floor in a daze. Green Lantern stands by
the simulator.
TOM
It's you.
GREEN LANTERN
Yeah, that's right, it's me.
TOM
You're that guy who, who---
Tom makes a flying motion with his hand. Green Lantern walks
toward Tom who freezes up.
GREEN LANTERN
I was on the moon yesterday. I went
to the moon, Tom! I walked around
on it. This ring. This power.
Tom regains his composure and stands up.
TOM
Whoa. Slow down. Tell me everything.
The phone RINGS. Tom picks it up.
TOM
Yeah? Yeah? Okay. Call me later.
Tom hangs up.
GREEN LANTERN
Who was that?
TOM
Colonel Ferris. Never mind him.
Green Lantern gives Tom a troubling look, shrugs, and changes
back to Hal. He sits in the chair. Tom grabs another chair
and sits on the edge.
HAL
Okay. Now remember yesterday, in
the simulator---
EXT - COAST CITY HIGHWAY - DAY
Traffic crawls by the damaged billboard. The android stands
by the side of the road and DRIVERS gawk at it.
It studies the billboard. It turns and walks to where the
sand has been scuffed up, where Hal landed. The android
looks up into the sky. The gray color fades away and its
surface becomes translucent as it flies away.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - DAY
Murphy Anderson and his team are gathered in a circle.
ANDERSON
As strange as today's been, it's
about to get stranger.
He turns to a control panel, presses a button and the wall
of monitors show the second ship in orbit.
The team GASPS.
SCIENTIST
That's the ship that we saw on Mars!
ANDERSON
A recon satellite has been following
it for the last half hour.
SCIENTIST
Where's it from? What does it want?
ANDERSON
Good questions. Anyone have any
answers?
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom paces in front of the simulator. Hal sits in a chair.
TOM
Wow! I can't believe it! You're a
super hero!
HAL
You can't believe it? Imagine how I
feel.
TOM
You do seem to be taking this, this
change in your life rather well.
HAL
Tom, we live in a world where a man
dressed as a bat fights crime.
Another man runs at the speed of
sound. And then there's Superman!
TOM
Hmm, yeah, there is that.
The door CRASHES open and Colonel Ferris stands in the
doorway.
FERRIS
Kalamaku! Get your butt down here.
TOM
What'd I do now?
HAL
You hung up on him.
A look of sheer panic spreads over Tom's face.
EXT - THE SKY OVER COAST CITY - DAY
The android cruises over the city, swiveling its head from
side to side. Its translucence gives it a chameleon-like
effect, rendering it almost invisible.
It heads down into a neighborhood and hovers above Hal's
apartment building.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAY
Tom works at his terminal. Hal climbs out of the simulator.
HAL
Don't worry about the chewing out
Ferris gave you. He's yelled at me
a lot and I still work here.
TOM
Yeah, but you guys flew together.
I'm just a computer geek.
HAL
And you're the best or you wouldn't
be working here. I'll go talk to
him and straighten it out.
TOM
Is that all you're going to tell
him?
HAL
For now, yeah. To be honest, I'm
having second thoughts about telling
you.
TOM
I'll do my best not to tell anyone.
I always try to do my best.
HAL
I remember that about you, even from
our Air Force days.
TOM
You knew who I was?
HAL
Of course I did.
Hal walks over to Tom and puts a hand on his shoulder.
HAL
I'm gonna tell you a secret that any
pilot will deny to his grave. (Pause)
We're all nervous as hell when we're
flying.
Hal sits in a chair next to Tom.
HAL
We like to know who the people are
that we can count on. Why do you
think you were always on mid shift?
TOM
I don't know. Why?
HAL
Because night flying is the most
dangerous, because we could depend
on you. You were, and are, the best
there is at what you do.
CAROL (O.S.)
Well, it sure looks like you two
have made nice.
Carol Ferris walks toward Hal and Tom.
HAL
Hi.
TOM
Ms. Ferris.
CAROL
Hal, when you two are done, I'd like
to see you in my office.
She leaves.
Hal looks at Tom who shrugs.
EXT - COAST CITY - VARIOUS SITES - AFTERNOON
The android flies over places where the Lantern power has
been used. The trail keeps leading back to Hal's place.
The android comes to a rest and hovers over Hal's apartment
building.
It turns, tilts its head up and a FLASH OF LIGHT shoots out
of its eyes.
INT - CAROL FERRIS' OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Carol's degrees and pilot licenses adorn the wall. A computer
sits on her clean desk. Carol is on the phone. Hal enters
and sits down.
CAROL
We've tweaked the numbers until
they've bled, Senator. (Pause) My
answers are: Yes, yes, yes, and a
definite no on the last one. (Pause)
Please say hi to your lovely wife
for me. Thank you.
She hangs up and frowns.
CAROL
If the Senator put as much effort
into saving the taxpayers' money as
he does into running around on his
wife---
HAL
Your life would be less interesting.
CAROL
Interesting? Why do men think their
unwanted attention is "interesting".
HAL
The word "interesting" has a lot of
meanings. The Chinese even use it
for a curse.
CAROL
I have a curse for the Senator.
HAL
I'll bet. (Pause) Now, what is it
you want to see me about?
CAROL
I'm making time to talk to all the
employees who may be affected by my
decisions.
HAL
So this is just business?
CAROL
Wait a minute, Hal. You didn't think
I invited you in here---
Hal waves a dismissing hand.
HAL
No I didn't think that. I mean,
with the way things have been going
lately, I didn't know what to think.
CAROL
Oh. You thought I was going to---
HAL
Fire me.
Carol leans forward.
CAROL
My father wouldn't leave that to me.
If he wants to fire you, he'll do it
himself.
She sits back.
CAROL
And it would be one of the saddest
days of his life. You know, I've
spent most of my life trying to be
the son he never had. I think he
saw you in that role.
HAL
I'm sorry.
CAROL
No, don't be. It made me tough and
strong. It made me win at everything
I tried. And it also made me hate
you for the longest time.
HAL
I hope you've gotten over it.
CAROL
I have. Once I started flying, I
learned why people always thought of
you as a legend.
HAL
Now wait a second.
CAROL
No, really. No one could fly like
you.
HAL
The Colonel taught me a lot.
CAROL
And you learned more than he taught.
I'm not here to fire you. I'm here
to ask you to become the man you
once were.
HAL
I'm trying to. I want to.
Their eyes lock and they stare at each other. Carol fidgets.
CAROL
Oh, damn! Look what time it is.
HAL
Yeah, yeah. I gotta go.
CAROL
You probably have things to wrap up.
HAL
I'm sure that Tom wants to prep me
for tomorrow.
CAROL
Okay. That'll be all for now.
HAL
Yeah. See you.
He leaves and Carol stares at the closed door.
INT - OUTSIDE CAROL'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Hal steps off to the side and leans against the wall.
HAL
Whew.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - AFTERNOON
Tom works at the computer terminal. The phone RINGS and he
picks it up.
TOM
What is it now?
He listens for a second and then snaps to attention in his
chair.
TOM
Yes sir! Of course, sir. Immediately
sir.
He hangs up and makes a check mark with his finger in the
air.
TOM
One more "DUH" point for me.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Tom hurries in and waves to Louise. She stops typing on her
computer.
LOUISE
Hi, Tom.
He enters the inner office and shuts the door behind him.
Louise resumes work.
LOUISE
Yes. Of course, Tom. You can go
right in.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Tom rushes in and sits in a chair. Ferris checks his watch.
FERRIS
I think you broke an Olympic record.
TOM
I'm sorry, Colonel. I should never
have answered the phone like that.
Ferris waves it off.
FERRIS
Don't worry. I know you've got a
lot on your mind.
TOM
Yes, sir, and you'll be happy to
know that the new programs are going
to be ready on schedule.
FERRIS
That's good news but it's not what I
called you here to talk about.
Tom sits back and shuts up.
FERRIS
I called you here to ask you about
Hal, about how he's adjusting to his
new work.
Tom's eyes get wide.
TOM
Oh. That. You mean the simulator!
FERRIS
What else would I be talking about?
TOM
He's doing great. Just great!
Ferris frowns.
FERRIS
How's he taking having you for a
boss?
TOM
Fine, sir. We're getting along like
old friends.
FERRIS
I am worried about him so you won't
mind if I stop in from time to time?
TOM
Mind? Me? No sir. Not at all.
This is your company. You own it.
You can come and go as you please.
Really.
FERRIS
I'm glad you feel that way. Really.
And, speaking of Hal, where is he?
TOM
He had an appointment with the Ops
Director, your daughter, Carol.
FERRIS
I know who she is.
TOM
That's good, sir. I'm happy, that
is, I'm happy she's now here, working
with you.
Ferris pauses and looks at Tom questioningly.
FERRIS
Okay. You can go now. And, I'll be
dropping in soon to see how things
are going.
Tom gets up and heads for the door then turns around.
TOM
Okay. Thank you, sir. Then, I'll
be looking for you, I mean, looking
forward to seeing you, down there,
where I work.
He goes to leave and turns back again.
TOM
And I'll tell Hal to be there, to
look for you, too, uh, see you later,
sir.
He shuts the door. Ferris TAPS a pen on his desk.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Tom hurries through, tosses a good-bye wave at Louise and
exits.
LOUISE
Good seeing you again. (Singing)
Ground control to Major Tom.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - AFTERNOON
Tom strides in, goes right to his terminal and BANGS himself
on the head with the heel of his hand.
TOM
"I'll be looking for you, Colonel",
uh duh, "Your daughter, sir, Carol's
your daughter".
He sits and stares at the screen. Hal walks in.
TOM
Just call me Mr. Smooth Operator.
HAL
Okay, Mr. Smooth Operator. What's
up?
TOM
I just had a meeting with the Colonel.
HAL
And?
TOM
And I think that you better be the
one sitting down this time.
Hal frowns.
INT - SECOND SHIP - AFTERNOON
A light FLASHES on the command console. Sinestro CLICKS it
off and bends over a small screen as information scrolls up.
SINESTRO
Interesting. Hmmm.
Sinestro removes the crystalline box from his pocket, opens
it and places the ring into a small chamber on another control
panel. He enters several commands.
The ring glows yellow. The glow fades, Sinestro puts the
ring on his finger. HE NOW SPEAKS IN ENGLISH.
SINESTRO
It's party time!
EXT - HAL'S APARTMENT COMPLEX - AFTERNOON
Hal, in his convertible, pulls into the parking lot and looks
for a place to park.
HAL
If I can't trust the Colonel, who
can I trust? Maybe I should just
tell him.
A car is parked across two spaces. He looks down at his
ring hand and smiles.
HAL
Why not? No one's looking.
A green hand pushes the car over. Hal pulls into the empty
space.
The android drops its chameleon camouflage, returns to its
gray color, and FIRES a yellow energy beam at Hal's car.
Hal's car EXPLODES. Hal is thrown clear and lands on his
back several feet away.
HAL
Suit up!
Hal becomes Green Lantern. He flies up and SMASHES into the
android. It shoots up into the sky.
He looks down. Several ONLOOKERS come out of the apartment
complex. They point to the burning car and GASP.
GREEN LANTERN
Don't worry. That man is safe. I
got him away before---
The android flies down and FIRES a beam at Green Lantern.
He dodges it and it hits the ground. A couple of onlookers
run SCREAMING back into the building.
GREEN LANTERN
Gotta get that thing away from here.
He takes off and the android follows.
EXT - THE OCEAN OFF COAST CITY - AFTERNOON
The android FIRES several beams at Green Lantern. Green
Lantern spins through the air and dodges these beams but
each one gets a bit closer.
GREEN LANTERN
I wonder if he's ever done any combat
flying.
Green Lantern does an Immelman turn and winds up behind the
android. It spins to face him. He FIRES a green beam that
turns into a ram's head. It BUTTS the android.
The android spins out of control and SPLASHES down in the
ocean.
Green Lantern hovers above the spot where it hit.
GREEN LANTERN
How long can you tread water?
He smiles.
The android shoots up out of the ocean.
Green Lantern FIRES a beam and surrounds the android's hands
with green globes.
GREEN LANTERN
I wonder---
The android's skin changes from gray to yellow. The globes
fade away.
GREEN LANTERN
Uh oh.
Green Lantern speeds off out over the land. The android
pursues him.
EXT - THE NEVADA DESERT - AFTERNOON
Green Lantern flies down toward some mountains.
GREEN LANTERN
Reflex check.
He flies at a mountain peak, slows down and lets the android
catch up. Green Lantern veers up at the last moment. The
android crashes into the mountain causing an avalanche. The
android is buried.
Green Lantern hovers again.
GREEN LANTERN
Come on. That did it. Tell me that
did it.
Rocks are thrown high into the air as the android BURSTS out
of the avalanche and comes speeding after Green Lantern.
Green Lantern looks down and sees that Sur's ship is partially
uncovered. He looks at his ring.
GREEN LANTERN
How did---?
The android FIRES a beam at Green Lantern. He dodges it and
flies up to the rim of space.
The android chases him. Green Lantern takes off just as the
android FIRES another beam.
The beam hits a satellite which EXPLODES and the pieces bounce
off Green Lantern.
Green Lantern takes off toward the ground at full speed.
GREEN LANTERN
I hope this aura is as good as it's
supposed to be.
Green Lantern CRASHES into the desert floor. The android is
right behind him. Green Lantern CRASHES up through the
ground, and FIRES a beam at the hole where the android went.
The hole fills in.
The android CRASHES up through the ground, lands, and FIRES
a beam up at Green Lantern who drops to the ground just in
time to avoid it.
GREEN LANTERN
It just keeps going and going.
He FIRES a beam at the ground where the android stands and
it is again buried underground.
Green Lantern smiles and SNAPS his fingers. He takes off
back toward Coast City.
GREEN LANTERN
Now, where was that?
He looks behind him and sees the android in hot pursuit.
GREEN LANTERN
That's right, dummy. Come to Poppa.
As Green Lantern flies over Coast City, he sees a ROAD CREW
and their FOREMAN repaving a stretch of highway. He flies
down and lands.
FOREMAN
Hey! You're that guy what was on
the TV!
GREEN LANTERN
No time to explain. All of you.
Get out of here, now!
FOREMAN
What's the big idea?
Green Lantern creates a protective barrier around the road
crew.
The android lands in front of Green Lantern.
GREEN LANTERN
Time for a bath.
He creates a hand that lifts up the truck with liquid tar in
it and pours the tar over the android.
He creates a tank of liquid nitrogen and sprays the android,
freezing the tar solid.
He creates a clamp, latches onto the android and takes off,
towing the android.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - ABOVE EARTH - AFTERNOON
Green Lantern soars toward the upper reaches of the atmosphere
with the tar-covered android in tow.
GREEN LANTERN
Ring, I need to get to the Sun, fast!
The ring FIRES a beam and creates a space warp. Green Lantern
and the android go through it.
EXT - OUTER SPACE - NEAR THE SUN - AFTERNOON
A space warp opens and Green Lantern and the android shoot
through it.
Cracks appear in the tar shell just as Green Lantern tosses
it at the Sun. The android disappears into the Sun.
Green Lantern waits. The android does not reappear.
Green Lantern mouths a silent WHEW, opens another space warp
and flies into it.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - LATE AFTERNOON
A CREWMAN looks in the latch at the top of the tanker truck.
MAN
It's empty boss. Completely empty.
He jumps down and joins the rest of the crew and the foreman
as they look up in the sky. Green Lantern flies down and
lands.
FOREMAN
You okay?
GREEN LANTERN
Yeah, I'm fine.
FOREMAN
Good. 'Cause now we can discuss who
pays for all that tar.
The sound of CLAPPING stops the foreman. Everyone turns
toward the tanker truck and on top stands Sinestro. He wears
a tight-fitting full-body black spacesuit.
SINESTRO
Bravo, Earth Boy. I saw the whole
thing. Loved it. No one's ever
beaten one of my androids before.
FOREMAN
Who's that?
GREEN LANTERN
Your guess is as good as mine.
Sinestro leaps off the truck. The foreman and his men move
away. Sinestro walks toward Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
Excuse me, but did he want to know
who I am?
He stops a few feet away from Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
I'm the one who should be wearing
that ring.
GREEN LANTERN
No kidding?
SINESTRO
I'm the brother of the man you stole
that ring from.
GREEN LANTERN
According to your "brother", I was
the one chosen---
SINESTRO
Chosen? You? An earther? You'll
hardly live long enough to learn how
to use it properly.
GREEN LANTERN
Maybe this is something we should
take up with The Guardians.
Sinestro moves in close and points a finger at Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
You leave those little meddlers out
of this. This is our business.
Green Lantern creates a phone and hands the receiver to
Sinestro.
GREEN LANTERN
Here. You talk to them.
Sinestro KNOCKS the receiver away.
SINESTRO
I'm trying to be civilized about all
this.
The foreman stands behind Sinestro and makes a "crazy circle"
at the side of his head with an index finger. Green Lantern's
eyes widen. He puts the phone to his ear.
GREEN LANTERN
Okay, I'll call them. Hello?
Guardians of the Universe? This is
the Green Lantern of sector 2817
calling. I have someone here with
me who wants to talk to you. A Mr..?
SINESTRO
Call me Sinestro. I decided to give
myself an earth name, something that
has a nice "ring" to it.
He LAUGHS maniacally. Green Lantern lowers the phone. It
fades away. Sinestro moves right up into Green Lantern's
face.
SINESTRO
Let's dance.
A yellow boxing glove forms around Sinestro's right hand.
He SMASHES Green Lantern in the face and decks him. Green
Lantern glances at the glove.
GREEN LANTERN
Yellow.
SINESTRO
Now, boy, give me what's mine!
Green Lantern grabs a rock and throws it at Sinestro who
raises a shield and deflects it.
Sinestro creates a sword to go with the shield and charges
Green Lantern.
Green Lantern grabs a shovel, swings at the sword and knocks
it out of the way.
Sinestro charges Green Lantern and SLAMS him in the side of
the head with the shield.
A helicopter HOVERS overhead.
INT - TRAFFIC HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
KAREN TYLER, 30s, a helicopter pilot, tries to keep the remote-
controlled camera steady on the fight between Green Lantern
and Sinestro.
KAREN
Are you getting this? Can you see
what's happening down there?
INT - NEWSROOM - EARLY EVENING
Karen's footage is on the LIVE monitor. THE PRODUCER CLAPS
his hands.
PRODUCER
Yes! Keep it going Karen. Keep it
steady. You're going on the air
live in three, two, one!
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Tom has CNN playing in the upper right corner of his screen
as he writes some code.
TOM
A few more lines then I can get out
of here before I screw anything else
up.
CNN ANNOUNCER
We are going live to KCC, our Coast
City affiliate.
The little screen shows the fight between Green Lantern and
Sinestro. Tom clicks it to cover the whole screen.
TOM
Hal.
CNN ANNOUNCER
We are getting this from KCC's traffic
helicopter.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro SNAPS the shovel's handle in half with the sword.
Green Lantern ducks under the next swipe and swings what's
left of the shovel at Sinestro who blocks it with the shield.
Sinestro backs off.
SINESTRO
Oh come on, earth boy, just give me
the ring. Save yourself the pain,
the trouble, the agony of defeat.
GREEN LANTERN
How did you know? Yellow. How---
SINESTRO
A little android told me.
Sinestro raises up his own ring.
GREEN LANTERN
If you already have a ring, why do
you want this one?
Sinestro grins. His clothes are replaced with golden armor.
SINESTRO
More power to me, boy, more power to
me. I want it all.
Sinestro charges Green Lantern.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OFFICE - EARLY EVENING
Tom rushes in. The Colonel watches the news report.
FERRIS
You see this Tom? Looks like this
new guy is in big trouble.
TOM
Sir, I---
Ferris leans in closer to the TV.
FERRIS
If he doesn't get it together, he
could die.
TOM
It's Hal.
Ferris turns away from the TV, a look of shock on his face.
FERRIS
What?
TOM
Green Lantern is Hal.
Ferris turns back to the TV.
FERRIS
How in the name of God---
Tom rushes over and stands in front of Ferris.
TOM
It's a long story.
FERRIS
I imagine it would be.
TOM
And Hal can tell it to you later,
himself. But he needs help, right
now.
FERRIS
They're just standing there talking
now. It's all right.
TOM
No sir, it's not all right. The
ring has a weakness, the color yellow.
Hal might die out there.
FERRIS
You knew about Hal and Green Lantern
this afternoon?
Tom nods in agreement.
TOM
That's why I was so nervous.
FERRIS
You think he may need some help?
TOM
Yes sir. I do.
Ferris picks up his phone and dials an extension, three
numbers.
FERRIS
Walt, is that attack helicopter all
prepped and loaded for tomorrow's
test flight? (Pause) Good. I'll be
right there.
He hangs up and heads for the door.
TOM
Thank you, sir.
FERRIS
No sweat, Tom. I'm not about to
lose my best pilot. Got too much
invested in him.
TOM
I mean thanks for believing me.
FERRIS
What's so difficult to believe?
Aliens. Power rings. Sounds like
something Hal would get mixed up in.
He smiles, leaves and Tom flops down in a chair.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern uses the ring to RIP a door off one of the
trucks and uses it as a shield against Sinestro's sword.
Sinestro slices through the door.
Green Lantern uses the two parts of the door to try and squash
Sinestro. Sinestro creates two large hands and pushes them
away.
SINESTRO
Got that little trick from you.
GREEN LANTERN
You're welcome.
SINESTRO
I believe you need to wait for me to
say "Thank you".
GREEN LANTERN
Jerk.
Green Lantern scoops up loose dirt and rock, shoots it up
through a tube. It pours down on Sinestro and covers him.
A large saw blade appears. It slices the pile of dirt and
rocks and scatters it. Some of it whips up and HITS the
helicopter.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE AREA - EARLY EVENING
Several TV CAMERA CREWS set up equipment on the rooftops of
buildings. REPORTERS get out their microphones, check their
faces in small pocket mirrors, and clear their throats.
INT - TRAFFIC HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Karen flinches as dirt and rocks hit the copter. She veers
off.
KAREN
Damn. I gotta hold this steady. A
story like this---
PRODUCER (O.S.)
Get out of there! Now!
Karen TAPS her headset.
KAREN
What's that? I can't hear you.
PRODUCER (O.S.)
I know that trick. It won't work.
KAREN
I want this story.
PRODUCER (O.S.)
And I want you to stay alive. Bring
the bird on home. We have a camera
crew on one of the roofs.
Karen stares down at Green Lantern.
KAREN
I'll be seeing you later, good
looking.
Karen veers off and flies away.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro waves to the helicopter.
SINESTRO
Bye, bye. Too bad you're going to
miss the big finish.
GREEN LANTERN
You mean when I've got you trussed
up for a trip to Oa?
SINESTRO
No. I mean when I pry that ring off
your cold, dead finger. Now, say
good-bye.
EXT - FERRIS COMPANY AIRFIELD - EARLY EVENING
The attack helicopter moves away from the airfield. Walt
watches the chopper. Carol walks up behind him.
WALT
Be careful out there, boss.
CAROL
Where's he going, Walt?
He jumps and drops his hat.
WALT
Geez, Miss Ferris, you scared me.
CAROL
What's he got to "be careful" about?
WALT
I don't know if I should tell you.
CAROL
I can give you one very good reason
to tell me.
WALT
And that is?
Carol holds up an index finger.
CAROL
Your job.
INT - COLONEL FERRIS' OUTER OFFICE - EARLY EVENING
Tom stands in front of Louise's desk. Her mouth is hanging
open.
LOUISE
He went where?
Tom's reply is drowned out by the ROAR of a jet passing low
and fast.
LOUISE
What?!
EXT - THE SKIES OVER FERRIS AIRFIELD - EARLY EVENING
A small jet ROARS off in the direction of the chopper.
INT - JET - EARLY EVENING
Carol talks into a headset mike built into the helmet.
CAROL
Dad! Come in Dad! How do you read
me?
Dead air.
CAROL
Stubborn old man. Probably has it
turned off.
TOM (O.S.)
Carol! Come in, Carol!
EXT - FERRIS AIRFIELD - EARLY EVENING
Tom sits in a small truck and speaks into a mike. Walt and
Louise look up in the sky.
TOM
Listen to me! You don't know what
you're doing.
CAROL (O.S.)
Thanks for your expert opinion.
TOM
Get back here, please get back here.
Your father---
CAROL
My father is out risking his neck
for a total stranger! I just want
to make sure he gets back alive!
Tom rubs his hand through his hair and then TAPS his fingers
on the dashboard.
TOM
Okay, Go ahead. Keep him safe.
We'll talk when you and your father
get back.
Tom puts down the mike.
WALT
You mean if they get back.
Louise and Tom give Walt a look that could kill.
WALT
Well you saw what those maniacs were
doing to each other on TV!
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro raises his ring hand to fire at Green Lantern.
Green Lantern creates a hand that grabs a loose chunk of
concrete and tosses it at Sinestro.
Sinestro whips up another shield and the chunk bounces off.
GREEN LANTERN
I really don't want to say good-bye
just yet. We've just met.
SINESTRO
Then have your people call my people.
We'll do lunch.
They stop as Carol's jet SCREAMS overhead. The FERRIS
AIRCRAFT markings are seen.
INT - JET - EARLY EVENING
Carol tries to lock in the targeting radar on Sinestro.
CAROL
Just stay right where you are. Make
this easy.
She locks in for a second and BEEPS indicate that it drops
out.
CAROL
Damn! Could I get a smaller target
next time, please?
The targeting radar locks on. She launches a missile.
CAROL
Ah-ha! Gotcha! Who said size
matters?
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Sinestro and Green Lantern watch as Carol's jet turns, heads
their way. A missile drops from the wing and FIRES UP.
SINESTRO
What the hell!
Green Lantern whips up a large green shield.
GREEN LANTERN
Ever play catch?
Sinestro creates a large yellow tube that looks like a U-
joint.
SINESTRO
No, but I'm a fast learner.
The missile enters the tube and is fired back at the jet.
The jet speeds off, heading out over the ocean. The missile
follows the jet's every move, twisting and turning.
Green Lantern drops his shield and FIRES a power beam toward
the missile. It misses.
The ground around the truck where Sinestro stands is torn up
by a SPRAY of bullets.
Sinestro and Green Lantern turn to see Colonel Ferris at the
seat of the attack helicopter as it hovers.
INT - THE ATTACK HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Ferris switches on the external speakers.
FERRIS
If I were you, partner, I'd stand
real still!
He locks the gun sights on Sinestro.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern spins around toward the jet.
GREEN LANTERN
Carol!
He takes off for the jet.
INT - ATTACK HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Ferris sees Green Lantern take off for the jet and keeps his
sights on Sinestro.
FERRIS
Go get her, son.
EXT - OVER THE ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern turns and waves at Ferris.
Sinestro raises his ring hand and creates a clamp that locks
around Green Lantern. He slams Green Lantern back to the
ground.
The missile closes on the jet.
Ferris FIRES another round at Sinestro.
Sinestro shields himself from the bullets.
Green Lantern gets up, shaken. He spins around and FIRES
one more shot at the missile. The beam reaches the missile
just as it hits the jet. It EXPLODES.
INT - ATTACK HELICOPTER - EARLY EVENING
Ferris turns pale, his eyes wide.
FERRIS
Carol!
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Tom watches the fight on TV. He paces in front of his
computer. He stops when the jet explodes.
TOM
Oh no!
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY EVENING
Green Lantern sees the jet blown out of the sky. Sinestro
raises his ring hand toward the helicopter.
SINESTRO
Wave bye-bye to green boy, "partner"!
He FIRES a power beam at the helicopter and it EXPLODES,
and disintegrates.
Green Lantern stands in SILENCE, his arms limp, his head
hung low.
SINESTRO
And now, playtime's over.
GREEN LANTERN
Carol. John.
SINESTRO
Carol. John. Any other friends I
should know about?
GREEN LANTERN
Bastard!
Green Lantern raises his ring hand and aims it at Sinestro.
Sinestro creates a yellow hand and SWATS Green Lantern away.
SINESTRO
I've just been toying with you, child!
The yellow hand picks up Green Lantern and SLAMS him into
the ground.
SINESTRO
I could have done you in when I first
got here.
Sinestro walks over and KICKS Green Lantern.
SINESTRO
But where's the fun in that, I ask
you?
Green Lantern KICKS back at Sinestro weakly. Sinestro flies
back up to the top of the truck.
SINESTRO
And now the whole world gets to watch
me get what's mine.
Green Lantern rolls over on his back on top of a manhole
cover.
Sinestro creates a giant yellow hand high above Green Lantern.
It closes into a fist.
SINESTRO
It's missing something. I need it
to pack a little more power.
The hand opens up. A stick of lit dynamite appears in the
palm and the hand closes over it.
SINESTRO
Now, Ladies and Gentlemen of the
planet Earth! How about a big hand
for the boy?
The fist POUNDS down on Green Lantern and EXPLODES, littering
the street with rubble, clouding the atmosphere. Sinestro
creates a giant fan that BLOWS the dust cloud away. There
is a large hole in the street. Green Lantern is gone.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EARLY EVENING
Tom sees the dust clear and jumps to his feet.
TOM
Hal!
He pauses, puts his index finger to his lip, SNAPS his
fingers, then bolts for the door.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EVENING
Sinestro uses his ring to create a madman's throne room out
of destroyed construction vehicles and torn up asphalt. He
waves to the various TV cameras and the people manning them
on the surrounding rooftops.
SINESTRO
Catch it all for posterity, you
idiots.
Sinestro flies up to one of the camera crews, scoops up an
attractive WOMAN and holds her closely in his arms.
SINESTRO
Tell them all that you were
eyewitnesses to the first day of the
reign of King Sinestro...
He grins at her and licks his lips.
SINESTRO
...the First!
EXT - DEPARTMENT STORE - EVENING
PEOPLE gather outside a department store window and stare at
a wall of televisions. They stand in SILENCE. As Sinestro
LAUGHS, his face fills one screen, then four, then eight,
then the whole wall of televisions.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - NIGHT
Sinestro raises his ring hand into the air and FIRES off a
beam the spreads out into a dome. It covers all of Coast
City.
He walks over to his throne where the woman he took hostage
is chained. He sits down.
He looks down at the woman.
SINESTRO
Ah! Peace and quiet at last.
EXT - COAST CITY STREET - NIGHT
Tom creeps around a corner. The lights of Sinestro's palace
can be seen one street over.
Tom carries a crowbar and steals over to a manhole cover.
He pries it loose, climbs down into the hole and pulls the
cover back over the hole.
INT - BENEATH THE STREET - NIGHT
All is dark. Tom switches on a flashlight and shines it
around. It is the typical underground sewer.
He climbs down the ladder and, when he gets to the bottom,
takes out a handkerchief and covers his nose.
He follows the tunnel until he comes to an intersection. He
shines the light down one passage. It is all intact.
He shines the light down the other way and sees the rubble
caused by the collapse of the street. It is illuminated
from above. He moves in that direction.
TOM
Hal. Hal.
He shines the light on the dark areas of the pile of rubble.
TOM
Where are you?
A hand CLAMPS over Tom's mouth and another hand CLAMPS the
flashlight in Tom's hand.
HAL (O.S.)
Shhh! I'm going to take my hand
away. Okay?
Tom nods.
EXT - COAST CITY STREET - NIGHT
The manhole cover lifts off. Hal and Tom climb out.
HAL
Did you drive?
Tom nods yes.
HAL
Good. Go get the car.
Hal falls to the ground. Tom holds out his hand.
HAL
I'll be all right. Go!
Tom hesitates. Hal holds up his ring hand.
HAL
I powered down my ring. He can't
find me unless I use it.
Tom runs off.
INT - NEWSROOM - NIGHT
The pilot, Karen, and the producer stand in a corner. The
NEWSROOM CREW is busy and Sinestro can be seen on the
background monitors.
KAREN
He's insane.
PRODUCER
Yeah, him and the rulers of half the
countries on Earth.
KAREN
I don't think this wing nut will be
satisfied with just one country.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - NIGHT
Sinestro changes from his golden armor into the black
spacesuit. He rises from his throne and spreads his arms.
SINESTRO
Citizens of the planet Earth, it's
time for the obligatory "you are my
slaves" speech.
Sinestro clears his throat.
SINESTRO
You're probably asking yourselves:
What does that devilishly handsome
alien gentleman want from us?
He jumps off the throne and floats gracefully to the street.
SINESTRO
I don't want much. After all, this
little, out of the way planet doesn't
have much to begin with.
He floats over to where the street is caved in.
SINESTRO
The first thing I do want is some of
you, my soon-to-be loyal subjects,
over here to dig for green boy's
body.
He floats back up to his throne, sits down, and pets the
hostage on the head.
SINESTRO
I'd do it myself but I'm a little
tired...
He plays with his ring.
SINESTRO
...and really do need some beauty
sleep. I want to save my strength...
He looks down at the hostage.
SINESTRO
...for later.
INT - NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Everyone stares open-mouthed at the monitors.
KAREN
Where's Green Lantern? Is he dead?
PRODUCER
No one knows. We're not sure. This
Sinestro did shoot two people out of
the air though.
KAREN
I'm glad I got out of there when I
did.
PRODUCER
So are we, Karen, so are we.
The producer turns to leave. Karen grabs his shoulder.
KAREN
Wait! Who'd he shoot down?
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
Hal lies on a cot, asleep. He bolts upright, suddenly awake.
HAL
Carol! John!
He jumps off the cot and looks around the room.
HAL
Where is everyone?
Tom enters and hurries over to Hal.
TOM
Man, am I glad to see you up and---
HAL
Where's Ferris? And Carol?
TOM
They're gone. Sinestro got them.
Hal walks over to the cot and lies down.
HAL
They're dead and it's all my fault.
TOM
No it isn't. It's mine.
Hal looks at Tom questioningly.
TOM
I got them killed.
Tom sits on the floor.
TOM
I couldn't keep my big mouth shut.
There you were on TV and the Colonel
and me, we saw it!
Hal gets up and goes over to Tom.
HAL
And?
TOM
He didn't know it was you so I told
him. I thought you were going to
die.
HAL
So Ferris came to help me.
TOM
Yes, and when Carol saw that, she
went after him.
HAL
Did she know?
TOM
No, I didn't tell her. She thought
that her father was going off to
help some stranger.
HAL
It's not your fault.
TOM
It is! I can't escape that. I killed
Colonel Ferris!
HAL
You did not!
TOM
And I killed Carol, too!
The door SLAMS open.
CAROL (O.S.)
You killed me? That's funny. I
thought you were redder. And taller.
Hal and Tom turn to see Carol, soaking wet, standing in the
doorway. She falls to her knees and faints.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - NIGHT
Murphy Anderson is on the phone.
ANDERSON
No sir, I don't know what to do about
it.
He shifts in his seat.
ANDERSON
From what we can tell, he's using a
combination of some alien radiation...
Murphy waves one of the other scientists over.
ANDERSON
... and a random shifting vibration.
Nothing can get through it. Yes
sir. I'll let you know if anything
changes.
He hangs up.
SCIENTIST
Was that who I think it was?
ANDERSON
Yup, direct from the Oval Office.
He expects us to find a way into
Coast City.
SCIENTIST
But how?.
Murphy stands up, walks over to a monitor and sees Sinestro
on it. He crosses his arms and nods his head.
ANDERSON
There's got to be a way.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
A DOCTOR checks Carol out. She is barely conscious. Hal
and Tom look on, worried.
CAROL
My father? Is he all right?
DOCTOR
You just rest, Carol, we'll talk
about your Dad later.
He tries to give Carol an injection. She shoves his hand
away.
CAROL
No! Don't! I don't need that.
She relaxes and drifts off.
HAL
How is she, Doc?
The doctor shushes Hal and motions for Tom and Hal to follow
him out into the hallway.
INT - HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
Hal, Tom and the doctor step out into the hallway.
DOCTOR
She needs rest. She's suffering
from exhaustion and mild hypothermia.
HAL
She spent a lot of time in the water.
TOM
She ejected from the plane.
HAL
She said that she punched out just
before the missile hit.
The Doctor's head swivels back and forth between Hal and
Tom.
TOM
She was sort of low.
HAL
She hit hard enough to be knocked
out.
TOM
The vest inflated automatically but
that water---
HAL
It was cold. She floated for a while.
TOM
Then a boat came by.
HAL
A fishing boat. They made it back
just before the dome---
The doctor pats Hal on the shoulder.
DOCTOR
Okay. I get the picture. You two
ought to take your act on the road.
Hal and Tom look at each other, puzzled.
DOCTOR
Just make sure she sleeps. A lot.
She doesn't know about the Colonel?
Hal and Tom shake their heads no.
DOCTOR
Then break it to her gently. Wait
till I come back and see her again.
The Doctor walks away.
HAL
What did he mean, "take our act out
on the road"?
TOM
Who knows?
HAL
Doctors can be strange.
TOM
Probably from all that stress.
EXT - THE ROAD CREW SITE - NIGHT
The foreman directs the road crew in removing the rubble.
Sinestro is perched on the throne.
FOREMAN
Be careful, you guys, he may still
be alive under there.
SINESTRO
Oh who cares, just get the body up
where I can see it.
FOREMAN
Excuse me, Mr. Sinestro.
SINESTRO
Just Sinestro, no "Mr", or, if you
want, you can call me "Your Majesty".
FOREMAN
Yeah, sure, Sinestro. I gotta ask
you something.
SINESTRO
Go right ahead.
FOREMAN
How come you ain't using your ring
to help us out here?
SINESTRO
Waste not, want not, fatso. It does
my heart good to see my new subjects
working so hard.
FOREMAN
It would be quicker though, you see
what I'm saying?
SINESTRO
Maybe it would be quicker if I got a
new foreman.
He raises his ring hand and points at the foreman who jumps
down into the hole.
FOREMAN (O.S.)
C'mon you guys, let's put some back
into this job!
Sinestro smiles and sits back in his throne.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - NIGHT
Hal and Tom sit in front of a computer monitor. Tom is at
the keyboard.
TOM
I saved as much of the news broadcasts
as I could. I want you to look at
this.
HAL
I don't know if I want to.
TOM
Just watch it. I think the way to
beat this guy is right here, in front
of our noses.
INSERT MONITOR: The scenes where Sinestro raises a shield to
protect himself are shown. Then the scene where Colonel
Ferris strafes him and he reacts in horror and surprise.
TOM
You see what I mean?
HAL
No. I don't.
Tom walks over to the water cooler, crumples a paper cup,
spins and throws it at Hal.
It HITS Hal and falls to the ground. Hal looks at the balled-
up cup, then at Tom.
HAL
And your point is?
TOM
If you had your ring powered up and
I threw something at you, what would
happen?
HAL
The ring's aura would deflect it,
unless it was yellow.
TOM
Exactly!
Tom replays the scenes.
TOM
Look at these again! Look at what
Sinestro is doing.
Hal leans forward and stares at the screen. He smiles.
HAL
No aura!
TOM
That's right!
Tom picks up the wadded paper cup and throws it at the
monitor.
TOM
If he didn't know it was coming,
it'd hit him.
HAL
So you just have to hit him when he
isn't looking.
TOM
And I also think that he can't
recharge his ring.
HAL
How do you figure that?
Tom turns and switches the monitor back to the live broadcast.
TOM
He is supposedly in some sort of big
hurry to find your corpse.
HAL
I wish him luck.
TOM
But he just sits there. I think his
ring is overtaxed by this dome he's
placed around Coast City.
HAL
So he's vulnerable now.
TOM
There's only one way to find out.
You have to go back there and fight
him again.
Hal pales, gets up and heads for the toilet.
TOM
Was it something I said?
EXT - FERRIS AIRFIELD - DAWN
Walt lies on his back and tinkers with a large generator.
Carol walks over to him and sits down on the pavement next
to him.
CAROL
What're you doing?
WALT
I'm beefing up this here generator,
Ms. Ferris.
CAROL
Any particular reason?
Walt slides out from under the generator, sits up and faces
Carol.
WALT
No, ma'am, it's working fine and,
when I get through with it, it'll be
working even better.
CAROL
And then?
WALT
Then I'm bringing it over to where
that alien guy is. I'm gonna kill
him.
Walt slides back under the generator.
CAROL
You can't do that.
WALT
I sure can. I have to.
CAROL
Walt---
Walt's voice starts to crack.
WALT
I said something stupid today. It
jinxed your Dad.
CAROL
That's ridiculous.
WALT
I'll just pretend I'm with the crew
and, when he's not looking, ZAP!
Carol stands and SIGHS.
CAROL
When you're ready to go, come get
me. I'm going with you.
Carol walks back toward the main building then stops with
her back to Walt.
CAROL
And, mister, you damn well better
consider that an order.
WALT
Yes, ma'am.
Carol smiles and walks away.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - DAWN
Tom is at the bathroom door. There are sounds of Hal HACKING
followed by the sound of a toilet FLUSHING. The door opens
and Hal pushes past Tom.
HAL
I'm not going back there.
TOM
You have to.
HAL
Sinestro almost killed me. I don't
want to die.
TOM
Neither did Colonel Ferris.
HAL
That was a cheap shot!
TOM
He died trying to save you!
HAL
He didn't mean to. I know that, I
knew him better than you ever did.
TOM
So you're just going to stay here,
let that lunatic---
HAL
There are others who can stop him.
And they will.
TOM
They can't! The dome's keeping them
out! You're the only one who can.
You can't just stay here.
HAL
Watch me.
Tom's face darkens and he hurries toward the door of the
simulator room.
HAL
Where do you think you're going?
TOM
I'm going to make tall, red, and
crazy pay for killing my boss.
HAL
Don't go.
TOM
You plan on stopping me? (Beat) I
didn't think so.
Tom opens the door and pauses.
TOM
You might want to stop by the
Colonel's office. He keeps a bottle
in his lower right drawer.
Hal's face is wrought with anxiety.
TOM
See you when I get back.
Tom exits and Hal stands alone in the middle of the simulator
room.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - DOWN IN THE PIT - DAWN
The pile is almost all cleared out. One of the crewmen comes
over to the foreman.
CREWMAN
There's nothing here, boss.
FOREMAN
Shhhh! Not too loud. I don't want
him to hear that.
CREWMAN
He'll find out sooner or later.
FOREMAN
Yeah, well, figure this. If that
Lantern guy ain't here, where is he?
The man shrugs.
FOREMAN
Right. You don't know, I don't know,
and "chuckles" up there don't know.
Let's keep it that way.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - TOPSIDE - DAWN
Sinestro HUMS the theme from Jeopardy. The hostage is alert,
eyes darting. Tom walks around a corner.
SINESTRO
And who's this little wind-up toy?
TOM
My brother's here. I came to help
him.
SINESTRO
If only we all had brothers like
you. Very well, you may help away
to your heart's content.
Tom walks to the pit, stops, and bends down to pick something
up.
TOM
Hey, whose ring is this?
Sinestro stands up.
SINESTRO
Ring?
TOM
Yeah, this green ring, right here.
Tom pulls his jade wedding ring off his finger and tosses it
to Sinestro. As Sinestro follows the ring and raises his
hand to catch it, Tom pulls out a gun and CLICKS back the
hammer, Sinestro glances at him.
Tom FIRES all six shots at Sinestro.
A yellow shield pops up, the bullets flatten and fall to the
ground. Sinestro drops the shield and catches the ring.
SINESTRO
Nice try, small fry!
Sinestro forms a clamp around Tom's torso with his ring and
lifts Tom off the ground. He brings Tom closer.
He turns away to address the hostage.
SINESTRO
This one's a little small. You think
I ought to throw him back?
Tom lifts one of his legs up, pulls a knife out from one of
his boots, and throws it at Sinestro. It sinks deep into
Sinestro's shoulder.
The clamp disappears and Tom falls to the ground. The dome
over Coast City FLICKERS.
Sinestro pulls the knife out, shines a light from his ring
on the wound and it heals. He glares at Tom.
SINESTRO
I was gonna make this quick, but
now, you're gonna die bit by tiny
bit.
Tom turns in a circle and waves at the camera crews on the
surrounding roofs.
TOM
Hey! You see that? You all catch
that? He didn't know it was coming!
You can get him---
Sinestro forms a clamp around Tom's mouth, smiles, then
extends it to cover his nose. Tom falls to the ground and
struggles for breath.
SINESTRO
What's the matter? Cat got
your...ARRRGGGGHHHH!
The hostage wraps her arms around his legs and bites him.
The dome over Coast City FLICKERS again. The clamp around
Tom's face disappears.
Sinestro SLAPS the woman away.
SINESTRO
What is it with you people? Do you
all have a death wish?
HAL (O.S.)
No one wants to die...
Sinestro spins. A Figure stands in the shadow of a building.
HAL
...but if we do, we're taking you
with us.
SINESTRO
And you are?
There is a green flash and Green Lantern emerges from the
shadows.
GREEN LANTERN
The man you've been looking for.
SINESTRO
All my life!
Sinestro FIRES a power beam at Green Lantern. A green hand
blocks it with a piece of asphalt.
Sinestro is stunned.
SINESTRO
What? How?
GREEN LANTERN
I've got you and your toy ring all
figured out.
Green Lantern walks toward Sinestro who FIRES another beam.
It's deflected by a wrecked car.
GREEN LANTERN
You track me by the power signature
of the ring, so I kept it off till I
got here. So I could surprise you.
Sinestro tries to clamp Green Lantern. Green Lantern moves
at light speed out of the way and FIRES a power beam at the
ground on which Sinestro stands. Sinestro falls to the
street.
GREEN LANTERN
And, since I can't attack you
directly, I'll just keep you off
balance.
Sinestro looks up at Green Lantern.
GREEN LANTERN
Go ahead! Get up! I've got you all
figured out. And I can beat you.
Sinestro raises his ring hand, Green Lantern SLAPS it away,
Sinestro's ring flies off and Tom catches it.
The dome around Coast City disappears.
INT - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER - EARLY MORNING
The scientists cheer as they watch Green Lantern stand over
a beaten Sinestro.
SCIENTIST
He's alive!
ANDERSON
And kicking.
EXT - ROAD CREW SITE - EARLY MORNING
The foreman and his crew climb out of the pit. Sinestro is
trussed up with green ropes. The hostage walks over to
Sinestro and KICKS him. Green Lantern stands close to Tom.
TOM
I knew you'd show up.
GREEN LANTERN
Before or after I hit the bottle in
the Colonel's desk?
Tom looks hurt.
TOM
I didn't mean that. I just said it
to---
GREEN LANTERN
I know why you said it. Thanks.
TOM
Yeah, well---
GREEN LANTERN
Give me his ring.
Tom hands the ring to Green Lantern.
TOM
You gonna take him away?
GREEN LANTERN
Not just yet. I have some unfinished
business with him.
Green Lantern walks over, scoops up Sinestro and flies down
into the pit. The foreman walks over to Tom.
FOREMAN
What was that all about?
TOM
How should I know? I barely know
the guy.
The foreman and his men walk over to the pit and peer over
the edge.
TOM
Hey! I wouldn't get too close!
Remember what happened the last time
those two fought?
The foreman and his men exchange looks and jump back from
the pit.
INT - UNDER THE STREET - EARLY MORNING
Green Lantern carries Sinestro down to the clear sewer
corridor and drops him into the water.
SINESTRO
So this is how you earthers do it?
You kill your enemies in private?
GREEN LANTERN
I'm not going to kill you. I'm going
to give you a chance.
The green ropes disappear and Sinestro stands up.
Green Lantern steps back a few feet. He lays Sinestro's
ring on a ledge. He takes off his own ring, changes back to
Hal, and lays it on the ledge next to Sinestro's.
Sinestro gets a glint in his eye. The two of them start
moving back and forth like caged animals.
HAL
All through this there's one thing
that's really been bothering me.
SINESTRO
Your lack of fashion sense?
HAL
Your contempt for the human race.
You think we're weak.
SINESTRO
I just calls them like I sees them.
HAL
Then here's the deal. You can still
get both rings.
SINESTRO
I plan on it.
HAL
All you have to do is kick my weak,
pathetic "earther" butt.
SINESTRO
Like this?
Sinestro KICKS Hal in the chest and Hal disappears beneath
the water.
Sinestro dives for the rings. Hal's feet KICK up from under
the water, connecting with Sinestro's chest and throw him
back several feet.
Sinestro and Hal both get stand and move back and forth,
closing the distance.
SINESTRO
You have no idea what you're up
against.
HAL
I'm sure you'll be more than happy
to tell me.
SINESTRO
My race has braved the rigors of
space, fought wars on planets you've
never heard of.
HAL
So?
SINESTRO
So, you're going to die, I'm going
to take those rings and your planet
will be mine.
Sinestro PUNCHES Hal in the face. Hal sags. Sinestro drops
his guard.
Hal grits his teeth and throws a ferocious roundhouse punch
that spins Sinestro around.
Sinestro turns back to face Hal, smiles his evil grin, then
his eyes roll back up into his head and he collapses.
Hal goes over to the rings, puts his on, becomes Green Lantern
and puts Sinestro's ring into a pocket.
He puts the green ropes back around Sinestro, picks him up,
and tosses him over his shoulder.
GREEN LANTERN
"Fought wars on planets I've never
heard of" huh? With a glass jaw
like that, you ought to be glad none
of them were ever called "Earth".
EXT - NEVADA DESERT - DAY
Green Lantern, with Sinestro encased in a bubble, wrapped in
a green straitjacket, lands next to Sur's partially uncovered
ship.
He creates a giant fan that BLOWS away the rocks and sand.
He opens the door, sees Sur's corpse and notices the ring
still on Sur's fingers.
He frowns, grabs the ring and slides it on his ring finger.
The two rings blend together. He stares at his hand.
GREEN LANTERN
I don't understand---
SINESTRO
We going to be here all day?
GREEN LANTERN
I'm not putting up with your mouth
all the way to Oa.
The bubble dissipates. He places Sinestro in the seat next
to Sur. He creates a roll of duct tape and tapes Sinestro's
mouth.
GREEN LANTERN
That's a definite improvement.
He encases the ship in a bubble and takes off with the ship
in tow.
EXT - OUTER SPACE ABOVE THE EARTH - DAY
Green Lantern reaches the rim of space. He stops and looks
around.
He spots Sinestro's ship, FIRES a beam at it and destroys
it. Sinestro's eyes go wide.
Green Lantern creates a space warp and flies through it with
the ship in tow.
EXT - OA - DAY
Green Lantern stands with the Guardian. Sinestro is led
away by other Guardians.
GREEN LANTERN
Leave the tape on him!
Other Guardians remove Sur's corpse from his ship and carry
it away.
GREEN LANTERN
Was he a good Lantern?
GUARDIAN
He did his best.
Green Lantern hands Sinestro's ring to the Guardian.
GREEN LANTERN
Here's a little souvenir of my first
adventure.
GUARDIAN
You've done well.
GREEN LANTERN
I've got the yellow thing beat. I
just gave the ring a mental command
to block anything yellow that comes
my way.
GUARDIAN
That's one way to do it.
GREEN LANTERN
And I've got the space warp travel
down pat too. Made it here in record
time.
GUARDIAN
Yes. You did.
Green Lantern crosses his arms and SIGHS.
GUARDIAN
You look like you have a question.
GREEN LANTERN
Yes, I do. This ring.
Green Lantern holds his ring hand up.
GREEN LANTERN
I never really had it until I picked
up Sur's ship!
GUARDIAN
And?
GREEN LANTERN
So how was I able to do what I did
before I got the ring?
GUARDIAN
When you figure that out, you'll be
ready for second level training.
GREEN LANTERN
What? Second level training?
GUARDIAN
That's what I said.
GREEN LANTERN
What do I have to do to get to level
two? Move a planet?
The Guardian folds his hands into the sleeves of his robe
and smiles.
Green Lantern shakes his head and walks away, looking up
into the sky.
GREEN LANTERN
(Imitating Arnold
Schwartzenegger)
Ah'll be back!
Green Lantern flies up and away. The Guardian watches him.
GUARDIAN
(Imitating Arnold
Schwartzenegger)
Und ah'll be here.
EXT - OUTER SPACE ABOVE EARTH - DAY
A space warp appears and Green Lantern flies through. It
closes.
Green Lantern heads for North America and home.
INT - CHURCH BASEMENT - AFTERNOON
The usual crowd is there. Hal fidgets in his chair. Jim
stands at the podium.
JIM
Before we wrap it up, would anyone
else like to speak?
He looks at Hal and Hal nods, then rises.
HAL
Hi everyone. My name is Hal.
EVERYONE
Hi Hal!
HAL
I came here today so I could share a
secret with you.
People turn in their chairs to face him.
HAL
My name is Hal and I---
He stops and looks to Jim for support. Jim smiles slightly
and nods.
HAL
I'm an alcoholic.
Hal starts crying. He sits down, leans over and covers his
face with his hands.
The other AA members gather around him, a couple of them sit
down in chairs next to Hal.
JIM
The first step is always the hardest.
INT - SIMULATOR ROOM - EVENING
Tom and Hal stand near a table.
TOM
That's tough, admitting a problem
like that to a roomful of strangers.
HAL
It's going to be tougher beating it.
TOM
Just take it one day at a time.
HAL
So I'm told.
Hal aims his hand at the table, his ring appears and the
green lantern materializes on the table.
TOM
So, that's it, huh?
HAL
Yup! That's where I fill up the old
ring.
TOM
You don't mind me watching?
HAL
Not at all. In fact, I've come up
with something, a sort of mantra, to
say while I charge up.
Hal sticks his ring hand into the opening of the lantern.
HAL
I hope you don't think it's too corny
or anything.
TOM
Try it out. I'll tell you.
Hal smiles.
HAL
Yeah, I know you will.
The lantern glows.
HAL
In brightest day, in blackest night;
No evil shall escape my sight; Let
those who worship evil's might; Beware
the power of The Lantern's light.
Hal removes his hand from the lantern. The lantern
disappears. Hal becomes Green Lantern.
He nods at Tom and then flies off, phasing through the
ceiling. Tom stares up at the ceiling.
TOM
Cool! I want one too, Mommy.
Tom LAUGHS, walks over to his computer terminal, sits down
and starts to work on a program.
EXT - OVER COAST CITY - EVENING
Green Lantern flies over the buildings of Coast City. The
still of the night is broken by the sound of a POLICE SIREN.
Green Lantern looks down and sees a high-speed chase taking
place. He flies off to help.
FADE OUT