MARTHA
Every teenager doesn't go through puberty afraid that he's accidentally going
to rip the door to his locker off or spike a volleyball so hard that it goes
through the floor.
Jonathan ponders this for a moment.
JONATHAN
You know what my biggest fear is, Martha?
MARTHA
What?
JONATHAN
That one day someone's going to make him so angry that he forgets to keep
himself in check. And I'd hate to be the poor devil he gets his hands on when
he does.
CUT TO:
INT. BARN
Clark picks his way toward the center of the barn and opens the trap door.
INT. STORM CELLAR
Clark walks down into the storm cellar, with no need for a flash light.
P.O.V. CLARK
Everything is bright enough to see.
BACK TO SCENE
Clark walks over to the pod. He runs his hands over it, tears forming in his eyes.
CLARK
What happened to you? Why did you send me away? Didn't you love me?
His hand hits a hidden switch. A holographic projector activates from within the pod.
Clark looks up to see a green, shimmering, holographic version of Jor-El.
JOR-EL
Greetings, my son. I am Jor-El, I am your father. If you are watching this
holographic message, then my worst fears have been realized, but at least you
are safe. This is a recording, so even though you may wish to speak, I will
not be able to respond. You are my son, your real name is Kal-El and you are
the sole survivor of the planet known as Krypton. Fifteen Earth years ago, the
planet Krypton was embroiled in a war with a being known as Brainiac. As
Kryptonians, we were a race of scholars and teachers. We were not prepared for
the sudden onslaught. In my haste to save my planet I created a computer
program given life, it was called The Eradicator. The Eradicator was powered
with the core of the planet Krypton, which again in my haste I failed to
realize the severe nature of using it as a power source. When I discovered the
adverse effect it was having on our planet, it was too late. The Eradicator
was the perfect warrior: indestructible, inhuman, without the need for food,
drink, or rest. He would kill without mercy and slaughter without a thought.
And the military and the government leaders loved it. They continually ignored
my warnings, constantly pushing the power output from the planet's core into
the Eradicator's systems higher and higher. Since you are watching this
message, it means that our planet Krypton has been destroyed. And with it your
mother and myself. I was building an escape ship for all three of us. I pity I
was only able to finish one.
Clark shakes his head. It's so hard to believe.
JOR-EL
By now you are noticing some changes in your self. Not the normal changes that
all beings your age experience, but genetic changes. The Earth, as your
predetermined new home, orbits a yellow sun, as opposed to Krypton's red. The
yellow sun is changing you, energizing you. Making you a super man. You will
find that you are faster, stronger, and more durable than the normal human. You
may even discover powers like ice breath, heat vision, and the ability to fly.
Clark's eyes widen.
JOR-EL
Kal-El, as my final words to you I wish you the best, and I want you to know
that your mother and I love you very very much. Kal-El, with these new found
powers, I want you to be a source of good in a universe of evil. Goodbye Kal-El. Remember, I will always be with you, here.
Jor-El puts his holographic hand over his heart, and then the image fades away. Clark
watches it fade, plunging the storm cellar into complete darkness. Tears stream down
Clark's face.
EXT. BARN -- EVENING
Clark is standing on the roof of the barn, staring at the horizon.
CLARK
So I can fly, huh?
He steps to the edge.
CLARK
Here goes nothing.
He leaps off the edge and plummets straight towards the ground. In a split second before
he hits, he hovers. Gravity has been broken. Clark laughs as he takes off straight up.
EXT. SKY -- EVENING
The sky, high over Smallville. Clark whirls, corkscrews, twirls, spins, and loop-d-loops
in the air, crying out with as he flies, loving every second.
CLARK
YAWH-HOO!!!!
He flies over the city, high enough to be mistaken for a bird or a plane. He watches as
the people, so small from up here, scurry on about their business.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL -- EVENING
Clark touches down in a tree behind the school. Through the windows he can watch the
students dance at the Homecoming Dance. He settles in the tree, watching. His joy fading.
A screech, low, almost inaudible, but Clark's hearing picks it up. He turns in the tree,
searching. He spots it. The same car as before. He stares at it.
P.O.V. CLARK
X-Ray vision, except it doesn't penetrate the roof of the car. All he sees is grey.
BACK TO SCENE
CLARK
X-Ray vision doesn't work on metal. Good to know.
He leaps down from the tree and sneaks closer to the car. He peers inside.
P.O.V. CLARK
Telescopic Vision, this time. In the car are the bully and Lana. The bully has Lana in
the back seat, his hand pressed tightly over her mouth. The bully is trying to get the
skirt of her dress up. Lana's fighting as well as she can, but the bully is bigger and
stronger.
BACK TO SCENE
Clark's nostril's flare. He's pissed.
Clark storms to the car, grabbing the door, his fingers penetrating the steel. He rips
the door off.
CLARK
Get your damn hands off of her!
The bully turns around, letting go of Lana's mouth. Lana looks up, crying.
LANA
Clark, help me.
BULLY
What the hell? My car.
The bully gets out of the car.
BULLY
No one interrupts me when I'm working. Why don't you just run along back home.
CLARK
Leave her alone.
BULLY
Why should I listen to you?
Clark grabs him around the throat, squeezing hard. The bully's eyes bulged out of their
sockets. He sucks in air, trying to breathe.
CLARK
Because I can break your neck as easily as a twig.
He rams the bully back against the font passenger door, shattering the window. Clark
reaches back, and with one punch, sends the bully the rest of the way through the
window. Clark rips off the door and grabs the bully by the ankle, dragging him out of
the car and beating his head against the roof.
Lana crawls out of the car.
LANA
Clark, stop!
Clark's too angry. He doesn't hear here. He's focused entirely on the bully. Clark
chucks him on the hood, smashing his fist into the bully's face and throwing him against
the windshield. He slams his face against the windshield, repeatedly, until the
windshield cracks where he's slamming the bully's head.
Lana grabs Clark's arm.
LANA
Clark, stop it! You'll kill him!
Clark's eyes widen as he comes to his senses. He drops the bully's head against the
hood. Blood oozes from his face. He's unconscious.
LANA
Oh my God, Clark?
CLARK
I... I...
LANA
We have to get out of here before someone finds us.
She grabs his arm.
CLARK
I have a better way.
He grabs her around the waist, takes a giant step, and leaps into the air.
EXT. SKY -- NIGHT
Lana looks down at the ground far below.
LANA
Oh my God, Clark, how are you doing this?
CLARK
I'll explain it when we get to your house. I really need to talk to someone
right now.
LANA
Yeah, obviously.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
A nice, one story in the suburbs of Smallville. Clark lands perfectly right on her porch
steps.
LANA
What happened to you? You almost killed that guy, you can fly... are you even
human?
CLARK
No. No I'm not.
LANA
Oookay.
She walks up the porch and sits in the swing.
CLARK
Lana, for the first time in my life I feel alive. I feel free. Lana, I'm not
human. I'm not from this world. I'm from a planet called Krypton and my parents
sent me here to survive after the planet was destroyed.
He sits down next to her.
CLARK
Finally, after all these years of being different, I finally feel like I fit
in.
LANA
That's a twisted statement, Clark.
CLARK
I know. I know.
They sit in silence for a while. Then:
LANA
About what I said to you, today after school...
CLARK
Don't apologize. You were right. Sometimes I'm too smart for my own good.
Lana, I realize that I have no more chances with you...
LANA
You still have one more.
CLARK
What?
LANA
You heard me.
Lana and Clark kiss, awkwardly at first, but then deeper, or at least as deep as two
fifteen year old small town residents are willing to go. Finally, they pull apart.
LANA
Thank you, for tonight.
CLARK
Lana, listen to me. Don't tell anyone what you saw, or what I told you today.
Please. For my safety, for your safety, and for the safety of my parents.
LANA
I promise, Clark.
She stands.
LANA
I'd better go in. I need to get cleaned up before my parents come home.
CLARK
Good night Lana.
LANA
Good night, Clark.
Clark stands as Lana shuts the door to her house. He walks down the steps, literally
floating over the last one as he takes off into the air again, a huge grin on his face.
CUT TO:
INT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- KITCHEN
Jonathan and Martha are still up, sitting at the table. Clark opens the door and walks
in, grinning like a complete idiot, his hair messed up, his clothes disheveled.
CLARK
Ma, Pa, I didn't expect you to still be up.
JONATHAN
This is what happens when your son says he's going for a walk at 4:45 and
shows up home at midnight.
CLARK
Is it really midnight?
MARTHA
Where have you been?
CLARK
I was out flying.
JONATHAN
Flying?!
Clark pulls a chair up to the table.
CLARK
I had the most wonderful night.
JONATHAN
Clark, are you on the marijuana?
CLARK
No. Of course not. I went to see the pod and I found this message from my
father. He told me everything, about how my home planet is now gone, and a war
with some guy named Brainiac and how he created this thing called the
Eradicator and powered it using the planet's core, which destroyed the planet.
He told me I'm special. He told me I could fly. So I flew. Whoosh! Like a bird.
Martha leans close.
MARTHA
Clark, is that lipstick?
Clark touches his lips. Lana's deep red lipstick stains his fingers.
CLARK
Ma, Pa, I think I'm in love.
JONATHAN
With who?
CLARK
Lana Lang.
MARTHA
So you did go to the dance.
CLARK
It's a long, complicated story.
JONATHAN
We have all night.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BOOK STORE
CAPTION: Three Years Later...
Clark Kent, now eighteen, and a strapping young man, stands behind the counter of a book
store. It's early in the day and because of that, no one is around.
Standing in front of the counter is Lana.
LANA
So what time do you get off tonight?
CLARK
In about five minutes.
LANA
You do know what tonight is, don't you?
Clark pauses, thinking.
CLARK
Friday?
Lana playfully hits him on the shoulder.
LANA
You forgot?! Don't tell me you forgot!
CLARK
Okay, I won't tell you I forgot.
Lana laughs.
CLARK
Three years ago, I told you exactly what I was, and we had our very first kiss.
LANA
Bingo. And you win a kiss.
She leans over the counter. They kiss, a small, quick one, that doesn't attract
attention.
CLARK
Is there anything you're looking for, exactly?
LANA
No. I just thought I'd hang around. When you clock out, you want hit the food
court and grab a bite to eat?
CLARK
Love to.
Clark looks at his watch.
CLARK
Stay right here. I'll go clock out and be right back.
Clark runs off. Lana turns, watching a TV broadcast on a little TV on counter.
NEWS REPORTER
The emotions here at Metropolis International is nothing but pure excitement
as we wait for the new space plane to launch. The space plane, built by
LexCorp's Aeronautics and Space division, is supposed to be able to lift off
from a vertical position and meet exit speeds without the need for bulky rocket
boosters. The space plane is going to launch here in a few minutes, so let me
show you a few of the features this plane has.
The screen changes to show a 3D computer model of the space plane.
Clark exits the back room.
CLARK
Ready?
LANA
In a minute. They're about to launch.
They watch the screen as the shuttle countdown begins. The numbers appear on the screen.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1. The space plane's boosters activate, and after a second, it
launches into the air, gracefully at first. Then one of the booster's explodes.
NEWS REPORTER
Oh my God! A booster has just exploded. The plane is still intact, but the
people inside may be burning alive! The pilot's lost control!
The plane begins to wobble in the air.
CLARK
Lana, go to my house, stay there.
LANA
What are you going to do?
CLARK
Save that plane!
Clark takes off running.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKY -- DAY
Clark hurtles through the sky at speed many times faster than sound. A sonic boom echoes
as he rockets across the sky.
P.O.V. CLARK
The shuttle is in the distance, still climbing, still wobbly. It begins to tilt.
Screaming can be heard.
BACK TO SCENE
Clark pushes forward.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
The shuttle begins to tilt, and come down, angling straight for the airport and the
large crowd of spectators. They scream, trying to run. Some get knocked down. It's a mob
scene.
The speck of Clark Kent stops suddenly in mid air.
CLARK
I can't go down there like this!
He reaches into his pockets and pulls out two bandannas. He quickly ties one over his
head and the other over his nose and mouth. Simply disguised, Clark descends.
EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- DAY
The news reporter, standing in front of the camera.
NEWS REPORTER
It's chaos here as the space plane begins to come down toward the airport. The
people here to watch the event are trying to run, but there are so many that
few will be able to get out before the plane hits.
The hysterics suddenly stop as bystanders point into the sky.
BYSTANDER #1
Look, up in the sky!
BYSTANDER #2
Is it a bird?!
BYSTANDER #3
Is it a plane?!
BYSTANDER #4
No. It's a flying man!
EXT. SKY -- DAY
Clark swoops down out of the sky, grabbing the nose cone of the falling craft. He begins
angling up, pushing against the speed of the space plane's descent. He struggles with
all his strength, nothing happening at first.
EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- DAY
The people point, scream, too transfixed to move as the space plane and Clark come ever
closer. Then, suddenly, the plane begins to slow.
EXT. SKY -- DAY
Clark gains control, pushing with all his might against the plane, pushing it up,
leveling it.
EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- DAY
Clark brings the space plane down gently for a landing. He then leaps from the nose,
tearing open the access hatch to the cockpit. It's filled with smoke. Using his super
speed, Clark rushes in and out, carrying out the crew, laying them on the ground, as
ambulances and fire trucks rush to the scene.
Finally the last passenger is out. Clark turns to leave when..
LOIS
HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, BUSTER!!!
Clark spins. Racing toward him is LOIS LANE, an eighteen year old skinny brunette,
holding a small tape recorder. He pauses, confused.
CLARK
Who are you?
LOIS
Lois Lane, Metropolis School for the Gifted's senior reporter for the school
newspaper and intern at the Daily Planet. And you are?
CLARK
I, erm, uh...
JOR-EL
(ghost like)
A super man...
CLARK
Superman.
LOIS
I see, Superman. What brings you to Metropolis.
CLARK
It's obvious, right?
LOIS
Listen pal, I'm the one conducting the interview. Just answer.
CLARK
What brought me to Metropolis? I'll tell you what brought me to Metropolis.
People in danger, that's what brought me to Metropolis. I came here to help
right a wrong and keep innocent lives from being ended.
(on his soap box)
I came to Metropolis to fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way!
LOIS
How Republican.
CLARK
With an attitude like that, I'm not answering anymore of your questions.
(to EMTs)
Take good care of those astronauts. They're the real heroes.
And with that, Clark Kent takes off into the air.
CUT TO:
INT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- LIVING ROOM
Lana, Jonathan, and Martha are sitting on the couch, watching the news coverage.
CLARK
With an attitude like that, I'm not answering anymore of your questions.
(to EMTs)
Take good care of those astronauts. They're the real heroes.
Clark takes off on the TV. The camera on the TV shifts to show the news reporter.
NEWS REPORTER
And that was the enigmatic being known as Superman.
WOOSH! Outside the house, a blast of air signals the arrival of Clark Kent. He rushes
into the house, throwing off the bandannas.
Lana leaps into his arms.
LANA
Way to go Clark!
MARTHA
We're so proud of you, Clark.
JONATHAN
Amazing! Simply amazing.
Clark smiles.
CLARK
Not amazing, Pa. Super.
They laugh.
NEWS REPORTER
Unfortunately the death toll has now risen to two. Two of the astronauts closes
to the blast died of their injuries.
Clark whirls, staring at the TV. The scene switches to show an MEDIC.
MEDIC
If Superman had only gotten here a few seconds earlier, we would've been able
to save these two. It's a miracle we were able to save the rest. Superman,
thank you.
Clark's face falls.
CLARK
A few seconds...
LANA
Don't let it get you down. You save the lives of hundreds!
CLARK
But two people won't be going home tonight.
JONATHAN
Clark...
Clark turns, walking out of the room. They watch him go.
MARTHA
Oh dear.
JONATHAN
He'll be okay.
CUT TO:
INT. CLARK'S BEDROOM
It's night outside. Clark is sitting on his bed, staring at a letter in his hands. In
big letters it says "CONGRATULATIONS, CLARK KENT." The letter head is for Metropolis
University.
CUT TO:
INT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT DAY
Martha and Jonathan are sitting at the table, eating breakfast.
JONATHAN
I hate these egg substitutes. What ever happened to the days when a man could
eat a dozen eggs, seven strips of bacon, and a pound of sausage without
worrying about his blasted health?
MARTHA
You know what the doctor says. Besides, those days went out with smoke signals.
JONATHAN
Bah.
There's a knock on the kitchen door.
MARTHA
Who could be here that early?
Martha opens the door. Lana stands there.
MARTHA
Lana, come in. What are you doing here?
Lana walks into the kitchen.
LANA
I couldn't sleep. I was worried about Clark.
MARTHA
Would you like some breakfast?
LANA
No thank you.
JONATHAN
Clark's been in his room all night. We didn't go disturb him. Something like
this a man has to deal with on his own.
Clark walks into the kitchen.
CLARK
Morning, Ma, Pa. Lana.
MARTHA
Morning, sweetie? Breakfast?
CLARK
No, thanks. I've come to a decision.
JONATHAN
About what, son?
CLARK
I'm moving to Metropolis.
Silence, wide eyed stares.
LANA
You're what?!
CLARK
I've been accepted on a full ride scholarship to Metropolis University and I
accepted it.
JONATHAN
Tell me this isn't because of the "few seconds earlier" thing.
CLARK
Partially. But I realized that if I want to use these powers to do any real
good in this world, I need to move to a bigger city. Smallville is nice,
quiet, it's a place I'll move back to when I retire, but right now Superman
needs to be in the middle of it all. Gotham has Batman, so Metropolis needs
Superman.
Lana has tears in her eyes.
LANA
But what about us?
CLARK
I thought long and hard about that too, Lana.
LANA
Then it's over, isn't it.
CLARK
As boyfriend and girlfriend. Lana, do you know why I told you about me? About
my abilities? Because aside from Ma and Pa you are the only one I can truly
trust. I've had a crush on you since the fifth grade, and these last three
years have been the best. Ever since I was a kid there has been something
missing in my life that I couldn't fill. Something that made me incomplete.
And you filled that void.
Clark reaches into his pant's pocket and pulls a ring box out of it. He gets down on one
knee, taking Lana's hand. He opens the box. There's a beautiful diamond engagement ring
sitting in the velvet. Lana puts a hand to her mouth, trying to stop the tears. Jonathan
and Martha's eyes widen and they hold hands.
CLARK
Lana Lang, will you marry me?
LANA
Yes. Yes, Clark, I will marry you.
Clark slips the ring of his finger and stands. Lana collapses into his arms, bawling.
Martha has tears glistening and Jonathan wipes one away.
JONATHAN
Well what are standing around here for? We have a wedding to plan!
CUT TO:
EXT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- EVENING
Clark and Lana sit on the porch swing, watching the sunset. Lana is leaning on Clark's
arm. They're entwined in each other's arms.
LANA
Isn't it beautiful?
CLARK
Yeah.
LANA
I can't believe we're going to get married. Lana Kent, has a nice ring to it.
Clark smiles. He kisses the top of her head.
CLARK
Once we get to Metropolis we're going to have a whole new life ahead of us,
Lana. A whole new world of adventure.
LANA
You know, I was thinking about the whole Superman thing.
CLARK
Yeah?
LANA
You need a costume.
Clark laughs.
CLARK
Like a Power Ranger?
LANA
No, I'm serious. I've been kicking around a few ideas for it, and I've decided
that you need to take off the goofy bandannas.
CLARK
Go bare faced? But then how I can lead the life of Clark Kent, mild mannered
college student and husband?
LANA
Just change your everyday appearance. Wear a pair of glasses.
CLARK
I don't need glasses.
LANA
So?
Clark thinks about it.
CLARK
You know, I would look good in a pair.
LANA
Plus the ruse is so totally obvious that no one will ever put two and two
together.
CLARK
Yeah. Okay Miss Art Designer, show me what you got.
LANA
Not going to.
CLARK
Why?
LANA
Because I want it to be a surprise.
CLARK
Uh oh. Are you going make it pink and purple with a flower trim?
LANA
Maybe.
CUT TO:
EXT. KENT FARM HOUSE
CAPTION: Six Months Later...
A U-Haul truck is sitting in front of the farm house. Clark finishes loading his desk,
all by himself, into the back. He shuts the door and turns to see Martha and Jonathan
standing on the back porch.
CLARK
Well, I'm all set.
MARTHA
I always knew this day would come. I just wish it wasn't so soon.
CLARK
I'll be okay, Ma.
JONATHAN
Call us whenever you get the chance, Clark.
CLARK
I'll drop in every now and then.
MARTHA
Oh don't do that. It's such a long trip.
CLARK
Not when you can fly.
Smiles all around.
CLARK
We'll come back for the wedding. Right now we just want to find a place and get
settled.
JONATHAN
I'm proud of you son.
CLARK
Thanks Pa.
They hug.
CLARK
Well I better get going. I need to help Lana move.
MARTHA
Say hi to the Langs for us.
CLARK
Will do Ma.
Clark climbs into the cab of the truck, starts it off and roars down the dirt road away
from the farm. Martha and Jonathan watch him go.
MARTHA
We raised such a good young man.
JONATHAN
That we did Martha. That we did.
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- DAY
Lana is sitting out on the porch with her mom, MRS. LANG as Clark pulls up in the
U-Haul. He backs up toward the porch.
INT. U-HAUL CAB
Clark sighs as he replaces his sunglasses with a pair of non-prescription regular
glasses.
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- DAY
He climbs down from the cab.
CLARK
Morning, Mrs. Lang.
MRS. LANG
Hello, Clark.
LANA
Hey sweetie.
They kiss.
CLARK
Ready?
LANA
Yep. My dad'll help you with the heavy stuff.
She winks at him. Clark grins.
CLARK
Could always use help moving the heavy stuff.
MR. LANG stands in the front doorway.
MR. LANG
There's my future son in law. Come on, we only need to grab the furniture in
Lana's room.
CLARK
On my way.
INT. LANA'S ROOM
The room is bare save for some heavy furniture: An empty chest of drawers, a desk, the
bed. Clark and Mr. Lang step into the room.
MR. LANG
So, which first?
CLARK
Which one's the heaviest?
MR. LANG
Chest of drawers.
CLARK
After you.
They walk over to the chest of drawers, each picking an end.
MR. LANG
Clark, I'm pretty sure Jonathan had this talk with you before, but I hope you
aren't rushing into anything. Marriage is a big step and most marriages with
people as young as you and Lana don't last.
They heft. Clark lifts it easily and supports most of the weight.
CLARK
I know. But I love Lana, always have.
MR. LANG
I just don't want to see either of you heartbroken.
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- DAY -- LATER
Clark shoves Lana's mattress into the back of the U-Haul and slams the gate closed. He
turns to watch Lana say good bye.
MRS. LANG
We'll miss you.
LANA
I know Mom.
CLARK
I'll do my best to make her happy.
MR. LANG
You're a good kid, Clark. Lana couldn't have picked a better one.
Clark and Mr. Lang shake hands, and Mr. Lang pulls him into a hug.
CLARK
We'd better get going. It's a long way from Smallville to Metropolis.
Clark holds open Lana's door and helps her into the cab. He walks around to the other
side and gets in himself. The truck starts up and roars away from the house.
CUT TO:
EXT. INTERSTATE -- DAY
The U-Haul drives down the Interstate, following traffic.
INT. U-HAUL CAB
Lana is looking out the window, watching the scenery as it gradually changes from small
town Kansas to the bigger towns.
CLARK
Are you excited?
LANA
And a little nervous.
CLARK
Me too.
Lana looks over at him.
LANA
You? Superman, nervous?
Clark smiles.
CLARK
I may be a super man, but I'm still a man.
LANA
And what a man.
Laughter.
CLARK
I wish I could just pick this thing up and fly us there. It'd be so much faster.
LANA
Yeah, but now we get to see if we can stand each other by riding in the same
car for a few days.
(beat)
Are we going to stop at any hotels?
CLARK
I can go for as long as I need to. Why?
LANA
No reason. We are going to stop for gas and other necessities, right?
CLARK
Would I make you ride for all this time without stopping to let you go to the
bathroom? Even Superman has to make a pit stop once in a while.
Lana smiles.
LANA
Metropolis. What do you think it'll be like?
CLARK
Well, from what I managed to see, it's going to be big, and bustling. It'll
take some getting used to. Of course, there's that Lois Lane to worry about...
LANA
Who?
CLARK
That reporter that was talking to me. Lois Lane. Said she was the senior
reporter for the Metropolis School for the Gifted. That's all I know.
LANA
Don't go getting any ideas.
CLARK
(laughs)
Don't worry. You're the only one for me.
INT. APARTMENT
The door opens to the darkened apartment and Clark and Lana step into their new home.
Clark is carrying a box.
LANA
Oh, this is beautiful.
CLARK
And not too bad on the rent either.
Lana looks around. Clark sets the box down on the kitchen counter.
LANA
It feels like home.
Clark wraps his arm around Lana's waist, and they just stand in the middle of the living
room.
CLARK
I'll go ahead and bring up a few of the necessities. Mind if I stack our
mattresses for a bed?
LANA
Not at all.
CLARK
The phone's and phone book are in the box. Go ahead and order something for
dinner.
LANA
Pizza okay?
CLARK
Fine with me.
He kisses her and walks out of the apartment. Lana goes to the box and digs through it.
The first thing she pulls out is a photo of her and Clark from their prom. She smiles at
it.
CUT TO:
INT. APARTMENT -- LATER
Clark and Lana sit on the floor, the pizza on the floor with them. A TV is sitting on
the floor, plugged into the wall socket. Otherwise there's not much there yet.
CLARK
The pizza guy almost fainted when he saw me carrying those three mattresses at
once.
Lana laughs.
LANA
So, how many kids do you want?
Clark chokes on his pizza.
CLARK
Kids?
LANA
Yeah. You know, babies. The pre-adult form of human beings?
CLARK
I never thought about it.
(grins)
I've always wanted a girl.
LANA
Why a girl?
CLARK
I don't know. Maybe to pass on the mother's good looks. I've always thought it
was easier to spoil a little girl.
LANA
Yeah, but you can't rough house with a girl like you can a boy.
CLARK
Unless the girl turns out to be Superwoman.
Lana goes pale.
LANA
Can you imagine raising a super baby?
CLARK
I didn't begin to develop my powers until I was ten. First thing I did was
catch a truck falling off of a jack. Almost gave Pa a heart attack.
They laugh. Clark gets serious.
CLARK
It might not be possible.
LANA
What do you mean?
CLARK
Kryptonian and Earthling biology might be so different that it could kill you.
There's really no way for me to find out without trial and error.
Lana scoots closer to Clark.
LANA
There's only one way to find out.
She kisses him, deeply. Clark pushes into it and they both lay back on the floor.
CUT TO:
EXT. DAILY PLANET -- DAY
Clark lowers a newspaper want ad that says "DAILY PLANET: HELP WANTED" with a picture of
the building on it to reveal the actual Daily Planet building.
CLARK
Black and white just doesn't do it justice.
He walks into the door.
INT. DAILY PLANET -- LOBBY
Clark walks into the expansive Daily Planet lobby. He walks up to the reception desk.
CLARK
Hi, I'm here for the job.
RECEPTIONIST
Fourth floor, Human Resources.
CLARK
Thank you.
INT. DAILY PLANET -- HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Clark is sitting in a chair, flipping through a magazine. The human resource lady behind
the desk calls for him.
LADY
Clark Kent?
Clark stands.
CLARK
Yeah?
LADY
You're wanted in Perry White's office.
She hands him a visitor's badge.
LADY
Wear it up in the news room. He's the only one with an office.
CLARK
Thank you.
INT. DAILY PLANET -- NEWS ROOM
The elevator door dings and opens, depositing Clark into the news room, aka the Place
of Organized Chaos. The clicky clack of key board keys and the sounds of reporters on
the phone would deafen most men.
Clark looks around. A SECRETARY walks up to him.
SECRETARY
Lost?
CLARK
I'm looking for Perry White's office.
The secretary turns and points.
SECRETARY
Over there.
CLARK
Thank you.
He walks toward the office door, dodging rushing reporters. He knocks on the door.
PERRY
Come in!
Clark opens the door.
INT. PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE
Clark enters.
CLARK
Mr. White, I'm here for the job.
PERRY
Sit.
Clark does. Perry holds up the application and resume, looking it over.
PERRY
You've enrolled in Metropolis U.
CLARK
Yes sir.
PERRY
Major?
CLARK
Creative writing, computer programming, journalism, and theater.
PERRY
Four?
CLARK
Yes sir.
PERRY
Theater, eh? You an actor?
CLARK
Yeah, but I'd rather be a writer.
PERRY
Good answer.
He looks over the rest of it.
PERRY
I'm sorry to say you're not qualified for the news room.
Clark's face falls.
PERRY
But the mail room has a position open, if you don't mind starting at the
bottom.
Clark perks up.
CLARK
Oh no, I don't mind.
PERRY
You have a strong work ethic kid. You'll work you way up in no time. Why, you
may even take my job when I retire.
Perry writes something on a slip of paper and slides it to Clark.
PERRY
Report to his room tomorrow morning, eight am sharp.
CLARK
Yes sir.
The door bursts open and Lois walks into the room.
LOIS
Perry, I need to talk to you.
PERRY
Not right now Lois, I'm busy.
She looks over at Clark. Clark grins and waves. Lois turns back to Perry.
LOIS
It's about the assignments. I should be getting the city beat. All the good
stuff happens there.
PERRY
Lois, you're not ready for that yet.
LOIS
But..
PERRY
Look, we'll discuss it later.
Lois sighs angrily and storms out of the office, shutting the door behind her.
CLARK
She seems a bit..
(searches for the word)
Young.
Perry sighs.
PERRY
Lois Lane, daughter of Sam and Ellen Lane, long time fiancee of Lex Luthor the
Second.
CLARK
Sam Lane? Isn't he a military general?
PERRY
Yeah. Heads the military base just outside of town. Ellen's the CFO at
LexCorp, and good buddies with Lex Luthor the First, who just happens to own
fifty one percent stock in the Daily Planet. Lois works for us only because
Luthor said so. Without him, this paper wouldn't keep publishing.
He sighs again.
PERRY
Now she's going to go cry to Ellen about not getting the city beat and
tomorrow I'll get a call form either Ellen or Luthor subtly demanding me to
give her the beat.
Clark shakes his head.
CLARK
It's a sad sad world we live in.
PERRY
Damn right it is.
A beat. Then.
PERRY
Pleasure to meet you Clark. Hope to see more of you.
CLARK
You bet, Mr. White.
Clark stands and they shake hangs.
CUT TO:
EXT. ANTARCTICA -- NIGHT
A fairly large research dome, sitting in the middle of the white landscape.
INT. RESEARCH DOME
A group of researchers sit around a folding card table, playing poker. Behind them a
bank of monitors monitor for anything abnormal.
RESEARCHER 1
Raise you ten.
RESEARCHER 2
I'll see it. And call.
They lay down their cards. Researcher 1 has a straight flush.
RESEARCHER 1
Read 'em and weep.
The researches toss down their cards. A warning light begins flashing and a small beep
goes off.
RESEARCHER 4
What's that?
Researcher 3 rushes for the monitors.
RESEARCHER 3
Proximity alarm. Someone's approaching the dome!
RESEARCHER 1
What is it?
They crowd around as Researcher 3 sits down and types out some commands. A camera image
comes up of a black object walking through the blowing ice and snow.
RESEARCHER 2
Impossible!
The figure stops, looking at the camera. He hits the camera and it goes to static.
RESEARCHER 4
Which camera was that?
RESEARCHER 3
Camera One.
A hand busts through the side of the dome. The researchers turn as the cold air seeps in
through the hole. The hole rips bigger until the being is inside the dome. It's the
Eradicator.
The Eradicator throws over equipment and chairs as he approaches the researchers, who
cower back. He grabs Researcher 1 and violently breaks his neck. Researcher 2 gets the
same treatment.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEXCORP TOWERS -- DAY
The giant, L shaped, glass tower, sticking out of the Metropolis sky line.
INT. LEX LUTHOR THE FIRST'S OFFICE
The plush, expansive office.
Sitting in a chair, turned away from his desk, and staring out the windows is LEX LUTHOR
THE FIRST, from here on out known as LUTHOR.
Sitting in front of his desk is ELLEN LANE.
LUTHOR
So how goes the investigation into the space plane?
ELLEN
So far no one has found the sabotage, Mr. Luthor.
LUTHOR
Excellent. Now, what about the flying man. What do they call him now? Batman?
ELLEN
Superman.
LUTHOR
What about him?
ELLEN
Nothing. No one's ever seen or heard of Superman before. It's like he simply
disappeared.
LUTHOR
Will it effect our insurance claim?
ELLEN
Yes. We would have gotten substantially more if it had crashed.
LUTHOR
Damn.
He spins his chair away from the window.
LUTHOR
Ellen, I want you to find this Superman and tell him I want a conference.
ELLEN
Sir?
LUTHOR
He made a public name for himself saving one of our planes. I'll offer him a
job, publicly thank him.
ELLEN
And if he doesn't accept the job offer?
LUTHOR
Then I'll make his life a living hell.
CUT TO:
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
LEX LUTHOR THE SECOND, from here on out known simply as LEX, is sitting at the end of a
table. Sitting at his right is Lana.
LEX
Impressive resume, Miss Lang.
LANA
Thank you.
LEX
I'll cut to the chase, Miss Lang. We here at LexCorp have a rather unique
hiring process. We are very strict on those we interview. Maybe every four out
of ten. Then we give those four an interview and a try out. Essentially you
have the job for a day. Then the hiring committee meets with myself and my
father and we decide who did the better job. Since you are the last applicant,
your try out day will not be until this coming Friday. We will notify you on
whether or not you have received the job as my father's secretary by Sunday.
The phone on the table rings. Lex picks it up.
LEX
Yes?
He listens, not liking what he hears. He hangs up.
LEX
Now, if you'll excuse me, I just got some very startling news that I need to
relate to my father. Good day.
Lex stands and leaves.
LANA
That was fast.
EXT. DAILY PLANET -- ROOF -- DAY
Lois jogs across the rooftop of the Daily Planet, which has been converted into a
helipad. Sitting on the helipad is a helicopter with the LexCorp logo on the side.
Lois slips into the cockpit.
INT. HELICOPTER
Lois buckles in.
LOIS
Hey Gary.
The pilot is sweating, he looks terrible.
PILOT
Afternoon, Lois.
LOIS
You okay?
PILOT
Just a little warm. I think I have a cold.
LOIS
Well don't give it to me.
The pilot manipulates the controls.
PILOT
LexCorp, right?
LOIS
Yeah. Lex is going to meet me at the helipad.
The 'copter lifts off.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
The helicopter gains altitude.
INT. HELICOPTER
The pilot suddenly keels over at the stick. The helicopter goes into a nose dive.
EXT. DAILY PLANET -- DAY
Clark walks out of the Daily Planet. A high pitched scream hits his super sensitive ears
like a bullet. He looks up fast, spotting the helicopter.
He looks around.
CLARK
Why didn't I remember to ask Lana for my costume.
He ducks into an alleyway, tearing off his shirt and removing his glasses. He stuffs
them behind a dumpster and takes off into the air.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
The helicopter is pitching bad.
INT. HELICOPTER
Lois quickly undoes her harness and tries to move the pilot but he's all dead weight.
The helicopter shifts suddenly, pitching Lois from the helicopter.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
She falls, the helicopter spiraling downward.
EXT. BUS STOP -- DAY
Lana's standing at the bus stop, watching the helicopter and falling body of Lois Lane.
LANA
Come on, Clark.
Then...
BYSTANDER #1
Look, up in the sky!
BYSTANDER #2
It's a bird!
BYSTANDER #3
It's a plane!
LANA
No. It's Superman.
The streak in the sky snatches Lois out of the sky and rockets toward the helicopter.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
Clark grabs the landing strut of the helicopter, hefting it to a stop. Lois comes to her
senses.
LOIS
What the Hell?
CLARK
Don't worry Lois, I've got you.
Lois blinks.
LOIS
Superman?
CLARK
At your service.
EXT. BUS STOP -- DAY
Clark slowly lowers to the ground, lowering the helicopter with him. People begin to
crowd around.
CLARK
People, please! Give me room!
He reaches into the helicopter and pulls out the pilot. He lays him on the ground and
puts his ear to his chest.
LOIS
Is he okay?
CLARK
Faint heart beat.
Clark rips the pilot's shirt open.
CLARK
Call 911.
Lois whips out her cell phone as Clark begins to administer CPR.
LOIS
A pilot just had a heart attack. Superman is here. Where?
(looks around)
Siegel and Shuster.
LANA
Are they on their way.
LOIS
Yeah.
Clark continues to administer CPR. An ambulance speeds down the street, turning and
stopping next to Clark.
LANA
That was fast.
LOIS
The hospital's right around the corner.
The EMTs get out of the back. Clark pulls away, standing, letting them get to their
work. One of the EMTs turns from the pilot.
EMT
He'll be fine, thanks to you.
CLARK
My pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse me.
LOIS
Wait! I need a lift.
CLARK
I'm not a bus service.
LOIS
I know, but it's important. Please?
CLARK
Okay. But this is the only time.
He wraps an arm around Lois's waist and lifts off into the air. Lana watches, frowning.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEXCORP TOWERS -- ROOF -- DAY
Clark sets down on the roof of LexCorp Towers. He lets go of Lois.
CLARK
If that will be all?
LOIS
One last thing. I want to interview you.
CLARK
I don't give interviews.
LOIS
Please? It would make my editor see that I'm ready for the city beat.
Clark pauses. He remembers the scene. Finally...
CLARK
Fine.
LOIS
Great! My place, ten pm. Here's the address.
She hands Clark a card. It has Ellen's name on it.
CLARK
Okay. Ten pm.
And with that, he takes off, flying away.
CUT TO:
INT. LEX LUTHOR THE FIRST'S OFFICE
Luthor is sitting on the phone. Lex is sitting behind the desk.
LUTHOR
Yes. Yes. And what about the dome? Completely destroyed huh? Did any of the
tapes survive? They did? I want them shipped her ASAP.
He hangs up.
LUTHOR
Tragic.
LEX
How so? The deaths of the men?
LUTHOR
No. The fact that whatever did this could be long gone.
LEX
Sad.
LUTHOR
So, don't you have a date with Lois tonight?
LEX
She should be arriving soon.
A buzz on the intercom. Luthor hits the button.
LUTHOR
What?
VOICE ON THE INTERCOM
Lois Lane is here.
LUTHOR
Send her in.
Lex stands as the door opens and Lois walks in. He walks over to her, taking her hand
and kissing her.
LEX
Hello love.
LOIS
You'll never guess what happened.
LEX
What?
LOIS
I almost died!
Luthor shakes his head.
LUTHOR
And?
LOIS
Superman saved me. He even promised to give me an interview at ten tonight.
Lex, darling, I hope you don't mind if I cut our night short.
Lex and Luthor exchange glances.
LEX
Not at all, love. Are you ready to go? The reservations are in forty five
minutes.
LOIS
Just let me freshen up a bit first.
LEX
By all means.
Lois walks toward the wash room. She enters and shuts the door. Lex turns to Luthor.
LUTHOR
I want you to wait until he arrives and then give him my proposal.
LEX
Yes, father.
INT. APARTMENT
Clark enters through the front door, now wearing his glasses and shirt. The interior is
now partly furnished with the things brought from home.
Lana is sitting on the couch, watching the news.
NEWS ANCHOR
... the pilot is in stable condition thanks to the heroic efforts of the one
called Superman.
CLARK
Hey, I made the news.
LANA
Have fun flying Lois where she needed to go?
Clark sits on the sofa.
CLARK
Is that jealousy I hear?
Lana whirls on him.
LANA
How did you think I would feel? You, shirtless, looking as hot as I've ever
seen you, flying off with another woman?
CLARK
Would this be a bad time to tell you I promised her an interview?
LANA
What?!
Clark touches Lana's cheek.
CLARK
She means nothing to me. I'm only giving her the interview so she'll get off
my back. If I don't, every time Superman shows up in public, she'll be there.
Plus it's good to let the public know they can trust me.
Lana touches his hand.
LANA
I know. I don't know why I was so mad.
CLARK
We all have to get used to this Superman thing. Which reminds me, when do I get
my costume.
Lana smiles.
LANA
I was thinking the same thing.
She gets up and goes to the closet. She opens the door and rummages around before coming
back with the a box. Clark takes the box. Clark rips off the tape.
CLARK
Did you get the job?
LANA
I have a trial date on Friday. I'll know by Sunday. How about you?
CLARK
Mail room. But I think the editor, Mr. White, really likes me.
LANA
That's great.
Clark begins to open the box, and pulls out the costume. He looks it over.
CLARK
Holy cow!
LANA
You like it?
CLARK
I love it!
LANA
It's the same color as your bandannas.
CLARK
Thank you,
He kisses her.
LANA
I also made the pink and purple one with the flower trim, in case you ever
feel like standing out.
Clark laughs.
Every teenager doesn't go through puberty afraid that he's accidentally going
to rip the door to his locker off or spike a volleyball so hard that it goes
through the floor.
Jonathan ponders this for a moment.
JONATHAN
You know what my biggest fear is, Martha?
MARTHA
What?
JONATHAN
That one day someone's going to make him so angry that he forgets to keep
himself in check. And I'd hate to be the poor devil he gets his hands on when
he does.
CUT TO:
INT. BARN
Clark picks his way toward the center of the barn and opens the trap door.
INT. STORM CELLAR
Clark walks down into the storm cellar, with no need for a flash light.
P.O.V. CLARK
Everything is bright enough to see.
BACK TO SCENE
Clark walks over to the pod. He runs his hands over it, tears forming in his eyes.
CLARK
What happened to you? Why did you send me away? Didn't you love me?
His hand hits a hidden switch. A holographic projector activates from within the pod.
Clark looks up to see a green, shimmering, holographic version of Jor-El.
JOR-EL
Greetings, my son. I am Jor-El, I am your father. If you are watching this
holographic message, then my worst fears have been realized, but at least you
are safe. This is a recording, so even though you may wish to speak, I will
not be able to respond. You are my son, your real name is Kal-El and you are
the sole survivor of the planet known as Krypton. Fifteen Earth years ago, the
planet Krypton was embroiled in a war with a being known as Brainiac. As
Kryptonians, we were a race of scholars and teachers. We were not prepared for
the sudden onslaught. In my haste to save my planet I created a computer
program given life, it was called The Eradicator. The Eradicator was powered
with the core of the planet Krypton, which again in my haste I failed to
realize the severe nature of using it as a power source. When I discovered the
adverse effect it was having on our planet, it was too late. The Eradicator
was the perfect warrior: indestructible, inhuman, without the need for food,
drink, or rest. He would kill without mercy and slaughter without a thought.
And the military and the government leaders loved it. They continually ignored
my warnings, constantly pushing the power output from the planet's core into
the Eradicator's systems higher and higher. Since you are watching this
message, it means that our planet Krypton has been destroyed. And with it your
mother and myself. I was building an escape ship for all three of us. I pity I
was only able to finish one.
Clark shakes his head. It's so hard to believe.
JOR-EL
By now you are noticing some changes in your self. Not the normal changes that
all beings your age experience, but genetic changes. The Earth, as your
predetermined new home, orbits a yellow sun, as opposed to Krypton's red. The
yellow sun is changing you, energizing you. Making you a super man. You will
find that you are faster, stronger, and more durable than the normal human. You
may even discover powers like ice breath, heat vision, and the ability to fly.
Clark's eyes widen.
JOR-EL
Kal-El, as my final words to you I wish you the best, and I want you to know
that your mother and I love you very very much. Kal-El, with these new found
powers, I want you to be a source of good in a universe of evil. Goodbye Kal-El. Remember, I will always be with you, here.
Jor-El puts his holographic hand over his heart, and then the image fades away. Clark
watches it fade, plunging the storm cellar into complete darkness. Tears stream down
Clark's face.
EXT. BARN -- EVENING
Clark is standing on the roof of the barn, staring at the horizon.
CLARK
So I can fly, huh?
He steps to the edge.
CLARK
Here goes nothing.
He leaps off the edge and plummets straight towards the ground. In a split second before
he hits, he hovers. Gravity has been broken. Clark laughs as he takes off straight up.
EXT. SKY -- EVENING
The sky, high over Smallville. Clark whirls, corkscrews, twirls, spins, and loop-d-loops
in the air, crying out with as he flies, loving every second.
CLARK
YAWH-HOO!!!!
He flies over the city, high enough to be mistaken for a bird or a plane. He watches as
the people, so small from up here, scurry on about their business.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL -- EVENING
Clark touches down in a tree behind the school. Through the windows he can watch the
students dance at the Homecoming Dance. He settles in the tree, watching. His joy fading.
A screech, low, almost inaudible, but Clark's hearing picks it up. He turns in the tree,
searching. He spots it. The same car as before. He stares at it.
P.O.V. CLARK
X-Ray vision, except it doesn't penetrate the roof of the car. All he sees is grey.
BACK TO SCENE
CLARK
X-Ray vision doesn't work on metal. Good to know.
He leaps down from the tree and sneaks closer to the car. He peers inside.
P.O.V. CLARK
Telescopic Vision, this time. In the car are the bully and Lana. The bully has Lana in
the back seat, his hand pressed tightly over her mouth. The bully is trying to get the
skirt of her dress up. Lana's fighting as well as she can, but the bully is bigger and
stronger.
BACK TO SCENE
Clark's nostril's flare. He's pissed.
Clark storms to the car, grabbing the door, his fingers penetrating the steel. He rips
the door off.
CLARK
Get your damn hands off of her!
The bully turns around, letting go of Lana's mouth. Lana looks up, crying.
LANA
Clark, help me.
BULLY
What the hell? My car.
The bully gets out of the car.
BULLY
No one interrupts me when I'm working. Why don't you just run along back home.
CLARK
Leave her alone.
BULLY
Why should I listen to you?
Clark grabs him around the throat, squeezing hard. The bully's eyes bulged out of their
sockets. He sucks in air, trying to breathe.
CLARK
Because I can break your neck as easily as a twig.
He rams the bully back against the font passenger door, shattering the window. Clark
reaches back, and with one punch, sends the bully the rest of the way through the
window. Clark rips off the door and grabs the bully by the ankle, dragging him out of
the car and beating his head against the roof.
Lana crawls out of the car.
LANA
Clark, stop!
Clark's too angry. He doesn't hear here. He's focused entirely on the bully. Clark
chucks him on the hood, smashing his fist into the bully's face and throwing him against
the windshield. He slams his face against the windshield, repeatedly, until the
windshield cracks where he's slamming the bully's head.
Lana grabs Clark's arm.
LANA
Clark, stop it! You'll kill him!
Clark's eyes widen as he comes to his senses. He drops the bully's head against the
hood. Blood oozes from his face. He's unconscious.
LANA
Oh my God, Clark?
CLARK
I... I...
LANA
We have to get out of here before someone finds us.
She grabs his arm.
CLARK
I have a better way.
He grabs her around the waist, takes a giant step, and leaps into the air.
EXT. SKY -- NIGHT
Lana looks down at the ground far below.
LANA
Oh my God, Clark, how are you doing this?
CLARK
I'll explain it when we get to your house. I really need to talk to someone
right now.
LANA
Yeah, obviously.
CUT TO:
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
A nice, one story in the suburbs of Smallville. Clark lands perfectly right on her porch
steps.
LANA
What happened to you? You almost killed that guy, you can fly... are you even
human?
CLARK
No. No I'm not.
LANA
Oookay.
She walks up the porch and sits in the swing.
CLARK
Lana, for the first time in my life I feel alive. I feel free. Lana, I'm not
human. I'm not from this world. I'm from a planet called Krypton and my parents
sent me here to survive after the planet was destroyed.
He sits down next to her.
CLARK
Finally, after all these years of being different, I finally feel like I fit
in.
LANA
That's a twisted statement, Clark.
CLARK
I know. I know.
They sit in silence for a while. Then:
LANA
About what I said to you, today after school...
CLARK
Don't apologize. You were right. Sometimes I'm too smart for my own good.
Lana, I realize that I have no more chances with you...
LANA
You still have one more.
CLARK
What?
LANA
You heard me.
Lana and Clark kiss, awkwardly at first, but then deeper, or at least as deep as two
fifteen year old small town residents are willing to go. Finally, they pull apart.
LANA
Thank you, for tonight.
CLARK
Lana, listen to me. Don't tell anyone what you saw, or what I told you today.
Please. For my safety, for your safety, and for the safety of my parents.
LANA
I promise, Clark.
She stands.
LANA
I'd better go in. I need to get cleaned up before my parents come home.
CLARK
Good night Lana.
LANA
Good night, Clark.
Clark stands as Lana shuts the door to her house. He walks down the steps, literally
floating over the last one as he takes off into the air again, a huge grin on his face.
CUT TO:
INT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- KITCHEN
Jonathan and Martha are still up, sitting at the table. Clark opens the door and walks
in, grinning like a complete idiot, his hair messed up, his clothes disheveled.
CLARK
Ma, Pa, I didn't expect you to still be up.
JONATHAN
This is what happens when your son says he's going for a walk at 4:45 and
shows up home at midnight.
CLARK
Is it really midnight?
MARTHA
Where have you been?
CLARK
I was out flying.
JONATHAN
Flying?!
Clark pulls a chair up to the table.
CLARK
I had the most wonderful night.
JONATHAN
Clark, are you on the marijuana?
CLARK
No. Of course not. I went to see the pod and I found this message from my
father. He told me everything, about how my home planet is now gone, and a war
with some guy named Brainiac and how he created this thing called the
Eradicator and powered it using the planet's core, which destroyed the planet.
He told me I'm special. He told me I could fly. So I flew. Whoosh! Like a bird.
Martha leans close.
MARTHA
Clark, is that lipstick?
Clark touches his lips. Lana's deep red lipstick stains his fingers.
CLARK
Ma, Pa, I think I'm in love.
JONATHAN
With who?
CLARK
Lana Lang.
MARTHA
So you did go to the dance.
CLARK
It's a long, complicated story.
JONATHAN
We have all night.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BOOK STORE
CAPTION: Three Years Later...
Clark Kent, now eighteen, and a strapping young man, stands behind the counter of a book
store. It's early in the day and because of that, no one is around.
Standing in front of the counter is Lana.
LANA
So what time do you get off tonight?
CLARK
In about five minutes.
LANA
You do know what tonight is, don't you?
Clark pauses, thinking.
CLARK
Friday?
Lana playfully hits him on the shoulder.
LANA
You forgot?! Don't tell me you forgot!
CLARK
Okay, I won't tell you I forgot.
Lana laughs.
CLARK
Three years ago, I told you exactly what I was, and we had our very first kiss.
LANA
Bingo. And you win a kiss.
She leans over the counter. They kiss, a small, quick one, that doesn't attract
attention.
CLARK
Is there anything you're looking for, exactly?
LANA
No. I just thought I'd hang around. When you clock out, you want hit the food
court and grab a bite to eat?
CLARK
Love to.
Clark looks at his watch.
CLARK
Stay right here. I'll go clock out and be right back.
Clark runs off. Lana turns, watching a TV broadcast on a little TV on counter.
NEWS REPORTER
The emotions here at Metropolis International is nothing but pure excitement
as we wait for the new space plane to launch. The space plane, built by
LexCorp's Aeronautics and Space division, is supposed to be able to lift off
from a vertical position and meet exit speeds without the need for bulky rocket
boosters. The space plane is going to launch here in a few minutes, so let me
show you a few of the features this plane has.
The screen changes to show a 3D computer model of the space plane.
Clark exits the back room.
CLARK
Ready?
LANA
In a minute. They're about to launch.
They watch the screen as the shuttle countdown begins. The numbers appear on the screen.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1. The space plane's boosters activate, and after a second, it
launches into the air, gracefully at first. Then one of the booster's explodes.
NEWS REPORTER
Oh my God! A booster has just exploded. The plane is still intact, but the
people inside may be burning alive! The pilot's lost control!
The plane begins to wobble in the air.
CLARK
Lana, go to my house, stay there.
LANA
What are you going to do?
CLARK
Save that plane!
Clark takes off running.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKY -- DAY
Clark hurtles through the sky at speed many times faster than sound. A sonic boom echoes
as he rockets across the sky.
P.O.V. CLARK
The shuttle is in the distance, still climbing, still wobbly. It begins to tilt.
Screaming can be heard.
BACK TO SCENE
Clark pushes forward.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
The shuttle begins to tilt, and come down, angling straight for the airport and the
large crowd of spectators. They scream, trying to run. Some get knocked down. It's a mob
scene.
The speck of Clark Kent stops suddenly in mid air.
CLARK
I can't go down there like this!
He reaches into his pockets and pulls out two bandannas. He quickly ties one over his
head and the other over his nose and mouth. Simply disguised, Clark descends.
EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- DAY
The news reporter, standing in front of the camera.
NEWS REPORTER
It's chaos here as the space plane begins to come down toward the airport. The
people here to watch the event are trying to run, but there are so many that
few will be able to get out before the plane hits.
The hysterics suddenly stop as bystanders point into the sky.
BYSTANDER #1
Look, up in the sky!
BYSTANDER #2
Is it a bird?!
BYSTANDER #3
Is it a plane?!
BYSTANDER #4
No. It's a flying man!
EXT. SKY -- DAY
Clark swoops down out of the sky, grabbing the nose cone of the falling craft. He begins
angling up, pushing against the speed of the space plane's descent. He struggles with
all his strength, nothing happening at first.
EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- DAY
The people point, scream, too transfixed to move as the space plane and Clark come ever
closer. Then, suddenly, the plane begins to slow.
EXT. SKY -- DAY
Clark gains control, pushing with all his might against the plane, pushing it up,
leveling it.
EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- DAY
Clark brings the space plane down gently for a landing. He then leaps from the nose,
tearing open the access hatch to the cockpit. It's filled with smoke. Using his super
speed, Clark rushes in and out, carrying out the crew, laying them on the ground, as
ambulances and fire trucks rush to the scene.
Finally the last passenger is out. Clark turns to leave when..
LOIS
HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, BUSTER!!!
Clark spins. Racing toward him is LOIS LANE, an eighteen year old skinny brunette,
holding a small tape recorder. He pauses, confused.
CLARK
Who are you?
LOIS
Lois Lane, Metropolis School for the Gifted's senior reporter for the school
newspaper and intern at the Daily Planet. And you are?
CLARK
I, erm, uh...
JOR-EL
(ghost like)
A super man...
CLARK
Superman.
LOIS
I see, Superman. What brings you to Metropolis.
CLARK
It's obvious, right?
LOIS
Listen pal, I'm the one conducting the interview. Just answer.
CLARK
What brought me to Metropolis? I'll tell you what brought me to Metropolis.
People in danger, that's what brought me to Metropolis. I came here to help
right a wrong and keep innocent lives from being ended.
(on his soap box)
I came to Metropolis to fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way!
LOIS
How Republican.
CLARK
With an attitude like that, I'm not answering anymore of your questions.
(to EMTs)
Take good care of those astronauts. They're the real heroes.
And with that, Clark Kent takes off into the air.
CUT TO:
INT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- LIVING ROOM
Lana, Jonathan, and Martha are sitting on the couch, watching the news coverage.
CLARK
With an attitude like that, I'm not answering anymore of your questions.
(to EMTs)
Take good care of those astronauts. They're the real heroes.
Clark takes off on the TV. The camera on the TV shifts to show the news reporter.
NEWS REPORTER
And that was the enigmatic being known as Superman.
WOOSH! Outside the house, a blast of air signals the arrival of Clark Kent. He rushes
into the house, throwing off the bandannas.
Lana leaps into his arms.
LANA
Way to go Clark!
MARTHA
We're so proud of you, Clark.
JONATHAN
Amazing! Simply amazing.
Clark smiles.
CLARK
Not amazing, Pa. Super.
They laugh.
NEWS REPORTER
Unfortunately the death toll has now risen to two. Two of the astronauts closes
to the blast died of their injuries.
Clark whirls, staring at the TV. The scene switches to show an MEDIC.
MEDIC
If Superman had only gotten here a few seconds earlier, we would've been able
to save these two. It's a miracle we were able to save the rest. Superman,
thank you.
Clark's face falls.
CLARK
A few seconds...
LANA
Don't let it get you down. You save the lives of hundreds!
CLARK
But two people won't be going home tonight.
JONATHAN
Clark...
Clark turns, walking out of the room. They watch him go.
MARTHA
Oh dear.
JONATHAN
He'll be okay.
CUT TO:
INT. CLARK'S BEDROOM
It's night outside. Clark is sitting on his bed, staring at a letter in his hands. In
big letters it says "CONGRATULATIONS, CLARK KENT." The letter head is for Metropolis
University.
CUT TO:
INT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT DAY
Martha and Jonathan are sitting at the table, eating breakfast.
JONATHAN
I hate these egg substitutes. What ever happened to the days when a man could
eat a dozen eggs, seven strips of bacon, and a pound of sausage without
worrying about his blasted health?
MARTHA
You know what the doctor says. Besides, those days went out with smoke signals.
JONATHAN
Bah.
There's a knock on the kitchen door.
MARTHA
Who could be here that early?
Martha opens the door. Lana stands there.
MARTHA
Lana, come in. What are you doing here?
Lana walks into the kitchen.
LANA
I couldn't sleep. I was worried about Clark.
MARTHA
Would you like some breakfast?
LANA
No thank you.
JONATHAN
Clark's been in his room all night. We didn't go disturb him. Something like
this a man has to deal with on his own.
Clark walks into the kitchen.
CLARK
Morning, Ma, Pa. Lana.
MARTHA
Morning, sweetie? Breakfast?
CLARK
No, thanks. I've come to a decision.
JONATHAN
About what, son?
CLARK
I'm moving to Metropolis.
Silence, wide eyed stares.
LANA
You're what?!
CLARK
I've been accepted on a full ride scholarship to Metropolis University and I
accepted it.
JONATHAN
Tell me this isn't because of the "few seconds earlier" thing.
CLARK
Partially. But I realized that if I want to use these powers to do any real
good in this world, I need to move to a bigger city. Smallville is nice,
quiet, it's a place I'll move back to when I retire, but right now Superman
needs to be in the middle of it all. Gotham has Batman, so Metropolis needs
Superman.
Lana has tears in her eyes.
LANA
But what about us?
CLARK
I thought long and hard about that too, Lana.
LANA
Then it's over, isn't it.
CLARK
As boyfriend and girlfriend. Lana, do you know why I told you about me? About
my abilities? Because aside from Ma and Pa you are the only one I can truly
trust. I've had a crush on you since the fifth grade, and these last three
years have been the best. Ever since I was a kid there has been something
missing in my life that I couldn't fill. Something that made me incomplete.
And you filled that void.
Clark reaches into his pant's pocket and pulls a ring box out of it. He gets down on one
knee, taking Lana's hand. He opens the box. There's a beautiful diamond engagement ring
sitting in the velvet. Lana puts a hand to her mouth, trying to stop the tears. Jonathan
and Martha's eyes widen and they hold hands.
CLARK
Lana Lang, will you marry me?
LANA
Yes. Yes, Clark, I will marry you.
Clark slips the ring of his finger and stands. Lana collapses into his arms, bawling.
Martha has tears glistening and Jonathan wipes one away.
JONATHAN
Well what are standing around here for? We have a wedding to plan!
CUT TO:
EXT. KENT FARM HOUSE -- EVENING
Clark and Lana sit on the porch swing, watching the sunset. Lana is leaning on Clark's
arm. They're entwined in each other's arms.
LANA
Isn't it beautiful?
CLARK
Yeah.
LANA
I can't believe we're going to get married. Lana Kent, has a nice ring to it.
Clark smiles. He kisses the top of her head.
CLARK
Once we get to Metropolis we're going to have a whole new life ahead of us,
Lana. A whole new world of adventure.
LANA
You know, I was thinking about the whole Superman thing.
CLARK
Yeah?
LANA
You need a costume.
Clark laughs.
CLARK
Like a Power Ranger?
LANA
No, I'm serious. I've been kicking around a few ideas for it, and I've decided
that you need to take off the goofy bandannas.
CLARK
Go bare faced? But then how I can lead the life of Clark Kent, mild mannered
college student and husband?
LANA
Just change your everyday appearance. Wear a pair of glasses.
CLARK
I don't need glasses.
LANA
So?
Clark thinks about it.
CLARK
You know, I would look good in a pair.
LANA
Plus the ruse is so totally obvious that no one will ever put two and two
together.
CLARK
Yeah. Okay Miss Art Designer, show me what you got.
LANA
Not going to.
CLARK
Why?
LANA
Because I want it to be a surprise.
CLARK
Uh oh. Are you going make it pink and purple with a flower trim?
LANA
Maybe.
CUT TO:
EXT. KENT FARM HOUSE
CAPTION: Six Months Later...
A U-Haul truck is sitting in front of the farm house. Clark finishes loading his desk,
all by himself, into the back. He shuts the door and turns to see Martha and Jonathan
standing on the back porch.
CLARK
Well, I'm all set.
MARTHA
I always knew this day would come. I just wish it wasn't so soon.
CLARK
I'll be okay, Ma.
JONATHAN
Call us whenever you get the chance, Clark.
CLARK
I'll drop in every now and then.
MARTHA
Oh don't do that. It's such a long trip.
CLARK
Not when you can fly.
Smiles all around.
CLARK
We'll come back for the wedding. Right now we just want to find a place and get
settled.
JONATHAN
I'm proud of you son.
CLARK
Thanks Pa.
They hug.
CLARK
Well I better get going. I need to help Lana move.
MARTHA
Say hi to the Langs for us.
CLARK
Will do Ma.
Clark climbs into the cab of the truck, starts it off and roars down the dirt road away
from the farm. Martha and Jonathan watch him go.
MARTHA
We raised such a good young man.
JONATHAN
That we did Martha. That we did.
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- DAY
Lana is sitting out on the porch with her mom, MRS. LANG as Clark pulls up in the
U-Haul. He backs up toward the porch.
INT. U-HAUL CAB
Clark sighs as he replaces his sunglasses with a pair of non-prescription regular
glasses.
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- DAY
He climbs down from the cab.
CLARK
Morning, Mrs. Lang.
MRS. LANG
Hello, Clark.
LANA
Hey sweetie.
They kiss.
CLARK
Ready?
LANA
Yep. My dad'll help you with the heavy stuff.
She winks at him. Clark grins.
CLARK
Could always use help moving the heavy stuff.
MR. LANG stands in the front doorway.
MR. LANG
There's my future son in law. Come on, we only need to grab the furniture in
Lana's room.
CLARK
On my way.
INT. LANA'S ROOM
The room is bare save for some heavy furniture: An empty chest of drawers, a desk, the
bed. Clark and Mr. Lang step into the room.
MR. LANG
So, which first?
CLARK
Which one's the heaviest?
MR. LANG
Chest of drawers.
CLARK
After you.
They walk over to the chest of drawers, each picking an end.
MR. LANG
Clark, I'm pretty sure Jonathan had this talk with you before, but I hope you
aren't rushing into anything. Marriage is a big step and most marriages with
people as young as you and Lana don't last.
They heft. Clark lifts it easily and supports most of the weight.
CLARK
I know. But I love Lana, always have.
MR. LANG
I just don't want to see either of you heartbroken.
EXT. LANA'S HOUSE -- DAY -- LATER
Clark shoves Lana's mattress into the back of the U-Haul and slams the gate closed. He
turns to watch Lana say good bye.
MRS. LANG
We'll miss you.
LANA
I know Mom.
CLARK
I'll do my best to make her happy.
MR. LANG
You're a good kid, Clark. Lana couldn't have picked a better one.
Clark and Mr. Lang shake hands, and Mr. Lang pulls him into a hug.
CLARK
We'd better get going. It's a long way from Smallville to Metropolis.
Clark holds open Lana's door and helps her into the cab. He walks around to the other
side and gets in himself. The truck starts up and roars away from the house.
CUT TO:
EXT. INTERSTATE -- DAY
The U-Haul drives down the Interstate, following traffic.
INT. U-HAUL CAB
Lana is looking out the window, watching the scenery as it gradually changes from small
town Kansas to the bigger towns.
CLARK
Are you excited?
LANA
And a little nervous.
CLARK
Me too.
Lana looks over at him.
LANA
You? Superman, nervous?
Clark smiles.
CLARK
I may be a super man, but I'm still a man.
LANA
And what a man.
Laughter.
CLARK
I wish I could just pick this thing up and fly us there. It'd be so much faster.
LANA
Yeah, but now we get to see if we can stand each other by riding in the same
car for a few days.
(beat)
Are we going to stop at any hotels?
CLARK
I can go for as long as I need to. Why?
LANA
No reason. We are going to stop for gas and other necessities, right?
CLARK
Would I make you ride for all this time without stopping to let you go to the
bathroom? Even Superman has to make a pit stop once in a while.
Lana smiles.
LANA
Metropolis. What do you think it'll be like?
CLARK
Well, from what I managed to see, it's going to be big, and bustling. It'll
take some getting used to. Of course, there's that Lois Lane to worry about...
LANA
Who?
CLARK
That reporter that was talking to me. Lois Lane. Said she was the senior
reporter for the Metropolis School for the Gifted. That's all I know.
LANA
Don't go getting any ideas.
CLARK
(laughs)
Don't worry. You're the only one for me.
INT. APARTMENT
The door opens to the darkened apartment and Clark and Lana step into their new home.
Clark is carrying a box.
LANA
Oh, this is beautiful.
CLARK
And not too bad on the rent either.
Lana looks around. Clark sets the box down on the kitchen counter.
LANA
It feels like home.
Clark wraps his arm around Lana's waist, and they just stand in the middle of the living
room.
CLARK
I'll go ahead and bring up a few of the necessities. Mind if I stack our
mattresses for a bed?
LANA
Not at all.
CLARK
The phone's and phone book are in the box. Go ahead and order something for
dinner.
LANA
Pizza okay?
CLARK
Fine with me.
He kisses her and walks out of the apartment. Lana goes to the box and digs through it.
The first thing she pulls out is a photo of her and Clark from their prom. She smiles at
it.
CUT TO:
INT. APARTMENT -- LATER
Clark and Lana sit on the floor, the pizza on the floor with them. A TV is sitting on
the floor, plugged into the wall socket. Otherwise there's not much there yet.
CLARK
The pizza guy almost fainted when he saw me carrying those three mattresses at
once.
Lana laughs.
LANA
So, how many kids do you want?
Clark chokes on his pizza.
CLARK
Kids?
LANA
Yeah. You know, babies. The pre-adult form of human beings?
CLARK
I never thought about it.
(grins)
I've always wanted a girl.
LANA
Why a girl?
CLARK
I don't know. Maybe to pass on the mother's good looks. I've always thought it
was easier to spoil a little girl.
LANA
Yeah, but you can't rough house with a girl like you can a boy.
CLARK
Unless the girl turns out to be Superwoman.
Lana goes pale.
LANA
Can you imagine raising a super baby?
CLARK
I didn't begin to develop my powers until I was ten. First thing I did was
catch a truck falling off of a jack. Almost gave Pa a heart attack.
They laugh. Clark gets serious.
CLARK
It might not be possible.
LANA
What do you mean?
CLARK
Kryptonian and Earthling biology might be so different that it could kill you.
There's really no way for me to find out without trial and error.
Lana scoots closer to Clark.
LANA
There's only one way to find out.
She kisses him, deeply. Clark pushes into it and they both lay back on the floor.
CUT TO:
EXT. DAILY PLANET -- DAY
Clark lowers a newspaper want ad that says "DAILY PLANET: HELP WANTED" with a picture of
the building on it to reveal the actual Daily Planet building.
CLARK
Black and white just doesn't do it justice.
He walks into the door.
INT. DAILY PLANET -- LOBBY
Clark walks into the expansive Daily Planet lobby. He walks up to the reception desk.
CLARK
Hi, I'm here for the job.
RECEPTIONIST
Fourth floor, Human Resources.
CLARK
Thank you.
INT. DAILY PLANET -- HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Clark is sitting in a chair, flipping through a magazine. The human resource lady behind
the desk calls for him.
LADY
Clark Kent?
Clark stands.
CLARK
Yeah?
LADY
You're wanted in Perry White's office.
She hands him a visitor's badge.
LADY
Wear it up in the news room. He's the only one with an office.
CLARK
Thank you.
INT. DAILY PLANET -- NEWS ROOM
The elevator door dings and opens, depositing Clark into the news room, aka the Place
of Organized Chaos. The clicky clack of key board keys and the sounds of reporters on
the phone would deafen most men.
Clark looks around. A SECRETARY walks up to him.
SECRETARY
Lost?
CLARK
I'm looking for Perry White's office.
The secretary turns and points.
SECRETARY
Over there.
CLARK
Thank you.
He walks toward the office door, dodging rushing reporters. He knocks on the door.
PERRY
Come in!
Clark opens the door.
INT. PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE
Clark enters.
CLARK
Mr. White, I'm here for the job.
PERRY
Sit.
Clark does. Perry holds up the application and resume, looking it over.
PERRY
You've enrolled in Metropolis U.
CLARK
Yes sir.
PERRY
Major?
CLARK
Creative writing, computer programming, journalism, and theater.
PERRY
Four?
CLARK
Yes sir.
PERRY
Theater, eh? You an actor?
CLARK
Yeah, but I'd rather be a writer.
PERRY
Good answer.
He looks over the rest of it.
PERRY
I'm sorry to say you're not qualified for the news room.
Clark's face falls.
PERRY
But the mail room has a position open, if you don't mind starting at the
bottom.
Clark perks up.
CLARK
Oh no, I don't mind.
PERRY
You have a strong work ethic kid. You'll work you way up in no time. Why, you
may even take my job when I retire.
Perry writes something on a slip of paper and slides it to Clark.
PERRY
Report to his room tomorrow morning, eight am sharp.
CLARK
Yes sir.
The door bursts open and Lois walks into the room.
LOIS
Perry, I need to talk to you.
PERRY
Not right now Lois, I'm busy.
She looks over at Clark. Clark grins and waves. Lois turns back to Perry.
LOIS
It's about the assignments. I should be getting the city beat. All the good
stuff happens there.
PERRY
Lois, you're not ready for that yet.
LOIS
But..
PERRY
Look, we'll discuss it later.
Lois sighs angrily and storms out of the office, shutting the door behind her.
CLARK
She seems a bit..
(searches for the word)
Young.
Perry sighs.
PERRY
Lois Lane, daughter of Sam and Ellen Lane, long time fiancee of Lex Luthor the
Second.
CLARK
Sam Lane? Isn't he a military general?
PERRY
Yeah. Heads the military base just outside of town. Ellen's the CFO at
LexCorp, and good buddies with Lex Luthor the First, who just happens to own
fifty one percent stock in the Daily Planet. Lois works for us only because
Luthor said so. Without him, this paper wouldn't keep publishing.
He sighs again.
PERRY
Now she's going to go cry to Ellen about not getting the city beat and
tomorrow I'll get a call form either Ellen or Luthor subtly demanding me to
give her the beat.
Clark shakes his head.
CLARK
It's a sad sad world we live in.
PERRY
Damn right it is.
A beat. Then.
PERRY
Pleasure to meet you Clark. Hope to see more of you.
CLARK
You bet, Mr. White.
Clark stands and they shake hangs.
CUT TO:
EXT. ANTARCTICA -- NIGHT
A fairly large research dome, sitting in the middle of the white landscape.
INT. RESEARCH DOME
A group of researchers sit around a folding card table, playing poker. Behind them a
bank of monitors monitor for anything abnormal.
RESEARCHER 1
Raise you ten.
RESEARCHER 2
I'll see it. And call.
They lay down their cards. Researcher 1 has a straight flush.
RESEARCHER 1
Read 'em and weep.
The researches toss down their cards. A warning light begins flashing and a small beep
goes off.
RESEARCHER 4
What's that?
Researcher 3 rushes for the monitors.
RESEARCHER 3
Proximity alarm. Someone's approaching the dome!
RESEARCHER 1
What is it?
They crowd around as Researcher 3 sits down and types out some commands. A camera image
comes up of a black object walking through the blowing ice and snow.
RESEARCHER 2
Impossible!
The figure stops, looking at the camera. He hits the camera and it goes to static.
RESEARCHER 4
Which camera was that?
RESEARCHER 3
Camera One.
A hand busts through the side of the dome. The researchers turn as the cold air seeps in
through the hole. The hole rips bigger until the being is inside the dome. It's the
Eradicator.
The Eradicator throws over equipment and chairs as he approaches the researchers, who
cower back. He grabs Researcher 1 and violently breaks his neck. Researcher 2 gets the
same treatment.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEXCORP TOWERS -- DAY
The giant, L shaped, glass tower, sticking out of the Metropolis sky line.
INT. LEX LUTHOR THE FIRST'S OFFICE
The plush, expansive office.
Sitting in a chair, turned away from his desk, and staring out the windows is LEX LUTHOR
THE FIRST, from here on out known as LUTHOR.
Sitting in front of his desk is ELLEN LANE.
LUTHOR
So how goes the investigation into the space plane?
ELLEN
So far no one has found the sabotage, Mr. Luthor.
LUTHOR
Excellent. Now, what about the flying man. What do they call him now? Batman?
ELLEN
Superman.
LUTHOR
What about him?
ELLEN
Nothing. No one's ever seen or heard of Superman before. It's like he simply
disappeared.
LUTHOR
Will it effect our insurance claim?
ELLEN
Yes. We would have gotten substantially more if it had crashed.
LUTHOR
Damn.
He spins his chair away from the window.
LUTHOR
Ellen, I want you to find this Superman and tell him I want a conference.
ELLEN
Sir?
LUTHOR
He made a public name for himself saving one of our planes. I'll offer him a
job, publicly thank him.
ELLEN
And if he doesn't accept the job offer?
LUTHOR
Then I'll make his life a living hell.
CUT TO:
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
LEX LUTHOR THE SECOND, from here on out known simply as LEX, is sitting at the end of a
table. Sitting at his right is Lana.
LEX
Impressive resume, Miss Lang.
LANA
Thank you.
LEX
I'll cut to the chase, Miss Lang. We here at LexCorp have a rather unique
hiring process. We are very strict on those we interview. Maybe every four out
of ten. Then we give those four an interview and a try out. Essentially you
have the job for a day. Then the hiring committee meets with myself and my
father and we decide who did the better job. Since you are the last applicant,
your try out day will not be until this coming Friday. We will notify you on
whether or not you have received the job as my father's secretary by Sunday.
The phone on the table rings. Lex picks it up.
LEX
Yes?
He listens, not liking what he hears. He hangs up.
LEX
Now, if you'll excuse me, I just got some very startling news that I need to
relate to my father. Good day.
Lex stands and leaves.
LANA
That was fast.
EXT. DAILY PLANET -- ROOF -- DAY
Lois jogs across the rooftop of the Daily Planet, which has been converted into a
helipad. Sitting on the helipad is a helicopter with the LexCorp logo on the side.
Lois slips into the cockpit.
INT. HELICOPTER
Lois buckles in.
LOIS
Hey Gary.
The pilot is sweating, he looks terrible.
PILOT
Afternoon, Lois.
LOIS
You okay?
PILOT
Just a little warm. I think I have a cold.
LOIS
Well don't give it to me.
The pilot manipulates the controls.
PILOT
LexCorp, right?
LOIS
Yeah. Lex is going to meet me at the helipad.
The 'copter lifts off.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
The helicopter gains altitude.
INT. HELICOPTER
The pilot suddenly keels over at the stick. The helicopter goes into a nose dive.
EXT. DAILY PLANET -- DAY
Clark walks out of the Daily Planet. A high pitched scream hits his super sensitive ears
like a bullet. He looks up fast, spotting the helicopter.
He looks around.
CLARK
Why didn't I remember to ask Lana for my costume.
He ducks into an alleyway, tearing off his shirt and removing his glasses. He stuffs
them behind a dumpster and takes off into the air.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
The helicopter is pitching bad.
INT. HELICOPTER
Lois quickly undoes her harness and tries to move the pilot but he's all dead weight.
The helicopter shifts suddenly, pitching Lois from the helicopter.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
She falls, the helicopter spiraling downward.
EXT. BUS STOP -- DAY
Lana's standing at the bus stop, watching the helicopter and falling body of Lois Lane.
LANA
Come on, Clark.
Then...
BYSTANDER #1
Look, up in the sky!
BYSTANDER #2
It's a bird!
BYSTANDER #3
It's a plane!
LANA
No. It's Superman.
The streak in the sky snatches Lois out of the sky and rockets toward the helicopter.
EXT. SKY OVER METROPOLIS -- DAY
Clark grabs the landing strut of the helicopter, hefting it to a stop. Lois comes to her
senses.
LOIS
What the Hell?
CLARK
Don't worry Lois, I've got you.
Lois blinks.
LOIS
Superman?
CLARK
At your service.
EXT. BUS STOP -- DAY
Clark slowly lowers to the ground, lowering the helicopter with him. People begin to
crowd around.
CLARK
People, please! Give me room!
He reaches into the helicopter and pulls out the pilot. He lays him on the ground and
puts his ear to his chest.
LOIS
Is he okay?
CLARK
Faint heart beat.
Clark rips the pilot's shirt open.
CLARK
Call 911.
Lois whips out her cell phone as Clark begins to administer CPR.
LOIS
A pilot just had a heart attack. Superman is here. Where?
(looks around)
Siegel and Shuster.
LANA
Are they on their way.
LOIS
Yeah.
Clark continues to administer CPR. An ambulance speeds down the street, turning and
stopping next to Clark.
LANA
That was fast.
LOIS
The hospital's right around the corner.
The EMTs get out of the back. Clark pulls away, standing, letting them get to their
work. One of the EMTs turns from the pilot.
EMT
He'll be fine, thanks to you.
CLARK
My pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse me.
LOIS
Wait! I need a lift.
CLARK
I'm not a bus service.
LOIS
I know, but it's important. Please?
CLARK
Okay. But this is the only time.
He wraps an arm around Lois's waist and lifts off into the air. Lana watches, frowning.
CUT TO:
EXT. LEXCORP TOWERS -- ROOF -- DAY
Clark sets down on the roof of LexCorp Towers. He lets go of Lois.
CLARK
If that will be all?
LOIS
One last thing. I want to interview you.
CLARK
I don't give interviews.
LOIS
Please? It would make my editor see that I'm ready for the city beat.
Clark pauses. He remembers the scene. Finally...
CLARK
Fine.
LOIS
Great! My place, ten pm. Here's the address.
She hands Clark a card. It has Ellen's name on it.
CLARK
Okay. Ten pm.
And with that, he takes off, flying away.
CUT TO:
INT. LEX LUTHOR THE FIRST'S OFFICE
Luthor is sitting on the phone. Lex is sitting behind the desk.
LUTHOR
Yes. Yes. And what about the dome? Completely destroyed huh? Did any of the
tapes survive? They did? I want them shipped her ASAP.
He hangs up.
LUTHOR
Tragic.
LEX
How so? The deaths of the men?
LUTHOR
No. The fact that whatever did this could be long gone.
LEX
Sad.
LUTHOR
So, don't you have a date with Lois tonight?
LEX
She should be arriving soon.
A buzz on the intercom. Luthor hits the button.
LUTHOR
What?
VOICE ON THE INTERCOM
Lois Lane is here.
LUTHOR
Send her in.
Lex stands as the door opens and Lois walks in. He walks over to her, taking her hand
and kissing her.
LEX
Hello love.
LOIS
You'll never guess what happened.
LEX
What?
LOIS
I almost died!
Luthor shakes his head.
LUTHOR
And?
LOIS
Superman saved me. He even promised to give me an interview at ten tonight.
Lex, darling, I hope you don't mind if I cut our night short.
Lex and Luthor exchange glances.
LEX
Not at all, love. Are you ready to go? The reservations are in forty five
minutes.
LOIS
Just let me freshen up a bit first.
LEX
By all means.
Lois walks toward the wash room. She enters and shuts the door. Lex turns to Luthor.
LUTHOR
I want you to wait until he arrives and then give him my proposal.
LEX
Yes, father.
INT. APARTMENT
Clark enters through the front door, now wearing his glasses and shirt. The interior is
now partly furnished with the things brought from home.
Lana is sitting on the couch, watching the news.
NEWS ANCHOR
... the pilot is in stable condition thanks to the heroic efforts of the one
called Superman.
CLARK
Hey, I made the news.
LANA
Have fun flying Lois where she needed to go?
Clark sits on the sofa.
CLARK
Is that jealousy I hear?
Lana whirls on him.
LANA
How did you think I would feel? You, shirtless, looking as hot as I've ever
seen you, flying off with another woman?
CLARK
Would this be a bad time to tell you I promised her an interview?
LANA
What?!
Clark touches Lana's cheek.
CLARK
She means nothing to me. I'm only giving her the interview so she'll get off
my back. If I don't, every time Superman shows up in public, she'll be there.
Plus it's good to let the public know they can trust me.
Lana touches his hand.
LANA
I know. I don't know why I was so mad.
CLARK
We all have to get used to this Superman thing. Which reminds me, when do I get
my costume.
Lana smiles.
LANA
I was thinking the same thing.
She gets up and goes to the closet. She opens the door and rummages around before coming
back with the a box. Clark takes the box. Clark rips off the tape.
CLARK
Did you get the job?
LANA
I have a trial date on Friday. I'll know by Sunday. How about you?
CLARK
Mail room. But I think the editor, Mr. White, really likes me.
LANA
That's great.
Clark begins to open the box, and pulls out the costume. He looks it over.
CLARK
Holy cow!
LANA
You like it?
CLARK
I love it!
LANA
It's the same color as your bandannas.
CLARK
Thank you,
He kisses her.
LANA
I also made the pink and purple one with the flower trim, in case you ever
feel like standing out.
Clark laughs.
