_LOIS & CLARK_
_THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN_
"_The Source_"
_CAST_
CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN
LOIS LANE
PERRY WHITE
JIMMY OLSEN
MARTHA KENT
JONATHAN KENT
ERIC THORP
STUART HOFFERMAN
OLIVER
WICK
DANIEL HANSEN
SHELDON BENDER
SECRETARY
GOVERNOR WINSTON
OLDER MAN
VANESSA
WOMAN REPORTER
SECURITY GUARD (AT VIOLOGIC)
GUARD (AT DAILY PLANET)
POLICE OFFICER
PASSENGER
MAN (THORP'S THUG)
_LOCATIONS_
_INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_:
Daily Planet Daily-Planet
Newsroom
Lobby Viologic Electronics
Perry's office
Metropolis Fun Pier
Clark's Apartment Ferris Wheel
Overpass
Lois' Apartment
Street
Viologic Electronics
Stuart's Office
Thorp's office
Conference Room
Lobby
Corridor
Staircase Landing
Oliver's Apartment
Living Room
Bathroom
Taxi
Metropolis Subway
Subway Car
Platform
_TEASER_
FADE IN:
1 EXT. METROPOLIS HARBOR FUN PIER - (DAY #1) 1
A banner draped across the entrance of a small Oceanside
amusement park announces "Welcome Daily Planet & Their
Families." As staffers and kids enjoy the rides, CAMERA
PANS TO CLARK and LOIS waiting their turn atop a huge, _four_
_lane slide_. They wave down to...
2 JONATHAN AND MARTHA KENT 2
standing next to a nearby FERRIS WHEEL. As they wave
back...
3 RESUME LOIS AND CLARK 3
A bratty 12 year old, VANESSA, cuts in front of Lois.
LOIS
(annoyed)
Excuse me. No cuts.
VANESSA
Who are _you_?
LOIS
I'm Lois Lane. The reporter.
VANESSA
Big deal. My mom signs your
checks.
LOIS
(gritting teeth)
That's no reason to be rude.
VANESSA
Since when? Hey, you wanna race?
Loser buys cotton candy.
LOIS
Just cotton candy?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 2.
3 CONTINUED: 3
VANESSA
On what you make, that's probably
all you can afford.
Lois fumes.
CLARK
Lois, forget it. She's just a kid.
LOIS
(ignores Clark; to kid)
You're on.
Clark just shakes his head as Lois and Vanessa get on
their _burlap sacks_.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Ready? Go!
As they take off, the lighter Vanessa takes a quick lead. A
determined Lois leans forward to cut the wind resistance,
but it doesn't help. As they approach the 3/4 mark, Vanessa
turns back and shoots a superior smirk at Lois.
4 ON CLARK 4
He blows a quick SUPERBREATH at Lois' back.
5 ON LOIS AND VANESSA 5
A surprised Lois suddenly blows past the kid. She slides
into the hay at the bottom, the clear winner. As Clark
comes sliding down behind them, Lois gets up and walks over
to the disappointed Vanessa.
LOIS
My favorite flavor is pink.
SCREAMS from the Ferris Wheel interrupt the moment.
6 EXT. FERRIS WHEEL - DAY - CONTINUOUS 6
A SCREAMING crowd watches the Ferris Wheel, filled with
riders, as it SPINS out of control. Lois and Clark rush up
to Jonathan and Martha as the wide-eyed OPERATOR comes
through the crowd eyeing the ride.
LOIS
Why don't you stop it?!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 3.
6 CONTINUED: 6
OPERATOR
It ain't me! It's run by a
computer!
Jonathan and Martha shoot a look to Clark who reaches for
his glasses and ducks out of frame. As the wheel spins out
of control...
VOICE IN CROWD
Look! Superman!
With a WHOOSH, Superman zooms down and lands at the base of
the Ferris Wheel. He grabs the outer rim with both hands
and tightens his grip. The friction creates a STREAM OF
SMOKE as the ride brakes to a halt.
7 ANGLE ON CROWD 7
As they break into APPLAUSE, Lois makes her way back to
Jonathan and Martha.
LOIS
Where's Clark?
MARTHA
He uh... said something about
phoning in the story...
As Lois does a slow burn...
8 ANGLE ON A NEARBY OVERPASS 8
Inside a limo, ERIC THORP, barely 30, smartly dressed,
watches the Ferris Wheel scene placidly. Next to him is his
assistant, WICK, a man who'd make G. Gordon Liddy nervous.
THORP
(pleased)
Well, except for Superman crashing
the party, the test went off just
as we planned.
WICK
Yeah, but how do we know he won't
interfere with our next 'accident?'
THORP
Because next time he won't be able
to hear the screams..
FADE OUT.
_END OF TEASER_
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 4.
_ACT ONE_
FADE IN:
9 EXT. DAILY PLANET - (DAY #2) 9
STUART HOFFERMAN, a short, bookish, nervous little man,
(think Woody Allen, but not as tough) approaches the
entrance. He slips inside, unaware he's being followed by
Wick, who stops across the street, a grim look on his face.
CUT TO:
10 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 10
The office crackles with activity. Reporters pound out
stories, editors rush to make deadlines. Stuart exits the
elevators, eyes the room tentatively. JIMMY, crossing the
news room, spots him and approaches.
JIMMY
Looking for someone?
STUART
Yes... um... Lois Lane?
JIMMY
(indicates her desk)
She's around somewhere. Go ahead
and wait at her desk.
Stuart moves off. Jimmy enters the elevator, the doors
closing as Clark leads his parents in through a side
entrance and down into the bullpen thru...
CLARK
So... what do you think of the new
offices?
MARTHA
They're beautiful... aren't they
Jonathan?
JONATHAN
(distant)
Huh... yeah... it's nice... real
nice.
Clark and Martha share a look of concern, then...
CLARK
You know Dad, we have a reporter
here who covers trends in
agriculture. Would you like to
meet him?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 5.
10 CONTINUED: 10
Jonathan shrugs. Clark spots Lois entering from,the
opposite direction, unaware Stuart's at her desk.
CLARK (CONT'D)
Lois, where's Roy?
LOIS
I think he's in Idaho covering the
spud festival. Why?
CLARK
(deflated)
I thought dad might like talking to
him about farm issues.
JONATHAN
It's okay, Clark. You don't have
to entertain me all the time.
LOIS
You want to meet someone who knows
a lot about manure, stick around.
Daniel Hansen's here.
MARTHA
Who's that?
LOIS
A state Senator who's running for
Governor. He's in Perry's office
right now, trying to sucker the
Planet's endorsement.
PERRY (O.S.)
Lois! Clark!
They turn to see PERRY leading DANIEL HANSEN and TWO AIDES
out of his office. Hansen's striking, telegenic,
controlled.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Glad you're here. Mr. Hansen was
just saying how much he wanted to
meet you.
HANSEN
(to Lois and Clark)
I'm a big fan. I've always enjoyed
your investigative articles.
Lois politely shakes his hand behind a pasted on smile.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 6.
10 CONTINUED: 2 10
LOIS
Well, thank you. I'm sure if
you're elected we'll have plenty to
write about.
Hansen flashes Lois a cool professional smile, then turns to
Jonathan and Martha. As he heartily shakes their hands...
HANSEN
Hi, Daniel Hansen, candidate for
Governor. Where you folks from?
JONATHAN
Smallville.
HANSEN
Great community, just great. And
if I'm elected, I'll work hard to
bring good jobs and quality
education to your town.
As he walks off, glad-handing other employees...
MARTHA
You might like to start with
geography! We live in a different
State!
But Hansen's out of earshot. As he makes his way to the
elevator...
JONATHAN
We should go, Martha. I'm sure
Clark has things to do.
PERRY
You can't leave yet. No VIP tour
of the Planet's complete without a
tour of the Managing Editor's
office.
He leads the Kent's towards his office thru...
PERRY (CONT'D)
You know, I haven't always been a
desk jockey. There isn't a corner
of the world I haven't seen. I
remember this one time...
As the threesome disappear into Perry's office...
LOIS
Is your dad all right? He seems
kind of down.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 7.
10 CONTINUED: 3 10
CLARK
His best friend died of a heart
attack last month. He's been in a
funk ever since.
LOIS
I'm sorry.
CLARK
I'm trying to keep him busy, but
I'm running out of ideas.
LOIS
I have a friend who works at the
Transit Authority. Maybe she can
get them tickets for the inaugural
ride on the new subway.
CLARK
Anything would help.
(glances at Perry's
office)
Oh, no...
11 HIS POV 11
Perry's holding a bronzed rattlesnake head. He pantomimes
an attack on his leg. The Kents politely watch.
12 RESUME LOIS AND CLARK 12
CLARK
He's telling them the Cuban snake
story.
LOIS
You better get in there before he
shows them where it finally bit
him.
As Clark heads towards Perry's office we FOLLOW LOIS as she
moves to her desk and discovers Stuart waiting for her.
STUART
Miss Lane? My name is Stuart
Hofferman. May I speak to you for
a moment?
LOIS
Sure.
She sits across from Stuart, who fidgets. He indicates a
box of tissues on her desk.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 8.
12 CONTINUED: 12
STUART
May I?
He takes a tissue. As he cleans his glasses...
STUART (CONT'D)
I have to admit I'm a little
nervous. I've never done this
before.
LOIS
Really? You clean those glasses
like a pro.
STUART
I meant talking to a reporter.
(then, realizing)
Oh, I see. A little humor to take
the edge off. That's very funny.
LOIS
Mr. Hofferman, what can I do for
you?
Stuart takes a beat as he carefully folds the tissue,
then...
STUART
What would you say if I told you
the accident at the Ferris Wheel
yesterday wasn't an accident?
LOIS
(intrigued)
I'd say... go on.
STUART
Before I do, I need your word that
if you write a story about this,
you'll protect me.
LOIS
The Planet always shields its
sources.
Stuart hesitates, fiddling with the tiqhtly folded tissue.
Lois grabs her wastebasket and offers it to him.
STUART
I don't like to dispose of them
until they're absolutely shredded.
You know... save the rain forest.
He pockets the tissue, takes a deep breath, then...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 9.
12 CONTINUED: 2 12
STUART (CONT'D)
Ms. Lane, I'm head of research for
Viologic electronics. We made the
switches for the Ferris Wheel's
computer. Those switches were
defective. That's why the ride
went out of control.
LOIS
(jotting notes)
Go on.
STUART
What frightens me is I knew they
were defective before they were
shipped. I sent a report about
then to Mr. Thorp, but it was
ignored.
LOIS
Wait a minute. Are you saying
Viologic deliberately endangered
people's lives?
STUART
I... guess.
LOIS
That doesn't make any sense.
Wouldn't they know the defective
switches would be traced back to
them?
STUART
I would think so.
LOIS
I don't get it. Viologic's
considered one of the best managed
company's in its field. There's
got to be more to this.
Suddenly, Perry's door opens and Clark leads his folks past
Lois' desk, Perry following. Lois abruptly stops her
interview.
PERRY
Why don't you take the rest of the
day off and spend it with your
folks. Nothing's happening we
can't handle.
CLARK
Is that all right with you, Lois?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 10.
12 CONTINUED: 3 12
Lois hesitates, looks at Stuart, back to Clark. Then...
LOIS
Um... sure. It's a slow news day.
PERRY
(to Kents)
Hey, you know what would be fun?
The Metropolis Archives...
As he escorts them away, Lois turns back to Stuart...
LOIS
Maybe we should talk somewhere more
private.
DISSOLVE TO:
13 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - EVENING (NIGHT #2) 13
Jonathan and Clark are at a table near the window playing
checkers. Martha's making sandwiches. Jonathan makes a
move. Clark counters, making a triple jump. Clark smiles.
CLARK
I guess you didn't see that coming.
JONATHAN
(downbeat)
I've learned you don't see a lot of
things coming in life. Like Henry.
We were supposed to go fishing this
week... suddenly he's dead and I'm
sitting here playing checkers with
you instead.
Clark and Martha exchange a worried look. As Jonathan
contemplates his next move, Clark glances out the window.
He notices a truck tossing a stack of the evening edition of
the Planet onto the sidewalk.
With his TELESCOPIC VISION Clark focuses on the banner
headline. "SCANDAL AT VIOLOGIC." He then magnifies the
byline. "Exclusive by Lois Lane." Clark's expression can't
hide his annoyance.
CLARK
I've got to go, Dad. Something's
up at the Planet.
MARTHA
Clark, I just made sandwiches.
Clark grabs a sandwich and devours it at SUPER SPEED.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 11.
13 CONTINUED: 13
CLARK
It was great. See you later.
As he dashes out the door...
MARTHA
I hate it when he inhales his food.
CUT TO:
14 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 14
The bullpen is humming with staffers. Clark strides off the
elevators with a copy of the Planet and heads directly for
Lois' desk.
LOIS
(feigning innocence)
Clark, what are you doing here?
CLARK
This is what I'm doing here.
He holds up the paper with Lois' banner headline.
LOIS
(still the innocent)
I know. It's shocking. This could
bring the country's largest
electronics company to its knees.
CLARK
(frustration building)
I thought it was a slow news day.
LOIS
Well, I, uh... I... didn't want to
bother you while your parents are
visiting.
CLARK
Try again.
LOIS
Okay, fine. The truth is... my
source made me swear I'd protect
his anonymity.
CLARK
I don't think so.
LOIS
Really? And just what do you
think?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 12.
14 CONTINUED: 14
CLARK
I think you smelled a Pulitzer and
you didn't want to share it.
LOIS
Oh, but it was okay for you to run
off and phone in the Ferris Wheel
story without me?
CLARK
What?
LOIS
Don't play innocent. Your mother
told me that's where you went.
Before Clark can come up with a response....
PERRY (O.S.)
All right boys and girls, gather
around!
Perry approaches the bullpen and addresses half a dozen
staffers, including Lois, Clark and Jimmy.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Viologic just called a press
conference. Now... as I expected,
our story has really ruffled Eric
Thorp's feathers. I guess he wants
his rebuttal on the eleven o'clock
news.
JIMMY
Who's Eric Thorp?
CLARK
A multi-millionaire who just took
over Viologic.
PERRY
(to Jimmy)
He's a real whiz kid. In fact, he
was a millionaire by the time he
was your age.
JIMMY
(defensive)
Yeah, well... I had the mumps in
sixth grade. It kind of slowed me
down.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 13.
14 CONTINUED: 2 14
PERRY
Lois, I want you and Clark at that
press conference. Take Jimmy with
you. Diane, you and Jerry work up
a background piece on Thorp.
As the staff disperses, Perry pulls Lois aside.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Lois. Things around Viologic are
going to get pretty tense. This
source of yours better be rock
solid.
LOIS
I'd stake my reputation on it.
Off Perry's nod...
CUT TO:
15 EXT. VIOLOGIC ELECTRONICS - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING 15
16 INT. STUART'S OFFICE - NIGHT 16
A typical Head of Research office. Eric Thorp's at a desk,
the nameplate reads "Stuart Hofferman". Thorp reads off a
computer. Wick's on a sofa across the way.
THORP
(re: computer)
Interesting report Hofferman's got
on his computer here.
(turns it off)
Too bad I never saw it.
WICK
I'm sorry. I didn't think it was
that important.
THORP
Wick, where are your brains? Our
whole cover is supposed to be that
Logar Electronics sabotaged our
equipment. This little
techno-nerd's report could blow us
right out of the water.
The door opens and Stuart and his assistant OLIVER enter,
engrossed in the Daily Planet. They spot Thorp.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 14.
16 CONTINUED: 16
STUART
(surprised)
Mr. Thorp. What are you doing
here?
THORP
Get out, Oliver.
OLIVER
Yes sir. I'll.... check those
reports... on that thing we.
tested...
He exits hurriedly, the door closing behind him. Thorp
rises and gestures to Stuart's desk chair.
THORP
Sit down, Stuart.
As Stuart passes Thorp on his way to the chair, Thorp takes
the newspaper from his hand
THORP (CONT'D)
(re: paper)
Did they leave anything out?
STUART
I don't understand...
Stuart nervously sits as Thorp roams the office, idly
picking up an autographed baseball resting an a shelf. He
tosses it lightly through...
THORP
You know Stuart, I like to think of
my employees as family. So when
someone betrays the family trust,
it hurts me. We shouldn't air our
problems in public. We should work
it out between ourselves.
STUART
Mr. Thorp, sir, I had nothing to do
with...
THORP
DON'T LIE TO ME!!
Thorp suddenly hurls the baseball at Stuart's head. It just
misses and CRASHES into his computer, SHATTERING it.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 15.
16 CONTINUED: 2 16
THORP (CONT'D)
(regaining composure)
You know, maybe it's my fault. You
spotted a problem and sent it to
management. If we had done our job
we could have come to you and told
you we shipped those switches by
mistake. You do believe it was a
mistake, don't you?
Stuart nods.
THORP (CONT'D)
You know, I've been working on
getting Viologic positioned to win
some big defense contracts. But
that could all go away with a
liability suit. So I've called a
press conference. We're going to
deny the Planet's story. And
you're going to back me up. Is
that clear?
STUART
Yes sir.
THORP
Good. And just so you know that I
appreciate your concerns, I've
ordered all the defective switches
shipped to a dump.
(beat)
Now. We're all one big happy
family again, right?
Off Stuart's less than enthusiastic smile...
CUT TO:
17 INT. VIOLOGIC CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT 17
Lois, Clark and Jimmy wait near a podium along with various
REPORTERS. A side door opens and Thorp and Stuart approach
the podium, flanked by a Viologic attorney, SHELDON BENDER.
JIMMY
So that's the boy wonder.
(focusing his camera)
C'mon pal, make me happy. Have
something stuck between your teeth.
Lois eyes Stuart, but he ignores her.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 16.
17 CONTINUED: 17
BENDER
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Sheldon
Bender, counsel for Viologic.
We're here to respond to the
scurrilous and entirely false
accusations made by a local
newspaper regarding the quality and
workmanship of our products.
LOIS
Excuse me! Lois Lane, Daily
Planet.
THORP
(smiles)
We know who you are, Miss Lane.
LOIS
Mr. Thorp, your denial begs the
question... If your switches
weren't defective, what caused them
to fail at the amusement park?
THORP
Sabotage.
CLARK
Sabotage? By who?
BENDER
That's still under investigation.
But we've received a tip from a
source that implicates one of our
competitors.
LOIS
Could we speak with this 'alleged'
source?
THORP
(charming)
I'll make you a deal, Miss Lane.
You show me your source, I'll show
you mine.
The other reporters laugh. Lois bristles.
LOIS
There's an allegation that a report
was sent to you warning about the
defects in your switches. How do
you respond?
Thorp looks at Stuart, gestures him to approach the mic.
Flashbulbs pop as Stuart nervously approaches the podium.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 17.
17 CONTINUED: 2 17
He removes his glasses and wipes them with a tissue thru...
STUART
Uh... In my position, I am
responsible for all reports
regarding quality. And uh... I
would know if such a report
existed. And it does not.
As reporters murmur and make hurried notes, Stuart replaces
his glasses, makes eye contact with Lois, then DELIBERATELY
DROPS THE TISSUE into a wastebasket at the base of the
podium. As an intrigued look crosses her face...
BENDER
That's all we're going to say at
this time. A formal statement will
be handed to you on your way out.
As reporters SHOUT questions at the departing men, Lois
drifts to the wastebasket and fishes out the tissue.
18 INSERT - TISSUE 18
The words "MEET AT PIER" are scrawled on the tissue.
19 RESUME SCENE 19
She palms the tissue then slips out. Across the room, Clark
finishes making a note on his pad. Jimmy steps up to him,
grinning.
JIMMY
I got a great shot of Thorp looking
like he just smelled something
really bad.
Clark raises an eyebrow, then...
CLARK
(concerned)
Did you see where Lois went?
JIMMY
No. Look, I wanna get back and
develop this. I'll see you at the
Planet.
As Clark scans the room, troubled...
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 18.
20 EXT. METROPOLIS HARBOR FUN PIER - NIGHT 20
Closed. The silhouettes of the rides cast eerie shadows in
the moonlight. Lois walks cautiously among the shadows,
peering into the darkness. Suddenly, a hand grabs her
shoulder. She GASPS as she's spun around to face a man in a
dark trench coat and fedora.
STUART
You betrayed me.
LOIS
(recovering)
Stuart.
STUART
By the time I got back to my
office, Eric Thorp knew I was the
leak.
LOIS
What? Not from _my_ article. I
wrote it as vague as possible.
STUART
I'm sorry I ever came to you. And
as of now, you've never heard of
me!
He turns to leave. She starts after him.
LOIS
Stuart, you can't renege on your
agreement! I promised my boss you
were a rock solid source. My
reputation's at stake here!
STUART
My _life_ is at stake here!
The imposing figure of a large MAN suddenly steps put in
front of them. They stop short, frightened.
MAN
Maybe I can help settle this little
disagreement.
Lois looks over her shoulder for an escape route. Another
IMPOSING MAN appears behind them. Off Lois and Stuart's
expressions...
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 19.
21 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 21
Clark and Jimmy stride into the bullpen. Clark eyes Lois'
empty desk, surprised she's not there. He spots Perry.
CLARK
Chief, have you seen Lois?
PERRY
No. Wasn't she with you?
Clark checks his watch.
CLARK
She should have been back by now.
(heading for elevators)
I'm going to look for her.
CUT TO:
22 EXT. PIER NIGHT 22
At the end of the pier, a terrified Stuart and Lois each
stand in an EMPTY 55 GALLON DRUM.
MAN
Got down.
LOIS
(to Stuart)
Don't do it!
The man moves to Stuart and forces him down. As his
associate SLAMS THE LID ON, Lois knocks her drum over and
tries crawling out, but the two men grab her and shove her
back inside. She starts SCREAMING, but the thug puts his
hand over her mouth. She bites it.
MAN
OW!
As the men force her into the drum...
MAN (CONT'D)
I hate reporters.
They slam the lid on. Lois BANGS on the inside but to no
avail as they push the drums onto their sides and roll them
to the edge of the pier.
They eye the murky black waters below, then give one last
push. The drums hit the water with a SPLASH, linger on the
surface a moment, then disappear into the inky darkness.
FADE OUT.
_END OF ACT ONE_
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 20.
_ACT TWO_
FADE IN:
23 INT. 55 GALLON DRUM - CONTINUOUS 23
Lois pounds on the lid as water, leaking in from rusted
seals, rises above her waist.
LOIS
(desperate)
Superman!
24 EXT. NIGHT SKY - (STOCK) 24
Superman soars above the city, looking for Lois. His SUPER
HEARING picks up Lois' CRY FOR HELP.
INTERCUT:
25 IN LOIS' DRUM 25
The water is up to her chin.
26 IN THE SKY 26
Superman streaks out of the night toward the pier.
27 ON THE PIER 27
The two thugs jump into an unmarked Van. At the wheel is
Thorp's "associate," Wick. He burns rubber and the van
disappears into the night. The men don't see...
28 SUPERMAN 28
piercing the surface of the ocean behind them.
29 IN LOIS' DRUM 29
With the water up to her nose, the drum is suddenly pulled
upward and a glimmer of hope crosses her face.
30 EXT. PIER - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 30
Superman flies out of the water holding both drums and lands
on the pier, lying the drums on their sides. He quickly
wrenches the tops off and a drenched Lois and Stuart stumble
out GASPING FOR AIR.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 21.
30 CONTINUED: 30
SUPERMAN
Are you all right?
(off her nod)
Who did this?
LOIS
Stuart, did you recognize those
men?
Stuart, still recovering on his knees, shakes his head.
LOIS (CONT'D)
They must be connected to Viologic.
SUPERMAN
Lois, I read your story. I think
the best thing now is to take this
man to the police and put him in
protective custody.
Off Lois' dismayed reaction...
DISSOLVE TO:
31 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 31
Jonathan, still downcast, eats dinner in silence with Clark
and Martha. After a long sigh by Jonathan..
CLARK
(upbeat)
Oh, I forgot to tell you. I got
tickets for you for the inaugural
ride of the new subway. It's fully
automated.
MARTHA
Now that should be fun.
Jonathan just shrugs. Then a KNOCK on the door interrupts.
Clark goes to answer. He opens it to reveal Lois and
Stuart, looking like drowned rats. Stuart SNEEZES.
CLARK
(surprised)
Lois, what are you doing here?
Martha and Jonathan approach as Lois and Stuart enter.
LOIS
They're on to Stuart. Someone
tried to drown us.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 22.
31 CONTINUED 31
MARTHA
Oh my God... come in, we've got to
get you out of those wet clothes.
STUART
If it wasn't for Superman...
(SNEEZES, then)
May I have a tissue?
Jonathan goes for tissues as Martha helps Stuart off with
his wet jacket.
LOIS
I want you to keep Stuart here.
CLARK
What?! Lois, he should be in
protective custody!
LOIS
(annoyed)
That's the last place he should be.
Right now, whoever tried to kill
him thinks he's dead. Once the
police have him, every two bit hack
will know about it and there goes
our exclusive.
Jonathan returns with tissues, towels and clothes thru...
CLARK
Lois, I can't play baby sitter.
Besides, my folks are in town
and...
MARTHA
Clark, we can take care of him.
CLARK
Mom, this isn't a good...
JONATHAN
Lois is right. The man needs a
place to hide.
MARTHA
And as long as they think he's
dead, he's not in any danger.
(to Lois)
He can stay here as long as you
need. It's no trouble at all.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 23.
31 CONTINUED: 2 31
LOIS
(triumphant smile at
Clark)
Thank you, Mrs. Kent.
As Clark sighs, Jonathan hands Lois a bath towel and Stuart
some dry clothes thru...
JONATHAN
(to Stuart)
You can put these on. Bathroom's
through that door.
MARTHA
Can I fix you something to eat?
STUART
Well, a cheese omelet would be
nice. Gouda, if you have it.
(to Lois)
Would it be all right if I called
Oliver and had him pick up some of
my personal items?
LOIS
Of course not. You can't trust
anyone, Stuart.
STUART
Oliver's my best friend. I'd trust
him with my life.
(and then)
I really need my razor and
toothbrush.
LOIS
We'll _buy_ you a razor and
toothbrush, okay?
STUART
(considers, then)
I use an electric razor... with the
floating heads? And I prefer a
toothbrush with the little rubber
pick on the end, if you can find
it
As Stuart and the Kents EXIT FRAME...
CLARK
Oh yeah, he'll be no trouble at
all.
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 24.
32 EXT. VIOLOGIC ELECTRONICS DAY - TO RE-ESTABLISH (DAY #3) 32
33 INT. VIOLOGIC LOBBY - DAY 33
Lois enters in a business suit, hair pulled up, wearing
sunglasses and carrying a briefcase lettered "METRO COPIER
REPAIR." A photo ID card's pinned to her lapel. A SECURITY
GUARD sipping coffee behind a bank of monitors eyes her.
LOIS
Copier repair.
The Guard nods. As she passes, Clark dashes into the lobby,
carrying an unmarked briefcase.
CLARK
(to Guard)
I'm with her.
A surprised Lois turns as Clark approaches.
CLARK (CONT'D)
(eyeing her ID card)
You forgot some replacement
parts... Miss Jefferson.
Off Lois' annoyed expression.
34 INT. VIOLOGIC OFFICE CORRIDOR - DAY - MOVING - CONTINUOUS 34
Lois and Clark round a corner thru...
LOIS
What are you doing here?!
CLARK
Perry thought it might be smart for
you to have a little help. You
_were_ almost killed last night.
LOIS
But I got out of it! I don't need
any help!
An EMPLOYEE steps from a man's room, abruptly stopping their
talk. As soon as they're out of earshot...
CLARK
Stop being so stubborn. I thought
we were partners.
LOIS
We are! I'm going to handle the
investigation...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 25.
34 CONTINUED: 34
CLARK
And _I'm_ supposed to baby sit?
LOIS
What? Only women are supposed to
baby sit?
CLARK
(exasperated)
Lois...
They near a SECRETARY kneeling near a mid-sized copy
machine. Frustrated, she slams the lid down, then spots
Lois and Clark.
SECRETARY
That was fast. I just called.
LOIS
I beg your pardon?
SECRETARY
(gesturing to copier)
I've tried everything. It just
sits there and blinks.
LOIS
Um... we were on our way to an
emergency call. We'll come back.
SECRETARY
The copies I need are for my boss.
Believe me, nothing's more
important than that.
Lois and Clark exchange a look. What can they do? Lois
lifts the lid and gazes at the complicated workings.
LOIS
Hmm...
As she fiddles with a switch, Clark peers over his glasses
and uses his X-RAY VISION to probe deep inside the copier.
35 CLARK'S X-RAY POV 35
A frayed wire dangles from a circuit board.
36 RESUME CLARK 36
He opens the panel, then using his HEAT VISION, SOLDERS the
wire back together as Lois finishes her "expert inspection."
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 26.
36 CONTINUED: 36
LOIS
Well, it's obvious this machine
needs a new Thermo... Master...
connector.
(off the woman's doubtful
look)
That's the thing that connects the
Thermo to the Master. We'll order
it today, be back tomorrow.
SECRETARY
(suspicious)
Maybe you'd better explain the
problem to my boss. I don't want
to lose anything in the
translation.
LOIS
What's to lose? It's broken and
we'll fix it tomorrow.
CLARK
Uh, actually, I think all it needs
is a good kick.
LOIS
A kick? It needs a kick?!
(to secretary)
He's joking. He's a trainee. They
do that.
CLARK
It can't hurt to try, 'Miss
Jefferson.'
Lois shoots him a look, then kicks the machine. Nothing.
LOIS
Maybe I'm kicking the wrong thing.
Clark pushes the start button and the copier springs to
life. The delighted secretary feeds in a copy as Lois
stares amazed, then looks to Clark, who shrugs.
CUT TO:
37 INT. STUART'S OFFICE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 37
The door opens and Lois and Clark slip into the darkened
room, closing the door behind them.
LOIS
Stuart said there's a copy of his
report in a file cabinet.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 27.
37 CONTINUED: 37
They approach two file cabinets near the desk.
CLARK
Did he say which one?
Lois shakes her head. She takes one cabinet, Clark the
other. As Lois starts to inspect the contents of hers,
Clark's SUPER HEARING picks up a murmur. Using his X-RAY
VISION, he peers through the wall into an adjoining room.
38 CLARK'S X-RAY POV 38
A worried Daniel Hansen sits in Thorp's up-scale office.
HANSEN
I hope this Lane woman's crusade
doesn't reveal our connection.
THORP
Relax. We've taken great care to
distance Vialogic's donations to
your campaign. Speaking of
which... how's the war chest?
HANSEN
We could always use more for TV.
THORP
Would a hundred thousand help?
HANSEN
Two would be a bigger help.
THORP
(smiling)
Don't drain me. We need to save
some for your Presidential
campaign.
HANSEN
I'm not sure I'll be Governor, much
less President.
Thorp puts a hand on Hansen's shoulder as he escorts him to
the door.
THORP
Daniel, stop worrying. Trust me.
This is just the beginning. And
four years from now you _will_ be
president.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 28.
38 CONTINUED: 38
HANSEN
And you'll be appropriately
surprised when I award Vialogic
those big fat defense contracts?
Thorp smiles as Lois, HAND comes into FRAME, blocking
Clark's view.
LOIS (O.S.)
Mothership to Clark...
39 RESUME CLARK AND LOIS 39
He snaps off his X-RAY VISION as Lois waves her hand in his
face. She looks at the bare wall he was staring at.
LOIS
Just imagine how fascinating that
wall would be if there was actually
something on it.
CLARK
Uh... sorry. I was lost in
thought.
LOIS
You mean space. Find anything?
He shakes his head. Suddenly Stuart's door opens, bathing
them in light from the hallway. They turn to find Oliver
staring at them.
OLIVER
What are you two doing in here?
(advancing)
Hey... you're those reporters from
the press conference.
LOIS
Now don't get excited, we're just
trying to help Stuart.
OLIVER
Help him?! You've ruined his
career! He's so upset he's
disappeared!
CLARK
Oliver, listen, you're his
friend.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 29.
39 CONTINUED: 39
OLIVER
That's right, I am! And you've
hurt him enough. Now get out!
Before I call security!
Off Lois and clark's defeated looks...
CUT TO:
40 INT. VIALOGIC LOBBY - DAY - LATER 40
As Clark and Lois exit past the security guard a man in a
chair lowers his sunglasses and eyes Lois. It's Wick.
CUT TO:
41 INT. THORP'S OFFICE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 41
Thorp, in shirtsleaves, strums an acoustic guitar behind his
desk. Wick enters.
THORP
Did you know you can play over
fifty songs with just three chords?
Wick just watches silently.
THORP (CONT'D)
Lighten up, Wick.
WICK
I just saw Lois Lane leaving the
building.
THORP
(unruffled)
Now how can that be, wick? You
told me you disposed of her. Don't
tell me you screwed up again.
Wick clenches his jaw. Remains silent.
THORP (CONT'D)
Well... if she's alive chances are
so is Stuart. Now, do you think
you could find the little snitch
and do the job right?
WICK
What about Lane?
Off Thorp's enigmatic look...
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 30.
42 DAILY PLANET - DAY - RE-ESTABLISHING (STOCK) 42
43 INT. DAILY PLANET LOBBY - DAY 43
The elevator doors open and Perry and Lois step off.
PERRY
Lois, you're not gonna get some
pinhead in Washington to order a
recall without more proof.
Sheldon Bender (Viologic's attorney), and an assistant march
into the lobby.
BENDER
Lois Lane?
LOIS
Yes?
BENDER
Sheldon Bender. Attorney for
Viologic. We've just filed a libel
suit against the Daily Planet and
you in the amount of twenty
million dollars.
(handing bar papers).
Consider yourself served.
LOIS
What?! Are you serious?! Haven't
you ever heard of the first
amendment?! You think the Planet's
going to roll over just because of
some bullying scare tactics!?
BENDER
Listen, you're lucky we're not
prosecuting you for illegal
trespass.
As Lois reacts, Bender and the assistant head for the exit.
LOIS
(calling after him)
Yeah!? Wait 'til you get our bill
for fixing your copy machine!
She turns to Perry, who takes the legal papers and eyes
them.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Do you believe this?! Let's
counter sue for harassment.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 31.
43 CONTINUED: 43
PERRY
Lois, listen to me. I've been down
this road before. And believe me,
it's a bumpy ride.
LOIS
What are you saying!? We're not
going to fight this?!
PERRY
We'll fight. But we're going to
need your source for ammunition.
LOIS
What about the shield laws
protecting a reporters source?
PERRY
They're great. In theory. But
there have been too many cases
where judges have thrown out the
shield law.
LOIS
Perry, I'm not going to reveal my
source!
PERRY
Lois, the bottom line is, lawyers
run this world and when push comes
to shove, they believe in cutting
their losses. We can't take a
chance. A twenty million dollar
hit would shut our doors.
(beat, then)
You've got to bring in your source.
Off Lois' dismay...
CUT TO:
44 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - (NIGHT #3) - ANGLE ON FRONT DOOR 44
As it swings open revealing Lois and Clark...
CLARK
Look Lois, what choice does Perry
have?
Lois GASPS at something O.S.
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 32.
45 THEIR POV 45
Martha and Jonathan slumped unconscious in their chairs at
the dinner table, take out food containers and plates laid
out in front of them. Clark and Lois rush to the Kents.
Clark lifts his dad up, Lois helps Martha. The Kents are
groggy but unhurt.
CLARK
Dad? Dad...
JONATHAN
Oh... my head...
LOIS
Mrs. Kent, are you okay?
She shakes her head to clear the cobwebs.
CLARK
Mom, what happened?
MARTHA
I don't know... Stuart ordered some
take out from a deli... they
delivered... we ate... next thing I
know... you're here.
LOIS
(glancing around)
Where _is_ Stuart? Stuart!
JONATHAN
He _was_ in the bedroom...
Lois runs to the bedroom door and flings it open. She
stops, stunned.
LOIS
Clark!!
Jonathan waves Clark off, who runs to Lois' side.
46 THEIR POV 46
Stuart's gone. A crimson pool of blood stains the sheets
that indicate Stuart was dragged off the bed.
47 RESUME SCENE 47
Clark and Lois stare horrified. HOLD ON THEM a beat, as
we...
FADE OUT.
_END OF ACT TWO_
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 33.
_ACT THREE_
FADE IN:
48 INT. DAILY PLANET (DAY #4) 48
The news room hums with activity. In stark contrast is
Lois, in a daze, sitting at her desk. On her desk is a copy
of the METROPOLIS STAR. The banner headline reads: "PLANET
INFORMER MURDERED. REPORTER LINKED." Clark approaches,
glances at the paper, then tosses it in the trash.
CLARK
I just spoke with the deli.
Somebody stopped the delivery boy
downstairs and paid him for the
food. He couldn't give much of a
description.
(Lois doesn't respond)
Lois? Are you all right?
LOIS
(distant)
I wrote an article that got a man
killed.
CLARK
You used every possible means to
protect his identity in that
article. No one could have done it
better.
LOIS
(not listening)
Because of my compulsive obsession
to always out do everybody, Stuart
Hofferman is dead.
Jimmy enters with a file folder and hands it to Clark.
JIMMY
Forensics just faxed this over.
The blood on the sheets is a
definite match with Stuart's.
There were also powder burns from a
small caliber weapon.
As Clark grimly scans the report...
JIMMY (CONT'D)
It would make my day if the trail
led right back to Eric Thorp.
Clark eyes Jimmy.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 34.
48 CONTINUED: 48
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Okay, I'm jealous. Guilty as
charged.
(he exits thru...)
Hopefully the boy wonder will be
too.
CLARK
Lois, you can't just sit here.
We've got to focus on finding that
delivery man. He's the key to
solving Stuart's murder.
That thought finally stirs her. She looks up at him.
LOIS
You're right, Clark. I owe him at
least that much.
An agitated Perry sticks his head out of his office.
PERRY
Lois. Can I see you a minute?
49 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY - CONTINUOUS 49
Lois enters. A tired looking Perry closes the door behind
her. Lois notices his tight look.
LOIS
What's wrong, Perry?
PERRY
(sighs, then)
I just went head to head with the
publisher and five of the paper's
lawyers. It felt like the Alamo
and I was on the wrong side.
(beat; he sighs)
Lois... I have to suspend you.
The news is so shocking Lois can hardly speak.
LOIS
What? Perry...
PERRY
I just spent the last two hours
fighting a six headed monster and
in the end... I lost. I'm sorry.
LOIS.
(dazed)
Why?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 35.
49 CONTINUED: 49
PERRY
They're scared. Viologic has deep
packets. We don't.
LOIS
But the Planet is my life. What am
I going to do? Can't you just move
me to a different bureau for
awhile?
PERRY
I tried. If it was just a case of
being unable to produce your source
I could have. But now that you're
linked to his death... well, legal
feels that the Planet has to
distance itself from you.
(and then)
I swear to you Lois, I'll do
everything in my power to get you
back here as soon as possible.
It's little consolation to Lois who can only stare
bewildered then exits in a daze.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Sometimes I hate this job.
CUT TO:
50 INT. PLANET LOBBY - DAY - LATER 50
Lois, visibly upset, comes through the lobby with Clark.
They walk to the entrance thru...
CLARK
Perry said it was only temporary
You'll be back before you know it..
LOIS
Doing what? Writing classifieds?
It's over, Clark. Stuart's dead
and so's my career.
A GUARD approaches, holding a walkie talkie.
GUARD
Miss Lane? I have to ask for your
Press I.D.
LOIS
Of course. The final indignity.
She removes her I.D. from her purse and hands it to him. As
they step through the entrance...
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 36.
51 EXT. PLANET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 51
They walk out to the sidewalk thru...
LOIS
You know... it's funny... I'm not
even sure where the Unemployment
Office is.
CLARK
(incredulous)
I don't believe you! Since when
does the best reporter on the
city's biggest newspaper fold up
her tent in the face of adversity?
Where's the woman who loves to roll
up her sleeves and jump into a good
fight?
LOIS
I appreciate what you're trying to
do, Clark, but...
A WOMAN REPORTER hurries out the front door.
WOMAN REPORTER
Clark! The Mayor just called a
press conference to announce the
new Chief of Police. Perry wants
us to get over there right away.
Taxi!!
A cab SCREECHES to a stop at the curb. As the reporter
jumps in...
CLARK
(to Lois)
I'll call you later.
She flashes a wan smile as Clark hurries into the waiting
cab. As it accelerates from the curb...
LOIS
I'm going to miss you... partner.
HOLD ON LOIS, left standing alone.
DISSOLVE TO:
52 INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - (NIGHT #4) 52
A tense, rumpled Lois, hair disheveled, paces her living
room as she finishes punching numbers on her phone.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 37.
52 CONTINUED: 52
LOIS
(into phone)
Hey, Joey, it's Lois Lane.
(beat)
Joey wait... c'mon, I've always
protected you before... I've been
on the phone all night... You're
the only one left who can... Joey?
The last straw. in a rage she HURLS THE PHONE to the floor,
then goes to her desk, grabs her huge ROLODEX and HEAVES IT
across the room. It SPLATTERS against the wall in a shower
of white cards. Her tantrum grows as she SWEEPS EVERYTHING
OFF HER DESK in one motion, then KICKS HER WASTEBASKET
across the room, sending papers flying everywhere. Her
anger vented, she finally collapses onto her sofa and begins
SOBBING. After a beat...
SUPERMAN (O.S.)
Maybe I should have called first.
53 ANOTHER ANGLE 53
reveals Superman standing near the window. Lois immediately
tries pulling herself together.
LOIS
Superman. I... what a... if I'd
known you were coming...
He eyes the remnants of her tantrum, curiously.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Oh... I was just doing a little...
spring cleaning.
SUPERMAN
(raises a dubious
eyebrow, then...)
I heard about your suspension.
She takes a deep breath, then lets out a long sigh.
SUPERMAN (CONT'D)
I just wanted to tell you, I think
you're the best reporter in
Metropolis.
LOIS
Oh Superman, that's nice of you to
say, but...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 38.
53 CONTINUED: 53
SUPERMAN
Lois, if anyone knows what it's
like to be on the outside, I do.
Sometimes it feels like I'm out
there fighting all alone. And
sometimes, I think about giving up.
But then I remember that what I
stand for is more important than
anything else.
She looks at him intently thru...
SUPERMAN (CONT'D)
Your work is very important to the
people of Metropolis. You're a
brilliant, passionate journalist
with a great head an her shoulders.
Adversity's never stopped you
before. Don't let it start now.
LOIS
That's funny. Clark said the same
thing.
SUPERMAN
I'm not surprised. Clark Is a
pretty smart guy.
(a beat)
Would you like some help cleaning
up?
LOIS
Uh... that's not necessary.
SUPERMAN
It's no problem.
Using SUPERSPEED, he puts the place back together,
including the broken lamp. He hands her the Rolodex.
LOIS
(awed)
Gee. You even alphabetized it.
A beat as they stare into each other's eyes, then...
SUPERMAN
Lois. Don't stop believing in
yourself. I haven't.
If she could float, this would be the time. He turns and
heads for the open window. A look back to her, then HE
LEAPS and is gone.
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 39.
54 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - DAWN - (DAY #5) 54
Clark's asleep an his fold out couch. Suddenly there's a
POUNDING at the front door. Clark stirs, flips on the
light, squints at the clock. Five A.M. The POUNDING stops,
replaced with the incessant RINGING of the doorbell. As
Clark goes to the door, Martha and Jonathan enter sleepily
from the bedroom.
55 ON FRONT DOOR 55
Clark opens it and literally has to jump out of the way or
be steam rolled by a hyped Lois.
LOIS.
I know, I know! You're asleep.
I'm sorry, I really am, but this
couldn't wait!
(pinches Clark's cheek)
I know you hate me right now but in
a minute you're gonna love me!
CLARK
(pulling free)
I doubt that.
LOIS
Clark, it was the most amazing
thing! It came to me like a bolt
out of the blue! Well, not really,
since it's dark out and I just
thought of this an hour ago...
(to Kents)
Hi.
They half wave.
CLARK
Lois, it's past the babbling hour.
Can you get to the point?
LOIS
Okay, okay... so I was sitting in
my apartment, right? Wallowing in
so much disgusting self-pity even
_I_ couldn't stand myself anymore.
Lois Lane does not wallow. So I
stopped acting like a victim and
started thinking like a reporter.
She beams, proud of herself.
MARTHA
(urging her along)
We're on the edge of our seats,
dear.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 40.
55 CONTINUED: 55
LOIS
(rapid fire)
Okay, now follow me. Someone comes
in and drugs your folks and Stuart
so they can kill him and not have
any witnesses, right?
Everyone nods, eager to help her get to the point.
LOIS (CONT'D)
(coup d'grace)
But! Why kill him here!? When you
could take him somewhere else and
kill him without leaving all the
obvious signs of murder?!
CLARK
(waiting for the other
shoe to drop)
Yeah...
As she nears the bathroom...
LOIS
So I called a friend at the police
lab. I still have _some_ pull left
in this town. She checked Stuart's
blood test for me.
(beat)
No sign of drugs. Stuart never ate
the food!
She quickly disappears into the bathroom. Then Kents shoot
a confused look at Clark, who's considering Lois' theory.
LOIS (O.S.)
I was right!
She reappears in the doorway. Clark's figured it out.
CLARK
His toothbrush is gone.
LOIS
Yes!
CLARK
And why would a dead man need a
toothbrush?
LOIS
Exactly! Stuart's not dead! He
faked it so everyone would leave
him alone!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 41.
55 CONTINUED: 2 55
As Martha and Jonathan react, relieved...
CLARK
Nice work, Lois.
(and then)
You think he's with Oliver?
LOIS
That's his best friend. I had my
source at the police department fax
me Oliver's driver's license.
(pulling out fax)
As far as she knows, the address is
current.
She hands Clark the fax of the license. Martha and Jonathan
peek over his shoulder and react.
JONATHAN
Clark, that's him! That's the
delivery boy!
Off Lois and Clark's reaction...
CUT TO:
56 INT. LANDING OUTSIDE LOIS APARTMENT - MORNING 56
A copy of the Planet lies near the door. Oliver steps out
in a bathrobe, bends to pick it up.
57 HIS POV 57
A banner headline reads "OLIVER BARTLETT JAILED FOR
HARBORING FUGITIVE."
58 RESUME OLIVER 58
He stares stunned at the headline. Suddenly a HAND REACHES
INTO FRAME and grabs his ear, pulling him up.
OLIVER
Ow!
59 ANOTHER ANGLE REVEALS 59
Lois with a firm grip on Oliver, Clark next to her.
LOIS
That's our next lead unless you
tell us where Stuart is!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 42.
59 CONTINUED: 59
OLIVER
I don't fink on friends!
(she twists harder)
Ow!
CLARK
(reaching for her)
Lois...
She pulls away, stretching oliver's ear further. He YELPS.
LOIS
I get angry when I've been played
for a fool.
OLIVER
Okay okay... he's washing up!
Lois releases her grip, marches past him into the apartment.
As Oliver rubs his ear...
CLARK
She isn't a morning person.
60 INT. LOIS BATHROOM - MORNING - CONTINUOUS 60
Stuart brushes his teeth rigorously at the sink. He's
startled to see Lois' reflection appear in the mirror. He
stares open mouthed, toothpaste dribbling from his lips.
LOIS
(heavy attitude)
Hello, Stuart.
STUART
(turning to her, garbled)
Please... Can't you just leave me
alone?
LOIS
Put down the toothbrush and we'll
talk.
CUT TO:
61 INT. OLIVER'S LIVING ROOM - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 61
Stuart slumps on a couch. Lois sits across from him. Clark
stands behind her. As Oliver enters, an ice pack on his
ear...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 43.
61 CONTINUED: 61
STUART
I told you, Thorp said it was just
a mistake. He gave me his word the
rest of the defective switches were
shipped to a dump. There's no
further threat.
CLARK
If that were true, why did he try
to vacuum-pac you into a fifty-five
gallon drum?
Stuart doesn't respond.
LOIS
Stuart... I can't do this without
you.
Stuart shakes his head, he's still resisting. Lois leans
forward, face to face with him.
LOIS (CONT'D)
(gently)
Even though we don't know each
other that well, I think we have
something very important in common.
Our reputations. You've worked too
hard for yours to just throw it all
away and run. And I can't salvage
mine without you.
Stuart looks at Oliver who remains silent.
CLARK
Stuart. If we found you, they'll
find you.
A beat, then...
STUART
Okay. What do we do?
CLARK
If we're right and Thorp tried to
kill you because he's still
shipping those switches, we need to
find proof.
STUART
Distribution would have shipping
manifests. Their central office is
upstairs from mine.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 44.
61 CONTINUED: 2 61
OLIVER
(to Lois, Clark)
Forget it. Everything on that
level is under heavy security.
Even I don't have clearance to
that floor.
STUART
(beat, then)
But I do. They haven't had time to
take me out of the computer yet.
CUT TO:
62 EXT. HANSEN CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS - DAY 62
A banner laden storefront campaign office. Hansen exits the
office, waves to a few passersby, then steps into limo.
63 INT. LIMO - DAY - CONTINUOUS 63
As he closes the door behind him, Hansen's plastic smile
fades and he sinks into the seat, exhausted. Thorp's
waiting for him, Wick, wearing sunglasses, sits quietly next
to Thorp.
HANSEN
(sighing)
I just saw the latest polling
numbers. It doesn't look good.
Maybe I should drop out before we
waste any more money.
THORP
That's not the attitude that makes
a winner, Daniel.
HANSEN
Eric, let's face it. There's no
way to turn these polls around by
the election.
THORP
You disappoint me. You know, Wick
disappointed me. I've been
spending my days cleaning up a mess
_he_ should have handled. But
we've worked things out, haven't
we, Wick?
He pats Wick on the back. Wick falls forward onto the
floor, obviously dead. As Hansen reacts in horror...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 45.
63 CONTINUED: 63
THORP (CONT'D)
Now let's get something straight.
I don't back losers. The polls are
meaningless. After today, you're
going to be the only candidate they
can vote for.
HOLD ON Hansen's surprise for a beat, then....
CUT TO:
64 EXT. VIOLOGIC - MORNING RE-ESTABLISHING 64
65 EXT. BACK OF VIOLOGIC - MORNING 65
Quiet a beat, then Lois, Clark and Stuart appear from around
a corner and quickly make their way to a REAR SECURITY DOOR.
Stuart punches a security coda into a small panel on the
wall. A BEEP, then he pulls the door open and they
disappear,inside.
66 INT. VIOLOGIC STAIRCASE LANDING - MOMENTS LATER 66
Our heroes come up a deserted rear staircase, stopping at a
high tech GLASS SECURITY DOOR leading onto the floor. A
sign reads: "Authorized Personnel Only." Mounted on an
adjacent wall is a six inch square chrome panel with a
hollow cylinder protruding from its center. As Stuart moves
to the panel...
STUART
This reads the iris in my eye.
Lois and Clark exchange an impressed look as Stuart puts his
eye to the cylinder; a soft HUM as the security device
activates, then a confirming quick DOUBLE BEEP. The door
unlocks electronically.
67 INT. CORRIDOR MOMENTS LATER 67
Lois, Clark and Stuart approach a closed office door.
Stuart slips a key in the lack and opens it. A SOFT BEEP
comes from a small security panel with a small LED READOUT
on an inside wall near the door. As the readout starts to
count down from 90...
STUART
Uh-oh.
LOIS
Uh-oh what?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 46.
67 CONTINUED: 67
STUART
(re: security panel)
This office has its own independent
security system. You have to punch
in a code within ninety seconds or
an alarm alerts security.
CLARK
(wary)
And uh-oh means you don't know the
code?
Stuart timidly nods.
LOIS/CLARK
(to each other)
Uh-oh.
FADE OUT
_END OF ACT THREE_
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 47.
_ACT FOUR_
FADE IN:
68 INT. DISTRIBUTION OFFICE - MoRNING - SECONDS LATER 68
Lois stands behind Clark and Stuart, splitting her attention
between the LED READOUT and Clark and Stuart who are
flipping through 11X17 computer printouts. Lois eyes the
READOUT. Down to 50 seconds. Then...
STUART
Here it is!
Lois turns her attention to Stuart
STUART (CONT'D)
All these entries with batch mark
'four twenty' indicate the
defective XL-9 switches.
LOIS
It only shows two buyers. The
amusement park and the new
automated subway.
STUART
We have the contract for the new
subway's main routing computer.
CLARK
What does it do?
STUART
Well, it controls the direction and
speed of the trains. If the
switches fail...
LOIS
Clark! The inaugural run's just
about to start and the Governor's
going to be on it!
CLARK
(pulling Lois to her
feet)
So are my folks!
Suddenly the LED hits zero and the-BEEP turns to a STEADY
TONE. They all exchange a worried-look, then...
CLARK (CONT'D)
Let's go.
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 48.
69 INT. VIOLOGIC HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 69
Clark comes dashing out of the distribution office, followed
by Lois and Stuart. As they head toward the glass security
door...
SECURITY GUARD (O.S.)
Hey! Hold it!
Our heroes turn to discover two SECURITY GUARDS at the other
and of the corridor, their weapons trained an them. As the
guards slowly approach, Clark eyes a ROW OF FLUORESCENT
LIGHTS in the ceiling.
He lowers his glasses and activates his _HEAT VISION_,
quickly scanning it across the row of lights. As it hits
each one, the LIGHTS POP AND SHORT OUT IN A CHAIN REACTION,
quickly throwing the hallway into pitch blackness.
SECURITY GUARD
Hey! Turn the power back on!!
CLARK
(sotto)
Lois. Stuart. Take my hands.
70 CLARK'S POV 70
With his INFRA-RED VISION he sees the guards feeling the
walls to guide them. CAMERA PANS with Clark's POV as he
turns and guides them back to the glass door.
CUT TO:
71 EXT. BACK OF VIOLOGIC - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 71
Clark leads Lois and Stuart outside. As the humans squint
in the blinding sun...
LOIS
How were you able to see in the
dark?
As they hurry from the building...
CLARK
I uh... used to spend a lot of time
playing in caves back in Kansas.
LOIS
Maybe I should start calling you
Batman.
Off Clark's reaction...
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 49.
72 EXT. AERIAL VIEW - BUSY CITY STREET - DAY - TO ESTABLISH 72
(STOCK)
73 INT. TAXI CAB - DAY - MOVING 73
The cab weaves through traffic. A very tense Clark, Lois
and Stuart are in the back seat.
STUART
Why would Thorp want to kill the
Governor?
CLARK
(quickly)
Because he's got Daniel Hansen in
his hip pocket. And winning this
election is just Thorp's first step
in getting Hansen into the White
House so Hansen can give Thorp huge
defense contracts.
LOIS
How do you know that?
He looks at Lois a beat, then....
CLARK
You're not the only one with
sources.
The cab comes to an abrupt stop at a police barrier in the
street. A HARRIED POLICE OFFICER leans in the driver's
window.
POLICE OFFICER
Emergency vehicles only!
LOIS
Officer, we've got to get to the
subway!
POLICE OFFICER
Forget it! The new subway's out of
control! They're afraid it's gonna
crash at Centennial Park station.
Lois, Clark and Stuart react.
CLARK
Get over to Centennial Park! It's
only a few more blocks! I'm going
to call main dispatch and tell them
about the switches!
(as he opens the door)
Maybe they can be short circuited!
CUT TO:
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 50.
74 EXT. STREET - DAY 74
Clark comes running around a corner, ripping off his glasses
as he heads straight for a subway entrance signs at the
top of the stairs say "Caution: Under Construction." He
vaults the sign and darts down the stairs, tearing open his
shirt, revealing the Big Red "S."
75 INT. METROPOLIS SUBWAY STATION #1 - DAY 75
A high-tech, shiny new automated train traveling at high
speed whizzes past a platform dotted with passengers.
76 INT - SUBWAY CAR - DAY - CONTINUOUS 76
Filled with dignitaries and special guests, including the
Kents. Everyone holds onto overhead straps for support. A
wide-eyed OLDER MAN standing next to the Kents stares out a
window as the train flies past the platform
OLDER MAN
That's the third station we passed
without stopping!
He focuses on GOVERNOR WINSTON and other dignitaries near
the front of the car.
OLDER MAN (CONT'D)
Why don't they stop the train?!
GOVERNOR WINSTON
(unconvincing)
I'm sure the authorities are
taking appropriate measures to deal
with this situation. We just need
to remain calm.
The older man gestures to a MAP of the subway system posted
on a wall near a sliding door.
OLDER MAN
(agitated)
_You_ stay calm! I'm gonna worry
about what happens when we run out
of track and smash into a wall!
The man suddenly GASPS, reaches for his chest and collapses
to the floor. Jonathan kneels, feels for his pulse.
JONATHAN
I think he's having a heart attack!
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 51.
77 INT. SUBWAY PLATFORM #2 - DAY 77
PASSENGERS mill about, waiting. Suddenly, they react to a
WHOOSHING SOUND. As they peer down the tunnel...
PASSENGER
Is that the train?
Nope... it's SUPERMAN. He flies out of the darkness and
WHIZZES by the platform, the WIND FROM HIS WAKE almost
blowing over the passengers.
78 VARIOUS ANGLES 78
of Superman winging through-the subway tunnels at high
speed.
79 INT. CENTENNIAL PARK SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY 79
An imposing concrete wall just a short distance beyond the
platform marks the end of the line. Lois and Stuart push
past a crowd gathered behind a yellow police tape and
discover Jimmy waiting with his camera. A few feet away,
concerned officials huddle on what to do.
LOIS
Have they stopped it yet?!
JIMMY
No! It's gonna be here any second.
As Lois joins the others in craning their necks to peer into
the tunnel, the CAMERA PANS down the platform to Thorp
standing unnoticed in the background, watching placidly.
80 INT. SUBWAY CAR - DAY 80
Governor Winston and the others look on as Jonathan loosens
the stricken man's tie. As he starts CPR...
81 INT. CENTENNIAL PARK SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY 81
The assembled officials and reporters react to the SOUND of
the approaching subway train.
JIMMY
Here it comes!
As Lois stares horrified into the tunnel... Down the track,
the runaway train hurtles towards disaster. Suddenly a BLUE
BLUR overtakes the train and rockets past it.
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 52.
82 ON TRACKS IN FRONT OF PLATFORM 82
The blur lands. It's...
LOIS
(a whisper)
Superman...
As the onlookers gape, Superman braces his feet on the
tracks and raises his hands chest high as...
83 THE RUNAWAY TRAIN 83
plows into him. Superman leans against the train with all
his strength, grimacing against the massive force as he
desperately tries to stop it.
84 ANGLE ON HIS FEET 84
SPARKS FLY as his feet slide backwards along the rails. The
SQUEAL of braking metal is ear piercing.
85 ANOTHER ANGLE 85
Superman glances over his shoulder... the concrete wall
looms up... he leans in harder until...
...inches before he's slammed into the wall, the train
grinds to a halt.
Silence except for the sound of HISSING from the idling
train. Superman rushes to the doors of the first car and
forces them open.
86 INT. SUBWAY CAR - DAY - CONTINUOUS 86
Jonathan's still doing CPR on the older man.
SUPERMAN
Do you need help?
Jonathan puts his ear to the man's chest. A beat, then he
looks up at Superman.
JONATHAN
He's going to be okay, Clar...
Superman.
As father and son share a smile...
87 INT. CENTENNIAL PARK SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 87
Photographers and reporters surge against the police line,
trying to see in the windows of the subway car.
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 53.
88 ANOTHER ANGLE 88
As Thorp heads for the exit, Lois cuts them off.
LOIS
No comment for the press?
Thorp tries shoving her out of the way but Lois grabs him by
the wrist and somersaults him onto his back with a painful
THUD. As Thorp tries to rise, Jimmy and Stuart rush up.
Stuart places his foot squarely on his boss' chest.
STUART
You can't leave before we get a
family portrait.
He smiles wide for Jimmy, who raises his camera to his eye.
JIMMY
(to Thorp)
Oh... your Mom's going to be so
proud.
CLICK!
DISSOLVE TO:
89 THE BLACK & WHITE NEWS PHOTO 89
of Stuart, Lois and Thorp on the subway platform.
JIMMY (O.S.)
It's kind of a welcome back present
for Lois.
WIDEN TO REVEAL WE'RE
90 INT. DAILY PLANET - (DAY #6) 90
Clark and Jimmy look at a 24X36 blow-up of the Planet's
front page laying across Lois' desk. The headline reads:
"FINANCIER TIED TO ATTEMPT ON GOVERNOR'S LIFE." The byline
reads: "by Lois Lane and Clark Kent."
JIMMY
Think she'll like it?
CLARK
It'll make her day.
JIMMY
I think what made her day was
finding out that Thorp was already
on to Stuart before her article
came out.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 54.
90 CONTINUED: 90
Perry, Martha and a very upbeat Jonathan exit Perry's office
and approach, laughing, thru...
PERRY
But that's a story for another
time.
JONATHAN
Clark, we've got to go. I want to
get to the hospital.
CLARK
Who's in the hospital?
MARTHA
The man whose life Jonathan saved.
It turns out he's originally from
Kansas.
JONATHAN
(enthusiastic)
You wouldn't believe how much we
have in common. After talking with
him for an hour I felt like I've
known him all my life.
MARTHA
I think we'll be visiting
Metropolis a lot more often.
PERRY
Has Lois come in yet?
At that moment the elevator doors open and Lois steps out.
As she comes down the stairs the staff breaks into APPLAUSE.
Lois approaches Perry, Clark et al.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Lois, I've never been one for
speeches. But I have to say...
(handing her back her
press pass)
We're glad you're back.
LOIS
Thanks, Perry.
They share a smile, then Perry notices the staff watching.
PERRY
Alright people, there's nothin'
here you can sell for a quarter.
Everyone back to work.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 55.
90 CONTINUED: 2 90
The Kent's ad-lib goodbye to Clark and Lois and drift away
with the staff, leaving our heroes alone. As Lois eyes
Jimmy's photo on her desk...
LOIS
'By Lois Lane and Clark Kent.'
That's going to look good on a
Pulitzer someday.
CLARK
Yeah. But whose name's going to go
first?
LOIS
Mine, of course.
CLARK
It's good to have you back,
partner.
They share a smile as Lois' PHONE RINGS.
LOIS
(answering phone)
Lois Lane...
(concerned)
What?
Clark eyes her. She protectively cups the phone.
LOIS (CONT'D)
(low)
The trap is set? ...hundreds will
die? ... poison gas?! Does anyone
else know about this?
CLARK
(suspicious)
Lois...
She turns back to him grinning, then...
LOIS
Relax Clark. It's only my
exterminator.
Off his bemused smile...
FADE OUT.
_THE END_