_LOIS & CLARK_
_THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN_
"CHURCH OF METROPOLIS"
EPISODE FIVE
Written by John McNamara
Directed by Robert Singer
CAST
CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN
LOIS LANE
PERRY WHITE
JIMMY OLSEN
MARTHA KENT
JONATHAN KENT
BILL CHURCH
MAYSON DRAKE
MARTIN SNELL
UNCLE MIKE LANE
BABY RAGE
JUDGE
SILHOUETTE COP
TECH ONE
JAPANESE OPERATIVE
_LOCATIONS_
INTERIORS: EXTERIORS:
Daily Planet Daily Planet
Newsroom Window
Perry's Office
Conference Room Clark's Apartment
Lois' Apartment Americana Cafe
Southside Street
Clark's Apartment Alley
Price House
Parking Lot
Price House
* Camouflaged Pillbox/Woods
Passage Way/Elevator
Arboretum *
Church's Lair
Metropolis Skyline
Courthouse
Corridor Metropolis Street
Courtroom
Courthouse *
Police Station
Embassy Courtyard *
Pillbox
Kent Toolshed
_TEASER_
FADE IN:
1 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - METROPOLIS SOUTHSIDE - DAY #1 1
A charming bistro, empty but for LOIS and CLARK sitting at
an outdoor table, amid the remains of an enormous meal.
Lois' UNCLE MIKE LANE, a hearty ex-Marine, comes out of the
restaurant brandishing two massive slabs of cake.
UNCLE MIKE
Chocolate torte in raspberry sauce.
LOIS
Oh, Uncle Mike, no --
Lois and Clark look at the lucious desserts.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Well, I guess I _could_ just move
into my gym for a month...
CLARK
Mmm, this is great.
LOIS
He does all the baking himself.
UNCLE MIKE
Lately more of a hobby than a job.
CLARK
I just don't understand what
happened to this neighborhood.
2 WIDEN TO REVEAL - THE STREET 2
around the the cafe. Boarded up storefronts, burned-out
apartments, trash piled high, abandoned cars. UNCLE MIKE's
cafe is the last open business on this block.
UNCLE MIKE
Well, the neighborhood's in
transition. Gettin' more...
eclectic. Kinda like Saigon
without the jets.
As he eats, Clark dribbles raspberry sauce on his tie.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 2.
2 CONTINUED: 2
LOIS
Better get some water on that.
Remember -- dab, don't wipe.
Clark goes into the restaurant. Mike sits with Lois.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Clark's right, this is crazy. Six
months ago this was the hottest
street in town.
At that moment a big convertible ROARS into sight, stuffed
with GANG KIDS, HOOTING and HOLLERING.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Just a wild stab, but... could they
have something to do with it?
3 OMITTED 3
4 EXT. ALLEY BEHIND THE CAFE - DAY 4
Through a small back window, WE SEE Clark dabbing his tie at
an UNSEEN sink just below the sill. He turns away to dry
it, just as --
A psychotic, five-foot-two-inch Skin named BABY RAGE skulks
past. He moves to the kitchen's back door, takes out a
small black box, punches a code into the keypad atop the box
and --
In the window, Clark turns and sees Baby Rage set the box in
the door frame, where it EXPLODES in FLAME. FIRE consumes
the doorway. Baby Rage watches his handiwork, delighted.
Clark whips off his glasses.
Baby Rage turns, starts to run and plows right SUPERMAN, who
grabs the kid by the scruff and with a single SUPER-BREATH,
Superman puts out the fire.
BABY RAGE
Man, you just stepped over a _line_
and you're going down!
Superman sticks Baby Rage's hand through a dumpster handle,
then MOLDS it around his wrist so he can't get away.
SUPERMAN
You're the only one going anywhere.
Hope you don't mind showering in
groups.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 3.
4 CONTINUED: 4
Just as Lois and Mike run around the corner, Superman waves
and TAKES OFF.
UNCLE MIKE
Little punk tried to burn me out...
BABY RAGE
Can't prove that, man, can't prove
nothin'. Nobody saw a thing!
CLARK
(stepping through the
smoldering kitchen door)
I did.
LOIS
(whips out cell phone)
I'm calling the police.
UNCLE MIKE
Take your shoes off and get
comfortable. Last time I called,
they took two hours.
LOIS
(into phone)
Yes, I'm reporting an attempted
arson, my name is Lois Lane, I --
(stares at phone, pissed)
He put me on hold.
BABY RAGE
Lois Lane?
(laughs)
_You're_ Lois Lane?
LOIS
I'm sorry, have we met?
BABY RAGE
No, we ain't met. It's just funny
to me 'cause... you're dead. I
mean, I know you're walkin' around
but trust me, lady, go pick out a
nice grave. And from what I hear,
pick it out fast.
FADE OUT.
5 5
THRU OMITTED THRU
6 6
_END OF TEASE_
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 4.
_ACT ONE _
FADE IN:
7 INT. POLICE STATION - DAY 7
Cuffed from behind, Baby Rage is hauled across the squad
room to be booked, fighting every step of the way. Lois,
Clark and Uncle Mike linger in his wake, studying the
station house. It seems woefully understaffed and what COPS
are here shoot the breeze, get coffee and read, taking it
easy.
LOIS
All that crime out there and look
what we've got in here -- a donut
commercial.
MAYSON
(O.S.)
Excuse me...
Clark turns and sees MAYSON DRAKE -- twenty-nine, sharply
dressed and gorgeous.
MAYSON (CONT'D)
Is one of you Clark Kent?
CLARK
I am.
Mayson holds out her hand.
MAYSON
Mayson Drake, Deputy DA. I'd like
to see if you're willing to testify
against Baby Rage.
Across the room, Baby Rage is screaming a pint-sized blue
streak, kicking and biting as he's hauled out of sight by
COPS.
CLARK
Baby Rage.
(drily)
Wonder why they call him that?
MAYSON
(glances at report in
hand, then:)
You must be Mike Lane. I'm sorry about
what happened to your
restaurant.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
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7 CONTINUED: 7
UNCLE MIKE
Thanks, but they're gonna have to
do a lot better than that to get me
to pull out.
Mayson's eyes meet Lois'.
MAYSON
I'm sorry, you're...?
LOIS
Lois Lane.
Mayson gives her a blank stare.
LOIS (CONT'D)
The one who called the police? And
I just wanted to say, about their
response time -- I've seen maple
drip faster.
CLARK
Also, this kid threatened Lois.
LOIS
Oh, Clark, he was just trying to
scare me.
MAYSON
Well, now it's my turn to scare
_him_.
(to Clark)
With your help.
CLARK
Sure, of course.
MAYSON
I should warn you, it's not going
to be easy. This whole thing
happening on the Southside isn't
just about gang turf. There's big
money and big players in the
shadows. I think Baby Rage knows a
lot and I might just find out how
much... if I can make a strong
enough case to strap his butt to a
broiler and turn up the heat.
CLARK
Whatever I saw, I'll tell it in
court, Ms. Drake.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 6.
7 CONTINUED: 2 7
MAYSON
(smiles)
Mayson. Call my office in the
morning so we can arrange a
deposition. And if you need to
reach me during off hours, my home
phone's on the back.
LOIS
(amused; sotto to Mike)
Subtle.
Clark nods to Mayson as he studies the card.
CLARK
Thanks. And I'll have Superman get
in touch with you.
MAYSON
Oh, Superman, right.
(frowns)
I guess I have to talk to him,
don't I?
LOIS
Most people consider that an honor.
MAYSON
Well, I guess I'm not most people.
Clark, we'll talk soon?
She brushes her hand on his arm, throws him a dazzler of a
smile and moves deeper into the station. As he pockets the
card --
LOIS
(takes Clark's arm, leads
him to exit)
C'mon, we're going to find out why
these cops are so slow all of a
sudden.
(kissing his cheek)
Bye, Uncle Mike.
UNCLE MIKE
Go get 'em, honey.
As Lois and Clark walk out, they hear the WHINE of a
circling insect.
CLARK
You've got that 'I Have Plan' look
in your eyes...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 7.
7 CONTINUED: 3 7
LOIS
We're going to talk to my source in
the commissioner's office. If
anybody can tell us what's been
going on, he -- _ow_.
CLARK
What?
LOIS
(waving the air)
Bug just bit me.
(rubs forearm)
It really hurt.
CLARK
You all right?
LOIS
(as they exit)
I'm fine.
CUT TO:
8 EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT #1 8
Dark, nearly deserted. Lois and Clark wait.
CLARK
Maybe he didn't get your message.
LOIS
He got it.
CLARK
Maybe he ignored it.
SILHOUETTE COP (O.S.)
I didn't.
They turn and there he is -- a plainclothes COP in
SILHOUETTE, a few feet away.
LOIS
Thanks for coming.
SILHOUETTE COP
This must be Kent. We've never
met. Hopefully, we never will.
So, Lois, you want to know about
the Southside...
LOIS
What can you tell me?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 8.
8 CONTINUED: 8
SILHOUETTE COP
You'd better be sure you want to
know. Once you cross into this,
there's no going back.
CLARK
We're sure.
SILHOUETTE COP
Right now, it's all focussed on the
Southside. Precincts having their
funding cut; men transferred;
equipment sabotaged; cops paid to
look the other way.
LOIS
Why?
SILHOUETTE COP
Think about it. What happens when
a good neighborhood goes bad?
CLARK
People want to move.
LOIS
Prices go down. Whole blocks go on
the market for pennies on the
dollar.
SILHOUETTE COP
Very good.
LOIS
We need names.
A car moves past slowly. The Cop tenses.
SILHOUETTE COP
Put it this way, it'd be faster to
give you the names of cops who
_weren't_ into this.
The car stops. Lois, Clark and the Silhouette Cop freeze
for a moment, then the car moves on, out of sight. Everyone
breathes a little easier.
SILHOUETTE COP (CONT'D)
I want to help, bad cops make a bad
city, but my neck's a little too
far out as it is.
LOIS
You've got to give us _something_.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 9.
8 CONTINUED: 2 8
He hands her a computer disc.
SILHOUETTE COP
See if that leads you anywhere.
Don't call me again.
(as he moves off)
By the way -- you didn't say if you
liked the new mustache.
Of course, his face is in total shadow. He chuckles softly
as he disappears into the night. Lois looks at the disc,
curious.
CUT TO:
9 EXT. THE PRICE HOUSE - DAY #2 9
A big banner draped across the front of this no-frills
warehouse announces: GRAND OPENING!
A gathering-of REPORTERS, city BRAHMANS and CUSTOMERS
waiting to get great deals. A dais has been constructed and
on it, we find PERRY at the microphone.
PERRY
Good people of Metropolis, I'm
Perry White, editor of the Daily
Planet --
(APPLAUSE)
-- thank you, and this is the
chairman of the Price House
Discount Chain, Mr. Bill Church!
APPLAUSE as BILL CHURCH mounts the dais. Fifty-five, with
the fit, weatherbeaten demeanor of a contractor, he is
dressed in his well-known uniform of chinos and cardigan
sweater -- the world's most understated billionaire.
In the crowd of Reporters, Jimmy clicks off photos as Church
and Perry shake hands.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Now as some of you may know, Mr.
Church is as notoriously shy as I
am notoriously not.
(LAUGHTER from the crowd)
So he's asked me to make the
announcement that his company and
the Daily Planet are co-sponsoring
a charity ball, to take place in
Centennial Park and raise money
for the Urban Redevelopment Fund.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 10.
9 CONTINUED: 9
PERRY (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
(off more APPLAUSE)
And now I believe Bill has a few
words.
CHURCH
(steps shyly up to mic)
Thank you, Perry. I just want to
say how glad I am to be a part of
this great city. We're not just
here to do business -- we're here
to be a part of your lives. Thank
you.
He steps away as the APPLAUSE rolls in and Jimmy clicks off
another roll of pictures.
10 OMITTED 10
11 PERRY AND JIMMY - A FEW MINUTES LATER 11
as everyone mills about, wolfing the free hotdogs. Perry
studies a Price House catalogue, while nearby, Jimmy is
unusually quiet and pensive.
PERRY
(studies a Price House
catalogue)
Look at the prices on golf clubs in
this place ... stereo equipment,
furniture ... this place is a
bargain hound's dream.
Perry glances at Jimmy, who fiddles with his camera. Then a
STUNNING WOMAN walks by. Perry takes notice. Jimmy does
not.
PERRY
You got a girl on your mind?
JIMMY
How'd you know?
PERRY
(the Stunner moves off,
never a glance from
Jimmy)
Wild guess. So what's the problem?
JIMMY
Her name's Sandra. And I really
like her and I think she likes me,
I mean, we've been out twice but...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 11.
11 CONTINUED: 11
PERRY
Now comes the third date. Do you
stay on the road or make a U-turn?
JIMMY
Man, you're batting a thousand
today.
PERRY
Son, I'm a happily married man.
But before that... well, let's just
say in the area of the opposite
sex, I gained my share of wisdom
through experience.
(a fatherly hand on the
boy's shoulder as they
walk)
Think of love as a jungle river --
exotic but treacherous, beautiful
but uncharted. Reach up to pick a
mango off a tree, you're just as
likely to get your arm ripped off
by a jaguar.
(as they exit)
Now think of me as the guide who's
been down that river many a time,
who knows every rock, rapid and
twist...
JIMMY
I'm a little lost... are you saying
call her or what?
PERRY
I'm saying, trust me.
As they walk off, we see Bill Church break from the crowd
and slip into the store.
12 OMITTED 12
13 INT. A CONCRETE PASSAGEWAY - DAY 13
Lined with store items. Church walks into sight, reaches
the end of the passage and presses his hand on the wall.
The white light shining down on him goes red. The wall
slides back, revealing the gleaming steel-walled interior of
an elevator. Church steps in.
14 INT. ELEVATOR - DAY 14
Church slips a metallic card key into a slot and the
elevator begins a long, rapid descent. Then the doors HISS
open and Church steps out into --
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 12.
15 INT. CHURCH'S SUBTERRANEAN LAIR - DAY 15
Functional, high-tech and sinister. Dominated by a
conference table. Around this table, suspended from the
ceiling, five TV monitors -- two on each side, one at the
far end, all facing a high-backed chair at the head. Church
seats himself there and the monitors FLICKER to life
automatically. On four of them, the faces of CHURCH'S
OPERATIVES hover. On the seventh, racing columns of
computer data -- financial, political, criminal. Church
controls the room from a small keypad in front of him.
CHURCH
Minaru, what's the latest on the
election?
JAPANESE OPERATIVE
(on screen)
The candidate wants five hundred
thousand for the endorsement.
CHURCH
That's a lot of money for a speech
and a handshake. What are his
vulnerabilities?
JAPANESE OPERATIVE
A twelve-year-old daughter.
CHURCH
(nods)
offer him one-fifty. If he doesn't
take it, get a picture of the
daughter walking to school. Show
it to him... then offer him
nothing.
JAPANESE OPERATIVE
Done. How is the Metropolis
franchise coming?
The elevator doors HISS open again and in walks MARTIN
SNELL, slick, street smart attorney.
CHURCH
I'll let you know. We'll pick this
up in ten minutes.
He hits a switch and the four faces on screen FADE OUT.
CHURCH (CONT'D)
Hello, Martin.
SNELL
(taking a seat)
Mr. Church, I know you're upset
about Baby Rage...
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 13.
15 CONTINUED: 15
Church takes out a vial, shakes a pill into his hand.
CHURCH
You see this pill? High blood
pressure.
(pours water)
my doctor says, get it under
control, less stress in your
life, _delegate_. I'm delegating,
Martin, but my blood pressure is
not going down.
(swallows pill)
What was he doing lighting fires in
the middle of the day? With
_witnesses_ around?
SNELL
I'll be honest -- he and the Skins
are a little hard to control.
CHURCH
From all the humanity on the
planet, you picked them. Make it
work or cut them loose but don't
walk in here with excuses that are
going to upset my doctor.
SNELL
Yes, sir.
CHURCH
I don't have to tell you we're at a
crucial point in the Metropolis
franchise. We can't afford to be
out in the open until Superman is
taken care of.
SNELL
I've got good news on that front.
The plan's just gone on-line. You
say go and everything's in play.
CHURCH
(shrugs)
So go already.
CUT TO:
16 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 16
Lois and Clark are at her desk, studying the files on the
computer disc from the Silhouette Cop.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 14.
16 CONTINUED: 16
LOIS
He wasn't kidding when he said this
was big. If these reports of his
are true, half the major cities in
the world might've been infiltrated
by this... organization.
CLARK
The Australian press even nicknamed
it -- Intergang.
LOIS
And look what happened to the
reporter. Fatal car accident.
SNELL (V.O.)
Superman.
(as Clark straightens up)
I'm contacting you on a hypersonic
frequency that only you and a few
bats can hear. I don't know where
you spend your off hours, but if I
were you, I'd be at the Arboretum,
east gate, inside of three
minutes... or someone is going to
die.
CLARK
Lois, I just remembered a, uh... an
errand. I'll be right back.
Before she can say anything, he's gone.
CUT TO:
17 EXT. METROPOLIS SKYLINE - DAY 17
Superman FLIES, a look of fierce determination on his face.
CUT TO:
18 EXT. METROPOLIS ARBORETUM - DAY 18
Snell sits at a park bench, feeding pigeons as Superman
LANDS.
SNELL
Hey there.
Superman turns as Snell strides over.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 15.
18 CONTINUED: 18
SNELL (CONT'D)
Martin Snell, good to meet you.
(plucks small radio from
pocket)
Some little piece of equipment.
(talks into it, voice
WARBLING)
Superman, let's talk.
(laughs)
Neat, huh?
Superman grabs Snell by the collar and HOISTS him.
SUPERMAN
If this is your idea of a joke,
you're going to need a lawyer.
SNELL
No, I won't. Because A, I am a
lawyer. And B, this is no joke.
I'll even give you the name of the
person who's going to die. I think
you know her... Lois Lane?
Superman's face registers shock.
SNELL (CONT'D)
I'd say she's got about, ohhhh, ten
seconds? Think you can get there
in time?
Superman drops Snell and BOLTS into the sky. Snell
straightens his tie, lifts his radio, turns the dial and --
SNELL (CONT'D)
Fire.
CUT TO:
19 EXT. WOODS - DAY 19
A thick overgrowth of brush. PUSH IN and see that under the
brush there's a glimpse of lead wall and this is A
CAMOUFLAGED PILLBOX.
20 INT. PILLBOX - DAY 20
Cramped and lightless. Two TECHNICIANS with headsets. ONE
sits in front of a computer, working the keys and mouse,
studying the screen, on which we see a 3-D map of
Metropolis. TWO hits the button on a control panel built
into the wall and --
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 16.
21 EXT. CAMOUFLAGED PILLBOX DAY 21
THE BARRELL OF A HUGE BLACK RIFLE rises up out of the
shrubbery covering the pillbox, pivots with a low WHIR
and -
22 INT. PILLBOX - DAY 22
Tech Two hits a red button marked "FIRE" and --
23 EXT. CLOSE ON THE BARREL OF THE RIFLE - DAY 23
A four inch bullet EXPLODES out of it and --
24 EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF METROPOLIS - DAY 24
We RACE through the sky toward the city, following alongside
this speeding projectile. It is silver, with small wings
and stabilizers and it suddenly takes a sharp turn over a
highway, ZOOMING into the city like a tiny jet.
25 INT. PILLBOX - DAY 25
The Techs study their screens.
TECH ONE
On course. Four seconds to impact.
26 EXT. DAILY PLANET - MOVING WITH THE BULLET - DAY 26
as it FLIES around a corner and heads right for the globe
and --
27 INT. PLANET - DAY 27
Lois at her computer, unsuspecting, sips her coffee.
28 INT. PLANET - DAY 28
WE WIDEN away from the window as the smart bullet STREAKS
in.
29 EXT. PILLBOX/MOUNTED RIFLE - DAY 29
It FIRES a second smart bullet.
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 17.
30 INT. PLANET - DAY 30
Lois glances up and there's Superman, right in front of
her --
His hand snaps up at SUPER-SPEED and he's suddenly holding
the first smart bullet between thumb and forefinger, two
inches from her heart.
LOIS
Superman, what -- ?
Behind them, Jimmy is suddenly SPLATTERED in yellow paint.
JIMMY
Hey!
Superman moves to him. Lois follows.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Geez ...
Superman sees glistening smart bullet fragments at Jimmy's
feet. He picks them up, studies them a second, then holds
Lois' smart bullet over a trashcan and SNAPS the tip off
with his thumb. Yellow paint dribbles out.
SUPERMAN
Somebody's idea of a sick joke.
Don't worry -- they won't bother
you again.
CUT TO:
31 EXT. ARBORETUM - DAY 31
Snell glances up to see Superman suddenly charging. He
holds up a hand.
SNELL
Easy. I just wanted to get your
attention so we could have a talk.
Superman stops, controlling his fury -- but looking like at
any second he might bounce this shyster like a basketball.
SNELL (CONT'D)
You get that look on your face, you
remind me of a few judges I know.
(he laughs -- alone)
Okay, to the chase: like everybody
else on Earth, you've got me
dazzled. I'm a fan -- numero uno.
So I don't want you to stop being
the Man of Steel.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
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31 CONTINUED: 31
SNELL (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
It's a beautiful thing, it gives us
all hope. But what my partners and
I _do_ want is for you to stay out
of our business.
SUPERMAN
I don't take orders.
SNELL
Fine, then call it a suggestion. A
very strong suggestion.
INTERCUT:
32 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - DAY 32
Church sits at his conference table. The conversation
between Superman and Snell comes in over speakers. He dips
his spoon into a bowl of pea soup, then crumbles crackers,
sipping from a tall glass of milk. Listening with interest.
33 BACK TO THE ARBORETUM 33
as Snell and Superman talk.
SNELL
Face it. You got your little red
shorts caught in a bad combo of
high-tech and close friends.
Even _you_ can't be in two places
at once but our bullets can. So
where does that leave us?
SUPERMAN
(grabs his arm)
Let's ask the DA.
SNELL
Sure, you could take me in, you're
Superman and I'm just a guy from
Paramus. But do that and two
things happen -- A, someone you
care about dies --
(pulls arm free)
-- and B, a replacement for me
steps right in. Now you don't want
'A' and I don't want 'B' so I think
what you need is a little attitude
adjustment. By that I mean, be the
best Superman you can be. Street
crime? Wipe it out. Terrorists?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 19.
33 CONTINUED: 33
SNELL (CONT'D)
Kick their butts. Carjackers?
Hey, I drive a Ferrari, put those
guys in _orbit_.
(low, menacing)
But stay out of the Southside. I
don't care if it's a cat chasing a
mouse, you flash cape in that part
of town, you're looking at an
all-expenses-paid education in
bereavement. Are we clear?
SUPERMAN
On one thing. This is not over.
Superman FLIES off.
SNELL
Man of steel, will of iron. You've
gotta love it, Mr. Church.
34 IN HIS LAIR, CHURCH 34
listens as he wipes soup off his mouth.
FADE OUT:
_END OF ACT ONE_
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 20.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
35 OMITTED 35
35A EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY 35A
Superman emerges with Mayson.
MAYSON
(all business, with a
little ice)
Thanks for the statement, we'll be
in touch if we need you.
SUPERMAN
I just want you to know, Ms. Drake,
whatever I can do to help the DA's
office --
MAYSON
Like I said, we'll be in touch.
SUPERMAN
I'd be more than willing to testify
against Baby Rage.
MAYSON
I don't think so.
SUPERMAN
Ms. Drake, have I done something to
offend you?
MAYSON
No, but I have to admit, I've never
much liked the idea of you.
SUPERMAN
I don't follow...
MAYSON
Do you have a license to chase
criminals?
(before he can answer)
Do you ever read them their rights?
Are you insured if you hurt
someone? You know how much
paperwork you make for my office?
And where am I supposed to get a
hold of you to come in for
despositions? Where do you live,
do you work, who _are_ you?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 21.
35A CONTINUED: 35A
SUPERMAN
I can't tell you that...
MAYSON
Exactly. You see, I hate secrets.
And mystery men scare me almost as
much as they bore me.
She stops to confer with a COLLEAGUE, leaving Superman a
little bemused:
SUPERMAN
This is just not my day.
Lois appears. She beams at the sight of him.
LOIS
Superman! Hi.
SUPERMAN
(a little distracted)
Hi, Lois.
He TAKES OFF. Mayson moves away from her Colleague.
MAYSON
Funny. He's a lot shorter in
person than you'd think.
LOIS
You know, I don't know what your
problem --
Clark comes around the corner.
MAYSON
(suddenly beaming)
Clark! Hi.
CLARK
Sorry I'm late.
MAYSON
You're not late. But I'm afraid I
just got called in on a double
homicide downtown, so we're going
to have to postpone our deposition.
Can I call you and reschedule?
CLARK
Sure.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 22.
35A CONTINUED: 2 35A
LOIS
Now if you can spare a few seconds,
we're also here to talk to you
about something we've found out.
MAYSON
Let's walk.
They do and Mayson insinuates herself between Lois and
Clark. Lois tries to hide her annoyance as --
LOIS
We know about Intergang.
MAYSON
Tell me what you've learned.
LOIS
It's worldwide; it's been in
existence for almost twenty
years... All they seem to do is
acquire. Companies, other criminal
operations, even governments --
they just swallow them whole and
start running them, always from a
distance, hidden.
CLARK
You think they're funding the
Skins, don't you?
MAYSON
I do.
LOIS
A source we have thinks they've
infiltrated the police but he won't
give us names.
CLARK
We were hoping you would.
MAYSON
I wish I could.
LOIS
Look, this isn't just a story to
me. My uncle is alone on that
block and he's a stubborn, proud
man. That could get him killed.
MAYSON
Believe me, I don't want that,
Lois.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 23.
35A CONTINUED: 3 35A
MAYSON (CONT'D)
If I come up with anything that can
help you, or your uncle, I'll be in
touch. Clark, we'll speak soon?
He nods. She gives him a smile and exits.
LOIS
I don't know about her. And _what_
is her problem with Superman?
CLARK
I don't know.
At that moment, a handcuffed Baby Rage is led out of a
prison van by a GUARD and meets up with his lawyer --
_Martin Snell_. Snell sees Lois and Clark and a small
smile spreads across his face. He leans over and whispers
something to Baby Rage, who laughs, then --
BABY RAGE
Hey, reporter man -- got a match?
He laughs again as they walk by. Snell glances back, this
time at Lois. He gives her a wink.
LOIS
Who's the greasy creep in the silk
suit?
CLARK
Martin Snell. A certain... source
of mine told me he's a lawyer for
Intergang.
LOIS
And now he's the lawyer for Baby
Rage? Interesting.
36 INT. DAILY PLANET - PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY 36
Jimmy takes a deep breath, dials the phone, waits, then:
JIMMY
Hi, Sandra, it's Jimmy... Uh,
listen about this weekend, I know
we said we might do something but
uhhhh, my boss...
REVEAL Perry, coaching the lad with hand signals.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 24.
36 CONTINUED: 36
JIMMY (CONT'D)
... has me on assignment all weekend
Yeah, all night Friday
Yeah, all day Saturday
(looks at Perry, pleading
with his eyes)
Sunday? A picnic? ... Really...
No, I didn't know there were nude
beaches that close by, that
sounds --
Perry shakes his head, mimes camera clicking.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
-- great but he's got me working
all day Sunday, too. Yeah, but
I'll call you --
Perry mimes "play it cool."
JIMMY (CONT'D)
-- soon and we'll get together --
(off another mime)
-- whenever. Okay. Bye, Sandra.
(hangs up)
I don't know, I don't like lying.
A bug WHINES. Perry waves it away.
PERRY
You didn't lie. I'm gonna work
your butt off this weekend.
JIMMY
Still, I kinda think --
PERRY
Son, why is gold so valuable?
JIMMY
It makes good fillings?
PERRY
It's rare. You make yourself a
valued commodity by making yourself
rare.
JIMMY
I just want somebody to go to the
movies with.
PERRY
Big picture, son, I want you
thinking big picture.
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 25.
37 INT. PLANET - BULLPEN - DAY 37
Lois and Clark at her computer again as she scans files. A
bug WHINES near Clark.
LOIS
Hey, look at this...
Clark swats the air and the WHINING stops.
CLARK
What?
LOIS
Checking public records on Martin
Snell. Five years ago he was staff
council for Bill Church.
CLARK
The Price House guy?
LOIS
(nods)
Worked in corporate acquisitions.
Responsible for buying up overseas
companies. I wonder...
(taps keys)
Now _this_ is interesting.
Cross-graph what we know about the
spread of Intergang with the spread
of Church's Price Houses around the
world.
38 ON COMPUTER SCREEN - A MAP OF THE WORLD 38
covered with pairs of red and blue dots -- all in pairs, in
most major cities.
39 BACK TO SCENE 39
LOIS
Everywhere Intergang's gotten a
foothold there's a Price House.
CLARK
Lois, you could probably say the
same thing about Burger Meister or
Zing Cola. I think we really ought
to stay on Martin Snell...
LOIS
Look. Denver, 1975, the first
Price House.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 26.
39 CONTINUED: 39
LOIS (CONT'D)
Same city, same year, the first
police report on Intergang
activity. First overseas Price
House: Australia. First overseas
Intergang operation: Australia.
CLARK
Okay, let's check the police files
on Bill Church.
(taps keys)
See? No record, not even a parking
ticket.
LOIS
So he's never been caught. Neither
was Lex Luthor, till the end.
CLARK
Well, maybe you're onto something.
But I really think Snell is the guy
to nail here. Let's stay on him,
okay?
Perry swings by and drops a cluster of tickets on Lois'
desk.
PERRY
Comp tickets for the Urban Renewal
Charity Ball. Bring people who
know how to dress and don't mind
dancing close.
CUT TO:
40 INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - NIGHT #2 40
Lois is on the phone:
LOIS
Uncle Mike, I'm just saying, you
haven't had a vacation in six
years, why not take one now? ... No
one would think you're running
away... Uncle Mike, this is a
restaurant, not the Alamo... All
right, well, you have my beeper
number? ... So if you can't get the
police, call and I'll get the
police... Okay, take care, love
you.
She hangs up, hears a familiar WHOOSH, turns and sees
Superman standing in front of her open window.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 27.
40 CONTINUED: 40
SUPERMAN
Can I talk to you?
LOIS
Of course.
SUPERMAN
Lois... you've been targeted by
Intergang.
LOIS
(realizes)
The paint bullet.
SUPERMAN
(nods)
It was a warning -- to you, Jimmy,
everybody I know. I'm coming to
you because I... I don't know what
to do. Your Uncle's in trouble and
the Southside's a mess but if I try
to step in...
(this is agony for him)
... the next bullets they fire are
real.
LOIS
(moves close, tries to
make light)
And you _are_ pretty visible. I
mean, it's not like you could go
undercover...
She stops. A look passes between them.
LOIS (CONT'D)
... unlesss... you did?
SUPERMAN
(as the thought
crystalizes)
Yes.
(brightening)
Thanks, Lois.
LOIS
Anytime.
SUPERMAN
Be careful.
LOIS
You too.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 28.
40 CONTINUED: 2 40
She watches him go as we hear the SOUND of his flying off
and the white drapes ruffle across her troubled face.
CUT TO:
41 41
THRU OMITTED THRU
47 47
48 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 48
Clark, in sweat pants and no shirt, pulls open a clothing
box and unfolds a navy shirt. He holds it up to the light
and we see it's a policeman's tunic. There's a knock at his
door. He crosses, opens it and reveals Mayson.
MAYSON
Hi, I...
(studies his
shirtlessness)
... was in the neighborhood and
(likes what she sees -- a
lot)
... thought we might go over some
facts.
CLARK
Sure, come on in.
He ushers her in. She glances around, likes his place.
Clark puts the cover back on the police uniform before she
can get a look at it.
CLARK (CONT'D)
Let me just get a shirt on.
MAYSON
(too eagerly)
No.
(off his look)
I mean, not if it'd make you
uncomfortable... it is sort of
warm in here.
(peels off jacket)
Isn't it? Yeah, mmm hm,
definitely, this is much better.
Clark looks at her, not quite sure what to think.
MAYSON (CONT'D)
(pulls out pad)
So.
CUT TO:
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 29.
48A INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 48A
Church is alone, golf club in hand, lining up a putt. Snell
comes in through the elevator.
CHURCH
New item we're thinking of carrying
in the stores. The Swing King,
guaranteed to improve your putt,
for just forty-nine bucks.
He putts and misses.
CHURCH (CONT'D)
Well... _thirty_-nine. So Martin,
what's the latest on the Southside?
Snell manipulates a keyboard on the conference table. The
room lights DIM. A DETAILED MAP of Metropolis' riverfront
Southside is projected onto the conference tabletop. Snell
hits a button. Most of the city blocks become HIGHLIGHTED
in GREEN, several in YELLOW and one small building in RED.
SNELL
Our silent partners have acquired
everything highlighted in green.
The yellow areas are in
negotiation.
CHURCH
And the red dot there?
SNELL
That restaurant owner, Bill Lane.
(hands a file to Church)
Here's everything we have on him.
CHURCH
(scans)
Closest family a neice, Lois. Hmm,
small world. Former Marine
lieutenant and now...
(closes file)
... establishing a beachhead. If
only he knew...
Church picks up a pointer. Its tip GLOWS brightly as he
touches it to the table map.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 30.
48A CONTINUED: 48A
HOLOGRAPHIC 3-D Buildings rise up off the map, one after the
other.
CHURCH (CONT'D)
... that by this time next year, the
city council's going to be passing
legislation on offshore gambling
and we're going to have hotels,
casinos, restaurants; cash
businesses to hide all those taxes
I can't pay.
He makes a HOLOGRAM BUILDING rise up over Uncle Bill's
place.
CHURCH (CONT'D)
Think if he knew all that he'd
still be trying to hang onto his
little cafe?
(smiles, then the smile
fades)
Have the Skins do it. Make it look
like gang vendetta. Big. Loud.
Messy.
49 OMITTED 49
50 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 50
Mayson and Clark are spread out, comfortable. He's in a
tank top and Mayson has filled half-a-pad with notes.
MAYSON
You're going to make a great
witness and I appreciate it. In my
line of work, you don't see much
bravery.
CLARK
I'm just telling the truth, nothing
too brave about that...
MAYSON
Well, true, you're not flying
around with a big 'S' on your
chest, bragging about what a hero
you are...
CLARK
You heard Superman brag?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 31.
50 CONTINUED: 50
MAYSON
Not in so many words...
(packs her papers into
valise)
Look, I know he's a friend of yours
but you're ten times the man he is.
An ordinary guy, about to stand up
to what might be the biggest
criminal organization in the world.
That takes guts. I'd like to see
Superman try that without his cape.
CLARK
(smiles)
Well, maybe you will.
Her things packed up, Clark sees her to the door.
MAYSON
Would you like to have lunch?
CLARK
To talk about the case?
MAYSON
No.
CLARK
Oh.
(as he mulls)
Huh...
MAYSON
Try and cap that wild enthusiasm.
CLARK
No, it's not that, you just caught
me a little off guard but... yeah,
lunch sounds good.
MAYSON
I'll call you.
He nods, reaches for the knob and she leans forward and
kisses him on the lips just as --
Lois appears in the window next to the door as she's about
to knock. She sees the kiss and it stops her cold. It's
brief but on the lips. Lois ducks out of sight as Mayson
walks out before Clark can really respond. He takes a
breath.
CLARK
Whoa.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 32.
50 CONTINUED: 2 50
He closes the door and moves back into the apartment. Hears
a knock. Opens the door. Lois stands there, looking
shaken, trying to stay composed.
CLARK (CONT'D)
Lois...
LOIS
(pulling a photo out of
her valise)
I dug a little deeper and found out
something else about Church.
CLARK
Come on in.
LOIS
I can't stay, just look.
She hands it to Clark. He looks at it -- it's of Bill
Church, Martin Snell _and Mayson Drake_ arm in arm at some
formal banquet.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Mayson Drake worked under Snell in
Church's acquisitions division.
CLARK
_What_... ?
LOIS
Why are you so upset?
CLARK
I'm just... surprised...
Lois' beeper goes off. She picks it up. Her eyes go wide.
LOIS
Oh, no... it's Uncle Mike, he's in
trouble.
51 OMITTED 51
52 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - NIGHT 52
Three Skins drag Uncle Mike out the front door. He's
holding a cordless phone in his hand. The LEADER grabs it
away and SMASHES it on the sidewalk.
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 33.
53 INT. CLARK'S - NIGHT 53
Lois moves toward the phone --
LOIS
I need to call the police --
CLARK
Phone's uhhh... out of order.
There's a payphone down the street.
She's out the door, fast.
54 EXT. CAFE - NIGHT 54
Mike yanks free of the gang guys holding him, BELTS the
Leader. The Skins circle him wide and pull weapons. Knife,
club and chain.
FADE OUT:
_END OF ACT TWO_
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 34.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
55 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT 55
The Skins circle Mike, taunting him, daring him. The
ex-Marine holds his ground but it's clear he's hopelessly
outnumbered. The Leader makes a vicious swing with his
knife -- and a HAND catches his wrist. REVEAL Clark in a
policeman's uniform, no glasses, hat pulled low over the
eyes like a cowl. Unrecognizable as either Man of Steel or
Mild-Mannered Reporter. He snatches the knife away and
tosses it into the alley.
CLARK
You have the right to remain
silent. Anything you say can and
will --
The Leader backs off as the guy with the chain circles and
the guy with the bat charges and swings.
CLARK (CONT'D)
-- be used against you --
Clark deftly ducks out of the way and the bat guy WALLOPS
the chain guy, who drops.
CLARK (CONT'D)
-- in a court of law.
The bat guy swings again. Clark grabs the bat in mid-air,
jerks it -- hard -- and sends him hurtling into trash cans.
Clark turns to the Leader, now the only Skin still standing.
CLARK
You have the right to an attorney.
If you cannot afford an attorney,
one will be provided for you.
The Leader SCREAMS, drops into a karate stance, then runs at
Clark, who just holds his hand, stiff-arm, and lets the
moron run into his steely palm. He drops, hard and fast.
CLARK (CONT'D)
(to the semiconscious
Skins now littering the
street)
Do you understand these rights as I
have explained them to you?
A MOAN from the aching Leader.
UNCLE MIKE
Officer, I think that was a yes.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 35.
55 CONTINUED: 55
CLARK
(moving off)
I'll go call for, uhhhh...
UNCLE MIKE
... backup?
CLARK
Yeah.
UNCLE MIKE
Looks like it's already on the way.
He points to a COP CAR SQUEALING around the corner, lights
FLASHING, SIRENS WAILING. The car SLAMS to a stop in front
of the cafe and Lois and TWO UNIFORMED OFFICERS pile out.
Lois runs to her uncle and throws her arms around him as the
officers hoist the Gang Bangers to their feet.
LOIS
Are you -- ?
UNCLE MIKE
I'm fine, sweetie, just fine. This
cop came out of no place, he sure
could throw a punch and --
(looks around)
Huh, where'd he go? He just
disappeared.
LOIS
(smiles knowingly)
Don't worry. I've got a feeling
he's around.
56 OMITTED 56
57 INT. PLANET - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY #3 57
Lois and Clark in a private face off. Tense.
LOIS
Clark, she's dirty.
CLARK
Show me the proof.
LOIS
We don't have any proof on _Snell_
but you're willing to go after him.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 36.
57 CONTINUED: 57
CLARK
That's different. I told you, I
have a... a source.
LOIS
I'll tell you what's different,
when Snell bats his eyes, you don't
get quite so giddy.
CLARK
Wait, wait, are you jealous or
something?
LOIS
Of what? We're friends, we're
partners, what you do away from me
is... is...
CLARK
Yes?
LOIS
... whatever you do, I don't care --
except when it affects our job.
CLARK
How is it affecting my job to say I
disagree? To say, you have no
proof that Church is the head of
Intergang and so no proof that just
because Mayson worked for Church
_she's_ part of Intergang? We've
got to stay on track.
LOIS
You're not saying stay on track,
you're saying stay away from your
girlfriend.
CLARK
She's not my girlfriend.
LOIS
Whatever she is, she's got you
finger-wrapped and blindfolded.
CLARK
(exiting)
If there's anybody blind here, it's
you.
LOIS
What's that supposed to mean?
CUT TO:
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 37.
58 OMITTED 58
58A INT. TOOLSHED - KENT FARM - DAY 58A
JONATHAN and Clark are doing some carpentry. MARTHA enters
with a tray of pie and lemonade.
JONATHAN
What _did_ it mean?
CLARK
I don't even know, it's just one of
those things that sounded good at
the time but once I got in the
elevator, I couldn't figure out
what it meant.
MARTHA
Freud might say it was a
subconscious desire in search of a
context. On the other hand, Jung
would probably dismiss it as an
anger-induced synaptic anomaly.
Clark just looks at her. Jonathan smiles.
JONATHAN
Adult education. It's a beautiful
thing.
MARTHA
The real question here is... who's
this Mayson girl, honey? Do you
like her?
CLARK
Yeah. I think. Well, that's the
other weird part. See, she likes
me -- I mean, Clark -- but she
hates Superman. Which is kind of
confusing because Lois loves
Superman but only likes Clark and
Mayson likes Clark in a way that's
different than Lois but hates
Superman in a way that's different
from _anybody_.
MARTHA
Oh, sweetie, I was afraid this
might happen someday.
CLARK
What?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 38.
58A CONTINUED: 58A
MARTHA
You've started talking about
yourself in the third person. It's
all the pressure. That's why I've
started taking those psych
classes... and not a moment too
soon.
JONATHAN
Martha, lighten up. The boy's got
two gorgeous women after him. This
doesn't rank high in the list of
world problems.
CLARK
That's true, Dad, except don't
forget, Mayson might be an agent of
Intergang.
JONATHAN
Well... nobody's perfect, son. How
about another piece of pie?
CLARK
No, thanks.
MARTHA
Oh, Clark, your life is so
complicated sometimes.
(pushes the hair off his
forehead)
I watch you trying so hard to
figure everything out, like when
you were a little boy, taking Dad's
new tractor apart and bending the
axles into pretzels... remember?
JONATHAN
Who could forget? Try explaining
_that_ one to the insurance
company.
MARTHA
I know you and Lois have had your
ups and downs but I also know she
really cares about you. Maybe just
as a friend, maybe as something
more, you two're going to have to
figure that out. And this Mayson
girl, well, if you're wondering
about whether you can trust
someone, isn't the simplest way
just to come out and ask them?
CLARK
Thanks, Mom.
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 39.
59 INT. DAILY PLANET - PERRY'S OFFICE - NIGHT #3 59
Cartons of takeout. Lois is slumped across from Perry's
desk.
PERRY
... so think of it as a jungle
river, exotic but treacherous --
LOIS
Is this the 'reach for a mango, get
your arm ripped off by a jaguar'
speech?
PERRY
Oh, you heard that one?
LOIS
When I was dating Lex.
PERRY
How about, make yourself a rarity?
(she nods)
Huh. Well, those are my best ones.
I guess I'm fresh outta front porch
wisdom, so we're just gonna have to
talk. You seemed pretty upset after
that blowout with Clark.
LOIS
Perry, he's letting his feelings
for a woman get in the way of our
story.
PERRY
And...?
LOIS
And... it's unprofessional and I
think it's getting in the way of
our story...
PERRY
And...?
LOIS
And... I don't like it, okay? I
don't even know why but I don't
like it.
PERRY
Lois, let me tell you what I know
about Clark Kent: if you asked for
the moon, held start building a
rocket. Now, Clark's a nice man
but when you get right down to it,
a nice man is still just a man.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 40.
59 CONTINUED: 59
LOIS
Perry, he's the best friend I've
ever had. I don't want to lose
him.
PERRY
(comforting her)
Aww, darlin', you're never gonna
lose him. You two might have a few
bumps in the road but things're
gonna work out just fine, you'll
see.
60 EXT. AMERICANA CAFE - DAY #4 60
Mayson comes out the front door just as Clark walks up.
CLARK
Hi.
MAYSON
Clark, do you know Bill church?
Before Clark can answer, Church comes out of the restaurant
with Mike Lane.
CLARK
(a little startled)
No, we've... never met.
They shake hands.
MAYSON
I was talking to Bill about what
was happening here on the Southside
and since he's chairing the Urban
Redevelopment Fund, I thought he
ought to get down here himself and
spread a little of that wealth
around.
CHURCH
Terrible when you see this happen
to a nice neighborhood. Such a
waste.
CLARK
(looking at Mayson, then
Church)
But somebody's going to make money
on this... somehow. Right?
Church locks eyes with Clark for just a second, then smiles
benignly.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 41.
60 CONTINUED: 60
CHURCH
Well, I'm running late. Mike,
we'll be in touch. Mayson, take
care.
(kisses her cheek)
Clark, nice to mee you.
CLARK
(watching him carefully)
You too.
Church climbs into his dusty old Volvo and drives off.
UNCLE MIKE
That has to be the world's nicest
billionaire.
(seating Clark and
Mayson)
I'll get you two menus.
Clark and Mayson sit.
CLARK
So, you used to work for Church.
MAYSON
How'd you know?
CLARK
Is it a secret?
MAYSON
No, I just don't remember
mentioning it.
CLARK
Lois and I have been following a
series of leads... from Baby Rage
to Martin Snell to Intergang...
then from Intergang to Bill
Church...
MAYSON
Bill...?
CLARK
...from Church, to you.
MAYSON
Wait. You're having lunch with me
to ask if my ex-boss is the head of
Intergang?
CLARK
I never said _head_.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 42.
60 CONTINUED: 2 60
MAYSON
Bill Church is my friend. Martin
Snell is a professional
acquaintance. And the next time
you want to interview me for a
story --
(gets up)
-- call my office and make an
appointment.
CLARK
Mayson, wait --
MAYSON
(exits)
See you in court.
CLARK
(sits alone)
This is not my _week_.
CUT TO:
61 INT. COURTROOM - DAY 61
Clark is on the stand, just finishing his testimony for
Mayson.
MAYSON
And after you saw the defendant
start the fire... ?
CLARK
Superman flew down, apprehended him
and put it out.
MAYSON
Thank you, Mr. Kent.
As she moves to the prosecution table, she passes Martin
Snell and an unrecognizably coiffed and duded up Baby Rage.
MAYSON (CONT'D)
Your witness.
SNELL
No questions at this time.
JUDGE
You're excused, Mr. Kent.
Clark gets off the stand and walks to the gallery. He
passes Mayson, who refuses to look at him.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 43.
61 CONTINUED: 61
A PARALEGAL crosses past Clark to Snell, leans down with a
folder and whispers in his ear. Clark takes his seat in the
gallery, looks over and is surprised to see Lois next to him
with Mike Lane.
UNCLE MIKE
Nice going, Clark, I'm proud of
you.
CLARK
Thanks.
There's an awkward beat between Lois and Clark. Mike picks
up on it and --
UNCLE MIKE
I'm just gonna move up a few rows,
get a better view of things.
He moves away, giving them some privacy.
CLARK
Lois, I owe you an apology.
LOIS
No, I owe the apology.
CLARK
No, I shouldn't have lost my
temper.
LOIS
Well, Clark, you are entitled once
in a while, I mean, I must lose
mine once... once every...
CLARK
... three to four minutes.
She smiles.
LOIS
Anyway --
CLARK
(glances at the judge's
bench)
Hey, what's going on?
Lois looks and sees Snell and Mayson both at the judge's
bench. The Judge is reviewing the document the Paralegal
gave to Snell. The Judge gestures for the two attorneys to
be seated, then looks up gravely.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 44.
61 CONTINUED: 2 61
JUDGE
New evidence seems to indicate that
the officers who arrested the
defendant did not properly apprise
him of his Miranda rights. And the
warrant issued to search his house
had the incorrect address on it.
Lois and Clark are stunned. Mike can't believe it. Lois'
eyes snap to Mayson.
JUDGE (CONT'D)
Ms. Drake, your office personally
issued the warrant.
MAYSON
There must be some mistake...
JUDGE
If so, I'll grant you twenty-four
hours to investigate this matter
internally and refute the charges.
Otherwise, I'll have no choice but
to declare the arrest invalid and
set the defendant free.
As he bangs his gavel, Baby Rage turns and gives Uncle Mike
a nasty wink.
SNELL
Sorry, Mayson. Better luck next
time.
Lois, eyes burn as she stares at Mayson:
LOIS
This was all her, she set it up.
She's dirty, Clark. How much more
evidence do you _need_?
On Clark's troubled expression, as he watches Mayson walk
past him and out of court.
FADE OUT:
_END OF ACT THREE_
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 45.
_ACT FOUR_
FADE IN:
62 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT #4 62
Perry and Jimmy walking to the elevators:
PERRY
Tonight.
JIMMY
What?
PERRY
Tonight, you go home and you call
her.
JIMMY
It's kind of late, isn't it?
PERRY
You'll wake her up. Tell her
you're sorry it's after midnight
but you just got a sudden,
inexplicable urge to hear her
voice.
(they get in the
elevator)
She'll be half-listening,
half-dreaming as you tell her that
this Saturday, you have tickets --
(produces two)
-- to a magical ball. And you'll
pick her up at eight.
Jimmy takes the tickets, frowns.
JIMMY
Does this mean I have to buy a tie?
On Perry's exasperated expression, the doors close.
63 AT CLARK'S DESK 63
Clark is at the computer, typing, while Lois is on the
phone.
LOIS
Look, you're the best police source
I have, I need names or the whole
case is going to get tossed and my
uncle -- No, don't hang up, just
listen to --
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 46.
63 CONTINUED: 63
Dial tone. She sets the phone down, exhausted. Clark looks
up from the computer.
CLARK
Face it, Lois. We're at a dead
end.
MAYSON (O.S.)
Maybe not.
They look up. Mayson crosses to them.
MAYSON (CONT'D)
If that case gets thrown out and my
office is implicated, my career is
over. I want to get to the bottom
of this as much as you do. But I
don't know who to trust anymore.
LOIS
Seems to be going around these
days.
MAYSON
I guess if you want trust, you have
to start by giving it.
She opens her valise and pulls out files, records and
computer discs.
MAYSON (CONT'D)
That's everything my office has on
Intergang... and my personal files
on Martin Snell.
Lois and Clark look at the files, tempted.
MAYSON (CONT'D)
I've known Martin a long time, he's
always danced close to the line.
Maybe together we can find out
where he stepped over.
CLARK
I think we should do it. If we
combine what we know... well, it
can't possibly get any worse, can
it?
Lois thinks this over, then grabs Mayson's file, opens it
and --
LOIS
You've got a point.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 47.
63 CONTINUED: 2 63
Clark reaches for Mayson's discs, hears an insect WHINE and
bats the air.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Careful, that sounds like the bug
that bit me.
(scratches)
Thing still hurts.
Clark tracks the whining bug and snatches it out of the air.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Nice get.
CLARK
(suspicious of the
insect)
I'm going to let it out the window.
LOIS
What are you all of a sudden, a
Buddhist?
Clark gets up and crosses away. Then rolls the bug between
thumb and forefinger, lowers his glasses and --
64 CLARK'S MICROSCOPIC POV 64
of the bug in his fingers reveals it's no bug at all -- but
a TINY, FLYING ROBOT, with coppery skin, big black eye
sensors and mesh rotors that whir like helicopter blades.
65 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 65
Tech One studies a kind of radar image on his computer.
TECH ONE
We broke another needle on this guy
Kent.
(manipulating his mouse)
Now I can't get the probe to fly.
He hits some buttons. We hear an ULTRASONIC BURST and --
66 INT. PLANET - NIGHT 66
Clark brings the tiny robot up to his ear, hearing the same
BURST.
CLARK
I have to go.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 48.
66 CONTINUED: 66
LOIS
What? Where?
CLARK
(moving off)
You guys stay here, this won't take
long.
Before either woman can respond, he's gone.
MAYSON
Does he do that a lot?
LOIS
Constantly.
67 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 67
The two Techs watch their screens.
TECH ONE
That's weird. The drone's heading
this way... but I haven't called
it.
The wall BLASTS open and in ROARS Superman. The two Techs
cower. Superman gives the bug in his hand a light squeeze,
its WHINE stops and he throws it on the table.
SUPERMAN
So that's how your bullets always
find their targets... a genetic
tag, injected by needle. What is
it, a radio isotope?
The two nod, terrified.
68 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 68
Church and Snell are at the conference table.
CHURCH
What about this Southside cop who
came out of nowwhere and stopped
the Skins? Any leads on who that
was?
Before Snell can answer, an ALARM SOUNDS and one of the
screens POPS ON.
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 49.
69 ON SCREEN - SECURITY CAMERA POV OF INT. PILLBOX 69
as Superman puts his FIST through one of the computers.
CHURCH (O.S.)
Hm. Looks like your plan's not
going too well, Martin.
70 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 70
SUPERMAN
Where's the gun?
71 71
THRU OMITTED THRU
72 72
73 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 73
Snell leaps for the control keypad, hitting buttons.
SNELL
Okay, he wants to butt heads, here
comes the headache.
He stabs a button and --
74 EXT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 74
The rifle rises on its robotic arm and FIRES once and --
75 INT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 75
Superman hears the shot, SPEEDS out the way he came and
76 EXT. PILLBOX - NIGHT 76
Superman is a BLUR as he CRUSHES the rifle with a single
BLOW and ZOOMS out of sight --
77 EXT. ON THE SMART BULLET - NIGHT 77
as it JETS toward the city and
78 78
THRU OMITTED THRU
80 80
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 50.
81 EXT. METROPOLIS SKY - NIGHT 81
The smart bullet cuts around a building and out of sight.
Superman FLIES into view. Looks left, then right -- where
did it go?
82 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET - NEWSTAND - NIGHT 82
A selection of overseas newspapers under his arm, Perry
steps off the curb. Suddenly, Superman throws himself in
front of the editor as the smart bullet SQUIB HITS his cape.
PERRY
Superman, did you just save me from
something?
SUPERMAN
Uh-huh.
PERRY
Do I wanna know what it was?
SUPERMAN
Nah.
He FLIES off.
83 INT. CHURCH'S LAIR - NIGHT 83
Snell sits, humiliated. Church opens his pill bottle.
CHURCH
Martin, this isn't a disaster yet
but it will be if Baby Rage turns
state's evidence on us. Make sure
he walks. You're a lawyer, you
should be able to handle _that_.
84 INT. COURT CORRIDOR - DAY #5 84
Snell walks down the hall. Mayson falls into step alongside
him.
MAYSON
I'm looking for a deal.
SNELL
Yeah? Try K-Mart.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 51.
84 CONTINUED: 84
MAYSON
Shut up and listen for once,
Martin, you might actually learn
something.
SNELL
Well, aren't you Frosty the Snow
Queen. You got one minute. If you
bore me, I'll bill you.
MAYSON
Those reporters, Kent and Lane?
They have a Deep Throat in the
police department.
SNELL
And this is interesting to me,
why...?
MAYSON
At six this morning, the three of
us put the heat on this guy to give
us the names of the cops _you_
bribed to bungle Baby's arrest.
SNELL
I'm awfully sorry, counselor, I
have absolutely no knowledge of
this.
MAYSON
You've got a leak, Martin. This
Deep Throat of Lois Lane's is one
of _your_ guys. On Intergang's
payroll.
(off his undisguised
look of anger)
I know, you just can't trust
anybody, can you? I'd say right
about now, you really want to get
rid of this guy, don't you? Well,
I can make it happen.
SNELL
Mayson... is the good little girl
crossing over to the bad side of
the street?
MAYSON
I'm about to get seriously damaged
in there, Martin, we both know it.
I'd like a little something for my
trouble.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 52.
84 CONTINUED: 2 84
MAYSON (CONT'D)
(pulls envelope)
Here's the name of that two-timing
cop. For sale, a one-time only
offer.
(he stares at the
envelope hungrily)
Tick-tock, Martin.
SNELL
How much?
MAYSON
What do you pay your cops?
SNELL
Five thousand a month, a little
extra here and there...
85 INT. CORRIDOR - AROUND THE CORNER - DAY 85
SNELL (V.O.)
... for special favors.
Snell's VOICE is coming out of a hand-held tape
recorder/receiver. REVEAL it's being held by Lois, wearing
an earpiece, who grins at Clark and gives him thumbs up.
CLARK
Your plan worked?
LOIS
My plan worked. Oooh, I just love
saying those words.
86 INT. COURT - DAY 86
Lois' recorder sits on the Judge's bench, now being played
for the entire court to hear.
SNELL (V.O.)
We can probably do a little better
for you, I mean you _are_ a college
graduate, so how about seven thou a
month?
The Judge shuts the machine off and glares up at Snell, who
stands next to a slyly smiling Mayson.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 53.
86 CONTINUED: 86
SNELL (CONT'D)
Your Honor, it's clear to me that
the voice on that recording is that
of an actor, hired to impersonate
me.
JUDGE
Really. I'd like to hear his
Brando. But for the moment, we're
going to assume that was you...
which does not bode well for your
future as an attorney, or a free
man. As for the defendant, Daniel
Anthony Bell AKA, Baby Rage --
You're going to trial.
Lois and Clark smile at one another. The judge POUNDS his
gavel and exits as everyone gets to their feet.
MAYSON
Sorry, Martin. Better luck next
time.
Uncle Mike breaks through the crowd and embraces Lois.
Clark looks on and smiles.
UNCLE MIKE
So sweetie, you hungry?
CUT TO:
87 UNCLE MIKE HEAPING FOOD 87
onto Lois' plate. PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
88 EXT. EMBASSY COURTYARD - CHARITY BALL - NIGHT #5 88
They're in elegant evening wear, at a magnificent buffet,
under a sign saying: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT FUND CHARITY BALL.
Clark is beside Lois, already digging into his plate.
LOIS
Uncle Mike, everybody's raving
about the food.
CLARK
They're all asking about your
restaurant.
UNCLE MIKE
Well, it's pretty amazing how fast
things are turning around.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 54.
88 CONTINUED: 88
UNCLE MIKE (CONT'D)
No more gangs, no more slow cops,
thanks to those articles you two
wrote...
CLARK
... and the DA's new Strike
Force...
LOIS
... which was prompted by...
CLARK
... those articles we wrote.
LOIS
I guess whoever's behind Intergang
doesn't like the spotlight much.
Bill Church, in an old rumpled tux, glides by and gives Mike
a thumbs up.
UNCLE MIKE
Now there's a great guy.
LOIS
Sorry, Uncle Mike, but you're
wrong.
(to Clark)
And we're going to prove it,
partner. Just wait.
89 AT THE OTHER END OF THE PARTY 89
Perry comes up to a sulking Jimmy.
PERRY
Well, son, can I meet her?
JIMMY
Sure. Just hop a plane to
Switzerland. That's where her new
boyfriend lives. The one who
cheered her up when I was ignoring
her.
PERRY
Ahhh, Jimmy... you know what a man
needs at a time like this?
JIMMY
(seething)
A baseball bat and an alibi.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 55.
89 CONTINUED: 89
PERRY
A philosophy. Love is like a big
casino. Flashing lights, free
drinks and Wayne Newton. A lot to
distract a player from what it's
really all about: games of chance.
Fate. Layin' your money down and
hopin' luck's your lady that night.
But sometimes when you roll them
big dice at Casino love... you crap
out.
90 A DARK CORNER 90
of the party, Bill Church stands alone. Mayson approaches.
MAYSON
There's something I need to know,
Bill.
CHURCH
This sounds like it's going to be a
professional question.
MAYSON
We're bringing charges against
Martin Snell. I thought I'd ask
you first, off the record, if you
have any business dealings with
him.
CHURCH
I'll tell you on the record. No.
I'm not doing any business with
Martin.
MAYSON
Sorry. I had to ask.
CHURCH
Of course you did, dear.
(a fatherly kiss)
Now you go enjoy the party.
She moves off. Church reaches into his jacket pocket and
pulls out what looks like a cigarette case. He opens it and
it reveals itself to be a miniature TV screen and computer
keypad. He punches buttons and
91 ON MINI-SCREEN - A ROOM 91
in a government building somewhere. At the conference
table, TWO FEDERAL PROSECUTORS and SEVERAL FBI AGENTS.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 56.
91 CONTINUED: 91
All listening to Martin Snell.
SNELL
(ON SCREEN)
All right, you want to know who the
head of Intergang is? I'll tell
you. It's --
92 BACK ON CHURCH - CLOSE UP 92
He hits a button as a tinny BOOM comes out of the screen in
his hand, along with a WHITE FLASH that lights his face
until he closes the case and heads away from the party,
swallowed up by the inky shadows of the city.
93 OUT ON THE DANCE FLOOR 93
Lois and Clark move to a slow song. Mayson walks up.
MAYSON
Lois? Mind if I cut in?
Clark looks at Lois, dreading her comeback but Lois just
smiles graciously and steps aside.
LOIS
(stepping away)
Of course not.
MAYSON
(stepping in)
Thanks.
Clark and Mayson dance as Lois moves off and is suddenly
swept up into Perry's arms.
PERRY
I warn you -- I dip suddenly and
deeply.
LOIS
(laughs)
I'll stay alert.
PERRY
(eyeing Mayson and
Clark)
You, uh, you two all right?
LOIS
We're fine. Mayson's really not so
bad.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 57.
93 CONTINUED: 93
LOIS (CONT'D)
A little pushy maybe but she's
obviously so desperate, who can
blame her? And I think what you
said is right...
(watching him)
No matter what happens, I'll never
lose Clark.
94 INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - NIGHT 94
She's still in her evening gown, eating ice cream out of the
container and listening to something slow and romantic on
the stereo. She does a little dance alone, then as she
turns, is startled to see Superman at her window.
SUPERMAN
I just dropped in to say, thanks
for your advice the other night.
LOIS
You're welcome...
(smiles)
... Officer. My uncle keeps wanting
me to find out who that cop was so
he can bake him a cake.
SUPERMAN
Well, tell him I retired from the
force but I'll still be looking out
for him... and you, too.
LOIS
I know.
He starts to go.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Would you... like to dance?
SUPERMAN
That sounds nice.
She moves close. He takes her in his arms. They dance,
faces close, eyes lost in each other.
SUPERMAN (CONT'D)
I like this song.
LOIS
Do you? I've been thinking, I
don't know very much about you.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
CHURCH OF METROPOLIS (#5) Blue Rev. (FULL) 9/12/94 58.
94 CONTINUED: 94
LOIS (CONT'D)
I don't know what kind of music you
like, what your favorite color is.
I didn't even know you could dance.
SUPERMAN
This isn't dancing.
LOIS
It's not?
SUPERMAN
This is.
And as the MUSIC CRESECNDOS, he lifts her into the air.
They twirl there in her apartment, five feet off the floor,
his cape flowing around them as WE PULL BACK OUT the open
window, into the night and...
FADE OUT:
_THE END_