LOIS AND CLARK
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
"Battleground Earth"
EPISODE TWO
Written by
Eugenie Ross-Leming & Brad Buckner
Directed by
Philip J. Sgriccia
_CAST_
CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN
LOIS LANE
JIMMY OLSEN
PERRY WHITE
MARTHA KENT
JONATHAN KENT
ZARA
CHING
NOR
TREY
JEN MAI
RAN
DRULL
COLONEL CASH
MESSENGER
_LOCATIONS_
_INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_:
Daily Planet Daily Planet
Newsroom
Conference Room Smallville
Town Hall
Lois' Apartment Malt Shop
Living Room
Kitchen Metropolis Street
Malt Shop *
Mother Ship Lois' Balcony
Grand Chamber
Bridal Chamber
Corridor
_TEASER_
FADE IN:
RECAP
Clark on Mother Ship, hearing Nor has gone to Earth; Clark
reuniting with Lois, caught by Trey; Nor telling Smallville
it's been taken over; Lois brought in as concubine; Nor
vaporizes Cash's tanks; Clark and Lois smuggled into
Smallville; Nor telling Clark he wants to get rid of him.
1 EXT. SMALLVILLE - TOWN HALL - DAY #5 CONTINUED 1
RAN holds a weapon on JONATHAN and MARTHA, DRULL and a Guard
hold CLARK; LORD NOR is in the middle of all of them,
pleased by this turn of events. LOIS watches nervously from
the crowd in the square.
NOR
(looking around him)
Well, well, we have here a tableau
of infinite possibilities, none of
them, unfortunately, pleasant for
you.
He walks contemptuously up to Clark.
NOR (CONT'D)
Do you try to escape and I kill the
Kents? Do you attack me and I kill
you? Do we do battle and I kill
all these Earth people? Stop me if.
you're sensing a theme...
CLARK
(menacingly)
You don't want to do battle with
me.
NOR
(an inch from Clark's
face)
Oh, but I do. All my life I've
been one step away from marrying
Zara and taking the throne. All my
life I've heard the lore of the
great House of El and its beloved
son.. my rival. How I've hated
you.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 2.
1 CONTINUED: 1
CLARK
It's not me who kept you from the
throne... It's the law of your own
people.
NOR
On the contrary, the law of my
people will _place_ me on the
throne! You are under arrest.
CLARK
Under arrest for what?! (X)
MARTHA
He hasn't done anything!
JONATHAN
You're the one who's breaking the
law!
LOIS
You hired an assassin to kill him!
Is _that_ legal?!
Nor slowly turns and regards them with utter contempt.
NOR
Excuse me, do any of you hold
Kryptonian law degrees?
LOIS
No.
NOR
Then shut up.
(to Clark)
So, not content with ruling your
world, you wanted to rule mine.
Ambition'll be the end of you, Kal
El.
(nods to Kents and Lois)
And them as well.
BLACK.
_END OF TEASE_
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 3.
_ACT ONE_
FADE IN:
2 EXT. CORNER MALT. SHOP - DAY 2
Jonathan and Martha stand chained to the post outside the
door, flanked by two Kryptonian Guards with drawn weapons.
Lois arrives, escorted by Ran.
MARTHA
Lois, dear, are you alright?
LOIS
Are _you_ two alright?
(crossly, to Ran)
Could you at least get them chairs
or something?
RAN
On New Krypton we do not give
hostages chairs.
She storms inside, drags out two wire ice cream parlor
chairs, all during:
LOIS
You know what? I don't _like_ New
Krypton. There, I said it. I know
you're supposed to be so
intellectually advanced, but I
think you're a bunch of creeps and
I am sorry Kal El even gave you the
time of day much less sacrificed
everything to save your stupid
planet.
During this, she's placed the chairs for Jonathan and Martha
and they've slid their chains down the pole and sat down.
LOIS (CONT'D)
(to Kents)
Are you comfortable?
(to Ran)
So're you gonna shoot us over a
couple of chairs? I don't think (X)
so! 'Cause we're the only hold (X)
you've _got_ over my friend Kal El
who'd be out here in maybe two
seconds to mop the floor with you.
The Kents applaud with their shackled hands.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 4.
2 CONTINUED: 2
JONATHAN
Well said, Lois.
MARTHA
Hear, hear, Honey.
RAN
Silence!
(to Lois)
You. Inside.
3 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 3
Clark stands near the counter, anxiously watching the
exchange outside, watched over by a Guard.
RAN
Kal El. In accordance with your
legal rights, you have a visitor, a
particularly vile Earth woman.
LOIS
Watch it, I'm his favorite
concubine.
Ran glares at her, and he and the Guard leave. Lois runs to
Clark, throwing her arms around him, as:
CLARK
Lois, you've gotta be careful with
these guys. Get 'em' angry and they
might...
LOIS
I know. I'm sorry. I get upset
and shoot my mouth off; I don't
know if you've noticed.
CLARK
(smiling)
I have.
(kisses her, then nods at
the room)
When I was a kid, I used to sit
right on that stool, eating a
banana split. Never thought I'd be
locked up in here with my parents
chained up outside and the world
about to be taken over.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 5.
3 CONTINUED: 3
LOIS
(touches his face)
I know. It's always something.
(then)
Clark, how can they arrest you?
Aren't you the king or something?
CLARK
Under their law, if one Noble
charges another with a crime, a
tribunal has to be convened. But
the Elders can't convict me... I
haven't _done_ anything.
LOIS
See, _you're_ so good, you assume
justice will prevail. This is not
something I assume.
CLARK
(holding her)
Lois, I'm gonna beat this guy Nor.
Then the Kryptonians can go back (X)
and solve their _own_ problems, and
faster than a speeding bullet,
we're gonna get married.
LOIS
(smiles)
Can you make it any faster than
that?
CLARK
(quietly)
Try to find out if they know about
Kryptonite. It's the one thing
that could be a problem.
LOIS
(quietly)
As far as I can tell, they _don't_
know about it. For a bright bunch (X)
of aliens, they sure haven't done
their homework.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 6.
3 CONTINUED: 2 3
CLARK
Then why's he so confident of
winning? What _does_ he have?
LOIS
That's what I will try to find out.
She grabs him in a big kiss, we...
CUT TO:
4 INT. DAILY PLANET - ON CLOCK - NIGHT #5 4
Deathly silence. The clock reads 3:00 A.M. PULL BACK to
find a newsroom packed with government and military types,
watching the clock, speaking in low murmurs. PERRY comes
out of his office with ZARA.
PERRY
Judas Priest, it's like a tomb in
here.
(loud, to room)
Look, you all may call this your
headquarters, but it's still my
newsroom, so stop looking glum.
Superman's on the case. (X)
ZARA
Still, one more day, and this whole
planet may be at war. The world's (X)
military gave Kal El just 48 hours (X)
to find out what's going on in
Smallville.
COLONEL CASH strolls up, chewing on an unlit cigar.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 7.
4 CONTINUED: 4
COLONEL CASH
I'll tell you what's goin' on. (X)
We've got a wacko Martian on our
hands and he's gotta be taken out!
TREY/CHING
Martian?
COLONEL CASH
A generic term for anyone who's
never had a Big Mac.
JIMMY races in.
JIMMY
Chief, bad news... Superman told (X)
Star Labs to get their Kryptonite
ready for use... Only there isn't (X)
any. It was stolen from their
vault. No sign of forced entry...
It must've been someone on the
inside.
PERRY
(glancing around)
Or... someone with super powers.
JIMMY
That's what Dr. Klein said.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 8.
4 CONTINUED: 2 4
CHING
If Nor _does_ know Kryptonite's
power and uses it against him...
ZARA
...he will marry me and assume the
throne...
TREY
... My dear, you continue to paint
far too bleak a picture of Lord
Nor.
JEN MAI rushes in through the same door Jimmy entered
through.
JEN MAI
I have bad news.
PERRY (X)
Anyone ever come through that door (X)
with _good_ news?
JEN MAI
Kal El has surrendered to Nor, who
invites us to meet him in
Smallville.
TREY
(to Zara)
I still maintain Nor is, at heart,
loyal to the Nobility. Do what you
should've done from the beginning.
Go to this Smallville and confront
him.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 9.
4 CONTINUED: 3 4
JEN MAI
(craftily, to Zara)
You have the full backing of the
Council of Elders.
ZARA
Well, if you feel that's best...
PERRY
Then it's a done deal. Olsen! Tag
along with these folks and get word
to Lois and Superman about the
Kryptonite. Oh, and get the usual
inside-the-force-field photos.
(catches himself)
If that's okay with your ladyship.
Zara smiles, nods approval.
JIMMY
Great! Thanks. And thanks, Chief.
The Kryptonians start out; Jimmy catches up with Ching.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Listen... Ching... think I oughta
wear one of those black suits like
Kal El has? Just.. so I'd fit in
better.
(off Ching's look;
following him out)
It's not like I'd look _bad_ or
anything... I've really lowered my
percentage of body fat...
CUT TO:
5 EXT. SMALLVILLE - TOWN HALL - DAY #6 5
Nor is in discussion with Ran when Drull approaches with a
document.
DRULL
A citizens committee has drawn up a
petition. They demand more food
and water for the people.
NOR
That's only fair. Kill the
committee and distribute their
portions to the rest.
(to Ran)
Leadership is problem solving.
Drull is going Nor turned back to his discussion; when a
huge shadow comes over them. They all look up.
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 10.
6 EXT. SMALLVILLE - THE ENTIRE TOWN - DAY 6
The bubble remains over the city. And over the bubble looms
the huge Mother Ship.
7 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 7
Nor smiles craftily.
NOR
I thought they'd never get here.
Order the field made penetrable by
thought transmission.
8 INT. MOTHER SHIP - GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 8
Zara closes her eyes while Trey, Jen Mai, and Ching look on.
ZARA (V.O.)
Lord Nor. It is Zara. I hereby
order you to open the force field.
9 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 9
Ran and Drull look up anxiously. Nor listens, bored.
ZARA (V.O.)
... You are here without
authorization of the Council of
Elders and have much to explain...
10 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 10
Lois stares at Clark, who's anxiously looking up, tuning in.
LOIS
What?
CLARK
It's Zara. They're here.
11 INT. MOTHER SHIP - DAY 11
Zara continues to focus.
ZARA (V.O.)
... Not only to me, but to your
people.
Jimmy abruptly enters, grumpy, wearing a baggy black jump
suit.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 11.
11 CONTINUED: 11
JIMMY
(pulling unhappily at the
baggy material)
Ching, my man, could you have a
talk with the guy who hands out
suits...?
The Elders glare, as:
CHING
Ssshh!
Chastened, Jimmy apologetically backs off. Ching closes his
eyes to focus.
ZARA (V.O.)
... The entire Council joins me in
warning you not to resist our...
Jimmy has brought up his camera. FLASH! Zara's and Ching's
eyes fly open, as they reel,
12 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 12
Nor listens, puzzled, to:
ZARA (V.O.)
Jimmy, we are trying to
communicate!
CHING (V.O.)
Just go sit over there.
Nor taps his head as if to clear a faulty connection, and:
NOR (V.O.)
Look, before you go invoking the
Council, the law, and all that's
sacred, let me extend you my
sincerest welcome.
13 INT. MOTHER SHIP - GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 13
Zara and the others tune in to:
NOR (V.O.)
As always, I remain the Council's
most humble servant.
TREY
Words of reason, Lady Zara. I fear
Lord Nor's been judged too harshly.
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Gold Rev. 8/2/96 12.
14 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 14
Clark listens, suspicious, opens eyes, glances at Lois.
CLARK
He's giving them permission to
land. What's he up to?
15 EXT. TOWN HALL - DAY 15
Ran and Drull flank Nor; the remaining Guards stand at
attention in two rows before them, forming a wide aisle.
NOR
(slyly)
Look sharp, Lads. We do want to
give our... ruler... a most fitting
welcome.
A FLASH and Zara, Ching, Jimmy (still in black suit), Trey, (X)
and Jen Mai stand in the aisle between the rows of guards.
Lord Nor makes a sweeping bow; the rows of Guards fall to
their faces in a kowtow. Zara impatiently waves for them to
rise, which they do.
NOR (CONT'D)
My most humble greeting, Lady Zara
of New Krypton, and to the Council
at whose pleasure she rules.
ZARA
(unimpressed)
Lord Nor. You've taken Kal El
prisoner, and we order his release.
We also order you to surrender this
territory.
NOR
(another bow; oozing
slime:)
Of course, my Lady, if that is what
the Council wishes.
(to Council)
My Lords, my hope had been to
present you with a full report
about colonizing the Earth...
ZARA
'Colonizing?!' We _have_ a home!
NOR
A temporary one, I feel. Lord
Trey, wasn't our charter to find
the most _hospitable_ home for our
people?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 13.
15 CONTINUED: 15
NOR (CONT'D)
Can we think that barren wasteland (X)
we live on is preferable to the (X)
lushness of _Earth_? (X)
He gestures around; Trey considers this. (X)
CHING
Our planet is _not_ temporary. The
charter is fulfilled!
Infuriated, Ran and Drull take a step toward Ching.
NOR
No, no, I beg you not to lash the
Lieutenant for his boldness; even
though the law demands it.
TREY
Very generous. Perhaps we should
wait until your report is complete.
Provided the townspeople are
unharmed.
NOR
Even today, I increased their
rations of food and water. As to
Kal El, I'm merely holding him for
tribunal, since he has the power to
elude us.
ZARA
_What_ tribunal?!
NOR
(pleasantly)
A tribunal must judge any charges
brought by one Noble against
another.
ZARA
(astounded)
And what could Lord Kal El possibly
be charged with?
NOR
(still pleasant)
The same as you, Zara. Destroying (X)
the royal bloodline... Betraying (X)
your people. In short: (X)
(deadly serious)
High treason. (X)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 14.
16 INT. MALT SHOP - DAY 16
Clark's been tuning in. His eyes fly open. Lois stares
anxiously.
LOIS
What? _What_?
BLACK.
_END OF ACT ONE_
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 15.
_ACT TWO_
FADE IN:
17 INT. DAILY PLANET - ON PAMPHLET - DAY 17
The pamphlet has a happy face drawn on its cover and the
words "New Krypton: We'll Have a World of Fun." PULL BACK
to find the Planeteers, Perry, Colonel Cash, the Military
and Government Types, all standing, stunned, holding
pamphlets, listening to:
JEN MAI (O.S.)
(the sunny P.R. Man)
... Lord Nor commends the Earthly
governments for ordering their
military units not to interfere
with the reorganization of this
planet.
18 INCLUDE JEN MAI 18
He floats above the crowd, reading from a tablet.
JEN MAI
Being annexed by New Krypton is a
lot like getting amiable, some say
fun-loving new neighbors, except
you'll be our slaves. We will take
over one major city at a time,
beginning with Metropolis. Any
city resisting this opportunity (X)
will be annihilated. Thanks for (X)
your cooperation, and welcome to
the New Krypton family!
He smiles, waves and BLURS out the window as the room erupts
in an UPROAR.
19 PERRY, COLONEL CASH 19
PERRY
Great shades of Elvis, you ever (X)
hear such unmitigated gall?! And (X)
when did _that_ rascal switch
sides?!
COLONEL CASH
(crossing to phone)
Well, we're not just gonna sit
still for this... I'm calling the
Pentagon! The U.N. has to let the
military _act_.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Gold Rev. 8/2/96 16.
19 CONTINUED: 19
PERRY
But Colonel, what can you _do_
against these people? You've
already lost men trying to stop
'em... You simply don't have a
weapon that's effective against
Kryptonians.
CUT TO:
20 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - WITH DRULL - TRACKING - DAY 20
Drull strides through the exhausted Smallville people,
ordering them into formation for work detail, passing out
picks and shovels.
DRULL
Up! Up! Up! Form up for work
detail! You! Up!
(points)
And you! Get in line. (X)
CAMERA REVEALS a startled Jimmy, who points questioningly to
himself.
DRULL (CONT'D)
Yes you. You in the baggy suit. (X)
JIMMY
(annoyed)
Hey!
Drull turns around to harass other workers and Jimmy starts
shuffling toward the line as Lois slithers up to him.
LOIS
(an urgent whisper)
Jimmy!
JIMMY
You notice these aliens have a lot
of attitude?
LOIS
This Kryptonite you said was stolen
from Star Labs... Hear any talk
about it?
JIMMY
No, and I've been nosin' around
since I got here.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 17.
20 CONTINUED: 20
LOIS
Me, too. No one's saying anything,
but Nor's got _some_ game plan here
and I'll bet he's got it.
In the b.g. Drull has been approached by a Guard, who's told
him something, pointing to Lois. Drull comes over.
DRULL
You. Concubine.
LOIS
(had it)
Okay, let's just get one thing
straight! I am not a concubine!
DRULL
(leers, winks)
Sure. Baby.
(then)
You are to report to the palace.
The trial is about to commence.
He takes her arm, starts away with her.
JIMMY
Hey, what about me?! I'm with the
press!
DRULL
This is a Kryptonian matter, and no
one of your species is to attend.
Unless they are evidence.
He continues on with Lois, who suddenly freezes, staring at
him.
LOIS
'_Evidence_?'
CUT TO:
21 EXT. SMALLVILLE - FULL SHOT - MOTHER SHIP - DAY 21
The Mother Ship hovers over the town as we hear:
NOR (V.O.)
... My Lords of the Tribunal of (X)
Elders, the evidence is all too
clear...
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 18.
22 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - ON NOR - DAY 22
NOR
... That Kal El and Lady Zara did
willingly enter into a cynical pact
to delude the people of New Krypton
and place Zara illegally on the
throne!
MURMURS all around.
CLARK (O.S.)
That is a lie!
WHIP PAN to a dramatic SHOT of Clark, in his black
Kryptonian suit, standing on a short raised platform, a
prisoner's dock, full of anger. Zara, on a similar platform
nearby, tries to motion him quiet.
CLARK (CONT'D)
Everything I've done was for the
_good_ of New Krypton.
23 WIDER 23
The Grand Chamber's been reconfigured as a courtroom, with
spectators (all Kryptonian) a seated Lois and Ching, the
Kents (menacing guards on either side of them), and a small (X)
raised dais where the Jen Mai and Trey, in sleeveless
ceremonial robes, sits behind a table.
NOR
And who would _you_ be to judge
what is 'good for New Krypton?!'
(whirling on judges)
My Lords, Kal El was raised on
Earth... A virtual half breed!
Awash in the primitive teachings of
these simple rustics...
He gestures toward the Kents.
MARTHA
You watch your mouth.
JONATHAN
He's the best son we could've hoped
for.
NOR
(revolted)
No doubt.
(to the room)
To anoint Kal El our ruler is to
place an Earthling on the throne!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 19.
23 CONTINUED: 23
Horrified BUZZING from spectators, the Tribunal glances and
murmurs to each other.
CLARK
I'm _proud_ of how I was raised.
If I knew nothing about Krypton,
it's because I was sent here as a
baby...
NOR
Your heritage was preserved for you
in the ship you arrived in.
Holograms... writings...
CLARK
In a language I didn't know!
NOR
You mean a language of no interest
to an Earth child! The same child
who would become a man and give his
heart to...
(spins and points to
Lois)
An Earth woman!
Horrified gasps from the assembled as Nor furiously whirls
back to Clark.
NOR (CONT'D)
Do you deny you were in love with
this creature? That you had her
smuggled into the palace as your
'concubine?' That you planned to
_marry_ her, in direct violation of
Kryptonian law?!!
Loud MURMUR from the galleries.
TREY
Silence! Silence! There will be
order to these proceedings!
CLARK
I _left_ her on Earth! I _left_ to
bring _peace_ to your planet!
NOR
(amused)
Did you now? And wasn't that a
ruse, too?
The crowd reacts as Nor waves a hand and a screen
materializes; on it is the recorded image of Lois and Clark
kissing passionately outside her building. More gasps.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 20.
23 CONTINUED: 2 23
CLARK (V.O.)
You see? I told you I'd come back.
LOIS (V.O.)
And you did...
(beat)
Don't ever leave me again....
CLARK (V.O.)
I won't.
TREY
(unnerved)
I'm sad to say I witnessed this
myself.
ZARA
There is no question he loved this
woman... But also no question what
his intentions were when he left
Earth!
NOR
(pleasantly)
Ah, his intentions. I'm so glad
you brought that up...
He waves his hand and we hear:
ZARA (V.O.)
You saved yourself for her?
CLARK (V.O.)
Yes.
ZARA
(outraged, to Nor) (X)
How dare you?! (X)
ZARA (V.O.)
And I've saved myself for Ching.
CLARK (V.O.)
Then we're agreed? Not partners in
bed, but partners in battle.
Horrified GASPS as Nor whirls on them:
NOR
Do you deny you never intended to
produce an heir as demanded by
law?! That this 'marriage' was
never consummated?! That you have
no intention of doing so?!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 20A.
23 CONTINUED: 3 23
Trey shifts uncomfortably, having some inside knowledge of
this, as the room erupts in more angry murmuring.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 21.
23 CONTINUED: 23
NOR (CONT'D)
A sham marriage for the sole
purpose of snatching the throne
from the proper bridegroom: Me.
CLARK
That's not true!
NOR
Oh no?
He waves his hand once more.
CLARK (V.O.)
... Lois, I'm gonna beat this guy
Nor. And with him out of the way,
the Kryptonians can go back and
solve their _own_ problems.... and
we're gonna get married.
NOR
In a single speech, Kal El reveals
his plans to...
(ticking them off on his
fingers)
Abandon the people he'd pledged to
rule, commit adultery and bigamy,
and... Murder a fellow Noble!!
LOIS
(leaping up)
No, you tried to murder _him_!!
TREY
Silence, concubine!
LOIS
For the last time, I am not a
concubine!!
NOR
From her own lips! A confession of
her subterfuge!! And where is one
shred of proof of this wild-eyed
murder allegation?
ZARA
I saw the assassin Tez!
CHING
As did I!
CLARK
Me, too.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 22.
23 CONTINUED: 4 23
NOR
(a pitying stare)
Well, there's an air tight case if
I ever heard one.
Clark jumps from the dock, strides toward the tribunal.
CLARK
Do you see the railroad job going (X)
on here?! All Zara and I are
guilty of is trying to save our
people.
(emotionally)
Because I was grateful to the
planet that gave me life, and to my
father, Jor El, who _saved_ my
life. My father was honest and
good, so I imagined a great society
with noble ideals...
(beat)
And I imagined saving it from war
was worth turning my back on
everything and everyone I loved.
NOR
(quiet; slow; dark)
Oh, it is a noble society, Kal El,
and you are its nightmare: A
duplicitous, lying half breed bent
on seizing the throne, ending the
bloodline, and diluting the
culture.
(to tribunal;
thundering:)
If you do not banish him, my Lords,
no telling what he'll do to you!
And to Lady Zara! The ruling
couple of New Krypton will most
likely be the half breed and his
earthly slut!
With this he points to Lois. Clark charges him!
CLARK
NOR!!
Nor spins in horror, but Drull and Ran leap into Clark's
way, wrestling him back toward the dock as all in the
courtroom leap to their feet, shouting in confusion.
TREY
(jumping up, shouting)
Silence! Silence! There _will_ be
order!!
CUT TO:
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 23.
24 INT. BRIDAL CHAMBER - LOOKING DOWN AT CLOSEUP OF ZARA - DAY 24
She lies on the bed, lost in miserable thought. We hear the
DOOR OPEN, and we PULL BACK and DOWN as she sits up to see
Nor standing in the doorway. He smiles evilly, closes the
door.
NOR
Well, Lady Zara. On the bridal bed
at last. Dare I hope to soon be
joining you?
He goes to side table, pours wine into an ornate cup.
ZARA
You proved nothing in court. All
you did was prey on their fears and
prejudices.
NOR
(drinking)
Brilliantly, if I do say so. Ooh,
I'm sipping from the wedding cup...
I take to all this quite naturally.
(coming closer)
By the way, I've begged the Council
for leniency in your case. Care to
show your gratitude in some
inventive way?
ZARA
Get out.
NOR
Tossing your husband from the
bedchamber's no way to start a
marriage.
ZARA
You'll never be my husband.
NOR
I beg to differ. With Kal El gone,
I'm next pig at the trough.
(leaning over her,
leering:)
And I assure you. _I'll_ have no
trouble consummating the marriage.
Furious, Zara slaps him hard. He reels back, glaring.
NOR (CONT'D)
Not feeling romantic, dearest? I
swear, this'll be the _last_ time
you deny me.
He heads for the door, pauses, looks back at her.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 24.
24 CONTINUED: 24
NOR (CONT'D)
You've lived on this idiot planet
too long, Zara. And grown far too
emotional.
And he stalks out. She sinks down on the bed, looking
helplessly around, and we...
CUT TO:
25 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - ON METAL CYLINDER - DAY 25
BUZZ of spectators. The cylinder hangs from a metal
armature. It is struck with a mallet, making a GONG-like
ring. PULL BACK and PAN to Trey.
TREY
This chamber will come to order.
Come to order.
26 NEW ANGLE 26
As Lois takes her seat. Doors open and Clark is escorted
in. He glances over at his parents, still under guard and
threatened by weapons. Then he looks over at Lois.
27 LOIS 27
She and Clark lock eyes, never leaving each other's gaze as:
28 THE ROOM 28
Zara, Ching and Nor have entered. The Tribunal is seated.
TREY
Having considered all the evidence,
the tribunal will render its
verdict.
29 QUICK SHOTS - THE KENTS - NOR - LOIS - CLARK - ZARA 29
30 BACK TO SCENE 30
TREY
Kal El... Of the charges of high
treason and conspiracy... The
Tribunal finds you....
(beat)
Guilty as charged.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 25.
30 CONTINUED: 30
Big reaction from the courtroom. Lois and the Kents leap
up, are threatened by Guards.
TREY (CONT'D)
And we do hereby direct for you to
be banished forever... That your
body be disintegrated and your
molecules scattered over countless
distant galaxies.
More reaction from the room.
TREY (CONT'D)
That is the sentence of this court.
The Tribunal stands to leave. The Kents and Zara look
stricken. Nor looks smug. Lois tries to rush to Clark, is
wrestled back and..
BLACK.
_END OF ACT TWO_
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 26.
_ACT THREE_
FADE IN:
31 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 31
There's a stunned silence. Guards restrain Clark; Ran and
Drull aim weapons at the Kents.
NOR
I assume the sentence will be
carried out post haste.
LOIS
What about Kal El's appeal?!
NOR
Admittedly he's well built. But a
bit dull for my tastes.
LOIS
I _meant_ his legal options.
NOR
Oh that. There are none.
CLARK
(to the Council)
Council, you've been used. Lied (X)
to and manipulated to get me outta
the way. So Nor could threaten the
people of this planet with
extinction.
NOR
The ravings of a condemned man, My
Lords, for which there is not one
shred of proof!
ZARA
(to the Council)
Kal El is your ruler! Surely his
case is entitled to more
consideration than this!
NOR
Kal El only rules so long as he is
married to you.
TREY
The Tribunal has annulled your
marriage.
ZARA
_What_?
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 27.
31 CONTINUED: 31
NOR
(drawing close to Clark)
He is a mongrel dog, unfit to lead,
unworthy of your hand. An impostor
who has been unmasked. Any last
words, Mongrel?
Clark's hand whips away from the Guard and his fingers close
around Nor's neck, lifting him off the ground.
CLARK
I'm a man of few words.
NOR
(struggling to speak)
Slit their throats.
Ran and Drull bring weapons closer to the Kents. (X)
CLARK
No! (X)
Clark considers his options, is forced to back down. (X)
CLARK (CONT'D)
(murderously calm)
One day you'll have nothing to hide
behind. And it'll just be you and
me. And you'll be made to answer
for all the lives you've ruined.
For a moment they hold each other's eyes, then Nor smiles
contemptuously and turns away, grabbing Zara's arm. He
sweeps out, followed by Jen Mai and Trey.
NOR
Come along, gentlemen! You're
invited to a wedding!
ZARA
No!!
Trey pauses at the door.
TREY
The prisoner shall be placed in the
molecular disbander.
He turns and goes as a shiny cylinder suddenly APPEARS
before Clark.
LOIS
Clark!!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 28.
31 CONTINUED: 2 31
One eye on his parents, Clark moves toward the cylinder,
escorted by Ran. Martha and Jonathan can't bear it anymore
and finally:
MARTHA
Clark, don't do it.
JONATHAN
We kept thinking the Tribunal would
free you, but now...
MARTHA
Honey, a lot more lives are at
stake than ours...
JONATHAN
Get out of here, Clark.
Clark hesitates for a moment, looks from his parents to
Lois, who watches him pleadingly.
CLARK
I... can't do that, Dad. They'd (X)
kill you.
He is inside the cylinder, which begins to VIBRATE
ominously.
32 32
THRU OMITTED THRU
33 33
34 INT. BRIDAL CHAMBER - DAY 34
Trey concludes the ceremony.
TREY
... Thus ends this ceremony which
binds you together.
NOR
(whirls to Zara)
Kiss me, my pet.
She slaps him another time.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 29.
34 CONTINUED: 34
ZARA (X)
I'd rather die. (X)
A MESSENGER rushes in.
(X)
MESSENGER
My lord Nor! I have urgent news!
Metropolis has refused to
surrender.
ZARA
I knew this would happen!
NOR
Shut up, beloved!
TREY
Metropolis?
NOR
I was conducting delicate
negotiations for our people to
share the city...
TREY
By ordering it to surrender?
NOR
I had to have _some_ leverage!
JEN MAI
Lord Nor is our leader now, Trey.
He is not to be questioned.
Trey looks from Jen Mai to the triumphant sneer of Nor, now
realizing how things are aligned.
TREY
(quietly)
I see.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 30.
34 CONTINUED: 2 34
MESSENGER
Any response sir?
Nor whirls on the man and VAPORIZES him with a blast of HEAT
VISION.
NOR
That was 'yes.'
(turns to the Elders)
My Lord Jen Mai! Alert my
generals. We proceed to
Metropolis. Where we will destroy
the city.
He seizes the squirming Zara by the shoulders, gives her an
enormous kiss, flings her back on the bed and stalks out. (X)
A shaken Trey stares after him.
TREY
(hollow)
He's mad.
ZARA
(glaring at him)
Yes.
(beat)
He is.
JEN MAI
Careful. As I'm sure I needn't
remind you... such words are
treasonous.
He smiles craftily at Trey, gives Zara a limp bow, and goes.
35 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - ON LOIS 35
She stares in horror.
36 THE KENTS 36
Jonathan holds Martha, who's in tears.
37 THE ROOM 37
The cylinder, with Clark inside, is all but gone. Ran and
Drull are gone, and two Guards oversee the procedure.
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 31.
38 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIDAL CHAMBER - DAY 38
Exhausted and distraught, Trey stumbles from the Bridal
Chamber, leans against a wall. A beat, and Ching hurries
down the corridor to him, carrying an ancient-looking
tablet.
CHING
Lord Trey! There's been an
oversight. The court must allow
two nobles vying for the throne to
settle their differences privately!
TREY
(wearily)
Yes, yes, the Right of Challenge.
An ancient law. Almost never used.
In any event, Kal El didn't request
it...
CHING
He didn't know of it!
(waving tablet)
_I_ barely knew of it...
TREY
As a traitor he's lost the Right...
Stripped of his title.... The
verdict is irreversible.
CHING
(firmly)
If he was not informed of the Right
before the trial, the verdict is (X)
_illegal_.
Trey slowly looks up at him, hope creeping into his eyes.
He grabs Ching and they hurry off.
39 INT. GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 39
The VIBRATING HUM is horrendous, the cylinder nearly
invisible. Lois lurches away from a Guard and staggers
toward the vanishing Clark.
LOIS
No... no....
The cylinder is gone. Ching and Trey stride into the room.
TREY
Reverse the procedure at once!
Bring Kal El back!
JEN MAI (O.S.)
You'll do no such thing!!
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 32.
40 NEW ANGLE 40
as JEN MAI angrily roars in. The Guards look from one to
the other in confusion.
CHING
Kal El was denied his legal rights!
JEN MAI
Lord Nor will determine his rights!
TREY
Nor follows the same laws we all
do!
JEN MAI
Do this, Trey, and you'll answer to
Nor!
TREY
If Nor breaks the law, he answers
to _me_!
LOIS
HEY!!
They turn and stare.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Kal El's being scattered all over
the Milky Way! So shouldn't
someone _do_ something, and maybe
you could measure your manhood...
later?
Trey glares at Jen Mai, grabs the controlling device from
the hands of a Guard, and spins the knob.
TREY
(weary of her) (X)
Frankly, I don't know _what_ Kal El
sees in you.
Lois looks over at him.
41 THE ROOM 41
The cylinder gradually RE-MATERIALIZES with Clark inside.
Jen Mai charges furiously out of the room. Clark stumbles
from the cylinder, trying to get his bearings. Martha
rushes up to him, embracing him.
MARTHA
Clark! Oh, honey, I thought we'd
lost you.
CLARK
Careful, Mom, I'm a little shaky...
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 33.
42 CLOSE ON CLARK 42
He looks up from the embrace and connects with...
43 LOIS 43
She smiles emotionally back at him.
CUT TO:
44 OMITTED 44
45 EXT. SKIES OVER METROPOLIS - DAY 45(X)
The Mother Ship races toward the city.
46 EXT. METROPOLIS STREET - HIGH ANGLE - DAY 46(X)
It's a war zone. Burning cars and overturned military
vehicles litter the streets.
47 STREET LEVEL - HAND HELD 47
Combat footage. Citizens run screaming in terror as
Kryptonians grab them, toss them around. WHIP PAN to
various positions on the street: Kryptonian thugs atop the
theatre marquee; others hustling people out onto the street
from buildings.
48 WITH JEN MAI 48
He floats down to the street, approaches Drull.
JEN MAI
Where's your master?
NOR (O.S.)
Enjoying himself immensely.
Nor steps from the shadows, carrying golf club like a
swagger stick.
NOR (CONT'D)
And just why are you here and not
looking after my interests back at
the Palace?
JEN MAI
The Palace is _here_. Kal El has
exercised the Right of Challenge.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 34.
48 CONTINUED: 48
NOR
_Kal_ _El_?!
JEN MAI
He lives. The Tribunal determined
he must be given the Right.
(off Nor's furious gaze)
The... traitorous _Chief_ of the (X)
Tribunal. Master. (X)
NOR
(lips curling)
And you probably feel it would be
prudent to accept.
JEN MAI
(nervously)
There is a certain public relations
upside to a duel, yes... Wherein it
is certain you will emerge the
victor...
The 'Surround-Sound' voice of Trey fills the heads of Nor
and Jen Mai.
TREY (V.O.)
Lord Nor. Kal El is no longer an
outcast...
49 THE MOTHER SHIP - GRAND CHAMBER - DAY 49(X)
Trey stands in the chamber eyes closed, alone but for two
Guards at an exit.
TREY (V.O.)
Further, I can assure him the (X)
support of at least a portion of (X)
the nobility. Avoid a massive (X)
battle. A battle you well could (X)
lose... And accept the challenge.
50 METROPOLIS STREET - NOR AND JEN MAI - DAY 50(X)
They stand there, eyes closed, absorbing:
TREY (V.O.)
Mind you, this duel belongs to you
and Kal El. Your warriors are
restricted to their barracks. Is
that clear? (X)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 35.
50 CONTINUED: 50
NOR (V.O.)
Perfectly.
(beat)
The street upon which I now stand.
(beat)
Noon. Tomorrow. (X)
He opens his eyes.
JEN MAI
You're doing the right thing,
Master. Kal El is as good as dead.
NOR
Oh be still, you sickening
sycophant.
(an evil smile)
Although you're not incorrect. I
do possess the superior skill.
JEN MAI
There's that.
NOR
And I cheat.
JEN MAI
That, too.
The two savor the moment with cruel glee, and...
BLACK.
_END OF ACT THREE_
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 36.
_ACT FOUR_
FADE IN:
51 INT. LOIS' LIVING ROOM - NEAR KITCHEN - ON LOIS - NIGHT #6 51(X)
Lois is on the cel phone. There are CRASHES, strange noises
of struggle coming from the background.
LOIS
(covering an ear; into
phone)
What bothers me, Dr. Klein, is
this duel is coming up, and Lord
Nor seems _completely_ unconcerned..
One reason may be that _he_ has the
missing Kryptonite!
A huge CRASH. Lois looks wearily over at:
52 THE ROOM 52
Empty food cartons are everywhere. Other food steams away
on the stove. Clark and Ching duel with "Drei's," pole-like
weapons tipped at each end with shimmering globes. Clark
has just knocked Ching against a table and sent a lamp
flying.
LOIS
(loud)
Excuse me, but that was my
grandmother's lamp!
Zara dashes in from the kitchen with bowls of chips and
pretzels.
ZARA
Sorry, I meant to move it... And
you're almost out of high-fat, high
salt, nutritionally worthless snack
items.
LOIS
I nearly cleaned out the store!
ZARA
I know, but we're all nervous and
with our high metabolism we can eat
a lot of...
LOIS
Trust me, I know all about it.
Ching goes flying over the couch.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 37.
52 CONTINUED: 52
LOIS (CONT'D) (X)
Boys! Watch the fish tank!
(into phone) (X)
Sorry, Dr. Klein... Don't you (X)
agree Nor could've pulled off the
robbery without signs of forced
entry?
53 CHING AND CLARK 53
Ching comes at Clark, who fends him off with some quick
moves. Ching pivots, swings the Drei like a club, Clark
ducks.
CHING
You're a very quick study. Nor's
dueled with the Drei since
childhood, but you've already
mastered its fine points...
Ching stabs Clark in the chest, Clark reels back. (X)
CHING (CONT'D)
... as well as the nine hundred and
eighty basic moves.
Clark spins the drei and hurls Ching across the room,
disarming him as well.
CHING (CONT'D)
And you've won three out of
four matches.
CLARK
That's good isn't it?
CHING
Yes. But I could still beat you.
CLARK
(too confident)
You sure?
CHING
Yes.
Lois crosses through with dustpan and whisk broom, still on
the phone.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 38.
53 CONTINUED: 53
LOIS
Well, if not Nor, who else had
access to the vault? Zara! Stir
the fudge and turn off the popcorn!
ZARA
(running toward kitchen)
Which is which?
LOIS
Finally, someone worse in the
kitchen than me.
Clark tosses Ching's drei back to him.
CLARK
(cocky)
Go for it.
Ching adopts a new posture. A serene violence settles on
him. His expression changes. Spinning the drei so fast it
becomes only SOUND not sight he hurls something which
appears almost as PHOTONS at Clark, knocking him out of
FRAME. (X)
LOIS
(into phone)
Gotta go.
53A ANGLE TO INCLUDE WINDOW 53A(X)
Lois and Zara run to the shattered window just as Clark (X)
BLURS back in.
CLARK
(breathless)
What the heck was that???
CHING
There is a mind-set crucial to all
drei-masters. A point in the match
where the man becomes the weapon.
All else vanishes. No doubts. No
heart. No mercy. Just the kill.
ZARA
You have not shown us that.
Clark considers this, glances over at Lois, and:
CLARK
And I won't. That's not me.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 39.
53A CONTINUED: 53A
CHING
Yes it is, Clark. It is part of
the Kryptonian will that lies
within you.
CLARK
I've... never believed in killing.
I've closed my mind to Kryptonian (X)
instincts like that.
A moment, then:
CHING
Then I doubt you will survive the
duel.
CUT TO:
54 OMITTED 54
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 40.
55 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE THE PLANET - HIGH ANGLE - DAY #7 55
It's "High Noon." The streets are vacant. No people. No
traffic.
56 PANNING SHOT 56(X)
A Merchant lowers his blinds. People peer from behind (X)
shades. Another Merchant hangs a "Closed" sign inside his
door.
57 INTERCUT WITH PLANET BULLPEN 57
Lois, Perry, Jimmy and the staff tensely look out the
window.
58 THE MOTHER SHIP 58
Ching and Trey wait with Zara, a Guard enters and whispers (X)
something to her.
ZARA
Nor's men are safely in their
barracks.
She looks away and the departing Guard exchanges a knowing
look with Jen Mai.
59 EXT. DAILY PLANET INTERSECTION - LOW ANGLE - DAY 59
Two feet, shod in black, step into FRAME. We TILT UP to
find Lord Nor, carrying two drei's, looking like he means (X)
business. He glances around, then up as he hears the sound
of RUSHING AIR.
60 VARIOUS ANGLES 60
People behind shutters and windows also look up. Inside the
Planet, everyone stares up. Even in the tension, big smiles
start breaking out.
61 EXT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 61
SUPERMAN, in traditional blue, FLOATS down until he lands (X)
before the Daily Planet. He's also loaded for bear.
62 INTERCUT NOR 62
He stares, Superman stares back.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 41.
62 CONTINUED: 62
NOR
A change of uniform, Kal El? In
whose name are you fighting?
SUPERMAN
I'm fighting for my home.
Superman glances up at the buildings, quickly X-RAYS them.
NOR
Don't you trust me? I assure you
we're quite alone.
Nor tosses a drei to Superman. Nor then wields his like a
bo in martial arts. He takes a premature swipe at Superman,
sending him backward, then hurls the drei like a spear,
almost knocking Superman off his feet. Then, the weapon
reappears in Nor's grip.
NOR (CONT'D)
Did I mention I'm quite good at (X)
this? (X)
63 INT. PLANET BULLPEN - LOIS' DESK - DAY 63
Lois is on the phone.
LOIS
(frantically, into phone)
Dr. Klein, what _is_ it? You know
you can trust me.
(then; deathly calm)
Even if it _is_ a rumor... If you
have information about who else had
access to that Kryptonite, you have
to tell me. Now.
Behind her, Colonel Cash checks his watch and slips out of
the room.
LOIS (CONT'D)
What did you say? No I won't quote
you. I swear.
She hangs up, thinking fast, hurries over to the crowd at
the window.
JIMMY
(staring out)
Whoa! The guy just sucker punched
Superman!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 42.
63 CONTINUED: 63
LOIS
Perry, did you ever hear a rumor
that when Kryptonite was first
deposited at Star Labs, the
government insisted the military
also be given the access codes?
PERRY
(turns to Lois)
I recall there was some fear that
Superman, who was pretty much an
oddity at the time, might go
berserk and use his superpowers
against us. The military wanted
assurances they could stop him.
Lois stares at him, then her gaze shifts to the glass walls
of the conference room. (X)
64 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - COLONEL CASH - DAY 64
CASH
(into phone)
This is Code Name 'Ready Money.'
It's a go-ahead on deployment of
lethal gas in three minutes.
He looks behind him, startled to find Lois standing in the
open doorway.
LOIS
Lethal gas?
CASH
(closing cel phone)
We're covering our bets, in case
Superman can't beat this Nor guy in
combat.
LOIS
Ordinary gas wouldn't be lethal to
Kryptonians would it, Colonel?
Unless it's laced with Kryptonite.
He just watches her evenly, and starts toward the door.
LOIS (CONT'D)
The missing Kryptonite's been in
your hands the whole time!
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 43.
64 CONTINUED: 64
CASH
I know tactics. If we take Nor
down, his followers will cave.
(then)
We just didn't have a way of
getting to him.
LOIS
Not until you had Superman for
bait.
CASH
If you'll excuse me.
He tries to get past her, but she grabs his arm.
LOIS
Stop the gas.
CASH
No can do.
LOIS
Superman has risked his life for
all of us, even you, thousands of
times, and you repay him with
betrayal?
CASH
It was a tactical decision.
(jerking his arm from her
grasp)
Now, do you have anything else to
say?
She stares at him a beat, then hauls off and decks him.
LOIS
No.
(X)
65 EXT. STREET - NEAR ALLEY - DAY 65
Nor and Superman are deep in mortal combat near the alley.
They've crossed drei's, struggling to break the deadlock.
Suddenly Nor whips the drei around, belts Superman with it,
and Superman flies into the little alley. Nor advances on
him.
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 44.
66 66
THRU OMITTED THRU
67 67
68 THE ALLEY 68
A couple more whirling dervish moves from both men, and
suddenly Superman has Nor pinned back against the metal
stairs, the drei against his neck. He keeps pressing, Nor
thrashes about, trying to position his weapon.
LOIS (O.S.)
Superman!!
Superman looks and CAMERA ADJUSTS to find Lois at the mouth
of the alley.
LOIS (CONT'D)
They're gonna hit the two of you
with Kryptonite gas! Get out of
here!
Blam! Nor brings the end of his drei up into Superman's
jaw, sending Superman reeling backward into a pile of trash
cans, the drei falling from his hand. Smelling blood, Nor (X)
brings his drei up to make the kill. (X)
NOR
Only one of us leaves this place. (X)
LOIS
You have to get out of here!! (X)
68A AN UPPER STORY WINDOW 68A
A rocket launcher appears out of the window, a Soldier
readying to fire.
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 45.
69 INTERCUT SUPERMAN 69
He tries to collect his senses. Nor prepares to plunge the
drei downward. Lois stares in horror.
NOR
Your world is mine.
Suddenly Superman looks up at Nor and the same deadly
expression Ching earlier wore transforms Superman's face.
He is focussed, calm, deadly power flowing through him. Nor
brings down his drei and Superman catches the end of it in
his palm.
He shoves it violently back at Nor who staggers backward.
Superman leaps to his feet, still holding the drei, (X)
swinging Nor around. He now flings Nor's drei aside, and (X)
with his fists, pastes Nor and the man staggers dazedly.
Superman picks up his own drei, which glows in his hand,
and, swinging it like a bat, he connects with Nor, the
shimmering PHOTONS sending him flying back against the wall,
where he collapses in an unconscious heap. Lois stares,
stunned. A beat, then:
LOIS
(awed)
You did it. 'No doubts... no
mercy... Just the kill.'
Superman stares from Nor to Lois, startled himself by what
came over him, and not entirely happy about it.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Clark, the gas... Come on!
SUPERMAN
I can't leave him here.
(going to Nor)
He's still alive.
And he picks Nor up, fireman style, and begins to carry him
to safety. Suddenly, Ran, Drull, and Jen Mai BLUR in to (X)
the mouth of the alley. (X)
LOIS
Nor had no intention of facing you
alone!
Jen Mai grabs her arm, holding her tight as Ran and Drull, (X)
fire a blast of HEAT VISION, staggering Superman. (X)
70 UPPER STORY WINDOW 70
The rocket launcher fires!
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 46.
71 THE ALLEY 71
The rocket lies into the alley and EXPLODES! Instantly (X)
the FRAME is filled with a wall of green smoke. (X)
72 EXT. STREET - AT ALLEY 72
Out of the alley billows a cloud of green smoke. Jimmy
races up as a military vehicle SCREECHES UP and a squad of (X)
soldiers piles out. (X)
73 THE ALLEY 73
We are SHOOTING from inside the alley toward its mouth.
Weapons drawn, the soldiers warily approach, the smoke
clearing. Jimmy pushes through them as they come upon Lois,
leaning against a wall, dazed. Jimmy puts an arm around her
as they fearfully look around the alley, now being revealed
by the departing smoke. PULL BACK to reveal Drull lying (X)
dead. A Soldier takes his neck pulse, shakes his head.
Slowly, Lois creeps through the clearing smoke. Jen Mai is
also lifeless. She looks ahead and gasps.
74 HER POV 74
Up ahead, from a little bend in the alley, protrude two red
boots. Lois rushes forward, joined by Jimmy. They move
around to find Superman lying on his side, covered by Nor (X)
and Ran. Jimmy pulls the Kryptonians off Superman. (X)
JIMMY
They didn't make it.
74A LOIS' HAND 74A(X)
It slowly reaches out toward Superman. (X)
LOIS
He's not dead. He's not dead.
You're not dead. (X)
She feels his neck pulse, then leans into FRAME, smiling. (X)
LOIS (CONT'D)
You're alive. (X)
DISSOLVE TO:
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Yellow Rev. 7/23/96 47.
75 INT. MOTHER SHIP - BRIDAL CHAMBER - NIGHT #7 75(X)
Superman is reclining on the bed, weakened but recovering. (X)
Surrounding him are Lois, Zara, and Ching. Lois hugs him,
gives him something to drink.
SUPERMAN
Thanks, Honey
(to Lois)
So Nor and Ran saved my life.
LOIS
They 'saved your life' by absorbing
most of the gas with their bodies
after first knocking you senseless.
SUPERMAN
(tries to smile)
I keep tellin' you... There's some
good in everyone.
LOIS
Oh? How about Colonel Cash? He's
in jail, by the way.
Trey enters and offers a tablet to Superman.
TREY
Kal El, this will require your
signature.
SUPERMAN
(standing)
What's this?
TREY
(hands him a writing
tool)
Orders for my arrest. Before you
say more, let me assure you I
accept full responsibility for the
gravity of my acts. The ease with
which Lord Nor appealed to my
arrogance, my fear, and my mistrust
of you is shameful. Further, I
accept with humility whatever
punishment you and the Tribunal
deem proper.
A beat.
SUPERMAN
And who will advise Lady Zara while
you're imprisoned? She'll need the
steady hand of a statesman to keep
all the factions in line.
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Green Rev. 7/30/96 48.
75 CONTINUED: 75
TREY
Isn't that what you'll... I mean
aren't you..?
CHING
Kal El is not returning with us.
SUPERMAN
Trey, the more I try to be Kal El, (X)
the more I know I am Clark. Zara (X)
will do what she's been prepared
for since birth... Rule wisely
over New Krypton. Her place is
there. with the man she loves.
(looks to Ching)
Mine is here. With Lois.
TREY
But Lieutenant Ching is not of the
nobility...
SUPERMAN
You know, I think what matters
isn't nobility of blood... but
nobility of spirit.
CAMERA PUSHES IN on Zara and Superman.
ZARA
Good-bye... Clark. We are grateful
beyond words.
(she hugs him)
I said once you've been on this
sloppy planet too long, and now I
think it's true of me. For the
first time in my life, I have
tears.
He smiles fondly. They part, she takes Ching's hand, they
step back, waving.
76 SUPERMAN AND LOIS 76
They wave good-bye as an enormous HUM of engines fills the
air, wind blows at the Earth people, and the whole FRAME
glows bright and WHITES OUT.
77 EXT. NIGHT SKY 77
A streak of light, the Mother Ship, whisks across the sky
and is gone.
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) Pink Rev. 7/18/96 49.
78 EXT. LOIS' BALCONY - NIGHT 78
Lois and Clark stand outside watching as the Mother Ship
streaks away.
LOIS
It seems like years ago we stood at
this window and said good-bye to
each other.
CLARK
That was the worst night of my
life.
LOIS
(nestling him)
Did any part of meeting up with
your roots feel good? I mean did
it satisfy some need, or did it
disappoint you?
CLARK
Maybe all of those. I kept waiting
for some incredible feeling of
connection... A feeling that I was
exactly where I belonged.
(beat)
But that's only happened to me once
in my life.
LOIS
When?
CLARK
The day I met you.
She just stares at him, almost overwhelmed.
LOIS
For a space man, you are' the most
romantic person I've ever known.
Earth guys don't have a chance
against you.
And then a big kiss. Still very close to her, he pulls the
ring out of his shirt on its chain.
CLARK
I told you I'd keep it safe.
LOIS
(recalling his words) (X)
'As safe as your love for me.' (X)
(CONTINUED)
--page break--
"BATTLEGROUND EARTH" (#2) FULL Blue Rev. 7/15/96 50.
78 CONTINUED: 78
CLARK
(it just gushes out)
Marry me Lois. Let's not plan,
let's not wait, let's not let
clone-makers or psycho
psychiatrists or women who shrink
people keep us apart... Just marry
me.
LOIS
You know... That's precisely what I
was thinking.
Another huge kiss as we PULL BACK and...
BLACK.
_THE END_